The NFL season is just over a month away, following more than six months of absence. The season concluded in Las Vegas with the Kansas City Chiefs claiming the championship, and it will begin with them as well on September 5 at Arrowhead Stadium against MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
During these off months, players enjoy their vacations but usually continue training to stay in shape and improve their physical skills. However, nothing compares to donning the gear, strapping on the helmet, and starting serious training with the whole team, all aiming for the same goal: lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The intensity and determination of the teams can be seen in their practices, and today, that intensity overflowed a bit at the Cowboys training camp. After one play, a defensive and offensive player ended up on the ground, and other players rushed in to separate them. With how empty their training sessions have been, probably few saw it live.
Fights in Different Training Camps
In addition to the Cowboys’ scuffle, there were other training sessions with issues today. Michael Pittman, for the second consecutive year with the Indianapolis Colts, got into it, and in Pittsburgh, a late hit on Justin Fields sparked a response from the Steelers’ offense, defending their own as they should. A couple of weeks ago, the Houston Texans, who play tomorrow in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game, also had a minor skirmish. To me, this only shows the teams’ eagerness to start playing meaningful games.
Expectations for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have had three consecutive 12-win seasons but have been eliminated before the conference championship game each time. The offense, led by Dak Prescott, tends to falter in the playoffs, as evidenced by their 2-5 record in those games. CeeDee Lamb continues to sit out training, likely until he becomes the highest-paid receiver in the league or at least in the top two. The defense looks solid with superstar Micah Parsons, who will be in a similar contract situation as Lamb next year, the return of Trevon Diggs after last year’s injury, and the addition of new defensive coordinator and former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.
As the season opener approaches, the anticipation and tension among teams are palpable. Fans are eager to see if the Cowboys can overcome their playoff struggles and if the Chiefs can achieve the first three-peat in NFL history. The coming weeks with the first preseason games will be crucial for all teams as they finalize their preparations and gear up for an action-packed season.
