Dallas Cowboys vs San Diego Chargers: Keeping an Eye on the Young Guys

I’ve been using this preseason to watch the play of a lot of young players from each team. I consider the “young guys” rookie and second year players.

Here’s what I’ve seen while watching the game live, it’s hard to keep track of everything, but I’ll do my best. I’ll try to update live through the game as well, though I’ll be a few minutes behind to rewind some plays and check some things out.

Dallas Cowboys

On the first series Tyron Smith looks excellent. He’s had no trouble in pass blocking. Once he gets his massive addends on an defensive linemen it’s over. He’s also handling his own in run blocking. It’s early, but he looks very impressive. No one can question is athletic ability so far he looks pretty sound as well.

About the 9 minute and 30 second mark Tyron Smith was matched up vs Daryle Gamble and absolutely man handled him. Easily the most impressive looking player in the game. Smith also pass blocked for an eternity on the Romo to Witten touchdown pass.

Whew he looks good early.

Dez Bryant

I drafted Dez Bryant early in our NFLmocks fantasy draft because I expect a big year from him, but on the first drive he had a big drop.

Orlando Scandrick

not one of the young’uns, but just thought I’d point out that word is he’s been supremely impressive in training camp, but has had trouble with Vincent Jackson on the first drive (who wouldn’t).

Sean Lee

Hadn’t noticed him until the end of the first quarter when he got an assist on a tackle on a pass out to the flat on Tolbert. Not that the Cowboys are worried about him, but I’m interested to see how he’ll adjust to Rob Ryan’s defensive system. There he is again making a tackle on Tolbert.

Kevin Ogletree

Ogletree was very impressive last season in preseason and made the roster. He’s fighting to win the #3 receiving spot. He just caught a swing pass and gained 14 yards.

Brian Mcann

The second year cornerback had brilliant coverage on Malcom Floyd on one play, but Billy Volek was still able to thread the needle and get the ball to Floyd.

Floyd was rewarded with the catch, but also a concussion on the tackle from Gerald Sensabaugh.

Sean Lissmore

The second year defensive linemen out of William and Mary is working hard, but so far isn’t accomplishing much. Just an observation, but the Dallas defensive line talent and depth still seems to be lacking. Jay Ratliff is a stud, but the rest? Meh.

Barry Church

The safety out of Toledo had a pass interference penalty when he met the receiver too early on a pass play. I think Collinsworth said the team was hoping he’d win the safety job. Had his name mentioned a few times (not always a good thing when you’re in coverage). I’ll have to watch him more.

Stephen McGee

McGee played the majority of the game for the Dallas Cowboys and was ok. he completed a lot of short passes and ended up 16 for 29 for 157 (only 5.4 yards per attempt), but what he didn’t do was lead a scoring drive. The question is what would he look like with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin catching passes for him, it’d probably help.

San Diego Chargers

Ryan Matthews

First carry goes for a few yards, second one goes to the line of scrimmage. The Chargers are using Tolbert more early.

There we go excellent carry by Ryan Matthews busted through some tackles and dove for the pylon. He was ruled out at the 1 yard line, but after further review was given a touchdown. That’s a 1st round carry there.

Corey Liuget

Liuget’s getting the start tonight at right end. Got washed out of the play on a Felix Jones run on first and ten. But then burst through the line on a pass play only to get chop blocked by the running back. This is the second Chargers preseason game I’ve seen and one thing I can say about Liuget, the man hustles and never gives up. That usually translates into success when a player is as talented.

And Liuget with a sack and a forced fumble. Solid game for Liguet

Daryl Gamble

Gamble had a monster game last week, not quite as good so far tonight. Whiffed on an open field tackle on Felix Jones (so would I)

Donald Butler

Butler hasn’t made any impact plays yet, looked to be out of position a couple times on Felix Jones runs.

Larry English

This is a big year for Larry English he needs to step it up. If English can become the pass rusher the Chargers need the defense could be very good. And a tackle by Larry English the Chargers fans go wild.

Marcus Gilchrist

The versatile secondary player has a tackle on Jason Witten the tight end. The Chargers used him as a return man last week, but haven’t used him in that capacity today yet.

Richard Goodman

Goodman had the return role today. On the first kickoff he sliced through the Cowboys coverage team to gain 36 yards. Perhaps he’s the player who will boost the Chargers special team unit. He had 20 yards on his second return. Not his fault, but Volek throws an interception while trying to throw to Goodman. He’s been targeted a few times early already with the second unit and has tallied 2 catches for 11 yards.

Vaughn Martin

The third year player out of Western Ontario in Canada was the star of the Chargers defense in the second half. A half in which he 4 tackles and 2 sacks. Martiin has impressed in training camp and it was good showing for him tonight.

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