On Thursday, Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke about the latest injury updates and the team’s preparation for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
Cowboys Staying Proactive in the Texas Heat
McCarthy moved practice to earlier in the morning on Thursday because of the hot temperatures sustained on the practice field on Wednesday.
He described Wednesday’s practice as one of the hotter practices he had taken part in.
McCarthy described moving the practice time as a way to avoid moving practice inside or looking at other options. He sees this as a way of “being ahead” and proactive.
McCarthy explained that the team staying hydrated isn’t an issue because they go through a lot of water regularly.
“Walking past the water coolers after the afternoon meeting, they’re empty, so that was a good sign. But they’re cautious of it,” said McCarthy.
Personnel Change and the Impact on the Game Plan
McCarthy discussed personnel change for the Cowboys over the offseason and how it will impact how other teams evaluate them, as well as how it will factor in for Dallas’ preparations for the Giants on Sunday.
“The Giants have new personnel, so that’s part of the equation because they’re gonna do things that fit their players — no different than us,” said the head coach.
He added that it’s all part of the natural system in evolving the system on either side of the ball.
Being adaptable to the looks that they are given is something he says they have prepared for in training camp.
“You have to be proactive in your adjustments. We have an adjustment plan for everything that we do,” said McCarthy.
Mike McCarthy on Giants TE Darren Waller
McCarthy spoke about Giants tight end Darren Waller, saying where the Giants line him up and how they use him are focal points.
“Really trying to anticipate how [the Giants] are going to use him is probably the biggest challenge because you know what he can do physically as far as the matchup,” said McCarthy
Although Waller missed most of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury, he still has the potential to be one of the league’s top receiving tight ends this season in New York.
Brandon Aubrey Reminds McCarthy of Former Packers Kicker
The head coach spoke about kicker Brandon Aubrey as he prepares for his first regular-season NFL game.
McCarthy said Aubrey reminds him of a young Mason Crosby. Crosby was part of the Super Bowl 46 team coached by McCarthy.
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“Heck, I hope [Aubrey] has the same start to his career as Mason too because if I remember correctly, Mason’s first game in the NFL, he kicked a walk-off field goal to win the game,” said McCarthy.
He said Aubrey’s 59-yard kick in the team’s final preseason game reminded him of Crosby. Overall, McCarthy says he feels good about Aubrey and has been impressed by him.