OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys will maintain their first padded observe of coaching camp on Sunday. The tenor of the practices will change as soccer turns into as near actual earlier than the video games start.
Listed here are 5 issues I am questioning about:
1. As we anticipate Micah Parsons to truly observe or signal a contract or no matter, second-round decide Donovan Ezeiruaku has been spectacular. How inventive can defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus be along with his third-down pass-rush package deal?
We all know what Parsons will do. Dante Fowler Jr. had 10 ½ sacks final yr for the Washington Commanders. Sam Williams, a former second-round decide, is coming off a torn ACL. After which there’s Ezeiruaku. That is a number of pass-rush expertise to have the ability to create mismatches on the cash down. Former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was in a position to get a number of move rushers on the sector, transferring DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and even Parsons typically inside. It seems like Eberflus may have the prospect to do one thing related.
2. Will the Cowboys transfer again up the takeaway chain in 2025 after a down yr in 2024? With Quinn for 3 years, the Cowboys led the league in takeaways (93), interceptions (59) and defensive touchdowns (15). Final yr, they created simply 22 takeaways.
If the early practices confirmed something, it was the emphasis Eberflus places on takeaways. On one completion to tight finish Princeton Fant, 5 completely different gamers punched on the ball as Fant ran down the sector.
“You guys know me, I do not thoughts making daring predictions, however I feel we’ll be one of many high takeaway groups within the league on protection,” coach Brian Schottenheimer stated.
3. Earlier than each observe, each coach, no matter place or aspect of the ball, goes as much as each participant in the course of the stretching interval. I puzzled why that was one thing Schottenheimer needed. Here is what he stated: “What we attempt to do, it is a brotherhood, it is a fellowship. Once we do the stretch, offensive coaches go to the defensive gamers, defensive coaches go to the offensive gamers and so they get an opportunity to go to and speak, speak a bit little bit of s—, have some enjoyable, however join.
“Once more, we’re all on this factor collectively. It may take all 90 guys and all 24 workers members that we’ve got. That’s performed on objective.”
4. I used to be questioning if there must be a tapping of the brakes on what sort of manufacturing KaVontae Turpin may have on offense in 2025. And it has little to do with what Turpin can do. It is merely a matter of how the ball will likely be distributed if all people is wholesome.
It is honest to say CeeDee Lamb may have one other 100-catch season. Paired with Dak Prescott, George Pickens ought to high his profession excessive in receptions (63). There’s an anticipated resurgence of tight finish Jake Ferguson. Jalen Tolbert had seven landing catches final yr working between the Nos. 2 and three receiver roles. Then add within the working again manufacturing within the move recreation. Turpin had 31 receptions final yr for 420 yards and two touchdowns. He had 16 carries for 92 yards. If he can match these — if all people is wholesome — then the Cowboys offense will likely be nice.
5. What number of receivers will the Cowboys carry on their last 53-man roster? The primary 5 are fairly simple: Lamb, Pickens, Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo and Turpin. Do they go along with a sixth?
The Cowboys have some depth, but it surely has been a bit little bit of a sluggish begin for Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy, who have been rookies final yr. Parris Campbell has had a few good moments.
Accidents will play an element on this. So will the power to play particular groups. The preseason video games will likely be very telling. If the Cowboys solely go along with 5, then that is a spot for an additional offensive lineman or working again.
