Tag: dontari poe

Mike McCarthy addresses injuries, new Cowboys after first practice

Hear what Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy had to say about his new team after Day 1 of 2020 training camp.

Despite the numerous personnel changes and the nonexistent off season programs, the most important factor of the Cowboys season will be new head coach Mike McCarthy.

As the on-field portion of training camp began Friday, it was easy to see just how excited McCarthy was to be back involved with the game he knows and loves, especially in his new home in Dallas.

McCarthy held a virtual press conference with the media on Saturday, and touched on a number of topics regarding his first days with a Star on his shirt.

New Additions

The first question, to no surprise, was about the Cowboys latest free agent splash, Everson Griffen. McCarthy had this to say about his former division foe:

“I can’t say enough about Everson Griffen, the fact that I was able to compete against him twice a year, he was always the primary focus for us offensively… he’s a relentless player. He brings it every down, has great passion for the game. [I] had an opportunity to visit with him, he’s extremely excited, a big personality, so I think he’s going to be a great fit for our football team.”

McCarthy would add that Griffen can join the team after going through the proper Covid-19 protocols, which is a four-to-five day process.

Another former All-Pro added to the Dallas defense in the off season, Aldon Smith, has potential to be a huge X-factor for the Dallas defense.

“He looks great. He’s probably about 20 pounds bigger than when he last played on the 49ers,” McCarthy said about Smith. McCarthy would go on to add, “He’s very powerful, his length is extraordinary. He made in the team period, on a screen, that you don’t see everyday, that’s for sure. He’s hit the target in every phase that we’ve gone through, particularly the strength and conditioning.”

Rookie wide-receiver CeeDee Lamb has made headlines all off season, and the Cowboys 2020 first-round selection is already showing why the hype is real in just his first few days of training camp.

“He’s picked it up seamlessly. he’s done a great job in the classroom environment… he’s definitely shown the ability to play all three spots… we’ll see what goes on with punt return…” via K.D. Drummond.

Another high-profile rookie, cornerback Trevon Diggs, received plenty of first-team reps.

“Very smooth, he looks like he’s transitioning very well,” McCarthy said about the Alabama product. “We’ve only had one practice but the thing that jumps out to you on the practice field is particularly his ball skills. He’s a natural, and I think he’ll adjust very well to the NFL game.”

McCarthy would reiterate his willingness to play rookies often and early during his tenure in Green Bay. With the Cowboys need for turnover-creating defenders, Diggs should have a significant role from day one in Dallas.

 

Training Camp Details

McCarthy is bringing his coaching methods that he worked to establish in Green Bay to Dallas, but you can’t do everything quite the same. For example the team is beginning practice at 8:30 A.M. in order to try to beat the scorching Texas heat. He added that the current schedule involves meetings and walk-throughs in the evening, and that this camp schedule has the opportunity for flexibility.

The shortened camp is a new component that no coach has ever dealt with. McCarthy had this to say about how much each practice meant,

“This has been a different training camp… frankly the biggest thing that we talked about.. was the importance. How important each practice is, I’m not really worried about the physical talent of this team, I think we all agree its high in nature.” via K.D. Drummond.

The Cowboys quarterbacks were in red jerseys for the first time ever, and McCarthy uses this common tactic as a way to identify and to better protect the quarterbacks during practice.

The Cowboys special teams units have been poor in recent years, but the new staff in Dallas is making the third phase of the game a priority, under new leader John Fassel.

“We just, we’ve dedicated more time to special teams than I have in the past, and frankly I always felt we were pretty high as far as time spent on special teams as far as compared to other NFL teams,” McCarthy said. He would add, “We’re just investing a little bit more time with the specialists particularly just getting them as much work as possible.” via RJ Ochoa.

Injury Concerns

A handful of Cowboys missed the first day of training camp, most notable being La’el Collins and Dontari Poe.

McCarthy isn’t concerned about Collins health though, as he stated “I’m not going to get into the specifics of that, but it’s not something of high concern.”

Collins emerged as a star a right tackle last season for the Cowboys and will be crucial to the offenses continued success.

When asked how close Poe was to returning to the field from a quad injury McCarthy said,

“He’s doing well, looks good. Just watching him work out there it’s unbelievable. I’m always amazed by his footwork and his ability to get in and out of situations, so he’s making progress.”

Offensive lineman Cam Erving was also absent on day one, but he is another player who McCarthy said should be back sooner rather than later.

McCarthy and his staff have their work cut out for them, as every team does, with only 19 practices until the games begin. The full press conference can be found at this link.

