5 questions for the Cowboys ahead of tonight’s preseason game against the Raiders

August 17, 2024 dallas city news

The preseason hits its middle section this week. With the Dallas Cowboys already set to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in preseason game No. 2, they will soon be forced to lock in and make some tough roster decisions ahead of Week 1.

In the meantime, they will be using every chance they get to evaluate their roster, and Saturday night’s matchup with the Raiders is their latest opportunity. They’re entering the evening with some questions, and we discuss five of the more pressing ones ahead of it.

Five burning questions facing the Cowboys vs. Raiders

How does Tyler Guyton respond in game No. 2?

The feeling following preseason game No. 1 was a positive one for rookie Tyler Guyton. In limited action, he played confidently and showed off his power and athleticism at a high level that has left those around the team even more excited for his future. However, the next important test will be tonight, as we will see if he can build upon his first performance with another quality one.

With Chuma Edoga out for an extended period of time, the need for Guyton to be ready has heightened a bit. Even if many were penciling him in to be the Day 1 starter anyway, the injury to Edoga all but assures the team needs it now rather than hoping.

How he responds in his second game action will go a long way toward cementing how people felt last week and putting a little bit more focus and attention on him this time around.

Will we see progress from Trey Lance?

Someone who stands to gain the most from a quality preseason is probably Trey Lance. While his first game action against the Rams was a mixed bag that drew various reviews, Lance needs to find a way to leave no doubt on Saturday night.

We all know what the Cowboys gave up to acquire Lance. We know the move was made with the future in mind. However, there hasn’t been much, if any, return on that investment right now. If Dallas is going to feel good about the move at all, Lance is going to have to elevate his game, and quickly.

Saturday night provides another opportunity for the young signal-caller. Will he be able to progress forward, or will there be more doubt and wonder following another ho-hum preseason performance?

More Cooper Beebe with the 1’s?

There have been rumblings that Cooper Beebe was beginning to put things together in training camp, and that sentiment was confirmed when he began to be sprinkled into first-team reps this week. While it looks as if veteran Brock Hoffman is still ahead at this time, could preseason game No. 2 be another pivotal moment in the position battle?

Fans have flocked to Beebe, with the hopes that he is the next long-term guy in the middle. While that may be coming, and possibly soon, he is still in a battle for a starting job, and every rep counts for the rookie out of Kansas State.

Saturday could provide more answers regarding this battle. With a starting position on the line, there will be a lot of eyes fixed on this one as it unfolds against the Raiders.

What wide receivers are going to separate themselves?

One of the more fun positions to watch this training camp has been the wide receiver group. With Jalen Tolbert rising to the occasion and essentially cementing his status amongst the roster hierarchy, the rest of the group has been quite impressive as well.

With players such as Jalen Brooks, KaVontae Turpin, and Jalen Moreno-Cropper, to name a few, making highlight plays throughout camp, things are getting interesting as Dallas looks to figure out how this room will shake out.

With four spots assumedly locked in (Lamb, Cooks, Tolbert, and Turpin (special teams)), that leaves one, maybe two spots for three or four deserving guys to fight for. Who is going to be able to separate themselves, and who is going to make this 53-man roster? Much like their individual practices have been, this figures to be more quality entertainment for the fans.

Is the tackle depth currently on the roster?

Dallas has been through the wringer this week when it has come to the tackle position. With injuries to Edoga and Earl Bostic Jr., the Cowboys are in the midst of a depth crisis right now. While the top of the group feels fairly solidified, one may begin to wonder if they have enough talent currently on the roster to feel good about bringing into the season.

With guys like Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball not really doing much in their young careers, there appears to be some worry about them going forward. The one bright spot appears to be Asim Richards, who has position flex and is seemingly stepping up and impressing the coaching staff this camp.

However, is it enough, or will they need to outsource after the down day or make another trade? Saturday provides another opportunity for many of these guys to show progress, and if they are unable to do so, it’s probably safe to assume Jerry and Co. will be looking for contingency plans.

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Dallas City News