Cowboys vs. Falcons: Analyzing 3 Storylines Toward 53-Man Roster Cutdown

The Dallas Cowboys ended their preseason in style with a 31-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons as roster cuts now loom for America's Team.

There were plenty of players who needed to show something with roster spots up for grabs and at AT&T Stadium, it was the players who needed to splash, that did.

Prior to kickoff, I detailed three things to look for in the game; as we prep for the A ugust 26 cutdown to 53 men, let's see how they panned out.

1 – Who makes the receiver spot their own?

Ryan Flournoy continued his superb offseason, hauling in four receptions for 45 yards in the first half when no other offensive player for Dallas had more than one as his stock continues to rise.

Jalen Brooks (two rec, 35 yards) got on the end of a delightful 29-yard touchdown pass from Milton to put an exclamation mark on yet another good preseason, while Traeshon Holden had two receptions for 22 yards.

It was Flournoy's night, and maybe he might have secured a roster spot in the process.

2 – Jaydon Blue’s startin g audition

Blue had a good, not great, debut, but it was enough to suggest he deserves snaps in Week 1. His speed was on show, so too his pass protection. He had a 13-yard run and a touchdown on his opening drive (Dallas' second of the game).

Jaydon looked as advertised, but in the fourth quarter, he left the game hobbling after an injury to his right ankle and was taken off the field and out of the game.

Still, I think Jaydon did enough to give Schottenheimer confidence in giving him snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles.

3 – How will the Joe Milton experience end?

In short, it ended well, with Milton looking the best he has all preseason. A good opening drive ended with Milton running in for a one-yard touchdown, which was a sign of things to come.

On his first two drives, Milton operated the offense at a level we haven't seen in preseason, going 4 of 6 for 60 yards and having a 99.3 rating. At halftime, Milton was 8 of 15 for 94 yards as he didn't take risks and played within Schottenheimer's system.

But the best was yet to come.

On the first drive of the third quarter, Milton looked the most settled he has in preseason, leading a six-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Joe converted a 4th-and-one with his legs (although on the previous play, ran out of bounds, short of the marker), and then he delivered two sublime throws back-to-back.

A nine-yard pass to Holden before a 29-yard touchdown dime to Brooks, with Milton putting some nice touch on his pass as he dropped in the bucket, and No. 83 did the rest before Joe was asked to take a seat.

Milton finished his night going 10 of 18 for 132 yards, 1 TD, no interceptions, a 97.5 passer rating, while rushing for 33 yards on four attempts with a touchdown.