NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys’ LT Tyron Smith says that he is feeling great after finally correcting a neck issue that had long plagued him, leading to other issues in his back.

“Honestly feeling great, finally got the neck fixed, and I think that kind of connected to everything with the back,” Smith said, via David Helman of DallasCowboys.com. “I’m glad I finally got it fixed after all these years. It just was about being smart about it, and if I want to keep playing longer, then I’d have to get the surgery. And I do want to keep playing as long as I can. It was a good thing to get the surgery done, so I don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

Smith spoke about the surgery potentially prolonging his football career, but many forget that the veteran tackle has only just turned 30 years old.

“For me – I always say this every year, but it’s true — I’m still not at the point where I want to be,” Smith said. “Every year it’s like I’m still trying to prove to everybody that I can still play and still be the best at my job. For me, it’s always that mindset. There’s always something to prove.”

Giants

The Giants were willing to give WR Kenny Golladay a large sum of money in free agency, which has HC Joe Judge answering questions about whether the offense will be built around the prolific receiver.

“When you add new players to the roster through free agency or the draft, you’re going to try to build in different things that fit to their strengths,” Judge said, via Pro Football Talk. “Obviously there’s going to be an element of what he did so well in Detroit that we’ll try to incorporate and let him play to his strengths, and then we’ll try to find things that fit us that he hasn’t done in the past and make sure we fit them in as we go. Everyone saw on tape this guy has been a physical player for years. He’s made a lot of tough catches, a lot of big plays with the ball in his hand running. He brings a physical toughness; that’s something we saw on tape, and we plan on building into his strengths whatever we can do with our offense.”

Washington

• The Athletic’s Ben Standig expects Washington to make a veteran addition at defensive end, as they’re currently a little thin behind the starting duo of Chase Young and Montez Sweat. 
• Standig has a hard time seeing both WRs Antonio Gandy-Golden and Kelvin Harmon making the team since they are similar, possession-style wideouts and neither return punts. He’d give the early edge to Gandy-Golden, a fourth-round pick in 2020. 
• Washington WR coach Drew Terrell is excited about his group of wide receivers: “We have every skill set…It’s something for us and fans to be excited about” (John Keim)
• Terrell specifically praised WR Cam Sims: “He became a true pro last year. We relied on him a ton. He’s done a fantastic job. He’s one of the smartest guys in the room [as far as] being able to move him around. …really excited for Cam and what’s ahead.” (Keim)
• TE coach Peter Hoener said he thinks TE Logan Thomas is a top 5-7 tight end in the league: “In the ideal world, you want three Logan Thomases out there.” (Nicki Jhabvala)
• Hoener added TE Sammis Reyes has played well for someone without football experience: “He has great hands.” (Keim)
• RB coach Randy Jordan believes QB Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s ability to throw downfield should help open up the running game. (Standig)
• Jordan said he is excited about UDFA RB Jaret Patterson: “When I watch him on tape is his ability to make his teammates better, the offensive line better, because he’s able to make runs and see things before they even happen.” (Jhabvala)
• Jordan added Patterson’s receiving ability has stood out: “He’s shown the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something we did not see on tape.” (Keim)
• QB coach Ken Zampese said Fitzpatrick’s confidence has stood out: “He has a great deal of swag… He’s authentic.” (Keim)
• Zampese has also been impressed with Fitzpatrick’s communications skills: “Ryan has a lot of humor in him and uses it to build bridges… so guys are playing free.” (Keim)
• On QB Taylor Heinicke, Zampese said he just has to stay healthy, but he has “lots of grits and toughness.” (Keim)
• OL coach Travelle Wharton is happy the team signed OT Charles Leno Jr.: “If you can [get a] veteran left tackle with a lot of experience, you got to have that in your locker room.” (Jhabvala)
• Wharton said he thinks OT Saahdiq Charles can play multiple positions on the offensive line: “He can play both. He has the quickness to play on the outside and he has the strength to play on the inside. He’s a big asset to us.” (Jhabvala)
• LB coach Steve Russ believes LB Jamin Davis‘ versatility will be an advantage for the team: “One of the things I loved about Jamin in watching his film is I can see him playing anywhere, at all three linebacker spots.” (Jhabvala)