The Dallas Cowboys had their final minicamp practice on Thursday, meaning the next time they take the field will be in late July for training camp in Oxnard.
Offenses typically look second-best to the defense during the offseason. That's especially been the case with the Cowboys given they're installing Mike McCarthy's offense, popularly coined the "Texas Coast" offense instead of the familiar "West Coast" offense.
Ultimately, fans won't care for the offense's title if the group doesn't produce. While there will be growing pains, they showed major progression Wednesday with Cowboys host and reporter Kyle Youmans noting the offense looked "crisp, fast and cohesive."
The highlight of the practice came from none other than Brandin Cooks, who showed off his speed to beat double coverage on a go route for a 60-yard. Dak Prescott hit Cooks in stride for the score and the facility erupted in celebration.
Video recording isn't permitted, but The Athletic's Jon Machota caught four photos of the deep touchdown in motion.
Play of the day during today’s Cowboys minicamp: This deep ball TD from Dak Prescott to Brandin Cooks pic.twitter.com/tWno3nmC41
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 7, 2023
Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore shine at Cowboys minicamp
While Cooks is more than a one-trick pony as far as catching deep balls, Cowboys fans are hoping this is the first of many deep shots he and Prescott connect on this offseason. By the time the regular season rolls around, Cooks and Prescott's chemistry should be right where it's supposed to be.
Similar to Cooks, Dallas' other trade acquisition Stephon Gilmore is already proving his worth at minicamp.
At one practice, Gilmore baited Prescott for an easy interception in a 7-on-7 drill. Throughout minicamp, the veteran corner showed his ability read quarterbacks and compete for 50-50 balls in red zone drills.
It's pretty clear Gilmore sets a high standard for himself. Hopefully, this has a trickle-down effect on the rest of the roster. Younger players -- and even veterans -- have to appreciate the 32-year-old bringing his Sunday best to early June practices.
Check out this one text Dan Quinn got after the team acquired Gilmore.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn on CB Stephon Gilmore: “When we (traded for him), I bet I got 10-12 calls or texts saying, ‘DQ, this is your kind of guy. You’re gonna love this guy.’ That told me a lot. And then in the first interaction, just knowing how hard he works at it and then seeing…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 8, 2023
Can't wait to see what Gilmore has in store for training camp.
Finally, Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith is starting to show off his ungodly strength. OTAs and minicamp don't allow for interior defenders to show off their skillset given only limited contact is permitted. Despite that, Smith has drawn rave reviews from teammates and coaches, including new DT partner Johnathan Hankins, who called the rookie one of the strongest players on the team.
I have something coming on my exclusive chat with Johnathan Hankins — one where he was literally giddy the whole time talking about the #Cowboys DL unit, defense and DQ — but what he said about Mazi Smith?
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) June 7, 2023
‘Tis good. #BadMFers pic.twitter.com/rr54e4Nalh
How can you not love these vibes?
The intensity will ramp up once training camp begins, but minicamp has given fans ample reasons to be bullish on the 2023 Cowboys.