The Dallas Cowboys capped off the 2019 preseason with a 17-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night. They finish this preseason with a 2-2 record, though the most exciting part about this result is that the preseason is over.
It’s finally getting to be time for real, meaningful football to be played. Still, there are some game notes to review from the Cowboys’ preseason week 4 loss.
- The battle for the final two cornerback spots on this roster has been intense, but Donovan Olumba put his final stamp down on Thursday night. Olumba has been impressive all preseason, but his pick six last night felt like a signature moment which could catapult him to the final 53 man roster. At this point, I’d put Olumba and CJ Goodwin as the 5th and 6th cornerbacks on the roster, with rookie Michael Jackson landing on the practice squad. We will know soon enough what the teams’ plans are, though.
- While he started as a day three rookie just looking to make the team, safety Donovan Wilson is beginning to look like an option to start alongside Xavier Woods at strong safety. Wilson snagged his third interception of the preseason last night, and had 6 tackles and a pass deflection on top of it. Wilson is a versatile safety that has shown he can play from multiple coverage spots while still having the range to make plays on the ball. What a find for the Cowboys front office.
- Speaking of the Cowboys front office making an excellent find, former second round wide receiver Devin Smith is looking like one of those guys. Smith had another strong preseason game Thursday night, adding onto his impressive Summer. Smith is making it really difficult for the Cowboys to put one of these undrafted wide outs on the roster over him, and it looks like he and Cedrick Wilson will be the 5th and 6th receivers to make the cut,
- Defensive linemen Daniel Wise and Joe Jackson each had awesome games against the Bucs. Wise had 2 sacks, 6 tackles, and 3 tackles for loss on Thursday night. He was disruptive from the jump and the Tampa offensive line had nothing for him. Unfortunately for Wise, however, it might be too late for him to make a real case to be on the final roster. Defensive end Joe Jackson was also impressive in the preseason finale, as he has been for the entirety of the Summer. Jackson’s athleticism catches the eye, as he moves really well down the line of scrimmage and is relentless in his pursuit on all plays. He’s made a couple tackles on screen passes this preseason which have been highlight worthy.
- Lastly, a couple of injuries might open up some roster spots this weekend. Wide receiver Jon’Vea Johnson went down with a shoulder injury after making an excellent contested red zone catch (that was called back for OPI). Johnson has had trouble with his drops this preseason, but his route running is undeniable. He might be an injury roster stash candidate for the Cowboys now. Rookie offensive lineman Connor McGovern is expected to miss most of the season due to injury now as well, which could mean that Adam Redmond will be on this final roster. Redmond is a versatile interior offensive lineman, and has had a good preseason in his own right.
- Finally, it’s Giants week. Let’s get ready for some real football.
