Cowboys/Bolts

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What to Watch For

When the starters are playing:

Who plays in what spot on the Bolts O-line? And how do they do protecting PR and Clemons against Hardy, Mincy, Crawford, and the other members of the Cowboys stable of D-linemen? Can they open some holes for Gordon?

Speaking of Gordon, tonight will be his first impression to the fan base that does not watch a lot of college ball.

Can the Bolts produce a pass rush? Can they harass Weedon (Romo will not play) and any other Cowboy QB? The Cowboy O-line is impressive and one of the best the Bolts will face this season. Don't judge the pass rush based on this game's 1st team vs. 1st team pass rush battle.

Where and in what priority do the Bolts LB's play? And can they stay clean enough against the Cowboys O-line starters to make tackles and keep the running game in check?

Who runs for the Cowboys? Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are at the top of the chart, but early reports from the ?boys training camp has been filled with glowing reviews for Gus Johnson. (McFadden will not play. In what I am certain is a shocking turn of events for any Bolts fan, Run DMC is having an issue with his hamstring and is on the shelf.)

Who plays LB for the Cowboys? Do not be surprised to see Andrew Gachkar playing a lot of LB.

For those of us that are not big Donald Brown fans, this game will give some of the UDFA's buried on the depth chart to simply outplay him and not give the front office and coaches any choice but to keep the better football player. So far, there have not been too many predictions about who might be the long-shot to make the team that the fans will fall in love with over the next few weeks, but I'm sure he is there.


--bolts from the blue
For about 3 quarters of this game, It will be about trying to win jobs. But in the 1st quarter, there should be some interesting things for both fan bases to watch for.

 

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Dallas Cowboys Running Back Play



To say the running game is an important item to track in the preseason is like saying brisket is good in Texas ? it?s a massive understatement. But instead of searching for the heir apparent in this first preseason game, focus on these two things:

Patience and Ball Security ? The Cowboys have slowly been transforming to a zone blocking scheme (ZBS) over the years. While they aren?t a ZBS exclusively, they clearly rely on it more than man, and have made it their bread and butter. Running behind a ZBS requires patience followed by a quick cut up field. It will be interesting to see how the holes develop, how the runners wait and attack the holes, and how harmonious the process is. Even if none of the runners we see tonight make the team, it will be telling to see how this offense is working together. One of the biggest advantages to this blocking scheme is it uses system running backs. Guys that can come in off the street and succeed (to some degree).
Gus Johnson ? Who doesn?t want to see Gus Johnson? The man thrust into the spotlight following injuries to the Cowboys top 3 RBs has been truning heads in Oxnard as of late. The stocky HB has been a mainstay on goal line packages and has a great feel for the game. It will be interesting to see if this can translate to a real game and if Gus ?the Bus? Johnson can earn a roster spot. One thing working in his favor? Pass protection.