The Dallas Cowboys needed somebody to finish the job, and Caleb Downs answered. After the offense reclaimed the lead late in Indianapolis, the rookie intercepted Daniel Jones to seal a 27–23 victory. His first NFL interception capped an afternoon that also included a sack and gave the Cowboys a much-needed response to last week’s collapse.
But here is how each rookie fared this week, listed in draft order, and any undrafted players worth noting after that.
Caleb Downs
(64 defensive snaps | 3 tackles | 1 TFL | 1 sack
| 1 INT | 2 passes defended | 1 QB hit | 1 pressure)
This was the playmaking performance Dallas wanted from its first-round safety. Downs hit Daniel Jones for a blind-side sack, then ended the Colts’ final possession with an interception. His coverage was strong throughout, allowing one completion for 12 yards on four targets.
There was little to criticize in his individual production as he affected the quarterback, limited completions and made the decisive play. That is a strong response after leaving the Arizona game with a concussion.
Jaishawn Barham
(3 defensive snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 0 QB hits)
Even with DeMarvion Overshown unavailable, Barham barely featured on defense. Shemar James and Dee Winters handled the bulk of the linebacker work. Three snaps offer little room for a fair performance judgement, but the lack of opportunity is the story. He finished without a defensive statistic. His fall has been rapid.
Drew Shelton
(0 offensive snaps | 6 special team snaps)
Shelton was active, but he recorded no offensive snaps. There is no blocking performance to assess and he stayed on the bench other than to come on for special team duties.
LT Overton
(17 defensive snaps | 0 tackles | 0 TFL | 0 sacks | 0 INT | 0 passes defended | 0 QB hits | 1 pressure)
Overton generated one hurry on 10 pass-rush snaps, but otherwise had a quiet afternoon. He did not record a tackle or sack. There was a small contribution to the rush, although Dallas will want more disruption as his opportunities continue.
Camden Brown
(28 offensive snaps | 0 targets | 0 receptions | 0 receiving yards | 0 TD | 3 kickoff returns, 78 yards)
Brown contributed most visibly as a returner, averaging 26 yards on three kickoffs. His offensive involvement brought no targets despite George Pickens being unavailable. The return work gave him a useful role, but he has yet to turn his receiving opportunities into production.
