Key ingredient backup players need to make the roster

[John813]

You only throw to 2 receivers ?

No, but both were the focal point of the passing offense.
194 of Tua's 259 completions were to those two in 2022.

What made McDaniel's offense hard to stop at first was the Dolphins using pre snap forward motion to gain more separation. Both Hill and Waddle were extremely fast. Giving either a head start wasn't fair, and the NFL banned forward pre-snap motion in 23 or 24-can't recall. But the offense relied around 1-2 reads and the pre-snap motion for their main target.

Trent Sherfield was also signed, and was with McDaniel in San Fran.

Mostert took off and stayed healthy as well, so Wilson went from the potential #2 WR, to being 5th or 6th on the pecking order.

It was like Miami had one gameplan, and then tossed it in the trash the moment they got Hill.
Grier was a bad GM, and while it wasn't a bad signing when top receivers got 30mil AAV, just one that didn't make sense.

 

[DuncanIso]

The best play Mingo has ever made was on STs.

He can dominate on the slant. Made two big catches.

Dallas has to be happy.

 

[Verdict]

Two guys that need to show some major upgrades in versatility and ST abilities are Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue. Their ability to make this team may depend on it. Malik Davis is already an excellent STs player.

Mafah so far in his short time here in Big D has not shown much contribution on STs. He’s not not fast enough as a gunner and has struggled at times as a tackler on punt or kickoff coverages.

Camp reports have said Blue has made a strong effort this summer on STs. Schotty has said Blue has worked on his ability to be a gunner on STs, utilizing his speed to get get downfield and tackle. But he still isn’t as good as Malik Davis.

If Mafah and Blue can’t be ST contributors, they are in danger of being cut.

I could see both Mafah and Blue being squarely on the bubble. Slight chance neither make the 53 man roster.

 

[Coogiguy03]

It may be that Sam W and Marist Liafau have both stayed on the team because of their ST play.

If memory serves me didn’t Sam Williams block a punt last year that led to a TD? I know Liafau is an outstanding gunner and kick coverage tackler. That has probably kept both around.

Really underscores the importance for young guys trying to make the team to be able to make plays on STs.

Totally agree haze they both play their roles in that manner, it's going to be tough. Sam makes a play every year it seems on special teams

 

[Diehardblues]

Well yeah. But…Camden Brown has been praised by Schotty for his STs work in tackling and blocking. THAT gives him a huge advantage.

Yep but Sat night he locked it down.

 

[Diehardblues]

I could see both Mafah and Blue being squarely on the bubble. Slight chance neither make the 53 man roster.

Yep. I’d be looking for help in waivers . None of our backups look the part.

 

[Diehardblues]

It may be that Sam W and Marist Liafau have both stayed on the team because of their ST play.

If memory serves me didn’t Sam Williams block a punt last year that led to a TD? I know Liafau is an outstanding gunner and kick coverage tackler. That has probably kept both around.

Really underscores the importance for young guys trying to make the team to be able to make plays on STs.

Our backup RB ‘s look like PS material. Blue more effective as a receiver . We might keep him just cause a higher draft pick than others and he has speed.

 

[KDM256]

They way our special team play has looked over the years, players aren't the only thing we need to evaluate.

 

[Bobhaze]

Our backup RB ‘s look like PS material. Blue more effective as a receiver . We might keep him just cause a higher draft pick than others and he has speed.

I 100% believe that Blue’s future with us hinges on three things:

• Having a complete grasp of the playbook including being reliable in pass blocking
• Stopping the fumble problems
• Being able to contribute reliably on STs.

 

[75boyz]

This is the time of year where rookies and other young players are fighting hard to make the final 53 man roster. Fans will often see a good pre-season game performance or hear of some great practice reps from a backup player and automatically think they have made the roster.

Not so fast. The missing ingredient for any marginal player fighting to make an NFL roster will usually come down to this very underrated thing: Their ability to contribute on Special Teams, and their ability to be versatile.

For example, if a backup WR is fighting to make the final cut, and they can also be an outstanding gunner on punt coverage, or can field punts or kickoffs reliably, they will have a big advantage over a player who can only catch passes.

A second big ingredient is versatility. Like OL and DL who can play multiple positions.

Conversely, a player at the bottom of the depth chart who is not versatile, and has no other skills that can be utilized, they have a distinct disadvantage when roster decisions are made.

So when you look at players on the margins, keep in mind how important their versatility and ability to play STs are in final roster decisions.

I guess the counter would be what is that player's level of play at the 2 or more positions?

I mean if he kinda sucks at both or maybe is adequate at best at both wouldn't you prefer a guy who was at least good at one thing to make the team instead of the meh/versatile 2 position guy?

I think I would.
I just don't think Mafah or Blue are good enough running backs period.

jmo

 

[Kwyn]

As a point of reference

WR5, CB5, S4. These spots usually go to players who are separating themselves on special teams

Here were the 2025 WRs and DBs who played special teams and are still on the team. I’m omitting Turpin as he is the returner and Fluornoy because after he became the established WR3, he wasn’t on special teams

Caelen Carson - CB
Markquese Bell - S
Zion Childress - CB
Trikweze Bridges - CB
Jonathan Mingo - WR

Here are some other guys who have played special teams at the NFL level

Ameer Speed - CB
Julius Wood - S
P.J. Locke - S
Alijah Clark - S
Marquez Valdes-Scantling - WR
Tyler Johnson - WR

So, anyone who has a pet cat DB or WR, hit them up on social media and tell them to go to Sorensen and volunteer for special teams.

I’m looking at you Camden Brown, Michael Trigg, Devin Moore and Anthony Smith.

Anyone I’m missing?

 

[5Stars]

I 100% believe that Blue’s future with us hinges on three things:

• Having a complete grasp of the playbook including being reliable in pass blocking
• Stopping the fumble problems
• Being able to contribute reliably on STs.

What could he do on ST's? Don't you think he is a little small for that?

Maybe a return man? But the fumbles. I really don't know about that player for sure.

 

[LouBrown]

I could see both Mafah and Blue being squarely on the bubble. Slight chance neither make the 53 man roster.

Blue gives you something that Mafah doesn't, and I don't think you'd have much of a hard time getting Mafah on the PS.

If they keep 4 RBs then they'll probably both make it but otherwise I don't see how you justify Mafah over Blue.

 

[Kwyn]

What could he do on ST's? Don't you think he is a little small for that?

Maybe a return man? But the fumbles. I really don't know about that player for sure.

He returned 3 kicks last year against Green Bay when Turpin was injured.

3 kicks, 72 yards.

 

[Bobhaze]

What could he do on ST's? Don't you think he is a little small for that?

Maybe a return man? But the fumbles. I really don't know about that player for sure.

Here’s an article where Schotty has made it clear where Blue needed to improve including STs. Here’s a quote from the article:

“Schottenheimer made it clear there is still real work to be done before Blue can be trusted as a meaningful part of the offense. Dallas likes the idea of pairing Blue’s speed with Javonte Williams’ power. ​

​

The Cowboys have openly discussed this offseason that Blue will fill a change-of-pace role that includes backfield work, receiving duties, and special teams responsibilities.​

​

Schotty has made it clear, Blue needs to improve in those areas. As far as ST duties he could fill. Kickoff or punt returns for one. But as you said, I think they fear he’s a fumble risk.
Link to article:
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...hottenheimer-warning/ae60973bd4d416c58ba65d83