The NFL recently announced the full preseason schedule. The Dallas Cowboys will have two games at home and one game aired live.
On Saturday, August 12 at 4pm CST, the Cowboys will host the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Then, on Saturday, August 19, the Cowboys will be away facing the Seattle Seahawks at 9pm CST.
During the last week of preseason games, on Saturday, August 26 at 7pm CST, the Cowboys will be back home playing against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The August 19 game against the Seahawks will be aired live on NFL Network. It will be the final game of a quadruple header of preseason games to be aired that day.
WHAT WE’LL LEARN FROM DALLAS COWBOYS PRESEASON GAMES
Cowboys fans are certainly eager to see what the Cowboys’ “Texas Coast” offense looks like.
But if past seasons are any indication, we won’t get any real glimpses of it until the regular season starts.
Dak Prescott did not play in any preseason games in 2021 or 2022.
Last year, team stars such as CeeDee Lamb, Ezekiel Elliott, Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs and others also remained on the sidelines throughout the preseason.
But even without expected starters on the field, there still are a few things we can expect to glean from watching the Cowboys in August.
THE METTLE OF THE COWBOYS’ BACKUP QUARTERBACKS
Mike McCarthy said a couple of interesting things about quarterbacks during his press conference on Wednesday.
At one point, he talked about challenging the quarterbacks and said, “You’ve gotta make [the quarterback] own the offense.”
Later on, when discussing communication styles, McCarthy said, “What you learn over time is each quarterback’s a little different.”
He described a few different types of quarterbacks, then went on to explain, “As long as we’re adherent to what we’re tryna to get done, it’s [Dak Prescott’s] huddle, and when Cooper’s in there it’s his huddle, when Will’s in there it’s his huddle.”
We’ve heard a lot about how well Dak Prescott is doing with the new offense, increased empowerment, and communicating collaboratively with Mike McCarthy.
But what about Cooper Rush and Will Grier? How are each of them handling the expectations of them when they’re on the field?
There are some who believe Will Grier would have been QB2 if not for an ill timed hamstring injury.
This offense seems to highlight strengths of players in ways that are less familiar to onlookers.
Jalen Tolbert seems more confident. Zack Martin mentioned there being more of an edge. Dak Prescott seems even more in control and authoritative.
What characteristics of Greer and Rush will be highlighted? And who will appear most fit to be QB2?
WHAT ARE THE BEST ROLES FOR DEUCE VAUGHN?
There has been so much speculation about what is in store for Deuce Vaughn. I’ve heard everything from gadget guy to elusive running back to slot receiver to special teams weapon.
Some have even questioned whether he should be included on the 53-player roster.
Even though he’s done some return work during offseason activities and camps, he didn’t have all that much experience in that role in college.
Cowboys special teams coach John Fassel on Deuce Vaughn role: “Getting some punt return work in, kick return work in I think there’s some work for him in punt protection whether it’s PP or wing and then like everybody let’s see what he can do on kickoff.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) May 13, 2023
In 2022, what we saw from KaVontae Turpin confirmed that he was the best option for a returner.
What we see from Vaughn, whether he’s used on special teams or elsewhere, will certainly contribute a lot to the determination of how the Cowboys can best use him this season.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM JALEN TOLBERT AND SIMI FEHOKO?
With it being that there’s no expectation to see Dak Prescott play during the preseason games, we know these games will only determine so much about who will become W4.
There’s definitely a portion of a receiver’s value and efficacy that is determined by their chemistry with the quarterback.
But still, there are a few things we can watch for from the receivers that take the field in August.
Will Tolbert look as confident and comfortable once pads are on and communication is happening in real time?
Will Simi Fehoko show us that he actually can take on the “Noah Brown blocking role” he referenced?
Can either of them contribute in tangible ways to special teams?
At the end of last season, the Cowboys had far more to answer for on the offensive side of the ball than on defense.
Some of these questions have begun to be answered, and so far, almost all news has been good.
But there’s still a lot that remains to be seen in a more realistic situation. Even without the usual starters on the field, we should expect to get even more answers during preseason competitions.