Cowboys kicking competition ratchets up at training camp

Monday marked the start of padded practices for the Cowboys’ training camp, which all the time brings with it an uptick in depth. Head coach Mike McCarthy gave the workforce a time without work Sunday, which meant gamers have been much more energized for Monday’s work.

It’s nonetheless very early on, however getting the pads on means we are able to get a greater thought of how people are performing in camp. Monday’s observe was noticeably quicker and extra aggressive than the earlier week’s. Here are a few of the most outstanding battles from the day.

Honorable Mentions

Dak Prescott vs Trevon Diggs

By all accounts, the Cowboys’ finest gamers have all been wanting sharp so far in training camp. That contains each Dak Prescott, who completed Monday’s observe hitting on 17 of his 23 passes, and Trevon Diggs, who’s already recorded an interception in camp.

Friendly competition between Prescott and Diggs solely guarantees to make every participant higher. They’re every a high participant on their respective aspect of the ball, and Dallas will want each to play like they did this previous season if 2022 goes to achieve success.

James Washington vs sturdiness

James Washington was the Cowboys’ solely actual free company signing at huge receiver this offseason, however he noticed little work in OTA’s as he was coping with a minor damage. Then, on the primary day of training camp, Washington got here up a bit hobbled after laying out for a catch. Washington survived that scare, however not yesterday’s. He will miss vital time.

This an unlucky flip of occasions for Washington – who was seeking to safe a beginning position in Dallas after fluctuating taking part in time in Pittsburgh – and it additionally hurts a Cowboys’ receiving corps that was already in flux after shedding two dependable veterans this offseason.

Jalen Tolbert vs KaVontae Turpin

Rookie receiver Jalen Tolbert is extensively anticipated to function as one of many Cowboys’ beginning wideouts this 12 months, however he’s additionally been getting some appears early on as a punt returner. So, too, has current addition KaVontae Turpin, contemporary off being named league MVP of the recently-concluded USFL season.

Last 12 months, punt return duties have been cut up between CeeDee Lamb and Cedrick Wilson. With Lamb getting into an much more outstanding position and Wilson now in Miami, somebody should step up for John Fassel. On Monday, it gave the impression to be a battle between Tolbert and Turpin for these duties.

Camp Battle of the Day: Jonathan Garibay vs Lirim Hajrullahu

After transferring on from Greg Zuerlein this offseason, the Cowboys are holding a competition between Lirim Hajrullahu and rookie Jonathan Garibay. Initially, most spectators believed this was Garibay’s job to lose, however Hajrullahu has appeared stable to start out camp.

On Monday, the competition between these two ramped up. For the primary time this training camp, McCarthy broke out the now-famous “mojo moments.” This time, it was a situation that was targeted on getting their two kickers to aim game-winning area targets.

During the “mojo moments,” Garibay missed each of his area aim makes an attempt, bouncing one off the goalpost. In stark distinction, Hajrullahu drilled each of his makes an attempt.

In addition to the “mojo moments,” Hajrullahu hit on seven of his eight area aim makes an attempt all through observe. Garibay once more fell brief, connecting on six of his eight makes an attempt. It’s nonetheless early, but it surely undoubtedly looks as if Hajrullahu is pulling out in entrance of this camp battle because the teaching workers tries to ramp up the depth.