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Cowboys Film Review: Standouts and Observations from Dress Rehearsal

By Reid Hanson

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The Dallas Cowboys had their (un)official dress rehearsal on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. After reviewing the game tape, here are the standouts.

After studiously reviewing the preseason Minnesota game (sadly All-22 was unavailable for this one), it was clear that certain players are ready, and certain players are not. Here are some of the game standouts:

  • Linebacker Andrew Gachkar has been excellent pickup for the Cowboys this offseason. The last two games he logged meaningful snaps with the starters (47 snaps) and executed assignments effectively. He’s aggressive and confident in his run-stopping and his pass-coverage and fits virtually everywhere.  Gachkar may not start this season, but he’s starter-quality with position versatility. That’s a very valuable player to have at an injury-prone position group like linebacker.
  • Cole Beasley and Lance Dunbar look like top-notch return men and may be the best option for the Cowboys in the regular season. Both are sure-handed and excel in tight spaces. The top-end speed isn’t staggering on either, but that’s secondary to the attributes they do have. The only question is do the Cowboys want to risk Beasley to a high-impact role like punt returner? Methinks not.
  • Jeremy Mincey played an all-around strong game. Never considered a good run defender, Mincey pursued the ball carrier as fervently as he rushed the passer. The Cowboys will be in great hands with Mincey and Gregory manning the RDE spot during Greg Hardy’s 4-game suspension

    • We have yet to see Greg Hardy regain that Carolina form from two years ago, but he is certainly moving in the right direction. He’s looking faster and considerably stronger. His play at tackle is especially strong in pass-rushing as well as run-stopping.

  • Often overlooked last season was that the Cowboys’ offensive line starts notoriously slow. With 4 of 5 starters playing Saturday, they continued that trend, struggling the first two possessions of the game. DeMarco Murray had the size and strength to overcome it last year, hopefully Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden can do the same this year.

    • Tight end Geoff Swaim continued to impress, this time as an in-line blocker. There is no way Swaim doesn’t make this team. Will the Cowboys keep four TEs or could they try to trade one and gain an extra running back or defensive back in return?

    The special teams continued its struggles giving up a TD return off a kickoff. As the TV crew pointed out, there was no lane discipline from multiple players on the play, causing us to wonder,

    is it all of the players or is it the coach Rich Bisaccia that’s to blame?

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  • Brandon Carr was surprisingly strong in his play. Carr was targeted six times, allowing four completions for 71 yards. The longest reception he allowed was nothing short of a perfect pass and perfect catch. He was well positioned throughout the day and avoided face-guarding receivers (his favorite bad habit). He was called for a ticky-tack holding call, but all things considered, Carr played a very good game.
  • Speaking of good cornerback play, Morris Claiborne showed good ball skills in his play and may have gotten a little much-needed confidence along the way. He wasn’t targeted much, but his performance was certainly something to build on.

    • Defensive tackle Davon Coleman showed consistent strength and penetration, and most likely secured a roster spots in the process. Coleman has been a beast from both defensive tackle spots and figures to add depth to the Cowboys rotation in 2015.

    Next: Darren McFadden Should Start for Cowboys

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