Training camp for the Dallas Cowboys began Wednesday at 1:30 pm in Oxnard, California.
Dak Prescott throwing to his ensemble of wide receivers commands most of the storylines.
How the running back group pans out should also garner a lot of attention as well.
However, as it relates to the offense, my pupils are trying to find every angle of this newly shaped offensive line.
Days before training camp started, Zack Martin made it clear he wanted a well-deserved pay raise.
Telling a future Hall of Famer in his prime with 8 Pro Bowls and 8 All-Pro selections that he doesn't need more money isn't something I'm subscribing to.
Nevertheless, it leaves the group without their leader, and others must enter unfamiliar roles.
Josh Ball tries his luck on the interior of the offensive line
Josh Ball received the first look at the right guard position on Wednesday.
Talk about going from one extreme to another. Transitioning from an all-time great to a fridge roster player can have anyone nervous.
With Zack Martin not at Cowboys training camp, Josh Ball got the first-team work at right guard. Rest of the first-team line: Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz and Terence Steele
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 26, 2023
Playing 42 snaps last season doesn't calm any fears, either. Wild enough, that was an increase from the 0 snaps he earned in his rookie season.
In either case, Ball is who we have; we'll have to make the best of it for now.
Here's the positive news. It is day one, and while he may get beat from time-to-time Dak has that beautiful red jersey on that protects him.
Unfortunately for Jerry and Stephen Jones, Martin knew who was waiting in the wings behind him to take his snaps.
Josh Ball may surprise us and become a legitimate NFL player, but I wouldn't bet the season on it.
Stephen must find a way to renegotiate Martin's contract to get him into camp.
Mike McCarthy when asked about Zack Martin not being at camp: “My father always told me, and I think it's true, you never talk about another man's money, and most importantly, never talk about your own. It's business, and Zack needs to focus on that. We all respect that.“ pic.twitter.com/QwFky5myiX
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) July 26, 2023
The mere thought of Ball playing a live game next to a recently recovered Terence Steele gives me all kinds of heartburn.
I'm not going to overreact on Day 1. Chuma Edoga, Asim Richards and Matt Farniok will get a look at the right side as well while Martin is out.
This story is far from over, but it is definitely one to keep our eyes peeled for.
While the right side is a question, I feel much better about the left side
Tyler Smith started the first day of training camp at the left guard position next to Tyron Smith to his left.
In regard to offensive line combination, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said the team is going to "start (training camp) the way we finished" the spring. Final spring practice featured Tyron Smith at LT, Tyler Smith at LG.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 25, 2023
Who knows if this pairing will hold up?
A lot of it will depend on Tyron and his health.
However, if his health holds up (and that's a long shot), Dallas can have an excellent left side of the offensive line.
Watching the first-team offense compete for seven on seven against the first-team defense included Micah Parsons lining up against Tyron.
I wrote a story about matchups I wanted to see in training camp, and I got my wish.
Tyron versus Micah is going to be fun to watch. Micah's speed creates problems that you can't replicate.
That'll help Tyron for the regular season.
Tyler displayed his strength by against Osa Odighizuwa a few times, preventing the athletic defensive tackle from causing any significant disruption.
That power is precisely what the Cowboys will need as they play the front four of the Commanders, Eagles, and Giants.
This offensive line, even after day one, provides an itch to panic and reasons to rejoice at the same time.
Time will tell just how good they will eventually be.
