Preseason kickoff insights: Joe Milton exhibits a rollercoaster performance, defense Requires enhancement
The Dallas Cowboys faced a challenging preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, with several key players sitting out and a number of rookies stepping up to fill the void. However, the team's defense struggled, particularly in the first quarter, as the Rams outgained the Cowboys 160-1 in total yards and picked up 10 first downs to Dallas' zero.
One of the most notable performances came from cornerback Robert Rochell, who was burned early in the game and was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. In his absence, seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah stepped up, finishing with 36 yards on 10 carries.
The Cowboys' run defense, led by backups, also struggled, surrendering 181 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. Cornerback Andrew Booth allowed a 39-yard gain on a vertical route to Los Angeles second-year wide receiver Xavier Smith.
Backup quarterback Joe Milton's play was inconsistent, with some promising moments and some poor execution. Milton finished the game with 143 yards passing, one touchdown, and one interception on 17 of 29 passes, and also ran for 22 yards on five carries.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the need to clean up penalties and improve discipline after the game, as the entire team combined for 11 penalties in total, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on CeeDee Lamb.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
With key players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland still recovering from injuries, the Cowboys might consider bolstering their defensive depth before their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Analysts have suggested the Cowboys could look to sign experienced cornerbacks with inside-outside versatility such as Mike Hilton, a veteran free agent known for his durability and proven production.
At defensive tackle, there is no explicit mention of targeted moves in the search results, but given the Cowboys' need to improve their defense after a disappointing 2024 season, they could explore free agent signings or internal roster moves during the final cutdowns.
The Cowboys are actively managing their roster with several moves in recent weeks and could continue this trend as they finalize their lineup ahead of the opener.
Notable Performances
In a positive note, undrafted tight end Rivaldo Fairweather caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Milton, trimming the deficit to 10, 24-14. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Traeshon Holden finished as the Cowboys' leading receiver with 42 yards on two catches.
The Cowboys are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their next preseason game, with key players expected to return to the field. It will be an opportunity for the team to address their defensive struggles and continue to evaluate their rookies ahead of the regular season.
- The Cowboys might need to strengthen their defensive depth, considering Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are still recovering from injuries and the team's disappointing 2024 season.
- Analysts suggest the Cowboys could sign experienced cornerbacks with inside-outside versatility, such as Mike Hilton, a veteran free agent known for his durability and proven production.
- At defensive tackle, the Cowboys might explore free agent signings or internal roster moves during the final cutdowns to improve their defense.
- Undrafted tight end Rivaldo Fairweather caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Joe Milton, trimming the deficit in the game.
- Undrafted rookie wide receiver Traeshon Holden finished as the Cowboys' leading receiver with 42 yards on two catches.
- The Cowboys, in their next preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, will have key players returning to the field, giving them an opportunity to address their defensive struggles and continue to evaluate their rookies before the regular season.
