Cowboys Show Improvement, But Lose To Chargers

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The Dallas Cowboys showed flashes of promise in a 28-20 preseason loss to the Chargers in San Diego.

After a dismal performance by the offensive line against the Raiders on Monday night, the team made significant adjustments and improvements.  Quarterback Tony Romo had time in the pocket to pass, and running back DeMarco Murray had running lanes. 

Romo came out of the game after completing 9 of 13 passes for 75 yards.  

Still an area of concern is the ability to reach the end zone.  The starting offensive unit could only manage a 40-yard field goal by Dan Bailey.

The first-unit defense also played well, holding the Chargers scoreless for the first half.  Cornerback Brandon Carr showed why the Cowboys went after the free-agent in the offseason.   Carr intercepted two passes in the first half.

Rookie running back Jamize Olawale, from UNT, led the Cowboys in carries with 10.  Olawale gave Dallas power from the running back position not seen in recent years.

Receiver Cole Beasley, from SMU, led the Cowboys in catches (7) and yards receiving (104). 

The Cowboys were still plagued by penalties, getting flagged 9 times for 86 yards.

The lack of depth on the Dallas squad was evident in the 2nd half, as the Chargers defense flowed into the Cowboys’ backfield.  Dallas quarterback Stephen McGee was running for his life on every pass attempt.  McGee was intercepted once and sacked twice in his limited playing time.   

The Cowboys gave up 21 points in the 4th quarter, a trend left over from last season that has to be a concern even if it is a preseason game.

Dallas will make it’s first home appearance on Thursday with a practice at Cowboys Stadium open to the public.  The first home game will be Saturday night against the Rams.