The Dallas Cowboys looked a little too much like the 2025 version of themselves on the opening drives Saturday. They gave up a long touchdown drive on defense and went three-and-out on offense, with multiple penalties on both sides of the ball. From then on, though, the Seattle Seahawks couldn’t contend with Dallas on offense or defense. The best play for Seattle was a 50-yard punt return that led to a turnover on downs. The records don’t count, and the real winners are the teams that stay healthy, but there is plenty to learn from this matchup.
Player evaluation is the most significant part of the preseason as Dallas looks to add depth to the roster. Having guys step up to a more significant role than just practice is important. Situational play, like the end of a half or the red zone, is also important, and, of course, team discipline. Here is what we learned from the Cowboys' first preseason game of the year.
Pre-snap penalties are still an issue
Dallas was once again one of the most penalized teams last season, and the pre-snap penalties are unacceptable. Three false starts are an awful beginning, with the one on the opening drive coming on third-and-short, leading to a punt.
Another was on a play when it was one yard to a first down, and the other took a 2nd-and-6 to 2nd-and-long. They were all by offensive tackles, who played poorly all night as a group. They also had a delay-of-game penalty on Joe Milton. These mistakes are drive killers and are self-inflicted issues the coaching staff needs to address.
Cowboys playmakers at tight end and running back can made plays
The Cowboys need explosive playmakers who are not named CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. There were far too few dynamic plays out of the backs and tight ends in 2025, but Jaydon Blue and Michael Trigg have the athleticism to give them more from those positions. Both played well against the Seahawks, combining for 18 touches for 64 yards. The offensive line wasn’t opening many holes for Blue, but he was decisive and added a nice gain on a screen pass. Trigg was getting targets in the two-minute drill and on third downs.
Camden Brown can make the 53-man roster
Camden Brown has had an excellent camp so far, even getting snaps with the first-team offense. It was an uphill climb to make this team, considering they already have four receivers locked into the 53-man roster. He is battling players like Jonathan Mingo, who Dallas traded a fourth-round pick for, and Anthony Smith, a draft pick this offseason. Brown stepped up with two impressive touchdown passes. A 40-yard bomb from Sam Howell and a one-handed fade ball reception from Joe Milton. He ended the night with three catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or on YouTube at Across the Cowboys podcast.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Lessons learned from PS win, can Cowboys be explosive from more spots?