It’s time for football to be played in Hawaii! The Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams are set to play tonight at Aloha Stadium, home of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. It’s the second week in the preseason and the Cowboys have a ton of things to figure out before cut-down day arrives. The Rams’ starters remained at home, so it’ll be interesting to see what the Cowboys’ game plan is.
Without further ado, here is this week’s edition of Cowboys Wishlist! Let me know what your wishes for tonight’s game are in the comments section below or tweet me @MauNFL!
Wish #1: Dak and starters get in the end zone
Last week the Cowboys’ starters on offense looked sharp, but failed to score a touchdown. Prescott completed four out of four passes for 23 yards, Michael Gallup had two catches for 19 yards and Tony Pollard showed us a little bit of what he could do with only four rushing attempts for a gain of 16.
Offensive line looked solid with Travis Frederick back on the field and a very improved Connor Williams lined up next to him.
This week, I hope we see a little bit more from the starters and I wish we get to see them score a touchdown. It’s only preseason, but it’s never bad to see your starting offense put six on the board.
Wish #2: Jon’Vea Johnson bounces back
Undrafted rookie Jon’Vea Johnson has been a sensation in offseason workouts and training camp, but he couldn’t take it to where it matters most, the playing field. Drops were an issue both in camp and in last week’s preseason opener. However, his route running has been great and he’s been able to create separation with ease.
His stock took a hit versus the 49ers, but I wish he bounces right back with a strong performance against the Rams.
Wish #3: Walk away without injuries
This might slightly contradict my #1 wish, but I’m not talking about starters only. In San Francisco, the Cowboys had a couple of injuries that might be more relevant than they seem. First off, WR Cedrick Wilson, who has a real case of making the 53-man roster suffered a concussion after playing very well and racking up 36 yards in three catches.
LB Luke Gifford, who’s also fighting for a spot on the team was having himself quite a night before suffering an ankle injury that will keep him out for at least a couple of weeks.
Every time an NFL team walks away from a preseason game without injuries, it’s a win.
Wish #4: DE depth continues to impress
Last week, rookies Jalen Jelks and Joe Jackson shined on their preseason debut. Jelks sacked the QB on his first play of preseason action, Jackson got some pressure in and both have had pretty good camps so far. Dorance Armstrong and Kerry Hyder have also played well. Taco Charlton got a couple of good pass rushes in versus the 49ers.
With Robert Quinn suspended for the first two games, I wish we continue to see quality play from these young defensive ends as they fight for the final spots on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster.
