Aug 29, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar (25) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Lance Dunbar obviously made it a very difficult decision for the Cowboys’ coaching staff to cut him. In this week’s final preseason game, Dunbar recorded 105 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also through in a nifty 27 yard punt return. But Dunbar struggled with a hamstring injury which ultimately cost him his chance to make the team. It’s believed the  Cowboys will sign Dunbar to the practice squad if he passes waivers tomorrow. The North Texas alum was the Mean Green’s all-time leading rusher and scorer last year.

The final player the Cowboys cut on Friday was Jamize Olawale. Also a North Texas alum, the big bruising running/full back was actually a converted receiver in college. And Olawale made the most of his opportunities in the preseason. He recorded 122 rushing yards and a touchdown in the four games, impressing coaches, players, and fans alike. Unfortunately for the  big man, the roster numbers just weren’t on his side in Dallas.

Now that the final cuts have been made, here’s is the full list of cuts from the past two days: RB Lance Dunbar, RB Jamize Olawale, DB Eddie Whitley, G Ronald Leary, T Pat McQuistan, T Jeff Adams, DB Teddy Williams, C Harland Gunn, G Daniel Loper, DE Clifton Geathers, DB Lionel Smith, DE Baraka Atkins, DB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, TE Andrew Szczerba, DE Ben Bass, WR Saalim Hakim, WR Danny Coale, CB Josh Thomas, FB Shaun Chapas, LB Adrian Hamilton, QB Rudy Carpenter, LB Orie Lemon and WR Tim Benford.

Now the 24 hour process of evaluating waived players from other teams, and praying that some of their own waived players make it through the waiver wire, begins. The Cowboys can place eight players on their practice squad if those players pass through waivers without getting claimed.

QB Stephen McGee and DE Marcus Spears both appear to be safe for now. Obviously, the next 24 hours could change that if Dallas decides to dip into the waiver wire.  The Cowboys are still looking for offensive line help and may not be totally satisfied with their current wide receiver core. Players like veteran safety O.J. Atogwe, wideout Deion Branch, and former all-pro Dallas punter Mat McBriar are just a few of the bigger names that hit the waiver wire today. Just because Dallas has a 53 man roster now, doesn’t exactly mean the cuts are over.

But for young players like safeties Mana Silva and Matt Johnson or wideout Cole Beasley, it’s time to celebrate.  They can now officially call themselves members of America’s team.

I have a confession to make.  I am human.  Now, I know that my preternatural proficiency with the English language may have led you to believe otherwise, but alas dear reader, it is true.  I would never lie to you, because, frankly, we’ve been through too much together.  And it must be known… you’ve sort of grown on me.  Not so much you over there.  I’m sure you’re a lovely person, but you just don’t do it for me.  I’m so sorry, but would you mind just stepping outside for a minute?  Thanks.

Aug 18, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) celebrates after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Shined – Brandon Carr, cornerback – Some fans questioned whether the Cowboys chose the right corner to go after in free agency. I think all doubts were laid to rest on Saturday as Carr intercepted two Phillip River passes. Carr could be the biggest $50 million steal in NFL history.

Shined – Cole Beasley, wide receiver – After quitting the team and leaving for two days during training camp, many soured on the undrafted SMU wideout. But the 5’8 mustang turned a corner emotionally and had an MVP type performance Saturday with seven catches for 104 yards. At one point, he was unguardable in the slot. Beasley played so well, one of the NFL Network announcers called  him “unbeas-lievable”. Cole promptly “upchucked” his lunch on the field afterwards.

Shined – Dez Bryant, wide receiver – Despite only having two receptions for 15 yards, it was a  play that Dez Bryant made that was then called back for a holding penalty that was the most amazing of the game. Bryant made a spectacular one handed catch in the back of the endzone that was so beautiful, you could literally hear the collective gasps of awe from the entire Cowboy Nation. It is a play one a handful of special players can ever make and another reason the team is willing to put up with Dez’s short comings off the field.

Shined – Jamize Olawale, running back – The former North Texas fullback is built like a brick house and has surprising quickness. Olawale powered the ball for 30 rushing yards on 10 carries and eventually into the endzone, which is no small feat with this offensive line. But even more than that, it was the little things he did that made him appear to be a better option then Felix Jones at this point. I don’t think that will happen, but I do think Olawale made his case for a roster spot in this game. His four receptions for 30 yards didn’t hurt either.

Shined – Mario Butler, cornerback – I’d heard good thing about Butler in training camp, but to see it in a game was a nice revelation. The guy made some good plays on the ball and seemed quicker than I remembered him being. Butler also seemed unafraid to mix it up physically making five tackles on Saturday. He appears to be a perfect complement to what we have on the defensive  secondary now and a player whose potential may pay dividends very soon.

Honorable Mention – Victor Butler, outside linebacker – Anytime you replace a defensive monster like DeMarcus Ware and then make a sack on the first defensive play of the game, you have to be at least mentioned.

Late Edition – Kevin Ogletree, wide receiver -  I realized after initially posting this article, that I left out Ogletree. After being so critical of him in recent weeks, I thought it amiss not to mention his stellar game. Kevin has obviously bulked up this off season and it showed Saturday. His four receptions for 60 yards, which included a strong 35 yard grab in traffic, really showed off his newly acquired toughness. If he continues to prove his worth on the field, I think he could deserve to win that open third receiver position.