OXNARD, California — All throughout the NFL, training camps are in full flow. It is almost football season again. Hot takes are also at their busiest during this period.
The Dallas Cowboys have been practicing for over two weeks, and they have spent more than a week in pads. There are many valid conclusions to be drawn from the workouts, but context is essential, particularly in the absence of combined practices or preseason games.
What are the actual conclusions that you ought to be drawing as you monitor the content emerging from the practices? Let us begin by going over how to understand the current course of events and how to handle the impending internal procedures.
The absence of CeeDee Lamb has been significant in a number of ways. Having established himself as one of the team’s primary outside cornerbacks, DaRon Bland has had an excellent camp. Bland has maintained the same level of pass coverage and closing speed as his 2023 All-Pro performance. But it is crucial to remember that Bland has been drawing matchups that he otherwise would not have as often in Lamb’s absence from the field.
Bland has frequently faced the Cowboys’ No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert. He has also had some experience with people like KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks. Although Bland has performed admirably at holding his own, he has not been put to the same test as Lamb and the other No. 1 receivers on Sundays.
The second cascading effect of Lamb’s absence is the opposite of the defensive back viewpoint. Despite receiving a lot of attention from the Cowboys defense, Tolbert has continued to perform well. As he plays a slot above where he will typically be in the pecking order, Tolbert is getting open and creating plays against the top end of that group. The Cowboys have one of the better secondaries in the NFL, despite the fact that Trevon Diggs has not actually played in it much thus far.
The same is true for Tyron Billy-Johnson, Jalen Cropper, and Brooks, the other wide receivers who have shown promise during camp. Regardless of the success they are now experiencing, when Lamb returns, they ought to be in a better position to triumph.
Jalen Brooks pic.twitter.com/M4PvCnNM2D
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 6, 2024
Evaluating the trenches
It is common to hear coaches screaming, “Stay on your feet!” It serves as a reminder to the defense that even though they must play quickly, they must not tackle their offensive colleagues.
The message’s main takeaway is to have controlled physicality, which can be difficult in a physically demanding sport like football. The area between the attacking and defensive lines, known as the trenches, is the most physically demanding. Because of this, a lot of what occurs there needs to be seen cautiously.
It is simple to interpret a player’s unwavering dominance, as Micah Parsons demonstrated during the team’s scrimmage on Saturday or throughout camp last year, as a very encouraging indication. But it is challenging to draw firm conclusions when things are not as plain and dry. The definitive answers to whether Tyler Guyton is ready to take over as the starting left tackle (he was on the field with the starters in Wednesday’s mock game, for what it is worth) or whether Mazi Smith will improve in his sophomore season will not be available until restrictions on physicality against outside competition are lifted.
The running backs are no different when discussing the constraints on judging lineman. They usually follow the script strictly, which means they are not very creative when it comes to bouncing runs outdoors or making up scenes when a hole is clogged. Linebackers are not charging in with full momentum, so even if a huge hole opens up—which again could happen by an offensive line winning the rep against the defensive line or just being more aggressive in that rep—it is difficult to predict whether the running back would pop off for a big run to the second level or squeeze through for a 4-yard gain and meet a linebacker.
Quarterback efficiency
Dak Prescott appears to be enjoying himself greatly at training camp. Prescott has made several excellent throws, made few interceptions, and has not taken many thoughtless would-be sacks. However, these practices—which are often less physical but severely constrained when it comes to the quarterback—are designed to elevate the passer, and Prescott is an eight-year veteran and last year’s MVP candidate. Although Prescott’s efficiency and fluidity in the absence of his best receiver are excellent, he is mostly measured up to where he should be.
Trey Comparatively, it has been more intriguing to assess Lance. Lance has experienced both amazing and dubious moments. The answer to the question of whether Lance has made an effort to be more than the team’s third-string quarterback is that he hasn’t. However, because of his expensive purchase and strong draft history, Lance will be scrutinized more than players like Will Grier were last year.
There will not be any preseason games for Prescott. Cooper Rush will not play as many games in the preseason since the Cowboys already know what a valuable asset he is and that he can win games in a pinch. For the next three weekends, Trey Lance will be the star of the show. His performance throughout those three days will reveal a lot more about his role on the team than anything he has or has not done at practice.
Cornerback conundrum
The play of rookie cornerback Caelen Carson, who has been productive and featured in numerous highlight videos, has been one of the highlights of training camp. The background is that Carson has primarily used this against offensive backups—players who might not even be on an NFL roster and who will seldom participate during the regular season. It will be interesting to see how Carson performs in the preseason’s games. Additionally, it would be beneficial to watch Carson in practice against stronger opposition, but that has not happened yet and is becoming less likely. With Diggs almost ready to return to full strength, it is unlikely that Carson will get significant reps with the starting squad.
The clear-cut takeaways
Examining camp methods thus far, there are many cautions along with indications of possible developments. These are a few developments that live up to the hype:
• The defense led by Mike Zimmer will be far more covert than prior Dallas defenses..
• Parsons will play every position on the defensive line, including linebacker, over the center, and on the edge.
• Tolbert’s growth has advanced by one more step. The unclear aspect is just how significant of a step it is.
• The team’s deepest group is the linebacking corps, which is a strength after being a vulnerability in 2023..
• Jourdan Lewis is having a superb training camp.
• Jake Ferguson is leading the tight end with very little separation.
(Photo of Jalen Tolbert: Brandon Sloter / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
