The Dallas Cowboys next-man-up mentality was in full effect in their last game. Did it work?
All fans know that the Cowboys front office likes to add players from the practice squad to the active roster. It is a good idea if the players have the talent to help out.
On both sides of the ball, players were moved up from the practice squad due to injuries to key players. A few of these players held their own and showed they belonged on the field.
Let’s examine both sides of the ball and see how the players stepped in when critical players were absent.
The Offense was Good Enough
The Dallas Cowboys offense held its own against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense came into the game ranked number one in almost every category.
The Dallas Cowboys offense has been decent passing, but rushing the ball has been one of the worst in the league.
Fans know Dak Prescott can pass the ball, and he did well enough to take over the game and pull out the win. Dak Prescott helped win the game behind a patchwork offensive line.
Patchwork or not, the offensive line held its own against a great defensive line and had their best game of the year.
The Cowboys offensive line had to be shuffled around when Tyler Guyton went down with an injury in the second quarter. Tyler Smith was moved from left guard to left tackle to fill the left tackle position, and T.J. Bass got the call at left guard.
This move proved to be the right one. The Dallas Cowboys lackluster running game had its best day of the young season.
The Dallas Cowboys blocking scheme seemed to change from a zone-blocking scheme to the old-school man-blocking scheme fans are used to seeing from the line.
Rico Dowdle was able to get chunk yards and the defense was worn down by the fourth quarter.
Having a running game helped ease the pressure on the passing game, which was without Brandin Cooks. In Brandin Cooks’s absence, Jalen Tolbert stepped up big time for the offense and gave Dak Prescott a competent number-two receiver.
All in all, this was the most complete offensive performance of the season, and having the same offensive line combination moving forward may be for the best.
The next-man-up mentality was a success for the offense.
The Defense was Impressive
Injuries have ravaged the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys. Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence were recently injured, and their positions were filled with practice squad call-ups.
The defensive snaps Parsons and Lawrence had before their injuries were filled by four players. Namely, 2024 draft pick Marshawn Kneeland, Carl Lawson, Chauncey Golston, and Tyrus Wheat.
Marshawn Kneeland was injured in the game, but the other three players stepped up and helped stop a good running attack.
Before the injury, Marshawn Kneeland had two tackles, and the whole defense seemed to swarm to the ball much better. Lawson had two total tackles, Golston had five total tackles, and Wheat had three total tackles and all had a half sack.
Not bad for players who did not see much time in the last few games.
The next-man-up award, if it were a real thing, would have to go to Linval Joseph. This man ended the game with two total tackles and a diving sack from the big man.
Joseph showed up in this game when everyone thought the defense was all but done after the injuries. He had a good all-around game, even if his play didn’t show up more on the stat sheet.
The next-man-up mentality was a success for the defense.
Moving Forward
The Dallas Cowboys, even though they have had major injuries, have been able to use the next-man-up mentality to win a game.
This could be great news for the team moving forward. The Steelers game showed the Cowboys faithful that the team can win without a few superstars.
Having the ability to rest the injured players until they are fully healed will help the team later in the season. A playoff push with a more rested Micah Parsons should scare the rest of the league.
Yes, it is too early to talk about a playoff push, but getting a win over a good Steelers team can only help the team’s overall mentality.
Seeing these role players be able to take a bigger role will boost the confidence of not only the role players, but the fans as well.
Here’s to a good next few weeks for the Dallas Cowboys and all the players who can hold the title of next-man-up.