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Practice rolls merrily along for the Dallas Cowboys as they prep for their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s a quick recap of the action today.
The Cowboys star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, got in some good work today. It appears that Zeke was pumped about scoring.
Ezekiel Elliott had a nice day in red zone work, catching two impressive TDs. The first was a one-handed grab he made while reaching back near the goal line. The second came across the middle. He celebrated it by dunking on the goal posts
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2020
The secondary, especially the corners, are a concern. One Cowboys veteran is doing what he can to settle the issue, although he came up a little lame.
Chidobe Awuzie had a strong showing in two-minute work with a pass deflection on a throw to Amari Cooper and he ended the drive with a leaping pick of a Dak Prescott throw to Cedrick Wilson. Unfortunately he seemed to injure his right leg and did not do... https://t.co/ARiAfj6V8H
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 24, 2020
The end of Archer’s tweet: Unfortunately he seemed to injure his right leg and did not do much the rest of practice. Trevon Diggs took over for him.
But, it doesn’t look to be serious.
Didn't mean to be alarmist on Chido injury. He remained on the field for the practice so wouldn't think it was anything big.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 24, 2020
Chidobe Awuzie had his best practice of camp, intercepting Dak on a ball intended for Cedrick Wilson. Awuzie ripped the ball away from Wilson on an impressive leaping grab in two-minute work. Awuzie also had a nice pass breakup on a ball intended for Amari Cooper
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2020
New cornerback Trevon Diggs gets props for his smooth technique in shadowing receivers.
Cowboys rookie CB Trevon Diggs looks like a wide receiver running in coverage. He broke up a pass intended for Jon’Vea Johnson down the right sideline. Diggs ran stride for stride with Johnson, nearly picked it off
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2020
More on the corners as Daryl Worley is a versatile chess piece. He is impressing at camp.
It is unclear where exactly Daryl Worley will play in the Cowboys’ secondary this season; he’s seen action at nickel and outside CB and has some safety experience. But he will play. Recorded a pass breakup when in coverage vs. rookie WR CeeDee Lamb. Having good camp.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 24, 2020
On the play where Awuzie injured himself, new guy Everson Griffen showed why the Cowboys went out and got him.
On same play as Awuzie’s takeaway, DE Everson Griffen beat LT Wyatt Miller with a sudden spin move. The play would’ve ended with sack in a non-practice setting. Instead, it ended with interception that cut short Awuzie’s day.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 24, 2020
Chief among those was a big 3rd down in team. Everson Griffen cut inside on the LT and sacked Dak, who proceeded to throw up a prayer to Ced Wilson - only to see Chido Awuzie leap over him for a nice, contested INT
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2020
The new guy, CeeDee Lamb, is doing what he was expect to do, and that is shine.
CeeDee Lamb was targeted 3 times in red zone drills. Caught TDs on all 3, including an impressive toe tap in the front corner of the end zone while being pushed out of bounds
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 24, 2020
The guy feeding Lamb, Dak Prescott, is getting work done too.
Dak Prescott had back to back touchdown throws in red zone work. His first was a perfect back shoulder throw to Michael Gallup, who was covered well by Trevon Diggs. The second was to Ezekiel Elliott, who slipped through traffic for a wide open throw.... https://t.co/Ky68kWz4IV
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 24, 2020
We talked a lot about Cedrick Wilson and his claim on the fourth receiver spot, but Ventell Bryant is also a name to watch.
We have talked a lot about Cedric Wilson but Ventell Bryant is having a nice training camp as well. They have been the two most impressive receivers behind the big 3
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 24, 2020
Leighton Vander Esch is enjoying the new defense.
later, on a crucial 4th down, Dak found Amari Cooper for a long gain down to the goal line...
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) August 24, 2020
... the problem was that Dak was easily sacked by LVE, who pushed into the pocket on a blitz.
This is an interesting update. The fullback position gets a little love.
The physicality is increasing. Cowboys have introduced more 21 personnel in drills, allowing a chance to evaluate undrafted rookie FB Sewo Olonilua. His best rep in drills as lead blocker may have come when delivering pop to LB Francis Bernard.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 24, 2020
Practice seemed to be focused more on team drills than at any point of training camp so far.
Cowboys did the most 11-on-11 work today than they have all camp. This included situational drills, be it two-minute offense or two-point conversations. S Donovan Wilson showed up in latter. Broke up a Dak Prescott pass in EZ and stuffed an Andy Dalton draw in consecutive snaps.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 24, 2020
A closing summation.
Day 8 Practice Notes:
— Kyle Youmans (@Kyle_Youmans) August 24, 2020
-Dak has ZIP on his throws
-Diggs starting to look more comfortable outside of press-man
-Competition for the LG spot may have a new (rookie) option
-These DE are expected to do more than just rush the passer
-Safeties are interchangeable (like MM said)