The third game of the preseason is usually the tune-up game where the starters play more than just a few snaps, and the last chance for some outer edge bubble players to make plays to stick around. After tonight’s game the Cowboys will trim off 15 players for the Sept. 1 cut down to 75 players.
In my estimation, the Cowboys still have some legitimate questions at several position groups that need some confirmation on a few players.
Here are the players that need to confirm that can handle starter duties:
— Morris Claiborne
No one has more to confirm whether or not they are ready to start than Morris Claiborne especially with Scandrick out for the season. It’s no secret I’ve rode Claiborne hard; however, he’s a Cowboy and I truly want him to succeed — show me something tonight. I want to see Claiborne make plays, I want to see him face adversity and not crumble, and I want him to show me he’ll be ready to step up for week 1 against the Giants. Let’s go Mo!
— Darren McFadden/Lance Dunbar
I wasn’t convinced that McFadden will be an impact player with the work he put in last week. With most of the offensive line starters set to start tonight, I want to see McFadden hit the hole and take off. I don”t want to see McFadden hit the offensive line and get stuffed. Lance Dunbar needs to show me he can be more than just a screen pass option for the Cowboys. Let’s hand the ball off to Dunbar and see if he can actually run the ball for positive yards, be more than a one trick pony.
— Lucky Whitehead/A.J. Jenkins
The final wide receiver position could come down to Whitehead and Jenkins. Whitehead has had every chance to nab the return duties, but that is now in question the past few weeks, so he’ll need to have a breakout game tonight. A.J. Jenkins has had a bit of resurgence in recent days, so tonight he’ll need to show he can play on the big stage.
— Defensive Tackles
Outside of Tyrone Crawford all positions are open in my book. Can Ken Bishop unseat Terrell McClain or Nick Hayden? Can Davon Coleman keep on his warpath and lockdown his roster spot? I’ll be watching this squad closely tonight.
— Tyler Patmon
Patmon will be given the chance to start in the nickel for the slot position. I have liked the body of work Patmon has put in since last year, but this year he will be the man and will need to step in for Scandrick this year. The Vikings offense is an attacking offense with Norv Turner in command of the offense and he’ll test out these young cornerbacks.
— Randy Gregory
He’s been everything the Cowboys had hoped he would be, and Rod Marinelli looks to have another pass rusher that could turn the tide against opposing offenses. Gregory has shown he can get to the QB and has received some praises in recent days. For tonight’s game, I’d like to see Gregory keep his ascension going with more of the same. Keep the momentum going and get ready to bring it against the Giants for week 1.
— Dan Bailey
Yup, Bailey is on my list of things to watch tonight. Clearly, Bailey will be the starter without a doubt. I was every so slightly concerned with the recent streak of misses, from the playoffs to last week’s miss. What if he misses another FG tonight or more than one? I want to see Bailey hit some those tough field goals with ease tonight.
Who needs to show you something tonight? Let us know! Let’s go Dallas!
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