This week and the next were the dates assigned by the NFL to carry out organized team activities (OTAs). This, as part of phase 3 of the offseason volunteer training programs. However, these trainings have been marked by a call for a boycott by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which was attended by 22 of the 32 teams in the league.
Recall that, in early April, the NFLPA recommended that players not attend voluntary workouts. This was due to the Association’s concern about the risk of injury, as well as possible COVID-19 infections that could affect the players and their families. Therefore, the NFLPA suggested attending only mandatory training sessions.
However, there are teams that decided not to heed the call for a boycott. Or, simply, they slightly reduced their schedule of activities. Such is the case with the Cowboys, who will only have six of the ten OTAs allowed by the NFL. In addition, and as reported by ESPN’s Todd Archer, the cowboy team had a participation of up to 90% at the beginning of phase 2 of training during the offseason.
The Cowboys have had roughly 90 percent attendance to start Phase 2 of the offseason program, according to sources. They are scheduled to have six OTAs, plus their mandatory June minicamp. With an early start to training camp because of the Hall of Fame… https://t.co/YAtpSb7k4m
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) May 19, 2021
Now, Dallas kicked off Phase 3 this week with the OTAs. And most of the players have also participated in them. Apparently, the cowboy team seems determined to make the most of these workouts, and they have their reasons for it. This was revealed by tight end Dalton Schultz, who represents Dallas players before the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
“I think as a team, we come together and realize that we need this kind of work in the offseason.”Schultz told the media on Tuesday. “We support everything the NFLPA is doing, and we support our guys who are not showing up. And it is a very personal decision for many people. But I think we are a very young team, and we can benefit a lot from this work that we are doing now ”.
Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz has operated as team’s player union rep. “We need this kind of work in the offseason. We support everything the NFLPA is doing” as some teams limit participation. But “we are a young team.” Needs good, smart work. Players still finding the right tempo.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 25, 2021
Will not boycotting the OTAs be beneficial to the Cowboys?
Beyond the risk of contracting COVID-19, neutralized by prevention measures at The Star facilities, the greatest risk to the Cowboys by not complying with the boycott would be injuries. However, after the team’s terrible performance during the 2020 season, everyone seems ready to work as hard as they can to have a great campaign this year.
Now, might not boycotting voluntary training be helpful for the team? As we can see, tight end Dalton Schultz does indeed think that. And that same line of thinking is shared by Dak Prescott, quarterback for the cowboy team.
“This is going to pay off”Prescott declared last Tuesday. “Obviously the mental aspect, knowing the scheme… Whether the defense learns a new scheme, or the offense is in tune and communicating better. I think this will pay off when we get to training camp and take the step that other teams may not have taken during the offseason. “.
preparation mode ????#OTAs | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/AJ24FtiznE
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 27, 2021
In fact, Prescott’s point is quite valid. With more time to work on the new schemes to be implemented, the team will be able to polish these ideas at camp and grow them throughout the season. And this, of course, puts the team at an advantage.
Besides, the Cowboys were one of the teams that for their particular needs could not boycott offseason workouts. After a 2020 marked by injuries and poor defensive performance, Dallas players were going to require additional training. This, especially, so that Dan Quinn and his assistants have more time to implement their schemes and ideas in the defense of the cowboy team.
It remains to be seen whether ignoring the boycott and attending voluntary workouts pays off for the Cowboys in 2021. In theory, the team would start with more of an advantage by better preparing. However, not all teams may need additional practice, especially those with their schematics already defined. But the answer to all this we will see on the field once the season begins.
