Final Tune-Up, Final Statements: Cowboys Travel to Indy Seeking Preseason Sweep
Two games down, one to go.
The Dallas Cowboys close out the PML preseason under the dome lights of Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts await — a team that mirrors Dallas in youth, developmental urgency, and roster experimentation. Week 3 of the preseason is no longer the traditional “dress rehearsal,” but for these Cowboys, it is the final chance for players to stamp roles, win jobs, and prove they belong in the 53-man future of this franchise.
Through two games, Dallas has found an identity built around explosive plays on offense and opportunistic defense. Now, the mission shifts: sustainability, consistency, and finishing drives. The preseason wins don’t matter in standings — but they matter on film, in evaluation rooms, and in the message sent across the league: the Cowboys are building thunder, not just noise.
What’s at Stake for Dallas
Quarterback Momentum & Depth
Rookie QB Maalik Murphy has seized control of reps with command and confidence, and the expectation is he will get the opening series — possibly two — before the staff turns to Alonzo Barnett II and Dak Prescott, depending on availability and rotation strategy.
Murphy’s goals this week:
- Continue fast starts on scripted drives
- Finish red-zone possessions with points
- Protect the ball without neutering aggression
- Maintain rhythm with Mingo, Wingo, & the TE room
If Murphy closes the preseason cleanly, the narrative entering Week 1 becomes less “Can he?” and more “When should he?”
RB Roles Narrowing
Phil Mafah and Jaydon Blue have provided contrasting sparks:
- Mafah: power anchor & early-down bully
- Blue: instant acceleration & perimeter threat
The Colts’ fronts rotate heavier bodies and controlled-gap linebackers; if Dallas imposes its will in the run game early, the tone is set. Expect TreVeyon Walker to get meaningful touches late as the staff evaluates change-of-pace viability.
WR Depth Chart Decisions
Jonathan Mingo has locked his spot and continues to look like the focal point of the passing game.
Week 3 is about the rest:
| Player | Goal | Path to Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Wingo | Win contested balls | Physicality & RAC efficiency |
| Kevontae Turpin | Special teams + gadget impact | Field-flipping explosiveness |
| Denzel Boston | Consistency underneath | Route precision & catch security |
With vets resting, there is real opportunity here — especially for RAC threats who turn five-yard throws into forty-yard drives.
Defensive Storylines to Watch
Safety Ascension
Jeremiah Cooper has been the breakout defensive voice of the preseason — field vision, tackling, and a game-changing INT last week. Against Indy, he’ll face TE-centric concepts, a true test of discipline in space.
LB Rotation
Henry To’oTo’o and Marist Liufau have been machines — diagnostic, physical, and trustworthy. Week 3 is about:
- Passing-down sub packages
- Blitz timing
- Communication with safeties & nickel
Edge & Front Pressure
The Colts lean on RPOs and quick game when pressured — the Cowboys’ rotational rushers need to force depth into drops and disrupt timing.
Look for Kneeland, Perich, and Emerson Jr. to hunt early.
Three Keys to the Game
- Win early downs defensively
Make the Colts play behind the sticks, forcing predictable passing structures. - Red zone conviction
Dallas scored 24 against Denver but walked away without a red-zone TD — that is the final layer before regular-season football. - Ball security > box score
One turnover can undo everything learned — this week is about clean football and finishing drives.
Colts Overview — What They Bring
Indianapolis has spent the offseason shifting between young-QB development and identity searching. Their defense is anchored by athletic linebackers and long corners who challenge catch points, while their offense thrives on timing and rhythm.
Expect:
- Motion-heavy looks to test communication
- Tight end usage up the seam
- Delayed blitzes on early downs
- Edge contain principles to limit QB escape lanes
Indy wants to force Dallas to stack plays — not hit explosives. This preview suggests Dallas may need patience before fireworks.
Player to Watch: TE Zack Kuntz
Kuntz has flashed downfield threat potential — but this week will reveal his consistency:
- Can he sustain run fits?
- Can he win leverage vs man and zone?
- Can he be a red-zone mismatch?
Quietly, his performance may reshape how Dallas opens the regular season offensively.
Coach Hirsch’s Internal Checklist
(Unofficial but very real)
- “Is the huddle crisp?”
- “Are calls getting in fast enough?”
- “Do we know what we are in when motion starts?”
- “Who wants it when it’s 3rd and 4?”
- “Can we close out the fourth without drama?”
What to Expect in the Dome
The Cowboys are not chasing preseason perfection — they’re chasing preseason validation.
Expect:
- Controlled aggression in the first quarter
- Rotational battles through the middle quarters
- A closing effort focused on execution, not hero ball
If Dallas leaves Indianapolis with clarity, clean film, and health, this preseason becomes more than developmental reps — it becomes momentum.
Prediction (Not About Score — About Identity)
Dallas will look like a team that knows who it wants to be — and players fighting for roles will make that identity sharper, louder, and harder to ignore.
