Cowboys at Seahawks Gameday: 3 Key Storylines To Follow

Dallas Cowboys football is finally here ... even if it is only preseason at Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks, there is still no shortage of storylines and things to watch.

With preseason games used for those clinging to a roster spot or those hoping to make the roster, there is a lot on the line.

We will see a player's stock go up or down based on how they do in preseason, so yeah, it's preseason, but it's pressurized.

For as long as the offseason is, when it comes to the Cowboys, there are really only five times the coaching staff can get a true evaluation of its roster: the two joint practices and the three preseason games.

So, while the starters won't be playing, nearly everyone else will in some capacity, and that means there will be plenty to sink our teeth into.

Here are the three things I'll be watching intently as Dallas faces the Super Bowl champs.

Backup RB battle:

Brian Schottenheimer said both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will get plenty of work in Seattle, so who takes their chance?

We know that Dallas wants Blue to win the job, but Mafah isn't making it easy on the coaching staff and Jaydon.

In fact, insider Bobby Belt said on 105.3 The Fan that "there's a concern around him at the team level that has not fully gone away" when it comes to Blue. So this preseason game will be telling.

Blue has had a couple of fumbles this offseason, which is clearly not good, so how he and Mafah perform could be telling for how the depth chart could land.

Also, whoever is in the game late could also hint at what the coaching staff thinks of that player... especially if it's Blue.

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Joe Milton vs. Sam Howell:

Another position battle, and it's another important one. 

Milton and Howell have both had their moments this offseason, but neither has done enough to win the job. So, there is a genuine arm wrestle going on at QB2.

How the snaps will be divided up will be interesting. Does Milton get a half and Howell get a half? 

Plus, has Milton improved at playing the quarterback position? Can he go through his progressions, identify the defense, and get into the right play? And not just rely on his athletic gifts.

For Howell, he's the bus driver, and can he be the one to walk the team down the field and put up points, while also showing us something that can make us less uneasy about the backup role?

It will likely take all three preseason games to find out who will win this battle...unless someone obliterates Seattle.

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How does Shavon Revel look?

Now, this is predicated on Revel playing some snaps, and I'd like to think he will.

Having been one of the stars of camp, with constant PBUs, plus looking confident and fluid in his movements, a far cry from last year, Revel Jr. as a genuine option at corner could be incredibly useful for Christian Parker.

But doing it in practice is one thing. Doing it in a game is another.

Likely to get maybe 20-ish snaps (just predicting here), it will be what he does with those snaps that will either send us into a frenzy or see expectations lower a little.

Plus, in a battle with Cobie Durant for a potential starting role, can Revel show us something where he might take the lead?

Others to watch:

The backup offensive line is T.J. Bass, and cross your fingers. Who makes a name for themselves at linebacker (Justin Barron is a watch); LT Overton should get some work; and who shines at safety, with Julius Wood, Alijah Clark, and Markquese Bell battling it out for a roster spot.

So, while it is preseason, there is plenty to look for at Lumen Field.