Cowboys: Jake Ferguson got 'out of that hole' thanks to a coach's phone call
Following the Dallas Cowboys' perfect Week 1 open to the 2023 season, an authoritative 40-0 shutout win on the road, there was just one blemish that stood out: The tight ends. More specifically, three combined drops from the position, two of which came from starter Jake Ferguson. While everyone in the organization celebrated the big […]
Following the Dallas Cowboys' perfect Week 1 open to the 2023 season, an authoritative 40-0 shutout win on the road, there was just one blemish that stood out: The tight ends.
More specifically, three combined drops from the position, two of which came from starter Jake Ferguson. While everyone in the organization celebrated the big win, the second-year player who fended off the team's second-round draft pick for the starting role in the offseason momentarily struggled with his mistakes.
In Week 2, Ferguson bounced back strong with three catches, one of which was a touchdown grab that capped off the team's opening 75-yard drive.
Ferguson revealed that Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells deserved a big part of the credit.
"I think Coach Wells did a great job prepping us this week and also getting in our heads and saying flush (Week 1)," Ferguson told reporters postgame. "'I believe in you guys, I’ve got your backs.' And that’s what he did. This whole week he backed us up."
Sometimes, fans and media members don't fully realize that coaching goes well beyond teaching fundamentals of the position and being Xs and Os masterminds. At times, what a player needs is literally a timely phone call.
"That’s a lot of credit to (Coach Wells), believing in us as a unit and me personally dropping those two balls last week," Ferguson added. "I’m not going to lie, I did get in my head for probably the night after that game. For him calling me and talking to me, getting me out of that hole and getting me ready for the week to come was really good to hear.”
Who knows how long it could've taken Ferguson to get out of that one-week slump if it wasn't for that call.
Ferguson's comments are testament to the stage where the Cowboys are at. While young, this is an experienced team that's fallen short of the ultimate goal – a Super Bowl win – in consecutive seasons. Ferguson's been around for just the one but he understands what's at stake as a starter on offense.
This team is bought in and Wells' phone call is just an example of it.
“I think it’s definitely something to build on," Ferguson concluded of the identity on offense but he didn't offer any sense of satisfaction. "A great start to the season. A great Week 2 but there’s always room for improvement.”
Featured image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
