The Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants in a 40-0 shutout in their rainy week one matchup. While the offense ran smoothly with the familiar names, some fresh faces dominated on defense.
Noah Igbinoghene and Juanyeh Thomas both saw their fair share of special teams and defensive action. The newcomers flew around the field, blocking a field goal and returning it for a Touchdown. Stephon Gilmore snagged an interception off the turf in an impressive display of concentration. Here is how the Cowboys’ fresh faces have lit their path for their time in Dallas.
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Giant Slayers: Fresh Faces Perform Well in Dallas 40-0 Domination
Special Teams Studs
The John Fassel effect is real, and it was revealed quite early.
The Cowboys blocked a Graham Gano field goal and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, and it was all thanks to some very fresh faces. Noah Igbinoghene is filling in for Kelvin Joseph’s special teams role. His presence was felt extremely early, and Cowboys fans rejoiced as he found the end zone. Juanyeh Thomas came across the line with great speed and sprung the special teams touchdown play.
Sometimes, the momentum can swing so hard it doesn’t stop.
Noah Igbinoghene’s first career touchdown lit a fire under the bench of the Dallas Cowboys. Special Teams was one of the surprisingly dominant features in Dallas’ 40-0 victory. Look for the Cowboys’ fresh faces to contribute greatly on special teams against the Jets next week.
Cornerback Room Elevation
The Dallas Cowboys might have the best cornerback room in the league. What more can be said about them?
Stephon Gilmore shined in his Cowboys debut, snagging an interception, recording several tackles and a fourth down breakup. His reliable play on defense will elevate the overall defense and the cornerback room. The 11-year former Defensive Player of the Year brings a special Super Bowl energy that carried over from New England. He has only scratched the surface as far as his time in Dallas.
Don’t throw toward either him or Trevon Diggs, as both players made clutch plays. Diggs’ pair of forced fumbles were reminiscent of Charles “Peanut” Tillman‘s play. Even sophomore corner Daron Bland got in on the action with a fumble return touchdown.
Gilmore’s impressive early performance should give Cowboys fans hype for the fresh face and the rest of the CB room. Look for even more improvement from players like Daron Bland and Stephon Gilmore.
Front Office Foresight
Few front offices have the anticipation that the Cowboys do.
It seems like every year, Dan Quinn is finding these new defensive studs in the later rounds and in the undrafted game. 2023 might be no different, as some very young talent flew all around the ball. Undrafted safety Juanyeh Thomas’ impact was felt early, as he looked like a seasoned veteran on special teams. Deuce Vaughn even checked in for limited snaps, showing off his speed.
Marquise Bell played very well in his first game as a linebacker/safety hybrid, knocking the ball from Matt Breida’s hands. While he is not a rookie in 2023, his young and untapped potential brings Dan Quinn one more versatile chess piece. Offensive linemen Chuma Edoga and Asim Richards held their own against the likes of Kayvon Thibodeuax and Azeez Ojulari, filling in nicely for the injured Cowboys. It’s safe to say that Dallas had a plan for any leak that could have sprung in this game.
The Cowboys’ fresh faces contributed on offense, defense, and special teams. Look for the young core to continue making flashy plays as 2023 continues.
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Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports
