3 standouts (and 2 duds) from Cowboys loss to Seahawks in Week 2 of preseason
• The Cowboys backup OL could be an issue
• Jalen Tolbert looks like a different person
By Randy Gurzi
Cowboys Standout: Jalen Tolbert, Wide Receiver
Facing a third-and-seven on their first drive, Cooper Rush decided to go deep and targeted Jalen Tolbert. The pass was slightly underthrown but Tolbert adjusted to it and fought through a pass interference to haul in a 35-yard reception.
He wasn't done there either as he again made a huge catch on third down on the very next drive. Following a play where Rush had his pass batted in the air by Boye Mafe, the Cowboys were facing a third-and-four.
This time, Rush fired a bullet toward Tolbert, who beat Michael Jackson (a former Cowboy) for a 15-yard reception. Later in the drive, he hauled in a five-yarder on third-and-five despite taking a hit, which helped set up Rico Dowdle's touchdown catch.
Tolbert should have had another as he hauled in a low pass on third-and-four on the same drive. Originally called a catch, it was reversed after Pete Carroll threw the challenge flag. The refs said the ball hit the turf, but Tolbert had control, so it probably should have stood. In the end, that didn't matter since rookie Jalen Brooks caught an eight-yard pass to keep the drive alive on fourth-and-four.
By the end of the game, Tolbert had four receptions for 66 yards. The former third-round pick from South Alabama had a rookie season for forget but looks like a completely different player in year two.