Three Dallas Cowboys rookies got on the field during the season opener and got their NFL debut game under their belt. How did the rookies handle the pressure of their first professional game? Let’s dive in and find out.
OG Tyler Booker
(Game stats- Snaps: 61, Pressures Allowed: 2, Sacks Allowed: 0, Penalties: 0)
Of all the rookies this week, Booker was the star of the show. The Eagles defensive line came inside to try and deliver as much pressure on Dak as possible, and although they came close, the Eagles never actually registered a single sack. Against a pass rush and defensive line as capable as the Eagles this is a huge statement from Booker in terms of his pass blocking. His run blocking looks as though it could do with some more mentorship but overall it was still solid. Booker helped the Cowboys establish a strong run game, contributing to a team total of 119 rushing yards at a 5.4 yards-per-carry clip.
Booker ended the game allowing zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and surrendered just one pressure across 41 pass-blocking snaps. That’s an impressive display of poise under pressure against a championship-caliber defense, and should give Cowboys very high optimism going forward.
DE Donovan Ezeiruaku
(Game stats- Snaps: 22, Total Tackles: 1, Pressures: 1, Sacks: 0)
Ezeiruaku was the subject of a controversial no-call when a big running play went outside to the left and he couldn’t disengage from the block and turn to make the play. The Eagles offensive line had a number of penalties that never got flagged which makes judging the defensive line a little tricky overall. But in Ezeiruaku’s debut he saw 22 defensive snaps and recorded one solo tackle. While his box score may seem quiet, he delivered a memorable moment in the fourth quarter, using a smooth swim move to bypass Eagles All-Pro Jordan Mailata and nearly forced a sack on quarterback Jalen Hurts. It wasn’t just flash, either, the play offered a promising glimpse of the burst and technique that made Ezeiruaku one of college football’s most decorated pass rushers last year.
CB Shavon Revel Jr.
Non-Football Injury list
RB Jaydon Blue
Inactive
LB Shemar James
Inactive
OT Ajani Cornelius
Inactive
DT Jay Toia
(Game stats- Snaps: 20, Total Tackles: 1, Pressures: 0, Sacks: 0)
Toia also made his NFL regular-season debut this week. The UCLA product played a limited but noticeable role on the defensive line, recording one assisted tackle. Unfortunately, the Cowboys couldn’t slow down Philadelphia’s running game, they rushed for a solid 158 yards getting 14 first downs on the ground. While Toia flashed occasionally, he struggled to consistently maintain gap discipline or impact the interior rush. It is his first game, however, and was far from the issue in stopping Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts from running so freely.
RB Phil Mafah
Injured reserve
WR Traeshon Holden
Practice squad
TE Rivaldo Fairweather
Practice squad
LB Justin Barron
Practice squad
CB Alijah Clark
Practice squad
CB Zion Childress
Practice squad
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