Dallas City News

For approximately 58 minutes of football, the Dallas Cowboys put on a defensive clinic, shutting down the Los Angeles Rams and forcing quarterback Stetson Bennett into four interceptions. Unfortunately, the Rams were able to steal the victory in the closing seconds. Still, an outstanding outing for new coordinator Mike Zimmer’s unit in their first game under his direction—conversely, not so much for the offense. Despite being gifted several turnovers, the offense sputtered and left points on the board.

Some of it can be attributed to Trey Lance’s misfires and protection from the offensive line, while some were simple miscues like Racey McMath dropping back-to-back passes. That said, focusing on the positive contributions from the bottom of the roster, namely the undrafted free agents, is today’s highlight. Here are the undrafted stars of the Cowboys 13-12 loss versus the Rams.

Markquese Bell, Safety

How quickly things change. When Zimmer assumed duties as defensive coordinator, the initial question was how hybrid defenders like Bell would adjust to playing a more conventional position at safety. For Bell, so far, good. Against the Rams, Bell dropped back into the coverage and did a great job of reading Bennett’s eyes for the game’s first turnover. Bell was his usual self in stopping the ballcarrier, leading the team with nine tackles.

After years of a void in the position, safety is arguably one of their deepest positions, thanks to players like Bell who has been a pleasant surprise since joining as an undrafted player in 2022. Heading into his third year in the NFL, Bell’s spot with the Cowboys is practically assured. Has he done enough to see some rest for the remainder of the preseason, and what will his role look like once the regular season starts?

Josh Butler, Cornerback

For much of the afternoon, the Cowboys contained the Rams passing game. Bennett had 38 passing attempts with only 5.9 per throw. The Cowboys’ defensive backs were able to run stride-for-stride with Los Angeles’ wide receivers. Among those that stood out was Josh Butler. You can see Butler’s speed when tested as he kept up with Tyler Johnson on a long incompletion. Butler had another excellent play where he got Rams’ running back Zach Evans for a tackle for loss. Butler also has two passes defended to lead the team. He had a good showing except for a defensive penalty to extend the final drive for the Rams. It’s the type of game Butler needed to have to remind the coaches that he’s still around. He performed well in this preseason last year but didn’t make the 53-man roster. The outcome could be different with continued performances such as this.

Jalen Cropper, Wide receiver

There was little to be excited about when it came to the offense. However, one of the players who brought intrigue to the contest was Jalen Cropper. Cropper has been having a sizzling summer, finding a connection with both Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush. With Lance at quarterback, their timing could have been better, and there were scarce opportunities. However, Cropper led the team in targets (six) and receptions (four). The highlight of his day was an exceptional catch on a pass well behind him while running a slant route into the middle of the Ram’s defense. One of Cropper’s signature traits is his body control, and that catch was a perfect example.

In contrast, Cropper fared better than his other counterparts on the bottom of the roster at wide receiver. McMath had a rough outing, and Ryan Flournoy fumbled one of his receptions. Cropper must carry the momentum from practices into the next two games, and he’ll make a solid case to make the club.