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The Dallas Cowboys are looking to remain undefeated as they prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT at State Farm Stadium.
The Cowboys have dominated their competition on both sides of the ball, lighting the scoreboard for 70 points on offense, while their defense has held its opponents to 10. With the Cardinals showing some progress, yet still struggling at 0-2, the Cowboys appear well-suited to achieve their goal.
Though many of Dallas’ most notables are expected to garner some attention during this upcoming matchup, here are three players that might raise an eyebrow when the Cowboys take the field against the Cardinals.
DaRon Bland
Having lost their top boundary corner, Trevon Diggs, to a torn ACL during Thursday's practice - and with the official move on Saturday of Diggs to IR - the Cowboys will turn to Bland to fill the void against the Cardinals on Sunday. Known primarily for his prowess in defending slot receivers, the Fresno State product also demonstrates a sound ability to make tackles downfield, and even along the perimeter.
Accordingly, the 6-0, 197-pound cornerback should see an increase in his usage when defending boundary targets such as Marquise Brown and rookie Michael Wilson. Though Bland started the season at slot corner -- earning an interception and a pass breakup in 62 coverage snaps -- his usage will significantly increase opposite veteran Stephon Gilmore on the outside, with Jourdan Lewis expected to take over in the slot.
Tony Pollard
Just two games into his tenure as Dallas’ lead back, Pollard has seen a significant increase in his workload. The former Memphis Tiger set career highs both in rushes (25) and catches (seven) in the Cowboys’ 30-10 victory over the New York Jets in Week 2. Accordingly, the added duties, along with some extra physical wear and tear, reportedly led to some slight reduction of his practice reps.
However, Pollard should be able to flex his dual-threat capabilities against Arizona’s defense. In Week 2, Pollard averaged just 2.9 yards per carry, and a mean of 3.4 yards per play when factoring his catches into the mix. The Cowboys were forced to settle for field goals on four trips inside the 20-yard line. Pollard will be looking to increase those totals against the Cardinals, as well as Dallas’ productivity in the red zone.
Luke Schoonmaker
Though a bout with plantar fasciitis kept him from the field to start training camp, the Cowboys second-round selection (No. 58 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft has been a key component of the Cowboys' blocking game. He has also been a strong fit in coach Brian Schottenheimer’s 12-personnel designs as a weapon off of play-action.
The 6-6, 250-pound tight end is at his best when attacking up the seams, in the flats, or on crossing routes. The Cowboys have leaned heavily on their tight ends in the red zone. While Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot will continue to get the first and second looks from quarterback Dak Prescott, look for Schoonmaker to threaten the Cards' defense inside the 20, and perhaps snag his second touchdown in as many games.
More must-reads:
- Extension for Jared Goff could set the Lions up for major failure
- Four RBs who could be the NFL's next breakout star
- The 'NFL MVP runners-up' quiz
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