JUST CHILL: Postgame thoughts on Dak, Dez and two Texans on the Rams

1. What more can be said about Dak Prescott's performance. No one is putting him in the Hall of Fame. No one is saying he should take Tony Romo's job. And the Cowboys would still be smart to look for a veteran backup. But as first impressions go, Prescott checked all the boxes. He was decisive. He was accurate. He was poised. He looked like he belonged. Sure, Prescott played with a better surrounding cast, but he looked better than Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, the first overall pick. This fourth-round pick from Mississippi State, who remains raw in learning a pro offense, is definitely worth developing. It will be interesting to watch how he progresses the rest of the preseason after getting all these quality reps in training camp. The arrow is certainly pointing up.

2. Dez Bryant is back. If you thought there would be any lingering issues regarding his explosiveness and play-making skills following the fractured foot a year ago, think again. Bryant can still run by and jump over defenders. Ask Rams cornerback Coty Sensabaugh. He still makes contested catches and he gives the Cowboys energy. But he is also more mature and seemingly more focused. Bryant learned a lot over the last year, on and off the field. It's showing in his approach the game and how he deals with the media. He is truly becoming a team leader and team spokesman.

3. Receiver Andy Jones and tight end Geoff Swaim were two of the best players during the first three weeks of training camp. But both had two disappointing drops in the preseason opener against the Rams. It goes to show why games are more important than practice. You have to do it when the lights come on. Jones is going to be given more leeway for nervousness because he is an undrafted rookie. But Swaim is in his second year and needs a big preseason to establish a role on this team. He has a golden opportunity with James Hannah sidelined with a knee injury and Gavin Escobar being brought along slowly as continues to battle back from a torn Achilles. Swaim dropped a big chance to assert himself against the Rams. The Cowboys just need a reason to move on from the disappointing Escobar. Swaim has to given them one.

4. The Cowboys defense recorded two turnovers. Linebacker Mark Nzeocha and cornerback Deji Olatoye both had interceptions. Credit linebacker Derek Akunne's blitzing for Nzeocho's pick. Outside of that, however, it was a disappointing performance by the defense. Too many missed tackles, especially safety J.J. Wilcox. The Cowboys didn't pressure the quarterback and they couldn't stop the Rams in the second half. Sure, it was the backup,s but they still represent the coaching and teaching of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. He was not happy after the game.

5. A couple of Rams with Texas ties had pretty good games against the Cowboys. Former Texas running back Malcolm Brown had eight carries for 66 yards and former TCU running back Aaron Green had four carries for 27 yards. Green also had four catches for 37 yards. Both are from San Antonio and seemingly vying for one of thee precious spots at running back behind starter Todd Gurley. Benny Cunningham is primary backup right now, but Brown is gunning for that job. Green is also trying to earn a role on special teams. Per a Rams scout, Green impressed the staff with his work as a gunner. As they say, the more you can do.

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 12:35 AM with the headline "JUST CHILL: Postgame thoughts on Dak, Dez and two Texans on the Rams."