The Dallas Cowboys play their second preseason game tonight against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. You can watch it at 9 p.m. CT on NFL Network.
Here are three things I want to see from the Cowboys in tonight’s contest
Fewer Penalties
I know it’s preseason, but I was very concerned about the number of penalties in Dallas’ first preseason game. I’m sure most of the fanbase felt that way as well.
Sure, some of the penalties were questionable calls. Edge rusher Sam Williams’ roughing the passer penalty wasn’t a penalty. But 17 penalties is way too much and makes the Cowboys look entirely undisciplined.
When different players are committing the same penalties, that’s a coaching problem. Head coach Mike McCarthy apparently made penalties an emphasis in the offseason. It’s time to see that translate into an actual game.
Better QB Play
I’m not talking about Dak Prescott here. He’s great. I’m talking about his backups.
Cooper Rush started against Denver before Ben DiNucci took over late in the third quarter. DiNucci fared better, but neither looked impressive.
Sure, DiNucci was flying all over the field and threw the only touchdown pass, but some of his throws were way off the mark. The same goes for Rush, who looked even less accurate.
Will Grier didn’t play, so we haven’t seen all of the Cowboys’ backup quarterbacks yet. If he plays tonight, seeing Grier perform well will let the Cowboys breathe a sigh of relief. The lack of quarterback depth will be a major concern going into the season if he doesn’t.
Improved Cornerback Play
Rookie DaRon Bland had an excellent game against the Broncos, but he was a bright spot in a CB unit that looked lost against the Broncos.
I’m mainly talking about Kelvin Joseph and Nahshon Wright here. Both had some bad coverage plays against Denver, especially Wright. He gave up multiple catches for big yardage, including Denver’s second touchdown from 22 yards out.
Wright was a project when Dallas drafted him, but that requires some improvement into year two. He didn’t show that, and neither did Joseph.
CJoseph is fighting for a starting spot. If he continues to have games as he did against Denver, he’ll be low on the depth chart at best this season.
