While the debate raged on all week on who plays, starters or not. There seemed to be some optimism from the crowd that wants to play the starters. Cowboys announced a few of the starters or players predicted to have a larger role in 2025 who would get some time Saturday.
You hope going into the game with these guys playing that you would see something a little closer to what the Cowboys will look like this season. We hope that wasn’t the case.
A 31-13 Cowboys loss, where Dallas had only seven first downs. 176 total yards compared to Baltimore’s 399. This Ravens team has been killing it on the ground this preseason. They had 39 carries for 148 rushing yards, Saturday they averaged 3.8 yards per carry, which came down from last week at 4.8.
There is no time for panic just yet- but there is concerns when Schottenheimer talked about being vanilla in the preseason…so that means the basics right?
Then why can’t we do the basics right?
Converting 1sts downs on offense seemed to be a problem, a terrible day on 3rd down…2 for 11.
Joe Milton can’t get into a rhythm with the offense, though Schottenheimer told the media “it wasn’t just Joe” and took some accountability for the struggles.
But really when you see plays like the safety and the interception thrown into double coverage, which was on a momentum opportunity (the play after a Kemon Hall INT) based on Schottenheimer’s comments last week. You have to start to think the game is moving too fast for Joe Milton.
How confident should the team be with Joe Milton being the teams backup QB? Or is he even the backup? Schottenheimer has said twice now, that the back up QB job has not been determined.
“I feel like I don’t have to decide anything today.”
Which is interesting considering he would later talk about being confident in the trust he has at the back up QB position…
It could be…Will Grier? He came into the game during the 4th quarter and was sack fumbled on 3rd down.
Well how about a few bright spots for the game?
The initial defense played well. Specifically the linebackers early on.
Marist Liufau has been a magnet to the ball. Rookie Shemar James had some good plays in pass coverage. Damone Clark has played with a ton of confidence and had 7 tackles in the two quarters he played.
Marshawn Kneeland and James Houston created some pressure early. And the Eberflus defense that has been generating turnovers all throughout training camp came away with two interceptions and some points.
Andrew Booth had some highs and lows this game, he led the team in tackles with 8…which isn’t necessarily something you want a cornerback to do. But he makes the argument a little more difficult to cut him. Kemon Hall has had his ups and downs as well.
Will Hall get the start as the nickel cornerback with Elam and Bland starting on the outside week one?
And finally when all is in doubt…at least Brandon Aubrey showed up.
Brett's Cowboys Corner 
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