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Dallas Cowboys Preseason Week 2: Three key observations

By Bryan Spielman

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: Taco Charlton #97 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Sean Mannion #14 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: Taco Charlton #97 of the Dallas Cowboys sacks quarterback Sean Mannion #14 of the Los Angeles Rams during the preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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After suffering their first loss to the Los Angeles Rams. here are three key observations from the Dallas Cowboys second preseason contest.

Dallas Cowboys fans’ dreams of an undefeated preseason were stomped out this weekend after losing to the Los Angeles Rams. But the game allowed us to learn more about key players fighting for playing time and roster spots.

Here are three key observations I was able to make while watching the Cowboys second preseason contest.

1. Creating turnover opportunities

In 2014 and 2016, the Cowboys were in the top ten of the league, in terms of turnover differential. In 2015, they were dead last. I think you can see where I’m going with this… turnovers are important.

It was a great to see the Dallas defense create turnover opportunities against the Rams. Even though they didn’t get any interceptions, forcing fumbles is an excellent alternative.

I came away impressed with the tackling of linebacker Anthony Hitchens, as well as safeties Xavier Woods and Kavon Frazier. They played with a nasty streak laying the wood on Rams players and forcing fumbles.

Hitchens stood out on the defense’s second drive, dislodging the ball from Rams receiver Cooper Kupp near the goal line. Throughout the rest of the game, Woods and Frazier brought the hammer, causing incompletions and forcing fumbles with their aggressiveness.

There is still plenty of room for improvement. While forcing fumbles is great, recovering them is just as important. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, but I bet you defenders will be reminded of the missed opportunities during practice this week.

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