Dunbar Shines In Cowboys Win
{fshare id=2949}
The Dallas Cowboys finished the preseason with a 30-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins Wednesday night at Cowboys Stadium.
The Cowboys defense again kept the opposition out of the end zone during the first half, showing glimpses of the style of play fans have been waiting for since Rob Ryan took over as defensive coordinator. The Cowboys held the Dolphins to just 3 of 13 third down conversions, something they seldom did in recent years.
Linebacker Orie Lemon returned an interception 26 yards to give the Cowboys their first touchdown of the game.
Few starters played in the game, giving players on the bubble a chance to showcase their talent in hopes of making the final roster. Quarterbacks Stephen Mcgee and Rudy Carpenter each played a half. Each QB was able to guide the team to the end zone, though neither had the kind of game to guarantee a roster spot.
McGee was 9 of 18 for 124 yards. Carpenter was 4 of 10 for 48 yards. Both quarterbacks
were pressured throughout the night and were each sacked once and forced to run twice.
Running back Lance Dunbar, from North Texas, was the star of the game. Dunbar took advantage of his first extensive playing time and ran for 105 yards on 15 carries. He delighted the home crowd with a 58-yard touchdown run. Dunbar also returned 3 punts for 35 yards, including a nice 27 yard return. “I know it was a big day. It was all or nothing for me today. I did what I could do. Hopefully it’s enough,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar is competing for a spot with another North Texas back, Jamize Olawale. Olawale also had a big night, gaining 53 yards on 7 carries. Olawale also played well on the kickoff coverage team and made key blocks from the fullback position.
Second-year running back Phillip Tanner rushed for 48 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries as he tries to hold on to a roster spot.
Tight end James Hanna and receivers Andre Holmes, Danny Coale, and Tim Benford saw more action as they tried one last time to make an impression on the coaches.
