Number one, we know he can play STs well. Joseph was the most clutch player from last year. in the most clutch time with his FF on special teams. In my view, Bones saved this guy’s career last year.
We also know he gave up a play or two against Jacksonville last year. But that was while playing on the outside. This year, playing from the slot, Joseph had at least one pass broken up, which couldn’t have been played any better than it was played. The knock on him was finding the ball as it was in route. Well, he found it and batted it down.
I know some are still itching to cut Joseph. But I don’t think you can. If you cut Joseph, who plays gunner? Who can play slot in a pinch? Say we need Bland to move to the outside if Gilmore or Diggs gets hurt, who plays slot? The injured Jourdan Lewis?
Who can also play outside and safety in a pinch?
Love him or hate him, Joseph provides top-notch special teams play, and can fill in as a back up at several positions. That’s value.
Moving on now, let’s talk about Rico Dowdle. His fumble wasn’t as concerning to me as Turpin’s fumble. I agree that Vaughn looks ready to roll. But I want to see more Rico Dowdle. For whatever reason last year, they didn’t play Malik Davis in the playoffs. So, if you won’t play a player in the playoffs, why even add him to the 53? I liked Dowdle’s special teams return, and some of his runs looked pretty solid, outside of that fumble. I was sad we didn’t see more of Luepke, and sad to see one of my favorite RBs from last year Qadree Ollison playing for the Jags. I take it he went over there with the RB coach. Oh well. You can’t add every pet cat to the roster.
I was happy to see Turpin making a few plays. But he demonstrated the one thing I feared all along with him. NFL players are big, even the safeties and CBs are much bigger than Turpin. So, hanging on to the ball will be tough for him in the NFL. I suspect the Cowboys will roll with Turp. But I won’t be surprised if we somehow look to replace him or reduce his role as the season goes on. On that same token, his role could increase if he figures out a way to hang on to the ball.
Jalen Tolbert showed a marked improvement. I was high on him last year, then my excitement sort of waned. Apparently, he’s got game enough game for the NFL, though. He ran a crisp route and scored around traffic, which is encouraging. I’m also pretty sure that out of bounds call was actually a catch. Kudos for Tolbert. That is exciting.
Overshown. If we have one rookie who is over shown this year, well, I hope it’s Overshown. I predict he beats out Damone Clark eventually, although Clark himself didn’t look too bad. Harper also looked decent, but I just don’t see him in a starting role. More of a backup/ST role, if he makes the 53.
My boy Jalen Brooks was sort of shut down. I didn’t see much of Jalen Cropper. So Tolbert wins the Jalen battle round 1.
Mazi Smith wasn’t all that noticeable, but he did exactly what we drafted him to do: helped stop the run.
There’s a lot more, obviously, but I’m sure many will already squeal about the wordcount. So that’s that. My first write up for the 2023 season. The 2023 offseason seemed to fly by now that it’s here, and I’m glad it’s here.
