Jason Garrett: David Irving not at The Star today, plus long discussion on Dak Prescott’s accuracy

David Irving is not at The Star on Wednesday

The Cowboys anticipate Irving being back with the Cowboys on Thursday. Jason Garrett said that physically Irving is ready to play, but also acknowledged that he wasn’t at The Star on Tuesday. When asked why he said that it appeared to be the same issue that’s been keeping him away since he’s been reinstated.

When pressed on whether he would definitely be there on Thursday, Garrett simply noted that it was the information that he had been told.

Brett Maher has done an excellent job

One of the better decisions that the Cowboys made this season was to go with Brett Maher at kicker. Jason Garrett gave praise to the 28-year old rookie noting that he’s come through for the Cowboys.

Troy Aikman made some comments about accuracy among quarterbacks

Troy Aikman recently made some comments about accuracy and how it relates to Dak Prescott, the emphasis of them was that people either have accuracy or that they don’t. Garrett said that he believes you certainly are born with talent in different regards but that he believes a lot of things can be refined through practice.

Garrett was complimentary of Aikman of the two throughout his answer even telling a story about their playing days together when they went to Jay Novacek’s football camp. He related the story of how little Jimmy wasn't throwing the ball at the camp how they wanted him to, so Garrett asked Aikman what they should do about it. Aikman said they should move him to wide receiver (laughter).

More accuracy questions about Dak

Jason Garrett was asked specifically about Dak Prescott’s accuracy to which he responded that, “When he’s in a really good position he can be a very accurate passer.” He also noted that the best QB’s can stay in position with their eyes down field in a busy environment, and that veterans are usually better at it than young QB’s. Said they need to continue to work with Dak on that. He said QBs can move around and climb the pocket in subtle ways.

Growing as a quarterback is a necessary thing

There are obviously a lot of questions about Dak Prescott and his accuracy, and Jason Garrett did his best to talk around them. He cited Tom Brady as an example as somebody who’s obviously grown to a great degree (the best ever), but that younger players don’t have that level of experience quite yet. Younger QBs tend to look more harried in the pocket because they might not know the best reads or progressions based on a defense or because they are bothered by heavy traffic in the pocket. He noted you are always working on getting the ball out quicker.

The key word is development

Anticipation on throws is something people have discussed when it comes to Dak, and Garrett continued to hammer home that all things can be developed. It cones down to trust and cutting the ball loose. He thought more time on task with the receivers will always help that.

Cowboys loved Jalen Ramsey coming out of Florida State

The 2016 Draft feels like just yesterday in some respects, and Dallas obviously chose Ezekiel Elliott over Jalen Ramsey. When asked about the All-Pro cornerback Jason Garrett noted that Ramsey jumped off of the tape and that it was apparent how confident he was way back then.

An update on injuries

It’s Week 6 and that means there are some injury situations. In terms of Wednesday’s practice:

Chidobe Awuzie, hopeful he can practice today

Sean Lee, not expected to practice

Maliek Collins, hopeful he can practice today

Taco Charlton is expected to practice

How does Jason Garrett define a No. 1 receiver?

There’s been a lot of discussion about number one receivers lately. Here’s how Jason Garrett defines it.

“It seems to be a term that people have used in recent years for the guy who was the marquee guy when an offensive team breaks the huddle and they give him extra attention, special attention. Difference-making guy who can beat you in a lot of different ways.”

Have the Cowboys had that recently?

In Jason Garrett’s words, “Absolutely. we’ve had some big-time receivers.”

Randy Gregory is getting better and better

Asked if Houston was Randy Gregory’s best game since returning Jason Garrett only noted that Randy is getting “better and better.” Obviously Randy still has a long way to go, but he earned praise from the head coach.

How do you keep things optimistic

It can certainly be difficult to stay optimistic and fired up when your offense isn’t performing, and that’s where the Cowboys find themselves these days. Asked how he keeps the Cowboys motivated and away from getting down on themselves Garrett reached for a classic line of his saying that, “you just keep banging away.”

Cowboys liked Darian Thompson at the Senior Bowl

Dallas likes their new safety and has for quite some time.

Jourdan Lewis did a great job on Sunday

When you recover a fumble in a big-time game you get noticed. Jourdan Lewis had seemed to have fallen out of favor with the Cowboys coaching staff, but he played very well in Houston. Jason Garrett confirmed that.

Patience doesn’t seem to be an issue with David Irving

It would be understandable for a coaching staff’s patience to wear thin with a situation like David Irving’s. It’s obviously very difficult to prepare a game plan and not know if he’s going to be there. Irving has some personal issues he’s working towards and obviously everyone wishes him the best with them, but the Cowboys are trying to get their own work done.

Asked if patience can wear thin with a situation like that Garrett responded quite calmly that, “Sometimes guys have issues that they have to deal with.” It seems the Cowboys are willing to wait, but they do have a break point. Garrett noted that during the week there comes a time (he didn’t specify when) where the team ultimately decides that because he hasn’t fulfilled certain requirements (like practicing, etc.) he won’t play in the game.