LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Dallas Cowboys are expected to have one of the top offenses in the NFL this season, but the work up front may determine how far that unit goes. Offensive guard Tyler Smith said he is embracing his role heading into the season — and the competition at training camp has him feeling prepared.
Smith, who has Pro Bowl experience at guard, also has the versatility and experience to play left tackle. He said knowing what the coaching staff wants from him has made a difference.
“Just having that clarity — I don’t think we should ever ease our minds because anything could happen,” Smith said. “Guys go down. Ultimately, you have to be ready to play many different positions, but I do think that knowing what he wants definitely helps me out,” Smith said.
Getting reps against defensive linemen Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams has elevated Smith’s preparation. Both players joined the Cowboys in a trade and were not in camp last year.
“I really feel like we didn’t have that many live reps like we’re getting in the training camp experience,” Smith said. “It is definitely been better. I feel like it’s a whole different brand of physicality. We’ve got way more good-on-good reps than you do during the season. There’s not as much load management there. But I feel really great work — especially against Casey, big Tito, all those guys. They are heavy in the middle. You know when you go against them, you gotta come with your business,” Smith said.
Smith said linemen cannot fully gauge where they stand when working in shorts and jerseys. Getting into pads, he said, changes everything.
“I feel like things are going well. Obviously, putting on the pads, getting back to that physicality — after football season entails — I feel like we’re off to a great start. Obviously, there are things to clean up every day. It’s not perfect. I feel like we’re building where we’re trying to be.”
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