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Tyrone Crawford activated from PUP, on 1st-team DL with Aldon Smith

The Cowboys unveiled personnel changes and debuted new faces along their defensive line at the first practice of training camp on Friday.

Football is back. Granted, guys are wearing shorts and no pads. There are pop-up tents next to the field for cold popsicles and Gatorade breaks. Most of the hitting is being done on tackling dummies; quarterbacks are wearing bright red jerseys so they don’t get touched at all.

But no matter. The Dallas Football Cowboys are officially back at work.

Friday’s first team practice gave assembled media members an early look at the 2020 roster, and the first glimpse of a revamped defensive line that bore little resemblance to the 2019 unit.

Tyrone Crawford played sparingly last season and was ultimately shelved by hip injuries after just three tackles in four games. Today, he was back on the practice field, having passed his physical and being activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.

With newly-acquired Dontari Poe still nursing a quad injury, Crawford reportedly got in some work at Poe’s defensive tackle slot next to Gerald McCoy.

That shuffling left an opening opposite DeMarcus Lawrence at defensive end. Aldon Smith, welcome back to the NFL.

Reinstated after nearly five full years out of the league, Smith, a former first-round draft pick, reportedly looked very good in Friday’s session, taking first-team reps, batting a Dak Prescott pass into the air, and almost coming away with the interception.

Everson Griffen, signed late Wednesday, still needs to pass two consecutive COVID tests before he can join his new teammates on the practice field. That could happen early next week.

It’s a lot of new faces for just one position group. It can only help that most of the Cowboys players are living at the hotel right next door to the practice facility.

“We don’t have a long training camp,” Lawrence said, according to NFL Network’s Jane Slater, explaining that the impromptu players’ bubble was a team decision. “Need to make sure we get that commitment and friendship and chemistry.”

Lawrence maintains that five hours of practice per day isn’t sufficient for proper team-building with the new guys. But for Cowboys fans everywhere, the fact that the players are even back at practice at all is welcome news indeed.

And along the Dallas defensive line, there is new and improved hope for something good. Maybe very, very good.

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Cowboys News: Best yet to come for Amari, DiNucci report, what no preseason means

A look around the Cowboys’ landscape as the NFL demands face masks for fans and cancels the chance for unheralded players to make a mark.

Coming on the heels of the NFL cancelling the entire preseason, the league has deemed fans will be required to wear some sort of face mask before they are allowed into each stadium. This is assuming that there will even be fans at the games, and that certainly could change. This unique offseason presents new barriers for almost every team in the league, however, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, with a stable of new coaches and players, will face extra challenges as the season gets off to a quick start.

Despite the extraordinary circumstances the Cowboys currently face, they’ll still have to suit up and perform every Sunday. The offense is mostly set, aside from the backup wide receivers, and the intriguing position battles that will take place at left guard and center. We know Amari Cooper is great, but could more weapons and another year in the system allow him to get even better? Two new, big-name, defensive tackles should improve the other side of the ball, but how much impact will the additions make? Plus, a list of under-the-radar remains free agents that Dallas could potentially sign.

I’m Batman: Masks required for attendance at Cowboys, NFL games :: Cowboys Wire

In the latest attempt by the NFL to improve safety for future fans at NFL games, the NFL has stated that fans will be required to wear face coverings ifs they attend a game.

Bucky Brooks: Scouting Report on Rookie QB :: Dallas Cowboys

In recent history, the Cowboys have struck lightning with late round or undrafted quarterbacks twice with Tony Romo and then Dak Prescott. James Madison’s Ben DiNucci is the latest Dallas QB to fit the underdog mold. Bucky Brooks examines the rookie’s game, and assesses whether he thinks the Cowboys have another future gem on their hands.

Cowboys 2020 training camp: Mike McCarthy dealing with several first-year setbacks due to COVID-19 :: CBS Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have a new head coach, defensive coordinator, many other new coaches, and a bevy of new personnel on both sides of the ball. Those factors, mixed with the lack of any type of traditional offseason program, and the challenges Dallas is facing this year start to really add up.

Game Theory: Frelund’s three breakout players in NFC for 2020 :: NFL Network

Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper had the best year of his career a season ago. However, NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund believes the best yet is to come for Cooper. Follow the link for her explanation for predicting another huge year for the Cowboys star.

Eatman: Trickle-Down Effect of No Preseason :: Dallas Cowboys

The impacts of the NFL cancelling the preseason stretch far and wide in the football world. Cowboys writer Nick Eatman breaks down how this change not only effects the starters who’ll get less acclimation reps, but also the players on the other end of the roster.

