The long, grueling wait is officially over. It has been 223 days since the Dallas Cowboys last lined up and played a football game, but that streak ends today. The time has finally arrived as the team travels to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to square off against the Super Bowl Champion, Seattle Seahawks, for their first preseason game of the season.
Training camp practices and inter-squad scrimmages are great for getting the blood flowing, but nothing compares to the thrill of actual live-action hitting people who are wearing a completely different jersey, even if the game doesn’t count in the standings. Coaches are evaluating talent, bubble players are fighting for a job, and fans finally get a good view of some structured football. There is a lot to draw our attention, but here are five things to keep an eye on when the lights come on Saturday night.
1. Revel vs. someone else’s WR
Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. has spent the majority of training camp locked in intense battles against elite receivers named CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. It’s been exhilarating, but we’re all incredibly eager to see how he fares when he is matched up against a wideout we can comfortably root against.
Revel Jr. has progressed beautifully throughout camp, drawing plenty of praise for his improved technique and route anticipation. The coaching staff is excited to see how those practice developments translate into a live game setting against real opponents. Tonight’s game will serve as a nice first test for the year-two version of this young corner.
2. Who runs the ball well?
While Javonte Williams firmly holds down the starting running back role, the backup spots behind him are up for grabs. Jaydon Blue comes into this matchup carrying big expectations from the coaching staff and should have an excellent opportunity to establish himself early. For him, it’s about keeping his mental game sharp and picking up blitzes.
Right on his heels is Phil Mafah, a physical runner eager to showcase what he can do as well. It would also be wise not to forget about Malik Davis. If the backup offensive line can open up some lanes and give Davis room to operate in open space, he might surprise some people. This backup running back job remains wide open, and Saturday night is the perfect stage for someone to seize the momentum.
3. The backup QBs
The Cowboys’ quarterback group features a fascinating duel with the backup job currently undecided between Joe Milton III and Sam Howell. These battles are often determined by how well the backup can handle themselves when the unexpected is coming right at them. Making smart, quick decisions and delivering accurate balls are paramount.
Those factors are crucial and will carry a lot of influence on the tough decisions the coaches have to make in a few weeks. With final roster cuts looming next month, every good decision and well-thrown ball will carry immense weight in determining who’s seated behind Dak Prescott in the quarterback room.
4. Pressure from the edge
Dallas enters the preseason with plenty of unanswered questions about their pass rush depth, opening the door for Saturday night to serve as auditions for players looking to climb the depth chart and earn more reps. The team has some highly intriguing options to test out.
Rookie Malachi Lawrence will be a point of keen interest for fans as everyone waits to see how his raw burst translates against NFL offensive tackles. Meanwhile, veterans Sam Williams and James Houston will be playing with plenty of urgency, looking to prove they deserve their spot in the defensive rotation.
5. The new darkhorse
Every single year, a brand-new preseason darling emerges from the bottom of the depth chart, making flashy plays that catch the entire fanbase completely by surprise. Expect more of the same this weekend, which begs the question of who will step up to claim this honor.
Linebacker Justin Barron is already gaining serious steam after putting together a highly impressive showing during the recent scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams. In the secondary, safety Julius Wood has consistently found himself around the ball and making plays throughout the week.
If you are looking for an offensive spark, Camden Brown enters the weekend as a prime undrafted free agent wide receiving sleeper to watch, while everyone is still waiting on another UDFA, tight end Michael Trigg, to show out with some big plays. Who is your darkhorse selection who will turn heads tonight?
