This Thursday took place the second day of the Cowboys’ training camp in Oxnard, California. After a very active day 1 for many players, the receivers of the cowboy team particularly shone in this session. This, that is to say, despite a new defensive injury that could be worrying.
Here’s a look back at the highlights from Thursday’s day at camp in Dallas.
Day ✌️ loading…????⭐️#DallasCowboys | #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/rj1dRZveGb
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) July 27, 2023
Trevon Diggs does not train due to physical discomfort
One of the most striking notes of this Thursday is the non-participation of Trevon Diggs in the day’s practice. Although it went unnoticed yesterday, reports indicate that the cornerback did not train with the team for the second day in a row. Apparently, this is due to discomfort in a toe.
It is true that, after the injuries to Israel Mukuamu and Donovan Wilson yesterday, the loss of Diggs set off the alarms. However, head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that the cornerback’s discomfort is not a concern. Anyway, it is expected that there will be more details about it soon.
(Let’s try this again) 2nd day off to the side for CB Trevon Diggs as he deals w a toe issue. A source characterized it as “sore” so not overly concerned with it pic.twitter.com/aUgOwD8Rt6
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 27, 2023
Nahshon Wright takes advantage of Diggs’ absence to shine
Someone who took advantage of Diggs’ loss was undoubtedly Nahshon Wright. The third round pick replaced #7 in the first team exercises and was one of the highlights of the day. Wright managed several defensed passes, also intercepting a pass intended for receiver Jalen Tolbert. Without a doubt, the defensive play of the day.
Cowboys CB Nahshon Wright is seeing some first-team reps today at Trevon Diggs’ usual spot. Tight coverage and inside leverage from Wright to intercept a deep Dak Prescott pass intended for WR Jalen Tolbert. pic.twitter.com/C21XHtOuSe
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 27, 2023
Jalen Tolbert had a solid day
Despite the aforementioned interception, Jalen Tolbert was also among the standouts on Day 2 in Oxnard. After a decent performance Wednesday, the young receiver had to deal with coverage from Nahshon Wright. However, that didn’t stop Tolbert from making a nice catch on a Cooper Rush pass. In fact, Jalen received praise from Dak Prescott after practice.
Toe-tap sideline grab for Jalen Tolbert pic.twitter.com/iNlAz8q7Zg
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 27, 2023
Dak Prescott on WR Jalen Tolbert: “So much growth. …This game is a confidence game. …He’s taken a huge step mentally. I think that’s going to jump out when you see him on the field.” After Nahshon Wright’s INT, Prescott said Tolbert asked him for another chance at deep ball. pic.twitter.com/0P6GWjjc0W
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 27, 2023
Simi Fehoko vindicates himself after a bad day
Sticking with receivers vying for a backup spot in the rotation, let’s talk about Simi Fehoko. The Stanford product came under fire after dropping a pass during the first day of camp. However, he managed to recover this Thursday. Fehoko finished practice without dropping a pass, also excelling during team drills.
Dak throwing the deep ball to Simi Fehoko pic.twitter.com/eobKVWDbv9
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) July 27, 2023
Jake Ferguson takes advantage in the fight for ownership
Someone who is taking advantage of the current situation in his position is Jake Ferguson. Let’s remember that, after the departure of Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys are looking for a starting tight end for this year. However, the inclusion of rookie Luke Schoonmaker on the PUP roster is paving the way for Ferguson.
This Thursday, the 2023 fourth-round pick stood out as one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets at the time of passes. Yes, just as Schultz was for the past few seasons. Between this confidence and the injury to his main competitor, Ferguson looks like the clear favorite to enter Dallas’ starting offense.
Dak Prescott to Jake Ferguson.
Ferg trying to separate himself as the clear TE1 here in Oxnard.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/4YKmCxs4PQ
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 27, 2023
Deuce Vaughn continues to excel, even as a receiver
Someone who put together another good day in Oxnard is running back Deuce Vaughn. The rookie once again stood out for his speed and his ability to elude defensive players. However, he also showed good receiver skills. In fact, from what we’ve seen this session, Vaughn could be valuable on Dallas’ screen plays.
The screen game in Dallas has been broken for almost a decade. Dak Prescott and Deuce Vaughn are out to change that #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/Ei5efWrnr0
— Ernie (@es3_09) July 27, 2023
The Deuce is loose.
Look at the shiftiness through the redwood trees. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/2i3fDfBrlx
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) July 27, 2023
Specific work of coordination and marksmanship in the offense
Unsurprisingly, the Cowboys’ offense is also doing specific work to correct their biggest flaw from last year: the passing game. For the second day in a row, Dak Prescott did individual aiming and precision drills. And the Dallas quarterback was quite effective on them.
Of course, the Dallas receivers also had their corrective workload. During practice, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup could be seen doing hand-eye coordination exercises. The goal of this, it’s worth noting, is to reduce the amount of dropped and deflected passes in the coming season.
WRs Ceedee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup working on their hand-eye coordination pic.twitter.com/8sZl1RiwM7
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) July 27, 2023
Dak Prescott making a money target on the pocket presence drills pic.twitter.com/LgPBhPWO0q
— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) July 27, 2023
Sacks from Mazi Smith and Micah Parsons on defense
As we mentioned yesterday, there will not be much to highlight in defense in these first days of camp. This, let’s remember, due to tackling limitations and the fact that the team is still not training without protection. However, this doesn’t stop Dallas’ defensive linemen from showing what they’re capable of.
Such was the case for defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The rookie, first-round pick in the 2023 Draft, achieved what could have been a sack to quarterback Cooper Rush. Meanwhile, pass rusher Micah Parsons did the same, beating offensive lineman Chuma Edoga to reach Dak Prescott. Without a doubt, this is a sample of what both could offer during the coming campaign.
Defensive line depth took a clear win over the offensive line depth on this rep. Mazi Smith finishing off what could’ve been a Cooper Rush escape. #DallasCowboys #CowboysCamp pic.twitter.com/6Fx49CX2yc
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) July 27, 2023
Micah Parsons sack pic.twitter.com/C9tunqfyJw
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 27, 2023
According to their training camp schedule, the Cowboys will not practice this Friday. The next session is scheduled for Saturday, in which they will also do the traditional inauguration ceremonies of the camp. In the meantime, we will be attentive to any update on the physical condition of Trevon Diggs in the next few hours.
2023-07-27 22:32:43
#Cowboys #camp #day #Tolbert #Wright #shine