Connor Williams has competition at LG for Cowboys :: Cowboys Wire

Connor Williams has struggled to live up to expectations after receiving All-American honors as a sophomore in college. Williams’ talent is undeniable, but the former Longhorn will have to work hard and stay healthy to earn the starting spot at left guard for the Cowboys.

Name To Know: Cedrick Wilson & The WR Battle :: Dallas Cowboys

Cedrick Wilson is one of the many names battling for the last wide receiver spots on the Dallas roster. Wilson’s versatility at wideout, potential to contribute on special teams, and familiarity with the Kellen Moore system could give him the edge over his competition in camp.

The Most Underrated NFL Free Agents Still Available Ahead of Training Camps :: Bleacher Report

Players like Jadeveon Clowney are obviously the big attractions remaining in free agency. However, there are still many players who are unsigned who are flying under the media’s radar. Could any of these players help the Cowboys?

Mailbag: A Big Difference At Defensive Tackle? :: Dallas Cowboys

In today’s edition of Mailbag, Cowboys staff writers answer fans questions that focus on how much will Mike McCarthy use a fullback in Dallas, and will the added size of Poe and McCoy help on the interior defensive line?

 

Cowboys News: Patrick-to-Prescott correlation, Covid protocols, Dez no call

Patrick Mahomes new deal leads to Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract prediction :: Cowboys Wire

The Patrick Mahomes contract reset the quarterback market and set a new bar for the position. The Cowboys are the next team expected to sign their signal caller to a lofty extension, and the Mahomes deal may help lay some guidelines for the next Prescott contract. Our own K.D. Drummond inspects every aspect of the Cowboys and Prescott’s discussions. 

Patrick Mahomes’ record-breaking deal with the Chiefs could either be a blessing or a curse for the Cowboys in discussions with their franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. Our own K.D. Drummond deep dives into every aspect of the anticipated Prescott extension, including how the Mahomes mega-deal impacts it.

Jerry Jones silence on the recent racial tensions in America has been headline news, and another Cowboy, the newly-signed Dontari Poe, has just voiced his opinion on the issue involving the Dallas’ owner. The NFL and the NFL Players Association have different plans for how the preseason should be handled, The NFL is ready to continue as planned, and the league has revealed to the teams the protocol for training camps to begin in late July. Plus, is Dez Bryant to Dallas a dead rumor? And is the kicker positional battle for the Cowboys closer than people think? All that and more, here in the Cowboys news and notes.

Patrick Mahomes new deal leads to Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract prediction :: Cowboys Wire

The Patrick Mahomes contract reset the quarterback market and set a new bar for the position. The Cowboys are the next team expected to sign their signal caller to a lofty extension, and the Mahomes deal may help lay some guidelines for the next Prescott contract. Our own K.D. Drummond inspects every aspect of the Cowboys and Prescott’s discussions.

5 Questions As The Dak Deal Deadline Nears :: The Mothership

As of now, Dak Prescott will play the 2019-2020 season on the franchise tag. July 15 is a date that means a lot in regards to the contract deliberations, and that deadline is a lot closer than it was when Prescott was first franchise tagged by the Cowboys. Learn more about the potential outcomes of the negotiations between the Cowboys and Prescott.

Cowboys’ Dontari Poe to Jerry Jones: ‘We need to know we have your support’ :: Cowboys Wire

The Dallas Cowboys put out a statement on racial injustice a few weeks ago, but owner Jerry Jones has refrained from putting out a personal statement. It seems odd for the most outspoken owner in American sports to be this quiet on a topic this important, and Dontari Poe is the latest Cowboy to question Jones about his silence.

NFL, NFLPA fight over preseason games ‘just getting started’ :: Cowboys Wire

Both the NFL and the NFL Players association want the season to play out as planned, but there are differing opinions on how much of the preseason should be played. Our own Todd Brock reports on how the players want the preseason handled, according to NFLPA President J.C. Trotter, and how that compares to the recent statements from the league office.

Why a Dez Bryant reunion with the Cowboys is not a real possibility :: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys’ fourth wide receiver is still a question mark, and Dez Bryant wants to return to Dallas for a smaller role than he once had. So why is the reunion seeming unlikely? Matt Holleran from Blogging the Boys discusses some reasons that are keeping Bryant on the market.

NFL sends COVID-19 protocols for camp, preseason to clubs :: NFL.com

A meaty- and sobering- 40-page document has hit the inboxes of all 32 NFL teams, outlining everything from laundry procedures and media access to player testing and symptom monitoring guidelines.

