Cowboys Preseason: Key Storylines & Players To Watch

Introduction

Alright, Cowboys fans! It's that time of year again – preseason! While the regular season is what we're all really waiting for, the Dallas Cowboys preseason games give us a sneak peek at the team's progress, new players, and potential strategies for the upcoming season. It's a crucial time for the coaching staff to evaluate talent, work out the kinks, and build team chemistry. For us fans, it's a chance to see some football after a long offseason and get hyped up for what's to come. So, what can we expect from the Dallas Cowboys during this preseason? Let's dive in and break it down. This preseason is particularly interesting as the Cowboys have a few question marks to address, particularly in the running back and wide receiver positions. The coaching staff will be looking to see who steps up and fills those roles effectively. Also, keep an eye on the rookies and undrafted free agents as they battle for a spot on the final 53-man roster. These guys are hungry to prove themselves, and preseason games are their biggest opportunity to shine. Don't underestimate the importance of special teams either. The preseason is a critical time to evaluate kickers, punters, and return specialists. A strong special teams unit can make a huge difference in close games during the regular season, and the Cowboys will be looking to solidify their lineup in this area. So, grab your favorite jersey, gather your friends, and get ready for some Cowboys football! The preseason may not count in the standings, but it's an essential part of the journey towards a successful season. Let's take a look at some specific areas to watch during the Dallas Cowboys preseason games.

Key Storylines to Watch During the Preseason

The Dallas Cowboys preseason is always filled with intriguing storylines, and this year is no different. One of the biggest things fans and analysts alike will be watching is the performance of the backup quarterback. With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, the battle for the backup role is crucial. Cooper Rush has been the primary backup for several years, but there are always other contenders looking to impress the coaching staff. Strong preseason performances can solidify a player's spot on the roster and provide valuable insurance in case of injury to the starter. Guys, the backup QB situation is more important than you might think. We've seen in the past how a reliable backup can keep a season from derailing if the starter goes down. Another key storyline is the development of the rookie class. The Cowboys had a promising draft, and fans are eager to see how the new players perform in game situations. Rookies need preseason reps to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Keep an eye on their progress as they learn the playbook and compete for playing time. The preseason is a proving ground for these young players, and their performance can significantly impact the team's depth and future success. Furthermore, the competition at the wide receiver position will be intense. With some changes in the receiving corps, several players will be vying for a spot on the final roster. The preseason games provide an opportunity for these receivers to showcase their skills, build chemistry with the quarterbacks, and make a case for why they deserve to be on the team. Look for players to make contested catches, create separation from defenders, and demonstrate their ability to contribute in various roles within the offense. These battles will be fiercely contested, making the preseason games must-watch for fans. So, buckle up and get ready to follow these storylines closely. The preseason is the first chapter in the Cowboys' journey this season, and it's sure to be full of surprises and excitement.

Position Battles to Keep an Eye On

During the Dallas Cowboys preseason, several position battles will be heating up, and these competitions can have a significant impact on the final roster and the team's performance during the regular season. One of the most intriguing battles is at the running back position. With Ezekiel Elliott no longer on the team, there's an open competition for the lead role. Several players will be vying for carries, and the preseason games will be crucial in determining who steps up and seizes the opportunity. Keep an eye on the different running styles and how they fit into the offensive scheme. The Cowboys will likely be looking for a combination of power, speed, and versatility in their running backs. The preseason will be a proving ground for these players, and their performance could significantly influence the team's offensive identity. Guys, this is a battle that could define the Cowboys' running game this year. Another key position battle to watch is at cornerback. The Cowboys have a mix of veterans and young players competing for playing time in the secondary. Preseason games will provide a valuable opportunity to evaluate these players under pressure and see who can consistently make plays and limit opposing receivers. Cornerback play is crucial in the NFL, and the Cowboys need to solidify their lineup in this area. Watch for players who can excel in both man and zone coverage schemes and who are willing to contribute in run support. The preseason performances will help the coaching staff determine the best combination of players to put on the field. Additionally, the competition at the offensive line positions should be closely monitored. The offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense, and the Cowboys will be looking to solidify their unit during the preseason. There may be battles for starting spots at guard and center, and the preseason games will provide a chance for players to showcase their skills and prove their worth. The Cowboys need a strong and cohesive offensive line to protect their quarterback and open up running lanes. The preseason will be a critical time for the offensive line to gel and build chemistry. So, pay close attention to these position battles during the Dallas Cowboys preseason. They will shape the team's roster and could have a lasting impact on the season.

