Dallas Cowboys 2022 preseason round-up: Micah Parsons, developing WR depth, problems with kickers
There’s a lot of action going on during NFL training camp season, and the Dallas Cowboys are among those that are witnessing some impressive performances.
A lot of players bring their A-game during NFL training camp to show that they are deserving of a spot in the roster, and the same holds true for the Dallas Cowboys.
Jerry Jones all-praises for Micah Parsons
The Cowboys selected linebacker Micah Parsons in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft as the 12th overall pick, and judging from his recent performance at camp, he has been delivering the goods. Dallas chief Jerry Jones himself raved about the 23-year-old, drawing comparisons with former Dallas quarterback Tony Romo for his fierce competitiveness. Parsons’ mindset of winning would be useful in leveling up the energy of the team.
Cowboys wide receivers unit shaping up
The issue of wide receivers has been a thorny one recently for Dallas, after trading Amari Cooper and losing Cedrick Wilson and Malik Turner in the free agent market. However, they still have Noah Brown and Michael Gallup, and they’ve signed up James Washington and rookie Jalen Tolbert. One thing that was needed was someone to help CeeDee Lamb in terms of returning punts, and they’ve found the answer in return specialist KaVontae Turpin.
Other wideouts that could step up are Simi Fehoko who reportedly has had a great showing in the offseason, Dennis Houston who has been developing rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott, and T.J. Vasher, who looks to be in good shape to make the roster.
Kicking needs work
During practice in Oxnard, California, there were some hiccups when it came to the kicking game. Place kicker Jonathan Garibay couldn’t summon the legs that delivered the winning 62-yard field goal against Iowa State when he was still at Texas Tech. The 22-year-old is struggling to show he is worthy of a spot on the roster, missing kicks and ending one training day 4-11 on field goal attempts.
He is competing against Kosovo-born Lirim Hajrullahu, who has been performing a little better, making eight of 11 on the same day. Garibay may be showing a lack of confidence in high-stakes scenarios, and Hajrullahu could take advantage of his experience in pressure-laden situations.