And just like that, the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason is over. They couldn’t pull off the sweep and stay undefeated, but they made it interesting. After falling behind 24-9 after three quarters, the team fought back and tied it before the New Orleans Saints added a field goal late to prevail 27-24. It had the typical unexciting third-preseason game aura, but there were things worth noting. Here are 10 thoughts on Friday night’s action.
1. The other side of the Barham
Last week, third-round rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham dazzled in his
preseason debut. He was smashing, crashing, and all kinds of violent stuff. In this game, we saw a little more of the uncontrolled version of his play style as he attacked a little more recklessly. On a few different occasions, blockers took advantage of his overaggressiveness and just pushed him a smidge off the mark, causing him to run himself out of the play.
2. Milton was a tad off
The first two preseason games were breaths of fresh air for those who have watched the third-year quarterback struggle during his time in Dallas. He’s looked immensely better with his poise in the pocket and accuracy, but against the Saints we saw a little of the old Milton. He had multiple passes deflected at the line of scrimmage and missed a wide-open receiver when he airmailed it way over his head. It’s not a big deal, but it would have been nice to see the team’s new backup finish the preseason on a high note.
3. Howell about that!
It’s been the Milton show for the first two preseason games, but just as the young quarterback cracked open the door just slightly, veteran quarterback Sam Howell burst through with a final plea to show he belongs on the roster. Howell had his best preseason game, going 12 for 18 for 155 yards and two touchdowns in a very impressive second half. He led two straight touchdown drives in the fourth quarter, and tied the game by running the ball in for a successful two-point conversion. Just like that, the quarterback battle has been spruced up.
4. Brown is human
With no Jonathan Mingo suiting up, that essentially seals the deal for him to secure the WR5 spot, but that doesn’t mean undrafted free agent rookie Camden Brown doesn’t still have a chance. He’s been putting up highlight plays in each preseason game, so why would this one be any different? Brown had a nice 27-yard catch on a key third-down play to keep the drive going. He also had an uncharacteristic drop on a perfectly thrown slant route, but his body of work has still been impressive.
5. Another undrafted WR
The Cowboys didn’t have many big plays in this one, but it was nice to see undrafted free agent wide receiver Jordan Hudson put together a good game. He led the game in receiving with four catches for 97 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. While all eyes have been on Brown, the Cowboys gave Hudson the same amount of money, and don’t forget that Anthony Smith was a seventh-round pick. Between all these young receivers, there’s a good chance at least two make it through waivers if they’re cut.
6. RB2 and RB3 decided
It appears that the Cowboys have settled on their first three running backs on the depth chart. Starter Javonte Williams didn’t play at all in the preseason, and both Malik Davis and Jaydon Blue didn’t play on Friday. Instead, the team gave the work to Phil Mafah, who ran hard on 12 carries for 46 yards (3.8 ypc), while Israel Abanikanda ran the ball seven times for 16 yards (2.3 ypc). The team was getting the other guys a shot to strut their stuff, but if they are to remain with the team, it’s most likely going to be on the practice squad.
7. Shelton’s improvement
It’s been a rough go for the team’s fourth-round rookie Drew Shelton. He’s struggled with his footwork, his hand usage, basically everything. Defenders have been getting past him with ease. But he’s young and still developing, and took a nice step forward, doing a much better job staying in front of the defender. He set a wider base, used his arms better, and secured blocks for most of the evening. According to PFF, he didn’t allow a single pressure on 19 pass-blocking snaps in the first half. That was a promising showing.
8. The center swap
Usually, it’s been Nick Leverett at center (minus the small reps T.J. Bass has played) with Trevor Keegan at left guard. In the second half, Keegan played center while Leverett slid over to guard. Both looked good on initial review, and the team continues to tinker with different arrangements. Keegan playing center adds a new element to the equation, which will only complicate the tough decisions the Cowboys’ coaching staff has to make to find their offensive line group. Second-year lineman Ajani Cornelius sat out with knee soreness, so he remains in the mix.
9. Fighting Sammy
Outside linebacker Sam Williams entered this game as a fringe player trying to make the team at a crowded position. In this game, he was in the middle of a lot of the action, but at times he couldn’t finish the play. Several times, he got his mitts on ball carriers, but they escaped and kept running. He did make plays later in the game, including a nice sack when he flew around the edge. The veteran needed a good showing to give himself a better chance to make the squad, but it’s unclear if he did enough to punch his ticket on the roster.
10. Don’t forget about Wheat
Veteran practice-squader Tyrus Wheat is routinely forgotten, and he’s again an afterthought considering how deep the team’s edge rushing group is. Despite his longshot odds, he keeps fighting. He shows up regularly on special teams and came away with a nice sack in this game. It seems like he’ll again be cut loose and brought back, but file his name away in the “shocking roster decision” should he surprise everyone and make the team. It’s happened once, it could happen again.
