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Dallas Cowboys Preseason Week 3: Three critical players to watch

By Bryan Spielman

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team out onto the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys leads his team out onto the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 10: Stephen Paea #92 of the Chicago Bears encourages the crowd to cheer during a game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 10, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lions defeated the Bears 21-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 10: Stephen Paea #92 of the Chicago Bears encourages the crowd to cheer during a game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 10, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Lions defeated the Bears 21-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Stephen Paea – One Technique, Defensive Tackle

Of the free agent acquisitions made this offseason, Paea might prove to be the most important.

He was a second round pick by the Bears, while current Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli held the same position in Chicago.

Marinelli had a good history with Paea, which is why Dallas targeted him in free agency.

Paea is a short and stocky defensive tackle, perfect for the one technique position. He has incredible strength and can get under offensive linemen.

During his first training camp as a Cowboy, Paea has given his All-Pro teammates fits. During Wednesday’s practice, DallasCowboys.com’s Bryan Broaddus observed the following.

"Stephen Paea continues to be a problem for the interior of the Cowboys offensive line. His power and quickness have been impressive as he deals with Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. During the “play it out period,” Ezekiel Elliott took a handoff coming to his left and was met in the backfield by Paea before he had a chance to even think about making a cut. Paea had beaten Frederick so quickly off the line, Elliott just stepped in his tracks."

Paea has gotten most of the first team reps as the one technique. Hopefully, he’ll play as well as he’s been practicing and solidify the starting job.

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