ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys fell to their instate rival, the Houston Texans, 20-14 at AT&T Stadium on Saturday night. Household names Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and DeMarcus Lawrence got the night off for Dallas but the rest of the first team on offense and defense received playing time. The game served as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. Not a conclusive test for what is expected when the Sunday lights come on, but the closest glimpse at the squad in a competitive game exhibition that fans have seen with almost a full cast of starters suiting up in Arlington. Here are some key takeaways from the meeting:
Dan Quinn, Carlos Watkins in COVID protocols
Defensive starters may have been on the field in the first half apart from Lawrence, but the biggest headline came during the first quarter. It was announced over the speaker that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and starting defensive tackle Carlos Watkins left the stadium early “out of an abundance of caution” in accordance with the NFL’s COVID-related protocols. 90 minutes prior to kickoff, Watkins entered the protocol and Quinn followed suit.
“There’s a number of steps that are part of the protocol,” Mike McCarthy described to media following the game. “So, with that, we’ll continue to move forward. We’re just being extremely cautious and will do so moving forward.”
Secondary coach/passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. took over the play-calling duties from the booth. In a normal gameday setting, Whitt sits in the row behind Quinn in the box and the upgraded position was a result of an “easy transition” given the time limitation, according to McCarthy. The staff did not have to move anyone else into the booth and an opportunity presented itself for Whitt to take charge.
Both Quinn and Watkins will be further evaluated today in Frisco and additional details will be reported as information is disclosed. If either or both must miss time, Dallas will face a major setback. Players are still adjusting to Quinn’s scheme and familiarizing themselves with the playbook. The unit feeds off his energy and hands-on approach daily. As a first-year coordinator in Dallas, Quinn has got the players to buy into his scheme and has been able to maximize individual strengths. However, his absence would present a halt in the otherwise ascending defensive unit.
Watkins has received first-team reps on defense at the one-technique spot throughout camp. With Neville Gallimore, a presumed starting three-technique, out for 6-8 weeks after sustaining an elbow dislocation, the team is already thinner at defensive tackle. They are missing one starter in the interior and adding another to the mix would be challenging. Watkins adds a veteran presence next to Osa Odighizuwa, the rookie out of UCLA who has received first-team reps at the three-technique spot in Gallimore’s absence.
Cooper Rush’s emergence
Executive vice president Stephen Jones said earlier in the week on local radio show 105.3 The Fan that there is an open competition between Cooper Rush and Garrett Gilbert for the No. 2 backup role behind Dak Prescott. Gilbert has been the predominant front runner throughout camp and laughter may have followed Jones’ declaration, but Saturday proved the contrary. After two unproductive series led by Gilbert, Rush came in and turned the tide. He led the Cowboys to the end zone for the first time and finished the first half completing 10-of-12 attempts for 97 yards and two touchdowns. An impressive performance for Rush and one that certainly put him ahead in the battle. In contrast, Gilbert had the ball stripped on the offense’s second snap of the ballgame and the Texans capitalized with a touchdown.
Every week, Rush looks more comfortable in the pocket and the result speaks for itself.
He will have another chance to bypass Gilbert on the depth chart. McCarthy noted in his post game press conference that there is one more week left in preseason, and the staff “needs it” in order to continue evaluations. Both Rush and Gilbert battling it out will be the focal point for viewers against the Jaguars.
Turnover woes continue for offense
“Sick of the turnovers.”
Mike McCarthy’s frank statement after the game is a perfect summary of the second half. Ben DiNucci took over the reins at quarterback in the third quarter and to say he struggled is an understatement. He completed 14-of-19 passes for 120 yards but threw three interceptions. Not a winning formula. 17 of the Texans’ 20 points came off Cowboys’ turnovers. The self-inflicted wounds continue, and McCarthy has seen enough, much like the fan base.
The defense did their part- limiting Houston to 220 total offensive yards and did not allow a single third down conversion on 10 attempts. The defense played with high effort and relentlessly pursued the football, but the offense did them no favors. Preseason is the time to work out the kinks and taking care of the football is the number one priority. As Prescott likes to say, “ball security is job security.”
