FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys concluded their final training camp practice before Thursday’s last preseason matchup against the Houston Texans. The Cowboys are 0-3 in the preseason, and Thursday will be the final chance for players to showcase their talent on the field before the 53- man roster is finalized and announced. Thursday’s game is essential for players still trying to gain a jersey with a star.
Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett, described the exciting things he sees in this team heading into his eighth season as head coach “These guys love football and are willing to work at it. The approach they have taken and the commitment they have made; they understand the price you need to pay and as a coach, that is all you can ask for. “
The cowboys are a young team and the coaching staff will have to figure out how to utilize each player’s skillset on the field and implement them into the offensive/defensive schemes. Throughout preseason, the first team on offense looked solid, but the second and third teams struggled. In the Cardinals game, there were eight turnovers and backup quarterback Cooper Rush had 2 of them that hurt the Cowboys putting points on the board for Arizona. The running backs averaged less than 3 yards per carry. Preseason has been a growing experience for the players as they gain reps.
Owner and general manager, Jerry Jones, has made comments regarding his desire to switch preseason to two games a season, and making the regular season 18 games total not 16. That would be great for veteran players to guard against injury, but for young rookies trying to make the team, they need the full four games to show their ability through reps and find rhythm on the field in a game atmosphere.
Garrett remarked on the addition of two offensive linemen, Matthew Diaz (T) and Kyle Bosch (G), to the depth chart with Travis Frederick’s absence, and they will work them out this week.
In the locker-room, Cooper Rush commented on the impact of the o-line for him “ they had a great day of protection. I felt great back there. I was not hurried, they did a heck of a job.”
