Dallas Cowboys Fall in Preseason Opener: 4 Main Takeaways

The Dallas Cowboys failed to beat the Los Angeles Rams on the road, 31-21. While preseason scores don’t matter, the performance of the players do. This is a job evaluation for all of these athletes, especially since the Rams and Cowboys sat their starters. Here are three main takeaways from their loss to the Rams.

JOE MILTON STILL NEEDS WORK

Milton came in with a lot of hype as the potential QB2. While he showed flashes of being something special, he also missed very easy throws and wide open receivers. It felt like Milton wasn’t making the easy path and wanted to prove his arm strength at times, especially the throw into double coverage that was picked off in the end zone.

Milton is the backup and hopefully we never see him play in the regular season. But if we do, we need someone playing smart.

MARIST LIUFAU IS LEGITIMATE

With DeMarvion Overshown’s injury, fans want their linebacking core solid until he can come back. The Cowboys traded for Kenneth Murray Jr. from the Titans and Jack Sanborn, who is familiar with Matt Eberflus. But when Overshown comes back, Liufau is going to bury one of the other linebackers on the depth chart.

Liufau stood out in the preseason opener with 4 tackles and passed the eye test.

CORNERBACKS ARE IN TROUBLE

We have brought attention to the cornerback room in regards to health and lack of depth. This gives some corners an opportunity to earn a spot with the Cowboys or another team at the end of preseason. One corner who played well was Israel Mukuamu, highlighted by an interception on a deep ball. Making the switch from safety to cornerback will help him immensely if he keeps up his work.

One cornerback that fell on the depth chart is Andrew Booth. Booth was responsible hooking a receiver as he was getting beat to the end zone, while he struggled against 1-on-1 matchups consistently. Booth, who was acquired in the trade with the Vikings last year, might be on the chop block soon.

MALIK DAVIS SPICES UP THE RUNNING BACK ROOM

After Rob Jones was announced to enter season-ending Injured Reserve, the Cowboys decided to add former team running back Malik Davis. With a crowded backfield, Davis showed he could make this competition interesting with 63 yards on 7 carries in the preseason opener. Davis stayed in shape and honestly, between him and Phil Mafah’s performance, could shove backs like Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke off the roster.

What stood out for you in this preseason opener? Let us know in the comments below.