The Cowboys put DeMarvion Overshown to the test in opening training camp practice in a very creative way
The Dallas Cowboys have to figure out their green dot situation and that involves putting LB DeMarvion Overshown to the test.
The Dallas Cowboys opened training camp with a creative test for one of their most important defensive players. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed at Thursday’s press conference that the coaching staff, alongside defensive coordinator Christian Parker, deliberately deceived linebacker DeMarvion Overshown during the first practice of camp to evaluate his ability to handle pressure while wearing the green dot.
If you’re unfamiliar, the green dot designates the player who relays defensive play calls from the coaching staff to the rest of the unit on the field. It’s a critical responsibility, and for Overshown, it represents uncharted territory.
Overshown put to the test
Here’s the thing about the test: Parker pretended the headset between himself and Overshown cut out during the first practice of camp, forcing the linebacker to react on his own.
“(Parker) was trying to get D-Mo (Overshown) to think that the headset went out, it didn’t go out,” Schottenheimer revealed. “We had talked about it and scripted it. And D-Mo got to the exact call that he was supposed to. Which is what you expect. [. . .] D-Mo was outstanding getting us to the call we wanted to be in.”
Pads may still be off, but talk about a way from the Cowboys coaching staff to present Overshown with a tough gameday-type situation.
DeMarvion Overshown is currently the Cowboys’ frontrunner to play middle linebacker, a position he hasn’t traditionally occupied. As much as he’s been a standout linebacker, he hasn’t been the guy tasked with quarterbacking the defense and calling the plays.
Earlier in the offseason, Overshown suggested that’s where Parker wanted to take him in terms of his role, though it remains to be seen whether that sticks or Dallas brings somebody from the outside, as many have speculated could happen prior to the season.
This is what the Cowboys need to see from Overshown
There’s not a lot you can take away from early practices where the pads aren’t even on. But here’s what we do know: Overshown can run very fast, and when he has some runway, he can hit very hard. What we don’t really know is how he’ll look quarterbacking the defense over a full season.
It’s a major question mark, and this was only an early test. I think the Cowboys are going to try to throw everything his way throughout camp, and this sets the tone for what should be a very intense few weeks for the Dallas linebacker.
Cowboys plan to train multiple players on the green dot
Earlier in the week, Schottenheimer also said he wanted a couple of practices before revealing exactly who is wearing the green dot on defense. He did note, however, that he does not plan to repeat last year’s mistake, when the Cowboys failed to train multiple players at the position. They want to be ready for all kinds of scenarios this time around.
According to Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports, rookie Caleb Downs is also wearing the green dot in addition to linebackers Shemar James and Curtis Robinson.
It’s been speculated before, and even alluded to by Schottenheimer, that the Cowboys plan to train Dee Winters on the green dot as well. Even safety Jalen Thompson could be a candidate, which might sound like a wild pick at first. But expectations are that Thompson will be a very important part of the Cowboys defense this season. If he’s rarely coming off the field, he could be a solid option.
That said, there are challenges with a safety wearing the green dot. You typically want the defensive communicator stationed in the middle of the field, and Thompson will at times be playing as Dallas’ deep safety. If the Cowboys want to keep things unpredictable, that creates a natural tension with communication logistics.
For now, though, so far so good for Overshown. His training camp is one of the major storylines to monitor in Dallas.