The Dallas Cowboys 2022 campaign got off to a rocky start against the Denver Broncos in the first week of preseason. With a long list of starters sitting out, the Cowboys leaned heavily on their young players to carry the load. The young depth of the team was put to the test with many players getting their first taste of NFL game action, on the road with altitude and intermittent rainfall adding to the challenge.
The Cowboys were unable to generate much in the way of a passing game, throwing for just 58 yards in the first half, finishing with 175 for the night. Adding to a largely ineffective passing game, the Cowboys were penalized 17 times for 129 yards. Let’s review the team report card to see which positional groups passed and who failed.
QB: C-
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Cooper Rush: 43 snaps (57%)
Ben DiNucci: 32 snaps (43%)
As expected, the Cowboys sat franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, giving the start to long-time backup Rush.
Rush finished the evening completing 12 of his 20 passing attempts for 84 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception and a 48.8 quarterback rating. Unable to get anything going downfield, Rush relied on quick tempo passes to get the ball out of his hands. His interception came on a fourth and two attempt intended for Jalen Tolbert.
DiNucci entered the game late in the third quarter and was able to generate an explosive passing play on his first snap. Backed up deep in their own territory, DiNucci found second year wide receiver Brandon Smith down the right sideline for a 40 yard gain. DiNucci led the Cowboys to their first scoring drive of the preseason, connecting with Simi Fehoko for a 12-yard touchdown pass. He finished 9 of 16 for 112 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions and a 99.0 QB Rating
RB: B+
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Aaron Shampkin, Malik Davis: 29 snaps (39%)
Rico Dowdle: 17 snaps (23%)
The running game was one of the bright spots for the Cowboys. The team collectively ran the ball 28 times for 141 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.
A collection of undrafted free agents carried the load for the rushing attack with rookies Davis and Shampklin carrying 15 times for 83 yards alongside Dowdle as the third-year running back had 9 carries for 36 yards. All three backs had an explosive run with each having a 10+ yard carry.
OL: C+
Aviante Collins: 55 – 73%
Josh Ball: 53 – 71%
Matt…
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