Week 2 of the 2018 season’s OTA’s is officially over! So naturally, we sat down with football analyst Bryan Broaddus from DallasCowboys.com again to get the scoop on all that went down! Read up on all there is to know as the countdown to the season continues!
Here are some of the topics we discussed that you cannot live without!
A difference structurally between week 1 and week 2 of OTA’s (Organized Team Activities)?
- The rookies are now more acclimated to what’s going on which allows them to add a little bit more to each practice. For example, they’ve added more plays and snaps to Tavon Austin’s (acquired from the Rams) practices which allows the coaches to figure out where exactly he fits in the system. So, while the structure may not change, they continually add more and more and see what the boys can handle as they eventually head to Training Camp.
Jaylon Smith
- Despite a not-so-welcoming return from his knee injury last year, in the fact that many thought it was too rushed, he’s continuing to adjust now. He’s still trying to get back to where he was back in Notre Dame pre-injury, but now, once he gets his lateral movement back, he’ll be just about 100% or more!
A Little Seasoning
- OTA’s allow you to get the veterans up to speed, especially with all the new wrinkles coming up (new coaches, new players, lost players, etc.). There are a lot of young guys having to play starting spots. For example, Connor Williams is seated in the starting position at left guard. He’s also positioned in between two Pro Bowl players (Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick). Although the coaches know what to expect from the veterans for the most part, they can’t rest them too much because they need to see how the rookies and all the new players fit into the puzzle.
Connor Williams
- Wondering how he’s been doing in that new left guard spot? Same. According to Broaddus, sometimes it’s difficult to see how rookies adjust to the new system but with Connor Williams, it’s been easy to see how he fits in and he’s been fitting in well! His athleticism, weight, and agility is outstanding and you can really see how swiftly he’s moving.
Filling in the Holes
- Who’s been filling in that Tight End spot? Right now, it’s Geoff Swaim. He has the experience (having played 3 seasons) but doesn’t have a lot of catches. Blake Jarwin has also been seen filling in this role. And also Dalton Shultz has been getting some good looks! Though Swaim has had the most experience thus far, they’re not taking away opportunities for other players (Rico Gathers and David Wells) to step up to the plate.
Watch the video below for the full interview and hear what Broaddus had to say about Zack Martin, Darius Jackson, and more!
The post Starting with 90, Ending with 53: OTA’s Week 2 Recap appeared first on 5 Points Blue.