Everyone’s favorite punching bag, cornerback Andrew Booth, finally punched back. Booth picked off a Cooper Rush pass early in the Cowboys’ preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, returning it 40 yards for what wound up being Dallas’ only touchdown of the game.

Little went well for the Cowboys on Saturday night, and even Booth’s initial play wasn’t drawing praise. On the contrary, as was often the case last year, Booth was quickly targeted for criticism.

But what a difference a play makes!

Booth has had a rough go since the Cowboys dumped Nahshon Wright for him in a trade of disappointing draft picks. He struggled during regular-season action last year, often seen trailing a receiver or giving up a big play, and became one of the most maligned members of the roster.

But despite spending most of the back half of 2024 on the practice squad, Booth returned this offseason with a real chance at making the roster. With all of Trevon Diggs, Caelen Carson, Josh Butler, and Shavon Revel questionable to start the year, Booth is one of several contenders for those temporary roster spots.

One play, even a pick-six, is hardly enough to seal that deal. But on a night when the Cowboys have little to feel good about, Andrew Booth’s big moment at least offers something positive. It’s especially heartwarming given the player and the tough run he’s had so far in Dallas. If it helps spark some renewed confidence in the former second-round pick, all the better if he winds up playing in some real games.