Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott details balancing grief with competition as a revamped defense readies for their Monday Night Football test.
With Monday Night Football looming against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys are back on the field and bracing for a first look at their revamped roster.
The post-deadline additions are in the building, and the defense should have a completely different look with the expected return of DeMarvion Overshown alongside newcomers Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson. And let's not forget about the anticipated debut of rookie corner Shavon Revel Jr.
After an emotional bye week following the passing of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, the team's reset is as much about the mindset as personnel.
Quarterback Dak Prescott addressed the mood at practice and the balance between grieving and competing.
"It was great. Brian [Schottenheimer] said earlier in the week, some guys are going to get on the field and it's going to hurt. And some guys are going to get out there and it's going to be the best medicine for them," Prescott said via CowboysRoundtable's Mike Fisher. "Having dealt with a loss, that is the best medicine for me. Getting back out there, handing the ball off and sprinting an extra 10 yards, and making sure I'm doing it hard. Masrshawn went through my mind a few times.
"I just countered that with running harder after a play or trying to do something to better this team and to show that. It felt good. It was a great practice. Good energy. Beautiful weather. We're not forgetting, but we're moving forward and carrying on the light."
The football piece of the equation now turns to fixes.
Dallas enters Week 11 at 3-5-1 and in immediate need of improvement on defense. Williams' interior power should compress pockets and clean up run fits, while Wilson's range and communication can stabilize the second level.
Overshown's return offers speed and length in space, and Revel Jr. brings fresh competition to a secondary that has to tighten its coverage and finish tackles.
As InsideTheStar.com framed it, the path is narrow but not closed.
"Despite long odds - just 5.3 percent to make the playoffs and 0.4 percent to reach the Super Bowl - the Cowboys still have a chance to rewrite the second half of their season. The return of DeMarvion Overshown, the acquisition of Logan Wilson, the late addition of Quinnen Williams, and the debut of rookie Shavon Revel Jr. give Dallas a defensive foundation it simply did not have in September or October."
The Raiders arrive at 2-7, but Dallas has no margin for error.
Monday is a measuring stick for new high pieces, the energy, and a locker room determined ot honor Kneeland by playing cleaner, faster and tougher.