The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the 2019 preseason with a 17-15 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the focus of the game was on individual performances, and several defensive players were winners tonight despite the meaningless score.
Donovan Olumba first put Dallas on the board with an interception returned for a touchdown. Daniel Wise tipped the pass and Olumba broke coverage to adjust to it, saving the ball from hitting the ground and taking it to the house.
That was only one of many great plays that Wise made in the game; the undrafted rookie made a great case for making the 53-man roster. Daniel had two sacks and was consistently in Tampa's backfield.
Another highlight play came from rookie Safety Donovan Wilson, who got his third interception of the preseason with another ball-hawking grab. Wilson was already sure to make the roster, and now you have to wonder how long Jeff Heath can keep the youngster away from his starting job.
Wilson did leave the game with an ankle injury, but thankfully was reported to have no major issues after an evaluation in the locker room.
In all three cases, these defensive prospects only confirmed what was already believed about their potential. For Olumba and Wise, was it enough to push the Cowboys to keep them on the 2019 roster?
We'll find out soon; the deadline for final cuts is less than 48 hours away.
Other Notes
- It felt certain before this game that QB Mike White had played his way off the 53-man roster and onto the practice squad. But did Taryn Christion just steal that spot away? Coming in late in the 3rd Quarter, the rookie Christion showed his athleticism with some good runs and evading pressure in the pocket. More importantly, he looked arguably more poised than White despite the experience difference.
- LB Justin Phillips was all over the field early in the game and tied teammate Nate Hall with 11 tackles to lead the team. With Chris Covington dealing with a shoulder injury, Phillips seems like a lock now for the 6th linebacker spot.
- At running back, Jordan Chunn was gaining momentum as the projected #3 but may have suffered a setback tonight with a rib injury. It was also telling that Dallas did not play Alfred Morris, but that could have simply been out of respect for the veteran. Mike Weber showed some nice stuff on a few receptions, but Chunn still has a great shot at making the team with his special teams work.
- WR Jalen Guyton's 69-yard touchdown catch was a great play but probably too little, too late for the rookie. Jon'Vea Johnson also had a solid night with three catches and no sign of his recent issue with drops. Still, no reason to think either will make the team over Devin Smith or Cedrick Wilson.
Stay turned to Inside The Star over the next two days as we cover the Cowboys cuts, potentials trades, and anything else that happens as they form their 2019 roster.
