Dallas Cowboys: 3 Standout performers from Hall of Fame Game

Garrett Gilbert, Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Garrett Gilbert, Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys
Aug 5, 2021; Canton, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Israel Mukuamu (38) knocks the ball away from Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Zach Gentry (81) during the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New secondary players

The Steelers’ third drive of the night got off to a hot start as Mason Rudolph hit wide receiver Chase Claypool on a deep pass for 45 yards — although he did get away with a push-off on Nahshon Wright. But on the very next play, Maurice Canady announced his presence.

Canady, a veteran corner who sat out 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, has been playing incredibly well in camp both as a slot corner and on the boundary. He was in the slot on this drive and following the big play to Claypool, Canady exploded through the line on a first-and-10 and hit Najee Harris for a four-yard loss.

Another guy who is new to the Cowboys’ secondary is Israel Mukuamu. The sixth-round pick from South Carolina moved to safety and the first time he had his name mentioned on the broadcast was when he made a play on a pass from Dwayne Haskins.

The former Washington quarterback was trying to connect with Zach Gentry on a third-and-five and Mukuamu was in perfect position and knocked the ball to the ground.

In the grand scheme of things, the secondary needs to be better but having a couple of new faces make splash plays during their first preseason game is a step in the right direction.