OXNARD, Calif. - The Cowboys had a competitive practice on Tuesday with both the offense and defense having its share of moments.
Here are some of the top observations from the Cowboys' staff writers:
-** It's becoming a daily thing to discuss how well Jalen Cropper is performing in camp, and credit to him for taking full advantage of the added opportunities being presented by the absence of CeeDee Lamb. On Tuesday, Cropper was on fire in team drills and ended the day with two touchdowns from Dak Prescott to go along with a list of other timely catches. With all of the talk of the other Jalens (Tolbert and Brooks), Cropper made sure everyone knew he was still very much in the competition.- (Patrik Walker)**
- Having been mostly quiet to begin camp, that's changing quickly for Eric Scott this week. The former sixth-round pick is scratching and clawing to earn reps in Year 2 behind Jourdan Lewis, as rookie fifth-round pick Caelen Carson makes waves on the outside. Scott finished Tuesday with more than one pass break up and some physical coverage against receivers — often staying in their hip pocket through the entire route. - (Patrik Walker)
- Kemon Hall opened my eyes a bit on Tuesday. Acquired via the waiver wire from the 49ers early in camp, he's been trying to get his Oxnard Legs beneath him to now but, as he gets a feel for what Mike Zimmer and Al Harris are looking for, he's beginning to get in on the playmaking party; and that resulted in not one, but two interceptions on the final day of install before the Rams come to town for the joint scrimmage. It doesn't appear, right now, that depth will be an issue at cornerback in Dallas in 2024. - (Patrik Walker)
- During goal line work, the defense did a solid job of keeping the offense out of the end zone on multiple plays. No matter if it was Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle or even Hunter Luepke on a fullback dive, the defense was creating some internal pressue and stopping the offense at the line. It's been the first time at camp that the goal line work has seen an overwhelming defensive win. (Nick Harris)
- Jourdan Lewis shined yet again on Tuesday, as he converted on a diving interception in the red zone on Dak Prescott -- Dak's first interception in a few practices -- and almost had another in the end zone when he stepped in front of a route and leapt up with one hand but could not bring it down. All in all, Lewis is quick and aggressive so far at camp and it's been paying off. (Nick Harris)
- Tyler Guyton returned to the practice field after missing three days with an illness, as he worked in with the individual drills in the beginning of practice before coming off during team drills. Guyton said after practice that it is still undetermined if he will be a full go in time for Thursday's joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. (Nick Harris)
