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Todd Archer
OXNARD, Calif. — The Dallas Cowboys will maintain their first padded apply 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 look ahead to Micah Parsons to truly apply or signal a contract or no matter, second-round decide Donovan Ezeiruaku has been spectacular. How inventive can defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus be together with his third-down pass-rush package deal?
We all know what Parsons will do. Dante Fowler Jr. had 10 ½ sacks final 12 months for the Washington Commanders. Sam Williams, a former second-round decide, is coming off a torn ACL. After which there’s Ezeiruaku. That is quite a lot of pass-rush expertise to have the ability to create mismatches on the cash down. Former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was capable of get quite a lot of move rushers on the sector, transferring DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and even Parsons typically inside. It appears like Eberflus could have the prospect to do one thing related.
2. Will the Cowboys transfer again up the takeaway chain in 2025 after a down 12 months in 2024? With Quinn for 3 years, the Cowboys led the league in takeaways (93), interceptions (59) and defensive touchdowns (15). Final 12 months, 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 believe we will be one of many prime takeaway groups within the league on protection,” coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned.
3. Earlier than each apply, each coach, no matter place or aspect of the ball, goes as much as each participant through the stretching interval. I puzzled why that was one thing Schottenheimer wished. This is what he mentioned: “What we attempt to do, it is a brotherhood, it is a fellowship. After 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 discuss, discuss slightly little bit of s—, have some enjoyable, however join.
“Once more, we’re all on this factor collectively. It’ll take all 90 guys and all 24 employees members that we’ve. That’s accomplished on goal.”
4. I used to be questioning if there must be a tapping of the brakes on what sort of manufacturing KaVontae Turpin could 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 shall be distributed if everyone is wholesome.
It is honest to say CeeDee Lamb could have one other 100-catch season. Paired with Dak Prescott, George Pickens ought to prime his profession excessive in receptions (63). There’s an anticipated resurgence of tight finish Jake Ferguson. Jalen Tolbert had seven landing catches final 12 months 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 12 months for 420 yards and two touchdowns. He had 16 carries for 92 yards. If he can match these — if everyone is wholesome — then the Cowboys offense shall be high quality.
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 together with a sixth?
The Cowboys have some depth, nevertheless it has been slightly little bit of a gradual begin for Jalen Brooks and Ryan Flournoy, who have been rookies final 12 months. Parris Campbell has had a few good moments.
Accidents will play a component on this. So will the power to play particular groups. The preseason video games shall be very telling. If the Cowboys solely go together with 5, then that is a spot for an additional offensive lineman or working again.
