Five Cowboys players whose stock is up following preseason's Week 2
The Dallas Cowboys had a rough preseason game last Saturday night versus the Seattle Seahawks due to multiple season-ending injuries. But that doesn't mean there wasn't anything positive to talk about. So today, it's time to dive into the five biggest winners from the game and players whose stock is up. From Jalen Tolbert's accelerated […]
The Dallas Cowboys had a rough preseason game last Saturday night versus the Seattle Seahawks due to multiple season-ending injuries.
But that doesn't mean there wasn't anything positive to talk about. So today, it's time to dive into the five biggest winners from the game and players whose stock is up.
From Jalen Tolbert's accelerated rise to an undrafted free agent strongly pushing for a roster spot: Let's dive in.
1. WR Jalen Tolbert
I'm buying into the Jalen Tolbert hype and doing it big time. He's playing football so smoothly that we've forgotten about his tumultuous rookie season. Not only has Tolbert secured the WR4 position, but he could make a push for WR3 throughout the season. He's a player you want on the field consistently and while Michael Gallup is secure, he might start feeling some pressure throughout the year.
On Saturday, Tolbert caught four passes in six targets for 66 yards. What I liked the most from his game was his release at the line of scrimmage. He's gaining separation with his footwork and leaving defenders behind pretty consistently. The Cowboys' second-year player has arrived.
2. OL Josh Ball
I didn't have high hopes for Ball to make the Cowboys' 53-man roster. But now it's tough to not see it. He's gone from being an expected roster cut to possibly locking himself in for the season.
Against the Seahawks, who played starters at the beginning of the game, Ball allowed zero pressures in 27 pass-blocking snaps. He also led the team in an area he's already looked good in the past, run blocking. Pro Football Focus graded him as the best Cowboys' run blocker among offensive linemen on Saturday. Right now, Ball appears to be one of the best options the Cowboys have at swing guard as they await the return of Chuma Edoga from a knee injury.
3. RB Rico Dowdle
If I had to bet, as much as I'm excited about Deuce Vaughn's latest electrifying play, I'd bet on Dowdle to be the primary backup to Tony Pollard when the regular season starts. For a long while, we've known Mike McCarthy likes him. Saturday only helped his case.
The second-year running back ran for 4.8 yards per carry and showed juice in the receiving game, this time scoring the touchdown he fell short of due to a fumble in the preseason opener. Dowdle is also looking like the superior back in pass protection.
4. EDGE Isaiah Land
Land did it again! He led the Cowboys in pressures with three. But more than that, it's his strip sack that makes me think he could be on the 53-man roster. Land beats his man with his hands, plays long, sheds the block, and then abruptly changes direction as Seahawks QB Holton Ahlers attempts to scramble. It's an outstanding rep that tells you what you need to know about the guy.
5. EDGE Sam Williams
I suppose some love is in order for Sam Williams, too. He forced a sack and got an impressive tackle right out of the gates. His violent hands make it look like he's playing in easy mode as he sheds blocks consistently.
Williams was known to be a prime breakout candidate and isn't disappointing so far.
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Featured image via Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
