Why Cowboys fans should watch HOF Game

It's finally here for Dallas Cowboys fans. The 2013-14 preseason officially gets underway tonight with the annual Hall of Fame game. No, you won't see many of your favorite players (if any) tonight...and for good reason. This is a game for the die hard fan, eager to get a glimpse of America's "new look" team. For you sir or madam..a few things to look for tonight.

The Defense: Tonight will be the (somewhat) unveiling of the Cowboys' new 4-3 scheme, installed by new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. I say somewhat because, obviously, we will not see much of the starting unit. Tackling will more than likely be atrocious as well.

And that's to be expected.

What we're looking for is a barometer of how much the team has learned this new system. Will there be a ton of blown coverages and missed assignments? Will confusion cause the defense to burn up all of Garrett's timeouts? If the reserves have a solid understanding of at least the basic defensive package, then one can assume the starting unit does as well.

Joseph Randle / Kendial Lawrence: The Cowboys had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last season, averaging less than 80 yards a game. DeMarco Murray is healthy (stop laughing) and will be the unquestioned starter week 1. With his injury history though, it's unlikely that we'll see much of Murray in the preseason. Last year's back up, Felix Jones, is now an Eagle...so Dallas will be looking to some rookies to possibly fill that role.

Enter Joseph Randle and Kendial Lawrence.

Both Randle and Lawrence had productive final years in college, averaging 5 plus yards a carry respectively. Lawrence, a rookie free agent out of Missouri, ran an impressive 4.33 at his pro day. Lawrence has also shown an ability to catch the ball in mini camps...and could be used in a variety of ways if he develops. Randle, a 5th round pick out of Oklahoma State, was also a reliable receiver at the collegiate level. Both will get plenty of opportunities to prove themselves over the next five preseason games.

Dwayne Harris: The wide receiving unit is set at starter with Bryant and Austin. Jason Witten will once again anchor the tight end group. What the Cowboys need is a reliable third wide receiver, and Harris should get plenty of opportunities to fill that role...starting tonight. Rookie 3rd round pick Terrance Williams will miss tonight's (and possibly next week's game at Oakland) with a concussion, which increases Harris' chances to play. Williams won't be out for long, so Harris will need to impress early....and often.

Welcome back NFL. We're ready for some football.     follow @plcolter