The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their 2024 preseason with some questions answered and some not. After wrapping up the preseason with a 26-19 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night the Cowboys are left with some major roster decisions, cutting down to the 53-man roster on Tuesday. Let’s take a look at how the Cowboys faired this preseason and what we might expect moving forward.

Quarterback Room

The preseason spotlight was definitely on Trey Lance, the former third overall pick, who’s been battling for the backup quarterback position with Cooper Rush, behind Dak Prescott. Lance’s performance has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Against the Raiders, he showcased his potential talent by completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown, alongside displaying his mobility with 36 rushing yards and another score. However, the preseason finale against the Chargers was much less impressive, with Lance throwing five interceptions. He consistently moved the offense down the field and showed flashes of comfort running the offense, but the turnovers proved costly in the end. Lance finished 33-of-49 for 323 yards, one touchdown pass to WR Ryan Flournoy, and one dynamic 46-yard rushing touchdown and five interceptions. It would be surprising if Lance is anything but QB3 going into week one.

Running Back Room

The running back situation has been interesting with Deuce Vaughn making a case for himself with electric performances, potentially securing the RB3 spot. Deuce had 9 carries for 53 yards Saturday. Deuce hopes to join Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott in the “Running back by committee” strategy Dallas is planning on. Royce Freeman and Malik Davis are battling for that spot as well. Neither Freeman nor Davis have made the case Vaughn has in the preseason.

Defensive Performance

Defensively, the Cowboys have shown depth, especially in the secondary. Despite DaRon Bland’s injury, the Cowboys take another “next man up” mentality that has worked well the past 2 seasons under highly touted DB Coach Al Harris. Rookie CB Caelen Carson played so well the first two preseason games, the Cowboys sat him out with the starters in game three. The defense, as a whole, has been a strong point under new DC Mike Zimmer. Several rookie players like CB Kemon Hall, LB Marist Liufau and DE Marshawn Kneeland look ready to play week one.

Receiving Corps

As the Cowboys aim to lock up CeeDee Lamb before week one, the focus shifts from preseason to the regular-season. In the event of Lamb’s absence the Cowboys may of found something in rookie Ryan Flournoy who finished the preseason with 9 catches, 61 yards, and 2 touchdowns.

Offensive Line

The Cowboys may of struck gold with the offensive line once again. Rookie Tackle Tyler Guyton looked impressive and finished the preseason as the highest rated rookie lineman in the NFL. He will be tested early as he’s slated to line up across from Myles Garrett week one at Cleveland. The competition for Center seems to be decided. Rookie Cooper Beebe appears to have out-played Brock Hoffman for the position. Beebe was clean on snaps and physical with his run and pass blocking. The Cowboys are betting this is a sign that not only the center concerns are over, but they have a potential star with Beebe.

Special Teams

As the Cowboys have many questions leading into the 2024 regular season, Special Teams is not one of them. Place kicker Brandon Aubrey hit from 66-yards against the Raiders which would have tied the all-time NFL record if the game was a regular season contest. Pro Bowl Punter Brian Anger looked sharp, averaging 51 yards per punt in the preseason.

As the Cowboys wrapped up Training Camp and the Preseason Saturday evening, they now head back to Texas to prepare for the season opener. The Cowboys are involved in a big match-up between two 2023 playoff teams, visiting the Cleveland Browns September 8th.

Photos courtesy of ESPN, NBC, DallasCowboys.com, Dallas Morning News.

We Like Sportz Writer – Reggie Sanderson

Follow Reggie on X at @Irish_Cowboy88

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