The Cowboys reason for optimism shines in preseason finale
The Cowboys have wrapped up the preseason. After losing their opener, the Cowboys finished strong with back-to-back victories. While there's plenty to work on in preparation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who come to Texas for Week 1, the Cowboys can take a lot of encouragement into the new season for several reasons. All of […]
The Cowboys have wrapped up the preseason. After losing their opener, the Cowboys finished strong with back-to-back victories. While there's plenty to work on in preparation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who come to Texas for Week 1, the Cowboys can take a lot of encouragement into the new season for several reasons.
All of these factors come from the defensive side of the ball. Once looked at as the secondary unit to the Cowboys' offensive star power, the defense changed that narrative in 2021 by finishing as the top unit in forcing turnovers and getting off the field on third down.
As a result, the Cowboys' defense is expected to lead the way in 2022 in the team's quest to make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in a decade and a half. The starters are locked in, but the depth behind them in multiple areas looks much clearer.
Cowboys' young safeties continue to shine
Israel Mukuamu isn't letting anyone forget who he is. Against the Chargers, he logged four tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups, with one being a highlight-worthy hit on the sideline. Mukuamu set the tone early for the Cowboys' defense against the Seahawks this past Friday night as he hauled in another interception on the second drive of the game.
Mukuamu has looked different from the rookie who only lined up for 20 defensive snaps last season. His physicality and instincts showed in training camp and it's translated to real game action, making Mukuamu a quality backup behind Kearse and Hooker, and someone Donovan Wilson will have to keep an eye on for depth purposes.
Another challenger is climbing the safety ranks in Dallas. After being one of the Cowboys' 30 visits and a player looked at as a possible Day 3 selection, Markquese Bell has shined despite going undrafted. In three games of preseason action, he amassed 10 tackles (nine solo tackles), a pass breakup, and grabbed his first interception against the Seahawks on a tip drill, which was celebrated live by Dak Prescott who was being interviewed.
Bell impressed enough during OTA's and minicamp that Cowboys' defensive coordinator Dan Quinn mentioned using him in multiple ways as a hybrid safety-linebacker, much like Kearse. He's only affirmed those thoughts with his preseason work, and along with Mukuamu, Bell gives the Cowboys' future at the safety spot plenty of optimism.
DaRon Bland has secured his spot in the cornerback pecking order
It's not about where you get drafted but rather how you perform once you get an opportunity. DaRon Bland has epitomized that statement as the fifth-round pick has gone from a question mark to find a spot in the cornerback room to a player who can't be left out. Bland's versatility was on display in the opening preseason game against the Broncos when he played both in the slot and on the outside and proved he's willing to add run support as well.
The former Fresno State Bulldog ended a joint practice with the Chargers by snagging an interception, showing his ability to box out the receiver and high point the football. Against the Seahawks, Bland didn't let giving up a touchdown early in the game shake his confidence. He only allowed two receptions on seven targets and his three breakups included one in the endzone to prevent a score.
Although he's only seen preseason action, Bland has showcased all the skills that made him a Quinn prototype and he's looked like a seasoned veteran in doing so. As it currently stands, Bland is the Cowboys' CB4 behind Trevon Diggs, Anthony Brown, and Jourdan Lewis, and one that looks like he'll have a bigger role soon.
Sam Williams is a stud
Oh my, he's catching on.
Edge rusher Sam Williams has spent the offseason learning from teammates DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons, as well as Hall of Famer, Charles Haley. He still has things to clean up, he's a rookie. However, against the Seahawks, Williams dipped into his bag and pulled out the multitude of ways he can impact a game.
Williams showed his quick burst off of the line of scrimmage, speed around the edge, and power on when using a bull rush. His ability to set the edge against the run, which was a question mark when he was drafted, looked a lot better and his motor was undeniable. Also, Williams slid inside to go after the quarterback, much like he did when he played some 4-tech at Ole Miss.
Williams finished with five tackles (two tackles for loss), five quarterback pressures, and a sack. Of course, Williams will be a rotational piece while his game gets fine-tuned, but the potential is eye-popping, and added with guys such as Parsons and Lawrence, the Cowboys' pass-rush should elevate in 2022.
Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
