The Dallas Cowboys' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks was a mixed bag, offering glimpses of potential and areas for concern. While the final score of 17-7 might not indicate a thrilling spectacle, there were several key takeaways that provide insight into the team's current state and future prospects.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the game was the performance of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker's unit. After a slow start, allowing Seattle to march 80 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive, the defense settled down and anchored the Cowboys to victory. The goal-line stand in the fourth quarter was particularly impressive, showcasing the unit's ability to step up when it matters most. However, the defense still has work to do, as they allowed the Seahawks to gain just 156 total yards of offense and 76 yards passing. The unit's performance raises questions about how effective they will be against more formidable opponents.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys showed promise, but also had their moments of struggle. Sam Howell, the starting quarterback, was efficient in his Dallas debut, completing 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards with no turnovers. However, the real competition for the second quarterback position is between Howell and Joe Milton, who both performed well. Milton, in particular, showed off his arm strength, throwing for 107 yards and a touchdown off 12 completions for a 118.6 passer rating. The true star of the game, though, was wide receiver Camden Brown, who continued his extraordinary play from training camp. Brown finished with three catches for 62 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a highlight-reel worthy one-handed catch.
The Cowboys' special teams, which struggled at times last year, didn't do them any favors. Rashad Rochelle's 53-yard punt return set up the Seahawks at the Cowboys' 27-yard line, and a too many men on the field penalty negated a 19-yard punt return by Traeshon Holden. Holden then muffed a punt, allowing Seattle to recover the fumble on the Dallas doorstep. Despite these setbacks, the Cowboys' defense kept the Seahawks from reaching the end zone on four straight attempts, an effort that put a bow on a nice debut for Parker.
Overall, the Cowboys' preseason opener was a mixed bag, offering glimpses of potential and areas for concern. While the defense showed signs of improvement, the offense still has work to do, and the special teams need to be more consistent. As the preseason progresses, the Cowboys will need to address these areas if they hope to be competitive in the regular season. In my opinion, the true test of the Cowboys' depth and resilience will come in the upcoming weeks, as they face more challenging opponents and have the opportunity to showcase their progress.
