DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys got their first victory of 2024, and it came in Week 2 of the preseason with a 27-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a game that might’ve reminded Cowboys fans of how the team has accomplished 36 wins over the last three seasons, getting contributions from each phase to win going away.
Not many of Dallas’ best players suited up in the exhibition contest, but they still managed to handle a Raiders team that played many of their first stringers for a few series and tried to find their starting quarterback for the regular season. It didn’t matter, the Cowboys got the win and learned some things along the way.
Here are five observations on the Cowboys from their Week 2 preseason victory:
Lance shows progress
In the first preseason game, backup QB hopeful Trey Lance had an uneven performance that didn’t inspire much confidence, but things changed against the Raiders. In Week 2, Lance played a better game, showing that he can dust off the rust and learn from his mistakes.
Head coach Mike McCarthy once again gave Lance the lion’s share of the work and the young QB responded by throwing for 151 yards and a touchdown, while also running in a score. Lance’s best play came near the end of the first half when he scrambled to give kicker Brandon Aubrey a shot at a long field goal, which was converted.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, as the signal caller still had some inaccurate throws and continued to lack touch in the intermediate passing game, but it was a much better outing from the former No. 3 overall pick. The progress shown should give the Cowboys confidence that Lance has something to offer even if he likely remains third on the depth chart for the time being.
One wide receiver steps up, one falls flat
This was another game that saw the offense have a wideout step up and make a statement, while another flopped with his opportunity. Rookie receiver Ryan Flournoy continued his push to make the roster by leading the team with four catches and a touchdown on a beautiful double-move.
After a slow start to training camp due to injury, Flournoy has been making more and more plays and his strongest case to make the roster came in the team’s dress rehearsal on Saturday night. That’s good timing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, second-year WR Jalen Cropper struggled after a solid Week 1. Cropper fumbled on a punt return and dropped a sure first down catch on the next possession. That’s not good enough when you’re fighting for a roster spot and the players you’re competing with playing well.
Rookie offensive line tandem shines
The Cowboys unleashed their new offensive line – sans right guard Zach Martin – and the results were overwhelmingly positive. The change came because of the improving play from left tackle Tyler Guyton and center Cooper Beebe, and the rookie duo didn’t disappoint.
Both 2024 draftees Guyton and Beebe played a version of bully ball, pushing around a Raiders defensive line that played their starters for a few series. Guyton plowed through one of the league’s best defensive ends in Maxx Crosby on one play, while Beebe displayed the tenacity and skills that made him a draft day favorite.
The Raiders rarely pressured either Dallas QB and the rookie offensive linemen led the way. It was an impressive showing from Beebe and Guyton, and they now look like fixtures in the starting lineup. Dallas put their faith in the dynamic tandem and they weren’t let down.
Defense does it again
It looks like it doesn’t matter who the defensive coordinator is, the unit continues to make plays and put points on the scoreboard. After seeing Dan Quinn leave for the Washington head coaching job, Mike Zimmer has returned to Dallas and now leads a unit known for collecting takeaways. With Zimmer at the helm, the Cowboys allowed just 12 points and had their fifth interception of the preseason in the win.
The defense’s biggest play was the latest pick-six from a team that always seems to find a way to score. Safety Kemon Hall sealed the win early in the fourth quarter when he picked off Aidan O’Connell and returned it 69-yards for the touchdown. Hall read the play beautifully and jumped the route with nothing but green grass in front of him.
Just as the Cowboys have done over the last few years when Quinn was in charge of the unit, the offense got a lead and the defense shut the door with a big play.
Brandon Aubrey proves he’s no fluke
Aubrey was an All-Pro kicker as a rookie and proved that he was no fluke when he nailed a 66-yard field goal to end the first half. Not only would it have tied an NFL record for longest kick in league history, if exhibition kicks counted, but the trajectory also suggested it would’ve been good from 72 yards out.
Few teams have a weapon like Aubrey, who has the leg and accuracy to help the Cowboys win games. Aubrey picked up where he left off last season and he helped the team win in all three phases for the Week 2 preseason victory.
Do you think Trey Lance has shown enough to remain in the mix for the backup QB job? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.
