:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/36679396/20140807_ajw_ar5_583.JPG.0.jpg)
Dallas Cowboys leave San Diego relatively unscathed | Rainer Sabin, DMN
Perhaps the best news of the day: Outside of running back Ben Malena (quadriceps strain), and two players checked for possible concussions (defensive tackle Dartwan Bush and safety Ahmad Dixon), there were no significant injuries yesterday.
Jason Garrett liked Brandon Weeden's performance - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Garrett liked what he saw from Weeden, and Weeden is happy to share the credit for a 13 of 17, 107 yard, 1 TD performance.
"I thought Brandon Weeden had good poise conducting some of those drives," Garrett said.
"It was good," Weeden said. "We made some good plays. The offensive line played well, and we were able to run the ball effectively which gives us an opportunity to throw effectively. We had some good plays and were able to finish it off."
Chargers Overcome Cowboys in Preseason Opener - Chargers.com
This is one reason Marinelli is not going to be happy:
Stat of the Game: The Chargers' quarterbacks started the game a perfect 12-12, and didn’t throw an incomplete pass until the fourth quarter. Overall they finished 14-16 for 243 yards.
Broaddus: Durant Among 12 Thoughts From The Radio Booth - DC.com
Broaddus offers a dozen quick impressions from the game, and while he focuses mostly on the positive individual achievements (Randle, Dixon, Weeden, Bernadeau, Mitchell, Durant, Vaughan, Boatright), he also has this to say about the defensive line:
If you don't play with your hands and shed blocks at the point of attack, you are going to have a bad defense -- I don't care how much talent you think you have. The Chargers did a much better job of coming off the ball and sustaining their blocks. The Cowboys front seven had no answer for that.
Eatman: Weeden Gets Passing Grade On His First Real Test Nick Eatman, DC.com
Eatman writes that Weeden passed his first test as the Dallas Cowboys backup QB.
Maybe not with flying colors since he only led the offense to one touchdown, but he set his own goals before the game, which were to function within the offense, limit the pre-snap penalties, move the chains and, of course, punch it in when the Cowboys offense got close to scoring. And for the most part, that’s what Weeden was able to do.
5 thoughts: Brandon Weeden, Joseph Randle are biggest positives from Dallas Cowboys’ preseason opener | Jon Machota, DMN
Mochta also saw some positive things from Brandon Weeden, Joseph Randle, and Tyrone Crawford, but is worried about the defense.
Jerry Jones said he thinks this year’s defense will be better than last year’s simply because he believes they couldn’t possibly be any worse. I’m not sure about that. They might not be worse, but they could very well be just as bad. It starts up front and they need better play from the line. If they can’t get significant contributions from Tyrone Crawford, Henry Melton, Jeremy Mincey, Terrell McClain and Anthony Spencer, they’re in trouble.
After watching the Cowboys defense Thursday night, you could certainly see why they made it a priority to trade up to draft DE DeMarcus Lawrence (out 8-12 weeks with foot injury) in the second round.
Weeden plays a half; Cowboys see what they want to see from backup QB | David Moore, DMN
Lots of praise for Weeden all around, and David Moore is no different.
The 30-year-old made a good first impression with his command of the offense. He made plays with his arm and feet in putting seven points on the board in his first half of work against San Diego at Qualcomm Stadium. It wasn’t enough to keep the Cowboys from losing 27-7. But it was an encouraging start for a team that needs to build faith in its backup quarterback entering the season.
Notes: Ahmad Dixon Feeling Well, Penalty Issue, More - Rowan Kavner, DC.com
Kavner focuses his game review on Terrance Mitchel, James Hanna, Brandon Weeden, and other odds and ends. He also provides a status update on Ahmad Dixon, who led the team with 12 tackles, but was hurt on the final tackle and had to take a concussion test.
"I had good signs, remembered everything I was supposed to remember, was walking pretty good and was walking pretty steady," Dixon said.
"I’m feeling good. Got a little dinged up. It just kind of was a little ‘welcome to the NFL’ type of blow. But I’m feeling good. I learned a lot. Coaches threw me out there a little bit. I got to showcase my skills a little bit, but overall I feel good."
Cody Mandell trying to kick it with Cowboys | TuscaloosaNews.com
A look at punter Cody Mandell and his impressions from his first NFL training c amp.