Dallas City News

The Dallas Cowboys lost their first game of the preseason on Sunday, falling to the Los Angeles Rams 13-12. The Cowboys played without a majority of their starters, allowing the fans the opportunity to see the team’s rookies and depth players fight for a roster spot. Here are three immediate takeaways from the game.

Trey Lance showed good and bad in debut

Arguably the most anticipated storyline this preseason for the Cowboys is QB Trey Lance. The former third-overall pick is looking to showcase his skills throughout the next few weeks, as he hasn’t played in almost two seasons. Lance finished the game with 188 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a 72.0 passer rating.

Lance showed flashes throughout the game, notably with his scrambling ability. He picked up two first downs with his feet, one for 19 yards and another for 14.

Overall, Lance probably didn’t have the game he was hoping for. However, it’s important to put things into perspective. Lance played the game with mostly undrafted free agents at wide receiver, and less than ideal protection from the offensive line. Lance showed some signs and can look to build off it next week.

Jalen Brooks is firmly in the WR3 conversation

The talk of training camp for the team has been the two Jalen’s at wide receiver. Considering Jalen Tolbert didn’t play at all for the team on Sunday, it is safe to assume Mike McCarthy and the coaching staff have him as the team’s third wide receiver on the depth chart.

With that said, Jalen Brooks wasted no time in making his presence felt against the Rams, grabbing a 43-yard reception in the team’s first drive of the game.

If it had been a better throw, Brooks would have likely scored his first professional touchdown with that catch. Despite the underthrow, Brooks made a great adjustment for the ball to come down with the reception. The second-year receiver continues to prove himself as having reliable hands, as he caught every ball thrown to him in the 2023 season.

Tyler Guyton looked impressive

First-round pick Tyler Guyton didn’t get the start on Sunday, as he didn’t practice much last week due to illness. With that said, Guyton looked comfortable early in his first snaps at the left tackle position.

While looking good in pass protection, Guyton also showed off his agility in the run game on this run by RB Malik Davis.

It also felt like the protection was much better when Guyton was in the game compared to when he was not.