Dallas Cowboys: 8 Winners and Losers from Preseason Week 1

The Dallas Cowboys unofficially kicked off their journey down the road to Super Bowl 46 this past Thursday as they faced the Denver Broncos at Jerry World.

We got our first look at rookie tackle Tyron Smith, wide receiver Dwayne Harris and new Cowboy Abe Elam.

The defense is still a work in progress and will continue to grow, so don’t panic just yet Cowboys fans. The secondary seemed a little shaky but remember that it’s just the preseason, so don’t throw things at your TV…yet.

But the Cowboys were able to pull out a victory in the end to best the Broncos 24-23 in dramatic fashion. In doing so a few Cowboys received more shine than others.

Here are eight winners and losers from the game against the Broncos.

Winner: Dwayne Harris

The rookie wide receiver did his thing on Thursday as he caught two touchdown passes.

Harris had 127 receiving yards and averaged a healthy 25 yards per catch. Harris is still maturing but his showing on Thursday was huge.

Loser: Tashard Choice

Choice didn’t necessarily hurt himself by not playing, but he didn’t help himself either.

Choice is still nursing an injured calf muscle and running back Lonyae Miller looked amazing in camp.

There were rumors that Choice would soon find himself on the trading block and that may still be a possibility before season it out. But for Choice to improve his chances of seeing the field he needs to be on it.

Winner: Victor Butler

Butler had a pretty good showing on Thursday night and if linebacker Anthony Spencer fails to impress this season, then Butler could slide right in.

He looked comfortable and seemed to have a good grasp of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s defense.

He’s a young guy as this is only his third year in the league, and from all accounts he’s been having an excellent training camp.

Loser: The Cowboys Defense

I know that’s vague as I just stated Victor Butler played well. But as I said in the opening statement, the defense is still a work in progress.

The secondary was caught sleeping a few times, but that’s bound to happen when players are attempting to learn a new scheme.

In the end, I say that the defense is on the losing side because of the issues from last season and unbalanced showing on Thursday night.

I still believe that the ‘Boys defense will be just fine.

Winner: Felix Jones

Jones is on a quest to prove to the Cowboys brass and his naysayers that he’s worthy of carrying the majority of the workload.

Jones showed great burst in the little time he saw but it was striking.

The Cowboys still plan to watch how often Jones touches the ball, but from all signs, Jones is ready to explode.

Loser: Lonaye Miller

Miller was the golden boy of the Cowboys training camp. He was making Tashard Choice look expendable due to his great play.

But Thursday night, Miller looked like the second year player that he is.

The ‘Boys have a few great running backs on their team including Miller, but he’ll have to have a better showing next Sunday night against the Chargers if he has hopes of displacing Tashard Choice.

Winner: Tyron Smith

All reports out of San Antonio when the ‘Boys raided the Alamodome for training camp were that the former USC tackle was as good as advertised.

He was quick, had a nice set of feet, and strong. Of course he’s young and still developing, but the Cowboys did right in drafting him.

He looked good on Thursday night and that he’s thirsty for knowledge is the best sign for a young player.

Loser: David Buehler

Buehler’s only field goal was controversial as some thought that he actually missed it.

He did nothing to assure fans, and maybe coaches, that he deserves to be the starting kicker this season.

I think it’s too early to throw in the towel on Buehler, but he’s going to have to show more consistency this season or Dallas will be forced to find a new kicker for 2012.