The "Underwear Olympics" have begun for the Dallas Cowboys at The Star, with veterans and rookies attending OTAs as the Brian Schottenheimer era begins.
But given that OTAs are really restrictive with what players can and can't do, given there are no padded practices (68 days away from first one in Oxnard according to Schotty), it can be hard for rookies, and even the veteran free agents to stand out.
However, there is one way they can separate themselves from their competition, and for Schottenheimer, it's all above the shoulders.
“We're limited with what we can do in terms of contact, it's more about the understanding from the mental aspect of the plays and the system," Schottenheimer said. "We want to play smart, so how do we handle the OTA installation, how do we handle the carryover stuff from yesterday that we apply today?"
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer and Solomon Thomas
by Mike Fisher
With the offseason install happening for the past month or so, players have been unable to put on pads and showcase their skills. By dotting their I's and crossing their T's, they can put themselves ahead before training camp in Oxnard, showing they have the offense and system nailed down.
Which in turn, will allow them to play fast.
Given that OTAs are a purely mental exercise, especially for Schottenheimer's Cowboys, he is looking for smart players who pick up quickly and, more importantly, understand what's being asked of them.
And at the "Underwear Olympics" that is how rookies and veterans alike can separate themselves from the competition.
Still, Oxnard can't come quickly enough.