Cowboys: Standouts from the Hall of Fame game

After trailing 15-0 early, the Dallas Cowboys came back and secured a 20-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 Hall of Fame game.

The first look at this season’s Dallas squad went about as expected. With a few exceptions, the starters did not make appearances. Ryan Switzer, Maliek Collins, Justin Durant, Jourdan Lewis, and David Irving were among those who did not travel to Canton, Ohio for the game.

The Cardinals got off to a fast start thanks to a strong showing from Blaine Gabbert. Once the Dallas defense settled into a groove, the game became more evenly matched.

Let’s take a look at how each side of the ball fared, and who stood out from the rest.

Offense

The first offensive possession saw Kellen Moore under center, with Darren McFadden getting the nod at running back.  After a quick three-and-out, Moore got the offense going with a fade to Brice Butler. Later in the drive, he connected with tight end Rico Gathers on a 26-yard touchdown pass.

Alfred Morris made the most of his limited touches, gaining 42 yards on just seven carries, including a 25-yard scamper up the middle in the second quarter. Immediately after, Moore found Butler again on a go route that set up a field goal.

The Cowboys could have scored again before the half, but a Moore interception in the end zone threw away the chance.

Cooper Rush relieved Moore in the second half, and he wasted no time in putting more points on the board. Facing a 4th-and-three from the 14-yard line, he hit Uzoma Nwachukwu on a crossing route to give the Cowboys the lead.

The Cardinals briefly retook the lead, but a 43-yard field goal in the fourth quarter by Sam Irwin-Hill put Dallas on top for good.

Notable Performances

La’el Collins got the start at right tackle, and from the beginning he looked like a man amongst boys. There is not much doubt anymore about who will hold down that end of the line this year.

Former basketball player Rico Gathers flashed his potential, making a beautiful touchdown grab and putting up a solid day’s work (3 catches for 59 yards and a touchdown). One of his receptions was a tribute to his athleticism, as he caught the ball down near his ankles before turning upfield and tacking on yardage.

Cooper Rush earned another audition for the backup quarterback position with a good overall effort. His 87 yards and a touchdown through the air was partnered with two carries and 23 yards on the ground. Rush fit a great touch pass into a tight window to Andy Jones that ultimately set up the go-ahead field goal.

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Defense

The Cowboys pass defense struggled mightily in the first half. Gabbert, who was beat out mid-season by Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco last year, shredded the secondary while looking very comfortable.

The defense held once Dallas got on the scoreboard, and Arizona could not seem to find their rhythm. Two missed field goals allowed the bend-but-don’t-break scheme to prevail.

The run defense looked solid, holding the Cardinals to 88 net rushing yards.

Notable Performances

Charles Tapper caused a lot of disruption in the trenches, and was close to finishing out several plays.

Chidobe Awuzie made solid plays, including a near pick-six late in the game. His role in the secondary this year will be crucial, so games like this are huge for his growth.

Anthony Brown registered a sack before leaving the game with an apparent hamstring injury.

Next: Breaking down the Cowboys' performance in the Hall of Fame game

Overall, it was a stellar game for the Cowboys. Seeing Jaylon Smith on the sidelines was enough to get the blood pumping, and Dallas is hoping to get him on the field soon. The Cowboys play their next preseason game on August 12 at the Los Angeles Rams.