OXNARD, Calif. – After the Cowboys failed 9-7 season last year, many eyes have been on the offensive side of the ball. The Cowboys struggled to make it in the end zone, as quarterback Dak Prescott had no chemistry with receivers and had difficulty with intangibles inside the pocket, resulting in a weak passing game. The running game took awhile to take off with Ezekiel Elliott out fulfilling his six game suspension, but Rod Smith and Alfred Morris quickly adapted to their new roles in the ground game. The Cowboys pass protection was non-existent without left tackle, Tyron Smith, in the lineup protecting Prescott’s blind side, when he was out for three games due to a groin injury.
The Cowboys main focus going into the off-season was correcting these issues and getting the offense back on its feet. After the first weekend of Training Camp in Oxnard, several things on offense stood out:
Dak Prescott had more ease in the pocket. In his rookie season in 2016, Prescott had ease on the field, but in 2017 the nerves hit. He had trouble with mechanics in the pocket and took too long releasing the ball. In a press conference after practice he stated, “ I am raising expectations. I had a lot of mental mistakes. I need to go out there and not think just play.” At practice, his motions looked more fluid and his timing was accurate. He is a young athlete still maturing as a player and in his leadership role of the Cowboys’ offense, but he works hard and is always one of the last to leave the field and the gym. Prescott is on the right track in perfecting his craft.
The running game has added depth with Rod Smith’s new role. Rod Smith will play a bigger role in the running game and take some of the pressure off Ezekiel Elliott. Smith had a breakout season in 2017 during Elliott’s absence accumulating 232 rushing yards, a 4.2 average, and four touchdowns. Smith and Elliott were former teammates at Ohio State, and their relationship has continued to grow and translate to their performances on the field. At a press conference, Garrett remarked to D210 that Smith was “one of Zeke’s mentors when he got there and their relationship is a positive thing. They like working together and Rod is a great success story for us. “ His energy and work ethic are contagious and continue to inspire and impact the running back core.
Wide Receivers Michael Gallup, Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, and Deonte Thompson had a lot of reps with QB Dak Prescott during practices, and their speed and agility were smooth. Hurns and Thompson caught nice deep passes down the sideline, and Gallup and Beasley looked sharp on inside slant routes with their footwork and ball-handling. Beasley struggled to connect with Prescott last season, but looked good at his sixth training camp, second with Prescott as the starter. Gallup, Hurns, and Thompson are x style receivers acquired to make the offense more ‘Dak-friendly’ and complement his QB style. They did not disappoint.
Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin had Witten “look” on routes in competition at TE. Swaim and Jarwin both had several reps with Prescott at practices and looked great on stop and go routes that were Witten’s specialty. With Witten’s retirement, there is an open starting tight end position available for the first time in many years. These two are working hard to achieve the job. Garrett remarked to D210 that Jarwin and Swaim are “ two men going about things the right way. It is very important to them. They work very hard before they get on the practice field and prepare themselves whether it is in the weight room or the meeting room. When you get a chance, watch them play.”
Connor Williams making his mark and adding dimension on the left side of the o-line. Williams will have a starting position on the left side of the Cowboys o-line to improve pass protection and protect Dak’s blind side, with La’El Collins staying on the right side. In practices he has looked good and fit in next to veteran teammates Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and Tyron Smith. Garrett has routinely talked about his heart and “love for the game” and it shows up on the field. He is a Texas boy now playing for his favorite team. Garrett relayed the story of the incredible first impression Williams left with the Cowboys coaching staff as a college player at Dallas Day. Garrett stated that Williams had “as good of a workout as we have ever seen at Dallas Day” and he has continued to show his abilities with the Cowboys’ offensive scheme since his second round selection in April.
