The 2009 Boise State Broncos are sadly infamous for their failure to secure a No. 1 ranking despite posting a perfect 14-0 season. Unfortunately for them they were relegated to No. 4 in the final rankings because the level of competition faced wasn’t enough to convince the powers that be they deserved better. How does this relate to the Dallas Cowboys? Since so many teams hold starters and key personal from action in preseason exhibition games, they aren’t much of a measuring stick for onlookers to judge their own players’ performance.
This is terrible news for the Raiders since they aren’t going to see many players of significant value from Dallas, but it’s good news for the Cowboys since their players, who still have something to prove, get to play against the Raiders starters. To the dismay of some of their players, Las Vegas opted to play their starters through the first quarter and beyond. If the Cowboys’ bubble players could show out against them, they will have made a compelling argument for a roster spot, and possibly more.
So how did these key Dallas players perform and what did we learn about the Cowboys when facing off against Las Vegas’ top units?
The Cowboys’ reserve offensive line isn’t good enough
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
It was clear Maxx Crosby and company are starters for a reason. The Cowboys dialed up short dropbacks, fast reads and quick passes early on Saturday night. Cooper Rush didn’t want to hold the ball any longer than he had to and Mike McCarthy’s play calling obliged.
#Cowboys rookie OT Tyler Guyton with some great push on the double team of All-Pro Maxx Crosby on the first play of the game .
Crosby and Guyton share some pleasantries after the next play, knocking helmets together. Seemed like a sign of respect from Crosby,@CBSNewsTexas |… pic.twitter.com/AO14sIsZpw
— Jett Beachum (@JetthroTV) August 18, 2024
The rookies Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton looked strong against the starters, making the case for starting roles of their own. But that was just about all the good news one could procure from the offensive line’s performance against the Vegas starters.
Cowboys starting offensive line tonight vs. the Raiders:
LT: Tyler Guyton
LG: Asim Richards
C: Cooper Beebe
RG: T.J. Bass
RT: Matt Waletzko— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2024
Dallas even struggled creating rushing lanes – when Deuce Vaughn wasn’t running the ball, of course.
When Marist Liufau clicks, Marist Liufau closes
. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Click-and-close is a scouting term often used to describe cornerback prospects. It’s also the perfect description of rookie Marist Liufau’s playing style. The kid flies. Described in his player profile as someone who plays like his hair is on fire, Liufau has a reputation as someone whose instincts, knowledge and motor is unquestioned.
I am thoroughly enjoying how fast Marist Liufau plays. He teleports between spots. It’s something he’s been showing more and more in practice.
Thinking less, flying more.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 18, 2024
In training camp and in this preseason game against the Raiders starters, the Notre Dame rookie looks like a star in the making. He may not claim a starting job by Week 1, but he’s going to be a starter in the NFL very soon, and a good one at that.
Juanyeh Thomas is a playmaker
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas doesn’t profile as an ideal center fielding safety, yet somehow, he makes it work. He doesn’t look like a fearsome enforcer, yet somehow, he is. He doesn’t look like the type of pedigreed player Mike Zimmer likes at the safety position yet somehow, he’s perfect.
Juanyeh said nah ❌
📺: #DALvsLV on CBS 11
📲: Stream on NFL+ ➡️ https://t.co/LvklCbZgQM pic.twitter.com/7AVpsxRHGT— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 18, 2024
The Cowboys’ top safety spots are locked down with Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and Marquese Bell, but Thomas isn’t as far behind as some think. He’s a versatile playmaker who’s smart and inexpensive. He’s going to see regular snaps for the Cowboys in 2024.
There’s no reason to keep six WRs
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
One of the more entertaining battles in training camp this year for Dallas has been the competition at receiver. CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are clearly fixtures on the top of the depth chart, but the Cowboys have a wide-open battle going down behind them.
Jalen Tolbert has all but claimed the WR3 spot, KaVontae Turpin has a spot based on his return man role and Jalen Brooks has made a solid case as WR5 since he can play the X spot and be a top contributor on special teams. Do they need a No. 6?
Jalen Cropper says yes but he didn’t have his best game when facing the Raiders starters. The Cowboys could certainly use Cropper in 2024 but after a poor preseason game such as this, they don’t face a significant threat to lose him if they relegate him to the practice squad once more.
Jalen Cropper is having a rough night. Again.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 18, 2024
Ryan Flournoy also made a nice case for WR6 on the Cowboys, but he’s raw as a route runner and even though he looked great against the Raiders starting secondary (they were still in when he scored his touchdown), he needs a lot of work.
[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]
Secondary was stressed, but impressed
Aug 12, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform in the second half in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys rotation on the defensive line left something to be desired in the explosive department. With the rookie Marshawn Kneeland often the fastest defensive lineman on the field, Dallas appeared to be rushing the passer in mud against the Raiders’ top unit.
The Dallas pass rushing situation provided a stressful scene in the secondary. Defensive backs and linebackers were forced to stay in coverage for an abnormally long period of time. Considering the difficult circ*mstances, they did well.
The Cowboys secondary gave up a couple chunk plays but still held the Raiders starting offense to 95 passing yards on five drives. Coverage was close and Zimmer’s calls were diverse. Israel Mukuamu was particularly interesting to follow as he moved around in the nickel and executed a handful of tough assignments.
The poor pass-rush put stress on the secondary, but the secondary found a way to impress.
