On Sunday, Septembeoys sufferedr 15, the Dallas Cowb a significant defeat against the New Orleans Saints, with the final score being a hefty 44-19. This loss was particularly challenging for the Cowboys, as noted by NFL writer and analyst Matt Holder in his September 16 article for Bleacher Report. Holder describes this Week 2 matchup as a “humbling” experience for coach Mike McCarthy’s team.
The Saints managed to build an early lead and maintained their advantage throughout the game, leaving the Cowboys at a crossroads with a 1-1 record and an upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens. In light of these developments, Holder suggests that the Cowboys should consider adding a former Philadelphia Eagles player to their roster immediately.
Holder proposes that the Cowboys should bring in linebacker Zach Cunningham to address some of the team’s recent struggles. Under the “add now” category in his article titled “Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 3,” Holder emphasizes Cunningham’s potential value to the team. Despite the Cowboys’ linebackers showing some promise in Week 1, they had difficulty containing Alvin Kamara in their recent game.
Kamara had an impressive performance, rushing for 115 yards and four touchdowns, along with an additional 65 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Holder argues that Cunningham could provide the Cowboys with the ability to better manage the running game, suggesting that even keeping him on the practice squad could be beneficial as a precautionary measure.
Cunningham, originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft as the 57th overall pick, has had a tumultuous career trajectory. After being waived by the Texans in December 2021, he was picked up by the Tennessee Titans. However, his time with the Titans was short-lived, and he was released in February 2023. The Philadelphia Eagles signed Cunningham in August 2023, but he became a free agent in March 2024.
In a separate analysis by Devon Platana on September 14 for Section 215, Cunningham’s performance with the Eagles is critiqued rather harshly. Platana describes Cunningham’s stint with Philadelphia as “forgettable” and notes that he struggled to make a significant impact. Over his 13-game season with the Eagles, Cunningham registered 54 solo tackles, four broken-up passes, and a fumble recovery. However, his performance reportedly deteriorated over the season, with a Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 59.6 or lower in six of his last nine games. Platana criticizes Cunningham for being an inconsistent tackler and pass rusher, and for having difficulties in coverage. He suggests that Cunningham’s job opportunities might remain limited until he can demonstrate a more well-rounded game.
In addition to Cunningham, Holder also mentions another potential acquisition for the Cowboys—wide receiver Tutu Atwell from the Los Angeles Rams. With Brandin Cooks, a speedy receiver, nearing free agency and set to turn 31 at the end of the month, the Cowboys might need to find a new deep threat for their offense. Holder points out that several players on the Cowboys’ roster have expiring contracts, which might necessitate prioritizing other players over Cooks. Atwell, known for his speed since his college days, could be a viable replacement. Although he may not match Cooks’ overall performance, the 24-year-old Atwell, who will turn 25 next month, could be a cost-effective option. He could add a deep-threat dimension to the Cowboys’ offense and offer a more budget-friendly alternative to Cooks.
In summary, after a tough loss to the Saints, the Dallas Cowboys are looking for ways to strengthen their roster. Matt Holder’s recommendations highlight linebacker Zach Cunningham as a potential addition to improve the team’s run defense and wide receiver Tutu Atwell as a future option to bolster the receiving corps if Brandin Cooks leaves. While Cunningham’s past performance with the Eagles has been criticized, and Atwell might be seen as a downgrade from Cooks, both players could address specific needs for the Cowboys as they prepare for the remainder of the season.