Dallas, TX
4 offensive and defensive players Cowboys need to step up in training camp
From established starters to players expected to take on a more significant role in 2024, there is no shortage of things to watch as training camp for the Dallas Cowboys gets underway in Oxnard, California.
While it’s fun to watch the starters reprise their roles from a season ago and settle in, it’s even more interesting to keep an eye on the ones who are expected to step up and make more of an impact than they have in the past with the organization, or that are rookies who are being counted on right away.
Today, we are going to take a look at a handful of players to watch on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball who need to step up their game in training camp.
DEFENSE
DT Mazi Smith
Just about anyway you look at it, Mazi Smith’s rookie season was a disappointment last year. The former first-round pick had minimal impact in the middle of Dallas’ defensive front a season ago, but despite that he is expected to take a significant step forward entering his sophomore season. Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme relies pretty heavily on a space-eating, run-stopper and needs Smith to prove he’s that player in training camp.
DE Sam Williams
With both Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler following Dan Quinn to Washington in free agency, a lot more is expected of Sam Williams heading into his third season with the Cowboys. Up until this point of his career he’s really only showed flashes of his potential, but now has the opportunity to shine in what is expected to be a much bigger defensive role behind DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Consistency will be key for him.
CB Caelen Carson
In Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Jourdan Lewis the Cowboys have a really good trio at cornerback heading into the 2024 season. What they don’t have though is a reliable backup on the outside or in the slot. Caelen Carson has that inside/out versatility and is probably currently the favorite to emerge as the CB4 on the depth chart, but will need a strong training camp/preseason to lockdown that important job.
LB DeMarvion Overshown
Despite his rookie season being cut short abruptly due to a season-ending knee injury in the second preseason game last year, big things are expected from DeMarvion Overshown this year. He looks noticeably bigger and stronger entering training camp and is expected to push for a starting job in 2024. If he can hit the ground running he should help solidify the LB position.
OFFENSE
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OC Cooper Beebe
Despite never playing a single snap at center during his time at Kansas State, Cooper Beebe is expected to replace Tyler Biadasz as the Cowboys new starting OC as a rookie in 2024. Being sandwiched between Zack Martin and Tyler Smith will certainly help transition to a new position, but from setting up the pre-snap adjustments to snapping the ball he still has a lot to learn in training camp.
LT Tyler Guyton
There may not be another player on the Cowboys entire roster who needs to step up in training camp more than Tyler Guyton. Dallas really needs to get the 29th overall pick in the first-round this year up to speed as quickly as possible as their new blindside protector. Replacing someone like Tyron Smith won’t be easy, but the Cowboys season probably depends on how well he performs in his rookie year.
WR Jalen Tolbert
Jalen Tolbert is the favorite to win the WR3 job behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks right now, but will really need to step up his game in training camp to hold off his competitors. The opportunity has never been better for him to be a key factor in Dallas’ aerial attack. He’ll need to build a rapport with QB Dak Prescott to prove he can be a consistent and reliable weapon in training camp to secure the WR3 job.
TE Luke Schoonmaker
The main thing Luke Schoonmaker needs to do in training camp is to get healthy and stay that way. Injuries hampered his development and production last season and if that carries over into Year 2, he could find himself losing his TE2 job. If he can put his health issues behind him that alone should elevate his game and potentially help him become a bigger factor in the Cowboys offensive game plan in 2024.
Dallas, TX
Petar Musa’s Brace Not Enough as FC Dallas Draws LA Galaxy 2-2
For a moment, it looked like FC Dallas was on its way to another statement win at home tonight.
Petar Musa scored two first half goals, to extend his Golden Boot leading tally to nine goals. But after Dallas grabbed control, the Galaxy found a way back before halftime with goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil.
The second half brought more chances and more frustration for Dallas, which finished the night with 13 shots to LA’s nine. In the end, the point stretched Dallas’ unbeaten run to five games, though just like last week, it felt like another match where Dallas left points on the table.
Key Moments
7’ – GOAL! After a poor pass back by a LA defender, Petar Musa was free to go one-on-one with the LA goalkeeper. After a touch to get ahead of a defender, Musa slotted home his eighth goal of the season from outside the penalty box.
