You can only rub two pieces of iron together for so long before sparks form, and it’s only a matter of time before those sparks ignite a fire. That is, more or less, the best way to describe the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 training camp, which saw plenty of conflict between the offense and defense over the course of roughly four weeks.
That friction sparked a firestorm on the penultimate day of padded practice in sunny California.
“We ain’t taking sh-t from nobody — all 32 teams — we ain’t taking sh-t from nobody,” veteran safety Jayron Kearse said following practice. “Regardless of whether it’s our offense or the next offense.” We’re trying to prove that we’re the greatest in the business, so it gets fiery out here; it’ll get spicy on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays; whenever we line up, that’s how we’ll come.”
The day was filled with a variety of exciting moves, and a skirmish broke out on two separate occasions.
The first started with a verbal dispute between offensive lineman Brock Hoffman and defensive end Sam Williams, which resulted in a large scrum that had to be broken up before defensive coordinator Dan Quinn ordered a full team huddle to get everyone back on the same page before beginning practice.
That peace lasted maybe 20 minutes, if that.
Not long after the initial brawl, two-time All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons clashed with Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz — the latter of whom was a focal point in the initial brawl — throwing at least two punches toward Biadasz’s helmet before being separated and calmed down by two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Dak Prescott.
For his part, it’s exactly the kind of fire he expects from the Cowboys offense on a regular basis.
“Hell yeah, I need that,” he declared. “I’m here to help them improve. I push myself for the larger good, and pushing myself will only make them better in the end. I don’t care who I’m competing against. I don’t care whether it’s Tyron, Zack, or Tyler Smith – I’m going to beat the crap out of them.
“It’ll only make them better.” This is where championships begin – at training camp. The idea is to bring that out, as well as the friendship, to tie everything together. At the end of the day, there is only one goal.”
Parsons, in case you were wondering, claims his hands are alright.
The Cowboys’ aforementioned objective is to finally get over the hump and into the Super Bowl this season, and then hoist the Lombardi trophy when the clock strikes zero on Feb. 11 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. And, as Parsons points out, the gasoline needed to get there cannot be purchased after the journey begins in Week 1.
First and foremost, the tank must be filled in training camp.
“That’s just how this thing goes,” Kearse explained. “When you’re up against a pack of dogs on the other side, it just brings out the best in you.” We’re just trying to keep working and bring those folks along. When you come here and play against us, it will bring out the best in you.
“You’re up against Micah, D-Law, Mazi [Smith], Osa [Odighizuwa], [Dante] Fowler — you’re up against a lot of dogs.” It brings out the best in you. Finally, we’re going to stand all the time.”
The squad will now prepare to pack their belongings and go to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Saturday before returning to Dallas for a couple more sessions before concluding their preseason against the Raiders on Aug. 26.
Needless to say, they’re going out on a high note this year.
“It’s the last practice of camp, man,” Parsons explained. “You have to bring everything you’ve got.” That is the point of this. Before we walked out there, I told the boys that this was our Super Bowl [on the line]. It was nothing more than being violent and competing with dogs.”
Kearse concurs completely.
“It’s our last day out in Oxnard, and maybe that’s what it was,” he added. “… In any case, it’s all excellent competition, and on September 10, another club will be on the opposite side of both [our] offense and defense, and they’ll have to accept what we’re delivering to them.”
In other words, invite the New York Giants and anyone else who wants a piece of the action.