With the first preseason game behind them, the Dallas Cowboys did what they do best, even when the final score does not matter. Find a way to lose the game with nearly no time left on the clock.
Rookies and others looking for playing time had plenty of chances to not even make that game close. The Cowboys had four interceptions on Sunday and still found a way to lose the game.
Enough of that though, with the next preseason game against the Raiders on Saturday, it means time is running out for players who are struggling or on the bubble to make a lasting impression.
Trey Lance
Let’s keep it real, here. Lance was not the worst quarterback of the preseason, but he was not good at all.
Lance completed 25-of-41 passes for 188 yards. He was also the team’s leading rusher on the night with 44 yards on six carries. Him being the leading rusher was about the only positive thing he could hang his hat on.
Lance has good athleticism, no doubt, but he has got to be better at throwing the football. He was doing this against guys who are fighting for a roster spot.
Being the former 3rd overall pick, he should have no trouble picking these guys apart. He played three quarters.
If he gets the same chance this coming Saturday after Cooper Rush, if Lance does not show a lot more than what he did Sunday, he will be fighting to keep a spot on the roster. Just my honest first take, he is not a guy that could be a starter like most of this fan base want him to be.
Running Backs
Mike McCarthy, I don’t want to see Lance throw the ball 41 times again. 30, sure, but how about you try and get a feel of who could be the lead back when September rolls around?
The Cowboys had five running backs record a carry yesterday. The quarterback, unless you are Lamar Jackson, should not be your leading rusher. Mike McCarthy did exactly what he always does, he got away from the run completely.
Ezekiel Elliott did not play, so here is hoping he suits up this week and can play a drive or two. I would like to see big Mike stick with the run a bit more and just see what you have in Rico Dowdle.
Royce Freeman was banged up last week in practice, so it is unclear if he will be ready to show everyone what he’s got.
Eric Scott Jr.
Eric Scott may not have a spot on the roster if he performs like he did against the Rams.
He did have an interception to end the first half, but outside of that he was not very good. The Cowboys traded for Andrew Booth, who has struggled to stay healthy, but this might be the reason they made the move.
Scott got hit with an unnecessary unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Lance missed a wide open touchdown, I mean wide open. Cooper Rush is going to be the backup unless he can pull magic out of a hat, but he needs to be better on Saturday.
The running back group just needs more carries. Mike McCarthy has got to let these guys run the ball. Trust the offensive line.
Eric Scott Jr. has got to play a clean football game and maybe add another interception. He has to be better if he wants to keep a spot on the roster.
I am looking forward to seeing if anyone else will play this week, but these three are what I will have my eye on when the game gets here.