Dallas Cowboys Dominate Dress Rehearsal

Offense

The first team offensive unit started off slow with their first 3-and-out of the preseason immediately raising concerns. With Tyron Smith and Travis Fredrick remained on the sidelines those concerns were put to rest immediately. On the next possession, Dak and company marched 73 yards to score a touchdown. Prescott capped the drive with a 12-yard strike using his legs to find Gallup in the end zone. Gallup helped extend the play fighting through contact to get open and coming back to Prescott for the catch. This would be end of the night for Prescott who closes the preseason on 11-of-14 for 109 yards and 1 touchdown.

The first team offense looks to be a well-oiled machine as they cap their preseason with 17 points on four possessions. This comes all while missing Fredrick, Smith, and Ezekiel Elliott. Players such as Tony Pollard, La’el Collins, Xavier Su’a-Filo, and Cameron Fleming have stepped up and delivered. They have given the Cowboys some solid depth on the offensive line as well as in the backfield.

Pollard continues to impress as the clear favorite to backup Zeke upon his return and start if necessary. Throughout the preseason Pollard has carried the ball 15 times for 84 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and caught three passes for 19 yards.

Michael Gallup continues to impress heading into his sophomore year. Emerging as the team’s deep threat, Gallup is showing speed, toughness, and the ability to help his quarterback extend plays when needed. The offense should only continue to trend upward with the return of Amari Cooper.

Defense

Outside of DeMarcus Lawrence, last season the Cowboys struggled on the defensive line. The Cowboys frequently signed defensive linemen during the middle of the week and had them play that Sunday. This season Dallas’ front seven is shaping up as one of the deepest in the league. Taco Charlton came out hot Saturday night with two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Widely seen as a bust, he is out to prove critics wrong this season. Maliek Collins is also shoring up a starting role at defensive tackle with another tackle for loss adding to his stout preseason. Still missing Lawrence and Robert Quinn, this defensive unit has been stout, dominant and suffocating. Dallas could very well boast the top unit this season once reaching their final form with the return of Quinn week 3.

Special Teams

Outside of punter Chris Jones, special teams has struggled for the Cowboys the last few seasons. Last night, we saw a spark that could ignite the third phase of the game for the reigning NFC East champions. Joe Thomas blocked a punt recovering it in the end zone to extend the Cowboys lead 14-0. Not only is Thomas a solid special, but Thomas is also a very valuable player as he also backs up all 3 linebacker spots.

Cedrick Wilson and Darius Jackson made their case to solidify roster spots with a solid night of kick/punt returns. Jackson had a 29-yard kick return while Wilson averaged 15 yards on three returns. Wilson showed elusiveness, vision and speed in a 32-yard return down the sideline. Preseason or not, this Dallas Cowboy team looks deep and talented on both sides of the ball. Look for the Boys to make a run at the NFC Championship.

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