Dallas Cowboys Preseason Schedule 2024: Dates & Times

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey Cowboys fans! Are you ready for some football? The 2024 NFL season is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get excited about the preseason. For those of us who bleed blue and silver, the preseason is a crucial time to see how our team is shaping up, check out the rookies, and get a taste of what the regular season might hold. So, let's dive into everything you need to know about the Dallas Cowboys preseason schedule for 2024. We'll cover the dates, times, opponents, and even how to catch the games, whether you're tailgating at AT&T Stadium or cheering from your living room. Get your calendars ready, Cowboys Nation, because you won't want to miss a single snap!

Why Preseason Matters for the Cowboys

Preseason games might not count towards the regular season standings, but they are incredibly important for a multitude of reasons. For the Dallas Cowboys, the preseason is a crucial period for evaluating players, testing out different strategies, and building team chemistry. It's where potential stars can emerge, and where the coaching staff can fine-tune their game plan before the real competition begins.

  • Evaluating the Roster: The preseason provides a live-game environment to assess how rookies and newly acquired players perform under pressure. This is especially important for a team like the Cowboys, who are always looking to find that hidden gem or undrafted player who can make a significant impact. The coaching staff gets to see who can handle the speed and intensity of NFL-level play, which is vastly different from college ball or practice sessions.
  • Developing Young Talent: The Cowboys have a knack for drafting talented players, and the preseason is where these young athletes get their first real taste of NFL action. It’s a chance for them to showcase their skills, learn the playbook, and adjust to the pace of the game. Guys like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb made strong impressions in their first preseasons, setting the stage for their future success. For the 2024 draft class, the preseason will be pivotal in determining who steps up and contributes early in the season.
  • Fine-Tuning the Game Plan: Coaches use the preseason to experiment with different offensive and defensive schemes. They might try out new formations, play calls, or strategies to see what works best. This is the time to make adjustments and identify areas that need improvement before the games start to count. For the Cowboys, who often have high expectations and a target on their back, having a well-honed game plan is essential.
  • Assessing Quarterback Depth: With Dak Prescott firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the preseason is a critical time to evaluate the backup options. A reliable backup quarterback is invaluable in the NFL, as injuries can happen at any time. The preseason games provide a platform for the backups to get meaningful snaps and demonstrate their ability to lead the team.
  • Building Team Chemistry: Preseason games also offer the team a chance to build chemistry on and off the field. New players need to integrate into the locker room, and the preseason road trips and game day experiences help foster camaraderie. A team that plays well together often performs better, and the foundation for that teamwork is often laid during the preseason.

In short, the preseason is far from meaningless football. It’s a vital part of the Cowboys' preparation for the regular season, offering opportunities for evaluation, development, and strategic fine-tuning. Keep an eye on these games, because you might just see the next Cowboys star emerge.

2024 Preseason Opponents and Schedule

Alright, Cowboys fans, let's get down to the nitty-gritty – the schedule itself! The 2024 Dallas Cowboys preseason schedule promises some exciting matchups, giving us a good look at the team before the regular season kicks off. While the official dates and times are usually finalized closer to the summer, we can anticipate a typical three-game preseason format. Let's break down what we might expect and who the Cowboys could be facing.

  • Typical Preseason Format: The NFL preseason typically consists of three games for each team. These games are strategically scheduled to provide a mix of home and away contests, allowing teams to test their mettle in different environments. The Cowboys usually play one or two games at AT&T Stadium, giving the home crowd a sneak peek of the team, and one or two games on the road.
  • Potential Opponents: While the exact opponents vary each year, there are some common teams the Cowboys often face in the preseason due to geographical proximity and existing rivalries. Here are a few teams we might see on the schedule:
    • Houston Texans: The annual battle for the Texas bragging rights is a preseason staple. The Texans and Cowboys always bring an extra level of intensity to this game, making it a fan favorite.
    • Denver Broncos: The Broncos have been a frequent preseason opponent for the Cowboys, offering a good test against a team from a different division.
    • Los Angeles Rams: With the Rams' training camp often held in California, a matchup against the Cowboys could be a convenient option for both teams.
    • Other NFC Teams: The Cowboys often schedule games against other NFC teams to get a feel for the competition within their conference. This could include teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, or San Francisco 49ers.
  • Anticipated Schedule Structure: The preseason games typically start in early to mid-August, with games spread out over a few weeks. You can usually expect one game per week, giving the team ample time to recover and prepare for the next opponent. The final preseason game is usually played the weekend before Labor Day, marking the unofficial end of the preseason and the lead-up to the regular season opener.
  • Key Dates to Watch For: Keep an eye on the NFL's official announcements, usually released in the late spring or early summer, for the exact dates and times of the preseason games. These announcements will confirm the Cowboys' opponents and provide details on how to watch the games.

As we get closer to the summer, the anticipation will build, and the official schedule release will be a day marked on every Cowboys fan's calendar. Until then, we can speculate and look forward to another exciting preseason of Cowboys football!

How to Watch the Preseason Games

So, you've marked your calendar, and you're ready to catch every snap of the Cowboys' preseason action. But how exactly can you watch the games? Don't worry, Cowboys Nation, there are several ways to tune in and cheer on your team. Let's break down the different options for watching the preseason games, whether you're at home, on the go, or even at the stadium.

