Mike McCarthy press conference: Tyron Smith is further back than he was at this time last week

Coach Mike McCarthy is taking some heat for the play of his team. The Dallas Cowboys are 1-3 and look like they are trending in the wrong direction. Can he get it turned around? He held a press conference today to discuss. (All answers are paraphrased and not actual quotes).

New York Giants running game

McCarthy noted that the Cowboys are trying to adhere to the schematic concepts that the Giants usually run but they are expecting more some outside zone based on Devonta Freeman’s success with that in Atlanta.

Leighton Vander Esch health

McCarthy said they were goin to try and have Vander Esch do a little bit more on Thursday as it is a padded practice, but that it would likely just be individual or back to rehab. He said Vander Esch is a little ahead of schedule but there is a medical process that he has to go through. He noted that the doctors and trainers feel good about where he is. When pushed about the chance he could play this week, coach wouldn’t confirm that and made it sound like he wouldn’t be ready this week.

Randy Gregory practice

Coach said they are working him back in and that the biggest thing is for him to get used to football movements again. They expect Gregory to participate in individual drills again today.

Turnovers

McCarthy talked about how the team has a fundamental emphasis on not turning the ball over and that they are continually emphasizing the importance of taking care of the ball and the adjustments necessary to make that happen. He noted there are two points during the week when they go over this.

Tyron Smith health

The left tackle did not practice on Wednesday and he won’t again today. McCarthy noted when pressed on Smith’s health that he was further behind this week than he was last week at this point. Coach didn’t say it but it sounds like there was a set back for Smith and his ability to play is in question.

Tyrone Crawford health

McCarthy said he might participate in the individual drills today, they would just have to see how it goes.

Anthony Brown health

McCarthy noted that today is a big day in terms of the week’s practices. He said this is the best indicator of where each player is and that we’ll know more tomorrow. He did say that Brown had a good day of practice yesterday.

Dorance Armstrong health

Dorance appeared on the injury report on Wednesday with a knee injury and McCarthy noted this happened during the team’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. He said they would see how it goes as far as practice is concerned.