Cowboys News: The no-name NFL player who could make Dallas’ roster

More than a handful of NFL hopefuls were net positive in the Cowboys’ 27-12 victory over the Raiders on Saturday night, making the race for the final roster spots even more intriguing. A pick-six by defensive back Kemon Hall essentially determined the starting quarterback job for the Raiders, which should remind Cowboys fans and the front office about what could await in a post-Dak Prescott world, also known as QB purgatory.

Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn made headlines with shifty moves and exceptional burst, yet the running back room remains as cloudy as it was entering training camp. One thing is for certain, reuniting him with fellow Wildcat Cooper Beebe has meant improvement from the Cowboys ground game. Good, bad, and ugly performances, winners and losers from Saturday night, a player who isn’t even listed on the team’s website having the biggest play of the game, and five things the Cowboys learned about themselves round out an eventful weekend recap in the latest edition of Cowboys News and Notes.

NFL Preseason Recap: Cowboys’ defense stellar again, Trey Lance steadies to beat Raiders 27-12 :: Cowboys Wire

The Cowboys were able to close out the Raiders in Las Vegas for a 27-12 victory and looked much better during the process than they did against the Rams. Quarterback Trey Lance showed improvement in his second preseason game with the majority of the playing time while the Cowboys defense made plays again.

Stock Report: Deuce Vaughn among 6 Cowboys who improved chances of sticking in NFL :: Cowboys Wire

As delicate as the stock market, a players performance can have him riding sky high or down in the dumps. Roster cuts are right around the corner and a last push could mean an extended stay in Dallas or back to the employment line. Six Cowboys whose stock is up currently carry the upper hand for final roster spots.

Baldy’s breakdown of Tyler Guyton :: Brian Baldinger

Deuce Vaughn details ‘powerful’ day vs. Raiders, reuniting with Cooper Beebe :: The Mothership

Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn spoke about his “powerful” day against the Raiders. A concentrated effort over the offseason has made a noticeable difference in his quest for m ore carries. More notably, current and college teammate, center Cooper Beebe, get a chance to renovate and recreate a Dallas ground game similar to what they had in the “Little Apple.”

Good, Bad, Ugly: Lack of pass rush, Cropper’s cough-up among Cowboys concerns despite Lance’s elevated play :: Cowboys Wire

Winners, losers from Cowboys’ 27-12 preseason victory over Raiders :: Cowboys Wire

The biggest winners for Dallas this week carry the momentum heading into the teams final preseason games with cutdown day looming. The losers from the week must overcome adversity so that they can live another day as an NFL player. The biggest of the two are highlighted in the Cowboys preseason win over the Raiders.

Cowboys preseason position battle: Depth at cornerback gets interesting vs Raiders :: Blogging the Boys

Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland form one of the league’s best cornerback duos and are quite possibly the most dangerous tandem for their penchant for creating turnovers. Nickel corner Jourdan Lewis reprises his role as the team’s slot corner while rookie Caelon Carson has impressed many through this point in training camp. Limted roster spots could mean the rest of the room are fighting for one available slot.

Marshawn Kneeland early returns :: Mina Kimes

5 things Cowboys learned playing against Raiders starters in Preseason Week 2 win :: Cowboys Wire

The NFL may be in the process of phasing out preseason games in favor of a longer season but the exhibition is still a very important part of the evaluation process. Many teams are realizing the benefits of joint practices as reps and a more controllable environment allows for more opportunity but its when the lights are brightest that teams really learn what they have.

Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn wowed vs. Raiders. Was it enough to earn spot on 53-man roster? :: Dallas Morning News

The crowded running back room Dallas assembled is driving competition amongst the group and the pressure to perform is mounting as roster cutdown day is quickly approaching. A healthy Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle didn’t suit up against the Raiders potentially signaling only one roster spot remains. An eyebrow-raising performance by Deuce Vaughn may have potentially secured a seat at the table.

Kemon Hall’s Pick Six :: Nick Harris

What we learned about Mike Zimmer’s defense, Trey Lance in Cowboys’ 27-12 win vs Raiders :: Fort Worth Star Telegram

When the Cowboys announced the hiring of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, many wondered how it would affect the future of many players selected by a different defensive regime. As expected, a few players don’t seem to fit the new scheme but it hasn’t stopped a new crop of coaching favorites from making their mark with a new defensive philosophy.

Cowboys player literally not listed on team’s website might be playing his way into the roster :: A to Z Sports

A Cowboys defender returning an interception for a touchdown is starting to become commonplace in Dallas and a little-known player is forcing the powers that be to take notice. With a 69-yard pick-six under his belt, defensive back, and local product Kemon Hall may be playing his way onto a roster spot