3 Dallas Cowboys defenders rising up the ranks

While the result of the game Saturday evening was less than ideal for the Dallas Cowboys (do not get me started on the penalties) there were some positives to take away from this game and there were guys fighting for a job who started off right.

Here are three Dallas Cowboys who have stood out in the preseason this year

A Dallas Cowboys rookie who isn’t getting the attention he deserves is DaRon Bland, out of Fresno State drafted in the 5th round. Bland was a key contributor Saturday to what was a top 5 run defense in Week One of the preseason according to PFF (72.5).

Bland took 49 snaps playing equally in the slot and at corner. The 5th round rookie was flying all over the field, making five total tackles while being targeted seven times, allowing two catches for just two yards.

Bland is currently competing, according to Cowboys beat reports, with Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright for a roster spot. This performance should seriously help his chances especially due to Wright’s awful performance where he allowed seven receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown.

One rookie I don’t find getting a ton of attention is a UDFA out of Liberty University, Storey Jackson. Jackson played most of the games snaps all of which were played within the box, he was truly a problem when it came to pass coverage and generally just flying around the field. He led the Cowboys in passing coverage grade according to PFF (86.7), and when I really homed in on him during defensive snaps it was easy to see why.

Jackson has some very impressive play recognition for an undrafted rookie. A lot of players, especially rookies, during the preseason usually fly around without much control and look to make every play, getting out their spots and it is a mess. Storey let the game come to him, and when it was time to make a tackle, he showed excellent patience and kept his man in front of him.

One instance where he showed off this patience was in the second quarter. The Cowboys come out in cover 4 zone scheme, Broncos WR Seth Williams cuts across the middle and stops in a modified drag route, Josh Johnson drops back, throws and hits Williams, so he and Jackson are in a 1 on 1 situation. Williams tries to cut around Jackson, but he holds firm and makes the tackle allowing just over a three-yard gain.

On the game, Jackson had 6 total tackles and was targeted 5 times for 4 receptions and 24 total yards. Storey is quick and moves with receivers incredibly well. He made a case for being on the Cowboys roster post-cuts, but he will be competing with Devin Harper and Luke Gifford for a spot.

https://twitter.com/LibertyFootball/status/1559643538815582208?s=20&t=mHayNKZ1C37WHrP6AbijsA

One guy I want to briefly throw into the spotlight as he deserves it is Tarell Basham a 5-year vet drafted out of Indianapolis. He played the first quarter and slightly into the second. He did not light up the stat sheet by any means but was able to fill the gaps and was able to limit the Broncos rushing attack in the game.

Basham is competing with Carlos Watkins and John Ridgeway for a spot. Being on the older side certainly is not going to help his stock with Mike McCarthy but if Basham is able to blow up the run game like he did Saturday, then he is at least deserving a second look.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1558636036380430337?s=20&t=mHayNKZ1C37WHrP6AbijsA

Preseason is the time for the players without the guaranteed roster spots to step up. Whether you’re a five year player like Basham or an undrafted free agent like Jackson, each man has an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and make their plea for competing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.

Look for these guys today against the Chargers to continue to make a statement as they fight for the final roster.