Dallas, TX
5 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys OTAs/minicamp practices
And on to training camp we go. With organized team activities (OTAs) and all minicamp practices in the books, the Dallas Cowboys won’t meet up on the field again until they report to Oxnard, California for training camp in the latter part of July.
Thus far everything we’ve heard coming out of practices is encouraging, from the new coaching staff to the roster they’ve managed to put together. The only negative seems to be Micah Parsons’ ongoing contract negotiations, which will hopefully come to an end sometime soon.
Today, we’re sharing some of the takeaways from OTAs and minicamp for the Cowboys.
Brian Schottenheimer’s culture creating renewed energy
One thing we continuously keep hearing throughout OTAs and minicamp is the energy level is at an all-time high due to the culture Brian Schottenheimer has created in Dallas. Whether it’s the friendly competition inside the locker room playing a game of ping-pong or on the practice field, players are buying into this culture and basking in the positivity. We can only hope this renewed energy continues moving forward.
Micah Parsons shows up amidst contract negotiations
Frustration could possibly be mounting for Micah Parsons with his contract negotiations still ongoing seeing as it has the potential to turn into something ugly, but to his credit he showed up to Dallas’ mandatory minicamp in spite of it all. The situation will continue to be one of the top storylines until it isn’t. Hopefully this all gets resolved sooner or later, but Parsons showing up is at the very least a good sign he’s taking his leadership role seriously.
George Pickens, Kaiir Elam fitting in nicely
If MVP awards were handed out in OTAs and minicamp, George Pickens would receive the nomination on the offensive side of the ball and Kaiir Elam for the defense. It doesn’t matter these two are the new kids on the block after arriving via trade, both of them have been the talk of offseason practices thus far and both look like they could be impact players for the Cowboys in 2025. Hopefully they can continue to build on this and carry it into the season.
RBs will be more involved in the passing game
If OTAs and minicamp is any indication, Brian Schottenheimer’s offense will have the running backs much more involved in the passing game than they have in years past under Mike McCarthy. It still remains to be seen how the RB rotation will work out for the Cowboys this season, but their receiving ability should make the passing game much more diverse and has the potential to give opposing defenses nightmares.
Brevyn Spann-Ford gets look with starters
It may be nothing, but after an impressive offseason and OTAs, second-year TE Brevyn Spann-Ford received some reps with the starters in minicamp before ultimately rotating with the second- and third-team offense. Word is he looks bigger and stronger. Getting work with the starters indicates he could play an expanded role in 2025 after playing in all 17 games last year as a rookie. This could be important with Jake Ferguson entering a contract year.
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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