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The Dallas Cowboys are 2-1. At least in the pre-season, which is maybe all fans will get this year.They beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-17 in the vital third pre-season game, the dress rehearsal.
Probably like any game, there are things to like and things to hate.
Honestly, I don't know if I've been more interested in a Cowboys pre-season due to the sheer amount of young guys vying for real positions on this team and the many battles going on in camp. Things have never been this wide open since Jimmy Johnson was head coach.
Bottomline: No one's safe.
I count position battles at wide receiver, running back, kicker, offensive line, tight end, defensive line and cornerback.
Also, I think these guys are in trouble of not being a Dallas Cowboy for much longer:
Andre Gurode
As I posted yesterday, I'm pretty sure Jerry Jones cut Gurode on TV, an hour before the game. Not only have Phil Costa and Bill Nagy gotten significant time at center, but Kevin Kowalski played the entire game last night. That's three young guys that, apparently, can do what Gurode does.
Martellus Bennett
I, sadly, didn't get my apologetic Tweet from Marty-B last night after he dropped another pass. What's worse is that he got hurt blocking and probably has a high ankle sprain, and we know how those go. For all intents and purposes, I do think Bennett's lost his spot on this team, although he might not get cut for a good long while, even next year. Depending on the injury, of course. Problem is, there was thought that the Cowboys might not keep a fullback and take three or four tight ends using John Phillips as the fullback spot. With Marty-B out, I assume that would require the Cowboys keeping a fullback.
David Buehler
Dan Bailey made field goals of 37, 38 and 41 yards. Enough said.
Tashard Choice/Lonyae Miller
Disregarding special teams for a second, Miller has clearly been passed up by Phillip Tanner and I don't know if I can't say the same for Choice. DeMarco Murray was strong last night as was Tanner for the third straight pre-season game. If you are keeping Murray and Felix Jones, how do you take Tanner into the office and cut him? Choice was screwed by two strong runs brought back by penalty. He might make another team very happy.
On to folks I noticed and folks I didn't:
The Defense
Did they play? I realize the starting defense allowed just 10 points and tallied a turnover, but Donovan McNabb went 12-18 for 164 yards and a touchdown and Adrian Peterson averaged 5.8 yards on 14 carries. The starting D was gashed all night and that's very concerning. Or it should be. Of course, Rob Ryan doesn't remember any pre-season games.
Jesse Holley
Caught three passes, mostly with the first-team offense, including a huge first down. Is this guy becoming a permanent fixture on this team?
Gerald Sensabaugh
For the second straight week, Sensabaugh was a prominent individual. He blocked the field goal that resulted in a touchdown and he intercepted McNabb off a deflection. Maybe playing with a chip on his shoulder after not getting the big money he thought he deserved in the "off-season"?
Offensive Line
Had their moments -- both good and bad. At times, I saw defensive linemen seemingly coming free and easy. Other times, Tony Romo had time to throw. I think there's more good than bad. Surprising considering three rookies started.
Victor Butler
Did you see the play when he sacked Joe Webb? I think it was the third quarter, Webb (the speedster) had torn up the Cowboys already for a touchdown and several long runs. On this play, Butler beats his man, but Webb is elusive. He side steps and jukes a little. Butler reacts, which would typically give the quarterback the room and time to make a move elsewhere or throw the ball away. Instead, Butler burst throught and -- much to the surprise of Webb -- made the sack forcing an eventual punt. Brilliant, athletic play.
Jason Hatcher
Frequently got after the quarterback. Tipped McNabb's pass in zone coverage that resulted in the interception.
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