The Dallas Cowboys concluded their preseason slate with a 26-19 loss but with players who made their mark with roster decisions on the horizon.
DALLAS — It wasn’t a pretty effort from the Dallas Cowboys in their third preseason contest as they were defeated 26-19 by the Los Angeles Chargers. The defense gave up too many big plays and the offense turned the ball over too many times, which isn’t what you want to see in the summer’s final tune-up.
Nevertheless, the final score matters little, but how the team played with jobs on the line made it a disconcerting outcome for head coach Mike McCarthy’s squad. Overall, it was the worst that the Cowboys have looked during this exhibition season and if this was the lasting impression that some players put on film before cutdown day, they won’t be happy with the result.
Here are more observations from the Cowboys in the Week 3 preseason loss:
Lance isn’t ready, and may never be in Dallas
After giving Cooper Rush some work in the first two preseason contests, the Cowboys decided to give Trey Lance all four quarters to showcase his growth after being a focal point through camp. The results were a mixed bag, but it was evident that Lance isn’t ready to play in a regular season game right now, and he may never be ready with the Cowboys.
Some plays flashed Lance’s potential that made him the 2021 third-overall pick, but those were mostly plays where he could express his athleticism rather than plays where he needed to work within the offense. The athletic traits were evident as Lance had 90 yards rushing, including an impressive scoring run from 46 yards out.
However, as a pure passer from the pocket, the young QB struggled. Throwing five interceptions won’t win a job in the NFL and worse, the kind of interceptions that Lance threw that were especially frustrating. There were throws with defenders in the direct path of Lance’s receivers, leaving people scratching their heads about his decision-making.
It’s easy to see Lance’s potential and there is a path to success in the NFL, but it might be scheme-specific where he can use his impressive movement skills. That doesn’t fit what McCarthy runs in Dallas.
Vaughn makes his case
The Cowboys have decisions to make at running back and shifty second-year back Deuce Vaughn gave them something to think about with his performance. Vaughn ran for 53 yards on nine carries, averaging close to six yards per carry, and showed good power to pair with his elusiveness.
On his longest tote of the day, Vaughn got outside and then made defenders miss with his quick twitch movement. It was the type of run that no other RB on the roster could make and why the former Kansas State standout is a tantalizing option.
Vaughn has some limitations to his game, but he brings an explosiveness that can’t be found anywhere else among the running backs. There should be a role for Vaughn on the 53-man roster after he outperformed Malik Davis and Royce Freeman this preseason, but he’ll be sweating out cutdown day.
Flournoy cements his spot
While Vaughn put out his best tape for inclusion on the roster, Ryan Flournoy all but cemented his spot with another good outing. The rookie WR had three catches for 30 yards and scored his second touchdown in as many weeks. Unlike last week, this score was a difficult grab that saw Flournoy have to adjust his body to make the catch over his shoulder while getting both feet down.
That was an NFL-type reception that displayed great body control and hand-eye coordination. The athleticism was already there for Flournoy, but now it looks like he’s refining the technical aspects of his game that should solidify his spot on the Cowboys’ roster.
It was another encouraging game from Flournoy who looks like the kind of depth at wideout that the Cowboys have been seeking this summer.
Defense gets lit up
After back-to-back exciting performances from new coordinator Mike Zimmer’s defense, the unit was gashed for big play scores in the loss to the Chargers. On the defense’s first snap of the game, over-pursuit on an end-around that went 70 yards for a score.
A few possessions later, third-string quarterback Easton Stick threw a 78-yard touchdown to former Cowboy Simi Fehoko. Cornerback Andrew Booth was caught flat-footed in coverage as Fehoko ran right past him and then couldn’t bring the WR down near the sideline as Fehoko shrugged him off for the big play.
Booth had a rough game, as did second-year defensive lineman Viliami Fehoko, who looks like a longshot for the roster right now. There were some signs of positive play from Zimmer’s group, but giving up long touchdowns won’t make the veteran coach happy.
Defensive players make an impression
The play from the defense wasn’t all bad and a pair of players on the roster bubble made strong impressions. Veteran defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad pressured the QB for much of the game and came out of the loss with two tackles for a loss and a sack. The veteran edge rusher made some plays that he now has a good shot at landing on the roster.
Another bubble player who put his best foot forward was undrafted free agent Julius Wood. The rookie safety got his second interception of the preseason and had four tackles. Two players at opposite ends of their careers made their final impressions to be included on the roster. Now all they can do is wait to hear about their fate.
Do you think running back Deuce Vaughn has earned a job with his play in the preseason? Share your thoughts with Ben on X (formerly Twitter) @BenGrimaldi.