ARLINGTON, Texas – Remember two weeks ago when I wrote after the first game how meaningless these preseason games really are? And then I pretty much wrote a similar column last week after yet another lackluster loss.
But this week, the Cowboys looked different. They played different. They won differently.
So now, the preseason matters again, right? Nope. Not at all, I'm afraid.
Obviously, you'd rather see your team win than lose. More importantly, you want them to play well, especially the individuals who are likely going to be on this team.
And that was the biggest takeaway for me during the Cowboys' 31-13 win over the Falcons Friday, giving head coach Brian Schottenheimer his first taste of victory – albeit in the preseason.
Most importantly – above all else – the Cowboys were able to get through training camp and the preseason without any major injuries. Yes, there have been some that have hurt the depth of this team, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Getting through the game, and looking good at the same time, is at least a positive feeling for this squad.
But just as if they had lost and finished the preseason 0-3, this game doesn't mean they're a step closer to beating the Eagles. It doesn't mean they will. It doesn't mean anything. It just means the preseason is over.
However, I've always said, if they're going to turn the lights on, put the game on TV and keep a score, then it's at least worth talking about. And this game definitely had some interesting things to discuss. Here are a few things that caught my eye:
- Since I've already referenced last week's article, I wrote then the Cowboys must figure out the backup quarterback spot. Obviously, Joe Milton looked so much better in this game, and that's really not a surprise. You got the sense this week the Cowboys were going to let him play a little loose, maybe run the ball more and get himself into the flow of the game. That certainly happened, and to Milton's credit, he played his best game. I liked the way he ran the ball when it was there, and then it seemed to calm him down more as a passer. More importantly, he drove the offense into the end zone a couple of times. Now, what does this actually mean for the position? I don't know if that's been solidified. The best guess is that Milton enters the season as the backup and Will Grier will probably wind up on the practice squad. But let's also see what quarterbacks become available here in the next 10 days.
- Jaydon Blue has an amazing first cut. His first run in the second quarter, just before his TD run, was the most impressive play I saw from him. The touchdown wasn't too bad either, showing that he can lower his shoulder and muscle his way to the end zone. At first, I was a little disappointed he didn't finish the half as the third-down back, but that was before I knew he'd play into the fourth quarter. That might have been a tad too long considering he got banged up and had to leave the game. But overall, he should be fine, and it was a solid debut for the rookie from Texas.
- While Blue might be the most discussed late-round pick on the team, one guy who is the opposite is Ajani Cornelius. The sixth-round pick started and played most of the game at right tackle. I was impressed with his feet, his quickness in space and the way he uses that agility to his advantage. He also did a nice job a couple of times in space, getting out in front of the ball. I think he seems pretty safe to make the team.
- Just when it seemed like Jalen Brooks was on the outside looking in, he makes a great touchdown catch. Not only is he probably ahead of Ryan Flournoy as a pass-catcher, he's more experienced on special teams. Something tells me Brooks will stick around.
- And since we're on that topic, what about Mazi Smith? It's been one of the biggest questions of training camp. Smith played most of the first half, and he did have a tackle for loss, although he wasn't blocked on the play. Still, I'm going to be shocked if he doesn't make the team at least one more year. Perrion Winfrey has also done enough to make it, and they also like Ernest Brown. Something has to give here, but I still believe Mazi sticks around.
- Here's a prediction: The NFL record for the longest field goal is going down this year. It currently stands at 66 yards, and after Brandon Aubrey's 64-yarder, plus a 70-yarder by Cam Little of the Jaguars this preseason, I'm going to say the record is broken during the regular season. Aubrey's kick likely would've made it from 70.
Overall, the preseason is complete. That's not only exciting but also scary at the same time. We're less than two weeks away from the start of the regular season, and we've got plenty of questions still to answer, though maybe a few less to answer now after this game.
But ready or not, bring on the Eagles.
