Knee-Jerk reactions from the Cowboys first preseason loss
By Angel Torres
Knee-Jerk Reaction: The Defense
Quinton Bohanna is a player to keep an eye on. There were plays where the double team was able to push him back. Instead of trying to anchor down, he would go with the block and try and shed them. The problem with this is he was shedding 3-4 yards too late.
On the opposite side, there were moments when players tried to block him one on one and he was a load to handle just because of his sheer size. If the big guy can control the line of scrimmage, the Cowboys could have finally found their plug.
Contrary to his size, he did not wear down in the game like most big men usually do. He might be the zero technique but having him rotate as a one technique could be in his future.
Nahshon Wright is an interesting prospect. He is fast enough to keep up with pure speed but I think he will struggle against smaller quicker receivers. I think it was wise for this coaching staff to have him get his lumps going up against a bigger receiver in Chase Claypool.
I would have liked for him to put his hands on the receiver at the line of scrimmage but his ability to turn and run is impressive. Claypool might have caught the pass but this young corner is very aware of his surroundings.
My thoughts on linebacker value are well documented. With that said, the Dallas Cowboys might have found their perfect linebacker. This front office has done very little to cover up their backers in seasons past. Parsons might have the all-around speed to become a factor even when he is left uncovered.
The defense needs more work but it was refreshing to see young guys make open-field tackles. Speaking of the defense, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn deserves some credit. The defense wasn’t as sloppy as we have been accustomed to seeing. Players were lined up correctly for the most part and there wasn’t an array of confusion or shoulder shrugging coming from players right before the snap.