The action continues in Oxnard where the Cowboys continue to carry out their practices for the preseason games and the 2021 campaign. On this third day, there are some things to highlight of some specific elements. As well as some news regarding the cowboy roster.
Micah Parsons continues to show his level
The rookie continues to demonstrate his great capabilities not only in the rushing game but also in zone coverage. In fact, he nearly made an interception while working with the second team on defense. He managed to read the intentions of Marshal Garrett Gilbert, and despite reaching for the ball and managing to brush it with his hands, he could not stay with the recovery. Notably, the pass was to receiver Osirus Mitchell.
Cowboys rookie LB Micah Parsons nearly nabs interception while in zone coverage. pic.twitter.com/1eQVRhQ7om
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2021
A great day for Donovan Wilson
The safety is making good impressions in Oxnard and this Sunday would be no exception. He landed a defended pass that Dak Prescott threw. In addition, he recovered a ball after a fumble made by his teammate Trevon Diggs.
Donovan Wilson with the pass breakup in two-minute work pic.twitter.com/q1Rz5HxiuO
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 25, 2021
Osa Odighizuwa is looking for a place in the team
The defensive tackle who was a third-round pick in the 2021 Draft is still looking to earn a spot in the Cowboys’ starting rotation. On Sunday’s day he was practicing and made an inside move that nearly ended in a sack for Garrett Gilbert.
The offensive line continues to work, with an unbeatable Tyron Smith
One of the details to take into account on Sunday is that Zack Martin took the day off, which gave other players the opportunity to perform more drills and snaps. In his right guard position, the place was taken by Brandon Knight, who was participating with the first team. Alongside him, Connor Williams moved to center position, while Connor McGovern was doing his thing as a left guard. In the case of Connor Williams this is very good news, as the possibility that the player will become the endorsement of Tyler Biadasz can be handled.
Cowboys are piping in artificial crowd noise during this 11-on-11 period. Connor Williams is accustomed to handling that as LG. Now doing so as second-team center. Williams seeing some of his usual work, too, at first-team LG. Connor McGovern occasionally spelling him there. pic.twitter.com/HQkcOX0cuW
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2021
For cowboy defensive ends, it’s virtually impossible to go around the left side and face Tyron Smith. The veteran is in top form and he has shown that from the first practice. The main victims of the day were Randy Gregory and Bradlee Anae. From any point of view, it is seen that the left offensive tackle has already left his neck discomfort in the past.
Cowboys LT Tyron Smith is where pass rushes go to die. This is every snap, regardless of rusher. Smith off to an incredible start in camp. Neck injury that limited him to two games in 2020 looks clearly behind him. pic.twitter.com/Vo34RDXNp6
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2021
Backup recipients are looking for their opportunity
With the fact that Amari Cooper is on the PUP list, many young recipients in the organization are receiving a wealth of opportunities. A big draw is Malik Turner, who continues to excel at camp. Already today, he made a few receptions.
Cowboys situational work: 3rd and 10. Dak Prescott to Noah Brown. pic.twitter.com/jDsrDcFAAc
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 25, 2021
Likewise Noah Brown, who excelled in two-minute work, managing to receive a pass from Prescott inside the 20-yard line. It’s no wonder Dak is searching the field for Brown, mostly because of his veteran status. Along with them, Reggie Davis is also attracting many looks. Although in the case of the latter, cornerback Trevon Diggs was very attentive to his actions.
Dak Prescott found Reggie Davis down field. Trevon Diggs punched it out. pic.twitter.com/ff4N7xiMD9
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 25, 2021
The field marshals carried out various activities
In the case of the quarterbacks on Sunday, they were working in two-minute situations. All with the aim of improving his reflexes and a hypothetical case where a play can represent victory in a match or at least take it to overtime.
Dak Prescott, Garrett Gilbert and Ben DiNucci stood out in this modality. What must be emphasized is that for the second consecutive day, Prescott found receiver Noah Brown within the 20-yard line. As discussed, it may be because of Brown’s veteran status, but Prescott feels comfortable throwing the ball at him in tough situations. Likewise, Prescott himself would also be doing footwork during the day.
Footwork drills for Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/vOl7YMmQga
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) July 25, 2021
In Gilbert’s case, he started his series with four consecutive completions. And as for Cooper Rush, he also didn’t practice this Sunday for back spasms.
Those on the PUP list continue to work on individual exercises
As mentioned, catcher Amari Cooper is on this list and has been doing exercises on his own. Like DeMarcus Lawrence and Trysten Hill, who were working with the ropes and coach Britt Brown.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Trysten Hill working with athletic trainer Britt Brown pic.twitter.com/6Hlb4dWpyY
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 25, 2021
The highlight of the day was Dalton Schultz
In the middle of the duel that will represent who will be the starting tight end for 2021, Dalton Schultz is certainly taking advantage of the opportunities they give him. At Camp Oxnard’s third practice, Schultz was arguably his best. And not only that, one of the best days for any player in any position.
Dalton Schultz having a nice day catching the ball pic.twitter.com/7L4mIpe7rE
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 25, 2021
The tight end had a few catches in both seven-on-seven games and group drills. The highlight of the day was a reception that he grasped with just his right hand. Where he would manage to retain the ball with the helmet to achieve between 15 and 20 yards.
.@BinghamBaller9 out here makin’ PLAYS today. ???? pic.twitter.com/ckJL4eMboC
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 25, 2021
Although Blake Jarwin is already participating in full exercises with the team, do not forget about Schultz and what he has to contribute. We’ll see what happens in the next practice sessions, but so far Dalton is doing extremely well.
Specific work of some elements of the defense
It is already known that Randy Gregory was practicing with the group and having to deal with offensive tackle Tyron Smith. However, he also did some individual exercises under Dan Quinn.
Randy Gregory getting in some individual work with Dan Quinn pic.twitter.com/JjuO3tv4jN
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 25, 2021
Likewise, linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith worked on group activities at the position. While in the case of the former, it should be noted that he looks very good as “Will” linebacker, or linebacker on the weak side. In fact, LVE is in excellent shape, moving from side to side, which suggests that his work in the offseason has given him ample results.
“Punch in, then go up.”
Cowboys LBs Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch lead off sled work. pic.twitter.com/fl7HESWbRQ
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) July 25, 2021
Diverse opinions during the day
Organization owner Jerry Jones spoke to the media, commenting on his impressions of the items that have caught his attention. Among them, of course, is Field Marshal Dak Prescott, whom he praised for his work in the previous practice on Saturday. He also spoke highly of receiver CeeDee Lamb. On the defensive side, he lavished praise on Randy Gregory and the work rookie Micah Parsons is doing.
Jerry Jones talking about what he has liked most about what he’s seen at training camp, says he thought yesterday’s practice was Dak Prescott’s best he’s ever had with the Dallas Cowboys pic.twitter.com/YRJ3smY07G
– Jon Machota (jonmachota) July 25, 2021
Likewise, the legendary quarterback Troy Aikman made an appearance at the Cowboys practice, making it clear that Prescott will have a great season in 2021.
Without a doubt, the practices are giving positive results and we are already looking forward to Wednesday of this week. Where the roster will begin to train with the complete equipment and at a slightly more intense pace. However, the team will not see action on Monday, so matchday four will be Tuesday, July 27.