The Dallas Cowboys finished their preseason on the right foot on Friday, taking down the Atlanta Falcons 31-13. Brian Schottenheimer‘s squad had lost its first two teams, while showing concerning signs at some key positions. But in the final tune-up, the new head coach saw what he needed, mainly in a strong performance from quarterback Joe Milton.
Aside from his touchdown pass, Milton contributed one of the team’s three rushing touchdowns, with rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah adding one each. Both of the rookies’ touchdowns came from one yard out, so there wasn’t much to separate the two on that front. But how they got down to the goal line showcased why Mafah is making a strong case for more carries.
Phil Mafah maximizes two touches in final Cowboys preseason game
Mafah took a carry from the 18-yard line, powered his way through several tacklers and had to be brought down by two defenders. He punched in the touchdown shortly after. It was the type of gritty run that coaches love to see.
Those were the only two carries Mafah got in the game. Meanwhile, Blue received nine carries, but was only able to pick up 25 yards with them. Blue also got injured in the game, although Schottenheimer claims it isn’t serious.
With Blue slightly banged up and Miles Sanders dealing with a shoulder injury, Mafah may have made the Cowboys’ roster with just the two carries on Friday night. His power is something the other Dallas backs simply don’t have, and his talent can’t be ignored.
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