The Dallas Cowboys have a chance to go undefeated in the preseason for the first time in two decades if they can defeat the New Orleans Saints on Friday night. Given the culture forged by head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team wants to make it happen. While preseason results don't matter in regards to the regular season and playoffs, for some on the bottom of the roster fighting for a spot, it's everything.
The Cowboys might not know who's making the team at the end of the depth chart at receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, or safety. It's rare, but occasionally a great showing in the final preseason game can be the thing that pushes someone onto the 53-man roster over someone else who doesn't have a good showing.
The Cowboys have one of the best defensive tackle combos in the NFL. If Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark aren't the best, they're definitely top tier. Otito Ogbonnia is an impactful veteran run stopper, and then the cupboard looks bare.
Jonathan Bullard should be a good veteran, but he has been out all camp and could be a cut candidate who goes to the practice squad and then is called up once he is completely healthy. In 326 snaps last season, he had a run defense grade of 63.9, average at best.
The other three in the group include 2025 draft pick Jay Toia and undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookies D.J. Withers and Tommy Dunn. Through two preseason games, Toia's run defense grade dropped from 65.9 against the Seattle Seahawks to 23.1 against the Cardinals. Dunn was consistent with a PFF run grade of 66.8 in both contests, and Withers had a run grade of 70.2 in game one and 68.2 in game two.
#cowboys #grade #game #withers
The Cowboys might not know who's making the team at the end of the depth chart at receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, or safety. It's rare, but occasionally a great showing in the final preseason game can be the thing that pushes someone onto the 53-man roster over someone else who doesn't have a good showing.
The Cowboys have one of the best defensive tackle combos in the NFL. If Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark aren't the best, they're definitely top tier. Otito Ogbonnia is an impactful veteran run stopper, and then the cupboard looks bare.
Jonathan Bullard should be a good veteran, but he has been out all camp and could be a cut candidate who goes to the practice squad and then is called up once he is completely healthy. In 326 snaps last season, he had a run defense grade of 63.9, average at best.
The other three in the group include 2025 draft pick Jay Toia and undrafted free agent (UDFA) rookies D.J. Withers and Tommy Dunn. Through two preseason games, Toia's run defense grade dropped from 65.9 against the Seattle Seahawks to 23.1 against the Cardinals. Dunn was consistent with a PFF run grade of 66.8 in both contests, and Withers had a run grade of 70.2 in game one and 68.2 in game two.
#cowboys #grade #game #withers
2 months ago
