FRISCO, Texas — It is beginning to look a lot like football. 2021 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) have arrived at the Star. Cowboy players are entering Phase III of the offseason program.
OTAs kicked off on Monday and for the first time, the team can begin practicing with both the offense and defense on the turf with the coaching staff. They are now able to conduct meetings in person, but NFL OTAs are voluntary. Until mandatory minicamp commences in June, Dallas could have a limited roster.
May not be flashy, but the first initial glance at the Cowboys’ team since the conclusion of the lackluster 6-10 2020 finish is here. With an offseason spent replenishing and bolstering the roster along with cornerstone players recovering from injury, here are the top storylines to watch for.
The return of Dak Prescott and the O-Line
Perhaps the most anticipated event is here: the return of quarterback Dak Prescott and the anchors up front, tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins. The commander of the huddle of course receives much of the buzz. After signing his lucrative $160 million contract back in March, Prescott suffered a compound right ankle fracture and dislocation in Week 5 that ended his season prematurely. Prescott underwent two surgeries, the first to prevent infection and the second as precautionary clean-up.
QB1 is now back in the fold. The staff stressed throughout the latter part of the 2020 season that Prescott was “right on track” in his recovery process and rehabilitation. No. 4 himself even vocalized a few weeks ago that he thought he could play in a game “right now.” It is intriguing to see how the Cowboys will work Prescott back in and manage his snaps. If last season proved anything it is this- Dak Prescott is the heart and soul of the Dallas Cowboys. By no means is it a stretch to say that the success of the football team this upcoming season rests on the man under center and those protecting him: Tyron Smith and La’el Collins.
Right tackle La’el Collins was nursing several injuries throughout the 2020 offseason, and he was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury prior to Week 1. The team was hopeful he would return after the mandatory three-week IR period ended, but instead, Collins decided to undergo hip surgery. To add salt to the wound, starting left tackle Tyron Smith missed Weeks 2 and 3 due to a lingering neck issue but played in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. The seven-time pro bowler’s 2020 season ended shortly after Mike McCarthy announced that he would have “correctable” neck surgery. The Dallas wall came crumbling down in a fell swoop and a makeshift offensive line ensued throughout the year. The Cowboys have expressed confidence in the recovery of all three and OTAs will provide some insight.
Linebacker competition
Now this is a crowded positional group. Finally, there will be a chance to see how Dan Quinn anticipates utilizing the strength of players in his arsenal at the second level of the defense. The talent is immense, and the real work begins on the practice field.
The Cowboys drafted dynamic downhill LB Micah Parsons in the first round with the No. 12 overall pick. The Penn State product was high on Dallas’ board and the Cowboys snagged the best defensive player available. His specialty is attacking the line of scrimmage and the club picked up a complementary player in linebacker Jabril Cox (115th). Cox is known for his coverage ability and the duo confirmed during rookie minicamp that Parsons has been lining up at the MIKE spot (middle) and Cox at the WILL (weak side).
Following the draft, Dan Quinn confirmed that free agent acquisition Keanu Neal will play linebacker as well. Neal was the prototypical Cover 3 strong safety during his five seasons in Atlanta and OTAs will be a good look at his transition. Then there is also the duo of Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch. Both were starters last season and have experience playing both MIKE and WILL. A lot to unpack and even though OTAs will not be a comprehensive look, it will be an idea of where the players could line up come fall.
Dan Quinn’s defense
A new era dawns on defense. By now, many have seen the hands-on photos of Dan Quinn playing nose tackle for a couple of back-to-back plays during rookie minicamp and it sparked excitement throughout the NFL. With no contact, offseason practices may not be sexy but are great for indicating where players will line up, technique, and leverage.
After a historically bad defensive production in 2020 resulting in the firing of Mike Nolan, Dan Quinn was hired to fill the vacant position in January. During the draft, Quinn elaborated on his scheme consisting of a 3-4 base and a four-man front in nickel packages (60-70% of the time). That description poses some gray area on players’ assignments with varying versatile skillsets and OTAs provides a clearer vision. Brent Urban has played both defensive end and tackle, and Tarell Basham has played from a standup rush position and with his hands in the dirt as a traditional defensive end.
Then there is also free agent addition Carlos Watkins. He was primarily used as a 3-4 defensive end in the Texans’ scheme and could serve as a rotational player at the three-technique spot. Quinn confirmed that third-round pick Osa Odighizuwa will impact the team as a nickel defensive tackle and sixth-round pick Quinton Bohanna will help anchor against the run lining up over the center (zero or one-technique). In addition, there is question marks regarding who will be the team’s starting strong and free safety? This week will likely provide some clarity and shed some light on the direction the staff is moving towards.
