Cowboys Defense Dominates, But Trey Lance Fumbles His Last Shot at NFL Roster

Cowboys Defense Shines in Preseason, But Trey Lance Fails to Impress

The Dallas Cowboys kicked off their 2024 preseason with a close 13-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a game that, while not thrilling on the scoreboard, served its purpose as an evaluation of depth players vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. As is typical in preseason, both teams rested their starters, giving backups and fringe players a chance to prove they belong. For the Cowboys, the defense impressed, but quarterback Trey Lance may have squandered his last opportunity to secure his place in the NFL.

Defense Dominates: Depth Players Make Their Case

The Cowboys’ defense looked sharp, particularly considering this was a matchup of depth players on both sides. The unit racked up four interceptions and held Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett to a 48.5 passer rating. These turnovers were a testament to the defense’s ability to capitalize on mistakes, a promising sign for a team looking to build a strong roster from top to bottom.

Markquese Bell, who’s transitioning back to safety after spending time at linebacker last season, was one of the standout performers. In two quarters, he led the team with nine tackles, nearly grabbed a second interception, and generally looked like a player ready to contribute when called upon. Bell’s performance, along with others like rookie linebacker Brock Mogensen, who snagged an interception of his own, suggests the Cowboys have some solid depth on the defensive side of the ball.

Kicker Brandon Aubrey also had a notable day, hitting four of his five field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder. While he missed a 65-yard attempt (which had the distance but missed the mark), his consistency on the shorter kicks is encouraging for a team that will need reliability in special teams.

Trey Lance: Missed Opportunities

On the flip side, Trey Lance’s performance was a glaring disappointment. Preseason games are designed to give players like Lance a chance to prove they belong on the roster, but unfortunately, he did little to show he’s capable of leading an NFL offense. Lance took over after Cooper Rush’s brief opening series and managed to complete 25 of 41 pass attempts for 188 yards. Despite those stats, he failed to find the end zone even once, a troubling sign given the multiple opportunities he had.

The Cowboys’ defense gave Lance plenty of chances, intercepting the Rams four times and setting up the offense with excellent field position. However, Lance was unable to convert these opportunities into touchdowns, stalling repeatedly in the red zone. His struggles were most evident on a fourth-and-goal situation, where he overthrew Jalen Cropper in the end zone, leaving points on the board.

Given that this was a preseason game where both teams were primarily fielding backup and depth players, Lance’s inability to score is even more concerning. The fact that he couldn’t lead a touchdown drive despite ample opportunities and favorable field position underscores the reality that he may not be cut out for the role of an NFL quarterback.

Looking Ahead: Roster Decisions Loom

As the Cowboys' front office evaluates the performances from this game, Trey Lance’s struggles will likely weigh heavily in their decision-making. With the regular season fast approaching, Dallas needs a reliable backup behind Dak Prescott, and Lance has not shown that he can be that player. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Cowboys decide to part ways with Lance soon, freeing up a roster spot for someone more capable.

Meanwhile, Dak Prescott’s value to the team has never been more apparent. With Lance likely on the chopping block, the urgency to secure Prescott for the long term is clear. Expect the Cowboys to prioritize Prescott’s contract extension, ensuring they have their franchise quarterback locked in before the regular season kicks off.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys’ preseason opener provided a mixed bag of performances, with the defense showing promise while the offense—specifically Trey Lance—failed to capitalize. For the players on the defensive side, this game was an opportunity to stake their claim for a spot on the 53-man roster, and many of them made a strong case. However, for Lance, this may have been his final shot to prove he belongs in the NFL, and unfortunately, he didn’t rise to the occasion.

As the Cowboys continue their preseason, the focus will remain on evaluating depth and making tough roster decisions. For Trey Lance, the clock may have already run out.