OXNARD, Calif. – Following Thursday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame game, the Dallas Cowboys were back at it on Saturday. Dallas hosted a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams kept to a situational script during the scrimmage. During a two-hour span, both clubs competed in red zone drills, individual environments, seven-on-seven and advanced team periods. The first-team, nickel, and sub players got increased reps and the exhibition allowed a game-like simulation in terms of speed and matchups. The day certainly proved eventful. Here are some highlights from the meeting in California:
Maurice Canady’s interception
After opting out of the 2020 season, Maurice Canady has had his first offseason program with the Dallas Cowboys after signing with the team in March of last year. He has been one of the most impressive players throughout the offseason and his “ballhawk” skills once again flashed on Saturday in a highlight-worthy pick. In arguably the best play of the joint-scrimmage, Canady intercepted Matthew Stafford. As the play broke down, Canady’s momentum accelerated to the right, but the ball was thrown back to his left. Canady quickly threw on the brakes, jumped up and contorted his body to haul in the catch. He separated his upper body from his lower half and bent backward mid-air to make the diving catch from the opposite direction. An elite play that should not be overlooked. He has continued to turn heads and is building a strong case to become a starter in Dallas’ secondary.
Micah Parsons’ dominance
The rookie’s head may be spinning internally with a hefty workload in Dan Quinn’s system, but it is not evident on the field. Micah Parsons’ transition to the NFL has been seamless. Thus far, he has consistently made plays on the football from sideline-to-sideline. The Penn State star has been as good as advertised. During the joint practice on Saturday, Parsons broke up a pass from Matthew Strafford. He shadowed the receiver, anticipated where the ball would be, and disrupted the play. Coming out of college, Parsons was known for being a dynamic downhill player that attacked the line of scrimmage. The question regarding his game was coverage skills and throughout training camp, he has continued to silence the narrative with his instinctual play. As a pass rusher, he displayed his explosion off the edge on blitzes. No. 11 is a key part in Quinn’s rebuilt defensive unit and is just scratching the surface.
Michael Gallup’s ball skills
With Amari Cooper’s ankle status and CeeDee Lamb’s insane catches, Michael Gallup has been overlooked in the Cowboys’ receiving corps. On Saturday, he reminded fans what he is capable of. Gallup impressed with two touchdown catches during 11-on-11 drills. The second, Gallup worked over the top of Darious Williams on a fade route to haul in the catch at the back of the end zone. He displayed tremendous ball skills and body control. With his presence, Dallas has a lethal wide receiver trio. Gallup may be undervalued but must give credit where credit is due. Do not sleep on No. 13.
Connor Williams vs. Aaron Donald
The feistiness came out. Tempers flared and a scuffle ensued. In one-on-one reps, Cowboys’ Connor Williams and Rams’ Aaron Donald went against each other at the line of scrimmage. In a highly anticipated showdown, Williams won the initial matchup and the two linemen got tangled up after the following play, resulting in both players on the ground swinging. The wrestling match ended with both teams rushing to the middle of the field to break up the fight.
Williams transitioned between reps at center and left guard, receiving his first starting reps at center. His pass blocking improved down the stretch in 2020 and he has continued to progress throughout the offseason, drawing the attention of Mike McCarthy.
Garrett Gilbert’s progression
The team’s primary backup had another promising performance following his production against the Steelers just two days prior. Garrett Gilbert connected with multiple weapons for touchdowns during the red zone period, including CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup (twice) and Rico Dowdle. After the team’s inability to score against Pittsburgh, being able to capitalize inside the 10-yard line with several touchdowns was pivotal. Gilbert looked poised and the additional reps have helped spur his growth.
