The Dallas Cowboys played their first preseason game on Saturday.
Although only a few starters played, I paid close attention to the others that need a big month to make the 52-man roster.
One of those players is Deuce Vaughn, and boy, did he perform.
Vaughn looked sharp on Saturday, getting to the second level quickly and making defenders miss on the second level with his best run of the night.
Vaughn had eight carries for 50 yards and a touchdown. He added three catches for 6 yards.
Six for the rookie Deuce Vaughn! 🙌
📱: Stream #JAXvsDAL on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/OTYouZzA6b
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023
You can tell he runs with a chip on his shoulder, like at Kansas State.
He ran for 3,604 yards and 34 touchdowns in three seasons as a wild cat, with 114 catches for 1,250 yards.
“It’s hard to put into words, man,” Vaughn told Nick Harris of the team’s website after the game.
“I can’t take all of the credit, all of those guys up front were blocking their butts off all game. To get in the end zone in the first preseason game, it’s a testament to all of the work that’s been put in since pre-draft.”
He fell to the Cowboys’ lap in the 6th round simply because he is 5’5.
If he was a bit taller, there is no chance he would have slipped that far.
Every time he touches the ball, he looks more and more like Darren Sproles.
It’s what I keep saying he does: teleport through LOS portals and then, in space, humiliate guys.
Deuce Vaughn gains 15 more yards (ridiculous) after this (pic below), and on a single move that forces defenders to tackle each other —not him.
Small guy, huge impact.#Nightcrawler pic.twitter.com/5nlSagrLDJ
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 13, 2023
Obviously, this was only one preseason game against mostly backups, but my guess is that he will get the start this Saturday against Seattle.
That could be an even bigger chance for him to show off these skills again.
Behind Tony Pollard for the RB2 are Vaughn, Rico Dowdle, and Malik Davis.
Dowdle got the start and had six carries for 21 yards; Davis only gained three yards on four rushes.
Going into this game, Dowdle was probably a lock to assume the role as the backup, but things got interesting after Saturday.
With two more preseason games, a picture should be painted of who will be the backup in week one against the Giants.
Some folks even thought that he wouldn’t make the 53-man roster.
The only thing the team will have to live with is his ability to block larger defenders if he is in for a pass play.
I will be fine with it. Just chip and then go out to the flat, etc.
Vaughn has a burst to him that you can’t teach. Regardless of his size, he opened some eyes with his performance.
Deuce Vaughn. Shifty. pic.twitter.com/jVpGZr293B
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) August 12, 2023
Long way to go, but Vaughn, in my book, has taken the early lead in the backup running back battle.
McCarthy Playcalling
Mike McCarthy is now calling plays, and I needed to really pay attention to see much difference.
I understand it’s the first game, which may be a feeling-out process for him.
I only saw a bit more of a West Coast style, like they said they would test out.
We should get a better feel throughout these next two preseason games. Until then, I will hold my full comments on the head man calling the offense.
