HONOLULU- The Dallas Cowboys beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-10 at Aloha Stadium in preseason week two.
The Cowboys got off to a great start taking a 7-0 lead following Tony Pollard’s 14-yard rush up the middle for a touchdown. The rookie did a great job running through tackles with balance. The first team looked solid on the 97-yard 12-play drive -utilizing Pollard, and Dak Prescott connected with Michael Gallup on a 31-yard pass down the sideline. On the defensive side of the ball, Maliek Collins and Kerry Hyder were explosive in the defensive line and cornerback; Jourdan Lewis had several big tackles on the outside perimeter.
Dallas did not make it back into the end zone until the third quarter. Mike White could not get into a rhythm in the second quarter and Cooper Rush took over shortly after the start of the third. Rush had a solid series late in the third with a couple of scrambles and movement in the pocket, ending in an eight-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith in the corner of the end zone. Dallas took a 14-10 lead after Smith’s incredible ball control.
The team did not score again but the defense played outstanding throughout the second half. Cornerback, Donovan Olumba had several huge plays in a row in the fourth with several tipped balls and immediate tackles. He was constantly around the football with tight coverage on receivers to get his hands on the ball. In addition, linebacker Justin Phillips had an interception at the end of the third and got the attention of the coaching staff on the play.
Overall, many newcomers shined on the field with their production during the game. Preseason is all about new players taking advantage of the opportunities/reps they are given in a live-action game, and many did that tonight for the Cowboys. The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to come together for the silver and blue. The team finished with 251 total yards, 157 passing and 94 rushing. Dallas concluded the game 2-2 in the red zone.
