Dallas Cowboys: Takeaways from the state of the Cowboys address

The Dallas Cowboys just had their state of the franchise address to kick off training camp. What have we learned over the last 24 hours?

The Dallas Cowboys gave their “State of the Cowboys address” today as the NFL kicked off training camp. Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Jason Garrett all took questions from the media regarding a variety of topics. Let’s dive into some of the things we have learned from the first day of training camp.

Is David Irving out indefinitely?

Jerry Jones sure made it seem as if the Dallas Cowboys top defensive tackle may not be seen on the field for quite some time. With any suspension, the rules on what contact a player can have with a franchise differ on a case by case basis, however, it seems as if David Irving’s suspension takes him out of the picture until at the very least Week Five.

This puts a much larger emphasis on the Jihad Ward trade earlier in the offseason. It makes you wonder if the Cowboys had a notion that Irving would not be ready and a contingency plan was in order.

I do not know if this will spur on Dallas to acquire some depth at the defensive tackle position when the second wave of free agency hits during final cuts, but it is definitely an option they should take seriously. Irving being out to begin the 2018 season certainly puts a damper on what should have been his breakout year.

This also makes you understand why the Dallas Cowboys only wanted to tender Irving and not re-sign him to a long-term deal. He will have an uphill battle remaining on this roster if his off the field issues continue.

Kavon Frazier could miss some time?

It was a surprise, to say the least, that safety Kavon Frazier was placed on the NFI (non-football injury) list. Randy Gregory was to be expected as he still has a ways to go before he returns to the field full time but Frazier was a mystery.

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Until it became known that the Cowboys safety may be suffering from a disorder that impacts his blood and his ability its ability to clot. This is reportedly a complication from a minor knee procedure he had a few months ago.

It is currently unknown just what the effects of this will be but it is widely believed this condition could be treated with medication. If Frazier misses any time what so ever, this could be a huge detriment for the Dallas Cowboys.

The team is already thin at the safety position so losing Frazier for any meaningful amount of time could mean the team finally looks to pull the trigger on that Earl Thomas trade.

So far the Seattle Seahawks have committed to wanting a first or second round pick for the star safety. In reality, it is unlikely that they will get this and if Thomas is not going to show up to camp would they seriously risk paying a player who will never step foot on the football field?

Most likely not, so a trade is inevitable. The Oakland Raiders recently threw their name into the ring as a potential suitor for Thomas however they are probably on the fence about giving away a top pick as well. If the Dallas Cowboys are going to be down a safety and training camp has barely begun, trading for Thomas might be the best course of action.

Terrance Williams is fine

Well, well, well, it appears Terrance Williams has managed to keep his nose clean for the remainder of the offseason and is in good standing with the Dallas Cowboys front office.

His injury has apparently healed faster than expected and he took part in the conditioning test which kept him off of the PUP list. Will he be full go by the first full practice of training camp?

That is still unknown but apparently, he has come to camp driven with an intense work ethic. Hopefully, that will translate to on the field success as the Dallas Cowboys need him more than ever before.

Williams had to repair the fifth metatarsal in his foot and his recovery has been nothing more than astounding. If he can make it on the field for the second week of training camp, his injury would not have cost him as much time off the field as previously thought.

Trust in Jason Garrett?

This season is not a make or break year for head coach Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones basically just took him off of the hot seat. For fans of the Dallas Cowboys that may not be the case but for the front office, they seem to have confidence in Garrett.

Jones believes he is only getting better and better and who knows he could be right. He did guide the Cowboys to a 9-7 season without Ezekiel Elliott, Tyron Smith, and a few other key players for an extended period of time.

The Cowboys front office has seemingly bought in 100 percent in Garrett’s methods and the type of team his is building so making this a make or break year for him would be a bit puzzling. Dallas has built a roster of “right kind of guys” and that motto really only applies to Garrett and not necessarily another coach.

Next. Dallas Cowboys: Three things to look for heading into training camp. dark

It should take a lot of turmoil to put Garrett’s job in jeopardy but time is a flat circle after all.

Published on 07/26/2018 at 20:00 PM
Last updated at 07/26/2018 at 13:40 PM

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