Dallas faces a rough two-game preseason start as Brian Schottenheimer pushes for a cleaner, more physical attack. The offense stalled to two touchdowns while amassing 199 rushing yards, and Joe Milton III completed just 55.3% of his passes. The defense surrendered ground gains and Dallas fell short on third downs (6 of 22). The starters won’t play until September, so the depth and scheme repeats will be tested again in the finale against Atlanta as Milton works on footwork and grip. Dallas is not in panic mode, but improvement is needed before Week 1.

Third-down conversion and run-game consistency are at the center of the critique, with Schottenheimer admitting play-calling and tackling as culprits. Positive notes emerge on Tyler Booker, Princeton Fant, James Houston, and Mazi Smith, plus the work of slot corners Kemon Hall and Zion Childress. The plan is to finish strong in practice and build speed and physicality for the regular season.