The Dallas Cowboys began their mandatory minicamp this week, marking the first time the entire team has been together on the field this offseason.
After practice on Wednesday, Coach Mike McCarthy met with the media to discuss what he has seen from his team so far this offseason.
While running back Tony Pollard has been unable to participate in some portions of practice as he continues to recover from a broken fibula, he has continued to emerge as a leader in his fifth season with the team.
“Watching him assert himself more, he has a commanding presence, and I think he’s done an excellent job with the younger players,” McCarthy said of his franchise running back. “You can see how they look up to him.”
Pollard and the other running backs will be running behind an offensive line that is figuring itself out after a year of injuries.
Tyron Smith, Zach Martin, Tyler Biadasz, and Tyler Smith all return, but there has been some uncertainty about who will play on the left side. Tyron Smith spent time at left tackle during the first day of minicamp after playing on the right side last season, while Tyler Smith, last year’s left guard, has also been training at the position.
“My goal when we started was, ‘Let’s make sure Tyler’s ready to play left tackle,’ and I feel we’ve accomplished that,” McCarthy told the media.
“He’s been here the whole time. We’re able to get through everything that’s going to be asked of him at left tackle through Phase One and Phase Two in the classroom, and then he’s able to rep it all during the first five OTAs. We have great confidence that he’s ready to go at left tackle, and then obviously, his experience at left guard last year pays [off], too.”
Terence Steele, who is out with an injury, and Chuma Edoga, a recently signed free agent, are expected to have an impact. Additionally, the coaching staff was impressed with rookie Matt Waletzko.
“Everybody’s been really impressed with Matt,” McCarthy said. “He’s had a heck of an offseason.”
Waletzko is just one of a few young players who McCarthy says have stood out this offseason. Wide receiver Simi Fehoko, a fifth-round pick in 2021, has also caught the head coach’s eye.
“There was a lot of conversation about him coming up to play down the stretch because he was practicing so well, particularly when we got to the playoffs,” McCarthy recalled. “He’s carried that over to the offseason … Simi’s very bright, very instinctual, and the guys would probably tell you he’s had a hell of an offseason.”
Another player making improvements is Kelvin Joseph. The Cowboys selected Joseph in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft but has yet to carve out a substantial role on the defense. This offseason, the team has decided to try to move him to the nickelback position.
“I think this is the best stretch for Kelvin since he’s been here,” McCarthy declared. “The opportunity at nickel, you can see his heightened awareness. I think, where he’s at in his development, there’s nothing he can’t do physically, but now having an understanding [of] going in and playing nickel; it’s clearly made him better outside. He’s seeing how it fits together.”
Of course, the question everyone’s mind is: What have the offensive changes done for Dak Prescott?
After the quarterback experienced the worst statistical season of his professional career, McCarthy made changes to his coaching staff — including parting ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier.
The team promoted Brian Schottenheimer to the offensive coordinator role. He will work to shape an offense with a redefined approach.
“I love the way we’ve challenged Dak mentally, and more importantly, I love the way he’s attacked it,” McCarthy said. “He’s really handled the changes, the adjustments, [and] the input. At the end of the day, the quarterback needs to own the offense.
“… He has the personality, but this is our first year of playing like we want to play, and he’s done a really good job of taking ownership of that, and then — with that — the mental challenges he’s knocked out of the park.”
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EXTRA POINTS
— The Cowboys released wide receiver Antonio Callaway after he was arrested for driving with a suspended license. Callaway was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and has also spent time with the Miami Dolphins.
— While Tristan Vizcaino is the only kicker currently on the Dallas roster, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones has made it clear he still may not win the job when all is said and done.
— Offensive tackle Terence Steele could miss the start of training camp while recovering from multiple ligament tears in his knee.
— The NFL is investigating another wave of players allegedly violating its gambling policy. One player involved is Indianapolis Colts defensive back and return specialist Isaiah Rodgers, who is thought to have placed bets on Colts’ games.
— Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been revealed as the cover athlete for Madden 24.
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