Practice Points: Thursday's quick observations

[Rockport]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-thursday-s-quick-observations

• All In the 'Rist: Marist Liufau is facing one of, if not the, most pivotal offseason in his entire football career, at any level. The former Notre Dame star has been moved from inside linebacker to the outside, forcing him to learn a new position entirely. But it appears Christian Parker doesn't want him to forget his roots, so when I saw Liufau start a play at inside LB, drop down to outside LB and then drop out to inside LB as the MIKE post-snap (this was all in the same play, by the way), it tells me something special is on the stove there. - (Patrik Walker)
• On a '*Rant:* A lot is being discussed when it comes to the Cowboys' cornerbacks room, but it's often the health of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel taking center stage. On Day 2 of practice, although Bland had an exceptional PBU that tells me his foot is just fine, I found myself watching Cobie Durant closely. I have to say just how impressed I truly was. He was glued to his receiver's hip regardless of the route or double move, refusing to take the cheese and making life difficult for WRs on every one of his reps.

• 4-2-88: The middle of the field has been friendly grounds for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to connect over the years, and the same was true on Thursday's practice. Lamb was open on several occasions, and Prescott found him each time, allowing Lamb to turn the corner and finish plays that would've gone for chunk gains. Prescott was also able to get Jonathan Mingo involved in the middle of the field for a big gain, as Mingo fights for a spot on the 53-man roster. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Adding Spice: After saying he's feeling better than he did following his first foot surgery, Cowboys CB DaRon Bland had a strong practice highlighted by jumping a quick short route and breaking up a pass intended for Brevyn Spann-Ford. From there, you didn't notice Bland too much, which is never a bad thing for defensive backs because it means they're not getting picked on. Bland said Wednesday that his reps would be limited as he gets back into playing shape, but made the most of the work he saw on Thursday. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Sam's Club: Sam Williams has a big opportunity in front of him this year and he looked rather dominant during the team drills. On two straight plays, he showed the variety of skill set the Cowboys have always admired from Williams, who ran stride for stride with running back Dominic Richardson on a wheel route down the field, and then stuffed the same running back in the hole on the next play. Also, Williams lived in the backfield, creating all kinds of pressure rushing from the left side. – (Nick Eatman)

• Down & Up: Interesting day for receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a couple of drops so far this camp, including one early in Thursday's practice. However, MVS came back with a highlight grab over the middle, snatching a pass during a crossing route that turned into a big game. The veteran is fighting for reps with a lot of the younger receivers, all trying to claim either the fifth or sixth spot, assuming the top four receiving positions are locked in with Lamb, Pickens, Flournoy and Turpin. – (Nick Eatman)

If you’re fighting for the 5th or 6th WR spot, you can’t drop ANY passes.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

It would be nice if CP could you unlock Sam Williams talents while incarcerating his bonehead mistakes.

 

[jazzcat22]

It would be nice if CP could you unlock Sam Williams talents while Incarcerating his bonehead mistakes.

I feel Willam’s will surprise many fans and media people in a good way.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

When all is said and done I wonder if Liufau will end up back at inside LB full time. I thought he was coming into his own in 2024 and in 2025 Eberflus never gave him a chance because he had "his" guys in Sanborn and Murray.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

It would be nice if CP could you unlock Sam Williams talents while incarcerating his bonehead mistakes.

Sam Williams will have a career season .........just watch

 

[HungryLion]

When all is said and done I wonder if Liufau will end up back at inside LB full time. I thought he was coming into his own in 2024 and in 2025 Eberflus never gave him a chance because he had "his" guys in Sanborn and Murray.

That would be a welcome
Surprise if he becomes a player.

 

[stilltheguru]

I'd bet liafau makes the team.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Dak and Cee Dee cooking, apparently QB1 did not forget the Lamb sauce

 

[Kwyn]

it will be hilarious to see the contortions on this board to get on the Sam Williams bandwagon after last season.

I know one person who won’t. Maryquality called it.

