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2:34 PM Tue, May 19, 2009 | Permalink
David Marcus
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Is there such a thing as a meaningless Cowboys practice? When it comes to Cowboy fans, probably not.
But just how much benefit do the OTA practices (Organized Team Activities) really provide in preparation for a season that is still four months away?
Coaches usually use OTA's to start forging the blueprint and gameplan for their upcoming season. But for some teams, OTA's are just a formality and a tiny prep course before training camp. For example, a veteran and championship Pittsburgh Steelers team doesn't need a lot of housekeeping during their offseason practices. Their plan for September is pretty well set, with the exception of rookie knowledge.
But the Cowboys are going through some major changes. Terrell Owens is no more. There's a new special teams coach in the house. New backup quarterback Jon Kitna must get adapted to his new team. And Jason Garrett must figure out a way to get touches for all his running backs.
And the memory of the Valley Ranch facility collapse is still very much fresh in everyone's minds.
That's why these OTA's are important for laying down the framework for what hopefully will be a revived Cowboys team. Coach Wade Phillips has promised more accountability this season. What better time to start than these early practices? Perhaps players will start to find out just how serious Wade is about his new attitude.
No matter what happens, it's never too early to see the Cowboys on the field.
David Marcus
Is there such a thing as a meaningless Cowboys practice? When it comes to Cowboy fans, probably not.
But just how much benefit do the OTA practices (Organized Team Activities) really provide in preparation for a season that is still four months away?
Coaches usually use OTA's to start forging the blueprint and gameplan for their upcoming season. But for some teams, OTA's are just a formality and a tiny prep course before training camp. For example, a veteran and championship Pittsburgh Steelers team doesn't need a lot of housekeeping during their offseason practices. Their plan for September is pretty well set, with the exception of rookie knowledge.
But the Cowboys are going through some major changes. Terrell Owens is no more. There's a new special teams coach in the house. New backup quarterback Jon Kitna must get adapted to his new team. And Jason Garrett must figure out a way to get touches for all his running backs.
And the memory of the Valley Ranch facility collapse is still very much fresh in everyone's minds.
That's why these OTA's are important for laying down the framework for what hopefully will be a revived Cowboys team. Coach Wade Phillips has promised more accountability this season. What better time to start than these early practices? Perhaps players will start to find out just how serious Wade is about his new attitude.
No matter what happens, it's never too early to see the Cowboys on the field.