The Cowboys saw a Stephen McGee capable of moving their offense, as the third-year QB led his offense on a third touchdown drive within the last two minutes to win Dallas’ preseason opener 24-23 over the Broncos.
A wild fourth quarter that saw 28 of the games’ 47 points climaxed with a two-minute drill in which McGee converted two fourth downs, including a 4th-goal with just 21 seconds remaining, and a two-point conversion. McGee’s favorite target was sixth-round rookie Dwayne Harris, who hauled in five balls for 127 yards and 2 TD, including the clincher. Harris also scored on a 74-yard dump-n-dash over the middle, when a young Denver secondary seemed to blow a coverage.
McGee finished 14-24 for 208 yards, 3 TD and 1 INT. The pick didn’t appear to be his fault, as his receiver stopped his route on a timing throw after the ball was already coming out of McGee’s hand. He also hit rookie burner Raymond Radway early in the third quarter.
Tim Tebow was effective for the Broncos, completing six of seven passes for 91 yards and running twice for 15. He bogged down in the red zone, creating a remarkable three-penalty play by scrambling, reversing field, and throwing after he’d passed the line of scrimmage. Tebow also had a touchdown run called back.
Both offenses moved the ball easily on their initial – and only – drives, but both bogged down in scoring position, settling for field goals. Tony Romo completed three of his five passes for 60 yards, including a well orchestrated 16-yard screen (a novelty for the Cowboys) to Felix Jones. Jones also ran three times for 23 yards.
Phillip Tanner did the bulk of the damage on the ground for Dallas, hitting for 44 yards on nine carries. Training camp sensation Lonyae Miller gained just 11 yards on his nine carries.
The Cowboys will return to Cowboys Stadium for the next nine days as they continue training camp, before a home game against the Chargers on August 21 begins a hectic three-games-in-12-days (with the last two on the road) finish to their preseason.