Which Young Cowboys Impress in Preseason Loss vs. Jags? Notebook
It was a rookie and second-year showcase for the Dallas Cowboys in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Despite a mistake-filled day in what ended as a 28-23 loss, Cowboys fans have tons to feel excited about.
With most of the offensive and defensive starters watching from the sidelines, Dallas' young guns got their chances to shine, which is what preseason is all about.
Here's who and what stood out during Saturday's action:
Deuce gets loose, makes case for RB2 role
Once the second half got underway, sixth-round rookie running back Deuce Vaughn started to catch his stride before finishing with a team-high eight carries for 50 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for six yards.
His 26-yard run at the end the third quarter allowed the small-sized back to show off his speed and quickness before he made his way into the end zone to cap off the drive a few plays later.
After Saturday's strong showing, Vaughn could be giving the coaching staff a tough choice on if he or Malik Davis should be backing up Tony Pollard.
Overshown impresses
Whether it was leading the pre-game huddle or making a huge hit to stop a 3rd and 1 in the first quarter, rookie linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made his voice, presence and energy felt during his NFL debut on Saturday. He finished with six total tackles, which led the way for Dallas during most of the first half.
Overshown made another big hit on the right sideline to stop the Jags tight end well short of the line to gain on 3rd and 9 in the opening quarter. Displaying a nose for the ball and a hard-hitting attitude, the third-round pick looked the part.
Rocky day for KaVontae
Second-year receiver/returner KaVontae Turpin flashed his skills last season, and is set for a bigger role on offense this year. However, the Pro Bowl return man struggled a bit on Saturday, fumbling a punt return midway through the first quarter that eventually led to a Jags touchdown. He also dropped low-thrown pass from quarterback Will Grier, but a drop is a drop for a guy set to take on more reps at receiver.
Turpin made up for it with a diving, 15-yard catch on fourth down at end of half that led to Dallas' first points of the game. Better to get these mistakes off of his chest during the preseason.
Jake Ferguson ready for TE1 duties?
With Dalton Schultz now the man for the Houston Texans, Ferguson is set to be the starting tight end in his second season. It's just the first preseason game, but he showed fans why they should feel confident in him.
Ferguson, who finished with three catches for 38 yards, made tough catches, including one in the air that resulted in a flag after a helmet-to-helmet hit from the Jags defender. Ferguson hung on anyways and hardly looked rattled from the big hit.
Ferguson showed flashes as a rookie, and looks set to produce even more this season.
Mazi Smith gets tons of reps
Lingering knee issues weren't going to keep Dallas' first-round pick off the field in his NFL debut, even if it is just preseason.
He played deep into the second quarter, and though he finished with just one tackle on the stat sheet, Smith was consistently helping plug the lane with his massive frame. Look for him to make a bigger impact as the preseason treads on.
Jalen Tolbert set for breakout?
After a struggle-filled rookie year, a lot is expected of Tolbert this season, but he showed confidence on Saturday and impressed even on the plays that didn't count.
He had big 30-yard catch on the left sidelines at the end of the second quarter that was called back due to offensive pass interference, but got his redemption a few plays later after getting open through the middle of the red zone for a score to finally put Dallas on the board.
Tolbert finished with two catches for 29 yards and the score. He could be set for even more production in Dallas' second preseason game.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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