In their second preseason game the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 27-12. We don’t want to overreact to a preseason game, but the Cowboys had a solid performance all around. Let’s take a look at what we learned late Saturday night in the desert.

Trey Lance Steps Up

The Raiders decided to play their starters the first 3 quarters in an effort to determine who their starting quarterback would be. In a plot twist, Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance demonstrated his potential, and the Raiders were left with a big question mark. Lance completed 15 out of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, along with 34 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Lance has now played the majority of both preseason games without committing a turnover.

Aubrey’s Big Boot

Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made a massive 66-yard field goal, which would have tied the NFL record if it were in the regular season. The Pro Bowl kicker that made a record 35 straight last season looks like he’s ready to do it all over again.

The Deuce was Loose!

In the overcrowded backfield in Dallas, one back shinned in Vegas. Deuce Vaughn ran for 34 yards on five carries and seemed to create positives out of negatives. Vaughn showed once again that at only 5’5 he can be productive in the NFL.

Cowboy’s Defense Held the Line

The Cowboys held the Vegas offense to just 12 points. This was particularly impressive considering how many Raiders starters were on the field. Cowboy’s newly acquired Corner, Kemon Hall sealed the deal with an electric pick-6 that launched the Cowboys fans in Vegas into a frenzy of “Let’s Go Cowboys” chants.

Cowboys Young O-Line Shines

Cowboy’s rookie center Cooper Beebe was clean on all snaps and did not allow a sack or even a hit on QB. Tyler Guyton looked like a starting NFL tackle providing excellent pass protection and run blocking. We are beginning to see what the O-line will look like week one in Cleveland.

Raiders QB Questions Continue

On the Raiders’ side, the quarterback situation remains unresolved as neither Aidan O’Connell nor Gardner Minshew performed particularly well, leading to questions about who will start for the Raiders in the upcoming season.

Up Next for the Cowboys

The Cowboys will host Jim Harbaugh and the Las Angeles Chargers Saturday at AT&T stadium. It’s yet to be determined how many starters will be on the field as the Cowboys will wrap up the preseason and look forward to the opener in Cleveland September 8th.

*Photos courtesy of NBC, Yahoo, Wallpaper Abyss, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Reggie Sanderson – We Like Sportz Dallas Cowboys writer.

Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast.

Follow Reggie on X @Irish_Cowboy88