Nationals cancel practice because of testing delays :: ProFootballTalk

In an MLB development that merits watching by the NFL, the Washington Nationals canceled their Monday practice session after the results of Covid tests taken on Friday- promised within 24 hours- were still unknown as of Monday morning. It’s a troubling omen for the prospect of bringing sports back in the current climate.

Film Room: Who is the better Cowboys CB – Jourdan Lewis or Anthony Brown? :: Dallas Morning News

John Owning went into this head-to-head examination thinking he knew who the better corner was. While his film study leads him to find “that the two are much closer than the other side’s fans will lead you to believe,” Owning changes his mind and gives the former Wolverine the slightest of nods over the ex-Boilermaker.

Mailbag: Are we writing off Forbath too soon? :: The Mothership

The signing of Greg Zuerlein and his reunion in Dallas with new special teams guru John Fassel was big news. But don’t pack Kai Forbath’s bags quite yet. He was perfect in three games as a Cowboy last year, and at this position, consistency routinely beats name recognition.

 

Cowboys’ Dontari Poe to Jerry Jones: ‘We need to know we have your support’

Add Dontari Poe to the growing list of Dallas Cowboys players wondering aloud where their employer stands when it comes to their efforts to push back against systemic racism in the United States. The veteran defensive tackle, signed back in March, …

Add Dontari Poe to the growing list of Dallas Cowboys players wondering aloud where their employer stands when it comes to their efforts to push back against systemic racism in the United States.

The veteran defensive tackle, signed back in March, has heard from new head coach Mike McCarthy and new position coach Jim Tomsula, but according to a story from Bleacher Report‘s Kalyn Kahler, the former first-round draft pick says the silence from team owner Jerry Jones is noticeable.

“Haven’t talked to Jerry at all,” Poe says in the Bleacher Report piece. “I hope he comes out and shows his support. … You are an owner of an NFL team—you get what I’m saying? The majority of this team are these people that are being oppressed. So even if you are not going to be in the forefront, we need to know we have your support in that type of way.”

Jones has been conspicuously quiet in the wake of the numerous rallies in cities across the country and ongoing discussions at every level of society following the murder of George Floyd.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott pledged $1 million in support of police training, education, and advocacy. Running back Ezekiel Elliott appeared in a video addressed to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell demanding an official league response. Team notables Amari Cooper, DeMarcus Ware, Nate Newton, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Gerald McCoy have all publicly spoken out or brought attention to efforts to initiatives for change.

But despite one video alluding to years’ worth of conversations between the team and local judges, police chiefs, and attorneys that “reflects the organization’s statement” on social justice and a few social media posts from team accounts, there has been no direct word from the outspoken owner of “America’s Team” on this issue that affects every corner of America.

For Poe, the issue became personal in 2017. As a member of the Atlanta Falcons that season, Poe took a knee during the national anthem before the team’s Week 3 game. He says he received clear support from Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn.

The following two years, with the Carolina Panthers, Poe served on the team’s player impact committee.

This offseason, Poe tells Bleacher Report that he’s been at the Cowboys’ facility almost every day. As per Kahler, Poe says McCarthy and Tomsula “both voiced their support for the Black community and the fight against systemic racism during Zoom meetings with players.”

But nothing from Jones.

“His silence definitely means a lot because in any other situation [he] will have something to say about most things,” Poe is quoted as saying. “I was once a proponent of doing stuff behind closed doors, and doing what I need to do not out in the forefront. … So hopefully he is doing that, but who knows what he is doing. … Personally, I would hope that he comes out and says, ‘OK, I am willing to help, I am willing to fight, and I am willing to be with y’all.'”

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Dontari Poe: Strong like bull, quick like lightning and something Cowboys haven’t had in a while

Dallas has a big man in the middle for a change, going a different route this year under new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

The Dallas Cowboys are finally interested in chowing down an interplanetary system or two. Over the last decade and a half, the club has seemed allergic to having a run-stuffing space eater in the middle of their defensive gameplan. Dallas hasn’t had a defensive lineman who weighed over 320 pounds since 2017; they haven’t had one who weighed over 325 since Daleroy Stewart was drafted from Southern Miss in 2003.

Have no fear, Dontari Poe is here. For years, the Cowboys have ignored two defensive positions in both the draft and free agency. Safety and defensive tackle have been after thoughts, but it looks like the tide is changing. After using their top pick on a DT in 2019, the club’s three major free agent signings in 2020 were two tackles and a safety. The team also spent their third-round pick on another DT, signaling a true changing of the guard. Even with all the new faces in the position group, it will be nearly impossible to not recognize Poe as soon as one lays eyes on him.

