

The California edition of Dallas Cowboys training camp is over. Coach Brian Schottenheimer made it clear that the job is not done and the team will resume camp practices with the same intensity and vigor when they get to back to the team’s headquarters at the Star next week.
But before that the Cowboys stopped off in Phoenix for their second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys are 1-0 in the preseason after a victory against the Seattle Seahawks last Saturday. They will conclude the preseason next Friday with their lone home game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium.
Before leaving camp, Schottenheimer highlighted a few players who caught his eye and exceeded his expectations during the four-week session in Oxnard.
They were: rookie safety Caleb Downs, veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary, veteran defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia, second-year cornerback Shavon Revel, receiver Jonathan Mingo, undrafted rookie receiver Camden Brown, left tackle Tyler Guyton, running back Javonte Williams, receiver Ryan Flournoy and Bryan Anger.
“Caleb Downs, special young player,” he said. “Rashan Gary‘s leadership has jumped out at me. And as a player, you guys know that. (Otito Ogbonnia), I mean, you talk about a guy that we thought we were getting maybe a run stopper. This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
“Very proud of (Shavon Revel). I’m just going to keep ripping names. … Jonathan Mingo, Camden Brown, Tyler Guyton, Javonte Williams, Ryan Flournoy, Bryan Anger, however old he is. He just hit a couple 75 yard punts.
“But it’s been a great camp. It really has. And there’s been a ton of guys that have stood out. I’m very, very pleased with how the camp’s going.”
Here are five things to watch against the Cardinals:
- Linebacker Jaishawn Barharm was the talk of camp for the first two weeks and then he suffered a soft tissue injury and missed the preseason opener. He will play against the Cardinals and the Cowboys will get a first-hand look at his size and physicality in the middle of the defense. He is expected to split time with starters Dee Winters and DeMarvion Overshown.
- The backup offensive line was a disappointment in the run game against the Seahawks. The Cowboys switched some positions up front and are looking for a better showing against the Cardinals. Nate Thomas entered camp in the mix for the starting spot at left tackle. He is now the backup right tackle with rookie Drew Shelton running second team at left tackle. Thomas has been inconsistent in practice.
- Malik Davis has a chance jump to the top of the last the battle for the No. 2 running back spot behind Javonte Williams. Jaydon Blue is injured and likely won’t play against the Cardinals. Phil Mafah has been inconsistent. The Cowboys know they can count on Davis as runner and special team’s performer.
- Camron Brown turned a lot of heads with his two touchdown performance against the Seahawks. So much so, that many have not already got him on the final roster but think he could be the fifth receiver ahead of Jonathan Mingo. People have gone a bit too far. Brown, an undrafted rookie, most do it again and again. Mingo has had a solid camp and has shown he can be a factor on special teams. Brown needs to show out against the Cardinals.
- The backup quarterback spot remains in the spotlight. Sam Howell got the start against the Seahawks. look for Joe Milton to take the first snaps against the Cardinals. Milton showed a lot of growth in his two quarters last week and he builds on that performance with a solid first half against the Cardinals he could secure the spot. He has all the intangibles in terms of height, athleticism and arm strength. Howell has more consistent in camp.
