Dallas Cowboys starters shine in preseason loss to Niners, 24-21

The Dallas Cowboys starters played well in their first preseason contest of 2018, losing in the final moments to the San Francisco 49ers, 24-21.

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their preseason on Thursday night, facing off against the San Francisco 49ers at home in Levi’s Stadium. And the Cowboys starters shined during their limited snaps in the contest.

Quarterback Dak Prescott would complete all three of his pass attempts including a beautiful deep throw to rookie wide receiver Michael Gallup for an early first-quarter touchdown. Prescott’s scoring pass capped a 10-play, 78-yard opening offensive series where running back Rod Smith excelled. The fourth-year runner posted 32-yards on eight carries.

But it was, in fact, 2018 seventh-round draft selection Bo Scarbrough who would lead the Cowboys in rushing yardage in his NFL debut. The former Alabama running back rushed for 33-yards and a score on nine carries. But the bulk of that yardage came on a 28-yard scamper in the second quarter.

The Cowboys went into halftime with a 14-7 lead. After a Niners’ field goal, an impressive two-yard toe-tapping receiving touchdown in the back of the end zone by wide receiver Lance Lenoir gave Dallas a 21-10 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys defense was not up to the task in the final quarter. The group of defenders made up of roster bubble players allowed two touchdowns in the fourth, including the game-winner with only :18 seconds left in regulation, losing the contest 24-21.

Backup quarterback Cooper Rush would end the game completing 15 of his 23 passes for 145 yards and a score. The Cowboys leading receiver was Marchie Murdock, who recorded two catches for 36 yards. Murdock suffered a left ankle injury and was forced to leave the game late.

Defensively, linebacker Joe Thomas led the team with five total tackles and an interception off a tipped pass by safety Kavon Frazier. Defensive tackle Brian Price also recorded five combined tackles. Cornerback Duke Thomas recorded a pick as well, this time off a tipped pass by defensive tackle Richard Ash. Defensive end Charles Tapper recorded a fumble recovery.

The Dallas Cowboys will next face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 18th at 6:00 p.m. CT. It will be the Cowboys’ preseason home opener at AT&T Stadium.