Cowboys vs. Chargers: Previewing San Diego's Preseason Week 1 Matchup
For the second year in a row, the San Diego Chargers will kick off the preseason as hosts to the Dallas Cowboys. San Diego has won three of the last four exhibition games against Dallas since 2010, including two straight at Qualcomm Stadium.
Starters from both teams aren't likely to play much, if at all, but for the lesser-known players competing for a spot among the final 53, Thursday night is an important step in the auditioning process. Dontrelle Inman and Branden Oliver can attest to this, having made the active roster in 2014 as preseason standouts.
In the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Cowboys a year ago, Inman led all receivers with 107 yards on three catches, including a 70-yard bomb for a touchdown. Oliver also treated himself to a score that night with a 16-yard scamper. He had 64 yards rushing on seven attempts against Dallas.
While exhibition games don't mean squat in the standings, they do play a part in shaping the roster. Let's find out more about Thursday night's matchup.
Location: Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, CA
Time: 7 p.m. PDT
TV: CBS
Latest Injury News
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Second-year defensive end Tenny Palepoi was placed on season-ending IR with a fractured foot, the Chargers announced on their website more than a week ago, and in a corresponding move, Luther Robinson was added to the roster. Palepoi played in all 16 games last season and will be missed for his spot in the rotation along the defensive line. Potential candidates to replace him include fifth-round pick Darius Philon and Robinson, who appeared in five games with the Green Bay Packers in 2014.
Defensive tackle Sean Lissemore has missed three straight practices with a wrist/hand injury, and he may be a scratch for Thursday if it persists. Second-year man Ryan Carrethers would get the start if that is the case. Johnnie Troutman has been limited in practice with a knee injury, and D.J. Fluker has been filling in for him at right guard with the first-team offense. If he, too, is unable to play against the Cowboys, we might see Fluker start and the likes of Jeremiah Sirles and Michael Huey to follow.
As for the Cowboys, they have three running backs dealing with injuries, which is why rookie Gus Johnson is expected to start the preseason opener. Cornerback Brandon Carr could also be forced to sit out after having surgery for a broken bone in his hand earlier this week.
Key Matchups
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King Dunlap vs. Greg Hardy
As Todd Archer of ESPN reported, ex-Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy will see action against the Chargers, and he is likely to go up against left tackle King Dunlap. The matchup isn't expected to go very long, but it will be one to watch for a couple of reasons. The first being that Hardy hasn't played in almost year, so I'm curious to see if the time away has affected him. And secondly, how will Dunlap look in his first appearance after signing a long-term extension in the offseason?
D.J. Fluker vs. Nick Hayden
Fluker is penciled in at right tackle, according to the depth chart, but with Troutman missing practice, he has been seeing his fair share of reps at right guard with the ones. And as such, he may start there against the Cowboys. If all goes well for Fluker, he could be moved to guard permanently. Hayden, while experienced, isn't a game-changer at defensive tackle, which should bode well for Fluker as he tries his hand at a new position.
Chargers Defensive Line vs. Cowboys Offensive Line
San Diego's D-line, arguably the weakest positional unit on the roster, goes up against the best offensive line in football. The Cowboys may have lost DeMarco Murray in the offseason, but with the five guys they have up front, they're bound to have success running the ball. I'm interested to see if the D-line can make things difficult for them, or if it will continue to be a disappointment.
Matchup X-Factors
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Chargers X-Factor: RB Melvin Gordon
All eyes will be on Gordon in his first preseason game for the Bolts, as he continues to build a case for the starting job at running back. The Wisconsin standout has been impressive in offseason workouts thus far, but how will he fare in an actual game setting? And on top of that, how do the Chargers intend to use him? Gordon has the speed to bounce it outside and the strength to run between the tackles, so it could mean a long night for the Cowboys defense.
Cowboys X-Factor: DE Randy Gregory
Gregory's draft stock plummeted when it was revealed he tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, but the Cowboys may have gotten him at a bargain in the second round. The Nebraska product is long and athletic, and he has the "it" factor when it comes to rushing the passer. San Diego needs to shut him down to keep things running smoothly on offense.
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What the Experts Are Saying
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Cowboys Offensive Line to Test Chargers' Suspect Defensive Front, per Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
As previously mentioned, the battle in the trenches when Dallas is on offense will be a key matchup, as it pits a fairly strong unit against a weaker one. Krasovic recognizes the balance of powers here but points out that facing the Cowboys is a good thing for the growth of San Diego's youngsters on the D-line and at linebacker. The only way to get better is to practice against the best, so Thursday's game has its benefits.
D.J. Fluker Remains at Right Tackle on Depth Chart—for now, per Eric Williams of ESPN:
There has been a lot of talk in the offseason of whether or not Fluker would be moving to guard, but the Chargers continue to leave the issue open-ended. The first official depth chart of 2015 has Fluker starting at right tackle, but head coach Mike McCoy hinted he might get reps at guard during Thursday's exhibition game against the Cowboys. It's early, but as long as Fluker strings together a couple of good performances at guard, I think he finds a home there, with free-agent pickup Joe Barksdale replacing him at right tackle.
Teammate: Jason Verrett will be the NFL's Best CB, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
His teammates may be a little biased in labeling him one of the top corners, but Verrett has the skills to be a star defender in this league. The only thing possibly holding him back is his health. He is coming off shoulder surgery, his second in as many years, but if he can play a full season, the sky is the limit for him.
Prediction: Chargers 21, Cowboys 13
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No team likes to lose, but the fact that it's the preseason should lessen the blow. If this were a regular-season game, Dallas would be favored to take this one, hands down. But without Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and the rest of the Cowboys starters in play for all four quarters, it appears the Chargers have the depth to pull out a victory.
The objective of this game, though, will be to get players opportunities to win jobs. And it will give the coaching staff a sense of where players are at in preparation for the regular season. Because the Chargers have had so much success against the Cowboys in the preseason as of late, I have them winning 21-13.
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