OXNARD, Calif. – Owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, CEO and executive vice president, Stephen Jones, and head coach Jason Garrett, opened up the 2018 Dallas Cowboys Training camp in Oxnard with the ‘State of the Team’ press conference.
A lot is riding on the young player duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. These two led the Cowboys to a 13-3 season their rookie year, with Zeke winning ground player of the year and Dak winning offensive rookie of the year, under the leadership of Jason Garrett who received coach of the year.
Failed expectations in 2017 resulted in the Cowboys ending the season 9-7 with no playoff appearance. The passing game struggled with Dak’s mechanical issues inside the pocket and impulsive throws. There was no chemistry between Dak and the receivers. The running game was in a transitional period throughout the season with Zeke’s suspension hearings in and out of the courts and not knowing week to week if he would be in the offensive scheme or not. He missed six games and Rod Smith carried the torch in the ground game during his absence. The running game is the Cowboys most physical attack, but it struggled to get started without their leading rusher. The pressure is at an all time high for these two coming into Training Camp.
Jason Garrett and Stephen Jones had high praise and optimism surrounding the duo coming into camp. Garrett remarked on Dak stating, “ you try to create an environment for your team and your quarterback to highlight his strengths. He (Dak) is capable of so much. He can drop back and pass. He can run…we feel like we have great players around him: A solid o-line, young tight ends, and receivers. “
The Cowboys have done a lot throughout the off-season to create a Dak-friendly environment. The Cowboys acquired receivers Deonte Thompson, Allen Hurns, and Michael Gallup who fit in with Dak’s “inside out” quarterback style. They drafted guard, Connor Williams, to help strengthen the left side of the o-line to protect Dak’s blind side, and tight end Dalton Schultz to add depth in blocking and catches on pass patterns for Dak if need be.
Stephen spoke highly of Zeke “ I think Zeke has learned a lot. (Last Season) he was still productive predominantly in the games he was in. I think he wants to be one of the greats to have ever played the game. He continues to mature…I wouldn’t take anybody for Zeke. He is the best. “
Zeke dealt with a lot last year but will now have a fresh start with no distractions in 2018. He has worked hard during the off-season and looks at the top of his game thus far. The Cowboys have made moves to help him in the ground game by acquiring Bo Scarbrough and Jamize Olawale at fullback.
They are young and still learning, but there is no question that Dak and Zeke lead the offense for “America’s Team.” If they can stay healthy and adjust with the changes to the lineup while focusing on perfecting their craft, the Cowboys will have a great season.
