A matchup with high hopes ended in a disappointing loss for the Cowboys, but not everyone on the team should be kicking themselves. Jalen Tolbert had a phenomenal game with six completions for 82 yards.
The Third-Year Receiver Loaded with Potential and Playmaking Opportunities
Jalen Tolbert: The Player Full of Heart
When asked in a postgame interview about how the game played, Trevon Diggs said that the team “just didn’t come to play.”
That might apply to every player except for Jalen Tolbert.
Although the third-year wide receiver didn’t have any touchdowns, it was clear that he put the game on his shoulders throughout his play.
Dak Prescott, who went 27 of 39 against the Saints, didn’t have a stellar time finding his targets or placing the ball. Several times, Prescott threw into double coverage, trying to force a play out of desperation. Other misses were huge overthrows. Those were often Tolbert’s missed targets.
But in a fumble by Prescott, it was Tolbert who made a dive toward the ball and recovered it, coming several yards downfield to make the necessary play.
Tolbert optimized for success and found it more often than not.
Misconceptions About a Lack of Talent
A big criticism the Cowboys are facing is that there isn’t enough talent on the team. There aren’t enough star players to make big plays when they matter.
When CeeDee Lamb makes an incredible catch and then dodges two defenders to take the ball to the endzone, it’s magic.
Not everyone can be Lamb, but they can be available when he isn’t.
This is exactly the opportunity Tolbert brings to the team.
Play for play, many times that Lamb was targeted, he couldn’t catch the ball because he was surrounded by defenders. Therefore, his going four for seven in receptions makes sense. He couldn’t close under all that defensive pressure.
But his yardage compares greatly to Tolbert. Lamb had 90 yards to Tolbert’s 82. In other words, Tolbert has the capacity to produce just as much as Lamb. He’s actually even better because he’s open.
Teams know to go after Lamb. He’s the star player. But this provides open men everywhere else on the field. Tolbert capitalized on that, and he wasn’t the only one.
Brandin Cooks went two for two on receptions. Luke Schoonmaker was six for six. The pass catchers are available.
There must be an improvement on YAC for these guys, but as far as catching the ball, and being open when targeted, they are. They just have to be targeted more.
That’s a piece of the improvement that Tolbert can make.
What Jalen Tolbert Must Continue and Improve On
Tolbert has to continue to make those plays when they count. He has to catch the ball when he’s open reliably. Over the past two games, he’s shown that it’s something he’s capable of doing. But he has to keep showing it.
He has to prove to Prescott that he’s worth a target.
But also, he has to capitalize on those plays. Catching the ball isn’t enough. It’s what Tolbert is doing after the catch that can make or break his performance.
If he can continue his upward momentum, Prescott is bound to depend on him and more touchdowns are likely to be in his future, providing a much better result for the Dallas Cowboys.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
