Cowboys Mini-Camp: Day 3 Takeaways

The next time we will see the Cowboys on the practice field will be for training camp in Oxnard, California. By that time, the preparation for the 2016 season will be in full force, and the position battles across the field will be heated.

For now, the Cowboys have concluded mini camp, with DallasCowboys.com once again bringing us a glimpse of Thursday’s historic practice. Here are my final thoughts on what fans were able to see.

As always, you can watch the film while checking out my analysis, by clicking here for “MiniCamp LIVE”.

Winning, and Losing, the Line of Scrimmage

Cowboys’ Head Coach Jason Garrett is all about improving his football team through competition. If this is going to be the case for 2016, the current defensive line is going to show some improvements – hopefully sooner rather than later.

The best unit on the team by far, the offensive line did a terrific job throughout this entire camp of keeping Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, and Kellen Moore untouched. I honestly can’t remember seeing a snap that made me write a note about a defensive linemen showing something worth noting in terms of beating his man and making an impact.

While this is great for Scott Linehan and the rest of the offensive coaches to be able to evaluate the entire cast of new and important faces for this offense, the throws are only going to become more difficult against true competition.

By working against the best offensive line in football for the rest of the summer, Rod Marinelli’s defensive line will be looking to prove a lot in Oxnard once DeMarcus Lawrence and Benson Mayowa get back on the field.

Short Shots

Sticking with this theme of the offense imposing their will against a defense that generated little pressure, the collective throws from the Cowboys’ quarterbacks continue to come underneath.

While the playbook will undoubtedly open up more as we march towards competitive football, there is something to be said about allowing opposing defensive fronts virtually no chance to rush the passer, by getting the ball quickly into the hands of Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott, Cole Beasley, Brice Butler, and Terrance Williams.

Vince Mayle and Ed Eagan were also given chances to make plays at the WR position, and did so with some consistency.

More from Morris

There is no doubt that Alfred Morris understand the opportunity in front of him following Darren McFadden’s injury. Not only can he bring the same veteran locker room presence that was valued from McFadden, but Morris has looked great running zone plays throughout practice.

As a north-and-south runner, Morris has shown a burst that he has lacked over the past few seasons. Although his role with the offense is still relatively unknown, the fact is that he will have one when the Dallas Cowboys step onto the field to open the preseason against the Rams – and more than likely continue to contribute when it matters against the Giants to open the season.

I really hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on the Cowboys’ 2016 mini camp. As we now turn our attention towards training camp, catch up on all of my mini camp notes by clicking here for part 1, and right here for yesterday’s thoughts. 

Comment away with your thoughts, and feel free to email me at sean.martin@insidethestar.com at anytime with further comments and suggestions!