Dallas Cowboys are already heading in new directions

The second practice of their 2020 training camp is in the Dallas Cowboys books. We continue to see things through the keyhole imposed by the league of strict rules on media access and reporting. But some of these previews have been very enticing. Compared to the way things were done last year, there are already some big changes emerging, and we’re not just talking about having player names on the backs of their shirts at camp.

Improvisation coaching

A lot of us, myself included, were huge fans of hiring Mike McCarthy from the start, and he’s won quite a few more. But there was still that horrible connection to those heartbreaking games where the Cowboys came close to a win over the Green Bay Packers, only to see a certain quarterback take a ridiculous game out of, uh, somewhere, and win the match. Most just attribute this to some unique skills of the guy throwing the ball, but McCarthy apparently takes a different point of view, as ESPN’s Todd Archer reports.

Mike McCarthy saw Aaron Rodgers’ improv act for years in Green Bay. He works something similar with Dak Prescott in scripting situations during one-on-one exercises when games fail. As the quarterback broke free from the pocket, receivers, tight ends and full backs all worked to get the QB’s sight for the passes. One of Prescott’s strengths is the way he operates in off-scenario situations.

It looks very different from the way it used to be. Preparation but respecting the script was the way business was conducted. McCarthy acknowledges that the script is going to be torn up in football sometimes and that in order to properly handle the chaos that ensues you need to prepare your players. It’s much more difficult to deal with crashes in a game if you never really practice doing it.

It also raises the intriguing question of whether Aaron “Freaking” Rodgers was just a natural talent at all, or maybe some of that was taught? It would be nice if this was something that a smart and talented QB with good instincts could learn, because Dallas just happens to have one of those going for them.

It also fits with the general idea of ​​playing on the strengths on your roster rather than forcing them to fit into a mold, pattern, or game plan that ignores specific talents and skills. We know Prescott is very dangerous when forced to improvise, especially if he has room to use his legs. He can execute the ball effectively or make very good throws on the move from any angle or location on the court. In fact, spending the time practicing to learn how to do it better seems like a great investment of time.

Use all weapons

For years, under more than one offensive coordinator, we lamented the predictability and often the one-dimensional nature of the Cowboys offense. One of the most egregious examples of this was the use of Ezekiel Elliott in the racing game. He was mostly handed the ball in obvious running situations and obvious running formations and staff sets. Not only was he often wasted on his chances, he seemed to be used badly as a receiver. A secondary frustration was that the only real value in the 2019 Draft, Tony Pollard, saw very little action when he looked pretty good when they brought him in.

It can also change.

“TJ” Helman continues to laugh at the way people have been motivated by this deliberately vague report, but many of us see the potential to really capitalize on true talents and abilities. It was disconcerting in recent years how much creativity and innovative pieces were so often overlooked, but avoided. It only creates hope that these staff are much more interested in doing what the players do best.

(If you get the reference “TJ,” you’ve been on Twitter Cowboys for a while and are paying attention.)

Stand ’em up

We’ve already mentioned how surprisingly good Aldon Smith is doing. There’s also a case where some flexibility could use his talents and experience more effectively, which includes plenty of shots as an OLB 3-4. And it looks like he and DeMarcus Lawrence can benefit from the same kind of open-mindedness on the part of the defensive staff.

It’s not just a way to show off a different look and give passing throwers more ways to reach the quarterback. It could also allow the Cowboys to bring back Lawrence and Smith from OLB positions. He gets extra pressure if the opponent passes while being a great formation to stop the race. Fouls should probably keep extra protection if they want to throw the ball, which would help cover.

It’s just delicious.

Maybe, just maybe, take out won’t be so elusive

On top of all the offensive issues we’ve seen, the defense has been pretty terrible at forcing turnovers in recent years, especially interceptions. While these were heavily influenced by chance, the Cowboys were so far in the wrong direction that there had to be some coaching or program elements going there. Obviously, camp, which involves a lot of reps from saves, isn’t always an accurate indication of how things will turn out in the regular season. Yet this is another thing that inspires optimism.

Nothing changes the direction of a game faster than a turnover, literally. While attacking has to do its job of keeping the ball away from the opponent, defense can make victory much more likely with a few choices. Seeing the players on the cover get their hands on the ball is a good sign and may suggest something more.

Creativity works on both sides of the ball

Predictability was not just an issue for the offense.

The whole Cowboys team had a problem. They showed a belief in lining up with little to no deception and beating other guys man to man. It often went wrong, both against the run and the pass. Part of the latter was that the defensive backs seemed to play most of the game watching the catcher rather than focusing on finding and following the ball. The players said, with some resentment, that this was how they were trained.

The first two practices show that things have changed. If that can lead to more interceptions then it could be a very good season. And don’t forget that picks are also the product of a strong, disruptive passing rush, and we’ve already looked at how that unfolds.

Now is the time for optimism in the NFL. Some caution should be exercised. However, some very good signs are already emerging.

It’s hard not to be eager to start the season, now just four weeks away.