What fun the 2026 NFL preseason has been for the Dallas Cowboys. After taking down the Seattle Seahawks last week in somewhat of a low-scoring contest, America's Team emerged victorious over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday in a higher-scoring affair. Multiple ways to win? Count us in.
Yes, it's just an exhibition game, and none of Dallas' starters played, nor did Arizona's. But a lot of key role players were out there for both sides, and if you're the Cowboys, there is a ton to be excited about once again. Key players are developing and showing obvious promise before our eyes.
However, the coaching staff will need more time to go through the film and make a full-bodied assessment of all that took place during the second preseason game. But here, we're going to rifle off some rapid-fire thoughts from the 34-13 Cowboys win.
Instant takeaways from the Cowboys' big preseason win over the Cardinals
Joe Milton looked comfortable and outright dominant at times. He also made routine throws, used his legs to extend plays and continued to be automatic on QB sneaks. He ripped several deep throws up the sideline and scored on an easy QB draw. Milton missed a few throws, but still. Sam Howell didn't fare as well, turning it over in the end zone. He did look mobile and efficient otherwise.
Jaishawn Barham came downhill like a missile and swerved around an offensive lineman for an easy TFL on the first drive, and then again later in the first quarter. He also had a pressure and a nice tackle in coverage during the early going. Barham missed one tackle but was otherwise stupendous.
Saturday was Jaydon Blue's best showing, as he ran for a handful of solid gains. What should impress fans most, though, is the fact that he was finally running through contact and kept his legs churning to pick up a few extra yards. He tallied 75 yards on 15 carries.
Malik Davis continues to impress and make a case for the RB2 role as well. He picked up several chunk plays on the ground, always falls forward and even caught a touchdown tonight. Davis' night was over quite early, which says a lot about what this coaching staff thinks about him.
Camden Brown doesn't appear to be a one-game sensation. He popped again with a 70-yard catch on a play in which he made a good adjustment when Milton scrambled. He also held on for another great grab after taking a huge hit, and shook his defender another time, but it was over thrown.
Shavon Revel Jr. overcame an early flag for illegal contact and grabbed an interception after the receiver slipped, making a long return. That's a lot of action for just five defensive snaps, but the fact that he only played one series means that he is fairly established.
The pass rush was really good. Malachi Lawrence had a pressure on Revel's interception, and LT Overton also got home for a sack. Tyrus Wheat had a sack and a hurry, and Isaiah Land made a nice run stop. Jay Toia even got in on the fun. It was a good night for the defensive line.
Jonathan Mingo impressed on Saturday, making a nine-yard catch on the first drive then obliterating his defender on a double move for a long touchdown reception.
It was fairly quiet in regards to Drew Shelton in the early going, but his first notable appearance on screen was him blowing a block. He struggled in pass protection all night, giving up a hurry, although, to be fair, he was quite good in the run game. Ajani Cornelius was the best OT on Saturday.
Devin Moore gave up a big gain in the first quarter because he didn't get his head around, and gave up another reception because he gave up too much space. He also failed to set the edge on what would have been a touchdown for the Cardinals, had it not been called back for holding.
Julius Wood made a handful of good plays, not just bringing down ballcarriers but doing so in the open field. He also had some nice run fits and a solid run stop. Wood finished with a team-high seven tackles.
Penalties weren't as much of an issue for Brian Schottenheimer's team. They had three in the first quarter, two of which came on third down, but they stayed clean through the next two quarters and ended with just four penalties for 20 yards.
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