Preseason Recap

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 preseason was anything but dull. Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the team went 1–2, mixing growing pains with flashes of real promise. While preseason records rarely tell the full story, this August offered plenty of insight into how the roster is shaping up — and what fans can expect heading into the regular season.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Week 1: Cowboys at Rams (31–21 Loss)

The Cowboys opened their preseason slate in Los Angeles, and it wasn’t the smoothest of starts. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton got his first extended look, and while he showed off a big arm and mobility, he also struggled with consistency. The offense found some rhythm late, but defensive lapses left the team playing catch-up. It was a classic case of preseason jitters meeting growing pains.

Week 2: Cowboys vs. Ravens (31–13 Loss)

Back home in Arlington, the Cowboys ran into a well-oiled Ravens team. Baltimore controlled the tempo on both sides of the ball, exposing the Cowboys’ lack of cohesion in the trenches. Dallas’ offensive line shuffled throughout the game, which made it tough for Milton and the running backs to establish momentum.Still, there were silver linings: James Houston flashed as a disruptive edge rusher, and Zion Childress, an undrafted rookie corner, continued to make a case as a legitimate slot option.

Week 3: Cowboys vs. Falcons (31–13 Win)

The finale against Atlanta was the highlight of the preseason. Milton put together his best performance, scoring twice (once through the air, once on the ground). Rookie backs Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue both found the end zone, while Jalen Brooks hauled in a beautiful 29-yard touchdown pass.The defense matched the offense’s energy, forcing turnovers and closing the preseason on a high note. If Week 2 was discouraging, Week 3 gave Cowboys Nation plenty to cheer about.

Players Who Stood Out

• Joe Milton (QB): Raw but electric. His combination of arm strength and athleticism was on full display, especially against Atlanta. The consistency isn’t there yet, but the potential is real.

• Phil Mafah & Jaydon Blue (RBs): The rookie duo impressed with toughness and versatility. Mafah’s injury (IR stint to start the year) dampens momentum, but Blue’s development is encouraging.

• Jalen Brooks (WR): Emerging as a playmaker, Brooks might be pushing his way into a bigger role in the receiver rotation.

• James Houston (EDGE): Brought energy and pressure off the edge — exactly what Dallas needs behind Micah Parsons.

• Zion Childress (CB): The undrafted free agent turned heads with his instincts and physicality in the slot.

Storylines Beyond the Field

Of course, no Cowboys preseason would be complete without drama. The spotlight has lingered on Micah Parsons, whose sideline outbursts and ongoing contract saga fueled debate across Cowboys Nation. An MRI late in camp added even more uncertainty, though the team expects him to be ready for Week 1.On a more positive note, Schottenheimer’s emotional moment with Perrion Winfrey, informing the defensive tackle he’d made the 53-man roster, highlighted the human side of roster cutdowns — and showed a coach already building strong relationships in his first year at the helm.

Team Stats Snapshot

• Record: 1–2 (Losses to Rams & Ravens, Win vs. Falcons)

• Offensive Production: ~758 total yards, averaging 5.5 yards per rush and 252.7 passing yards per game.

• NFC East Preseason Standing: 3rd place.

While numbers only tell part of the story, the ground game efficiency stood out as a positive, signaling a commitment to balance in the offense.

What It Means for Week 1 and Beyond

The Cowboys leave the preseason with questions, but also answers:

• The rookie class looks promising, particularly in the backfield and secondary.

• Depth is still a concern at wide receiver and offensive line.

• The defense remains the team’s identity, though Parsons’ situation will be critical to monitor.

Ultimately, the preseason showed us a team in transition — not without its flaws, but certainly with upside. Schottenheimer has his work cut out for him, but if he can harness the energy of young standouts like Milton, Brooks, and Blue while steadying the veterans, the Cowboys could surprise in 2025.

✅ Bottom Line: The Cowboys didn’t dominate the preseason scoreboard, but they built momentum, uncovered hidden gems, and set the stage for an intriguing regular season.