Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks defensive end Rylie Mills (98) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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SEATTLE — Six months ago, just days before the start of the Super Bowl, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sat in a high-rise San Francisco bar and spoke about the Seattle Seahawks. They weren’t a popular pick to play in last year’s Super Bowl, let alone win it. But the fact the Seahawks won inspired him and gave him hope the Cowboys could do the same.
“When you can get to the Super Bowl like both [the Seahawks and New England Patriots] did, with inexperienced or new quarterbacking for your system, it ought to give everyone in the NFL encouragement that it can happen to you,” Jones said on the team’s pregame broadcast Saturday. “That is, I think, the truth.”
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown catch with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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At the very least, Saturday’s preseason opener against Seattle gave Jones and the Cowboys the chance to see firsthand what Seattle’s championship operation looked like. Jones even ran into former Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who won a Super Bowl one year after leaving the Cowboys in free agency.
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With more than a quarter of the team’s 90-man roster sitting out Saturday in Seattle, we weren’t going to find out where the Cowboys are in their pursuits of making the Super Bowl. There were lessons learned, however, about the rest of the roster.
Here are five takeaways from Saturday’s 17-7 victory against the Seahawks:
Short and sweet debut
If any Cowboys fans tuned into Saturday’s game even a few minutes late they might’ve missed the highly anticipated debut of rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs. The Cowboys stuck to their plan and limited Downs to eight plays on defense. His first preseason game lasted roughly three and a half minutes.
Downs mostly played safety instead of the nickel corner role he’ll likely play in the starting defense. Downs didn’t record a statistic in his brief debut.
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Downs wasn’t the only potential starter the Cowboys kept on a strict playing limit. Corner Shavon Revel Jr. — perhaps the biggest winner of training camp thus far — and safety P.J. Locke were also pulled after eight plays. Revel nearly had an interception on a short out route to Jake Bobo from Drew Lock, but he couldn’t get his hands on it. He settled for a quick tackle and a 3-yard gain for Bobo.
We’ll see how much that trio plays in the next two preseason games.
Undrafted, but undeterred
Cowboys undrafted rookie wide receiver Camden Brown set the single season school record at Georgia Southern last year with 14 receiving touchdowns. He showed why on Saturday.
Brown caught a 39-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Howell against tight, contested coverage. It was the Cowboys’ first touchdown of the preseason. He later added a highlight-reel, one-handed touchdown from Joe Milton in the third quarter.
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Brown finished with three catches for 62 yards.
Brown wasn’t the only undrafted free agent that impressed. Former Baylor tight end Michael Trigg had multiple catches to set up Brown’s touchdowns, including a first down against contested coverage. Trigg finished with four catches for 30 yards.
Both Brown and Trigg have generated discussion throughout training camp as potential players who could earn a roster spot. That discussion should only increase after Saturday.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) takes the field with teammates before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys fans cheer their team before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throws a ball on the sidelines before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) huddles with teammates before of an NFL preseason football gameagainst the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) takes the field before of an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys players huddle around quarterback Dak Prescott before of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys defensive back Shavon Revel (28) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs (13) lines up for a snap to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (36) gets past Dallas Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (50) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) throws a touchdown pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys linebacker Malachi Lawrence (57) who is blocked by Seattle offensive lineman Bobby Hart (68) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (87) catches a touchdown pass between Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Trikweze Bridges (25) and Alijah Clark during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (23) gets past Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Adedayo Odeleye (96) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb (88) talks with George Pickens on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker James Houston (41) is held by Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Bobby Hart (68) as he rushes Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer talks with quarterback Sam Howell (16) along with quarterback Joe Milton III (10) and quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Camden Brown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown catches a touchdown pass as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) defends during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) wrestles for the ball with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles (34) after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown catch with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (81) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Camden Brown (6) celebrates a touchdown catch with head coach Brian Schottenheimer during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DJ Withers (59) is held by Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Beau Stephens (60) as he rushes Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton (10) throws a pass over Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle J.R. Singleton (70) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda (30) pushes through the Seattle Seahawks defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97), linebacker Rashan Gary (7) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92) sit on a training table as they watch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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A penalty flag flies into the play as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) scrambles away from Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Tommy Dunn (95) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys tight end DJ Rogers (49) fumbles as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer works on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (58) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DJ Withers (59) celebrates after Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land (58) sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer pumps his fist after Cowboys linebacker Isaiah Land sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe for a 14-yard loss on a fourth-and-goal play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hugs quarterback Joe Milton after a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Dallas Cowboys long snapper Trent Sieg signs autographs after a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence hugs Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown after an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Seattle.
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First showing for DC
Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker made the decision to call plays from the sideline in his first NFL game. That meant he had a good view of a pretty good showing. The Cowboys’ defense got off to a slow start, allowing the Seahawks to score a touchdown on an opening drive that featured multiple penalties.
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After that, the Cowboys’ defense settled in. They allowed 156 total yards on the night. They also finished with three sacks.
We shouldn’t jump to grand conclusions after one preseason game. The majority of players who will actually play weren’t on the field. The calls were vanilla, with a hint of other flavors from time to time.
Still, for a first time defensive playcaller, things went smoothly and the Cowboys seemingly adjusted.
QB battle continues
Cowboys coaches have been happy with how both backup quarterbacks, Howell and Milton, have played in training camp. That continued Saturday.
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Howell got the start and was the quarterback for the first half. He finished 8 of 12 passing for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also had two carries for 15 yards.
Milton came in and picked up where Howell left off. Milton completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
The battle was already going into Saturday. What transpired against the Seahawks likely won’t change it.
Spotlight on RB Davis
The Cowboys have said goodbye and welcome back to running back Malik Davis multiple times. That included last season, when the Cowboys brought him back midway through training camp when no other team was interested at the time. Davis made the most of another chance with the Cowboys and had the best season of his career.
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If the Cowboys said goodbye to Davis this season, they might not have the chance to bring him back.
Davis continued to show the explosiveness that resulted in a long touchdown on Thanksgiving last year and his first 100-yard game against the Commanders on Christmas. He finished Saturday with seven carries for 39 yards. He also showed shiftiness and an ability to get more yards than what appeared.
The Cowboys likely won’t move on from Blue and Mafah, both draft picks in 2025. They didn’t play Javonte Williams and fullback Hunter Luepke, which means they’re probably on the team. Davis would likely be the fifth running back in that case.
Having five running backs is a lot, but with Davis’ special teams ability and the way he continues to run, he’s probably worth it. At the least, he’s someone they probably can’t risk losing.
The Cowboys had 13 penalties for 103 yards. That’s a trend Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer probably wants to end quickly.
First-round edge rusher Malachi Lawrence played more than Downs. He and fellow rookie L.T. Overton, a fourth-round pick, had a nice combined pressure against Drew Lock to force a punt in the first half.
James Houston is the returner with the most sacks from last year’s team. He finished second behind Jadeveon Clowney, who signed with the Texans this offseason. Houston offered a reminder of that ability, finishing with one sack.