Dallas City News

The Cowboys’ defense held an opponent under 14 points for the second straight preseason game. Especially remarkable was that the Raiders played mostly starters in the first half while Dallas was almost all backups. It was a great all-around effort from Mike Zimmer’s crew, but what especially stood out?

Kneeland’s Ready to Go

Since the draft, a lot of attention has been paid to Dallas’ new offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe. But the guy drafted between them, DE Marshawn Kneeland, is having himself a preseason. On a night when All-Pro Maxx Crosby should’ve looked like a man among boys, it was Kneeland who terrorized his blockers and looks ready to be a key rotation piece for the Cowboys in the regular season.

Even back in April, Kneeland’s scouting report reminded you of DeMarcus Lawrence. He certainly is doing that now as a ferocious run defender. Like Tank, Kneeland still needs to grow as a pass rusher but the potential is there. His strength alone will win matchups against some and additional technique will only raise his threat level.

With Sam Williams out for the year and a huge question mark still hovering over veteran signing Carl Lawson, the Cowboys need Kneeland to deliver early. Thankfully, his work so far this preseason indicates he’s ahead of schedule and should be a solid rookie contributor.

Future Safeties

Last week it was Markquese Bell making big plays from safety, and this week it was Juanyeh Thomas. Whether delivering hard hits to break up passes or jumping up to Mutombo passes in the quarterback’s face, Thomas made his presence felt in Las Vegas.

While Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson remain the starters in 2024, Dallas is going to have a hard time keeping Thomas and Bell off the field if the veterans aren’t making an impact. Granted, the position isn’t all about big plays but also fundamentals in coverage. But with both Hooker and Wilson as potential cap casualties in 2025, the Cowboys shouldn’t hesitate to give their likely replacements as much playing time as possible.

Huggy Bear

Earlier in the week, DT Albert Huggins was the heel in an incident at a joint practice with the Rams. He got ejected after shoving a Los Angeles staff member to the ground in a clear lack of self-control following a play. Some thought he might get cut immediately, but he remains with the Cowboys for the moment. If he keeps playing like he did on Saturday night, Huggins might stick around for a while.

It’s no secret that the Cowboys are hurting for depth at defensive tackle. Even the trade for veteran Jordan Phillips only gives them three locks for the roster, and it’s not like Mazi Smith is firing on all cylinders yet. There’s still a spot or two open, and while rookie Justin Rogers has had a few flashes Huggins is a sixth-year veteran with real-game experience. If he’s playing with extra juice because he knows he nearly blew it last week, good for him and potentially good for Dallas.