Dallas Cowboys: 8 Winners and Losers from Preseason Week 2

On Sunday night, the Dallas Cowboys may have proved why there is still trepidation about their new and improved defense. It's still preseason, but the Cowboys defense looked shaky at times against the Chargers.

San Diego marched into Dallas to beat the Cowboys 20-7 in a game that featured a few forced passes and miscommunication on defense.

But with the loss, Dallas still had a few players to stand out and a few that may find themselves looking for work in the coming weeks.

Here are eight winners and losers from the Cowboys preseason game against the Chargers

Winner: Felix Jones, RB

Jones showed why the Cowboys running game is in good hands. He showed off his speed and quickness but what may have caught many by surprise was the amount of power the former Arkansas running back has in his body.

Jones is known for outrunning opponents, but he proved on Sunday night why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was OK with cutting running back Marion Barber.

Jones may be just as powerful as Barber and should have a great season carrying the workload in Dallas.

Loser: Igor Olshansky, DE

This may be the end of the road for Olshansky. He was blown off the ball constantly by the Broncos last week, and the same song was played again last night against the Chargers.

Olshansky still has a 50/50 shot of making the team, but if he does, he’ll probably do so as a bench player.

Winner: Lonyae Miller, RB

Miller wasn’t that great running the ball last night, but he proved that he may belong on the roster with his ability to block and catch the ball.

I’m not sure if he’ll beat running back Tashard Choice out for a roster spot because he’s having issues translating his play from the practice field onto the game field.

But Miller had a great blitz pickup last night and showed why coaches are so high on him.

Loser: Stephen McGee, QB

McGee was a winner last week against the Broncos because he led the Cowboys to victory in dramatic fashion. Last night against the Chargers, he never seemed in rhythm and could not lead the Cowboys on a single scoring drive.

The former Texas A&M quarterback played the entire second half and managed 157 passing yards with zero touchdowns and zero turnovers.

He’ll remain as the third-string quarterback this season, but he’ll have to show more if he eventually wants to take over for backup Jon Kitna.

Winner: Phillip Tanner, RB

Chris Collinsworth gushed over Tanner’s speed and quickness last night. He also showed his toughness after losing his helmet and continuing to march toward the end zone after the play was whistled dead.

Tanner had 31 rushing yards on four carries last night, and if he continues to run the ball, well, the Cowboys may feel comfortable in cutting Tashard Choice.

Between Tanner and Miller, Dallas has a stable of youngraw running backs who have shown themselves eager and hungry to make the final roster.

Loser: Cowboys Secondary

The Cowboys are still learning a new defensive system so there will be growing pains and some miscommunication.

Last night, Dallas gave up a touchdown pass between Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers and tight end Randy McMichael after there was miscommunication in the defensive secondary.

McMichael was left open in the end zone after Rivers was pressured and flushed from the pocket.

I’m sure Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will fix these issues in practice, but the Cowboys showed that there is still a little ways to go before their defense is back on track.

Winner: Cowboys Offensive Line

Rookie Tyron Smith looked good again last night against the Chargers. He’s strong, nimble and seems to have a great handle on the Cowboys offense.

The first-team unit looked great at times opening holes wide enough for Felix Jones to walk through and giving quarterback Tony Romo enough time to find open receivers.

If the line plays this well all season, the Cowboys may have found themselves an anchor in Tyron Smith.

Loser: Alan Ball, CB

I know this is like pouring gas on an open fire, but Ball and safety Gerald Sensabaugh went after the same receiver on that touchdown play to Randy McMichael which is why he was left open.

Ball is sometimes a punching bag for Cowboys fans due to his play last season, and last night, his number was on display when the Chargers scored.

I don’t think he played that bad but because his name and number are associated with giving up a big play he finds himself in the loser category.