Cowboys @ Chargers
Final Score: Cowboys 32, Chargers 18
Writer: Ryan McDonough (@RyanTalksFF on Twitter)
WARNING: The content below has been written by someone who has become far too enamored with a particular 158-pound Cowboys player who doesn’t even have a guaranteed roster spot.
Dallas Cowboys
| Preseason Week 1 |
Quarterback
Cooper Rush: 3/6, 32 yards
Will Grier: 6/10, 98 yards, 1 sack | 1 carry, 9 yards
Ben DiNucci: 2/2, 4 yards | 2 carries, -2 yards
Quarterback play was not at a premium for Dallas whatsoever, but it really didn’t have to be with the strong special teams’ work that will be detailed below.
Running Back
Rico Dowdle: 13 carries, 44 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 8 yards
Malik Davis: 8 carries, 37 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 6 yards
The combination of Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis REALLY impressed me on Saturday night. Dowdle showed flashes of burst, speed, and agile footwork that made him a problem all night for the Chargers’ defense. Davis proved to be a great compliment with his strong running style, putting his head down in order to gain extra yardage on several occasions. These two are worth keeping an eye on in case either Ezekiel Elliott or Tony Pollard goes down this season.
If at first you don't succeed, try…try again! We see you @ricodowdle ❕#DALvsLAC on CBS11/NFL+ | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/FESIBi4KoU
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 21, 2022
Wide Receiver/Tight End
KeVontae Turpin: 98 Yard Kick Return TD, 86 Yard Punt Return TD | 1 carry, 7 yards
Brandon Smith: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 51 yards
Jalen Tolbert: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 25 yards
Jake Ferguson: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 29 yards
If you had to sum up this game for the Cowboys, it was that we witnessed the emergence of Dak Prescott‘s newest toy. KeVontae Turpin is an absolute problem on the field with his scorching speed, quick-cut ability, and overall field vision. He got the scoring started for the Cowboys with an impressive kick-return touchdown.
The definition of CHARGED 🆙 @KaVontaeTurpin ⚡️
#DALvsLAC on CBS11/NFL+ pic.twitter.com/DfqeU9jPex— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 21, 2022
Turpin wasn’t done with his coming out party as he added another electric return touchdown, this time on a punt return:
.@KaVontaeTurpin said LET'S TURN IT UP❗️#DALvsLAC on CBS11/NFL+#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/Osqw2u6EOQ
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 21, 2022
Turpin is someone that could open up some new plays in Kellen Moore‘s offense. Brandon Smith and Jake Ferguson were some other names that showed promise.
Los Angeles Chargers
| Preseason Week 1 |
Quarterback
Easton Stick: 11/20, 134 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 fumble lost | 2 carries, 24 yards
Chase Daniel: 13/21, 111 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks
Easton Stick looked overwhelmed from the start in this one, especially after throwing an ugly interception on the first drive of the game.
.@IsraelMukuamu gettin' us started with a PICK❗️#DALvsLAC on CBS11/NFL+ | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/gl44I1RGAB
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 21, 2022
The fourth-year quarterback was visually frustrated with himself on a number of occasions throughout his time on the field. Chase Daniel entered the game in the third quarter with the game well out of hand but managed to put the ball in the end zone once in his limited snaps.
Running Back
Joshua Kelley: 7 carries, 18 yards | 1 target
Larry Rountree III: 4 carries, 11 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 0 yards
Isaiah Spiller: 3 carries. 3 yards | 1 target
The Chargers were never really able to get it going on the ground, especially because they had to resort to the passing game after falling behind so early. The coaching staff has gone on record saying that they want to split Austin Ekeler‘s touches with someone, but nobody set themselves apart from the pack in this game. Rookie 4th-round pick Isaiah Spiller went down with an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return to action.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Joshua Palmer: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 75 yards, TD
Michael Bandy: 9 targets, 8 receptions, 69 yards, TD
Now, if there was a bright spot for the Chargers on Saturday night, it was definitely the production that they got out of these two. Joshua Palmer continues to build his case to be the third receiver as the speedy field stretcher with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Palmer appeared a lot more poised on the field than he did at any point in his playing time last year.
THE PALMER SHOW @flowercitysown | 📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/cRn1L4ys92
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 21, 2022
Even though a lot of Michael Bandy‘s stats were put up in garbage time, it is hard to ignore the work he put on display. The 24-year-old rookie has shown an impressive connection with Chase Daniel over their first two preseason games, which might be just enough to help him make this roster.
bandys 💸
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/PxtmtlMXwK
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 21, 2022