Observations from Preseason Game #1

The first team offense looked pretty good until they hit the red zone. They have been struggling in the same situations in practice so that shouldn't be a surprise. The offense definitely needs red zone work. Felix Jones had a fumble in the red zone wiped out by an offside penalty. Fumbles in the red zone are unacceptable.

Tony Romo looked ok, but didn't seem totally comfortable yet. A few of his throws were off target and his timing seemed a little off.

Buehler wasn't great kicking the ball. His field goal was short but he didn't have any trouble. His second field goal was a 34 yarder and it was good but it was heading left and didn't make it by much. The third attempt was missed from 49 yards but he shanked it badly to the left. Fourth attempt was a short one and he nailed it down the middle.

Doug Free did a great job run blocking and pass blocking. On a few plays he blocked more than one man during the play. I feel a lot more comfortable about him but I won't be totally sold until I see him against a premiere pass rusher.

I didn't notice Alan Ball when the first team defense was in the game. That is a good thing because that means he didn't make a mistake.

John Phillips caught a pass from Tony Romo with the first team offense. That doesn't mean he is ahead of Martellus Bennett on the depth chart yet, but Phillips always seems to get the job done whenever he gets a shot. Phillips made two more nice catches later on a seam route and a deep out thrown by Kitna. Phillips hurt his knee in the 2nd quarter but early reports didn't mention the severity of the injury. Did I mention that Phillips blocked well too? Marty B. is going to have a hard time sleeping tonight.

Stephen Bowen had a nice quarterback pressure. Overall, the starters looked pretty good against the Bengal's first team offense. Keith Brooking really knows how to time his blitzes and get penetration. I hope Sean Lee and Jason Williams are taking notes.

Kitna actually looked decent running the offense outside of a fumble. I know he is a proven player but I wasn't impressed when I saw him early in training camp. He is no Tony Romo, but he could at least fill in for a few games if needed.

The second team defense did a very good job against the Bengals #1 offense. Jamar Wall and Cletis Gordan blanketed T.O. and Chad Ochocinco.

Alex Barron looked pretty good but all his action was against the Bengals #2 defense so it is hard to judge. But at least he didn't false start and he blocked well.

Stephen McGee has improved a lot over the last year but he still has a long way to go if he is going to follow in Romo's footsteps. Most of his passes were thrown hard and accurate but his accuracy was horrible with rushers in his face. McGee just doesn't seem to have the field awareness needed to be a quality quarterback in the NFL.

I really like the way Barry Church plays. He is quick to the ball and he delivers a big hit when he gets there. He might sneak onto the final roster if he keeps it up.

Brandon Williams made a nice interception the third quarter. His knee looked great as he rumbled down the field on his return. If he can rush the passer like the coaches think he can then Ware will get a few plays off this year.

The last quarter and a half was hard to watch with so many guys on the field who won't make either team.

Overall it was a decent showing by the Cowboys. It is very early in the preseason so I expected an ugly game and that is what we got. Both sides of the ball and special teams need a lot of work. But a win is a win even if it is the preseason.

***Update - it looks like Martellus Bennett might not have to worry after all. John Phillips may have torn his ACL during the game last night.

What To Watch For in The Hall of Fame Game

With the start of the preseason schedule later tonight it is really starting to feel like the season is getting close. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about the Cowboys heading into the game. But a game against live competition should help to tell us what to expect from the Cowboys this season. Here is what I will be watching for:

1. No injuries. We all know this team is loaded with talent. The easiest way to lose the talent advantage is to have key players get hurt before the season even starts.

2. Alan Ball. Does he look like he is in command out there? Is he making the calls in the secondary without any confusion? Is he making plays on the ball in the passing game? How is his run support?

3. Orlando Scandrick. We keep hearing that he is ok and his injured finger won't be a problem. I want to see with my own eyes that he is making plays on the ball and jamming receivers without hesitation.

4. Stephen Bowen/Jason Hatcher. These two finally have shot to really show us something. With Spears out until the regular season either guy could dominate and take the starting position. It will be interesting to see if either guy can play the run consistently at the level Spears does.

5. Marion Barber. Is he back to running like The Barbarian? That should be easy to spot if he gets a chance to carry the ball.

6. Felix Jones. Is his extra weight gained in the offseason going to slow him down? If he still has his burst with added weight he could be more durable this season.

7. Fullback. Are the Cowboys committed to using a fullback? Will Deon Anderson stick around another year? Do any of the rookies have a chance to take his spot?

8. Anthony Spencer. Is he ready to dominate all season long? I'm hoping to see the late season/playoff version of Spencer on the field. The defense could be scary good if he dominates this season.

9. Tony Romo. We won't see much of him, but I'd like to see him operating efficiently in his short time on the field.

10. David Buehler. This is simple. Can he make his kicks?

11. Martellus Bennett/John Phillips. Either way this plays out the Cowboys are loaded at tight end. But the #2 spot might be a battle if John Phillips continues to shine. I'm hoping we finally see Marty B. focused and ready to play. If he knows his play book like he should then he'll probably be able to fend off Phillips for the #2 tight end spot.

12. Wide receivers. Does Miles Austin look focused? Is Roy Williams ready to step up and earn his enormous paycheck? Is Dez Bryant focused on the game on the sidelines? I know Dez is not playing but I hope he isn't just playing grab ass on the sidelines. He can learn a lot by watching.

13. Doug Free. Is he ready to protect Romo this season? Free is probably the key to the passing game. If he can give Romo time then the offense should be just as good if not better than last year.

14. Sean Lee/Jason Williams. Both players have a lot of talent and promising futures. But only one of them will get to be on the field a lot this season. I know Sean Lee is the total package and will start someday, but Williams' speed and athleticism is perfect for the nickel linebacker spot he is fighting to win.

15. Can T.O. be mature enough to shake hands and be friendly with his former team? I'm assuming that Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips, Tony Romo and the rest of the Cowboys will be professional. But you never know what you are going to get with T.O.

***I didn't get a chance to post anything on Emmitt Smith and the Hall of Fame yet. I was travelling and I didn't want to short change one of the greatest Dallas Cowboys of all time by rushing through a post about him. I'll have more on #22 later this week.