Dallas Cowboys: 5 Things to Watch vs. Minnesota Vikings
May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) works on drills during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
1. Will the next best cornerback please stand up!
The cornerback situation has became the biggest worry for me, and probably others, as the season-opener against the New York Giants nears.
With Scandrick out, it really is the “next man up” mentality in Dallas. From what I’ve read and can see, the Cowboys are fine with their current depth on the roster at the position, but I’m not so sure that is the correct decision.
There is no reason to believe in Morris Claiborne anymore, but if he would finally have the season he was drafted to have, well, I wouldn’t mind eating those words when the season is complete.
If he does play in the third preseason game, he’s the player I’m most interested in seeing perform, whether it be against starters or even reserves, because he’s not had much success for a former first-round choice.
Another first-round choice that must be watched very closely is Byron Jones, the Cowboys’ first-round pick this past May, but with him comes the inexperience and a possible injury issue with his shoulder, an injury he also had in college.
It hasn’t been announced whether Jones will play in this game – or if he does, just how much he’ll play – but if he is in this game, he’s a must-watch player for sure.
Scott Crisp of NBCDFW.com wrote this about Jones this week:
"“Cowboys first round pick Byron Jones went through a full practice on Tuesday for the first time since suffering a left shoulder injury a week and a half ago, and did not wear a harness on the shoulder. The cornerback/safety came away from the workout feeling optimistic.”"
That paragraph has me feeling optimistic about Jones and his ability to play not just during Week 1, because if he can stay healthy, he’ll most likely make some sort of impact on the defense.
There is also a cornerback named Tyler Patmon who could be the dark horse in this cornerback triangle. I can’t wait to focus more on Patmon, because from what I’ve read, he does have a chance to gain a lot of playing time because of the injury to Scandrick. Any way we look at it, one of those three players will really have to step up their game this season, and this week’s preseason game might be a good start to see which one will.
Next: Can the Cowboys reach the end zone more?