When Dallas hired Mike McCarthy and he subsequently tabbed Mike Nolan as his defensive coordinator, it was obvious change was coming. The Cowboys focused on the defensive tackle position in free agency, and all 347 pounds of Poe were tabbed to be the anchor to the defensive line for the 2020 season.

Former DC Rod Marinelli wanted lean, slicker guys at every position on the line, and when it came to bulk, the 310 to 315 pound tackle was what he looked for at the 1-technique. Wade Phillips was similar in his one-gap 30 front. Even Bill Parcells went with guys in the 320-pound range for his run stuffers.

The former Memphis star isn’t just a space eater, though. He has pass-rush ability as well, notching four last season in just 11 games. It was the third time since 2013 the soon-to-be 30 year old had at least four in a single campaign.

Now, he’ll get to work with veteran DL coach Jim Tomsula, who has turned far less talented players into pass-rushing threats. It stands to reason with a couple tweaks he could have Poe ready to turn in his most dominant season in that regard.

The former first-round pick spent the first five seasons of his career in Kansas City. He moved on for a year to Atlanta before spending the last two seasons in Carolina under Ron Rivera.  Earning Pro Bowl nods in 2013 and 2014, Poe has been a steady contributor since, but is still looking to make the type of impact he did in his early years.

Early Beginnings

Poe didn’t play any football until he was in high school, when the football coach took a look at him during marching band practice and told Poe he was now a football player and to report to practice the following Tuesday. He did, and a path to greatness was made available for him.

He earned a scholarship to Memphis among other places, but chose to stay close to home to be in proximity to his older brother Robert, who was locked up. Poe relays the story of asking Robert if he could follow in his footsteps but being told there was something greater waiting for him.

Following his stellar career at Memphis, Poe garnered attention outside the football addicts world, when his 4.98 second 40-yard dash at over 340 pounds drew the attention of President Barack Obama.

“They just had the Combine and they were talking about some guy who’s like 340 and runs a 4.8 and has a three-foot vertical,” Obama said in an appearance on Bill Simmons’ Grantland podcast. “I don’t know what you do if a guy like that hits you.”

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Big Man Doing Big Things

Poe’s magic as a pass rusher is having the strength to push the pocket back, and having the straight-line quickness to then descend on the quarterback once he’s occupying the pocket.

He has 20.5 career sacks and has also batted down 14 passes. Poe has also played a little fullback in his time, leading to some tremendous and fun moments near the goal line.

Running it in? No problem. Catching it? No problem. Passing it? He’s a problem!

Poe is the heaviest player to score a touchdown in NFL history and is now the heaviest member of the Cowboys in recent memory.

As a part of the revamped defense, it will be interesting to see how he is deployed. Not only did Dallas sign Poe, but they brought his teammate from last year, Gerald McCoy as well. With the two at the middle of their 30 front, the Panthers did not have a stout rush defense, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same result will occur.

In addition to McCoy, Poe will also be rotating snaps with Antwaun Woods and Tyrone Crawford (provided each make the roster) as well as youngsters Trysten Hill and Neville Gallimore. Both of the youngsters can play either the nose tackle or under tackle role so training camp will be an interesting exploration of where each fits in behind Poe.

Poe will likely be subbed out on obvious passing downs, but his ability to get to the quarterback when they pass in what could be considered run downs should augment the ability of edge guys like DeMarcus Lawrence to put the defense in advantageous down-distance situations.

This is part of our Countdown to the Regular Season player profile countdown. With 94 days remaining until the NFL’s first game, up next is defensive end Randy Gregory.

Antwaun Woods | Tyrone Crawford | Trysten Hill | Jalen Jelks

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Injuries robbed Antwaun Woods of a breakout 2019, may not be a chair left for 2020

Antwaun Woods looks to have a bounce back season in 2020 but has plenty of competition to be with the Cowboys this season.

The Dallas Cowboys have spent their off-season adding to their defense; specifically their defensive line. Two of their three key free-agent acquisitions along with multiple draft picks have the Cowboys looking at a much improved unit in 2020. Possibly getting lost amongst the addition to the new pieces is returning  defensive tackle Antwaun Woods.

Technically, Woods is a still a free agent. As an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) he can’t sign anywhere else this off-season and it is expected he’ll sign his tender soon which will pay him the non-guaranteed league minimum. Next year, he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) which doesn’t favor Woods at all as he’s already 27 years old and has limited opportunity to earn a big payday before his prime years have passed. For all of the discussion about salaries being out of control, Woods is a poster child for why raising league minimum salaries was a key element in the most recent CBA barely passing.

