The Dallas Cowboys 2021 training camp is underway and there are already players making noise, including these four early standouts
A 6-10 finish to the 2020 season was far from what the Dallas Cowboys were expecting in Mike McCarthy’s first year as their head coach. Of course, losing your starting quarterback in Week 5 tends to have a rather big impact on such expectations.
Even with the loss of Dak Prescott being thrown into the equation, Dallas left a lot to be desired. They had injuries all over the offensive line which messed things up on that side and the defense was a complete disaster.
The good news is, that year is over and they can now work toward improving in 2021. Here, we check in with the Cowboys as they prepare for the upcoming season and point out four players who are standing out in training camp.
4. Maurice Canady, Cornerback
When the Dallas Cowboys lost Byron Jones last season, they ended up going with some lesser-known players as replacements. Daryl Worley was one, and he didn’t make it through the entire season. Another was Maurice Canady but he opted out due to the Coronavirus pandemic and that made him a bit of a forgotten man.
He won’t stay an afterthought, however, if he keeps playing the way he has early in camp. Canady, a former Baltimore Raven, and New York Jet, caught the eye of Todd Archer from ESPN who says the veteran has played all over the field and has been a huge surprise.
Some quick thoughts so far on Cowboys camp beyond the obvious: Maurice Canady might be the biggest defensive surprise. He's played inside and out, been around the ball a lot. On offense, TE Sean McKeon might be that guy. Made some nice catches. One of those 2nd year jump guys
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 1, 2021
So far in his career, Canady has been a very solid player but he has yet to become a major contributor on a team. He’s never been a full-time starter and has only played sparingly.
That could change in 2021 as he looks to be going from a fringe player to a possible contributor if his early camp work is any indication.