2013 Pre-Season Review - wolvesjr34's Dynasty

wolvesjr34's Dynasty Blog

2013 Pre-Season Review

Posted on October 19, 2013 at 04:58 AM.

(0)

Operation Sports News: As we continue our season previews we look back at the preseason for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have had a rocky pre-season to say the least following the ownership changing hands, and numerous roster spots being filled by Australian and American open tryout surprises. It would be a ridiculous understatement to imply that Sean Lee, Tyrone Smith, Anthony Spencer and Morris Claiborne have a lot of leadership to bring to this undermanned Cowboys team this season. There really aren't many other options.

The Cowboys shockingly went 1 - 3 in the pre-season, with week one producing the boilover as the defence ran rampant against an Oakland Raiders team that must have underestimated the job the Cowboys coaching staff, lead by Jason Garrett would do with the new players. With three interceptions and four sacks the defence helped lead the way as the offence gained confidence and momentum to steam roll the Raiders 34 to 11.

Sam Davison get's his first career pick.

Claiborne, Webb and Davison were the players to pick off passes from the Raiders QB's, while unheralded Defensive Tackle Leon Vance out of Wheaton started his NFL career off strongly with two sacks. Vance impressed with his aggression and desire to reach the quarterback at the open tryouts held in Austin, and there could be big things to come for this young man as he looked to stake a claim to start for the Cowboys.

On the offensive side of the ball 29 year old Keirnan Dorney got the starting nod ahead of Kyle Rhodes, and while he only threw for 38 yards in the first quarter before being rested, he showed some poise throwing 4/5 to help move the ball for his team. Rhodes was given three quarters to show his worth, throwing for 11/16, 1 TD, 1INT and 132 yards. Rhodes biggest surprise was his speed at escaping the pocket when plays broke down, he scrambled for a touchdown to pair with the passing TD.

The biggest surprise was how the offensive line managed to provide some solid blocking for the runners. Rookie Joseph Randle made the most of this with his 10 carries netting 53 yards and two touchdowns. Former Hawthorn player from the Australian Football League Cyril Rioli ran 11 times for 81 yards, but the 81 yards bely the fact that speed is all this young man appears to have at this stage. Most runs were busted for one or two yards if not a loss, it was just two lucky runs where he was able to escape into the open field that helped him net the decent yardage.

Defensive Tackle Ryan Royal who was pencilled in to become a starter broke his collarbone during the first quarter of the match up, and remains on the injury list at the end of preseason.

The subsequent three games for the Cowboys went a lot more according to script, with regards to all predictions surrounding the team. The Cowboys travelled to Arizona and struggled to contain the Cardinals in a 3 - 28 defeat. Making matters worse the Cowboys losta seond Defensive Tackle in Ben Bass to a broken collarbone in this game as well, he remains on the injury list heading into week one.

Dorney once again held his own, while not managing a scoring touchdown for the second week in a row, threw for 61 yards on 3 of 6 attempts without throwing an interception. Kyle Rhodes threw 3 interceptions on his way to 165 yards and a 46.8 QB Rating.

B.W. Webb obtained his second interception of the pre-season and Leon Vance his third sack in this game.

Third game of the pre-season the Cowboys hosted the Bengals and while managing a little more offensive production, fell 14 - 24. Garrett also showed how wide open the race was for many positions in the team, by switching the depth chart around. Kyle Rhodes started and went 3/3 for 20 yards and no picks, as the focus was on running in the first; although young full back Kieran Lansdell fumbled after completing a catch for a first down, which proved a costly turnover for the Cowboys who had looked like sustaining a drive.

One of the exciting things for the Cowboys to see was the progress of former Melbourne Demon highflyer Jeremy Howe, renowned for taking spectactular catches on the shoulders of opponents. Howe held 5 pass for 94 yards and a touchdown, his superior hands clearly shining through. He may have cemented himself a starting spot with the display.

Joseph Randle also looked to cement his spot as the starting running back, 14 runs for 55 yards was significant given that Cyril Rioli ran for 3 total yards on 4 attempts. Fan favourite Fred Hunter surprised with a wildcat run for 10 yards and a touchdown, what he lacks in physical ability he definitely makes up for with heart.

Defensive Stalwarts Sean Lee and Anthony Spencer both notched their first pre-season sacks, having seen additional time on the field, Lee added 3 tackles for loss to his total also, proving a very strong presence.

Newcomer Sedrick Ellis who was signed ahead of week three to play Defensive Tackle laid 4 tackles, including one in the backfield. Cowboys felt they needed to bring in another big lineman following the injuries to Royal and Bass. Thankfully for the Cowboys there were no significant injuries in third game.

New tight end Lance Franklin lucky not to be seriously injured in this play.

The Cowboys went down to the Texans 21-27 in the final game of the pre-season in spite of some special plays made by former Adelaide Crows speedster Patrick Dangerfield. The first play was a 35 yard catch thrown by Dorney, his second TD of the pre-season, and the big play a 97 yard kick return for touchdown in the last minute of the game, to make the score look more respectable. Dangerfield has big speed and great potential, he may yet become a great addition to the Cowboys.

Defensively the Cowboys secondary got back on the board after being shut out in the third week, with Claiborne adding his second interception of the pe-season and Deion Smith another unheralded college player from Central Arkansas nabbing two picks in the game in an attempt to keep his team in the contest. While he lacks a little speed to go with the faster receivers, Smith certainly looks capable of holding his own with more reps and work on his understanding of what the offense is doing.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys they may find themselves going shopping for another corner back with Rookie B.W. Webb breaking some ribs in a contest during the second quarter, adding to a growing injury list for the Cowboys.

2013 Pre-Season
Pos	Player	Injury Note
DT	Ryan Royal	Broken Collarbone - return estimate 2 weeks
DT	Ben Bass	Broken Collarbone - return estimate 3 weeks
CB	B.W. Webb	Broken Ribs - return estimate 3 weeks