Dallas Cowboys football is finally here, and we’ll get to see our team in action tonight against the Los Angeles Rams on ESPN. Before we get into who you should be watching tonight, I just want to wish our players a safe and injury free game. If we’re going to make any sort of run at the playoffs we need to start the season healthy with everyone ready for battle.
With that being said, let’s take a look at who you should be watching tonight along with the jersey #.
#30 Anthony Brown, CB, rookie
Anthony Brown has been turning heads all training camp and has really put himself in position to make the team. A strong in the preseason will further cement his spot and it all starts tonight against the Rams. Quality depth at the corner position is something the Cowboys need, and if previous season’s are any indicators, Brown could see some starting action at some point this season.
#99 Ryan Russell, DE, 2nd year
Russell was a late 2015 draft pick and was seen as a raw player coming out of Purdue, but this season he has improved. We certainly need all the depth and pass rushers we can get. With Lawrence being out, Russell will need to show he belongs in the Cowboys rotation this year. I want to see what he does against the Rams tonight and the rest of the preseason. Sometimes players shine in training camp, ala Mo Claiborne and disappear in the regular season. Will Russell show up year round?
#79 Chaz Green, OT, 2nd year
When the Cowboys took Green in the 3rd round last year it was thought he would compete with Doug Free at some point or become his backup. Green was injured most of 2015 and pretty much redshirted. Green has had his moments in training camp, but has been up and down. The Cowboys would like nothing more than for Green to cement his role as the swing tackle tackle for the 2016 season. If Green can play well the rest of the way, the Cowboys may have a decision to make on Free in 2017 when his pay increases to $5million. We’re very far from that, but it is something to think about down the line, and a strong preseason from Green could help out immensely.
#87 Geoff Swaim, TE, 2nd year
The Cowboys love their tight ends, and when the Cowboys moved back into the 7th round last year, some were puzzled, including myself. Fast forward to this offseason and training camp, we’re seeing a much improved player. Swaim is arguably one of camps breakout players. A solid preseason from Swaim should help him lock-up a roster spot especially considering Gavin Escobar will likely hit free agency at the end of the season. Swaim has developed a nice rapport with Dak Prescott, so tonight could further showcase that combo.
#4 Dak Prescott, QB, rookie
All eyes will be on Prescott tonight. He’s had a nice training camp — so good, the Cowboys have delayed their search for a veteran backup QB. Will tonight’s game under the bright lights change that? We’re going to find out. As fans, we need Prescott to play well and give us some hope.
#95 David Irving, DE, 2nd year
Irving has had a pretty good training camp and elevated his status to potentially becoming one of the starting DEs in the season opener against the New York Giants. I know Lawrence will contribute after he returns, but even when he does, he’stypically been a slow starter. If Irving can continue to turn heads and make plays, I’ll feel better about our DE quality. Outside of Lawerence, we’re still looking for anything rusher. I’m not even counting on Gregory at this point.
#34 Darius Jackson, RB, rookie
Jackson has looked the part on multiple occasions in camp, and a strong performance will likely make it that much harder for the Cowboys to risk him getting through waivers and on to the practice squad. If I’m Dallas, I’m keeping Jackson and parting ways with Dunbar. Dunbar is on a one year deal and made of glass. Keep the talent in Jackson and let him be the one-two punch with Zeke. I’m really looking forward to seeing Jackson tonight.
Those are the guys I’m watching and recommending you keep an eye on.
Who will you be watching tonight?
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