Cowboys vs. Steelers: 5 takeaways from the Hall of Fame game

Gilbert’s average performance didn’t inspire much confidence

Backup quarterback candidate Garrett Gilbert looked a bit shaky on the Cowboys’ first offensive series, nearly throwing an interception in the endzone. But Gilbert was able to make connections with tight end Dalton Schultz, wide receiver Noah Brown, and running back Rico Dowdle resulting in a Hunter Niswander field goal that allowed Dallas to take the early 3-0 lead.

Unfortunately, that would be the only points scored by the Cowboys all night. On the next offensive series, Gilbert was once again able to lead the Cowboys back into the red zone on a 14-play, 79-yard drive. So his ability to move the ball between the 20s was solid.

But again the veteran passer struggled in the red zone and was unable to find an open receiver on third down near the endzone.  And holding the ball too long on the play resulted in a sack-fumble which was luckily recovered by Dallas. Although it led to a blocked field goal attempt.

As the best overall candidate to become Dak Prescott’s primary backup (as Cooper Rush and Ben DiNucci failed to best his performance), Gilbert finished the day completing nine of his 13 passes for 104 yards.

While it was a solid outing for the 30-year old passer, Gilbert didn’t display the internal clock you’d expect for an eight-year veteran to possess as he held onto the ball too long on several plays. So there are some timing issues to work out.

Although, we have to remember that Gilbert is not your traditional NFL veteran having only played a total of seven games in his entire professional career. And that he made his only NFL start just last season for the Cowboys in a 24-19 loss to these same Steelers.

Actually, the best quarterback of the night might have been Pittsburgh’s third-stringer, Josh Dobbs. The fifth-year passer completed four of his six passes and threw the only passing touchdown of the game. Perhaps the Cowboys could benefit from getting such a good look at the former fourth-rounder if he hits the waiver wire this summer.