Cowboys: Dress Rehearsal Preparation
With preseason game three for the Cowboys, the dress rehearsal game will hopefully shed some light on the season. Here is a viewing guide.
The first two preseason games have had a lot of ups, downs, and some question marks as well. Dak Prescott has been an up, as has Shaniel Jenkins. The secondary hasn’t been awful for the most part and the running game looks to be a force to reckon with.
One question mark that remains is the pass rush.
Looking toward game three in the preseason, which is widely considered a dress rehearsal as the starters tend to play three quarters, one thing is certain, the Cowboys’ offense is looking really good. There are some things to watch for on offense that could help lay out the rest of the season. However, let’s start with the questions on defense.
One of the biggest questions this whole offseason has been the pass rush. Cedric Thornton has looked good and Shaniel Jenkins has been a force and should garner first team reps.
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The Cowboys seem to have relegated themselves into looking for pressure and not just sacks. If you want an idea of how pressure will be brought, watch Pat Kirwin explain it here.
Basically using the safety and linebackers with man cover, cover one to rush the passer it should allow for some pressure without leaving too much open.
The secondary is looking pretty good although there must be better tackling. While the Cowboys looked much better in game two, it is something to look at in game three. While it is no doubt the Cowboys can hit, the real question is can they wrap up and take good angles to the ball.
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Altogether, if the Cowboys look like they are using more linebackers and safeties to get pressure, then it means they have confidence in the cornerbacks. If it is seen that the linebackers tend to play off the line and react more to the ball it means they still have concerns over the coverage on the back end of the defense.
On offense, Ezekiel Elliot’s performance will be one of the most watched things in this game. Alfred Morris looks to have solidified his position on the team and the running back depth is the only question. This game could show how many running backs the Cowboys plan to keep on the roster. Everything depends on health and skill set.
The wide receiving corps looks strong and the only question is really who will be the last roster spot filler. There really is few questions about the offense other than depth. Sure, swing tackle looks to be up for grabs, but that should shake itself out pretty well. There really isn’t much other than watching timing, routes, and play calling.
The Cowboys look sharp on offense and even special teams. Game three will go a long way in answering some of the defensive questions if we know how to watch the game. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that the Cowboys try a new things to generate pressure this season Players like Jenkins, Thornton, and Crawford will all be vital to the success of this team.
Next: Dallas Cowboys: Preseason Game Two Review
Sit back and watch game three looking for a few keys to shaping the 2016 Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo and crew should play an extended part of the game and we might even see Dak get some first team reps as well. It will interesting to watch how the Cowboys use their depth during this game.