During this offseason, the Cowboys have been one of the NFL’s busiest teams. Although the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) called for a boycott of these workouts, the Dallas players ignored it. In fact, they participated en masse in both organized team activities (OTAs) and this week’s mini-camp. And it seems that the results have been satisfactory.
In fact, the Cowboys announced Thursday that they would cancel training on the third day of mandatory mini-camp. Instead, the team had a group activity yesterday to strengthen ties between the players. In this way, Wednesday’s practice was the last of the whole team, at least until July.
Cowboys have canceled the final practice of their three-day minicamp. Coach Mike McCarthy programmed a team-bonding activity instead. Been a sense this would occur. Veterans to be dismissed today until training camp in July. Rookies stay in town next week for development program.
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 10, 2021
Starting this Thursday, Cowboys veterans will be free from practice until July 20, when they will have to report to training camp. Meanwhile, the rookies will have a mandatory mini-camp next week at the team’s facilities in Frisco, this to continue their process of adapting to the NFL.
After the work done by the Cowboys in recent weeks, it is not surprising that the coaching staff decided to cut one day from mini camp. In fact, the end of Wednesday’s practice was showing signs of it. That day, coach Mike McCarthy asked center Tyler Biadasz to kick two field goals, just for fun. This, without a doubt, was one of the anecdotes of the offseason training.
Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz kicking field goals during today’s minicamp practice. (Left guard Connor Williams seems fired up about it.)
(Photo: @dallascowboys) pic.twitter.com/oKlniELRsT
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) June 9, 2021
McCarthy, comfortable with the results of the workouts
There is no doubt that this offseason has been completely different from last year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no OTAs, mini-camps, or preseason games in 2020. Now, after having a proper offseason training schedule this year, coach Mike McCarthy was completely at ease.
“In truth, we are not even in the same place if we compare last year with this year”McCarthy said during a news conference Wednesday. “We took responsibility for not achieving the goal last year as a coaching staff. Therefore, I thought our coaches would take her out of the park this year. “.
Let’s remember that the 2020 season was difficult for the Cowboys. Having a shortened offseason, in addition to adapting to a new coaching staff, was reflected in the team’s performance. A clear example of this was the poor defensive level of Dallas, especially in the first games, due to the complex schemes that the then defensive coordinator Mike Nolan tried to implement.
“I spent most of my time comparing this year’s offseason program to previous years.”added the Cowboys head coach. “We are doing a better job. Our learning environment has been so much better than last year, and it had to be that way. I think that is reflected in what we are doing on the pitch “.
For now, Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff will be preparing for the Cowboys’ training camp, scheduled to begin July 20 in Oxnard, California. And although the location is not official yet due to paperwork that the team must submit to the NFL, it seems that this is on the right track.
While it’s not official, Mike McCarthy is preparing to take the Cowboys to Oxnard for training camp. No dates have been set as yet.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) June 9, 2021
Which players got the most out of the Dallas mini-camp?
On the other hand, there are several Cowboys players who took advantage of the mini-camp to get noticed and start fighting for a place on the active roster of the cowboy team. Of course, this does not include players already established in the team, but rookies and also veterans who do not seem to have a fixed position in 2021.
One of them is quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who is making merit to be the backup for Dak Prescott. This week, Gilbert showed good instincts in the protection bag, as well as a clear command and understanding of the offense. Besides, his passes have speed and good location. It’s not yet clear whether the Cowboys will be looking for a quarterback in free agency, but the truth is that Gilbert is willing to fight for the job.
Garrett Gilbert continues to hold steady as the No. 2 QB behind Prescott. Had some strong completions to CeeDee Lamb, Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 8, 2021
In the defensive linemen section, the rookies Osa Odighizuwa Y Chauncey Golston They have given the size showing strength and versatility during training. Meanwhile, Dorance Armstrong and Neville Gallimore have also shown good athleticism, and they stand as strong candidates to fight for a place on the roster.
On the other hand we have Francis Bernard, linebacker who arrived in Dallas in 2020 as an undraft rookie. Although Bernard performed well in the 7v7 drills, his best work has been done in the special teams drills, specifically the kickoff, punts block and return teams. If he continues like this, the linebacker will increase his chances of entering the active roster this year.
Finally, we have to mention Israel Mukuamu and Jayron Kearse, depths who have been noted for their height and physique. Kearse does a good job of hedging, while Mukuamu He showed great mobility and good angles to close the rival.
Jayron Kearse had a pick six off of Garrett Gilbert after Zeke Elliott fell down. #DallasCowboys https://t.co/Sl6SZgDh2g
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) June 9, 2021
For now, it will be until mid-July that we will see the Cowboys return to training in Oxnard, this in the absence of official confirmation. Undoubtedly, expectations around the team remain high. And, unlike in 2020, this year we will have preseason games to take a look at the team’s progress, especially in the defensive section.
