Archer: Rolando McClain, Darren McFadden up, Byron Jones down in Cowboys' win

[Cotton]

Rolando McClain, Darren McFadden up, Byron Jones down in Cowboys' win

Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer

MIAMI, Fla. -- A look at Dallas Cowboys players who were “up” and those who were “down” in Sunday’s 24-14 win against the Miami Dolphins:

UP

Rolando McClain – He got off to a slow start in his return from a four-game suspension but he has done more the last two games than he did earlier in the season. He actually started the Cowboys’ scoring with a 12-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter.

Darren McFadden – He was questionable coming into the game with a groin injury but left no question of his toughness Sunday with 29 carries for 129 yards. It looked like he was slowing down some last week versus Tampa Bay but was able to wear down the Dolphins.

Robert Turbin – He signed on Wednesday and had seven carries for 35 yards and one catch for 3 yards on Sunday. That’s an impressive feat. What impressed Tony Romo more was that Turbin was on top of all of the assignments he needed in pass protection.

DOWN

Byron Jones – In his first start at cornerback, the rookie had a difficult day. He gave up a 47-yard catch to Jarvis Landry that led to Miami’s first touchdown and then a 29-yard touchdown to Kenny Stills in the third quarter that tied the game.

Tyron Smith – For the second time in three games, the Pro Bowl tackle gave up a sack, with Olivier Vernon dropping Romo. Smith also had a holding penalty on a run play. The expectations for Smith are high, so when he has poor plays they are surprising.

 

[Simpleton]

Jones is clearly better suited to being a safety, I just hope that fact doesn't lead us to drafting a CB in the 1st again. As for McClain, he's probably just now rounding into shape after dicking around all offseason.

 

[NoDak]

Jones is clearly better suited to being a safety, I just hope that fact doesn't lead us to drafting a CB in the 1st again. As for McClain, he's probably just now rounding into shape after dicking around all offseason.

He's played one game at CB after spending almost all of his time practicing and playing at safety. I'm not sure I'd say he's 'clearly better suited' for anything after that small of a sample size.

 

[Cotton]

He's played one game at CB after spending almost all of his time practicing and playing at safety. I'm not sure I'd say he's 'clearly better suited' for anything after that small of a sample size.

And he's just a rookie. He has been our best DB this year fairly easily. I think he deserves the leeway.

 

[Carp]

Jones got beat, but the coverage was still decent...I thought he was fine.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Jones got beat, but the coverage was still decent...I thought he was fine.

He even turned his head for the ball. He just needs to actually make a play on it next time. Most DBs don't get their head around like he did.

 

[ravidubey]

Jones got beat, but the coverage was still decent...I thought he was fine.

A couple of those passes were dead on. I think Jones just needs to learn the tricks to get WR's off their routes. Athletically his skills look fine.

 

[fortsbest]

I think the JOnes kid is gonna be great, particularly at safety. They need to out him there and let him become our next Woodson.

 

[Simpleton]

He got plenty of CB reps during camp and preseason since playing him at CB was the original plan. I agree that he was in good position but he gave up basically the only two plays the Dolphins made all game. I don't think he would be a particularly bad CB, but the fact that he has played so well at safety, and then got roasted twice in his first start at CB, definitely leads me to believe that the end-game with him is as a rangy FS who can drop down and cover TE's 1 on 1 if need be.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

He got plenty of CB reps during camp and preseason since playing him at CB was the original plan. I agree that he was in good position but he gave up basically the only two plays the Dolphins made all game. I don't think he would be a particularly bad CB, but the fact that he has played so well at safety, and then got roasted twice in his first start at CB, definitely leads me to believe that the end-game with him is as a rangy FS who can drop down and cover TE's 1 on 1 if need be.

I like him long term at safety, no question about it. Teams love drafting corners but I actually think a true FS may be harder to find in the NFL and provide the greatest impact. Plus I want to move on from Church, that guy just flat out sucks and gets beat routinely in games.