I’ve never been to Las Vegas, and they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. In this case, the Dallas Cowboys can take many good things back to Texas after their first preseason win.
Led by QB2 hopeful Trey Lance, the Cowboys took down the Las Vegas Raiders by the score of 27-12 in front of a raucous crowd that had just as many Cowboys fans as there were Raiders fans.
The chips fell just in the right way for the Cowboys after they finally scored their first touchdown of the preseason, a fade route to the back of the end zone caught by rookie 6th round pick Ryan Flournoy.
Today, I want to just point out some random observations from the 27-12 victory that gave the Cowboys their first win of the preseason.
Trey Lance is Getting Closer to QB2 Status
Trey Lance looked like a completely different player from the preseason week 1 loss at the Los Angeles Rams.
He looked more decisive with his throws and decisions, yet still managed to impact the game with his legs. Lance finished the game 15/23 for 151 yards and one passing touchdown. He also scrambled for 34 yards on seven carries, showing his ability to extend plays.
Like last week, Cooper Rush started the game and quarterbacked the team for one drive before giving way to Lance. This time, Lance didn’t fumble away the opportunity, leading the Cowboys to touchdown drives of 78 and 88 yards long.
He has one game left to prove to HC Mike McCarthy that he is worthy of the QB2 spot behind Dak Prescott. If Lance can build on this performance, he will make it a tough decision for the coaching staff.
Cowboys Hit on Rushing Roulette
After a dismal rushing attack aside from Trey Lance last week, the run game was much improved versus the Raiders in Vegas.
The Cowboys finished the game with 137 yards on 31 carries, a 4.4 yards per carry average. Even if you subtract Lance’s production, the Dallas running backs still averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
They were led by none other than Deuce Vaughn, who made the best of his five rushes to average 6.8 yards per tote. Royce Freeman also found success, rushing for 32 yards on 7 carries.
Others like Snoop Conner and Malik Davis didn’t find as much success, but they were running behind what is basically the third offensive line unit in the second half of the game.
The Cowboys’ offensive line looked more cohesive and powerful at the point of attack, a good sign for the success of the group moving forward.
Defense Continues to Hit the Jackpot
For those who were concerned that the departure of former DC Dan Quinn would cripple the Cowboys’ ability to create turnovers, I hope you didn’t place a bet on it.
Last week, Mike Zimmer’s defense intercepted Rams QB Stetson Bennett four times, and a fifth interception was wiped out by penalty.
They didn’t create four turnovers versus the Raiders, but they did limit the big plays as promised, giving up a 46 yard reception but nothing over 17 yards for the rest of the game.
The defense also joined in on the touchdown party when roster hopeful CB Kemon Hall stepped in front of an Aiden O’Connell pass for the interception, running untouched for 69 yards until he reached pay dirt.
Zimmer’s defense is going to be just fine, and Cowboys Nation should be excited to see what’s to come for the 2024 season.
Brandon Aubrey
Brandon Aubrey has been a revelation for the Cowboys. After years of being able to walk away from the television when Mr. Automatic Dan Bailey went up to kick, it’s starting to feel like we can do that again with Aubrey.
After a 4/5 showing last week, with his only miss coming from 62 yards, Aubrey again showed why he earned All-Pro honors in 2023.
The former soccer player hit field goals of 54 and 66 yards on Saturday night, and the 66-yarder would have tied an NFL record if those records were recorded in preseason.
Special teams will once again be a threat in 2024 with Jon “Bones” Fassell’s unit continuing to perform like this.