Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 takeaways from the fourth episode of Hard Knocks

Hard Knocks was back again this week for their fourth episode, once again providing viewers a deep dive into training camp with the Dallas Cowboys. Just like the show’s previous installments, this one had plenty for fans to dig into.

Last week brought us some strong moments like veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper giving CeeDee Lamb a couple of tips for his releases, and of course, that absolutely breathtaking drone shot throughout the Star in Frisco.

Next week HBO will air their final episode of Hard Knocks for the 2021 season. It’s been a fun ride, even if it has lacked a bit of focus. Most roster cuts took place on Sunday and Monday, which means that they happened too close for inclusion in this episode.

It’ll be interesting to see what Hard Knocks shows fans next week as they look to add some insight into some of the decisions that the team made earlier this week. This week though, Hard Knocks still gave us a lot to take away, including:

3. Dallas Cowboys Hard Knocks Takeaways: Pylon Prescott

Last week Hard Knocks captured one of the funniest moments all season when they caught quarterback Dak Prescott delving pretty deep into his fear of mascots. This week the franchise QB was back again with one of the lighter moments to make it onscreen.

It all starts with Dak, Garrett Gilbert, and Ben DiNucci having a friendly competition, trying to hit the pylon on some of their throws. The scene then cuts to the quarterback’s room and Prescott declaring he was given a great idea for a new tailgating game, which the now-recently released DiNucci said he should call “Prescott’s Pylon Game”.

Sure, “Prescott’s Pylon Game” may not be the most original idea in the world but Dak could have something here. He was joking (or was he?) that he’s already talked to his financial advisor about the product and what he might be able to sell it for. Quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier then chimed in, even suggesting that the quarterback start calling himself “Pylon Prescott”.

Being the starting quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys definitely affords players a big boost when it comes to marketing opportunities. So, it might not be too long before we see “Prescott Pylon” games popping up in the pro shops around the Star in Frisco and AT&T Stadium.

2. Dallas Cowboys Hard Knocks Takeaways: Families continue to be the real stars

This season of Hard Knocks has felt like it’s really lacked something when it’s come to filling out the edges of the Dallas Cowboys. Perhaps it’s due to Dak Prescott’s injury, or the fact that it’s felt like so many players were already locked into their roster spots, but this entire season has felt like things may not have been going the way the crew was expecting when their plane touched down in Oxnard to begin filming.

What this season has lacked in roster intrigue, it’s more than been able to make up for whenever the Hard Knocks team has put the spotlight on the player’s families. In a lot of ways, they’ve been the ones to steal each episode and have helped to paint a deeper picture for why it’s easy to root so hard for some guys.

Earlier in the series, it was Azur Kamara’s family having the opportunity to see him play in a professional football game for the first time. In episode three, guard Isaac Alarcón and corner Trevon Diggs’ families both had the chance to shine in the spotlight. This week it was Micah Parsons’ mom.

In this episode, Parson’s mother Sherese made a quick appearance, making some absolutely terrific-looking soul food for the rookie linebacker and his teammates, who came over some team bonding.

Later on, Kamara’s family reappeared as well, shopping with Azur at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop. The second-year defensive end walked around the shop with his family who was on the lookout for his jersey, as he stopped to take photos with fans and well-wishers.

These moments were short, but they continued to underscore that Hard Knocks is at its best when it showcases the people under the pads, their lives, and families off the field. If nothing else, Sherese Parsons delivered what was surely the most delicious-looking scene in the history of Hard Knocks.

1. Dallas Cowboys Hard Knocks Takeaways: Amari Cooper and Trevon Diggs brought some competition

If you’ve been waiting to see some of the Cowboys’ competitive spirit finally make its way to your screen then this episode sure had the scene for you. Even better, it came from an unexpected source, veteran receiver Amari Cooper.

Towards the middle of the episode second-year cornerback, Trevon Diggs started boasting that Cooper wouldn’t catch the ball against him. So, quarterback Dak Prescott jumped in to instigate the competition and defend his favorite target, turning Diggs’ challenge into a friendly wager.

The battle between Diggs and Cooper highlighted exactly the kind of thing that I wished Hard Knocks spent more time showcasing. That fun and competitive energy between teammates trying to push each other and prove that they’re better in the middle of practice.

Oh, if you are wondering, Cooper won the matchup with a couple of spectacular catches including two touchdowns. After practice, Hard Knocks cameras caught him walking back to the locker room when he said:

"“Man, Dak got me riled up. I don’t usually talk to people like that. I apologize 2-7. That was all Dak man.”"

Expectations are high for both Diggs and Cooper this season. For Trevon Diggs, fans are looking for him to improve on a rookie season in which he frequently flashed a ton of potential. For Amari Cooper, he’s a four-time Pro Bowler for who excellence has become the standard. If these two keep going up against each other day in and day out during practice, then both could be in for huge seasons.