FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys came away from their second preseason game encouraged by the physicality, energy and competition across the roster, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer made it clear the evaluation process is far from over.
Schottenheimer said the Cowboys played with the style he wanted to see throughout the game, regardless of which unit was on the field.
“I really felt that we went into the game wanting to play hard, no matter who was out there,” Schottenheimer said.
The Cowboys also showed improvement in several areas, particularly on offense and special teams. Schottenheimer pointed to the offense avoiding penalties and the special teams unit producing better kickoff coverage as positive developments.
Dallas recorded tackles inside the 30-yard line on kickoff coverage and did not have to punt, giving the special teams unit fewer opportunities but still drawing praise from the coach.
With roster decisions approaching, Schottenheimer emphasized that players competing for spots must continue taking advantage of every opportunity. The Cowboys still have several position battles to settle before the roster is trimmed.
Among the players who helped their cases was rookie linebacker/defensive player Byron Murphy II, who made an immediate impression in his preseason debut. Schottenheimer praised Murphy’s physicality and versatility, noting his ability to contribute both on and off the ball.
“He’s a guy that maximizes opportunity and he’s earned more opportunities,” Schottenheimer said.
Quarterback competition also remains a major storyline. Schottenheimer said Joe Milton III and Sam Howell have both performed well, with Milton showing significant growth in his second season in the offensive system.
Schottenheimer highlighted Milton’s improved poise and touch, including throws on a double move to Jonathan Mingo and a scramble situation involving Camden Brown. Rather than relying solely on his strong arm, Milton has shown greater command of the offense, including blitz adjustments, progressions and checkdowns.
“I think this year he does,” Schottenheimer said of Milton’s understanding of the system. “And I think that allows him to go out and play free and play confident.”
The competition, however, remains open. Schottenheimer said the Cowboys are not ready to make decisions at the quarterback position and acknowledged that Howell has also delivered strong performances.
The running back room is another area creating difficult decisions. Schottenheimer singled out Jaydon Blue for running hard and also praised Malik Davis for his pass protection, including a strong block on the opening play of the game.
The offensive line continues to develop as well, particularly among players competing for reserve roles. Schottenheimer said Drew Shelton and Nate Thomas are learning through position changes while continuing to work on fundamentals such as hand placement, leverage and technique.
Defensively, Schottenheimer cited several players who stood out on film, including L.T. Overton and Jay Toia. The safety group also received praise.
Von Miller recorded his first interception with the Cowboys, while Mingo scored his first touchdown. Schottenheimer said both moments were celebrated by the team despite coming in the preseason.
“It’s preseason, but to them, it matters,” Schottenheimer said.
The Cowboys also continue to place a heavy emphasis on special teams. Schottenheimer acknowledged that the unit was not good enough last season and said improving it will be critical when decisions are made on the final roster.
For players fighting for the final roster spots, special-teams ability could become a deciding factor.
“The easy answer is special teams,” Schottenheimer said when asked how bubble players can separate themselves.
Schottenheimer also explained that field position is central to his definition of winning special teams. Creating shorter fields for the offense and forcing opponents to travel longer distances can provide a significant advantage.
As the Cowboys move closer to the final preseason game and eventual roster cuts, Schottenheimer believes the team is in a better position than it was a year ago.
He said the roster has greater overall depth and talent, pointing to the development of younger players and the additions made during the offseason.
But with roster decisions approaching, the message to players remains straightforward: there is still work to do.
“We’re still in training camp mode,” Schottenheimer said.
And for the Cowboys’ bubble players, the next few practices and the final preseason opportunity could go a long way toward determining who remains in Dallas when the roster is finalized.
