The Dallas Cowboys historically have players buried on the depth chart play significant snaps in their preseason opener. Dealing with injuries to front line guys and sitting quarterback Tony Romo will leave the Cowboys thin at the outset.
ODDS
It’s always difficult to handicap preseason games, particularly in Week 1, but given the homefield advantage, the Chargers were pegged as the favorite at -3 with a total of 38.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Dallas quarterback Tony Romo sat out Week 1 of the preseason against San Diego in 2014 and he’ll do the same this year after missing several practices over the first week of training camp. Backup Brandon Weeden played the entire first half last year putting up decent numbers going 13 of 17 for 107 yards and a touchdown, but Dallas managed just that one score in a 20-point loss.
Philip Rivers is likely to play a series or two as he starts the year without a contract for next season. The Chargers have plenty of new parts on offense for Rivers to work with, including top draft pick running back Melvin Gordon, and some reps together with a rebuilt offensive line in a game situation is crucial.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett says his philosophy has always been to get players lower on the depth chart plenty of work in the two weeks before the preseason opener. He’ll have the chance to get them in a game setting as well with several regulars nursing injuries and unlikely to play. The Cowboys lost all four preseason games last season then started the regular season going 6-1. They don’t put a lot of emphasis on the games that don’t count and with Romo, Dez Bryant, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar unlikely to play on the offensive end, joining defensive backs Brandon Carr and Orlando Scandrick on the other side of the ball, the opportunity is there for someone to make an impression.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“They’re managing the load, and they’re trying to progress me a certain way. But I’ve felt great the whole time. Every time I’ve done something, I’ve felt great. I felt great today. And I expect to feel great going forward...The only way to get better in football is playing it at a certain intensity level. That’s why I need to be in there.” – Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee, who hasn’t played a game since 2013 due to a knee injury
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
With wide receiver Dez Bryant unlikely to play and Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley figuring to get limited snaps because of their growing value, undrafted rookie free agent Lucky Whitehead will get a chance to follow up on a strong start to camp. But a bunch of other receivers need looks as well, including Reggie Dunn, George Farmer, Deontay Greenberry, Devin Street and former 49ers first round pick in 2012 A.J. Jenkins.
With Marcus Gilchrist leaving for the New York Jets in free agency, the strong safety position is up for grabs in San Diego. Jimmy Wilson and Jahleel Addae are listed at the top of the depth chart with veteran Darrell Stuckey also in the mix. Competition will be tight with all three getting snaps in the defensive backfield.
INJURIES
The Cowboys have a trio of running backs attempting to take the load of the departed DeMarco Murray and Joseph Randle has solidified his status as the front runner to replace the NFL rushing champion. His closest competitors, Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden, are both out leaving the carries to second-year player Lache Seastrunk and undrafted rookie Gus Johnson.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Given Dallas’ history in preseason games under head coach Jason Garrett and the fact we won’t see many of the team’s regulars, even for a series, it’s hard to imagine the Cowboys pulling out a win. The Chargers will get their starters at least one series and that should be enough against a Cowboys lineup that consists of training camp fodder.
San Diego 23, Dallas 10
The NFL online odds for this Thursday game were first available at BookMaker sportsbook. The Chargers were pegged as 3-point chalk while the total opened at 38. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next quarter. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
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