It is hard to believe, but the Cowboys have completed the Oxnard portion of training camp – returning home to host the Colts tonight for their first game of the season at AT&T Stadium. Following this 24-19 victory, the Cowboys will continue training camp at The Star with a lot to like following a win that saw Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, and most notably Jaylon Smith make their preseason debuts.
Jaylon Smith’s first real action with the Cowboys would have to wait, but not for long as the Cowboys received the opening kickoff and promptly jumped ahead 7-0 with a 95 yard drive orchestrated to perfection by Dak Prescott. Dez Bryant got things rolling quickly with a slant route to move the chains on the first play, and after gains of five, six, and five again by Darren McFadden he was in the end zone from 32 yards out – electrifying Cowboys Nation by finishing physically down the sideline and stretching for the score.
The opening fireworks from Dallas’ offense meant that Rod Marinelli’s defense got to play from ahead early, promptly forcing a three and out with Jaylon Smith making the stop (the first of his career) on third down.
Jaylon Smith's 1st Tackle in his NFL Career. pic.twitter.com/5J9DcBDtmo
— Cowboys Nation (@CowboysNation) August 19, 2017
The Cowboys’ first-team offense kept things rolling, as a starting offensive line that featured Chaz Green at LT and Jonathan Cooper at LG made easy work of the Colts’ front to momentarily make us forget about Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension by leading Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith.
It was Prescott’s connection to last season’s leader in receptions Cole Beasley that got the Cowboys down in the red zone once again, but a McFadden fumble turned the ball over the Colts and ended the night for most of the team’s starters.
Indianapolis went three and out again, but Kellen Moore turned the ball over on his first play after getting hit by former Cowboy Lavar Edwards and fumbling. Edwards returned the fumble for a tying touchdown, and a pair of field goals to either side had this game tied at ten at the half.
This game would hit a lull point until UDFA QB Cooper Rush lifted Kellen Moore late in the third quarter. Rush, who has outperformed Moore in every way this preseason, furthered his case for a roster spot by putting the Cowboys ahead 17-13 with a 19 yard touchdown to rookie Noah Brown.
Rush was a sharp 4-4 on the drive, leading another quick touchdown drive following a Colts punt by firing a three yard scoring strike to UDFA WR Lance Lenoir Jr.
A late Colts touchdown in “garbage time” would not be enough to stop the Cowboys from putting a cherry on top of a night that was successful the second Jaylon Smith stepped out of the tunnel prepared to play, as the offense did not miss a beat with their starters in.
https://twitter.com/KristiCowboy/status/899062463114731520
On the injury front, CB Orlando Scandrick exited and was evaluated for a concussion on the sideline. He did not return to the game after looking confident and flying around the ball without rookies Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie, or Xavier Woods on the field.
Be sure to check out tomorrow’s new edition of “Sean’s Scout” for a more in-depth breakdown of what stood out to me from the Cowboys’ performance against the Colts.
either keep 3 qbs, or release Linehan fav, Kellen Moore. Dallas would be foolish to let Cooper Rush walk; he won’t make it to the p.s. Rush will be helpful if Prescott is ever injured and misses time, (moreso than Moore), and/or eventually will garner good draft picks in a trade to some needy team.
Outside of Kellen Moore, the cowboys look good on both sides of the ball. A couple months ago i posted that Kellen moore was only here because of his step daddy Scott Linehan and that he would not be picked up by any other team if released, I received so much flak from delusional cowboys fans defending this bum, Where yall at now??? Three weeks of getting outplayed by Cooper Rush and a NBC sportstalk post this morning about the staff losing faith in him, even his step daddy. I cant believe yall still defend this scrub, where’s the love for cooper rush?? He moves the ball with ease with the same team kellen moore had, time to be honest with yourselfs about yall boy Kellen Moore
I just get the feeling (well, from Broaddus’ tweets) that the coaching staff is going to be bullish on Kellen. I don’t know that Dallas can necessarily afford the luxury of 3 QBs.. So to me, it’s going to take cutting Moore, or keeping both Rush and Moore. If they go 3 QB’s, they’ll end up cutting somebody that’s potentially useful like Noah Brown, Duke Thomas, etc.
Now you know and I know The boys usually only carry two qbs. Has Kellen Moore shown anybody that he deserves to back up Dak??? Dont keep him because he’s one of “the guys” He has been a BUM and that will never change. Who feels comfortable with him against defenses with starters in real games??NOT ME! How bout you???