Dallas Cowboys: Four players who will make a difference

Early in preseason it appears the Dallas Cowboys have a few players who played well enough to be difference makers this upcoming season.

After several months without football it’s nice to the Dallas Cowboys get rolling again in the new season. With training camp well underway and one preseason game in the books, we can already point to a few exciting players certain to make a difference in 2017.

If these players’ performances are an indication of good things to come, all I can say is watch out NFL, because this Cowboys team is looking even better than their 13-3 squad from last season.

Alfred Morris, RB

With starting running back Ezekiel Elliott facing a possible suspension, the Cowboys need their running backs to play at a high level. And that’s exactly what Morris did against the Cardinals and has done through most of training camp.

Last week Morris ran the ball like a first round draft pick, hitting the holes fast, stiff arming defenders and picking up plenty of yardage in the process. Morris isn’t the fastest runner by any stretch, but he ran the rock like he had a purpose.

Further, Morris runs well behind the Cowboys zone blocking scheme. Morris may not be flashy or run a 4.4 40-yard dash, but he’ll pick up the needed yardage and move the chains and keep the defense honest.

Site expert Reid Hanson gave Morris credit for a good game, but doesn’t see him making the 53-man roster. Not only do I see Morris making the 53-man roster, but I expect him to get a boatload of carries this season, especially if Zeke gets suspended.

If Darren McFadden plays poorly the rest of the preseason, Morris will definitely be on the roster. That’s a good thing because the Cowboys will have more than a capable runner with Morris.

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Rod Smith, RB

Rod Smith has been beyond impressive running the rock this preseason. Smith runs the ball with speed, elusiveness, and quickness. And he plays an important role on special teams.

AAgainst the Cards, Smith ran the ball as if there were a competition between him and Zeke as the starting running back.

What has stood out more than anything is Smith’s ability to block. It’s a great tool for a running back. If Smith and Morris continue to impress with these running skills, the Cowboys backfield will be fine if Zeke is suspended.

Brice Butler, WR

Out of all of the depth players on Dallas’ offense, Butler is the one player the team needs to step up and play beyond his potential. The inconsistent wideout did just that against the Cardinals.

Butler ran good routes, scored a touchdown but more importantly, caught and held on to the ball.

The one knock against Butler is that he routinely drops catchable passes. The dropped touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers in last season’s playoff game still haunts Cowboys Nation (Butler dropped a sure touchdown pass on Dallas’ opening drive)

Dallas needs Butler to play at a high level and make teams pay for double-teaming Dez Bryant. If Butler can raise his game to another level and not drop passes, Dallas’ offense will be more than unstoppable.

No team in the NFL has a secondary that will be able to cover and stop Bryant, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten, Cole Beasley, Ryan Switzer, and Butler.

The speedster Butler will be the icing on the cake for this offense because he’ll take the top off of opposing defenses with his speed and if he can haul in touchdown passes, well Dallas might just score 50 points a game.

Rico Gathers, TE

I thought I’d save the best for last. Mr. Gathers has Dallas’ coaching staff beyond excited, and rightfully so. As we all know, last week Gathers hauled in a 26-yard pass from backup signal caller Kellen Moore out, leaping the helpless defender and snatching the ball with ease.

Basically, Gathers appeared to be Antonio Gates 2.0 (the future Hall of Famer tight end of the San Diego Chargers). And on another play, Gathers scooped up a low pass, fell down, jumped back up and ran for big yardage before being tackled.

On that play, Gathers showed his athletic ability, concentration, good hands, and quickness. If Gathers can continue to catch touchdowns passes with ease and showcase his athletic ability, he’ll definitely be on the field.

Trust me, the coaching staff will do its best to help improve Gathers’ blocking ability. As of right now, that’s Gathers’ achilles heel.

Once again, Gathers can be another offensive juggernaut for Dallas’ offense.

In Conclusion

Morris, Smith, Butler, and Gathers will be a tremendous boost to Dallas’ offense. But in reality, Dallas needs all of them to play at a high and productive level, considering the possibility of Zeke being suspended.

With Morris and Smith playing at their best, Dallas’ running game doesn’t skip a beat and the team’s foundation will remain dominant and intact, with or without Zeke.

When it comes to Dallas’ passing game, Butler and Gathers are mismatch nightmares for defensive coordinators. How do linebackers cover Gathers? Yes, Gathers who can out-jump any linebacker or defensive back.

Best yet, Dallas will have more depth at the tight end position, something that is important.

Next: Who will be the most exciting edge player this season: Tapper or Moore?

Because of the wealth of offensive talent, Dallas will have the opportunity to score first and play with a lead, something that will benefit the defense. The more rested the defense, the better for the team.

I know its preseason, but these players could be the difference makers.

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