NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

• Freeman says that the executive believe Prescott is “good, and talented, but he won’t ever be great.“
• As for Cooper, the executive mentioned that he is “good, and talented, but it’s still easier to find receivers with his capabilities in the draft, and they’d be cheaper.“
• Regarding Elliott, the executives view him as different and a “potentially a transformational back.” Freeman adds that the execs see Elliott as “practically unstoppable because he can create his own openings when holes in the line aren’t there.”
• In fact, the executives went as far to say that Elliott is the only one of the trio who can consistently create his own offense and do so in spectacular fashion. They did, however, admit that there’s some concern with Elliott’s off-field conduct.

Giants

Giants LB Tae Davis made the team as an undrafted free agent last season after converting to linebacker from being a college safety. After starting out on special teams, he carved out a niche in the Giants’ nickel defense and is expected to play a major role there in 2019. 

“Coming in last year, I was pretty unknown, there were a few things I knew I could do that the coaches wanted to see that I could do,” Davis said Pat Leonard. “And I’ve come a long way since then. And working with the ones is just a testament to my hard work and all the extra work I’ve been putting in on my own and with the other guys and the coaches.”

Davis’ coverage ability as a former defensive back could get him on the field as the second inside linebacker over B.J. Goodson once the Giants go to a nickel defense or other passing situations. 

“The game today is all about playing in space, and it’s a matchup league, so me having my safety background did help me out a lot there,” Davis said. “And just my determination and being coachable to learn what a traditional linebacker would have to do: shed blocks, notice different tendencies, learn the playbook and take command of a defense. When it comes to that, it’s just something I grew comfortable with.”

Redskins

Redskins’ veteran CB Josh Norman explained his decision to skip the team’s OTAs by mentioning that he wanted to “preserve” himself for the 2019 season. 

“It’s risk and reward. Right now, at this point in my career, I have a choice whether I deem something necessary or not. I want to make sure I am here not just this year but for years to come. I do care for my health, and I’m trying to preserve myself as much as I can and let it rip when it’s go time. There’s also the part of the number of years I’ve been in the league. I’m going to watch myself, the physical and the mental,” said Norman, via Ben Standig of The Athletic. 

Norman added that he was excited to use his time away from OTAs on his charity organizations and will return to practice for the start of training camp on July 24. 

“I’m also going to go out and do something to help other people while I can. Once I’m locked in, I’m locked in. So, why not do that and why not express myself in that type of way? That would be able to help me, in turn, help someone else. My teammates would be part of that. I can’t do nothing for you right now. I can’t do nothing for the team as far as going to the championship right now other than staying healthy (for when) we get back July 24,” said Norman.