A Night of Answers: Cowboys Edge Broncos 24–22 in a Preseason Gut-Check
In the second week of the PML preseason, the Dallas Cowboys took another step toward defining who they are and who they can be. The scoreboard will tell the simple story — a 24–22 victory over the Denver Broncos — but the truth inside AT&T Stadium ran deeper: this was a night of clarity, of young players announcing themselves, of second-year contributors solidifying roles, and of a franchise testing the balance between experimentation and execution.
On paper, preseason football is about tape, rotations, and controlled reps. But anyone who watched this one — players included — could feel more inside it. A hard-fought Denver fourth-quarter push threatened to steal momentum, but Dallas answered the way good teams do: by leaning on playmakers, trusting the operation, and closing the game out with composure.
And while the win matters less in August, the identity sharpened tonight will matter in October.
Quarterback Spotlight: Maalik Murphy Takes the Reins — and Keeps Them
Maalik Murphy didn’t just start tonight — he commanded.
For the second straight week, the rookie looked poised, explosive, and unafraid of tight-window opportunities. His stat line tells only half the story:
M. Murphy – 9/14, 186 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 117.5 rating, long of 61 yards
The interception? A teachable moment.
The touchdowns? Statements.
Murphy’s best throw of the night — a 61-yard moonshot to Jonathan Mingo — reminded everyone in the building why he was drafted: sheer arm talent paired with a willingness to challenge defenses vertically. But more impressive was his efficiency on early downs and his response after mistakes. After the interception, Murphy didn’t shy away — he attacked again, leading Dallas into scoring position on consecutive drives.
From the sideline, his comfort with protections and pre-snap checks stood out. The Broncos rotated coverages late, but Murphy adjusted, used motion to identify leverage, and didn’t rush progressions. For a rookie quarterback playing within a layered offensive structure, that’s what coaches dream about.
Backup Alonzo Barnett II also saw time — 6/8, 36 yards, 1 INT — but the gap felt clearer than it did a week ago: Murphy is separating.
Offensive Identity Emerging: Balanced, Intentional, Explosive
The Cowboys didn’t need fireworks in the run game — they needed consistency. Phil Mafah provided exactly that:
Phil Mafah – 8 carries, 37 yards, 4.6 YPC, 13 YAC
Jaydon Blue – 1 carry, 13 yards
TreVeyon Walker – 8 carries, 9 yards, tough interior looks
Mafah’s work inside was particularly valuable. He broke one tackle and created over ten yards after contact while keeping the offense ahead of schedule. The Cowboys didn’t try to over-use him, but when Dallas needed tone-setting runs to slow Denver’s defensive line burst, Mafah answered.
More instructive was the distribution: Dallas is honing a backfield committee that forces defenses to adjust body types and play styles. Mafah brings power and finish. Blue brings explosiveness and unpredictability in space. Walker fills the tempo and change-of-pace role. And Murphy’s two designed keepers — both productive — leave coordinators honest.
This is an offense trending toward multiplicity.
The Jonathan Mingo Show
If there was a player who owned this game, it was Jonathan Mingo.
Mingo – 4 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TD, 29.8 YPC, 61-yard long, 44 RAC yards
Two touchdowns from a veteran receiver in preseason aren’t just warmups — they’re reminders. Mingo’s chemistry with Murphy continues to strengthen, and his ability to attack intermediate zones with physicality before transitioning into a RAC monster makes him the most efficient option in Dallas’ current receiver room.
His first touchdown — a deep post shaking inside leverage before accelerating through space — showcased technique. His second — a back-shoulder adjustment near the pylon — showcased toughness. And throughout the night, snapping off timing-based routes kept chains moving and confidence building.
Behind him, Ryan Wingo, Zack Kuntz, and Kevontae Turpin provided supporting sparks:
- Wingo: 2 receptions, 35 yards — contested catch reliability
- Kuntz: 2 receptions, 28 yards — seam threat emerging
- Turpin: 2 receptions, 13 yards — gadget routes & misdirection value
If the preseason is a proving ground, the tight end battle just tightened, and the WR3-WR5 roles remain far from decided.
Defensive Notes: New Voices Rising
The Dallas defense didn’t dominate statistically, but it delivered what preseason coordinators require — disruptive flashes from emerging playmakers and consistency at the second level.
Jeremiah Cooper (SS) — statement performance
4 solo, 3 assists, 7 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 10 INT yards, 1 deflection
Cooper was everywhere. Whether rolling into the box against Denver’s split-zone looks or rotating into cover-3 shell responsibilities, he played fast and decisively. His interception wasn’t luck — it was anticipation. Jumping a dig route requires courage and film study; Cooper showed both.
Henry To’oTo’o & Marist Liufau — the heartbeat of the second level
- To’oTo’o: 7 tackles, 1 TFL
- Liufau: 6 tackles, 2 TFL
These two read run flow like veterans. Their ability to scrape cleanly and maintain leverage on cutbacks prevented Denver from establishing rhythm through the middle.
Pass Rush Flash
- Kneeland – 1 sack, consistent edge push
- Perich – clean alignments, strong in run fits
- Emerson Jr. – coverage stability again, limiting RAC
- Williams Jr. – physical at the catch point
If preseason defense is about defining rotation players, Dallas left the night with clarity.
Key Tendencies Emerging Through Two Preseason Games
| Category | Identity Trend |
|---|---|
| QB Philosophy | Aggressive vertical strikes balanced with controlled rhythms |
| Run Game | Committee approach with power anchor (Mafah) |
| Passing Attack | RAC-focused routes, heavy intermediate usage |
| Defensive Front | Rotational intensity, young pass rushers flashing |
| Secondary | Ball skills elevated; Cooper emerging as a tone-setter |
Three Coaching Takeaways
- Murphy’s command is real
The QB room still has depth, but leadership momentum and efficiency are leaning toward #19. - Explosive plays are the separating factor
Mingo doesn’t just move the chains — he alters defensive structures. - Defense is layered, not reactive
The unit isn’t waiting for mistakes — they’re creating them.
What Needs Cleaning Up Before Week 3
- Turnovers (2 total) — situational risk management still evolving
- Red zone execution (0% offense) — drives must finish
- Fourth-quarter composure — opponent scored 15 late; finishing mentality must tighten
These aren’t weaknesses — they’re opportunities.
Coach Hirsch on the Sideline
“We’re building the right way. Roles aren’t given — they’re earned. I thought we saw guys tonight who want to be part of what we’re creating. Preseason wins don’t count in the standings, but growth does — and we grew tonight.”
Looking Ahead: The Final Tune-Up
One preseason game remains before final cuts and depth chart decisions. The next matchup won’t just be a contest — it will be a rehearsal for identity.
Will Murphy keep momentum?
Will Mingo remain unstoppable?
Which defenders force the staff’s hand?
Can Dallas tighten red-zone execution before the games count?
Those answers are coming.
For now?
The Cowboys are 1-1 in the preseason — and more importantly, 1-1 in development.
Final Word
Tonight wasn’t perfect — but it was purposeful.
In August, that’s how winning teams are made.
