SANTA CLARA, Calif.- The Dallas Cowboys fell to the San Francisco 49ers 9-17 in the team’s first preseason game at Levi’s Stadium.
The Cowboys concluded the game with 294 total yards (239 passing and 55 rushing). The club totaled 11 passing first downs and three rushing first downs. Dallas was 4-15 in third down efficiency and 0-2 in fourth down efficiency.
Dak Prescott and the first team played the first series of the ballgame, resulting in nine plays, 65 yards, and a field goal.
The preseason is an opportunity for newcomers to emerge as stars and earn a place on the final 53-man roster. They have a chance to take advantage of the reps in a live action game and anybody can work their way up the depth chart. A couple of takeaways from both sides of the ball:
On defense: the physicality of the secondary. Chidobe Awuzie knocking a ball away, Donovan Olumba tipping a ball, an interception by Donovan Wilson… all things Kris Richard expects from the team’s last line of defense and instills in them during drills. The team’s backfield is off to a great start.
Another point of aggression for the defense- linebacker, Luke Gifford. The undrafted free agent dislocated his finger, played through it, and had an outstanding catch to intercept the ball. His first pick as an NFL player shifted the momentum in the second quarter, and all with an injured hand. That kind of ability to step up and make big plays is what Ben Bloom and the coaching staff as a whole looks for. Gifford exited the game later on a cart with a leg injury, but sources say it is just a sprain. Good news for Dallas’ defense.
Former Lion, Kerry Hyder put pressure on the quarterback that set up the interception and contested the throw. He deserves just as much of the credit. Christian Covington (team lead six tackles), Jalen Jelks, Joe Jackson, and Taco Charlton all had big games as well getting to the quarterback and solidifying the team’s pass rush. Jalen Jelks recorded his first sack as a Cowboy: Toughness that corresponds with ‘Marinelli’s Madness. ‘
On offense: Blake Jarwin was a constant target for Cooper Rush. He finished with four receptions for 51 yards, and a 12.8 average after the catch. He moved the chains and kept critical plays alive for Dallas. Devin Smith had a big game as well, leading the Cowboys in receiving yards with three receptions for 54 yards, and an 18.0 average after the catch. Cedrick Wilson ranked third, following Jarwin with three receptions for 36 yards, and an average of 12 yards after the catch. All were able to create separation on routes to make plays.
Cooper Rush finished 16 of 26 for 142 yards. Mike White finished nine of 20 for 87 yards.
The team still has a lot to work on before the regular season but as hoped and expected, playmakers emerged!
