Heading into the final preseason game the Dallas Cowboys were winless in preseason, but they had a chance to change that with the non-starter roster. Something to add, the Cowboys did not have a preseason win at all last year, eight-straight preseason losses were about enough.

The final game of the preseason took place in Arlington, Texas against HBO’s Hard Knocks recipient the Houston Texans. As mentioned before, most of the team’s starting roster didn't played. This evening was about making a name for yourself and surviving the cut, a make it or break it situation.

The Cowboys defeated the Texans tonight, with the final score of 21-14. Both teams had stand outs, as well as disappointments. Tom Savage for the Texans was arguably their best player. He finished the evening 18-for-29 on completions, along with two touchdowns. Houston's quarterback had a beauty of a pass to running back Chris Polk who ran it in for the touchdown. That alone was the only points put up in the first half of the game, as Dallas was held scoreless in the first half.  

Savage did make a mistake as he threw an ill-advised throw right to Cowboys cornerback Corey White, who took it right to the house for six. White has been a pleasant surprise for the Cowboys this preseason, slowly making a name for himself. It’ll be interesting how Dallas implements him on the field, after Orlando Scandrick’s injury and Tyler Patmon’s performance.

Rookie Ryan Russell would make a nice play, by hitting Savage which resulted in a fumble. That fumble then resulted into a rushing touchdown by Gus Johnson for 21 yards. A nice comeback moment for the Texans and their quarterback, who would then score early in the fourth. A 16-yard touchdown to Keshawn Martin from Savage would tie the game at 14. Despite a fairly good night for Savage, it ended badly. The quarterback left the game after a huge blow in the fourth and did not return. The injury is still unknown at the moment.

Dallas’ Ben Malena scored the game-winning touchdown to put the Cowboys up 21-14, which would be the final score. He had himself a night as he ran for 88 yards on 15 carries. Cowboys fans can be relieved (if you put much care to preseason) that they don’t go winless in preseason for a second straight season. Dallas ends the preseason on a high note and can set their sites on the start of the regular season.

Bright spots:

Ben Malena – Malena was a force tonight and ran the ball with confidence. Came away with a game-high 88 yards rushing, which ultimately put the Cowboys over the top.

Justin Tuggle – The third-year linebacker had himself a game, leading the game with nine total tackles (seven solo), half a sack, and a QB hit. Defense wasn’t a problem for the Texans, who held Dallas’ QB to zero touchdowns and three sacks.

Disappointments:

Byron Jones – One of the few starters who got the nod tonight. Jones got a look at free-safety, something the Cowboys seem to be experimenting.  Unfortunately, that did not go well as Jones was burned badly and Texans receiver Keshawn Martin made a leaping catch in the end zone.

Dustin Vaughn – Vaughn, yet again, under performed. However, he did have a good final drive to set up the Cowboys lone preseason win, but he failed to score any touchdowns tonight, as well as this entire preseason. It’ll be interesting how the Cowboys look at this, especially for a 53 man roster spot.

Player of the Game – Lucky Whitehead

Lucky Whitehead's punt return: https://vine.co/v/eT699WilVKb

Whitehead was the player of the game tonight, as he was unstoppable on returns. Two kick returns for a total of 56 yards, one that went for 31 yards. Five punt returns for 69 yards, his longest going for 33 yards. Not mention a game-high four receptions on nine targets for 40 yards receiving. Basically, Lucky was lucky tonight (pun intended).