Cowboys Camp Daily (8/2): Game prep and what to expect
By Reid Hanson
Dallas is finishing up practice in Cowboys Camp in preparation for their first preseason game Thursday night against the Cardinals. Here’s the latest news…
Cowboys Camp was at a slowdown yesterday in preparation for the Hall of Fame game Thursday night. Veterans have gotten rest, rookies have gotten snaps, and depth charts are starting to form.
Rod Smith
Darren McFadden was given the day off earlier and Rod Smith stepped up in a big way. He’s starting to look like the frontrunner for RB3 even though he looks nothing like we’ve been accustomed to seeing as a RB3.
Instead of being a small, shifty back who offers a change-of-pace, Smith is the big bruising back who offers contact. Comparisons are always flawed but reminds me of former New York Giants RB, Brandon Jacobs.
Love watching Rod Smith run the ball. No direct player-to-player comparison, but a little like Eddie George. Tall upright runner, physical.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) August 1, 2017
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Zeke Talk
No, there isn’t any word on his suspension yet. Expect that early next week so Jerry Jones can enjoy his Hall of Fame weekend. Talk now has been on making Zeke a multi-dimensional weapon in the passing game.
It would make sense to include him more but fans need to temper their expectations. To expect him suddenly become David Johnson or Le’Veon Bell in the passing game is to expect the offense to fundamentally change. Those two RBs aren’t getting more receptions because they are better receivers (although I think they are).
They are getting more receptions because their offenses call for it. If either joined the Cowboys they wouldn’t see half of those receptions.
Very different offense in Dallas. Bell wouldn't catch the ball like Bell if he played for Dallas. Zeke may catch more but not a ton more. https://t.co/brazVQXy4H
— SportDFW (@TheRealSportDFW) August 1, 2017
Who’s playing in game 1?
Bruce Arians declares Arizona's starters won't play in HOF game. Expect Cowboys to take similar stance without Jason Garrett announcement.
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) August 1, 2017
We’ll see how many starters grace us with their presence in the Cowboys first game but it’s safe to assume none of the established players will be out there. Game 1 is about the young guys so expect to see fringe players battling for their lives out there.
Heard lots of good things about #Cowboys WR Andy Jones in camp so far. Expect him to put up some big time stats in the preseason.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 2, 2017
Young receivers like Noah Brown and Andy Jones will be especially interesting. As will the linebacker and defensive line units. Some battles are still wide open.
Next: Why once again, the O-line will dominate for the Cowboys
That’s a wrap for now. No Cowboys Camp Daily on Thursday because of the game. On Friday, after we review the game action, we’ll do a preseason “Game Notes, Standouts, and Observations” article in it’s place.