Cowboys Country

3 key storylines for Cowboys entering Week 2 of preseason vs Ravens

There’s no shortage of drama during the preseason, but these are the 3 storylines taking center stage for the Dallas Cowboys when they face the Baltimore Ravens this weekend.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Week 2 of the NFL preseason is here as the Dallas Cowboys are set to host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Dallas wrapped up training camp on Wednesday and will be at AT&T Stadium for their final two preseason games. While these exhibition games don’t have the drama of the regular season, there are still plenty of storylines to monitor.

MORE: 3 Cowboys on the chopping block entering NFL Preseason Week 2

That’s especially true this season, which is the first under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

As he prepares for his second game in his new role, here’s a look at the three biggest storylines to keep an eye on this weekend.


Will Phil Mafah continue to shine?

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah leaps over Los Angeles Rams safety Nate Valcarcel for a first down.
Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah leaps over Los Angeles Rams safety Nate Valcarcel for a first down. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Phil Mafah was one of the bright spots in the Cowboys’ preseason opener, and has been even better since returning to camp.

The seventh-round pick has made a strong case for a spot on the roster, but needs to keep his foot on the gas.

MORE: Phil Mafah happy to be healthy after playing last Clemson season with torn labrum


Can anyone rise to the challenge at DT?

Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dallas has questions at defensive tackle, and there doesn’t seem to be any answers. While they feel confident in Osa Odighizuwa as one starter, the spot next to him is up in the air.

MORE: Cowboys special teams ace making impact on D as camp battles heat up

Mazi Smith is supposed to be that guy, but he’s been less than impressive thus far. Behind him, there are just as many concerns which is why the Cowboys hope to see someone step up and claim a spot.


Can Joe Milton play with more poise?

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III throws a pass during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

One of the biggest letdowns in Week 1 of the preseason was the performance of Joe Milton III. Fans were excited to see what the strong-armed quarterback could do, but he came out with some wild throws to start the game.

He calmed down as the game went on and delivered some impressive throws, but still has to put together a complete game. Saturday will be his next chance to do so as he enters the game with more eyeballs on him than anyone else on the team.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.