Dallas Cowboys Preseason: 3 Things we learned vs Raiders
By Randy Gurzi
2. The defense had some ups and some downs
Stephen Paea got the start at the one-technique tackle and ended the game with just one tackle. It wasn’t indicative of his effort though as the 300-pound nose tackle was all motor. He is the type of player defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli loves as his No. 55 kept making appearances. It didn’t matter if it was a run up the middle or a pitch out to the running back in the flat, Paea was going full speed to get in on the hit.
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The secondary is still a work in progress though. On the opening drive cornerback Nolan Carroll got mad at himself when he gave up the inside cut to wideout Amari Cooper. The pass was off target, but Carroll knew it would have ben a first down if the throw was accurate.
Veteran Orlando Scandrick was the best in coverage, but the new look defensive backfield still surrendered 144 yards and two touchdowns to star quarterback Derek Carr, including one where Cooper beat second-year player Anthony Brown and free safety Byron Jones took a terrible angle and came nowhere near making the tackle. There were different players, but it was all the same results as their previous poor secondary play.
The best news though for the defense was one of two possible things. First was first round pick Taco Charlton getting his second sack of the preseason. He did so against reserves as he failed to get the start, but considering so many thought he was a bust after his first preseason game, it has been nice to see him show some flashes.
Second was the continued progress of linebacker Jaylon Smith. In his second game back from a knee injury in January 2016, he looked even more comfortable. This time he didn’t start, but he was able to record three tackles — one for a loss. There is some hope for this defense, even though they did struggle with the Raiders starters at several spots.