10 gut feelings about Dallas Cowboys vs L.A. Rams

A list of predictions for standout players and situations for the Dallas Cowboys first preseason game.

Here we are.

After what has seemed like much longer than seven months and change since the final Dallas Cowboys game of the 2015-16 season- the first preseason game and first opportunity to look at the 2016-17 Cowboys in live action has finally arrived.

Many veteran Cowboys players aren’t expected to play much, if at all, in the game this evening against the Los Angeles Rams.

Don’t expect to see much of quarterback Tony Romo out there. Don’t expect to see too much of wide receiver Dez Bryant or tight end Jason Witten either.

We know what those players mean to the team and their expansive roles are already established for this season.

Preseason games are for evaluating the up and coming talent that is vying for a spot on this roster.

The preseason also gives the coaching staff and front office opportunity to see where the weak spots are on the team depth-wise and places that they may need to address over the course of the next month before the regular season.

All of you true blue Cowboys fans are chomping at the bit to see who is going to emerge as potential stars of the future for this team.

I have compiled a list of things I expect to see from the Cowboys tonight, including players that may stand out:

#1. Dak Prescott will seem hesitant to attack downfield at first, but by the end of the first half I expect to see a calm and collected rookie quarterback leading this team down the field for a scoring drive or two.

#2. Darius Jackson is going to look explosive in the touches he receives and will continue to light a fire under Darren McFadden who still hasn’t returned to practice after needing surgery on his elbow stemming from an incident on Memorial Day weekend, sparking more conversation about McFadden being a potential trade piece.

#3. Geoff Swaim should have a nice game at the tight end position after developing a strong rapport with Dak through practices thus far in camp.

#4. Andy Jones will lead the team in receiving and will continue building a very strong case for making the final roster.

#5. Ryan Russell is going to give a glimpse of his development under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and will come up with a sack and multiple pressures; putting his name back in the running for a starting defensive end spot.

#6. Mark Nzeocha will lead the team in tackles and make several eye opening plays that display his athleticism and willingness to find the ball carrier.

#7. Anthony Brown gets his first interception of preseason, courtesy of a Jared Goff pass.

#8. The Dallas Cowboys will attempt multiple two point conversions, due in part to the fact that they know how accurate Dan Bailey is. It will also be a great chance to test the concentration and execution of the young players on offense.

#9. Lucky Whitehead will bust loose on a punt return, not sure if he takes it to the house but it will be fun to watch all the same.

Next: Dallas Cowboys vs. L.A. Rams: What to watch for

#10. The first player to score a touchdown for the Cowboys in preseason will be Brice Butler. He needs to put that size and speed to good use after being inconsistent throughout camp to this point.