'Playing Big!' Is Cowboys Rookie Deuce Vaughn the 'No. 2B' Running Back?

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn has squashed any doubts over his ability to adapt to NFL football, and coach Mike McCarthy likes what he has done in games thus far.

Much of the focus this offseason post-draft was if Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn could make an impression and become part of the offense under coach Mike McCarthy.

Well, it took one preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars for many to think he could be, and then against the Seattle Seahawks, he reinforced those thoughts. 

In both of Dallas' preseason games, Deuce got loose several times and looked good doing it. For McCarthy, Vaughn has stood out even with his limited chances on offense.

“He’s done a really nice job of really just operating in the flow of the installs,” McCarthy said. “I think he’s done an outstanding job; it’s part of the beauty of these preseason games is you give these young guys an opportunity to see what they do, and he’s obviously played very big with his opportunities.”

Deuce Vaughn making the defense miss! @C_Vaughn22

📺: #DALvsSEA on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/GuVraGPwKd

— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2023

Vaughn's stats make for good reading. In two games, he has rushed for 64 yards on 13 carries and has two touchdowns while going at 4.9 yards a clip.

His lightning-quick feet, ability to bounce off tackles and make defenders miss make Deuce a tough player to get on the ground.

But how did he feel he played in his second NFL game against the Seahawks?

“I feel like I was more comfortable as far as playing faster,” Vaughn said. “Last week, I felt like there was a couple times, whether it was in pass protection or running the football, I wasn’t playing as fast because I was thinking a little more. But another game under my belt and I felt like I played faster.”

As he gets acclimated to the rigors and speed of "real" NFL football, Vaughn will only improve. 

With one preseason game to go against the Las Vegas Raiders at AT&T Stadium before Week 1 against the New York Giants, Vaughn will get another chance to solidify his spot on the final 53-man roster. Rico Dowdle is also involved as a No. 2 candidate behind starter Tony Pollard, and Malik Davis and others get one more crack as well.

One can envision that Vaughn might have a situational role as the No. 2 back ... with somebody like Dowdle (who "runs angry'') also having his situational role. (And no, we do not anticipate a Jonathan Taylor trade here, though it's fun to consider.)

For Deuce ... if he continues being "big" with his opportunities, then it feels like a formality that the "Short King" will play a part in McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense'' this season.

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