He’s also a poster child for how quickly opportunity could be lost. With the club adding two free agents and a draft pick at defensive tackle, Woods finds himself in a tough situation. None of the excitement Woods created with a stellar 2018 campaign remains after a lackluster 2019. It likely wasn’t regression though, as the injury bug sapped his ability to be a big-play guy like he was down the stretch in 2018.

2019 was a string of injuries for Woods, however. The Cowboys followed the wild-card win over Seattle with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, where Dallas was gouged in the run game by Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson for over 200 yards. It turns out Woods played that game with a torn shoulder labrum that required surgery.

During this past regular season, he was able to suit up in just 10 of the Cowboys’ 16 games. Midway through the Week 2 contest against Washington, Woods hurt his knee when Maliek Collins rolled up on the back of his leg, spraining his MCL. He would miss the next three contests and didn’t seem right for several games to follow.

Woods then suffered another knee injury against the Patriots in Week 11, forcing him to miss the next two contests, and proving he wasn’t healthy when he returned, he sat out the meaningless finale against Washington.

In his 10 contest he was able to rack up 23 tackles,  11 solo. He didn’t get to the quarterback to register any sacks but did have bursts of impact. He managed to see the field on 310 snaps which represented about 29 percent of the Cowboys defensive plays in 2019.

As Dallas Morning News writer John Owning describes though, there was inconsistency in his play.

However, Woods lacked consistency, as he was just as likely to get displaced out his gap as he was to penetrate and disrupt. Woods also struggled mightily against double teams, which isn’t great given that a nose tackle’s first job requirement is to demand and absorb double teams in an effort to give the linebackers a chance to pursue without being immediately encumbered by blockers. When you add in Woods’ inability to make an impact as a pass-rusher, his inconsistency against the run became a bigger and bigger issue upfront.

And now this year, Woods has competition. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan prefers more stout defensive linemen, and with the limited play Woods was able to put on film in 2019, the new staff likely wouldn’t be enthusiastic. With the signing of behemoth defensive tackle Dontari Poe and a multifaceted Gerald McCoy, Woods finds himself in a larger rotation than years past.

That was before the club selected Oklahoma nose tackle Neville Gallimore in the third round this past draft. The staff is so high on him, they considered taking him in the second round ahead of the dire cornerback need filled by Trevon Diggs.

Not to mention, Tyrone Crawford who plays up-and-down the defensive line is returning from his almost full year off due to his own injury. The Cowboys will also factor in second-year defensive tackle Trysten Hill who in his own right is looking for a rebound season after a relatively quiet rookie campaign. Depth is good to have on the defensive line, especially on the interior, but for Woods in 2020, he will have to be playing at an elite level to see the field.

According to CBS Sports writer, Patrik Walker, Woods is going to have to show he has the most upside out of the other men at his position on the Cowboys depth chart to make this team in September. His position on the 2020 Dallas Cowboys also relies heavily on the reinstatement of Randy Gregory as well.

There’s no mistaking the impact Woods can make when healthy and fresh, and an opportunity to work with new defensive line coach Jim Tomsula shouldn’t be overlooked. The numbers game indicate that he’ll have to prove himself in a major way in training camp.

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Cowboys were among oldest teams in 2019, but with a special catch

The 2019 Cowboys finished the regular season as one of the oldest teams in the NFL, but one veteran is responsible for much of that curve.

There’s a youth movement in the NFL. But the Cowboys seem to be trying hard to buck that trend, especially in one specific unit.

Football Outsiders last week released its 2019 report digging into the age of each roster in the league. As they have with every season since 2006, they didn’t just calculate the average age of all the the guys who are technically on the team. They charted the players’ snap-weighted age; that is, they weighted the age of each player according the number of snaps he played in the regular season.

It makes sense: if the aging veterans and hotshot rookies on a squad mainly stand around on the sidelines, it doesn’t really say anything meaningful about a team’s “average age,” at least not in the way that people usually imply. That first-year quarterback who actually starts and plays the whole season? That definitely counts toward a team being considered “young.” But a long-in-the-tooth third-string emergency backup who only ever holds a clipboard shouldn’t skew the team toward being called “old.”

The Cowboys as a whole, in 2019, were the sixth-oldest team in the league, with an average snap-weighted age (SWA) of 26.7. The league average was 26.4, a number nearly all 32 teams were fairly tightly clustered around.

