Tempers Flare During Thursday’s OTAs Between John Ridgeway and Josh Ball

My post last week hinted at the fact that I liked John Ridgeway a ton, and yesterday during OTA workouts, tempers flared between Ridgeway and offensive lineman Josh Ball.

Ridgeway found himself tangled up with Ball during live action. Helmets started flying around the field, and Ridgeway was sent to cool down from the Texas heat early and made his way to the showers.

Ridgeway potentially brings much-needed size to the middle of the Cowboys’ defensive line. Recently coach Mike McCarthy said he is “the anchor” and is a little more athletic than he thought. He said he plays laterally down the line of scrimmage.

‘FIGHT!’#DallasCowboys FIGHT! Rookie John Ridgeway ‘Ejected’ from OTAs https://t.co/Vb3VCVf7nN via @fishsports
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) June 9, 2022

That was all the details that got released about the little mix-up. A part of me loves the fire this kid is bringing already, as long as he can handle it. Dallas needs some of that backbone and a type of guy like that right now.

Ridgeway stands 6-foot-6-inches and weighed in at 328 with the Razorbacks, admitted that the Dallas heat and humidity were already starting to get to him a bit.

As I mentioned last week, I don’t think anyone knows how the defensive tackle rotation will round out. That rotation includes Osa Odighizuwa, Neville Gallimore, Quinton Bohanna, and Trysten Hill. Ridgeway could line up in 3-technique, as a nose tackle, or a two-tech.

I have heard some things about Hill and the possibility that another team might come calling for him. He is my question mark. I think Ridgeway will at least jump him soon on the depth chart.

Ridgeway had my attention last week, and he has it even more now. I like the fire and the toughness that he is displaying already. I hope Ridgeway keeps up the physicality and toughness. I am looking forward to seeing if he can make an impact next season.