:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60790421/usa_today_11056693.0.jpg)
The scoreboard may have said that the Dallas Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers, but logic and reason tell us that it was a great night.
Most of the starters played exceptionally well, and there’s some legitimate depth on this team. Was it a perfect performance top to bottom? Of course not, but there’s room to improve.
We all watched the game and will likely do so many more times in the coming days. For now, let’s take a look at the best photos from the first time we saw the Cowboys this season.
Run Dak Run
Dak Prescott ran a bit during the offense’s first possession. Hey Dak, um, this is preseason. Let’s be cool, alright?
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964025/usa_today_11056710.jpg)
Rod Smith can run, too
Prescott wasn’t the only person to run with success early in the contest. Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play which meant Rod Smith was the starting running back on the night. There’s a reason he’s RB2, and he proved it.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964027/usa_today_11056703.jpg)
Gallup-ing into the endzone
The first score of the season (preseason, whatever) belongs to one of the most-hyped rookies we’ve had in some time. Dak Prescott threw a perfect deep ball (yes, really) to Michael Gallup for a touchdown. It was Gallup’s first catch.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964029/usa_today_11057006.jpg)
Teamwork makes the dream work
Kavon Frazier had a scary start to training camp, but thankfully all is well. He went flying in at the San Francisco 49ers offense and managed to tip a pass that ended up in Joe Thomas’ arms. Interceptions are a lot of fun.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964033/usa_today_11057393.jpg)
Michael Gallup, not Mr. Fantastic
Michael Gallup may have caught the game’s first touchdown, but that doesn’t mean his arms are made of fantastic elastic. Cooper Rush sailed one over him in the endzone, but the Cowboys would score anyway. How would they do that? I’m glad you asked.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964035/usa_today_11057436.jpg)
Bo knows best
After breaking a big run earlier in the game, Bo Scarbrough clearly wanted to get into the endzone. He’s regarded as a power back who can utilize his brute force and he did a great job of getting in from right on the goal line. Way to go, Bo.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964037/usa_today_11057438.jpg)
Zeke approves
He was suited up in that beautiful Dallas Cowboys uniform, but Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play on Thursday night. He was a big fan of Scarbrough’s touchdown, though.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964039/usa_today_11057442.jpg)
Hooray for halftime
Leading at the half is always good, even in the preseason. Jason Garrett took his squad into the locker room on the right side of the scoreboard, although they’d ultimately go back in on the wrong one.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964041/usa_today_11057440.jpg)
Lance-a-lot
Miles Austin, Cole Beasley, and now Lance Lenoir have all been undrafted receivers for the Cowboys that wore #14. It’s somewhat of a good luck charm. Lenoir’s doing what he can to make the Cowboys 53-man roster, and scoring a touchdown is a good way to better his odds.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964043/usa_today_11057862.jpg)
Don’t forget about Darius
While Bo Scarbrough had himself a nice game, Darius Jackson didn’t disappoint either. On this particular play the 49ers were nice enough to literally not try to tackle him at all, apparently.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964045/usa_today_11057881.jpg)
Duke makes amends
Duke Thomas had a bit of a disappointing night in San Francisco, but he did nab an interception off of a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. Those count and will definitely be remembered a bit, but let’s put it together for four quarters next time.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964047/usa_today_11057884.jpg)
Cowboys win 49ers win
San Francisco had an impressive (as much as it can be in the preseason) late drive to win the game. It may have earned somebody a roster spot, but it definitely wasn’t any Cowboy on the field. At least it wasn’t overtime.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964051/usa_today_11057858.jpg)
Until next time
While the Cowboys technically lost, they played well and escaped relatively injury-free. That’s a win in most books, and one that we’ll take into week two of the preseason.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/11964053/usa_today_11057860.jpg)