Dallas Cowboys: New receivers coach earning rave reviews
There are many questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys receiver corps. If they can exceed expectations, a lot of credit will belong to their new coach.
The biggest issue plaguing the Dallas Cowboys receiver corps in 2017 their inability to get separation from defenders. Many seemed to be believe that was caused by an overall lack of speed at the position, a small route tree and poor route running.
The Cowboys’ answer to those problems was to release longtime number one wide receiver Dez Bryant, bring in more talent through free agency and the draft, plus hire a new coach for the position.
Dallas hired wide receiver coach Sanjay Lal. A former wide out himself, having played for UCLA and the University of Washington, Lal coached for the Indianapolis Colts last season. He’s also worked with the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders.
The 48-year old is probably best known for being a route running guru. And Lal has been earning rave reviews from his new Cowboy players early on. One thing many seem to point out is his attention to detail, from releasing off the line and precise route running to how to properly catch a football.
"“He’s real precise on what he wants,” new receiver Tavon Austin told the Dallas Morning News. “He is always trying to help us by putting tools in our basket about how to get open … He just doesn’t tell you, he shows you. He’ll take us on every step we’re doing right or we’re doing wrong. I love him so far.”"
The new positional coach certainly has his work cut out for him in Dallas. His two top veterans, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley, are coming off disappointing seasons.
Williams, who is dealing with a broken foot and a recent arrest, did not score a single touchdown in 2017. As for Beasley, after leading the team in catches the year before, the veteran slot receiver all but disappeared last season. It’s unclear if either will be on the roster next season.
Lal has also been handed a bunch of new faces who are still adjusting to the offense in Dallas. Veterans like Allen Hurns, Deonte Thompson and Austin were all added to the roster this offseason. And rookies Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson Jr. were also thrown in the mix. Lal has been tasked with getting them all up to speed very quickly, as they’ll likely be asked to contribute early.
Next: Dallas Cowboys 15 best first-round picks of all-time
The presence of Sanjay Lal as part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff represents a new focus for this wide receiver group. There seems to be a more intense emphasis on the fundamentals. And with so many old faces gone, there are open opportunities for those players who thrive under Lal’s supervision. And that fact should have Cowboys fans very excited for the upcoming season.