5 Dallas Cowboys who need to stand out in Preseason Game 1
By Dink Kearney
As the Dallas Cowboys approach their preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, there are more questions that need to be answered than the actual performance from the players itself.
For example, who will step up and be WR2 and take pressure off CeeDee Lamb while Michael Gallup continues rehab? Can Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler replace the production of Randy Gregory?
What about promising rookie offensive rookie Tyler Smith? Was Terrence Steele a one-hit wonder or are his training camp woes fixable? Will the Cowboys be more of run first team than passing?
With so many question marks on the Dallas Cowboys, here are five players to watch in Preseason Game 1.
With a combination of rookies, second-year players, and veterans alike, these five players are expected to be either a major contributor or ready to start in the event a starter goes down. So, let’s take a quick look and analyze these fringe five players and how their role impacts their position group.
Dallas Cowboys player to watch No. 1: Dennis Houston – UDFA, WR
When former Pro Bowler Amari Cooper was unceremoniously traded for a fifth rounder and Cedrick Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins, two questions needed answers:
- Was CeeDee Lamb ready to be WR1?
- And which wideout could step up and embrace WR2 while Gallup recovered from a torn ACL?
Based off of reports coming out of camp, undrafted wide receiver-Dennis Houston out Western Illinois-is turning heads and receiving first team reps. His knowledge of the game, the ability to make plays and having the trust of Dak Prescott speaks volumes about his work ethic and ability to be a starter.
If Hill has overcome his immaturity and is dialed in like we have seen in camp, Dallas’ will have solved one of its biggest issues on defense-stopping the run.
If Houston can take his play to another against the Broncos as expected, then Dallas has hit the jackpot and found a hidden gem that become another scoring threat. Let’s put this into perspective so everyone can understand what this means for the offense.
Houston received little fanfare to any coming out of college and was ranked the 85th wide receiver. To go from 85th to taking first team snaps means this dude can play and the coaches are expected him be a playmaker. Houston will not only give the offense another receiver that can beat man coverage, but his ability to play as a day one starter means the coaching staff does not have to rush Gallup back.
Houston impacts the receiving corps in that the team does not have to sign a veteran wideout and take away opportunities for players like himself. They can literally take their time on Gallup’s return.
Standing 6’1, weighing almost 200 pounds, good speed and a quick learner, Houston will take pressure off of Lamb and his presence only amplifies this man right here…