The Cowboys lost their pre-season opener to the Denver Broncos, 17-7, at Empower Field at Mile High and to say this game was hard on the eyes would be an understatement. Offensively, the Cowboys couldn’t get going through much of the game, and to make matters worse their recurring issue with penalties was on full display. Dallas finished the game with an abysmal 17 penalties for 129 yards. Defensively the Cowboys played well in stretches but struggled in contested catch situations allowing the Broncos to put together scoring drives mostly due to the fact they gave up explosive plays on the back end.
It wasn’t all bad for the Cowboys, one of areas they can feel good about going into the week of practice is how their running backs performed. All three of the Cowboys running backs averaged at least four yards per carry. Rico Dowdle started the game and finished with 36 yards on nine carries. Aaron Shampklin mixed in throughout and finished with 32 yards on seven carries. The most impressive of the three though, and the Player of the Game was another UDFA rookie, Malik Davis.
Davis easily led both teams in rushing yards ending the game with eight carries for 51 yards and a very impressive 6.4 yards per carry. He also put his receiving skills on display adding three receptions for 16 yards a 5.3 yard per catch average. The former Florida Gator was very decisive as a runner, using his vision to scan for run lanes and accelerate through holes. He also did a good running with power as he looked to finish runs when contact was finally made.
Malik Davis trying to compete for RB3 pic.twitter.com/ky8hGtM0Of
— Mike Crum (@cdpiglet) August 14, 2022
Just doesn't seem like Malik Davis ever lets the first guy to touch him tackle him. Even in practice, you can kinda see that skillset.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 14, 2022
Davis had the third-longest play from scrimmage and was one of the few players who seemed to have juice when he touched the ball. It’s safe to say 11 touches wasn’t enough for him but going forward into next week’s game he should become a player the Cowboys continue to lean on offensively to get things going.
All I'm saying is nothing about that 3rd RB job is written in stone. Malik Davis having the best night of anybody wearing navy, for my money.
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 14, 2022
The undrafted free agent is still in an uphill battle to make the roster even though it appears the Cowboys plan to keep three running backs as Dowdle is the favorite. But the battle is not over as Davis looks to prove he at least deserves a practice squad spot.
He has had a good camp so far showing off his skill set both as a runner and receiver out the backfield. If he can make an impact on special teams that will go a long way to ensure he has a spot on the roster. He is sure to see plenty of work in the final two preseason games and with another impressive performance like he had Saturday he could really start to push Dowdle for that third running back spot.
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