Week 2 of the Cowboys preseason was an eventful affair. After last week’s bizarre snooze fest of a game, many important questions were left unanswered. But following a 32-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Cowboys now have more clarity and optimism surrounding the team. There were numerous things to take away from this weekend, but I would love to highlight three players that stood out to me.
KaVontae Turpin
The undoubted star of Saturday night was newly acquired return specialist KaVontae Turpin. The Cowboys signed Turpin in late July following an MVP season in the USFL. The Cowboys brought Turpin in with hopes that Turpin would be able to answer the questions the team had at KR/PR. Those questions were responded to in the loudest way, with Turpin having a 98-yard kickoff return and an 86-yard punt return. Both resulted in touchdowns. Turpin was the night’s star, and I think people undervalue the importance of an elite returner. Turpin solidified his spot in the Cowboys 53 man roster, and I’m confident he will be a candidate to make the pro bowl as a returner.
Israel Mukuamu
Second-year safety Isreal Mukuamu came into last week fighting for his spot on the Cowboys roster. After an impressive week, I think Mukuamu is in the arms reach of securing a spot on the roster when the team makes its final cuts. Mukuamu had an excellent week at practice, highlighted by his nice interception against Justin Herbert. Mukuamu was super impressive in the preseason game, picking off Easton Stick early in the first quarter. Mukuamu was everywhere and looked like a completely different player. Mukuamu has the ideal size for a Dan Quinn defense, and his high-level play on Saturday caught my eye Saturday night.
Tyler Smith
After Saturday night, Tyler Smith will be the Cowboys starting LG week one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith had an up-and-down debut, but that was not the case against the Chargers. He didn’t allow a single pressure on 12 dropbacks and looked very physical in the run game. Coupling this with an impressive week of practice, Tyler Smith looks every bit of the first-round pick the Cowboys selected in April.
Trysten Hill
Trysten Hill has had a disappointing start to his career. Hill was a second-round pick and expected to be a consistent starter for this team. Hill has been hurt and not been very effective even when he did play. But on Saturday night, Hill was the most impressive player on the Cowboys’ defense line. Hill had a sack-fumble and looked very disruptive all night. Hill is still fighting for a roster spot due to the Cowboys’ interior line being so stacked, but at the very least, Hill proved he should have a roster spot somewhere.
