Studs and Duds: 2 Cowboys UDFAs lead offense while some vets struggle

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Studs and Duds: 2 Cowboys UDFAs lead offense while some vets struggle

Top pics from Cowboys-Seahawks preseason opener — Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell (16) leads the team onto the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Terence Watson , Cowboys Wire · Cowboys Wire

Sun, Aug 16, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The Dallas Cowboys' first preseason game is in the books, and while they may have won the game , 17-7. it's more important to see how individual players performed. These are the moments when players can start separating themselves from the competition, either to make the roster or move up the depth chart. It also gives the Cowboys coaching staff and front office a chance to evaluate the roster and identify areas that still need to be addressed.

Overall, it was a decent showing from the Cowboys, but they still have work to do to get the penalties under control. Dallas had players on both sides of the football who performed above expectations, while others fell short. In a time when every snap counts, here are two studs who were able to generate positive plays and help themselves, and two duds who'll need to step up their game moving forward.

Studs: TE Michael Trigg

The Cowboys knew exactly what they were getting when they signed Trigg after the draft and had a plan for him. In his first preseason game, Trigg showed the rest of the league why he's such a difficult matchup after catching four of his five targets for 30 yards. What's even more impressive was how he performed during the two-minute drill Dallas ran.

Trigg was able to move the chains in a high-pressure situation and did so with ease. The biggest area of concern for Trigg entering the league was his blocking, but in his first preseason game, he looked better than expected. He was able to hold his ground and sustain blocks when called upon. That's a good sign for Trigg because if he can continue to develop as a blocker, he could become a real weapon for Dallas this season and beyond.

Duds: CB Caelen Carson

It's never a good sign for a cornerback to constantly hear his number called out by referees, but that was Carson's reality on Saturday.

Carson was responsible for two early penalties, defensive pass interference and a face mask, that accounted for 34 yards and helped keep alive a Seahawks drive that led to its only points of the game. He later added a defensive holding penalty, bringing his total to three on the night.

For a player looking to make the roster, Carson can ill afford to make these mistakes. This is a new coaching staff, and Carson isn't a player they drafted. Especially after the moves Dallas made at cornerback this offseason, Carson can't afford too many more nights like this if he wants to maintain his place on the roster.

Studs: WR Camden Brown

Before this game started, Brown was probably the last player expected to lead the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but that's exactly what happened. Brown made two spectacular catches, both resulting in touchdowns.

The first came late in the second quarter, on a 39-yard reception from quarterback Sam Howell . Brown was able to jump in front to make the catch with a defender on his back trying to rip the football away.

The second touchdown came in the third quarter on a two-yard pass from Joe Milton . This time, Brown made a one-handed catch over his defender in the back corner of the end zone.

Overall, it was a very strong showing from Brown, who could be moving up the depth chart after catching all three of his targets for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Dallas could have a difficult time sneaking him onto the practice squad if he continues to play at this level.

Duds: Second-string offensive line

The biggest issue for the Cowboys in this game, outside of the 13 penalties, was the play of the second-string offensive line. Both Sam Howell and Joe Milton rarely looked comfortable in the pocket, as pressure came up the middle at times and off the edge far too often. Fortunately for Dallas, both quarterbacks were athletic enough to escape defenders and make plays on the move.

Things weren't much better in the running game. Running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah weren't able to find many running lanes, as defenders were often meeting them near the line of scrimmage. It would be smart for the front office to start looking at potential trades or available free agents who can help strengthen the depth behind guard T.J. Bass . Based on this performance, that's an area that could use some attention before the regular season begins.