Young Cowboys make impact, provide glimmer of hope

Deji Olatoye had never started an NFL game, and came through with a pivotal interception in the end zone.

Brice Butler made just his second start of the season, filling in for All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant, and set career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.

DeMarcus Lawrence continued his tear from the left defensive end spot, registering his seventh sack in the past seven weeks.

Those rank as the highlights for the Dallas Cowboys in another loss — this time a 16-6 whipping by the Buffalo Bills on a chilly, damp Sunday in western New York.

Seeing improvement and development from their younger players in regular-season action is the only silver lining in what has become a lost season for the Cowboys. And those three are among the more promising players on the roster.

“It’s a good opportunity to see those young guys play and compete,” coach Jason Garrett said. “Good tape to evaluate.”

Olatoye, a 24-year-old undrafted player out of North Carolina A&T, made his presence felt late in the first half. The Bills had a third-and-goal from the 4, and Olatoye intercepted Tyrod Taylor’s pass intended for Chris Hogan.

Not only did it end the Bills’ scoring threat, but it also kept the game tied at 6-6 going into halftime.

“It’s just a confidence boost,” said Olatoye, who kept the ball and intends to display it in his house.

“It just takes my game to the next level. It lets me know I can compete in this league and I can make plays in this league.”

Olatoye took advantage of his opportunity to replace cornerback Morris Claiborne, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. And he became the second young corner to have an interception in as many weeks; Terrance Mitchell intercepted a pass last week against the Jets.

Butler also made the most of his opportunity, reaping the benefits of another regular being sidelined with an injury. Bryant missed his sixth game of the season with foot/ankle injuries.

For Butler, though, it served as an opportunity to find his way into the starting lineup.

On the Cowboys’ first drive, Butler and quarterback Kellen Moore connected for two third-down conversions, including a 27-yard hookup along the sideline. Butler finished with career-highs in receptions (4) and yards (74).

He and Moore almost had a TD, too, but Butler couldn’t get his feet inbounds on a fade route midway through the second quarter.

“Today was a good day, man,” said Butler, who missed four games with a hamstring injury and has been inactive for four others.

“I’ve had some big ups and downs by getting hurt and I thank the coaching staff for staying patient with me and trusting me.”

Executive vice president Stephen Jones liked to see more production out of Butler, but wants him to be more consistent in practice.

“He’s got to bring the same intensity to practice and to work each week,” Jones said. “Obviously, he’s got skills. It’s obvious to anyone watching the game he’s got skills. But he’s got to bring the work ethic and intensity level every week.”

Lawrence, meanwhile, is blossoming before the Cowboys’ eyes in his second season. He had one sack through the first eight games this season, but has turned up his level in recent weeks.

Lawrence wrapped up Taylor for a 5-yard loss late in the first half Sunday to extend his roll.

“He comes to work every day,” Garrett said of Lawrence. “He practices hard, practices the right way. When the game starts, he plays hard and he shows up. He’ll continue to get better and better.”

The Cowboys hope that all of their younger players have flash plays in next week’s season finale, as Olatoye, Butler and Lawrence did Sunday. It builds confidence for the players, of course, and adds desired depth at those positions going forward.

As Olatoye said, “I believe I have a good opportunity to be in this league for a while if I just continue to work hard and take coaching.”

This story was originally published December 27, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Young Cowboys make impact, provide glimmer of hope."