The Dallas Cowboys will play its third preseason game of the year on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We have seen some of Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and other veteran defenders, but this game will allow the defensive starters to play more than a couple of series.

Parsons has looked the part in limited action. His ability to fly around the field is special. We have also seen some nice play from cornerback Maurice Canady, who has used the preseason to solidify a roster spot.

Saturday's game against the Texans will give the defense an opportunity to gel a little bit more together ahead of the regular season. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the unit will play the majority, if not all, of the first half.

Mike McCarthy said the regulars on defense will play the first half Saturday vs. Houston, but the younger offensive players will get in the game earlier. Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, La'el Collins all expected to play for the first time together since 2019.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 20, 2021

Beyond just the players, this will give defensive coordinator Dan Quinn some time to work out the kinks, try new things, and learn some more about his unit's strengths and weaknesses.

Quinn has a proven track-record of fielding successful defenses — at Florida, with the Seahawks, and early on in his Falcons tenure. Returning to concentrating on just one side of the ball could provide Quinn and the Cowboys some positive returns.

KEEP AN EYE ON COWBOYS LINEBACKERS

It will be interesting to watch the linebackers. Micah Parsons, Keanu Neal, and Jabril Cox were all added to the pair of Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith this offseason. All three have had strong moments in camp and in the preseason.

Make sure to keep a close eye on the amount of snaps that trio plays compared to the two Cowboys veterans. Meanwhile, both Vander Esch and Smith are expected to play some special teams snaps. How much remains to be seen, but still, that is another storyline to follow.

Look for Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch to get snaps on special teams

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 19, 2021

SECONDARY NEEDS TO SHOW IMPROVEMENT

The secondary is the biggest question mark surrounding the Cowboys defense as it stands right now. Trevon Diggs and Donovan Wilson are locked into starting spots, more than likely, but the rest of the group is kind of up in the air.

Damontae Kazee was brought to Dallas due to his connection with Quinn. Despite returning from an Achilles injury, Kazee has turned some heads in the preseason. Additionally, Malik Hooker was added to the defensive backfield earlier in camp, which adds more competition to the secondary.

Cowboys safety Malik Hooker: “I haven’t even thought about who’s starting or where they’re going to put me. I’m a hell of a ball player and I’m confident, so whether it’s me being a starter or me being in packages, I’m going to do my job at a high level.” pic.twitter.com/CjQaYX8PVE

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 17, 2021

It would be nice to see some solid play from this group against the Texans on Saturday — even if they won't be playing against Deshaun Watson. Any amount of momentum and confidence ahead of the regular season opener versus the Buccaneers is certainly welcomed.

The Dallas Cowboys defense has an opportunity to make somewhat of a statement on Saturday. Quinn and company will be able to show how prepared they are for the 2021 season.

Featured image via Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports