Starting with 90, Ending with 53: OTA’s and Mini Camp Recap

The final week of 2018’s OTA’s and mini camp is officially over! So naturally, we sat down with football analyst Bryan Broaddus  from DallasCowboys.com once 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!

What is Mini Camp?

• The only difference between mini camp and OTAs (Organized Team Activities) is that mini camp is mandatory! The days (Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday) are the same and the practice schedule and structure will be extremely similar. Players will still be pad and contact free and now, because of the leading weeks, everyone will be a little more comfortable with each other and the system – the day is more season-like in the fact that there’s film work and meeting times.

What actually gets accomplished without pads considering football is a contact sport?

• Without pads, you get to really see everyone’s athleticism. Your first few steps are of the utmost importance because you can’t rely on leaping through the air and slamming your body into your opponent if you find yourself out of position. It holds the men accountable to the dynamics and importance of their footwork and really highlights their athleticism!

Zack martin is back!

• He was present for minicamps but just didn’t practice. The contract was finalizing and he wanted to make sure he stayed healthy. So he was able to suit up & hit the field, but because the last day was mainly focused on the rookies and practice players, he didn’t actually participate. That being said – we cannot wait to see him at Training Camp!

Is Beasley the Guy?

• Tavon Austin and Cole Beasley, the two smallest but most explosive wide receivers, have shared a lot of field time! This draws a lot of attention as they’re both extremely dangerous wide receivers. The coaches have seemed to really like Beasley as of late and are throwing him on the outside of the line; it seems as that’s where he’s been performing the best. It appears that the coaching staff wants to do more to utilize Beasley and make the offense as “Dak Friendly” as possible.

Noticeable differences from this year’s squad and last year’s!

• Our quarterback is a tougher guy than he was last season and we now have Ezekiel Elliott without a luminous 6-game suspension. In addition to that, now, without Dez and Witten, the world is looking to see who will step up. Our offensive line has improved with La’el Collins and Connor Williams. And our defense is filling in nicely; the secondary has stepped up and we’re excited about Sean Lee, Leighton Vander Esch, and Jaylon Smith. Last, but not least, we’re patiently/impatiently waiting to see who will emerge at the safety position. Only time will tell.

Click video below to watch the full interview and to hear us discuss who’s filling in those two big holes, surprising players, vacation time, and more! Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@5PointsBlue) for more fun stuff! See you soon!