The Dallas Cowboys’ preseason opener was informative. After months of offseason workouts, training camp practices, and roster battles, fans finally got a chance to see how each unit looked in a game setting. While some lived up to the hype, others showed promise, and others left much to be desired. It’s only the first preseason game, so there’s no need to start panicking, but there’s enough film out there now to start handing out grades and figuring out where each unit stands heading into the rest of the preseason. The Cowboys suit up again in full on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s a chance to identify what needs to be fixed before the season begins and the play on the field really matters. Whether it’s a minor tweak or a bigger issue that requires attention from the front office, every unit has something to work on.
Cowboys Offense | Grade: B
It’s clear the offense is ahead of the defense and special teams units, and after Saturday’s performance, it’s not even close. Despite playing mostly backups, the Cowboys moved the ball consistently throughout the game, racking up 338 total yards against a Seahawks defense that brought pressure and flew around the field all evening. Quarterbacks Sam Howell and Joe Milton both played well, making the backup decision behind starter Dak Prescott a tougher one than many expected.
The running backs, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis, all ran effectively when given room to work. Blue and Mafah also made impressive catches out of the backfield, showing their versatility. At receiver and tight end, Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, and Michael Trigg each stepped up with plays that moved the chains and helped put points on the board.
The only glaring concern was the offensive line. The unit struggled to generate consistent protection and didn’t create enough running lanes, which stalled the offense at times.
Special Teams | Grade: D
Last season, the Cowboys’ special teams unit ranked 27th in the league due to poor kickoff and punt coverage. Unfortunately, those same issues appeared again Saturday under returning special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen. Allowing a 52-yard punt return to Seahawks rookie receiver Rashad Rochelle brought back memories of the coverage breakdowns that plagued Dallas throughout 2025.
The Cowboys also dodged a major mistake when Traeshon Holden muffed a punt on Dallas’ 2-yard line. The defense held firm and kept Seattle out of the end zone, but a message was sent when Holden was released on Monday.
Sorensen has to find answers for the coverage units if Dallas wants to consistently win the field-position battle. The Cowboys can’t afford to waste the talents of Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey and punter Bryan Anger, and can ill afford to put them in situations where they have to save plays as tacklers and risk injury.
Cowboys Defense | Grade: B
The biggest question surrounding the Cowboys entering the preseason was the defense and whether new coordinator Christian Parker could turn things around quickly. After Saturday’s opener, Parker and his staff appear to be on the right track. Dallas didn’t look lost or overwhelmed. The defense was generally in position, clogged running lanes, flowed to the football, finished tackles, and communicated well throughout the game.
Parker also looked comfortable calling plays at the NFL level. After Seattle opened the game using multiple three-tight-end sets, it seemed Parker spent the early series studying what the Seahawks wanted to accomplish. Once he adjusted, Dallas countered with heavier personnel packages and a loaded box while trusting the secondary to handle the back end. The adjustment worked.
Overall, it was a promising debut for Parker. He showed an ability to diagnose offensive tendencies, make adjustments, and get his players to execute. For a defense that desperately needed a fresh start, that’s an encouraging first step.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Preseason Report Card: The good, the bad, and the promising
Reporting by Terence Watson , Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Terence Watson , Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
