:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65692781/1186813925.jpg.0.jpg)
It’s Wednesday which means the Dallas Cowboys are back at work. Jason Garrett took to the podium to address the state of things as the team gets ready for their Sunday matchup on the road against the Detroit Lions. Here’s a recap of what he said.
All answers are paraphrases and not exact quotes.
Dealing with the injured offensive line
The Dallas Cowboys have injuries along the offensive line, obviously Connor Williams had surgery this past week so that is what it is. Jason Garrett also added at Zack Martin, La’el Collins, and Tyron Smith are all working through some things. Take that how you will.
Amari Cooper isn’t anticipated to do a whole lot on Wednesday
No real surprise there.
Coaching a faster start
The Cowboys have started slow in some games this season and Jason Garrett noted that you have to have your mind and spirit right in order to get things off the way that you want to. He said that he believes the team has done a good job playing through the successes and adversity of the game but that they want to play better at the start.
Challenges for the Matt Stafford situation
The Detroit Lions were without quarterback Matthew Stafford last week and had to start Jeff Driskel in his absence. Jason Garrett mentioned that you have to be aware of both quarterbacks and their skillsets. He noted that they were both very capable guys.
10 players on the field against Minnesota
On one of Dalvin Cook’s big plays off of a screen last week the Cowboys only had 10 players on the field on defense.
Longest play of game Sunday for Vikings came with 10 Cowboys defenders on field. RB Dalvin Cook gained 30 on screen, plus 14 more yards for Robert Quinn’s roughing the QB. Drive ended in TD. Dallas appeared to be missing a 3-tech DL, which Vander Esch signals (h/t @JohnOwning). pic.twitter.com/gRokbbKtHg
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 12, 2019
Jason Garrett said the team needs to do a better job of recognizing that type of thing and when pressed about Leighton Vander Esch seeming to notice it he repeated that they have to do a better job. Okay then.
Kenny Golladay is a really good player
The Lions have a special wide receiver in Kenny Golladay and Jason Garrett noted that the Cowboys will need to be prepared for him.
Being a good game manager
Asked specifically if he considers himself a good game manager, Jason Garrett said you’re constantly trying to get better at everything.
Mismanaging the Tavon Austin situation
Jason Garrett was then asked if he himself felt like he mismanaged the Tavon Austin situation. He responded that he didn’t want to spend too much time on the Minnesota game but that the discussion with him (Tavon) should have been more complete. He specifically said that the Cowboys didn’t do a great job and noted that it was on him, Keith (Keith O’Quinn the special teams coordinator), and the whole staff.
He added that the Cowboys also communicated the same thing with Tavon himself.
Xavier Su’a-Filo is a very physical and competitive player
The Cowboys will depend on XSF with Connor Williams out and Jason Garrett noted that they’re lucky to have him as he played well for them at times last season when called upon.
Colin Kaepernick
It was reported on Tuesday evening that the Cowboys would be sending someone to Colin Kaepernick’s workout this Saturday. Jason Garrett said he wasn’t really someone to talk about this as the Cowboys have personnel people handling it.
A reminder that Jason Garrett is the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Salvation Army controversy
Asked if he knew anything about the controversy surrounding the Thanksgiving Day halftime ceremony with Ellie Goulding, Jason Garrett simply responded “I do not.”
What controversy, you ask?
Ellie Goulding has taken issue with some of the apparent political beliefs of the Salvation Army (the sponsor of the annual halftime show). You can read more about that story right here.