Takeaways: 2 Cowboys secure their spot on 53-man roster
It was a very different game for the Dallas Cowboys this week. They take the win on the scoreboard but should also be pretty content with some of their roster-bubble players. As usual around here, we'll look past the 32-18 score and get right to what matters in the preseason. Individual player's performances and we'll […]
It was a very different game for the Dallas Cowboys this week. They take the win on the scoreboard but should also be pretty content with some of their roster-bubble players.
As usual around here, we'll look past the 32-18 score and get right to what matters in the preseason. Individual player's performances and we'll start with the two biggest winners from the night:
Israel Mukuamu fits the Cowboys' defense perfectly
Israel Mukuamu made quite the statement in the first defensive drive of the game. He made two tackles and picked off Easton Stick. He also had a lot of looks at nickel cornerback later in the game.
Midway through the second quarter, he delivered a big-time hit on Chargers WR Jason Moore JR.
Mukuamu's versatility fits perfectly in the identity Dan Quinn wants to impose on his defense. Earlier in the year, Israel told me on A to Z Sports Primetime "I definitely would say I like corner better, but I also like being a chess piece because it just shows the versatility."
At this point, it'd be far-fetch to overlook Izzy on any roster projection.
KaVontae Turpin speeding toward the 53-man roster
So that's what the KaVontae Turpin hype is all about. His 98-yard kickoff return showed the trait the Cowboys' front office and coaching staff can't stop praising: speed.
Look at the former USFL MVP take it to the house:
Of course, Turpin will have to take Jake Ferguson and Sean McKeon to dinner for those blocks that enabled him to go all the way home. But the Cowboys' WR was the true playmaker here.
Once he's at his own 30-yard line, he's already gone!
That wasn't enough for the new Cowboys' returner. Toward the end of the first half, he pulled off an insane punt return in which he went backward, to his left, before sharply cutting toward the opposite sideline and heading for daylight.
You know when you look up high school tapes of current NFL stars and they're blowing past everybody? That's how Turpin looked on Saturday night.
When Dallas signed him, I won't deny I was quite skeptical. A 155-pounder on an NFL team? Come on, man. Now I see why the Cowboys have talked about him as if he was a roster lock. He is.
Other Cowboys notes
CB Nahshon Wright: The second-year cornerback is struggling with inconsistency. He gave up another big play early in the game. He later was called for DPI and lacked in tackling. Despite having some flashes, the former third-round pick must do better.
OT Josh Ball: It was another poor performance for Ball. He started the game at left tackle and was beaten multiple times, in multiple situations. The Cowboys don't have a swing tackle right now.
TE Jake Ferguson: It was quite the performance for the rookie. He had a 24-yard gain after breaking a tackle in the first half.
WR Jalen Tolbert: I'm not pressing the panic button yet, but there's no denying the Cowboys' third-round pick can get better. He had a drop and lacked awareness by stepping out of bounds in what would've been a touchdown catch.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
