You can’t draw too much from the first game of the preseason, but we’re going to try anyway. Here’s what we think we learned about the Cowboys during their 16-7 win on the opening night of fake football.
1. Concern over the kicking game is here to stay. David Buehler hit 3-of-4 field goals, but his longest make was 34 yards. (And that was shaky.) Buehler missed a 49-yarder by an embarrassing margin. This won’t quiet the talk that the Cowboys could bring in a veteran kicker just before the season.
2. The injury to starting defensive end Marcus Spears could be a blessing in disguise. Stephen Bowen picked up a sack and another key hurry to end a drive. We also like Jason Hatcher as much as Spears.
3. The left tackle “competition” may be over before it started. Doug Free looked strong in limited work, while backup Alex Barron gave up a sack and tweaked his ankle. The Cowboys starting unit barely played, but pushed Cincinnati around.
4. Wideout Kevin Ogletree didn’t help himself lock up a roster spot. Twice he gave away first downs because of a lack of attention to detail. (He didn’t drag his foot on a catch, and he fell in front of the first down marker another time.)
5. Tashard Choice reminded folks why he’s the best third-string back in football. Seven rushes, 41 yards. Felix Jones reminded the Cowboys why Marion Barber often gets the ball near the goal, fumbling at the one-yard line. (The fumble didn’t count because of a Bengals penalty.)
6. Martellus Bennett should be worried about his backup tight end job. John Phillips caught four passes for 60 yards, although he left with a knee injury. So maybe Bennett shouldn’t be too worried.
UPDATE: Bennett shouldn’t worry. Reports say Phillips “likely” tore his ACL.
