Dallas Cowboys: My observations from training camp

After attending Dallas Cowboys training camp last week, here are some observations on the team. Expectations are at an all-time high and rightfully so.

I was fortunate enough to attend the Dallas Cowboys training camp last week in Oxnard, California. Below are some observations from those practices.

La’el Collins is going to be a huge upgrade at right tackle.

Collins was maybe the biggest surprise of my visit. Not only did he look like a polished tackle, he also plays with perhaps the meanest attitude of all the linemen. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that LC is looking great as he was a dominant tackle in college.

The offense could be even more explosive and show more looks if both tackles can lock down pass-rusher.

Dak Prescott is throwing the ball very well, and is the unquestioned leader of the team.

Many fans have wondered about Dak staying in the pocket and being a pure passer. From what I witnessed live, there should be no question. Dak can throw the ball very, very well from the pocket. His accuracy was incredible and I believe he will be even better his 2nd year.

In addition to his visible improvement throwing the ball, Dak is clearly the leader of the team. The offense and defense both gravitate to him, and even the long standing veterans look to him for leadership. It’s quite remarkable.

This young secondary can play ball. 

Perhaps the thing that stood out the most at camp was just how fast and aggressive this new-look secondary is. Chidobe Awuzie, Marquez White, and the returning veterans really look to already be meshing well.

Not only do these corners look the part, it seems they have a knack for the football as well. I witnessed several interceptions while I was watching practice. That’s a breath of fresh air for sure.

Ezekiel Elliott is going to be a monster in the pass game. 

Zeke looked like his usual dominant self anytime the Cowboys ran the ball in practice. What was really eyeopening was how crisp he was in the passing game. If practice is any indication it appears that Elliott will be heavily involved in the pass game. Dallas fans can expect a new dimension from Zeke out of the backfield if they do this.

Third string quarterback Cooper Rush looks to have something to him. 

Many fans may not know who Cooper Rush is. He’s a big rookie quarterback with a strong arm. During practice whenever he would get reps Rush was impressive throwing the ball.

I don’t know how much playing time Rush will get, but I expect him to be impressive in the preseason. Maybe the Cowboys have a quarterback they can groom for a long-term backup spot.

The optimism and expectations are as high as they have been in decades.

Fans of America’s Team are making it pretty clear. They want a Super Bowl championship and they want it this year. The buzz around the practice fields was there every day and it appears the Cowboys have a multitude of new fans of all ages.

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Hopefully the team can deliver and bring back the Lombardi trophy to Dallas this season. The pieces are in place for a championship run, and this young team has the right makeup on paper.