The Dallas Cowboys held on for a 20-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game, but in the first game of the preseason, it's not the results that matter. It was the first chance for players to perform in live action, which helps coaches in their evaluations as we get closer to the regular season starting. For the Cowboys, here are the three biggest things we learned from the game.
1) La'el Collins looks to be fine making the move to right tackle
Collins played his first two years in the NFL at left guard and played left tackle at LSU, but the Cowboys have him making the switch to right tackle this year. They're counting on him to be the starter and he played the first few series of the game to get some reps in live action. He showed he is making the adjustment nicely by not allowing a single quarterback pressure in his short time on the field, and showcased his incredible strength by getting a couple of pancakes. Collins' footwork is still a work in progress, but overall, showed that he is making strides.
2) Rico Gathers may be a contributor this year
Converted basketball player Rico Gathers reels in a 26-yard TD catch from Kellen Moore to put the #Cowboys on the board! #HallofFameGame pic.twitter.com/2WiyCSbypo
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) August 4, 2017
Dallas drafted Rico Gathers in the sixth round of the 2016 draft, hoping to turn the Baylor basketball star into a tight end. He didn't play at all last year as he made the transition to football - a sport he hadn't played competitively since he was 13 years old - but showed in the Hall of Fame Game that he may actually be a contributor this year.
The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder demonstrated improved route running skills and soft hands on his 26-yard touchdown catch you can see above, along with the athleticism that has the Cowboys so high on him. Gathers certainly isn't going to take any playing time away from Jason Witten, but it looks like the coaching staff will find ways to use him. In total, he caught three passes for 59 yards and a score.
3) Defense is a concern
With injuries, suspensions and departures, defense was a concern for the Cowboys going into the season - and they didn't do anything to quell those concerns against the Cardinals. The impact players that did play saw their action on first couple of drives, which were terrible for the Cowboys defense. Blaine Gabbert had plenty of time in the pocket and shredded the secondary, passing 11/14 passing for 185 yards while leading two long touchdown drives that resulted in short rushing touchdowns, giving them a 15-0 lead.
Arizona's offense sputtered once Gabbert and other players who started the game left the field. This is a problem worth monitoring as the preseason wears on - and something that needs to improve sooner rather than later.
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