Cowboys camp observations: Defense racking up INTs after Dak Prescott leaves first padded practice

Rookie first-round LB Micah Parsons in pads with Cowboys for first time. pic.twitter.com/l31Dq7dNUK

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has not thrown for the past couple practice periods, including during 7-on-7 now. pic.twitter.com/c3hG0eoejb

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Jaylon Smith vs Tony Pollard. pic.twitter.com/L4GJuIxrma

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Spectacular, 1-handed grab by CeeDee Lamb in back of the end zone behind Trevon Diggs.

Fact it was out of bounds didn’t diminish the athletic ability required to make it happen.

— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) July 28, 2021

It’s my expert opinion the defense has produced solid practices the last two days. Eight INTs last two days, sacks, pressures and the QB play has been dismal.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Not seeing a lot of Dak Prescott during team period. He did some individual work but he’s watching these team drills right now.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys have five interceptions so far in practice during 11-on-11 periods, including by LB Micah Parsons, CB Maurice Canady (second straight day), CB Anthony Brown and this one by S Darian Thompson on Garrett Gilbert overthrow. pic.twitter.com/e26UjHHb40

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Maurice Canady with another pick. Had one yesterday.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Darian Thompson with an INT off a pass that went through a receivers hands.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

The offense has thrown four picks today in team drills.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cooper Rush was just picked off by Micah Parsons.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Connor Williams with a high snap to Cooper Rush. It was a run play.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Connor Williams just got smashed by Randy Gregory. Gregory just put Williams on his back.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys S Darian Thompson with INT in man coverage drill vs. RB Rico Dowdle. pic.twitter.com/CwoksNurZh

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Ben DiNucci just threw a oh forget it.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup limited to mental reps today in first padded practice of training camp. Tweaked ankle when he flipped over practice-field fence Tuesday behind end zone. Ailment not considered serious. Gallup watching fellow WRs work in drills. pic.twitter.com/NO5guV6jDI

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

New Cowboys safety Malik Hooker (No. 28) is not in pads. Part of easing him along. https://t.co/0tAE2Ag7hL pic.twitter.com/kvZoTEySLu

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott over the top on LB Keanu Neal. pic.twitter.com/GZLPwx8kLv

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

In a scramble drill, Dalton Schultz catches a TD pass in 7-7. Jaylon Smith was in the vicinity.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys nickel CB Jourdan Lewis and DE Bradlee Anae are doing rehab work for second straight day. Working with director of rehabilitation Britt Brown. pic.twitter.com/QUlx17LULI

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Micah Parsons vs Sean McKeon. pic.twitter.com/i5mMRDRT6G

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Got a little smoke on the golf course near practice. pic.twitter.com/LuJinJU7Aw

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys in pads today for first time since Jan. 3 season finale vs. Giants. Practice starts at 11 a.m. PT. S Malik Hooker won’t be highly active, given he just signed Tuesday. Mike McCarthy: “We’ll pace him. We won’t go full boat. ...We’ll take it slow.”

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Mike McCarthy said Malik Hooker will be brought along slowly today and Jourdan Lewis will be limited in some fashion with an undisclosed injury. McCarthy said Lewis’ health issue isn’t serious.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys nickel CB Jourdan Lewis will be limited in practice today, coach Mike McCarthy said. “Nothing major.”

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on if he prefers to be a “passing” team or “running” team on offense: “I want to be a winning team. ...We need to play better complementary football.” Calling passes more fun. “That doesn’t always equate to winning.” Need to be able to run football.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Mike McCarthy said Dalton Schultz “raised the bar in the tight end room” based on his efforts last year.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Mike McCarthy said Connor McGovern was the most improved offensive linemen last year. He’s off to a good start.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Mike McCarthy said Michael Gallup won’t practice today with an ankle injury. Gallup suffered the injury when he flipped over the fence on Tuesday.

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) July 28, 2021

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup “tweaked” his ankle on play Tuesday when he flipped over the practice-field fence, coach Mike McCarthy said. Won’t practice today. McCarthy: “I think long term he is fine.”

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Cowboys’ defense won the practice day Tuesday. Mike McCarthy: “Every day is about stacking success. ...The defense was clearly more productive than the offense yesterday.” Number of missed assignments, mental errors on offense fell below coaches’ standard. Today about a response.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021

Cowboys are deep at tight end with Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz. But Sean McKeon, who went undrafted in 2020 out of Michigan, is a developing prospect not to be overlooked. Mike McCarthy said McKeon is "taking the second-year leap ...He's had a heck of an offseason."

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 28, 2021