The Landry Hat
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3 Cowboys role players whose stock is soaring after win vs Titans

By Jerry Trotta

Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (34) rushes for a first down past Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (34) rushes for a first down past Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the entire country watching, the Dallas Cowboys once again played with their food. Just like they did against the Giants, Colts and Texans in consecutive weeks, the Cowboys let an inferior opponent stick around in primetime.

This time it was the Titans, who were without several key players and started a quarterback in Josh Dobbs whom they signed just last week.

Given the lopsided spread and the NFL’s unpredictable nature, you knew the Cowboys weren’t going to make this an easy win. They’ve played down to their competition all year, and this performance won’t quell concerns among fans who worry about the team’s ability to play mistake-free football in January.

Still, though, a win is a win, right? While some folks won’t be in a celebratory mood after that slog of a game (can we ban Thursday Night Football already?), these role players deserve to be celebrated for their respective performances.

3 Cowboys role players with rising stock after win vs Titans

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 29: Malik Davis #34 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on December 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 29: Malik Davis #34 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on December 29, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Malik Davis, RB

Ezekiel Elliott might’ve opened the scoring on Thursday night, but it was Davis who marched Dallas’ offense deep into the red zone.

On the drive, Davis ripped a 23-yard run on 2nd and 9. The undrafted free agent out of Florida showcased excellent vision and shiftiness on the run. Aspiring running backs should take notes on Davis’ jump-cut, which left a (hopeless) Titans defender in the dust and allowed Davis to spring upfield for a big gain.

A gorgeous run from Davis, and it marked the start of a special night for the former Gator. With Tony Pollard ruled out with a thigh injury, Davis exhausted Tennessee’s defense to the tune of 62 scrimmage yards. In impressive fashion, the rookie out-gained Elliott on the ground on nine-fewer carries.

If you paid attention during training camp, Davis’ performance wasn’t surprising. He impressed from the start of OTAs and parlayed that into a strong camp and preseason, where he took 31 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown.

With the Cowboys potentially having nothing to play for in Week 18 vs Washington, Mike McCarty and Kellen Moore should give the rookie all the work he can handle. Not only will it keep Elliott and Pollard fresh for the first round of the playoffs, but Davis flat-out deserves the opportunity to start.

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