3 standouts (and 2 duds) from Cowboys loss to Jaguars

The first preseason game is in the books as the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars met for their first exhibition game of the 2023 campaign.

Jacksonville came into AT&T Stadium and found a way to pull off a 28-23 win in a game where reserves ruled the day for Dallas.

While it would have been nice to get a win, the importance of these preseason games goes beyond the score. Instead, what matters is how the players look as they prepare for the regular season and fight for the final spots on the roster.

Let's check in with the Cowboys players who are fighting for position within their team and highlight three standouts as well as two duds from Preseason Week 1.

Cowboys standout: Markquese Bell, Safety

Markquese Bell made it with the Cowboys a year ago as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M. He appeared in five games with just one tackle but was a preseason star that the coaching staff felt could develop into a solid player.

In 2023, he picked up where he left off.

Bell was flying all over the field and finished the day with a team-high 10 tackles and had a pass breakup as well against the Jaguars.

Dallas has a very talented safety corps with Malik Hooker, Jayron Kearse, and Donovan Wilson set as their primary starters. They also like Israel Mukuamu, who can also play in the slot.

That means it won't be easy for Bell to see snaps in the base defense barring an injury but he continues to prove the game isn't too big for him.

Cowboys Dud: Rico Dowdle, Running Back

Ahead of their preseason opener, the Cowboys released their unofficial depth chart which had a bit of a surprise at running back. Rico Dowdle had apparently emerged as the No. 2 running back behind Tony Pollard, surpassing Malik Davis who seemed to be the favorite.

That didn't remain the case, however, as Davis was the starter when they took the field. He didn't do much to impress, finishing with just three yards on four rushing attempts — although he did have 19 yards on four receptions. That opened the door for Dowdle but he was unable to do much with the opportunity either.

Dowdle had more yard than Davis, finishing with 21 on the ground and 33 as a receiver. However, he finished with fewer than four yards per attempt and had one of the team's three turnovers.

Trailing 8-0, Dallas was trying to get back into the game and had put together a great drive. Starting from their own 12, they were at the Jags 26 when Dowdle caught a short pass and ran for a 21-yard gain. Unfortunately, he fumbled at the one-yard line turning the ball over.

The Cowboys defense forced a punt but then Dowdle had two short runs during their next possession which was a three-and-out. It was a chance to turn the momentum in their favor and twice Dowdle couldn't get it done.

Cowboys standout: John Stephens, Jr., Tight End

A wide receiver at Louisiana, John Stephens, Jr. is trying to make it to the Cowboys roster as a pass-catching tight end. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds, he's not the biggest tight end but he didn't let that stop him on Saturday as he was one of the biggest stars on the night.

Stephens led Dallas in both receptions (five) and yards (56) on Saturday. He also pulled down one of the two touchdown passes Will Grier threw. The other was caught by Jalen Tolbert, who also had himself a great night with 29 yards and the touchdown on two catches.

Stephens has been a breakout candidate so far in camp as he's been turning in one solid practice after another. Now, he's put a good game on film as well.

The only problem for him is going to be how crowded things are at the position. Dallas already has Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot who are locks to make the team. The same is true of Luke Schoonmaker, who was their second-round pick.

Schoonmaker might not be the starter right out of the gate, especially after suffering a camp injury, but he's going to be in the plans. Even if he does get the job at some point this season, Ferguson will also have a role and Hendershot is the receiving tight end who can stretch the field.

Stephens has the talent but is likely a practice squad candidate with a lot of upside.

Cowboys Dud: KaVontae Turpin, Wide Receiver/Returner

Leading up to this game, there was a lot of talk about KaVontae Turpin. The second-year wideout was a Pro Bowler as a rookie due to his electricity as a return man but there was growing excitement about what he could do in the offense as well.

The Cowboys aren't going to unleash everything they have in their playbook but it was nice to see Turpin get a couple of targets in this one. He ended up pulling in one of those passes for a 15-yard gain. However, it was his regular job where he struggled.

Dallas started the game out hot on defense as Juanyeh Thomas picked off Trevor Lawrence. Following a poor series from the offense, they again did the job as the defense forced a punt on the Jags' second drive. But then, Turpin had a momentum-swinging play — but not in his team's favor.

Turpin took his only punt return of the night for eight yards and then fumbled it away. The Jaguars scooped it up and started with the ball as the Dallas 42.

Six plays later, Lawrence found Christian Kirk for a nine-yard touchdown and then Zay Jones caught a two-point conversion. In a matter of minutes, Dallas gave up decent field position and surrendered eight points. All of which could have been avoided had Turpin not fumbled.

Cowboys standout: Deuce Vaughn, Running Back

When the Cowboys elected to release Ezekiel Elliott and hit Tony Pollard with the franchise tag, it felt like a foregone conclusion they were going to take a running back early in the draft. That's not what happened though as they waited until Round 6 to bring one in.

That's where they landed Deuce Vaughn and it instantly became a feel-good story. Vaughn's father is a scout for Dallas and was able to call his son to tell him he would be drafted by America's Team.

Outside of the emotional side of the story, the Cowboys also got one heck of a player. Vaughn was a production machine at Kansas State but his small stature apparently scared teams off. But if Saturday was any indication, he's going to do just fine in the pros.

Vaughn had a sensational third quarter as he was making players miss and finding room to run.

He finished the night with 50 yards on eight carries and added six more on three receptions. He even scored his first touchdown early in the fourth quarter when he took it in from four yards out.

Vaughn could easily move up the depth chart if he continues to play like this. And if he does, it feels as though the Cowboys could have a very explosive committee with Pollard and Vaughn working together.

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