OXNARD, Calif. - The Cowboys will head to Los Angeles on Sunday to play the Rams in the preseason opener. There will be plenty of focus on every player who gets on the field, but the staff writers each picked two guys to watch.
Nick Harris: Who else but Trey Lance? The interview process for Trey Lance to be the backup quarterback officially started when training camp began, but the culmination of the last year learning the Dallas system and refining his game under Mike McCarthy's staff will come together on Sunday afternoon. Lance is expected to get a lot of burn, as it wouldn't surprise me to see him play in 70-percent of the offensive drives for the Cowboys. His athleticism, downfield throwing and decision-making will be on full display and judgement for his second – and potentially final big – opportunity in the NFL.
And on defense, we'll all be watching Mazi Smith, another player who will have a spotlight on his on-field improvements since the last time we saw him, Mazi Smith is expected to get reps in Sunday's game, and it will be big to go against a fellow second-year player in Rams center Steve Avila. Smith will have close eyes on him as the team will have a decision to make at the end of camp if more experienced help is needed at the defensive tackle position. For now, it's Smith's job to go and claim.
Patrik Walker: On offense, I'll go with John Stephens Jr: This time last year, Stephens was one of the biggest standouts in training camp and as a rookie. He was well on his way to earning a spot on the final roster before suffering a torn ACL that turned him into a redshirt. He's back, bigger and making waves yet again in camp but, this time, he's looking to roll that into and through the preseason en route to taking the field at some point during the regular season; but he'll first need to get back to the business of being comfortable physically. He certainly looks as if he already is, but his first real test comes against the Rams on Sunday, and he needs to continue checking boxes with a shot at the TE3 spot.
My defensive player to watch is Caelen Carson: It's not simply been a good or great camp for the Wake Forest product. It's been exceptional regarding his ability to press receivers at the line of scrimmage, to remain in their hip pocket out of breaks and releases, and to take the ball away when the opportunity presents itself. His work at the boundary in camp has been a sight to behold, as has his quiet demeanor that masks the dog hiding inside; and the cornerback known as "Seat Belt" (or rather "Seat Belt Carson", per Dak Prescott) will have his hands full against Sean McVay and the Rams' receiving corps in his first-ever preseason game. But, to be honest, the reality is they'll have their hands full with him.
Nick Eatman: Someone has to run the ball? I'll go with Malik Davis as my player to watch. He did well in his attempts against the Rams in practice on Thursday. And that was after Zeke and Rico Dowdle got a few turns. Who knows if either will play but it's doubtful. With Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman expected to sit out due to injury, what an opportunity this is for Davis, who often can be the forgotten back. Here's a chance to shine with a lot of reps. Let's see if he can handle the load.
And on defense, my pick is Willie Harvey Jr. I know a lot of talk is on other linebackers such as Overshown and Liafau, but they're making the team. Can Harvey get there as well? Let's find out but so far, he's showing us why he led the UFL in tackles. He's been around the ball in pass coverage and against the run. I want to see what he's got with these extra reps in the game on Sunday.
Malik Davis - so
