Nine Dallas Cowboys that shined against the Colts

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Cooper Rush #7 of the Dallas Cowboys is greeted on the sidelines by Brice Butler #19 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after throwing a touchdown pass in the second half of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 19: Cooper Rush #7 of the Dallas Cowboys is greeted on the sidelines by Brice Butler #19 of the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys after throwing a touchdown pass in the second half of a preseason game at AT&T Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after intercepting a pass from Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 18: Orlando Scandrick #32 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after intercepting a pass from Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Dallas Cowboys. Orlando Scandrick. 7. player. 123. . Cornerback

I for one have been fairly critical of the play of veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick in recent years. The former fifth round pick out of Boise State never quite lived up to the potential he showed back in 2013, when he recorded career-highs in tackles (64), passes defended (12) and interceptions (2).

Injuries have certainly took their toll on the 30-year old slot corner, as Scandrick missed the entire 2015 season due to a knee injury. Last season, Orlando missed four games as he struggled with both hamstring and foot issues.

Then, during this year’s draft, rumors emerged that Scandrick was on the trading block. Although nothing ever came of it, the news surely motivated the feisty veteran. And on Saturday night, Scandrick reminded the Cowboys he can still be an impact player.

Although Scandrick officially only recorded two tackles in the preseason matchup with the Colts, the veteran flashed several times during the game. His biggest moment? When he rushed Indy quarterback Scott Tolzien, tipped the ball into the air and looked everywhere to recover it. Unfortunately, the ball flew out of the back of the Colts’ end zone.

But the point was made. Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick isn’t willing giving up his job to any of Dallas’ young defensive backs. If they want his starting role, they’ll have to come and take it.