Mike McCarthy reveals key difference between OTAs and minicamp
The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up voluntary OTAs last week before kicking off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 4. It's easy to get "lost in the sauce" over what's really happening during these offseason workout phases that seem to blend together, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy broke it down for some who might be confused. […]
The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up voluntary OTAs last week before kicking off mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 4.
It's easy to get "lost in the sauce" over what's really happening during these offseason workout phases that seem to blend together, but Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy broke it down for some who might be confused.
To be honest, McCarthy revealed that there's no real difference between OTAs and the three-day minicamp. Like OTAs, minicamp still consists of no live contact, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.
Per McCarthy, the biggest thing is that the players are wearing helmets for a good chunk of the camp.
"The rules are the same as far as how you can practice and what you can do," he said. "The only thing that we're going to do differently is we're going to have the helmets on for periods. But other than that, the structure of what you saw in the OTAs will be very, very similar."
McCarthy also mentioned that more of the playbook will be thrown at the players as they look to complete the install phase of their offense and defense, which is a big reason why these camps are mandatory as both rookies and veterans learn their roles.
"Today and tomorrow, we'll really complete the install phase for us," McCarthy said. "And as I've always stated, the most important part of this offseason program session is connecting the young players with the old players. So, that's really what I'm really focus on to make sure that we get all of the different things that they see at this point. These are heavy installs. There's a little more moving parts. ….We just really want to maximize this time with our rookies and our veterans. That's what we want to get done this week."
McCarthy confirmed that the only veteran who won't be present at minicamp is star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who is holding out for a contract extension.
