Dallas Cowboys: 5 players who disappointed against Niners

After the Dallas Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, here are five players who disappointed in their first preseason game of 2018.

The Dallas Cowboys started off their preseason losing to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, 24-21. But the Cowboys did hold the lead for a majority of the game, allowing two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give the Niners the come from behind victory.

But exhibitions like these are more about evaluating players than the win/loss column. With that in mind, here are five Cowboys who disappointed in their preseason debuts.

Anthony Brown, CB

After being hyped as one of the better training camp performers coming into this contest, cornerback Anthony Brown had a horrible game against the Niners. Brown was called for pass interference at the end of the second quarter, that allowed a 21-yard gain and the Niners’ first touchdown just two plays later.

The former sixth-rounder looked like the same inconsistent player that was benched last season in favor of two rookies. Brown is fighting Jourdan Lewis for the starting role in this secondary covering the slot. Unfortunately, Lewis didn’t play much better on Thursday night.

Chaz Green, OL

Called for a holding penalty early in the second quarter, offensive lineman Chaz Green continues to struggle following his career collapse against the Atlanta Falcons last season. The Cowboys know Green, a former third-rounder, has played well in replacement of left tackle Tyron Smith in the past. They are hoping to rebuild his confidence. But so far, no dice.

Jihad Ward, DT

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Jihad Ward’s play throughout training camp as the former second-rounder has been touted as a possible day one starter. But Ward failed to shine in his first preseason contest in Dallas, even committing an encroachment penalty in the first half. At this point, many a likely a bit higher on Antwaun Woods as a possible starter over Ward.

Rico Gathers, TE

After posting seven receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns in his first two preseason outings last season, tight end Rico Gathers didn’t make much noise against the Niners. Not even recording a single catch until late into the fourth quarter, much of the hype surrounding Gathers was due to his preseason fireworks. His lack of production was disappointing and a possible sign of his demise in Dallas.

Donovan Olumba, CB

A pet cat of DallasCowboys.com’s Bryan Broaddus, cornerback Donovan Olumba looked lost playing against subpar talent at the end of the Cowboys first preseason game. Called for two pass interference penalties (one of which was a bad call), the undrafted rookie out of Portland State nicknamed “Sherman” by his teammates looked anything but the four-time Pro Bowler on Thursday night. He’ll need to step up his game in order to make the team with this stocked secondary.