The Dallas Cowboys' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks was a mixed bag, offering a glimpse into the team's potential under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. While the game was far from a true indicator of the season ahead, there were some notable moments and performances that provide food for thought.
One thing that immediately stands out is the defensive transformation under Parker. The unit gave up a touchdown on Seattle's opening drive, but then proceeded to anchor the Cowboys to a 17-7 victory. This is particularly fascinating given the unit's struggles in previous years. What makes this especially interesting is the fact that the Cowboys' starters were largely absent, which means the defense will only get better as the season progresses. In my opinion, this defense has the potential to be a real game-changer for the Cowboys, and it's something to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.
The offense also showed promise, with Sam Howell and Joe Milton both making solid debuts. Howell was efficient in his Dallas introduction, completing 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards with no turnovers for a healthy 118.1 passer rating. Milton, meanwhile, threw for 107 yards and a touchdown off 12 completions for a 118.6 passer rating. What makes this particularly interesting is the competition between the two quarterbacks for the second position. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be a real strength for the Cowboys, as it provides depth and flexibility in the quarterback room.
The true star of the game, though, was wide receiver Camden Brown. The undrafted rookie out of Georgia Southern continued the extraordinary play he's shown all during training camp. He finished with three catches for a game-high 62 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, the second of which was truly highlight-reel worthy. What this really suggests is that the Cowboys may have found a hidden gem in Brown, who could be a real breakout star this season. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a real testament to the Cowboys' ability to scout and develop talent, and it's something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Overall, the Cowboys' preseason opener was a solid start to the exhibition schedule. While there are still plenty of questions to be answered, the team showed signs of promise in both offense and defense. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a real positive sign for the Cowboys, who will look to build on this momentum as the season unfolds.
