ARLINGTON – By 5 p.m. Saturday, the Cowboys must cut 22 players to get to the opening-day roster limit of 53. It will be a difficult process
"We've got some hard cuts to make," coach Wade Phillips said. "I thought it would be a little easier."
A look at how selected players performed in Thursday's 27-25 victory over Miami:
Buehler passed his final test with "flying colors," Phillips said.
Buehler made long kicks, converting tries from 40, 45 and 51 yards. Before this, Buehler was 1-of-2 on kicks of 35-plus yards.
Buehler made a crucial kick, hitting a 31-yard field goal at the buzzer for the win. It was the first game-winning kick of Buehler's career, but he approached it like any other try.
"Every kick is the same kick," said Buehler, who was 10-for-11 on field goals in exhibitions. "You don't sense pressure. You go out and do your job. That's the way you have to approach it."
McGee went the distance for the first time since Sept. 27, 2008, when he was a senior at Texas A&M. He completed 27 of 42 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. The 43-yard scoring pass to Sam Hurd came on an exact deep throw.
McGee put together scoring drives of 77 and 75 yards in the final 12 minutes, including the one for the winning field goal in the final 2:22. In a performance that strengthened his case to remain on the roster as the No. 3 quarterback, McGee was 9-of-12 for 98 yards on the drives.
That prompted McGee to play the no-respect card.
"I wanted to play with the talent I know I have," McGee said. " A lot of people, like you guys, always seem to say that I'm not good enough. But I know in my heart how good of a quarterback I am."
The offensive staff might have to re-evaluate the plan of using the veteran Holland to get by at left guard until injured Kyle Kosier returns. Holland could not get to linebackers to make the blocks needed to make the running game go.
In four series with Holland, the Cowboys gained 8 yards on six runs. Holland also had two false-start penalties. It was his second consecutive game with two false starts.
Travis Bright replaced Holland in the second quarter and played the rest of the game, working some at each guard spot. Bright showed more quickness than Holland.
There was no doubt about Butler making the opening-day roster. His role at outside linebacker could increase after a strong camp performance that continued against the Dolphins.
Butler played the run well, taking on lead blockers and forcing backs to the inside.
Butler rushed the quarterback well. He reached starter Chad Henne on consecutive plays in the second quarter, forcing the ball loose each time. The second fumble ended a possession that had reached the Cowboys' 26.
Holley gave the Cowboys much to consider as they sort through their glut of options at wide receiver.
Can he help on special teams? Holley disrupted a Miami punt return in the first quarter, beating two blockers to get downfield in a hurry and help hold the returner to no gain.
Can Holley provide depth at wide receiver? He caught four of the five passes thrown to him for 40 yards.
"I wanted to make a last impression before these guys go into their meetings," Holley said.
He did, as did many others. Cutdown day has become more difficult for the Cowboys.
