Cowboys’ offseason to start virtually with plans to move to on-field

The 2020 offseason was extremely unique and challenging for NFL franchises. Teams implemented game plans and playbooks almost completely virtually, and clubs had just a few short weeks of training camp. This, of course, severely hampered most of the teams which were revamping with a new coaching staff and trying to implement new schemes and structures. The Dallas Cowboys and Mike McCarthy were one of those teams, struggling to a 6-10 finish.

The league sent out a memo to it’s organizations on Wednesday that details upcoming plans for the offseason programs, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. While there still are plenty of COVID protocols still in place, the NFL believes the 2021 offseason will look much more like what teams are accustomed to, with months of time for on-field practices to take place.

The memo states,

“While the parties (meaning the NFL and the NFLPA) are still discussing possible adjustments to the meeting and on-field work rules and related COVID-19 Protocols, clubs should be prepared to conduct meetings virtually, at least during the early phase of the program.

As we expressed during yesterday’s meeting, we do not anticipate a duplication of last season’s virtual workout program.”

The NFL made it clear that they do not want a fully virtual offseason like last year, but the league also understands that teams can’t jump in head first in this situation, and that there is a process that must take place.

That process is set to include requiring teams to have adequate COVID-19 testing supplies by April 19, updated IDER (Infectious Disease Emergency Response) plans be put in place, loosened restrictions for vaccinated teams or players, and more.

While vaccination will not be mandatory by the league, Pelissero noted the incentives, writing,

“It is also anticipated that clubs that achieve a certain rate of vaccination among its tiered staff and players may be permitted to relax restrictions that apply to meetings, mealtime, and the use of locker rooms.”

The future prospect of an offseason full of in-person meetings and on-field practices should exhilarate every NFL team, as performing these events virtually just isn’t close to the same.

The Cowboys should especially benefit from the return. The club missed out on much significant time during McCarthy’s debut offseason.

The team hired new defensive Dan Quinn just after the season ended, signifying the second defensive scheme switch in as many years as McCarthy admitted that Mike Nolan tried to install too much considering the hurdles they had to adjust to.

The in-person practice and meeting time will be priceless as Dallas attempts to further implement McCarthy’s system, and as Quinn attempts to catch his unit up to speed.

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