Full Breakdown
Cowboys Edge Seahawks 17-7 in Preseason Opener
8/16/2026, 6:23:04 AM
Game Summary
On August 15, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks 17-7 at Lumen Field in the first game of the 2026 NFL preseason. The Cowboys’ backup quarterbacks—Sam Howell in the first half and Joe Milton in the second—combined for 201 passing yards and two touchdown passes, both to rookie wide receiver Camden Brown. Seattle opened the scoring on a 5-yard pass from backup quarterback Drew Lock to Montorie Foster Jr., but the Cowboys answered with a 39-yard Howell-to-Brown strike in the second quarter and a 2-yard Milton-to-Brown reception in the third. The Cowboys’ defense held Seattle scoreless after the opening drive, limiting the Seahawks to 156 total yards and forcing a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter.
Key Performances
- Camden Brown – Undrafted rookie (Georgia Southern) recorded three catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, including a one-handed 39-yard grab and a contested 2-yard fade.
- Sam Howell – Completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards, posting a 118.1 passer rating.
- Joe Milton – Completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and one touchdown, rating 118.6.
- Drew Lock – Led Seattle’s opening 80-yard drive, finishing 9 of 13 for 40 yards and a touchdown.
- Defensive Standouts – Seahawks safety Tyrice Knight led Seattle with 10 tackles (first half). Cowboys linebacker Curtis Robinson led Dallas with eight tackles.
Statistical Overview
- Final score: Dallas 17, Seattle 7.
- Total yards: Dallas 338, Seattle 156 (76 passing).
- Time of possession: Dallas 32:55, Seattle 27:05.
- Penalties: Combined 21 penalties for 174 yards (Dallas 13, Seattle 8).
- Rushing: Dallas running back Jaydon Blue logged 19 yards on eight carries; Seattle’s George Holani led his team with 42 yards on 12 carries.
Coaching Perspectives
Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that the team would limit starter participation, stating the preseason is intended to give younger players extended reps. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald evaluated the performance as below the team’s standards, citing issues with line calls, motion, and defensive communication that must improve quickly. Both coaches emphasized the developmental focus of the exhibition game rather than the final score.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re not going to play a lot of our starters during the preseason,” — Brian Schottenheimer, head coach
Takeaways
- Emerging Talent – Camden Brown’s two touchdowns positioned him as a serious contender for the Cowboys’ WR5 spot.
- Defensive Progress – New defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit limited Seattle to a single early touchdown and forced multiple goal-line stops, suggesting potential improvement over last season’s defense.
- Depth Concerns – Penalty issues, particularly from cornerback Caelen Carson, highlighted discipline problems that the Cowboys must address before the regular season.
- Injury Updates – Seattle’s Zach Charbonnet, Emanuel Wilson and 2026 first-round pick Jadarian Price missed the game with injuries; Dallas saw injuries to tackle Amari Kight (leg) and edge rusher Jared Ivey (temporary).
What’s Next
- The Cowboys travel to Arizona for their next preseason matchup on August 22, 2026.
- The Seahawks will host the Tennessee Titans later this month.
These games will provide further opportunities for the teams to evaluate backups and refine schemes ahead of the 2026 regular season.
