Training Points: Physical Goal Line Session

FRISCO, Texas – Day 6 is in the books.

Friday was already the sixth practice of this 2020 training camp and the fourth in pads. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said Friday morning that the first preseason game usually takes place after nine practices. So while they won’t be playing any preseason games, the Cowboys are quickly approaching that point in their facility.

The team left on Saturday before another practice on Sunday. Here are a few notes to guide you there.

• The name of Friday’s game was the red zone and the goal line. When offense and defense came together, they did the vast majority of their work near the end zone. The focus was on goal-line runs and blocking assignments, with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard receiving many touches near the goal line. It’s hard to judge the tackle in these situations, but it was encouraging to see that the attack put the ball in the end zone much more often than not.
• The 7v7 practice period was also held in the red zone, which provided many opportunities for highlights. There have been several impressive touchdowns, including an over-the-head touchdown from Devin Smith. Blake Jarwin also had a nice footwork to get both feet down to the back of the end zone. The capture may be prohibited, but the visiting officials decided to touch down after the representative.
• 7v7 saw the defense pick up victories, however. Trevon Diggs made a good play to smash a ball intended for Michael Gallup in the back of the end zone. And Daryl Worley read Dak Prescott’s eyes on a flat ball, walking past her for what would have easily been a pick-six.
• For the second day in a row, the coaching staff put a heavy workload on rookie running backs Rico Dowdle and Darius Anderson. At one point during the team period, Dowdle took four straight races. Shortly thereafter, Anderson touched the ball five times in six reps. If the goal was to see what newbies can do, they both seem to have some pop. Dowdle has impressive footwork, which got him out of a tackle for a touchdown on the goal line. As for Anderson, it makes sense that his nickname is “Jet”. On the occasions he was able to enter open space, his speed was evident.