Where it starts to get interesting is when SWA is broken down by unit. The SWA of the Dallas offense in 2019 was 27.0, just two-tenths of a year above the league average. That ranked 13th. The defense skewed even more toward the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the NFL; the Cowboys’ SWA on the defensive side was 26.2, 18th place against the average of 26.3.

But special teams? That unit might as well qualify for early-bird specials and senior matinee discounts.

The Cowboys’ special teamers in 2019 were the third-oldest bunch in the NFL with a SWA of 26.9. That figure is a full year above the league average. Special teams play is generally thought of as a young man’s game (think gunners), but many teams do anchor that phase of the game with a greybeard kicker…

…or a 39-year-old long snapper.

L.P. Ladouceur will embark on his 16th season as a pro in 2020. His age (he celebrated his 39th birthday in March) certainly sets the curve for the rest of the special teams players in Dallas, but his is a position where longevity is a plus, not a hindrance, and extra experience is definitely a plus.

The Cowboys special teams unit got slightly (but suddenly) older late last season with the swapping of Brett Maher for Kai Forbath, as Forbath is two years older. He and new signee Greg Zuerlein are both 32, so the winner of their competition for the upcoming season’s kicking duties won’t change that number for Dallas. With punter Chris Jones turning 31 years old, there’s a good chance that the Cowboys will remain one of the oldest special teams units in the league under John Fassel’s leadership.

The defense may see their SWA rank slide toward the older end of the list moving forward. Yes, Michael Bennett turned 34 just a few weeks after joining the Cowboys last season, but in his nine games with the team, he played just 40% of the defensive snaps. Linebacker Sean Lee will turn 34 before the season begins. Gerald McCoy is 32. Dontari Poe will blow out 30 candles before Week 1; all three will likely see high snap counts and will definitely ratchet up the SWA in 2020.

Of course, any discussion of the Cowboys and their age in 2019 has to include Jason Witten. At 37 and playing the vast majority of the team’s offensive snaps last year, he made Dallas the oldest team at tight end last season. Take him out of the equation, though, and the Cowboys come in under the league’s average SWA at every single offensive position group.

Granted, youth doesn’t automatically translate to a better football team: New England was by far the oldest team in 2019- in all three phases- and they were still, by and large, the Patriots. And three of the four youngest teams- Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Miami- didn’t really scare anybody. So maybe SWA is just interesting trivia, fodder for bar bets.

Still, 2020’s Cowboys offense should feel a lot younger. Fans will no doubt be encouraged by that. The defense may feel slightly older. Maybe some additional veteran presence there is a good thing.

In any case, the special teams will still be wearing their pants too high and yelling at whippersnappers to get off their lawn.

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Cowboys lose yet another defender to Las Vegas Raiders, Marinelli

After three seasons in Dallas, Daniel Ross is headed to Las Vegas to reunite with Rod Marinelli on the Raiders’ defensive line.

Another Dallas player has defected to the Las Vegas desert. Following in the footsteps of Jason Witten, Maliek Collins, and Jeff Heath, defensive tackle Daniel Ross is the fourth ex-Cowboy expected to sign with coach Jon Gruden and the Raiders.

Ross will be reunited with the Raiders’ new defensive line coach, Rod Marinelli. It will be the 70-year-old Marinelli’s first year in Las Vegas after seven years on the sidelines in Dallas.

Ross, who went undrafted out of Northeast Mississippi Community College, spent two seasons in the Canadian Football League before bouncing around the practice squads in Houston, Detroit, and Kansas City. He joined the Cowboys in November 2017, when Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension opened up a spot on Dallas’s active roster.

In 16 games as a Cowboy in 2017 and 2018, the 27-year-old Ross logged 19 combined tackles, two sacks, two fumbles recoveries, and a forced fumble. He sat out 2019 on injured reserve with a shoulder ailment. In November, Ross was arrested for possession of marijuana and a weapons charge.

Ross did not receive a restricted tender offer from the Cowboys, as the team’s revamping of the interior defensive line continues. Free agent nose tackle Dontari Poe and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, both most recently with the Panthers, were signed by the club in recent days.

McCarthy addresses Cowboys roster holes left behind by Garrett

Mike McCarthy initial moves in free agency all seem to address positions long neglected under Jason Garrett’s watch.

The 2020 Cowboys continue to take shape under Mike McCarthy. If each move the team makes at this early offseason stage reflects the new staff’s immediate thoughts of the roster they inherited from Jason Garrett, the external free agents so far signed by Dallas seem to address areas many perceived as roster holes continually carried by recent Cowboys teams.

