Dallas City News

Cowboys on Lamb’s work ethic: ‘He’s getting ready’ – Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com

Dallas knows that CeeDee Lamb is doing everything to be prepared for the season.

“[The absence] doesn’t matter right now,” said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer ahead of the start of voluntary OTAs. “CeeDee’s a pro. He’s going to know what to do. I know Dak and the guys have some communication with him.

“We know he’s taking care of business, and when he gets back here, we’ll certainly be able to find ways to get him the ball.”

Speaking of Prescott, the All-Pro quarterback addressed the situation at the 2024 Reliant Home Run Derby in early May, carrying the same energy as Schottenheimer’s eventual response.

“We’re roommates all of July, so if that’s the case, that’ll be fine,” he said. “No worries. I know what he’s doing. I know how he’s preparing.

“… All confidence in the way he’s preparing and how he’s doing.”

It’s a sentiment carried by everyone who knows Lamb.

“That guy is one of the hardest working guys that I’ve ever been around,” said wide receivers’ coach Robert Prince. “We know that even though he’s not here, and we’d love for him to be here, he’s putting in his work and he’s getting ready.”

ESPN analyst boldly predicts Dallas Cowboys won’t make NFL playoffs – Randy Gurzi, Fan Nation

Ryan Clark of ESPN didn’t hold back about the Cowboys outlook in 2024.

Get Up! host Mike Greenberg said the team plays six of its last nine games at home, which could allow for a strong push into the playoffs. Clark disagrees with this sentiment, saying Dallas might already be out of the race by then.

Greenberg then asked if the Cowboys were better or worse than last year. The consensus among the panel was worse, and Clark took that chance to double-down on his playoff take while ripping them for their inactivity in the offseason.

“This team won the East last year. They’re not going to win the East this year. That’s a worse team. And they probably won’t make the playoffs, if you ask me.”

– Ryan Clark, on ESPN’s Get Up

Can Dallas Cowboys’ savior be this old-school coach that wants things done his way? – Clarence Hill, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The addition of Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator might be the biggest offseason move for Dallas.

Mike Zimmer doesn’t see himself as a savior. Or even the prodigal son returning home save the family.

But there is no other way to look at it after an offseason in which the Dallas Cowboys did next to nothing to improve the roster — signing only one sure starter in linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency — and are heading into a season in which the future of the franchise hangs in the balance.

Coach Mike McCarthy is in the last year of his contract with a charge of going deep in the playoffs to keep his job. Quarterback Dak Prescott, coming off the finest season of his career, is faced with the prospect of proving himself in the postseason to get a contract extension.

And what everyone is counting on to make the biggest difference on a team that finished a third straight 12-5 season with a unconscionable no-show effort in the playoffs is the addition of Zimmer as defensive coordinator in place of the departed Dan Quinn.

Cowboys receiver situation isn’t as grim as some previous years – Jess Haynie, Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys have some nice pieces to work with at wide receiver.

For one, Lamb has ascended to the Mt. Rushmore of current NFL receivers. Nobody in 2018 could come close to him, and even the 2022 version of Lamb was still developing. Now as dominant as they come, Lamb’s presence alone makes life so much easier for his quarterback and fellow receivers with all of the attention he commands. The trickle-down effect is a huge boon for this year’s offense.

Next, a lot of people seem to be underrating Brandin Cooks as his sidekick. While Cooks’ totals from last year were not great, he got off to a slow start with a sprained knee that limited him early. He scored five touchdowns over Dallas’ last seven games and was clearly earning Dak Prescott’s trust in pressure moments. He does turn 31 in September, which is rightfully concerning, but once he got healthy last year there was no indication of decline from age. There’s good reason to think a second year in the system will only make him more effective in 2024.

Even if you’re good with Lamb and Cooks, the depth is where some are taking exception. Jalen Tolbert’s claim to the WR3 role, seemingly by default right now, might make you nervous. But while we haven’t seen much of Tolbert yet, he’s a former third-round pick entering his third season. Last year he was buried behind veterans, including Gallup early on as the team tried to let him work through the ongoing knee issues. Yes, the team is once again putting faith in one of their homegrown assets. But this is a logical progression given his experience and draft pedigree; you have to see what these kids really have at some point.

A couple of other depth options have the potential to do more this year, too. Jalen Brooks impressed coaches as a seventh-round rookie last year and should get more work. KaVontae Turpin, who should make the roster for special teams alone, may finally earn more offensive snaps. And who knows what the likes of Ryan Flournoy, Jalen Cropper, or David Durden might do to surprise us? We don’t need these guys to be the next Miles Austin; just another Cedrick Wilson would do nicely. Thankfully, multiple options give the Cowboys a few spins at the wheel.

QB coach on Dak “teaching ropes” to Lance – Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com

Dak Prescott is showing what a team leader is all about.

Dak Prescott has been on both sides of the table when it comes to being a young quarterback, learning from the established vet.

Eight years ago, Dak was the rookie trying to learn the ropes and he was eventually thrown into action right away after an injury to Tony Romo.

While the Cowboys are hoping that won’t be the case for Trey Lance this year, they definitely want him to play a lot in the preseason.

Cowboys quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien was asked about the way Dak can help Lance this offseason.

“He’s been great. He goes out of his way on a play that maybe he has a long history with, he can teach him some of the nuances with (Lance),” Tolzien said. “Beyond that, teach him the ropes – things that he’s used in the past for him, both fundamentally and approach-wise. I’m really lucky that we have a really good quarterback room and guys help each other out and it’s really natural and makes my job easier.”