Camping with the Dallas Cowboys: Game 2 notes and cuts

Game 2 Notes Continued

While the offensive line played better Friday night, as opposed to game one, there is still a lot of concern beyond the starting five. I would go as far as to say that there is some trepidation as to what the coaching staff is even doing with the starting five.

I get wanting to prepare guard Connor Williams for backup center duty but his snaps have been terrible. It is also taking reps from supposed starter Tyler Biadasz.

The continual playing of Williams to start is also affecting the ability to appropriately judge the backup quarterback position. Can Williams improve in time? Sure. Should he be doing this preparation at a different time? I think so, but who am I.

Let’s end on a positive note. It’s early, I know, but this defense is shooting flare gun-like signals of being markedly improved from 2020. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong is having a whale of a camp which is translating into games early on. Odighizuwa had a very nice game Friday night as well. All of this without the starting ends playing a single snap to date.

At linebacker, there is some very intriguing (good) drama brewing. Rookie Micah Parsons is almost a guarantee to be starting Week 1 in Tampa. Free agent Keanu Neal could be joining him. All Neal has done so far in 2021 is make plays, notably causing turnovers. Both had very good nights in Arizona.

If the Cowboys start three linebackers, you have to believe the other starter will be Leighton Vander Esch. That means the lightning rod for everyone’s disdain, Jaylon Smith, could see severely limited snaps in 2021.

Moving on from the game to practice, the happiest news of the week was quarterback Dak Prescott’s second MRI which came back clean. He will ramp his practice time this week and might even play versus Houston this weekend. Receiver Amari Cooper also returned to the field for the first time (officially) in 2021.

Monday’s practice also seemed to provide some spirited competition in the passing game. Rookie receiver Semi Fehoko had his best day so far while CeeDee Lamb continued his absurd level of great play. The defense took the punches and delivered some of their own, however. Both cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Malik Hooker, making his Dallas Cowboys debut had outstanding outings.