Mike McCarthy emphasizing ‘play call purpose’ while meshing new duties with Dak Prescott

FRISCO — Dak Prescott got the call.

He went to the line, executed the play then looked back at head coach Mike McCarthy.

“Was it the right one?’’ the quarterback asked.

McCarthy nodded.

Prescott smiled when sharing this anecdote after Thursday’s practice.

“I’ll tell you, you hear that [Pittsburgh] accent a little bit more when he’s calling these plays,’’ Prescott said. “It’s been fun. I know he’s enjoying it, getting back into football, headfirst into the film and what we’re doing.

“It’s exciting, for sure.’’

For the first time in four years, Prescott has someone other than Kellen Moore in his ear calling plays. McCarthy has assumed that role. A big part of this phase of the offseason program is those two talking through plays to land on the same wavelength. It’s about understanding what the play looks like and what triggers the call.

The playbook from recent years hasn’t been tossed aside. No one is starting over here. And while McCarthy is approaching the offense differently, this isn’t about increasing volume.

This is about digging into details and refining what’s in place. It’s about tweaks and looking at how to attack defenses a bit differently.

“We’re still in Dak’s language,’’ McCarthy said. “I’m not really worried about the football part of it, drills and scheme. More the collaboration of calling the game.

“How do you see this play? This is how I see it. This is where I think. ...’’

This is about PCP.

No, not that PCP. Play call purpose. That’s what McCarthy is emphasizing.

“It’s one thing to learn a play and the intricacies of a play, but I think when they know, when they can anticipate when and where it’s going to be called, that’s a stronger communication and connection that the quarterback-play caller needs to have,’’ the head coach said.

Prescott also talked about the purpose.

“That’s the detail and the accountability and discipline within a play that all 11 guys have to have,’’ Prescott said. “Understanding their role and understanding if hey, they’re a clear out or they’re really eating up a window or eating up a guy to open up that space.

“You can see it and feel it and understand everybody is locked in, everyone is buying into the purpose of it and the purpose of their role which overall allows us to play faster and play cleaner.’’

McCarthy readily admits he’s spent more time with Prescott this offseason than he has at any other time as the Cowboys head coach. Is it enough?

“It’s never enough,’’ McCarthy responded.

Still, their collaboration has been taken to the next level now that McCarthy will be calling the plays. Nothing illegal, Prescott stressed. The two aren’t spending more time together than the offseason rules allow.

But more than the two have had up to this point.

“Oh a ton, just from the simple fact he’s the play caller,’’ Prescott said. “Just being able to understand, being on the same wavelength and understanding why he’s calling a play, what’s the purpose of the play, what he expects out of that and making sure we’re on the same accord there.’’

That clarity, in theory, allows everyone on offense to play faster.

“Just in the first couple of days, guys are flying off the ball,’’ Prescott said. “I think that’s the biggest difference and so the more that we can get that the better we’re going to be.”

Thursday was the Cowboys’ second of eight organized team activities this offseason. It was their second offensive installation.

When practice broke, McCarthy had a brief conversation with his quarterback before he left the field.

“Go look at everything we put in and make sure we’re running the things you like and the things we’re good at,’’ McCarthy told him. “If it’s something you’re a little iffy about, let’s get it out. Let’s master what we’re great at.’’

It was now Prescott’s time to nod.

“Just having that clear communication, being able to work with him day in and day out, it’s new,’’ he said. “It’s refreshing.

“It’s fun for both of us.’’

Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN

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