Kristi Scales is the sideline reporter for the Dallas Cowboys radio network, and she talked about the Dallas Cowboys and her predictions for the new season.
The first question Scales was asked was which player besides Sean Lee would be the most important defensive piece? She believes that whoever can be the most consistent and disruptive pass rusher could be the key. Some of the names she mentioned were DeMarcus Lawrence, who is entering his final year of the contract, Taco Charlton and Benson Mayowa. There is one more player who is coming off an injury, and his name is Tyrone Crawford, who could be a crucial part of the Cowboys defense this year, according to Scales.
Scales added: “As for long-term for the Cowboys defense, it’s got to be middle linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Smith will share snaps with Justin Durant on Sunday night. Collins is already one of the best players on the team. He’s a stud.”
Scales was also asked about Cooper Rush making the roster while Marquez White failed to enter the 53-man squad. Scales answered that she wasn’t surprised because Rush had a fantastic preseason where he showed his potential, whereas White was prevented by his hamstring injury. She pointed out that White was already surpassed by Duke Thomas who would have made the 53-man team if it weren’t for his knee/ankle injury. That was one of the reasons the Cowboys brought Bene Benwikere from Cincinnati and put him on the team roster, explained Scales.
She was also asked who would be the better backup QB – Moore or Rush. Scales responded: “For the season opener, against a Giants’ defense that is veteran-laden and full of playmakers like S Landon Collins (five INTs last year), I would go with a veteran backup QB like Kellen Moore rather than a rookie taking his first NFL regular season snap.”
