The Dallas Cowboys have to trim the roster from 90 to 53 players by this Sunday at 6 PM. It won’t be easy. The Cowboys have a lot of players on the bottom of the depth chart who could contribute for other teams either on the active roster or the practice squad.
When Dallas plays on Friday against the New Orleans Saints, there will be high stakes. For who? Who are locked in for one last audition to prove they belong on the team or deserve actual reps, and who are those players up against on their team?
Here are some key position battles to watch in tomorrow’s game.
Marist Liufau vs. Sam Williams
The Cowboys have a good mix of veteran and young talent to lead their pass rush group. Adding Rashan Gary and Von Miller, who has plenty left in the tank, provides the team with excellent experience. Along with them are Malachi Lawrence and Donovan Ezeiruaku, who have the talent to explode for double-digit sacks.
The bottom of the pecking order is left to fight for a roster spot and reps, and that has created a heated battle with Marist Liufau and Sam Williams, who are clinging to a possible spot on the team. Sam Williams has put together a nice camp for himself and has shown up in the first two games. Williams recorded a sack against the Arizona Cardinals last week.
Meanwhile, Marist Liufau hasn’t recorded a sack officially in the preseason, but he has been able to create some pressure with his speed off the edge, and contributes greatly on special teams. Williams doesn’t have the same versatility as Liufau to drop back in coverage or play inside if needed. Yet, Liufau doesn’t have the natural pass rush arsenal that Williams has since Liufau has recently moved to the position.
Both players are competing with James Houston for a roster spot, who has also been consistent as a pass rusher. Look for Williams and Liufau to have extended snaps to show us who is the best man to earn a spot on the team.
Malik Davis vs. Jaydon Blue for RB2 & Israel Abanikanda vs. Phil Mafah for the roster
It was all good just a little while ago. When training camp started, it was Jaydon Blue who had the leg up on the primary job to back up Javonte Williams. In fact, Malik Davis was behind both second-year players Blue and Phil Mafah.
Fast forward to the present, and Davis hasn’t gone away quietly and has pushed to earn the second running back spot outright. After the first preseason game, Malik Davis looked to have surpassed Blue, and then he showed more of the same with a good performance against the Cardinals.
Blue answered back with multiple highlight plays showcasing his agility and speed. Blue led the team in rushing, with both runners playing to a proverbial stalemate last Saturday.
That’s only one running back battle to check out this week. Let’s assume the Cowboys go heavy at running back and keep four along with Hunter Leupke; who would win the last spot? Phil Mafah or Israel Abanikanda? Phil Mafah had only one carry last week, but he made the most of it, avoiding a sure tackle for loss, changing direction, and racing past the Cardinals defense for a late score.
As for Abanikanda, he too has had a good training camp and has shown not only his speed in practices but the strength to keep the chains moving with his power and willingness to finish runs. Abanikanda and Mafah could split reps in the second half for a final push to make the team in the game’s dwindling moments.
Joe Milton vs. Sam Howell
Up to this point, Joe Milton should feel like he’s comfortably ahead in the race for QB2. Through two games, he has been stellar. He has completed 75% of his passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns for a passer rating of 142.8. He has made tremendous strides to improve his timing and touch on his throws.
As of now, this is his job to lose. Milton can’t afford to regress against the Saints or allow doubt to creep back into the mind of the decision-makers. Howell played well in the preseason opener, posting stats almost identical to Milton.
With Milton ahead in the race, don’t be surprised if the team gives him a brief appearance for about a quarter and leaves Howell to finish the rest of the way. The offensive line also has a lot to prove as the team sorts out the offensive line rotation.
Expect the best out of that group as well as receivers Jonathan Mingo and Anthony Smith, who need to deliver for Howell. Mingo and Smith also have an opportunity to make the team. Still, let’s be transparent: For Howell, he’s in the bottom of the ninth and needs a grand slam just to tie the game with Milton. He has to have a huge game this week.