 

[CWR]

Sam Williams will have a career season .........just watch

If you can predict that, you can predict his inevitable franchise tag to follow.

 

[4lifecowboy]

When all is said and done I wonder if Liufau will end up back at inside LB full time. I thought he was coming into his own in 2024 and in 2025 Eberflus never gave him a chance because he had "his" guys in Sanborn and Murray.

I believe Walker was alluding that Liufau may have an opportunity to play a bigger role than he first believed.

 

[MarcusRock]

If you’re fighting for the 5th or 6th WR spot, you can’t drop ANY passes.

But your text said that he turned one catch into a big game. Never heard of another receiver ever doing that. That'll stand out.

 

[gimmesix]

It would be nice if CP could you unlock Sam Williams talents while incarcerating his bonehead mistakes.

Questions I would have is who was the offensive lineman across from Williams. Obviously, the running back is someone who might not even make the team. And these are non-padded practices, which favor players who can win with speed.

I mean, I'd love to see Williams unlocked, but observations like these don't give us a lot of context. The only thing we know in context is that he ran with an undrafted rookie running back and stuffed an undrafted rookie running back in the hole.

I tend to pay more attention to the CB-WR battles during the early part of practice because that is more about escapeability and stickiness. Those things transfer over to win the pads are on.

 

[conner01]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-thursday-s-quick-observations

• All In the 'Rist: Marist Liufau is facing one of, if not the, most pivotal offseason in his entire football career, at any level. The former Notre Dame star has been moved from inside linebacker to the outside, forcing him to learn a new position entirely. But it appears Christian Parker doesn't want him to forget his roots, so when I saw Liufau start a play at inside LB, drop down to outside LB and then drop out to inside LB as the MIKE post-snap (this was all in the same play, by the way), it tells me something special is on the stove there. - (Patrik Walker)
• On a '*Rant:* A lot is being discussed when it comes to the Cowboys' cornerbacks room, but it's often the health of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel taking center stage. On Day 2 of practice, although Bland had an exceptional PBU that tells me his foot is just fine, I found myself watching Cobie Durant closely. I have to say just how impressed I truly was. He was glued to his receiver's hip regardless of the route or double move, refusing to take the cheese and making life difficult for WRs on every one of his reps.

• 4-2-88: The middle of the field has been friendly grounds for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to connect over the years, and the same was true on Thursday's practice. Lamb was open on several occasions, and Prescott found him each time, allowing Lamb to turn the corner and finish plays that would've gone for chunk gains. Prescott was also able to get Jonathan Mingo involved in the middle of the field for a big gain, as Mingo fights for a spot on the 53-man roster. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Adding Spice: After saying he's feeling better than he did following his first foot surgery, Cowboys CB DaRon Bland had a strong practice highlighted by jumping a quick short route and breaking up a pass intended for Brevyn Spann-Ford. From there, you didn't notice Bland too much, which is never a bad thing for defensive backs because it means they're not getting picked on. Bland said Wednesday that his reps would be limited as he gets back into playing shape, but made the most of the work he saw on Thursday. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Sam's Club: Sam Williams has a big opportunity in front of him this year and he looked rather dominant during the team drills. On two straight plays, he showed the variety of skill set the Cowboys have always admired from Williams, who ran stride for stride with running back Dominic Richardson on a wheel route down the field, and then stuffed the same running back in the hole on the next play. Also, Williams lived in the backfield, creating all kinds of pressure rushing from the left side. – (Nick Eatman)

• Down & Up: Interesting day for receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a couple of drops so far this camp, including one early in Thursday's practice. However, MVS came back with a highlight grab over the middle, snatching a pass during a crossing route that turned into a big game. The veteran is fighting for reps with a lot of the younger receivers, all trying to claim either the fifth or sixth spot, assuming the top four receiving positions are locked in with Lamb, Pickens, Flournoy and Turpin. – (Nick Eatman)

If you’re fighting for the 5th or 6th WR spot, you can’t drop ANY passes.

