By Will Martin
With two sets of third stringers getting ample playing time before 76,850 fans The Battle of I-45 went the way of the Texans by a 24-6 count with strong running performances by Dennis Johnson and Cierre Wood.
Case Keenum the one time Houston Cougar played a good portion of the game while TJ Yates hopped aboard late in the second half.
Dan Bailey accounted for all the Cowboys with field goals from 28 and 29 yards. What looked to be a touchdown pass from the arm of Alex Tanney to Gavin Escobar was ruled out of bounds.
A game that was dominated by Houston by a 2-1 margin in total yards on the ground and in the air this was more a way to see if anyone stands out as a possible keepsake by 5 pm August 31st when rosters are cut from 75 to 53 players. In my opinion a case will be made for Cole Beasley and for Jeff Heath.
We hear from some of the victorious Texans in addition to Coach Gary Kubiak. A few Cowboys chose to speak ever briefly…
Cornerback A.J. Bouye
On how the younger players performed: “As a unit we showed we are ready to compete. We are not afraid to go against anybody. I think we did a good job showing that.”
On his performance in preseason: “I think it went pretty well. Just trying to show this team that I can compete, really, and that I am willing to lay it on the line. It went really well.”
Quarterback Case Keenum
“I feel really good. I think we were running the ball really well. The offensive line did a heck of a job and Cierre (Wood) came to play today. Being able to run the ball opened up play action and a lot of that stuff…It started with the offensive line. It was a really good game.”
“I’m going to look at the film. There were a few third downs we didn’t convert and a few passes that I’d like to have back. But I think overall, moving the ball and scoring touchdowns is what I want to do and I think we did that for the most part.”
On the WR/TE depth: “I think a lot of those young guys from the top to the bottom have been really good about being where they needed to be at the time when we need them to be it. It’s good to have Posey back out there today. Even the backs from the backfield, I think they’ve been a big part of this preseason. Our job is to get the ball in the hands of the guy that can make the plays at the right time.”
On the first pass to Posey: “Yup. We planned it. We do a little preparation during the week…It was a play where Posey did a good job of working and really made a good catch. I led him a little too far. It was good to have him out there.”
On waiting to hear about second QB job: “I don’t think I have really have to deal with waiting or any of that stuff. It is what it is. I’m going out to prepare to play San Diego. I think TJ’s going to do the same thing. We’re all following Matt’s lead. That’s just how it goes. That’s what football players do. You just never know.”
Outside linebacker Sam Montgomery
On how the younger players performed: “I think as a unit we did a really good job. We beat the young guys. I think a lot of our guys on this team have the potential to play all over this league. Just being in the NFL. A different speed, a different style of play. But it is still the same game when it comes down to it. With experience, with time, I think we will all be better.”
On his own performance during preseason: “I think I started out real low but I think I climbed up the mountain pretty high. I do different things, just fighting and fighting and fighting to keep on. Then to come out here and play a whole game, on special teams, its something I’ve never done before. And to come out here and do a pretty descent job of it, as well as playing the position I was given at linebacker, I just feel like I did a pretty good job setting my responsibilities
Wide receiver DeVier Posey
“There was a lot of hard work to get to this point. It was a small celebration. It was good to be one of the guys again.”
On being involved early: “I had an idea. I was expecting it. I knew I was not going to play much. I was just trying to do well with what I had.”
On playing again: “It’s been a long time. I’ve been really fortunate to miss any real time. It’s a testament to our training staff and how we worked together. They push me. I just wanted to come in and work hard…The part of my job that I had to do this offseason was to get healthy. I just wanted to show them I could do my job.”
Safety D.J. Swearinger
On his numerous pre-season snaps: “I think I have played a lot of snaps. But it is great for me to get a lot of reps. The more reps, the more experience. It is good for me.”
On the possibility that he will be able to play a lot of snaps for this team: “Whenever my number is called. I know I am going to get a lot of special teams reps and down reps. Whenever my number is called, I will be ready.”
On his mastery of the defense: “I think I have mastered it to a tee. When we are playing dime and I’m in at free safety, I know what the d-line is doing, the linebackers and the secondary. And that is one of my goals. To know what the entire defense is doing, not just myself. I think playing multiple positions has helped me a lot.”
On the hits he has delivered in preseason: “As a safety, you have to deliver that punch every time you come down on the run. Or if a receiver is coming across the middle you have to deliver that punch. It sends a message to the other team, and gets the energy going with your own team. It is good to be able to lay a hit.”
On the time between now and the first regular season game with the Chargers: “We have a little time off, but we can use it to our advantage. Get more film in. Get more treatment. And do a little extra. It will be good for us.”
Running back Cierre Wood
On his TD celebration: “That’s called the South Dallas Swag. I was in Dallas. I had to pull that out. It’s not my dance because I’m not from Dallas. But us Cali people, we perfected it.”
“I was just trying to show everybody what I can do. I know my abilities. I know my talents. The last couple games, I didn’t get to show that much. My philosophy is when I go in there, I want to do something to catch everyone’s attention…This game was no different.”
“Everyone knows that cuts are going to happen. That’s something I’m not worried about. If you’re confident in your abilities, then you should have no problem. The nervousness was not really there for me. It was just another game to me.”
“I believe I can play this game with the best of them. I just need my chance. These games are put here in front of me to showcase my talents to world, not just this team but the other 31 teams out there.”
Quarterback T.J. Yates
“We both played really well again. It all starts again with our offensive line and being able to run the ball. That opens up our offensive and makes us so versatile. We can do pretty much anything offensively when we’re running the ball like that. They are making it easy on us.”
On working with a different group of receivers: “It’s a little different. Most of those guys, I’ve been working them all camp and getting a chance to throw to them to figure out what kind of receivers they are. Once you get into the game with those guys, they are running full speed, they are anxious, they are getting ready. It’s fun. They do a good job. We were moving the ball great.”
On O-line depth: “Especially those two and three O-Lines, being able to run the ball like that and giving the backs open lanes to run free on those guys. It’s a testament to the coaches, all these players all camp long just pushing, working hard, getting better. No matter where they are on the depth chart, those guys are still working hard.”
On Posey’s return: “That was really awesome. Everybody’s rooting hard for him. He’s come back so quick from that injury. Everybody’s seen him all summer long busting his tail and rehabbing every single day to get back quick and help this football team.”
Dez Bryant on the start of the regular season
“It doesn’t matter who we play, just because it’s the beginning of the season,” Bryant said. “Football is back. Preseason is not the season. That football is totally different from the actual game. Everything counts. You’ve got the starters playing. We’re looking to battle all four quarters.”
