What to look for in the Dallas Cowboys first preseason game
By Jack Baker
The Dallas Cowboys are a little over a week away from their preseason game in San Francisco. What should we be on the lookout for in game one?
The Dallas Cowboys training camp has been talked about quite frequently throughout all sports media due to the hold out of Ezekiel Elliott. While that circus continues, many forget that the first preseason game is right around the corner as the Cowboys take on the San Francisco 49ers on August 10th.
Preseason games, especially the first one, seem meaningless to most but do not forget, it was about four years ago the world was introduced to Dak Prescott as he lit up the LA Memorial Coliseum in the first preseason game of 2016. As many starters will not play in Week One of the preseason, Cowboys nation should gear their eyes to some of the less-known names that will see playing time in San Fran.
One player we should keep an eye on is rookie running back Tony Pollard. Pollard was drafted in the fourth round of this years draft should see a lot of playing time week one, and I am curious to see what he can do when his number is called.
Pollard is potentially the “scat-back” the Dallas offense has desperately needed for years now. If Pollard has a solid showing in week one and is able to build on the success throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason, he could see valuable playing time throughout the season.
Another aspect we should look forward to is the play calling of Kellen Moore. Obviously, Moore will not show his hand and open up the playbook entirely week one of the preseason, but I am looking forward to seeing the diversity he can bring to the offense. Cowboys fans have suffered through the blandness of the Scott Linehan era, and I am eager to see how Moore operates the offense.
Lastly, Cowboys fans and the front office should keep a close eye to the kicking of Brett Maher. Maher claimed his spot on the roster last year when the Cowboys surprisingly decided to go with Maher over longtime kicker Dan Bailey.
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The only thing consistent about Maher’s 2018 season was the anxiety and uncertainty he brought Cowboys fans when he trotted on the field. Maher would nail a 58-yard kick, then end up hooking at 35-yard chip shot. Maher is the only kicker in camp so far in 2019 and unless he is splitting the uprights every time in San Fransisco, and throughout the rest of training camp, I believe more competition should come in.