OXNARD, Calif. – The Dallas Cowboys concluded their annual “Blue White Scrimmage” today in Oxnard, California. The offense won the red zone period and the defense dominated the two-minute period. Head coach Jason Garrett discussed in the press conference earlier today that the coaching staff “likes it when it is a battle back and forth between the offense and the defense.” There has to be a balance with both sides of the ball winning or something is not right, and today Garrett got his wish. Many faces stood out today on the offensive and defensive side of the ball throughout the different drills and periods:
Connor Williams – Williams has a real opportunity to become a starting left guard for the Dallas Cowboys. He had a great block during the scrimmage on the outside to get Ezekiel Elliott to the inside. On the one-on-one pass protection drills between the offensive and defensive lineman, Williams had quick feet and power behind his movements.
Dorance Armstrong – Armstrong is a player to watch in the hunt for a starting defensive end position, opposite from DeMarcus Lawrence. Armstrong had great bend in his one-on-one pass protection drills. He has relentless energy covering the edge to tackle ball carriers. DE Jihad Ward is also continuing to turn heads with his incredible performance in the goal line period yesterday and his effort displayed today during the on-on-one pass protection drills paired with the highest paid guard in the league, Zack Martin. Ward has held his own against the man Nate Newton dubs “the President” (Martin).
Tavon Austin – Austin is a versatile receiver who can benefit the Cowboys in a variety of ways in the offensive scheme and today it showed. He had a great play gaining speed behind the ball through defenders to break for open field as a running back. Austin then had an explosive play reaching over CB Charvarius Ward’s helmet and pulled the ball in for a touchdown in a receiver role. He has also spent time with special teams as a punt and kick returner to replace Ryan Switzer.
Jeff Swaim – With Witten’s retirement the competition is heating up for the starting tight end position. Dalton Schultz missed time during camp to see his baby being born, and Swaim has taken advantage. He had a great play action fake and catch at the scrimmage, with full coverage by S Jeff Heath. As a receiving tight end, Blake Jarwin is also making his presence known. Jarwin secured the edge to get Ezekiel Elliott outside, from his inside handoff. These two are both making continuous big plays on the field and have each had several reps with QB Dak Prescott.
Lance Lenoir – Lenoir has been on the practice squad during the season and is beginning to make a name for himself and push the setbacks behind him. He is a great route runner and was able to adjust when Cooper Rush over threw the football, and Lenoir was able to reach up and grab the ball over his head in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. That kind of transition on key plays is what the coaching staff is looking for. He has been explosive on the field since camp began.
