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For the first time since the end of their playoff run, the entire Dallas roster is going to be on the practice field.
We finally get to see some hints of what the Dallas Cowboys really have for the 2015 season today with the first session of the organized team activities, or OTAs as we all usually refer to them. These nine days of practice over the three weeks are very restricted by the terms of the CBA, so the emphasis is on hints, not hard information. As our own One Cool Customer so clearly laid out in his news post yesterday, this part of the offseason is more about teaching than anything else.
OTA's and mini-camps are where 75-80% of the playbook is installed. The idea behind the install is that when the players arrive for training camp at the end of July, all the basic schemes have already been installed, and the players can concentrate on competing. During camp, coordinators will look to install the remainder of the playbook and in the latter half of camp preparation for the season opener against the Giants will begin.
With that in mind, we'll start our recap of a very slow Cowboys news day with a some looks at what the OTAs might hold.
Sean Lee, RBs, Greg Hardy Highlight Upcoming OTAs Storylines | Dallas Cowboys
Some players to watch during the sessions that are open to the media are Greg Hardy, Sean Lee, and Darren McFadden. But there are very serious limitations to what can be done, and as might be expected, head coach Jason Garrett has a very clear approach for the team to follow.
"Everyone's excited to get started and do football, but you have to practice smart," Garrett said. "One of the things we talk to our players about all the time is, given the new collective bargaining agreement, you don't have that many full-padded practices. So, the teams that learn how to practice in helmets and jerseys really are the teams that are the best teams in this league. Because this is how we practice many more times than not.
"So, we have to do a great job teaching tempo and convincing our players about the type of tempo we want to practice with. There's a sense of urgency. There's a pace for these types of events."
One thing to keep in mind: Unless the practices are moved inside AT&T Stadium, they will be on soggy fields. For those who don't live in the Dallas area, there has been record setting rain the past month, and more is expected during the next week or two, at least. Expect the team to take extra care when things are slippery.
Scout’s Eye: Breaking Down The Dallas Offense Ahead Of OTAs | Dallas Cowboys
Obviously there are some interesting competitions at running back and along the offensive line to watch, especially with Doug Free still rehabbing from injury, but one camp battle that may have very big implications for the future will be going on among the backups to Tony Romo.
The biggest question is what do they have in Dustin Vaughan? My expectation is that this front office and coaching staff are going to work to find out. The only other quarterback that was added to the roster was undrafted free agent Jameill Showers - so it will be up to Vaughan to see if he is once again backing up Tony Romo and Brandon Weeden, or if he can find a role behind just Romo. Look for Vaughan to get plenty of opportunities not only in these OTA practices but in training camp. The goal is to work on cleaning up his mechanics and becoming more confident as a leader.
Chris Whaley hopes Dallas Cowboys' time pays off
Defensive tackle Chris Whaley is one of the "red-shirt" players from last year who the Cowboys signed after the 2014 draft with the plan of stashing him on IR and seeing how he could develop. They have some hopes he could help replace Henry Melton. The parallels between the two are striking, with both going to the University of Texas as running backs but finishing their college careers as defensive tackles.
Maybe that's what Marinelli sees. It's what Whaley hopes to be, playing the same three-technique spot as Melton, who had five sacks last season for the Cowboys while coming back from a knee injury that kept him out of all but three games in 2013.
"That's where I feel more comfortable, and that's what Marinelli always talks about -- the under-tackle position," Whaley said. "That's the bread-winner right there. He feels confident about me playing that position, and that's all I've played, so I've got to come out and show it."
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