LOS ANGELES -- So maybe the Dallas Cowboys don't need a veteran backup quarterback after all.
After Kellen Moore suffered a broken fibula on Aug. 2 that will keep him out three to four months, the Cowboys talked about signing free agent Nick Foles or trading for Josh McCown. After seeing Foles join the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns' asking price for McCown too high, the Cowboys decided to slow down the search.
Maybe they will put it off altogether after what they saw from Dak Prescott in Saturday's 28-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
With Tony Romo sitting out, Prescott completed 10 of 12 passes for 139 yards and threw touchdown passes of 10 and 32 yards to Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams, respectively, in the first half of action. Prescott's only incompletions came on drops.
He also outplayed the No. 1 pick in the draft, Jared Goff, who came into the game in the second quarter for the Rams and threw an interception. Goff completed just four of nine passes for 38 yards and was sacked once.
Oh, and Prescott did all this in front of 89,140 fans in the first NFL game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 1994 and a national television audience on ESPN.
Dez is back: In camp, Dez Bryant showed flashes of greatness. He showed he was back Saturday with two catches for 28 yards on 10 snaps. Jerry Jones said before the game Bryant wouldn't play, but he was out there for the Cowboys' first drive. Poor Coty Sensabaugh. He was beaten by Bryant on both plays despite decent coverage. On the touchdown, Bryant leaped over Sensabaugh, extended the ball with his left hand and came up with the touchdown. Bryant played in only nine games last season with 31 catches and three touchdowns because of a broken foot. He's clearly feeling better.
Hey, a takeaway: The Cowboys had just 11 takeaways last season (eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries). The goal of the offseason was to increase that total in 2016. With a 21-7 lead, the Rams had to throw the ball. Linebacker Derek Akunne hit Goff as he threw, leading to a Mark Nzeocha interception. Defensive tackle Jack Crawford came up with a fumble recovery on the play with Rams receiver Brian Quick knocking the ball free from Nzeocha.
Good as ever: The Cowboys' offensive line is considered among the best in football. They got off to a strong start even with left tackle Tyron Smith not playing. Trying to give Prescott as much help as possible, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, La'el Collins and Doug Free played into the second quarter. Prescott was kept clean and had plenty of time to throw.
Who got hurt? The Cowboys did not announce any injuries during the game, but they had a number of starters not play, including Romo, Jason Witten, Smith, Sean Lee, Orlando Scandrick, Tyrone Crawford and DeMarcus Lawrence. Romo and Witten have not played in a preseason opener since 2012.
Say hello: The start of training camp for Lucky Whitehead has been so-so. His start Saturday could not have been better. Whitehead returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. He patiently waited for the hole to develop up the middle and exploded through. Last season, he averaged 28.3 yards per kick return with a long of 79 yards, but he did not reach the end zone.
One reason to be concerned: When Charles Brown somewhat surprisingly retired before camp started, the Cowboys had no choice but to name Chaz Green as their swing tackle. Green, who did not play as a rookie last season because of hip surgery, started at left tackle with Smith sitting. Green was flagged three times and gave up at least one sack. The Cowboys might need to look for help at that spot in case something happens to Smith or Free.
Don't worry: Tight end Geoff Swaim didn't help himself with two drops and a penalty in the first half. Repeat after me: It does not jeopardize his roster spot. If the season started today, he would be on the roster with Jason Witten, James Hanna and Gavin Escobar. In the third quarter, Swaim made a nice, 10-yard grab on a Jameill Showers throw.
Up next: The Cowboys will have their final off day Sunday during their time in Oxnard, California, and are scheduled to hold three more practices before flying back to Texas on Thursday. They play their second preseason game of the season Friday against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. When the Cowboys return to Texas, they will practice at their new facility: The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.