In some regards, it’s been a typical offseason in Dallas. They’ve once again stayed out of headline-stealing free agent moves, but also have been involved with several high-profile contracts, mostly with their own players. The Cowboys have retained 12 members of last season’s roster (notably Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper), yet also lost CB Byron Jones and DE Robert Quinn to big money deals elsewhere. Coupled with the sudden retirement of Travis Frederick, McCarthy is juggling many factors out of his control in constructing the team’s upcoming roster. Much more within his control however, is the team’s own aggressiveness in pursuing roster additions with the offseason now in full swing.

The Cowboys were somewhat resistant to bringing in outside players under Garrett, often forgoing spending until the second and third-wave of free agency. With McCarthy now installed, he brings his own preferences and past relationships, and has chosen to supplement the roster at specific positions that’ve long-been identified as lacking. It’s not a coincidence and perhaps expected to experience this with any head coaching change, but Dallas’s recent additions should be promising to anyone who has wished for a fresh eye and perspective when constructing Cowboys teams.

Interior Defensive Line

Immediately noticeable is the additions Dallas has made to the interior of its defensive line, adding a significant amount of beef to both defensive tackle positions. Last offseason signaled a departure in strategy for the Cowboys, when they spent a second round pick on DT Trysten Hill. The draft selection represented a much richer investment than the team made previously made in the position, but one that unfortunately didn’t provide much value during the regular season. The additions of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe will hopefully do more than offset the loss of Maliek Collins, and provide a stabilizing force in the center of the defense.

A potential cap casualty target last year, McCoy eventually found his way to Dallas, and stands to be a valuable chess piece for Mike Nolan’s defense. McCoy may no longer be a perennial Pro Bowl candidate or one of the game’s most unsung pass rushers, he’s still plenty capable of providing high quality snaps from the 3-tech position. He can also lineup as a defensive end, and help absorb some of the loss of Quinn opposite DeMarcus Lawrence. He’s a plug-and-play player that makes a ton of sense for the Cowboys DL unit looking for consistency and playmaking as they move into 2020.

The same can practically be said for Poe, the 6-4, 346 pound nose tackle who was McCoy’s teammate last year in Carolina. For too long, Dallas was content with spending the bare minimum at the 1-tech position, utilizing stopgaps and out-of-position players Collins and Hill to take reps at nose tackle. Poe may be a mercenary himself, but he’s a space eater with a successful track record that the team likely would’ve avoided under Garrett. There’s also chance under McCarthy that Dallas will actually draft a NT prospect before Day 3 of the 2020 draft, adding even more mass to a stable that includes McCoy, Poe, Antwaun Woods, and Hill.

Safety

Another position seemingly neglected under Garrett was safety, a hot-button topic amongst circles less than thrilled with the coverage skills of players like Jeff Heath and Barry Church. Dallas almost had an aversion to signing safeties in free agency and upgrading the position, even despite their very public flirtations with Earl Thomas that stretched over two seasons.

HaHa Clinton-Dix has his own flaws, but bringing him on represents another shift in priorities, and he’s coming off a very solid season as a member of Chicago’s strong secondary. A free-roaming ballhawk, Clinton-Dix owns 16 career interceptions over his first six seasons, a welcome sign for a team that continually ranks near the bottom each year in terms of total interceptions. The signing reunites Clinton-Dix with McCarthy, who coached him in Green Bay from 2014 – 2018, and also with Amari Cooper, who were both members on Alabama’s 2012 National Championship winning team.

Kicker

Despite bringing back K Kai Forbath, who was perfect on field goal attempts down the stretch in 2019, the Cowboys set up an intriguing competition this upcoming training camp between him and Greg Zurelein, the longtime Rams kicker who was recently signed. Many were essentially begging the Cowboys to bring on competition for Brett Maher during his time in Dallas, a frustrating run that maybe best highlights how Garrett’s insistence on sticking with certain players eventually costs the team.

While the optics of rostering two kickers seems puzzling, the Cowboys will surely only keep one come the start of the regular season. The minimal guaranteed money involved with both deals makes it easy to walk away from either player, and signals that Dallas is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to rectifying last season’s special teams debacles.

Compared to last season’s external free agency class (Randall Cobb, Kerry Hyder, Christian Covington, and George Iloka), the players already brought in by the Cowboys represent significantly greater investments, and will likely be counted on for bigger roles for 2020. Whether or not the moves ultimately pan out remains to be seen, but it’s still encouraging to see the new staff open to improving areas many have clamored for as needing help.

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