By Cowboys Insider | PML Network | The Star, Frisco
Dallas Finds Its Stride in Preseason Week 2
The Dallas Cowboys looked every bit like a team rounding into form Saturday night, handling the New England Patriots 34–13 at AT&T Stadium behind a crisp offensive rhythm, a reenergized run game, and an opportunistic defense that swarmed from start to finish.
For Head Coach Cody Hirsch, it wasn’t just about the scoreboard — it was about progress. After a first preseason game that saw eight players go down with injuries and plenty of inconsistency, Week 2 was the bounce-back performance the Cowboys needed to reestablish their identity on both sides of the ball.
“We wanted to see better execution, better focus, and better communication,” Hirsch said postgame. “Tonight, I saw that. The energy was right, and our young guys are starting to play Cowboys football.”
Dak Prescott Leads with Efficiency
Veteran quarterback Dak Prescott wasted no time setting the tone. In just two series of work, Prescott was nearly flawless — completing 11 of 13 passes for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns — good for a 142.4 passer rating.
He looked in complete control, commanding protections, making pre-snap adjustments, and delivering strikes with rhythm and confidence.
Both scoring drives featured a blend of quick passes and play-action, showcasing Dallas’ evolving offensive balance. Prescott’s touchdown tosses — a red-zone strike to Dae’Quan Wright and a slant to Dorian Taylor — came off precise timing and clean protection from the revamped offensive line, anchored by rookie RT Kaydn Proctor.
“Dak’s seeing the field so well right now,” said offensive coordinator Kellen McManus. “He’s in mentor mode — getting everyone on the same page, teaching as he leads.”
Phil Mafah Steals the Spotlight
If the Cowboys were searching for clarity in the backfield rotation, Phil Mafah may have just provided it. The second-year running back out of Clemson exploded for 76 yards and a touchdown on just six carries, averaging a ridiculous 12.7 yards per attempt.
His 37-yard breakaway — a patient inside zone run that he cut outside with vision and burst — electrified the Dallas sideline and drew cheers from the home crowd.
“We know Phil can pound the rock, but tonight he showed that extra gear,” said Hirsch. “He’s running with purpose — lowering his pads, finishing runs, and setting the tone.”
Behind Mafah, Dorian Taylor (55 yards) and Lynn Nichols (40 yards) also provided steady contributions, helping Dallas rack up 185 rushing yards on the night.
Rookie Connection: Dae’Quan Wright Impresses Again
Rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright, the Cowboys’ mid-round pick out of Ole Miss, continues to prove he belongs. Wright caught 4 passes for 47 yards, showcasing reliable hands and smooth route transitions.
What impressed coaches most wasn’t just his production, but his composure in pressure situations — converting two third downs with strong body control and awareness of the sticks.
“He plays like he’s been here three years,” Prescott said. “We’ve got a young tight end who doesn’t blink — and that’s rare.”
Wright’s emergence adds another layer to a Dallas offense already brimming with weapons — including Jonathan Mingo and rookie Denzel Boston, who combined for five catches and a score.
Shemar James and the Defense Fly to the Football
Defensively, Coach Hirsch’s unit looked like itself again — physical, fast, and disciplined. Rookie linebacker Shemar James led the way with 8 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss, flashing elite sideline-to-sideline range and gap recognition that belies his youth.
“Shemar’s leadership is showing,” Hirsch said. “He’s taking command, and that’s what we drafted him for — to be the heartbeat of the defense.”
Safety Jeremiah Cooper added 8 tackles of his own, while Vincent Anthony Jr. and Trey Moore — both late-round rookies — contributed strong edge contain and pursuit.
The Cowboys’ front seven held New England to just 58 rushing yards and a meager 248 total yards, forcing five punts and allowing only one offensive touchdown.
Complementary Football Returns
It wasn’t just about the defense or the offense — it was about playing complete football.
Dallas converted 5 of 8 third downs, controlled the tempo, and won the time of possession battle convincingly. The offensive line, now gelled around Proctor, Booker, and Beebe, gave up zero sacks and paved the way for a clean passing pocket all evening.
Special teams also delivered, with KaVontae Turpin flashing again in the return game and rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey drilling all three of his field goal attempts.
Depth Tested — and Answering the Call
After losing multiple players to injury in the preseason opener, Hirsch’s message heading into Week 2 was simple: next man up.
That message resonated. Reserves like Chris Oladokun (8-for-9 passing, 71 yards), Zack Kuntz, and Caleb Fitzpatrickcontributed meaningfully, while defensive depth pieces showed poise against New England’s second unit.
The improvement in communication and conditioning was noticeable. The Cowboys looked sharper, faster, and more in sync across all three phases.
“The difference from last week to this week was discipline,” Hirsch said. “Our young guys responded. They showed maturity, and that’s what this part of the year is about — growth.”
Final Word: A Team Finding Its Form
Through two preseason games, one thing is becoming clear — Coach Hirsch’s 2026 Cowboys are built differently.
This is a team developing toughness from the trenches outward, balancing old-school physicality with emerging athleticism.
From Dak Prescott’s veteran command to Phil Mafah’s explosion, Shemar James’ leadership, and Dae’Quan Wright’s rise, this was more than a preseason win — it was a preview of what’s to come.
“It’s about stacking days,” Hirsch said. “We’re not where we want to be yet — but nights like this show we’re heading the right direction.”
