After a so-so performance against the Los Angeles Rams, the Dallas Cowboys look to pick up their first win of the preseason and head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first as an NFL coach. The Cowboys’ offense struggled to maintain consistency in the passing game, as quarterback Joe Milton had several misfires on the evening before finding his groove late in the contest. The Dallas running game was also lifeless for much of the contest.
Thankfully, Milton returned to practice this week after leaving the game with what was diagnosed as a bruised elbow. All wasn’t lost against the Rams either. Undrafted defensive back Zion Childress had a great performance and followed that up with a good practice as well. As for Dallas’ opponent this week, the Baltimore Ravens, they too had troubles with their passing offense last week versus the Indianapolis Colts. Former Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush mustered only 16 yards passing last week and needs to show better against his old team. Rush’s return is only one of the storylines in Dallas’ game versus Baltimore. Here are three big things to look for in the Cowboys’ second preseason game.
Tyler Booker’s debut
Zack Martin’s retirement this offseason left big shoes to fill for the Cowboys’ offensive line. Martin was a perennial Pro Bowler and an elite run blocker. Although Martin will be hard to replace, Tyler Booker is a fantastic building block. Booker has a mammoth-sized frame at 6’5”, 321 lbs., and can move interior linemen out of the way with his excellent power to open running lanes. The Cowboys’ run game had looked lackluster in the early portion of the game versus the Rams; therefore, Booker’s welcomed presence should see the Cowboys fare better running the football to open the game. Booker is also very smart in identifying games along the defensive line, but it will be interesting to see how well he does in pass protection.
Although Booker shouldn’t be expected to play more than a series or two, he should put out enough film for fans and analysts to sink their teeth into. Booker is a central figure of what the Cowboys are hoping to build along their interior offensive line alongside Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe. A unit that can steamroll opposing defensive lines and create big holes for their running backs and keep the middle of the pocket clean for the quarterback.
Who else emerges as the go-to guy?
For a second consecutive week, we can expect Joe Milton to get plenty of playing time. The team understands that while Milton has one of the most powerful arms in the sport, he still needs a lot more time to develop. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Milton will get a lot of snaps versus the Ravens. Milton is the conduit that Brian Schottenheimer will utilize to evaluate the receivers on the bottom of the roster. His synergy with Traeshon Holden is evident as Holden’s involvement at practice increased exponentially over the summer, and he has delivered with his opportunities to the extent that he has been promoted up the depth chart.
Yet, who’s next? The Cowboys have a few more receiver prospects who have some potential but need to start showing up during the games. Jalen Cropper has been with the team since 2023 and appeared in one game last season, but hasn’t been an impact player this offseason. Meanwhile, Josh Kelly had one catch versus the Rams for 19 yards but was targeted three times. Both players have some upside as kickoff returners, but will have their chances against a Ravens secondary that is plagued with injuries at cornerback.
Malik Davis throwing wrench in RB plans
The Cowboys’ rushing attack stagnated for much of the game. That is until Malik Davis entered the picture. Davis ran for 63 yards on seven carries and outgained both Phil Mafah and Deuce Vaughn, who combined for 47 yards rushing on 12 attempts. The intriguing question is: Has Davis done enough to shake things up along the running back depth chart?
Davis was added to the roster just two days before the game against Los Angeles. He looked fresh and like someone with much more experience than his counterparts. With another standout performance, Davis could leapfrog some players like Phil Mafah and Deuce Vaughn in the eyes of the coaches, making the cutdown a difficult choice for the coaches.
Davis isn’t a lock to make the team, given that the Cowboys have two veterans in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, rookie Jaydon Blue, and Hunter Leupke, who can be a short-yardage runner when needed. If nothing else, Davis’ performances could lead the Cowboys to believe all three runners could be cut candidates.