Dallas Cowboys: 5 players that need a good performance vs Cardinals
The Dallas Cowboys kicked off its 2021 preseason schedule last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Canton, Ohio. The Cowboys did lose the game, but there were some positive takeaways from the outing. Micah Parsons flashed and players all over the roster made plays. Dallas is set for game two of its four exhibition games […]
The Dallas Cowboys kicked off its 2021 preseason schedule last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Canton, Ohio. The Cowboys did lose the game, but there were some positive takeaways from the outing. Micah Parsons flashed and players all over the roster made plays.
Dallas is set for game two of its four exhibition games tonight against the Arizona Cardinals. Similar to game one, do not expect to see a ton of starters in action. However, there are still players that are worth keeping a close on.
Garrett Gilbert seemingly has the QB2 spot locked up, but will the Cowboys keep three passers on the roster? If so, Ben DiNucci and Cooper Rush must perform well. Additionally, the battles at wide receiver and defensive back are very intriguing to follow. We have outlined five players to watch in preseason game number two.
BEN DINUCCI MUST REBOUND FOR COWBOYS
Oof. Ben DiNucci's first preseason game of his career did not go so well. The second-year quarterback struggled with accuracy and ball placement, failed to move the offense down the field, and did not inspire much confidence.
It remains to be seen if the Cowboys want to keep three quarterbacks on the roster at the expense of not going deeper at a different position — say, offensive line or defensive backs. Dak Prescott's injury situation opens the door for that possibility. Therefore, DiNucci must show something that warrants Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore to keep him around on the 53-man roster.
A bad performance could put DiNucci's spot in even more jeopardy.
CAN MALIK TURNER RECOVER FROM FUMBLE?
Malik Turner has had a pretty solid showing in camp for the Dallas Cowboys. Turner has developed a connection with Gilbert in practice, while also making plays when Prescott has looked his way. Signs were pointing in the direction of Turner pushing for one of the wide receiver spots on the roster.
Unfortunately, some — if not all — of that momentum was lost last week. Turner fumbled the ball against the Steelers, a mistake that simply cannot happen from a player that is already on the outside looking in on the roster.
Fortunately, Turner has the rest of camp and three more preseason games to make up for that. A strong outing tonight would go a long way in Malik Turner earning the trust from the coaching staff.
DEPTH AT LB PUTS LUKE GIFFORD IN JEOPARDY OF MAKING ROSTER
Luke Gifford had some hype from Dallas Cowboys fans, but his chances of making the final roster are not great at this moment in time. Albeit, that is not all due to his own doing; rather, the team has just invested a ton into the position this offseason.
Keanu Neal was inked to play linebacker in the spring. Micah Parsons was the Cowboys' first-round draft choice. Jabril Cox was too good of a talent to pass up in the fourth-round. Barring something unforeseen with Neal or Cox, all three are safe bets to make the squad.
When you add in Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch, it becomes clear that it is difficult to find a spot for Gifford on the final roster. In fact, Luke Gifford did not make the cut in our latest roster projections. Needless to say, he needs to turn some heads on Friday night.
BRANDON KNIGHT STRUGGLED VS STEELERS
Brandon Knight is on the right side of the roster bubble — for now. Knight performed well in an injury-filled season in 2020 and has the ability to play multiple positions across the offensive line. Knight appears to be safe.
However, the offensive lineman had a poor performance against the Steelers in last week's Hall of Fame Game. It was the type of game that made you question if Knight can step up and fill a role if needed.
It could just be the fact that it was the first game action since January. Perhaps the opener was knocking off the rust and that game two will be much smoother. Still, his spot on the roster is in jeopardy in our latest predictions:
Knight had the worst game of them, but his position flex earns him a spot on the roster as the team has few options. However, if his play doesn’t improve soon, he might be pushed out of the roster.
MAURICE CANADY HAS IMPRESSED FOR COWBOYS
I would bet that many Cowboys fans — including yours truly — were not expecting much out of Maurice Canady during camp. Canady has suited up for the Jets and Ravens previous to the Cowboys and has not shown a ton in the NFL. He is also coming off of a season in which he opted out.
That said, the veteran corner has impressed for the Dallas Cowboys in training camp. Canady has been making plays, grabbing interceptions, and seemingly carving out a role in the secondary for Dan Quinn. He has turned heads and is trending upwards.
It is hard to predict what the Cowboys will do at defensive back, but Canady has made it difficult for the coaching staff to part ways with him. A strong outing versus the Cardinals would go a long way in solidifying his spot on the 53.
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Featured image via Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
