The Dallas Cowboys finished their second preseason game in a 16-19 loss against the Arizona Cardinals and was an overall improvement from the Hall of Fame Game. There were some bright spots on both sides of the ball that made significant strides as the team will begin their roster cuts on Tuesday, August 17th.
Let’s dive in and take a look at which players showed up and make an impact in their second preseason game.
Third-round rookie cornerback Nahshon Wright yet again has shown up when his number is called, much like he has done all offseason. Against the Cardinals, Wright had a total coverage grade of 84.3, was targeted four times, and allowed only one completion for 6 yards with one pass breakup. So far in two games, teams are completing only 44 percent pass against him.
Even though it’s still preseason and teams are not going against first-team offenses on each drive, but Wright is making the best of the snaps he’s played. He plays with such a big chip on his shoulder, very tough, and battles snap after snap.
Due to where he was drafted (99th overall), critics and media will always use his draft position throughout his career. So far, Wright is showing why Dan Quinn was so high on him during the pre-draft process and he will continue to improve for weeks to come.
By far, the most surprising player that stood out Friday night was the fourth-year defensive end, Dorance Armstrong. He was constantly in the backfield during the first half as he finished with two sacks and a near interception that could have been a pick-six to the endzone.
Earlier this offseason, there were rumors of Armstrong not making the final roster as he has not shown much impact and improvement since being drafted in 2018. Armstrong made his presence felt and will be the team’s backup left defensive end.
Not sure if it’s due to him finally putting all of his tools together or because he is in a contract year and looking for a possible payday, but that kind of effort will be crucial to the defense’s success in 2021.
The final player that stood out against the Cardinals was the fifth-round rookie, Simi Fehoko. Fehoko needed this kind of effort to increase his chances to make the roster as other wide receivers such as Malik Turner and Reggie Davis had good showings as well.
It will be tough as Turner has been the overall better player so far, but Fehoko has more upside, potential, and size that will be useful down the road. Fehoko has reminded everyone why he was so hyped coming out of the draft as he will get more opportunities to build his case next week against the Houston Texans.
Overall, the energy and aggressiveness were much better against the Cardinals than in week 1 of the preseason.
If the Cowboys can continue to receive great play from players such as Armstrong, Fehoko, and Wright, things will shape out well for Dallas over these next few weeks.