So true. But you also need to contribute on ST to even be active on subdays. I don’t know if he can do that

 

[Hawkeye0202]

If you can predict that, you can predict his inevitable franchise tag to follow.

Better than that........how about a 3-year extension (lol)

 

[Carson]

Been telling people Durant is a dawg man! Going to be our best signing

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I don't think Williams will compete for a starting spot, but he's primed for a productive season given that he's now two years post injury and playing on a one-year deal. Folks can hate on him but he's a core playmaking special teamer for us.

 

[Rockport]

But your text said that he turned one catch into a big game. Never heard of another receiver ever doing that. That'll stand out.

Gonna need more of those.

 

[nate dizzle]

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/practice-points-thursday-s-quick-observations

• All In the 'Rist: Marist Liufau is facing one of, if not the, most pivotal offseason in his entire football career, at any level. The former Notre Dame star has been moved from inside linebacker to the outside, forcing him to learn a new position entirely. But it appears Christian Parker doesn't want him to forget his roots, so when I saw Liufau start a play at inside LB, drop down to outside LB and then drop out to inside LB as the MIKE post-snap (this was all in the same play, by the way), it tells me something special is on the stove there. - (Patrik Walker)
• On a '*Rant:* A lot is being discussed when it comes to the Cowboys' cornerbacks room, but it's often the health of DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel taking center stage. On Day 2 of practice, although Bland had an exceptional PBU that tells me his foot is just fine, I found myself watching Cobie Durant closely. I have to say just how impressed I truly was. He was glued to his receiver's hip regardless of the route or double move, refusing to take the cheese and making life difficult for WRs on every one of his reps.
• 4-2-88: The middle of the field has been friendly grounds for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to connect over the years, and the same was true on Thursday's practice. Lamb was open on several occasions, and Prescott found him each time, allowing Lamb to turn the corner and finish plays that would've gone for chunk gains. Prescott was also able to get Jonathan Mingo involved in the middle of the field for a big gain, as Mingo fights for a spot on the 53-man roster. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Adding Spice: After saying he's feeling better than he did following his first foot surgery, Cowboys CB DaRon Bland had a strong practice highlighted by jumping a quick short route and breaking up a pass intended for Brevyn Spann-Ford. From there, you didn't notice Bland too much, which is never a bad thing for defensive backs because it means they're not getting picked on. Bland said Wednesday that his reps would be limited as he gets back into playing shape, but made the most of the work he saw on Thursday. - (Tommy Yarrish)
• Sam's Club: Sam Williams has a big opportunity in front of him this year and he looked rather dominant during the team drills. On two straight plays, he showed the variety of skill set the Cowboys have always admired from Williams, who ran stride for stride with running back Dominic Richardson on a wheel route down the field, and then stuffed the same running back in the hole on the next play. Also, Williams lived in the backfield, creating all kinds of pressure rushing from the left side. – (Nick Eatman)
• Down & Up: Interesting day for receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a couple of drops so far this camp, including one early in Thursday's practice. However, MVS came back with a highlight grab over the middle, snatching a pass during a crossing route that turned into a big game. The veteran is fighting for reps with a lot of the younger receivers, all trying to claim either the fifth or sixth spot, assuming the top four receiving positions are locked in with Lamb, Pickens, Flournoy and Turpin. – (Nick Eatman)

If you’re fighting for the 5th or 6th WR spot, you can’t drop ANY passes.

Oh thank God, I thought there may have been something bad in this report.

 

[Gambit]

Marist Liufau is facing one of, if not the, most pivotal offseason in his entire football career, at any level. The former Notre Dame star has been moved from inside linebacker to the outside, forcing him to learn a new position entirely. But it appears Christian Parker doesn't want him to forget his roots, so when I saw Liufau start a play at inside LB, drop down to outside LB and then drop out to inside LB as the MIKE post-snap (this was all in the same play, by the way), it tells me something special is on the stove there. - (Patrik Walker)

Good point, maybe under rated point by Patrick Walker here. And really has zero to so with Marist but more aboit how this defence is going to shift and morph from what they originally show.