  • Local Television Broadcasts: The easiest way to catch the Cowboys preseason games is often through local television broadcasts. Typically, one of the local Dallas-Fort Worth television stations will air the games live. This is a great option for fans in the DFW area who have access to local channels. Keep an eye on the Cowboys' official website and social media channels for announcements about which stations will be broadcasting the games. Local broadcasts usually offer the most comprehensive coverage, with pre-game and post-game analysis.
  • NFL Network: The NFL Network is another fantastic option for watching preseason games. They often broadcast a selection of games live and provide replays throughout the preseason. If you have NFL Network as part of your cable or satellite package, you're in luck! Check their schedule for the Cowboys' games and set your DVR so you don't miss any of the action. NFL Network also offers in-depth analysis and commentary, making it a great choice for serious football fans.
  • NFL Game Pass: For fans who want to watch every game, including those out-of-market, NFL Game Pass is a solid option. NFL Game Pass offers live streams of out-of-market preseason games and replays of all games after they air. This is an excellent choice if you live outside the Dallas area but still want to follow the Cowboys closely. Keep in mind that live regular season games are typically not available on NFL Game Pass in the US due to broadcast restrictions.
  • Streaming Services: In today's digital age, streaming services are becoming increasingly popular for watching live sports. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV often include channels that broadcast NFL games, such as NFL Network and local network affiliates. Check the channel lineups for these services in your area to see if they offer the Cowboys' preseason games. Streaming services provide flexibility, allowing you to watch on your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Attending the Games in Person: Of course, the ultimate way to experience the Cowboys' preseason action is by attending the games at AT&T Stadium. There's nothing quite like the energy of the crowd and the thrill of watching the game live. Tickets for preseason games are generally more affordable than regular season tickets, making it a great opportunity to see the team up close. Keep an eye on the Cowboys' official website for ticket information and availability.

No matter where you are, there are plenty of ways to watch the Cowboys preseason games. Choose the option that best fits your needs and get ready to cheer on America's Team!

Players to Watch During the Preseason

The preseason isn't just about the games themselves; it's also a prime opportunity to scout out individual players who could make a significant impact during the regular season. For the Dallas Cowboys, the 2024 preseason will be crucial for identifying talent, assessing rookies, and seeing how veterans are shaping up. So, who should you be keeping your eye on? Let's highlight some players to watch during the preseason games.

  • Rookies: Every year, the Cowboys bring in a fresh crop of rookies, and the preseason is their first chance to shine in an NFL environment. Pay close attention to the Cowboys' draft picks, especially those selected in the early rounds. These players are often expected to contribute right away, and the preseason will give us a glimpse of their potential. Keep an eye on players like Tyler Guyton, the offensive tackle drafted in the first round, who is expected to fortify the Cowboys offensive line.
  • New Acquisitions: The Cowboys often add new players through free agency or trades, and the preseason is their opportunity to integrate into the team. Watch how these newcomers fit into the Cowboys' schemes and how quickly they develop chemistry with their teammates. These players are looking to carve out a role for themselves, and their performance in the preseason can be a good indicator of what to expect during the regular season.
  • Players Returning from Injury: The preseason is also a crucial time for players who are returning from injury. It allows them to test their bodies, regain their confidence, and shake off any rust. Monitor how these players perform and how well they hold up physically. Their return could provide a significant boost to the team, so keeping an eye on their progress is key.
  • Position Battles: Preseason games are where many position battles are won and lost. Several players may be vying for the same spot on the depth chart, and their performance in the preseason games can be the deciding factor. These battles often bring out the best in players, as they compete fiercely for playing time. Keep track of the matchups at key positions, such as wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker, to see who emerges as the frontrunner.

Watching these players during the preseason can give you a better understanding of the Cowboys' roster and potential strengths and weaknesses heading into the regular season. It's a time for surprises, breakthroughs, and the emergence of new stars. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the show!

Final Thoughts and Predictions

As we gear up for the 2024 Dallas Cowboys preseason, there's a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The preseason is more than just a warm-up; it's a crucial phase for team building, player evaluation, and strategic fine-tuning. For us fans, it's a sneak peek into what the regular season might hold and a chance to see the future stars of the Cowboys in action.

  • Overall Expectations: The Cowboys are heading into 2024 with high expectations. The team has a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a history of success. However, the NFL is a fiercely competitive league, and nothing is guaranteed. The preseason will be a critical period for the Cowboys to gel as a team, identify any weaknesses, and prepare to face the challenges that lie ahead.
  • Preseason Performance: The Cowboys' performance in the preseason games will provide valuable insights into the team's readiness for the regular season. A strong showing in these games can build confidence and momentum, while struggles can highlight areas that need improvement. Pay attention to how the team executes their game plan, how well the rookies perform, and how effectively the coaching staff makes adjustments.
  • Key Takeaways: The preseason will likely reveal several key takeaways about the Cowboys. We'll get a better sense of the team's depth, the effectiveness of their schemes, and the potential impact of new players. Keep an eye on the quarterback situation, the performance of the offensive and defensive lines, and the emergence of any surprise standouts.
  • Predictions: Making predictions before the regular season is always a bit of a guessing game, but that's part of the fun! Based on the Cowboys' talent and potential, we can expect them to be competitive in the NFC East and contend for a playoff spot. However, success in the NFL requires more than just talent; it requires hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. The preseason will give us a better sense of whether the Cowboys have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.

So, Cowboys fans, let's embrace the excitement of the preseason and get ready to cheer on our team. The journey to the Super Bowl starts now, and every game, every practice, and every snap counts. Go Cowboys!