OXNARD, Calif. – On Wednesday’s press conference Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett discussed his message for the team: “expecting to see the best of you.” Each individual player on the field come Thursday night, has the opportunity to showcase their talents and impress the coaching staff to make a spot on the final 53 man roster. It does not matter where each player has come from in the past, what matters is what each person does with the opportunity to suit up for “America’s Team” during the pre-season.
Garrett stressed their game plan for Thursday “ we are trying to get everybody’s feet underneath them. We will introduce the 49ers scheme to guys today but we are working on us and not them. “
The Cowboys are focusing on utilizing the talent and depth they have and fitting the right players in the right place in the offensive/defensive scheme. The main thing fans will be focusing on is the passing game. Last season expectations were not met. The Cowboys went 9-7 without a playoff appearance and failed chemistry between the quarterback and receivers. All new offensive assistant coaches including receivers, offensive line, and quarterback’s were brought in, as well as acquired depth at the receiver position with acquiring Tavon Austin, Michael Gallup, Deonte Thompson, Cedrick Wilson, Allen Hurns, Marchie Murdock, and Mekale McKay. Tavon Austin will most likely be used as a punt/kick returner and a receiver in the backfield and in the slot. Michel Gallup and Allen Hurns have impressed at camp with their speed down the sideline, smooth routes, and ability to high point the football.
It has been difficult for quarterback Dak Prescott to gain chemistry with these new faces, when he is still learning their speed on the field and the force with which he needs to release the ball. The timing has been off on some plays as he overthrew the receivers, but accuracy will come with practice. Dak learns from experience and he is still a young quarterback. He is looking better and better and has targeted several players including Austin, Hurns, and Gallup, along with tight end’s Geoff Swaim and Blake Jarwin.
As a former quarterback himself, Jason Garrett, stated the most important thing on throwing deep passes for a QB is “ being a good decision maker. See the defense quickly and how your pattern overlays. It is most about recognizing opportunities and footwork.”
Dak struggled with ease and mechanics in the pocket last season, and this year he needs to relax and have some fun playing the game he loves for his favorite childhood team!
