Cowboys news: Marist Liufau, Marshawn Kneeland could be Day 1 contributors in Mike Zimmer’s defense
It’s still early, but many of the Cowboys latest draft picks look to be in positions to help this team early in the season, including Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau.
Through two preseason games, Liufau has been trusted in early game situations including a start against the Raiders that saw him play one drive and make plays in coverage, against the run and on a blitz package on the quarterback.
It speaks to the versatility that he had coming out of Notre Dame just four months ago, as he uses a defensive back foundation from his time at Punahou High School and the main Hawaiian island of Oahu paired with collegiate experience in the second level to be a do-it-all weapon for Mike Zimmer in year one.
“I would say that I’m versatile in that aspect of the game,” Liufau said. “That’s a strength I offer as a linebacker and as a player, so I play to my strengths and do whatever the coaches ask me to do.”
Saturday night’s performance saw him officially post two tackles on one drive of work, as his confidence continues to grow ahead of his rookie season.
“I felt great,” he said. “Felt confident in the defense and felt like we did a great job. We communicated well. Really just having another game under my belt made me feel more comfortable…I have great coaches and they told me to play fast and cut it loose.”
Compared to the beginning of training camp, Liufau said he feels like he has truly settled into his new life in the NFL and the expectations that come with it.
“I’m adjusting pretty well, for sure,” he said. “It’s pretty safe to say that. Just over training camp, I’m getting more comfortable with our scheme. It’s due to my preparation and how I attack my process day in and day out of training camp. I’ve built up a lot of confidence to be able to call the plays and do whatever I can do.”
Second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland is yet another rookie that’s quickly adjusting to game speed in the NFL.
Kneeland’s Ready to Go
Since the draft, a lot of attention has been paid to Dallas’ new offensive linemen Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe. But the guy drafted between them, DE Marshawn Kneeland, is having himself a preseason. On a night when All-Pro Maxx Crosby should’ve looked like a man among boys, it was Kneeland who terrorized his blockers and looks ready to be a key rotation piece for the Cowboys in the regular season.
Even back in April, Kneeland’s scouting report reminded you of DeMarcus Lawrence. He certainly is doing that now as a ferocious run defender. Like Tank, Kneeland still needs to grow as a pass rusher but the potential is there. His strength alone will win matchups against some and additional technique will only raise his threat level.
With Sam Williams out for the year and a huge question mark still hovering over veteran signing Carl Lawson, the Cowboys need Kneeland to deliver early. Thankfully, his work so far this preseason indicates he’s ahead of schedule and should be a solid rookie contributor.
If you make a 66-yard field goal that would have been good from 72, your stock goes up.
Stock Up | Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey
Realistically, Brandon Aubrey’s stock can’t really go any higher than it already is. The former USFL star earned first-team All-Pro honors after leading the NFL in scoring during his 2023 rookie campaign.
But hitting a 66-yard field goal (even if preseason statistics don’t count) makes Aubrey a winner in our book.
Aubrey’s mega-kick unofficially tied Justin Tucker’s 66-yard NFL record — and it might have been good from 70.
Sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy has had a ton of competition to work against all training camp, but proved he’s worth a longer look at with a TD against the Raiders.
Wide receiver (6)
IN: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy
OUT: Jalen Cropper, David Durden, Racey McMath, Cam Johnson**, Tyron Billy-Johnson, Kelvin Harmon, Deontay Burnett
Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Cropper are playing a game of tug of war for the WR6 spot, with the upper hand being passed to each other over and over again like a hot potato. Cropper had a drop and a fumble on special teams that hurts his case considering Flournoy had a strong showing and clearly brings a size element the Cowboys like.
“Boy, I’ll tell you what, just really the way he’s come in here, a small college player but he’s picked it up, very bright,” McCarthy told reporters following Saturday’s win. “The way he’s come back through injuries is impressive… He’s just a heck of a football player. He proves it every time he gets more opportunities.”
Trey Lance’s second preseason game was a step in the right direction, and he should see plenty of playing time in front of home fans again on Saturday vs. the Chargers.
It should be remembered that Lance is only in his fourth year. He never saw the field last year while serving as the Cowboys’ third quarterback.
His first two years out in San Francisco didn’t give him much time for development either.
He started four games, and only played in eight overall in those two years at that. Add in that he was knocked out for the year in the second week of the 2022 season.
He hasn’t played in a regular season game in nearly two years. Which means he’s had a lot of rust to knock off this preseason.
The good news is that, judging by Saturday’s game, he’s looking better.
The question remains, will it be enough for him to be the Cowboys’ backup quarterback when they take the field in Cleveland on September 8th?
Another former Zimmer defender is still available to join their newest DT Jordan Phillips and help the Cowboys front four.
Biggest Weaknesses:
Left Tackle
Center
Running Back
Nose Tackle
Add Now: DT Linval Joseph
While Mazi Smith had a solid performance in the Cowboys’ first preseason game, he’s coming off a disappointing rookie year. Additionally, the defense is thin behind him, with rookie seventh-round pick Justin Rogers expected to serve as Smith’s backup.
Joseph, who played for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer in Minnesota, would provide a veteran insurance policy at nose tackle. Also, the 35-year-old could help improve Dallas’ run defense, which was one of the team’s biggest issues down the stretch of last season.
Granted, recently acquired Jordan Phillips (6’6” and 341 pounds) has the size to fill this role, but he has primarily lined up in the B-gap as a 3-technique throughout his career.
