The fact the Dallas Cowboys have left both their stars and starters on the sideline for the first two of three exhibitions is important. Fans might think it makes a preseason contest less interesting, but the battle for roster spots and depth-chart positions are what really matter, and on Saturday the competition was en fuego.
Mutliple players on the proverbial bubble showed up and showed out, from the opening gun. Names like Israel Mukuamu, Trysten Hill, Rico Dowdle and others proved they belong on an NFL team’s roster this season. They weren’t alone though, as the offense, defense and especially the special teams turned in a myriad of high-quality performances as Dallas trounced their Southern California hosts. 32-18.