What to Expect from the Cowboys' Offense in Preseason

The Dallas Cowboys preseason offers a glimpse into what the offense might look like in the regular season. While teams often keep their most complex schemes under wraps during preseason games, we can still glean valuable insights into the team's offensive philosophy and personnel usage. One thing to watch for is the emphasis on establishing the run. The Cowboys have traditionally been a run-first team, and the preseason will likely feature a heavy dose of rushing attempts as the team evaluates its running back options and works on run-blocking schemes. Expect to see a variety of running plays, including inside runs, outside runs, and potentially some creative wrinkles. The goal will be to establish a consistent running game that can take pressure off the quarterback and control the clock. Guys, a strong running game is crucial for the Cowboys' success. Another aspect to watch is the development of the passing game. Dak Prescott will likely see limited action in the preseason, but the backup quarterbacks will get plenty of opportunities to throw the ball. This is a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate the quarterbacks' decision-making, accuracy, and ability to lead the offense. The preseason games will also provide an opportunity for the wide receivers to build rapport with the quarterbacks and showcase their skills. Look for different route combinations and passing concepts as the Cowboys experiment with their aerial attack. Furthermore, the preseason is a time to evaluate the offensive line's pass protection. The Cowboys need to ensure that their quarterbacks are well-protected, and the preseason games will be a valuable test for the offensive line's ability to handle pass-rushing pressure. Watch for how the line communicates, picks up blitzes, and creates pockets for the quarterbacks to throw from. A strong pass-blocking performance in the preseason is a positive sign for the regular season. In summary, expect the Dallas Cowboys offense to focus on establishing the run, developing the passing game, and evaluating the offensive line's pass protection during the preseason. These are key areas that will contribute to the team's offensive success in the regular season.

Key Players to Watch During the Preseason

The Dallas Cowboys preseason is an excellent opportunity to see some players shine, especially those who are fighting for roster spots or trying to make a name for themselves. There are always a few players who emerge as preseason stars, and their performances can significantly impact their roles on the team during the regular season. One player to watch closely is any of the running backs competing for the starting role. With the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, there's a wide-open competition for carries, and the preseason games will be crucial in determining who rises to the top. Look for players who can demonstrate their ability to run with power, speed, and agility, as well as their pass-catching and pass-blocking skills. The preseason is their chance to prove they deserve a significant role in the offense. Guys, the running back competition is going to be fierce! Another key player to watch is a rookie or a young player who is trying to break out. The preseason provides these players with valuable game experience and an opportunity to showcase their talents. Keep an eye on rookies who were drafted to fill specific needs, as well as undrafted free agents who are looking to make the team. Their performance in the preseason games can significantly impact their chances of making the final roster. Look for players who demonstrate a strong understanding of the playbook, make impactful plays, and show a willingness to compete. Furthermore, the preseason is a time to evaluate players who are coming back from injuries. These players need to prove that they are fully recovered and ready to contribute at a high level. Watch for how they move, their level of conditioning, and their overall performance in game situations. The preseason is a crucial step in their return to the field, and their performance will help determine their readiness for the regular season. So, be sure to keep an eye on these key players during the Dallas Cowboys preseason. Their performances could be a glimpse into the future and help shape the team's success this season.

Final Thoughts on the Cowboys Preseason

The Dallas Cowboys preseason is more than just exhibition games; it's a crucial period for team building, evaluation, and preparation for the regular season. It's a time for the coaching staff to assess the talent on the roster, work out the kinks in the offensive and defensive schemes, and build chemistry among the players. For the players, it's an opportunity to showcase their skills, compete for roster spots, and earn playing time. And for the fans, it's a chance to get a sneak peek at the team and get excited about the upcoming season. Guys, the preseason is the appetizer before the main course! One of the key takeaways from the preseason is the identification of players who can step up and contribute in meaningful ways during the regular season. Whether it's a rookie making a splash, a veteran rediscovering his form, or a player excelling in a new role, the preseason often reveals hidden gems and potential impact players. These discoveries can be invaluable as the season progresses. Another important aspect of the preseason is the opportunity to evaluate the team's depth. Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, so it's crucial to have reliable backups who can step in and perform at a high level. The preseason games provide a chance to see how the backups handle game situations and to identify areas where the team may need to add depth. A strong performance from the backups in the preseason can provide peace of mind and confidence in the team's ability to withstand injuries. Additionally, the preseason is a valuable time to experiment with different strategies and personnel groupings. The coaching staff can try out new plays, formations, and defensive schemes, and they can see how different players perform in various roles. This experimentation can lead to new insights and adjustments that can benefit the team during the regular season. So, as the Dallas Cowboys preseason wraps up, remember that it's a vital part of the journey towards a successful season. The lessons learned, the players identified, and the strategies developed during the preseason will all play a role in shaping the team's performance in the games that truly count. Let's get ready for some Cowboys football!