The Cowboys Report
Proficient Prescott looks to be in midseason form for Cowboys
Aug 22, 2019, 6:50 am
The Cowboys Report
The Dallas Cowboys got their first win of the preseason Saturday night when they beat the Los Angeles Rams 14-10.
For the second week in a row Quarterback Dak Prescott has led the Cowboys to a score in their opening possession. Just like last week, he was perfect on all his throws (5-5) for 64 yards, which helped add to the 12 play, 97 yard touchdown drive.H e seems to be in mid-season form already as he connected with five different players on each of his throws. Once again he hooked up with second year receiver Michael Gallup, this time for a 31 yard pass down the right sideline for the longest play of the game.cHe looks like he is ready for the regular season to begin and perhaps deserving of a new "Starting Quarterback" contract.
Speaking of new contracts, last year's NFL leading rusher Ezekiel Elliott is still hasn't reported to the team as he is waiting for a new one of his own. With him out, rookie running back Tony Pollard looked great as he played with the starters on that opening drive. He carried the ball five times for 42 yards and caught one pass for nine yards. Most importantly, Pollard ended the drive with an inside handoff that he took for a 14 yard touchdown. After seeing that, the Cowboys have something more than just the win to be excited about.
The Dallas defense looked solid again. They made the Rams punt on their first two possessions but did allow a touchdown on their third one which was set up by a fumbled punt return on the Cowboys 37 yard line.
1.Running backs (T. Pollard or A. Morris): Rookie Tony Pollard (2019 fourth round pick) looked impressive. He ran with a good mix of both power and speed. Veteran Alfred Morris saw his first preseason action. He didn't do much with his three carries for six yards. Pollard looks to be the clear cut #1 RB for now.
2.Return of Jason Witten: After coming back from a year of retirement, the 11 time Pro Bowl Tight End caught his only target that turned out to be a clutch third down catch that gave the Cowboys a first down to keep their scoring drive alive. He could be an important factor that helps cure their red zone woes.
3.Kicker Brett Maher: Missed his only field goal attempt of the game (52 yards) but made his two extra point attempts. The Cowboys don't seem to have much confidence in him and might start looking to bring in someone else to kick for them.
Saturday Aug. 24 the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) will be taking on their in-state rival Houston Texans (1-1) at home in AT&T stadium.This matchup should be compelling as it's the third preseason game and it is the one that most resembles a regular season contest. Almost all starters should play a good amount of time.
Currently, the line on this game is a pickem with the over/under at 40.5. Again, this is preseason and I will be staying away. If you absolutely have to play something, I would look to the over. The Texans are averaging 26 points this preseason while the Cowboys are averaging 11.5. If that stays true, score will be around 37.5. With all starters playing a little more than they have been, I would, think that one or maybe both teams might score a little more than their average. If you played last week, it was an easy under of 43.5.
This week, the Houston Texans take on the Colts in a matchup with division supremacy on the line. If the Texans are able to come away with a victory, they will own the tiebreaker over Indy and enjoy a comfortable lead in the division.
However, a loss to the Colts means the Texans will be in a virtual tie with Indy in the AFC South. So what do the Texans need to do to secure a win?
On offense, they'll have to do a much better job of protecting CJ Stroud. In their last game against the Packers, Stroud faced immense pressure on third downs, with 12 of his 14 dropbacks resulting in pressure.
During one series, Stroud was flushed from the pocket and forced to scramble on three straight plays. They have to clean up the protection, or it will be another long day for the offense.
Fortunately for the Texans, this game is at home. So hopefully the communication issues the Texans o-line dealt with on the road last week won't be an issue at NRG.
Rushing attack
Houston can't afford to rely solely on Joe Mixon and the run game to carry the offense. While Mixon has been terrific, contributing significantly in recent weeks, the Texans will need a balanced attack. Which means Stroud must have time to operate in the pocket.
Bulls on parade
The defense last week was another story for the Texans. They played well against Green Bay, limiting them to 24 points. This week, they face a very different type of quarterback. Anthony Richardson is dead last in passer rating and completion percentage, so that's definitely working in their favor.
We know what Richardson can do with his legs, and Indy is expecting running back Jonathan Taylor to return from an ankle injury, so the rushing defense will be tested.
Richardson's accuracy is certainly a weakness, but he does throw a good deep ball that gave the defense problems in Week 1 this season.
What does Vegas think?
The Texans are favored by 5 points and the total is set at 45.5 points.
This is one video you don't want to miss as we share our in-depth breakdown of the game, as well as our predictions for Sunday's contest.
For Texans’ conversation, catch Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo on our Texans On Tap podcasts. Thursdays feature a preview of the upcoming game, and then we go live (then available on demand) after the final gun of the game: Texans on Tap - YouTube
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