Dallas City News

The defense was the standout in the Cowboys’ first preseason game, registering four interceptions and holding the Rams to six points until the final drive. Even in the 13-12 loss, what was especially noteworthy from Dallas’ defensive performance?

Pick Party

Remember the days when our best defensive backs, sometimes even Pro Bowlers, would only get maybe one or two interceptions all year? Now even our camp bodies have hands and make opponents pay for errant throws. It’s such a welcome change in how the Cowboys’ defense operates and a credit to the coaches and scouts for a clear organizational adjustment.

With the starters out it was Eric Scott, Markquese Bell, Julius Wood, and Brock Mogensen who had the picks in Los Angeles. Granted, they mostly came on some terrible decisions by Rams QB Stetson Bennett, but seeing our guys consistently make the play now is so rewarding after years of dropped opportunities.

Rookie Gets Picked On

Caelen Carson was clearly in Sean McVay’s crosshairs as the fifth-rounder got targeted numerous times in the first half. While he was often able to close and make the tackle, Carson gave up several completions to the Rams’ backup QB and receivers. It’s hardly a reason to panic about Dallas’ CB depth as Carson has been one of the stars of camp, and is only the fourth corner at most. Hopefully, this was his “welcome to the NFL” moment and the rookie will improve from it.

No Pressure

Did anyone else miss Sam Williams? With the starters rightfully sitting and rookie Marshawn Kneeland only playing a little bit early, Dallas’ ragtag band of pass rushers failed to put much heat on Bennett throughout the game. Al-Quadin Muhammad and Denzel Daxon shared the only sack from the defensive linemen. Otherwise, commentators noted several times that Bennett had clear pockets and perhaps even too much time to throw, leading to some of his interceptions.

While he didn’t get a sack, one player who did seem to be winning against his blockers was Shaka Toney. He slipped around the tackles a few times with a path to Bennett, but the ball was released before he could make contact. It’s wide open at the bottom of the DE depth chart so these games are going to be huge for guys like Toney, Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, and others to show they deserve those final spots.