Dallas Cowboys: Winners and losers vs. Texans in Preseason Week 2

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Aug 21, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Garrett Gilbert (3) throws a pass while pressured by Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the first half of a NFL preseason game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback

If the reports that Dak Prescott’s shoulder is going to be a problem all season, than the Dallas Cowboys might want to start scouting top-10 picks. It’s impossible to win without great quarterback play in the NFL and what we saw on Saturday from Garrett Gilbert — the presumed No. 2 quarterback — was anything but great play. And the issues started right away.

On just the second snap of the game, also the first drop back for Gilbert, we witnessed a busted play as he tripped over his own feet. He somehow got the ball out of his hands and nearly completed the pass to Michael Gallup but it fell short. It probably would have been a completion had he kept his feet under him but “would have beens” don’t move the chains in the NFL.

The very next play was much worse as Gilbert was completely unaware of the pressure and held the ball too long. That led to a strip-sack from Jacob Martin, and the Texans took over possession in Dallas territory — which led to the Texans scoring a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Statistically, Gilbert didn’t look terrible as he finished his night with 30 yards on 3-of-5 passing, but he did surrender points due to the turnover and had a couple of other plays that just didn’t look right. Making matters worse, the entire offense looked better when he sat as Cooper Rush led them on a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on his first try.

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