INGLEWOOD, Calif. – A true preseason game in every meaning resulted in 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon, as the bulk of the Cowboys' depth got their chance to impress in front of the coaching staff and front office.
Trey Lance played in all but one drive, as his first big opportunity in a Cowboys' uniform took place. DeMarvion Overshown and John Stephens Jr. returned to the field following preseason injuries last season. Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe made their debuts on the offensive line.
Here are the 5 Takes from Sunday's preseason opener, presented by Take 5 Oil Change.
1. Trey Lance didn't make many mistakes. He didn't do much to impress, either.
In Trey Lance's first game action as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, he was calculated and risk-averse – two qualities you want in a potential backup quarterback, no doubt. Most of his throws saw him stay in the 5-15 yard range and his misfires were along the sideline out of the reach of anybody. On the same token, Lance didn't do much to push the ball downfield aside from a pair of throws to the end zone to Luke Schoonmaker (Q1) and Cam Johnson (Q4). The athleticism was great to see, especially on an escape in the pocket on a fourth down that saw him scamper for a first down. But to be the backup quarterback over Cooper Rush, Lance will need to do more as the preseason goes on.
2. Markquese Bell's 12 games as a linebacker has drastically improved his game.
It was the Markquese Bell show on defense in the first half, as the former safety turned fill-in linebacker turned safety again was decisive and instinctual in his first game back in his natural position. Bell sees run fits so well, he capitalizes on protection mistakes and he continues to be a reliable tackler when on the field. His day was punctuated by an interception across the middle after narrowly missing a pick on the previous drive. A surefire roster spot, Bell might not start in 2024, but his role will only grow in importance with performances like this one.
3. The lack of Tyron Billy-Johnson snaps cost the offense.
I can't quite pin why Tyron Billy-Johnson did not play on offense on Sunday, but his on-field veteran presence, speed and playmaking ability could have been a big benefit to an offense that was stagnant all day. Billy-Johnson is fighting for a roster spot, so it's not a case of him getting rest. And he was in as a returner on the Rams' first kickoff, so he was active for the game. Instead, the offensive gameplan saw Jalen Cropper shine with a four-reception day.
4. Cooper Beebe's debut gets an A grade.
After getting the majority of the work playing at center, it's safe to put an A grade on the debut from Cooper Beebe. His snaps were consistent, his protection was solid and the lack of interior pressure from the Rams' young group of defensive tackles was noticeable. Brock Hoffman has had a strong camp and still holds a firm lead in the battle at center, and while Beebe's debut was not perfect, he showed on Sunday that he is steadily getting better with every rep that he takes.
5. The running back and defensive end groups need more, a lot more.
We can start with the running back position. Malik Davis got a full opportunity and did not come through. A pair of receiving drops along with just 18 yards on eight carries culminated a bad day in the office for the Florida product. Rico Dowdle showed some burst in his three carries, but the room was otherwise very pedestrian – combining for just 47 yards on 16 carries. On the defensive line, zero pressure was generated on Stetson Bennett throughout the game. Marshawn Kneeland flashed in the run game early on, but the edge group behind him generated no push. After the injury to Sam Williams, the Cowboys will need to work a bit more on finding some rotational pass rush help.