21’ – Offside! Joaquin Valiente sent a floating ball over the Galaxy defense, where Musa was able to get behind the defense and make an easy play for what appeared to be his second goal of the night. The play was called offside despite a fairly lengthy review period.
38’ – GOAL! This one counts! Musa gets his second of the night off a great ball from Chris Cappis. Logan Farrington picked off the ball in the midfield. He then played Cappis wide to the left of the penalty area. Cappis immediately played a ball back across the goal for Musa to slide in and finish for his ninth of the season.
43’ – Goal LA. Lucas Sanabria got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He took a couple of touches to get outside the penalty box before firing a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the near post.
45+4’ – Goal LA. Gabriel Pec got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He pulled the ball back a bit, which caught a pair of Dallas defenders. This allowed Joseph Painstil to get free behind the Dallas defense as Pec played him through inside the penalty area. Pec immediately smashed home a shot above Collodi to tie the game.
75’ – Another offside goal. This time on a corner kick for Dallas, after a scrum in the penalty box, Kaick hammered home what looked to be the go-ahead goal. But after a few seconds the flag was raised due to a deflection on Osaze Urhoghide, who was in an offside position.
Instant Reaction
Yeah, this is another disappointing result for this team. In a real way, it felt like the first half against Houston from last month. Dallas grabbed the lead, looked in control, but some defensive miscues opened the game up for the visitors to climb back.
With a double-game week coming up, this will certainly be another game where Dallas will wonder ‘what if’ more than anything else…especially when you factor in the two goals called off for offside.
About the Subs
Eric Quill went to his bench for the first time in the 66th minute, as he brought on Santiago Moreno for Logan Farrington. Quill went to his bench again 81st minute with Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris coming on for Sebastien Ibeagha and Deedson. The final sub came during stoppage time with Herman Johansson and Joaquin Valiente coming off for Sam Sarver and rookie Nick Simmonds, who made his MLS debut.
Man of the Match
No question about it tonight, it has to be Musa.
Where does this fit into the season
As of this writing, the draw puts Dallas into a three-way tie for 5th place with Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Both are in action right now and look firmly in control of their games. I’d expect Dallas to be in 7th place by the end of the night.
What’s next for FC Dallas
Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand next Wednesday night as they host Minnesota United.
Dallas, TX
Akheem Mesidor selected by Cowboys by Blogging The Boys in SB Nation’s community mock draft
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Pass rush has been an issue since the Micah Parsons trade. The Rashan Gary trade helped, but Dallas still needs an injection of talent. Akheem Mesidor fits here because his body size allows for some versatility inside and out, something DC Christian Parker utilizes. Mesidor is also a high-motor player with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
His last season at Miami was full of disruption in the offensive backfield and he shows an all-around game, not just a bend-around-the-edge pass rusher. Yes, he’s a little older than you’d like in a rookie (25), but his motor, pass rush toolbox, and ability to play the run matches up with a need and makes him a quality pick at number 20.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Hosting Public Safety Response Symposium
The City of Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight is hosting a Public Safety Response Symposium to connect residents with public safety leaders. Here’s how to participate on May 9.
The Dallas Police Department posted to social media about the event on Friday afternoon. The post states, “Join public safety leaders for an inside look at how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled and how resources are deployed across Dallas.”
The symposium will be held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, 1403 Washington St., fro 11 a.m.-noon on May 9. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
Topics for the symposium include:
- How 911 calls are handled and dispatched
- How DPD uses specialized units and technology to improve response times
- When to use 311 for non-emergency services
- How crisis and behavioral health teams collaborate through alternative response strategies
There will also be a community Q&A forum where residents can engage directly with public safety leaders. Moderation will be provided.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will offer the opening remarks. Featured speakers include 911 Communications Center Assistant Director Robert Uribe; Major of Police Anthony Greer; 311 Senior Outreach Specialist Stephen Walker; and Emergency Management & Crisis Response Director Kevin Oden.
When it comes to parking: Enter through Gate 2 and drive straight to the Pan Am Gate, and continue to the Briscoe Center (located on the left).
RSVP for the Public Safety Response Symposium here.
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