Photo Courtesy: Dallas Cowboys
FRISCO, TEXAS — Training camp is in full swing and Dak Prescott has no shortage of weapons. Defenses are going to have a tough time in coverage trying to contain multiple threats.
Not only do the Cowboys have Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, two 1,000-yard receivers last season, but add CeeDee Lamb to the Dallas receiving corps. Lamb is a jack-of-all-trades so to speak. He can line up in all receiver spots and is a willing blocker that will benefit a dual-threat like Dak and will help assist the running game. Dallas has a two-time rushing champion in downhill back Ezekiel Elliott and a reliable backup in Tony Pollard, that showed elusive flashes in 2019.
Then as the tight end category pops up, things get more interesting. In walks Blake Jarwin- a nightmare mismatch. He works the middle of the field with his pass-catching ability and consistently makes plays in critical game moments despite his limited role. With the absence of Witten, who got the majority of snaps in 2019, Jarwin is now the number one tight end. The Oklahoma product fights for extra yards after the catch and will likely play a big role in the offense this upcoming season.
Mike McCarthy agrees and noted via conference call, “ I think Blake is going to make a real impact in our offense. So, I think any time particularly if you just wanna talk about the passing game, you know the ability to attack the middle of the field is always critical in my view to the success of a passing game in this league. The fastest way to the end zone is through the post route, so the ability to get up on that second level as far as challenging the second level defenders-he has that. I tell you, he can really get it and I’ve been so impressed with him and really the whole tight end group. It’s a good lookin group with a lot of depth. I think Blake will definitely make an impact with his opportunities this year.”
The Cowboys have primarily used 11 personnel in the past, but with Jarwin’s pass-catching ability and the addition of Blake Bell’s blocking-ability, I would not be surprised if Kellen Moore adds in more 12 (one RB, two TE’s) and 22 personnel (two RB’s, two TE’s) complementing both tight ends and keeping defenses guessing.
