The Dallas Cowboys improved to 2-1 with a win over the New York Giants on Monday Night. There are plenty of positives to take away from this game, but three players stood out and have earned themselves more playing time this Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
The Cowboys currently has plenty of injuries on their roster, but these past two games saw countless players step up and perform. Despite not having Dak Prescott, America’s Team continues to play well and keep the season alive for when QB1 returns.
Let’s take a look at three players who deserve more spotlight moving forward.
3 Cowboys players who earned themselves more playing time in Week 4
3. Dorance Armstrong, DE
After letting Randy Gregory walk in the offseason many people questioned how the Cowboys would be able to fill the void left by him. Luckily for Dallas, Dorance Armstrong has stepped up and played well this year.
The fifth-year pro has three sacks on the year and has made the most of the opportunities the Cowboys have given him. After playing less than 50% of the defensive snaps in Weeks 1-2, his snaps increased to 64% in Week 3.
While it is good to see the Cowboys giving him additional playing time each week, his snaps should continue to increase. Giving him 75-80% of the defensive snaps seems like a good number for a player that has produced all season when on the field.
Dallas Cowboys sack leaders through Week 3:
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 27, 2022
- Micah Parsons, 4
- DeMarcus Lawrence, 3
- Dorance Armstrong, 3
- Donovan Wilson, 1
- Leighton Vander Esch, 1
- Dante Fowler, 1
Having a crowded defensive line room may make things difficult to get all the rushers on the field. But, Armstrong is making a strong case to be the first one in behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons.
Other than his three sacks on the year, Armstrong also has three tackles for loss and four QB hits. Plus, he made a huge play on special teams blocking a field goal in the Week 3 win. The emergence of Armstrong is exactly what the team needed, and hopefully, we will see him on the field much more.
2. Jason Peters, OT/OG
After signing Jason Peters right before the season, he finally made his season debut in Week 3. He played only 14 snaps in the game, all at left guard, but made an immediate impact. Tony Pollard ripped off the biggest play of the game by running behind Peters on a 46-yard gain.
First play at left guard for Jason Peters and he helps spring @Tp__5 free for a big gain! 🏃♂️💨#DALvsNYG | 📺: @ABC + @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/TjWlhjmQ6h
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 27, 2022
Peters played behind Matt Farniok, who certainly does not look like the long-term option at left guard. Even though Peters has spent his whole career at left tackle, he looks to be a solid option at guard for the Cowboys the rest of this season. This proves his prowess, versatility, and ability even at 40 years old.
It would be wise for the Cowboys to put their best five offensive linemen on the field, and that would include Peters. He should be starting somewhere on the left side of the line, and with Tyler Smith looking like the future left tackle, the guard is the next best place for the future Hall of Famer.
1. Tony Pollard, RB
No matter how you feel about the RB1 title in Dallas, the Cowboys need to give Tony Pollard RB1 caliber touches. He played only 28 snaps in Week 3 and touched the ball only 13 times. It is clear he is the most explosive running back in Dallas and needs to be more involved.
His snap percentages for the first three weeks were 55%, 39%, and 44%. So why have his snaps gone down since Week 1? There is no good reason for that and it would be wise if he gets closer to that 55% total from here on out.
On those 13 carries he received in Week 3, Pollard rushed for 105 yards. He is averaging a career-high 5.6 yards per carry this year. Plus, his 6.6 yards per touch, rank fifth in the NFL this season. Pollard has been one of the most explosive players in the league since he joined the Cowboys.
Most yards per rush among RB since 2019
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 27, 2022
(min. 300 attempts)
Nick Chubb 5.35
Jonathan Taylor 5.23
Tony Pollard 5.12@Tp__5 turns carries into yards pic.twitter.com/y6VNfmcXRa
Elliott and Pollard should be forming a 1A-1B the rest of the year. With Pollard getting almost all the work in the passing game. Getting No. 20 the ball in space is a formula for success. Also, as the 25-year-old is set to hit free agency after the season, he has a chance to cash in with a big payday if Dallas continues to feed him the ball.
7 takeaways from the Cowboys thrilling win over the Giants in Week 3
The Cowboys got their first NFC East victory over the Giants on Monday night. Here are 7 major takeaways from the road win.