Fans of the Dallas Cowboys were concerned early when they finished with only one total yard of offense in the first quarter. The [Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cowboys 31-21](https://thelandryhat.com/3-winners-5-losers-cowboys-ugly-preseason-loss-vs-rams), but most will say the game was almost decided in the first quarter, when the Cowboys couldn't get anything moving.
Many of the issues had to do with penalties and inaccurate throws from Joe Milton. There's no doubt that this young QB has a cannon, but a few of his throws were layups, and he just couldn't hit his target. Concern with penalties had to do in the middle of the game with third-year man Asim Richards. With Tyler Guyton out, there's a hole that needs filling in the meantime.
Richards, with back-to-back illegal formation penalties set the Cowboys back when they actually looked to be in business. Even though very few Cowboys stood out in the game, it might be time for management to have a true heart-to-heart when the 53-man roster is decided.
Asim Richards sealed his Cowboys fate in preseason opener
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With Nate Thomas getting the nod to start at tackle, it looks pretty clear that Guyton's replacement is already decided. Of course, everybody has to get preseason reps, but for Richards, it almost looked like a deer in the headlights.
Veteran Cowboys beat writer [Clarence Hill Jr. kept it brutal](https://x.com/clarencehilljr/status/1954333679435841561) and honest about Richards' day, and it basically seals the fate for Thomas to stay and for Richards to possibly get the boot.
Even though there were penalties across the board, it's unfair to be too harsh on Richards, but instead, to blame the entire offensive line. However, that doesn't change the reality of the situation for Richards.
For Guyton, there's still a glimpse of hope that he plays in Week 1 against their bitter rivals, but until then, fans are wishing for a safe and speedy recovery from his bone fracture. For Richards, he's still got a couple of more games to prove he belongs, but if not, his fate might've been sealed early this preseason.