With each new season, the teams want to build on the success of a year ago. The Cowboys definitely had their share, winning 12 games and dominating the NFC East with a 6-0 record against division opponents.
But veteran security guard Zack Martin said the start of camp is always the time to turn the page.
“Every year is different. We’re still finding our identity as a team,” said Martin. “This next month is big for us out here to find our identity.”
Martin was then asked what kind of identity he would prefer for this team.
“I want to be a strong football team,” said Martin. “I want to be a smart football team. I think last year we had some issues with some discipline for us. I think that’s A no. 1 for us – a disciplined, tough football team.”
While Martin is one of the leaders on offense, the Cowboys also brought out safety Jayron Kearse to speak to the media. Unlike Martin, this is only Kearse’s second season with the team, but he spoke of the benefits of holding camp so far from home.
“What I like best about camp is just being in a different atmosphere with these guys,” Kearse said. “We’re out here working and grinding. This is really number 1. We can stick together for 2-3 weeks. That will be of great help to us.”
And Kearse certainly brought up the weather, which is probably the main reason the Cowboys made the annual trip to California, where temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s every day.
“I’m pretty sure we’re all happy to be here in Cali now,” he said.
After the Cowboys settled into an unpacked state on Monday, here’s what the next few days look like here in Oxnard:
- Tuesday – Inaugural press conference with owner Jerry Jones, Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy.
- Wednesday – First practice on the field (11:30 a.m. PDT)
- Thursday: Practice (11:30 a.m. PDT)
- Friday: Practice (11:30 a.m. PDT)
- Saturday – Opening Ceremony (9:30am PDT & Practice at 11:30am)