Scout’s Eye: Clutch Throws; Better Catches
Saturday's practice was spirited, and Bryan Broaddus was on hand to fill his notebook with news and observations from the Cowboys' practice fields.
At the time, I thought the interception Dak Prescott threw in team period was just a terrible pass. After going back and reviewing it, Robert Quinn beat Cam Fleming clean and ended up bumping into Prescott's hand, which affected the flight of the ball coming out. Xavier Woods was outstanding tracking the ball from the middle of the field and did a heck of job securing the catch in front of a diving Jon'Vea Johnson. Something else to think about was that Prescott also had to deal with Dorance Armstrong, who had won on the twist stunt with Maliek Collins. Prescott just couldn't step up to make a full follow through.
The second bad interception of the practice was a prayer that Cooper Rush tried to force to Jalen Guyton. Like the interception for Xavier Woods, I thought it was a terrible decision and pass. What I didn't realize at the time was that Taco Charlton jumped offsides, so Rush was trying to take advantage of the situation and execute the "free play." Donovan Olumba was in perfect position to the inside of Guyton. Rush threw off his back foot while off balance and couldn't get enough on the ball to give the play a chance – thus, the interception by Olumba.
How good was the coverage by Kris Richard and Greg Jackson's secondary during 7-on-7? It was so good that without a pass rush Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush had to scramble just to keep plays alive, and even then they had trouble finding a receiver to get the ball to. There were several snaps where Prescott and Rush had no choice but to just unload the ball. In 16 total snaps across first, second and third string, the secondary allowed only four touchdowns. It was a struggle for the offense to get any type of rhythm during the period.
With no Amari Cooper (heel) and Randall Cobb (vet day) in the lineup, the majority of the offensive production was put on the shoulders of Michael Gallup -- and he delivered. Gallup was by far the most productive receiver on the field and it wasn't even close. Inside or outside, it didn't matter. Gallup was making plays. Where he has become especially effective is on those in-breaking routes. Gallup not only has the courage to go inside and snatch the ball, but he's also been able to turn up the field quickly to finish the play. There were several snaps where Prescott hit him on the move and you noticed an extra gear.
It wasn't an easy day for Dak Prescott, but what a clutch throw during the Compete Period in order to get his offense in field goal range for the win. Facing a double blitz up the middle, Prescott stood in there until the last possible moment with Leighton Vander Esch inches from his face. Prescott knew that Vander Esch wasn't going to lay him out, but the rush happened so quickly it was nice for Prescott to see him coming and get rid of the ball. He found an open Blake Jarwin, who made the reception on a driving Jeff Heath. It was great concentration by Jarwin to make the reception and get out of bounds.
Exceptional corner route by Jalen Guyton in order to freeze Donovan Wilson in place and give himself enough space to grab a touchdown catch. Treston Decoud passed Guyton off to Wilson, who was waiting for him in the back of the end zone. Guyton ran right at Wilson, who held his ground waiting for Guyton's next move. By the time that move was made, it was too late. Guyton was off to the corner and Wilson was in chase mode. Mike White delivered a perfect pass to Guyton, allowing him to get both feet down.
Great pressure by Chris Covington blitzing off the edge in order to force Cooper Rush to hold the ball that extra second longer. That little bit of time allowed Donovan Olumba the opportunity to read the route from Jon'Vea Johnson and break up the pass. This is just one example of the type of day that Olumba had, and with the way the other cornerbacks had been playing, he truly needed it.
With injuries to Zack Martin and Cody Wichmann, Jason Garrett mentioned that his club was a little short-handed at guard. Garrett also felt that the versatility of his line could allow him to move some guys around to different positions. At least for this practice, Brandon Knight was that guy. Knight had been lining up at tackle but kicked inside for some work. Through one practice he looked pretty natural in the way he handled the position. He was able to hold his own during the 1-on-1 pass rush drills and later during the team period. I believe when the group sits down and studies the tape at night they're going to be pleased with his work.
