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What we learned from the Cowboys first preseason game.
The Cowboys saw there first preseason action on Thursday night. Here are ten quick observations from their game with the Arizona Cardinals.
1. Can I have some Moore?
Fans got their first look at the Cowboys backup quarterback Kellen Moore since 2015 as he played the first half of the game. He was on target with a lot of his throws, but really never stepped into the pocket and threw the ball in the middle of the field. Most of his passes were short dump offs or lobs over the top. While he did connect with Brice Butler on a couple big pass plays, both passes were off a bit. One was under thrown, the other was overthrown. Had he hit Butler in stride, either pass could have resulted in a touchdown.
2. Morris vs. McFadden
Alfred Morris had running lanes. Darren McFadden did not. Now was this attributed solely to what the offensive line was doing, or was the running back making his own space. Morris exhibits great patience and waits for the openings. He took full advantage of this as he ran the ball seven times for 42 yards. McFadden had three carries for minus three yards. I’m not reading too much into this, but it’s good to see Morris run like he did in Washington. Of course he started out doing that last season to and still fizzled late.
Clarence Hill Jr. went with this line of logic:
Alfred Morris with the 25 yard game as the Cowboys are likely showcasing him for a trade.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 4, 2017
Maybe that’s the intent here. Or maybe the team is still letting everyone compete with each other like they preach all the time. Whatever the case, you have to like how the Cowboys running backs looked.
3. A Little Scare
Anthony Brown was late on a pass across the middle that resulted in a 35-yard gain for the Cardinals. But the more alarming issue was when he exited the game with a hamstring injury. It doesn’t seem to be anything to worrisome.
Jason Garrett says he doesn't think Anthony Brown's hamstring is too bad. They'll take him day by day, as per usual.
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 4, 2017
It was a mixed review for the Cowboys second-round round draft pick, Chidobe Awuzie. He got turned around on a 30-yard play by Cardinals receiver Jeremy Ross. But then he jumped a route and almost came away with a big play.
Wow @Chido___ almost gets an INT. Almost. pic.twitter.com/aDLF0vAEOi
— Cowboys Nation (@cowboyszone) August 4, 2017
Jaylon’s brother rushed 18 times for 64 yards. That’s a paltry 3.6 yards per carry and isn’t anything to get excited about. He did have some nice carries though and showed good footwork as he waited to hit the holes.
6. Wide Receiver Number Five
Brice Butler had two catches for 78 yards. He looked like the Cowboys best wide receiver out on the field, because he was. Butler is a great #5 WR and he keeps validating the team’s decision to bring him over to Dallas.
7. Rico Balling Out
Well, look what we have here. Watching him snare a jump ball in the end zone is exactly the type of things us fans expect from the 6’6” tight end with basketball hops. What was more impressive though, was his snag from Cooper Rush where he fell to the ground as he caught the ball, but then got up and took off running.
Rico again! Scooped that off his shoetops and then kept going when he realized the play was not dead.
— Tom Ryle (@TomRyleBTB) August 4, 2017
Gathers would have another catch later and finish with three catches for 59 yards. This is a promising showing for the young tight end trying to make the team.
8. A Little Tappy Tappy
While Charles Tapper didn’t record a sack, he was bending his way around the left tackle on several plays. He was constantly forcing the quarterback out of the pocket.
Man Tapper shot off like a rocket around the left side of the OL. Caused a holding call.
— Patrick Conn (@DraftCowboys) August 4, 2017
Charles Tapper's explosion off the line is so damn intriguing... this might be fun with him next to Collins and Paea next to (one day)Irving
— TheCowboysWire (@TheCowboysWire) August 4, 2017
If you watched how Jameill Showers played in the preseason last year, then you can really appreciate the accuracy of UDFA quarterback Cooper Rush. He looked comfortable in the pocket and made several nice throws. It should be interesting to see how he does the remainder of the preseason.
10. Heads Up Special Teams
The undrafted wide receiver Lance Lenoir looked like he had a gaffe that was cut-worthy when he attempted to pick up a punt off a bounce. What a terrible decision? Or was it?
After further review, a Cardinals player had touched the ball, making it a free play. Lenoir made a heads up play going after the ball, despite not coming up with it cleanly.
What things impressed you the most? What was most concerning?
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