The Dallas Cowboys rewarded Donovan Ezeiruaku with his first career start on Monday night and the rookie did not disappoint. Shemar James started his fourth straight game and had a solid game as well.
The two rookies were some of the few bright spots during Dallas’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night.
Ezeiruaku collected his second sack of the year and added three tackles, including one for a loss.
The second round pick back in April had his highest snap count at 51. That equated to 76.1% of the total defensive snaps.
Jadeveon Clowney, a 12-year veteran, got his first start of the year opposite Ezeiruaku at edge on Monday.
If this starting pairing continues to produce, they may turn out to be as effective as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence once were.
James had yet another solid effort in his sixth overall game of the year. The fifth rounder from Florida had five tackles, including one for a loss.
He also nearly had his second sack of the year, settling for a crushing quarterback hit on Jacoby Brissett instead.
Had James arrived a half-second earlier it might have been a sack, or at least a possible turnover.
The two rookies clearly had the better game of their class.
They At Least Saw The Field
Three other defensive rookies got into Monday’s game. Defensive back Trikweze Bridges recorded one tackle.
Seventh round pick Jay Toia, playing at defensive tackle with Mazi Smith being held out and eventually traded on Tuesday, got in one tackle and a quarterback hit.
Defensive back Zion Childress recorded a tackle as well.
Offensive guard, and this spring’s first round pick, Tyler Booker, struggled a bit on Monday. He played all 67 offensive snaps on Monday night.
But he also got flagged for holding on a drive that ended with a punt.
The Cardinals ended up with great field position and eventually drove for a touchdown and an early 10-point lead.
Watching From The Sidelines
Running back Jaydon Blue, offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, and defensive back Alijah Clark were all listed as inactive for Monday night.
Blue’s struggles to even be in uniform for a game are becoming a concern. The fifth rounder from Texas has only played in four of the Cowboys’ nine games this year.
With Miles Sanders out, Blue should easily be RB2 behind Javonte Williams.
But he can’t seem to get above Malik Davis on the depth chart right now.
Stuck On The Injury Report
Defensive back Shavon Revel Jr. and running back Phil Mafah remain on IR. However, Revel is reportedly looking good in practice.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has indicated that Revel could be activated by the time Dallas takes the field again against the Raiders in Las Vegas on Nov. 17th.
Waiting Their Turn
These three rookies remain on the Cowboys’ practice squad at this time.
- Traeshon Holden (WR)
- Rivaldo Fairweather (TE)
- Justin Barron (LB)
Gone But Not Forgotten
Defensive tackle Tommy Akingbesote, a seventh round pick, was cut just before the start of the season.
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