Dallas Cowboys Enjoy Refreshing Change of Scenery at Training Camp

Oxnard, California -- The monotony of the NFL preseason took a turn for the better for the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, as the team switched training camp locations this week from San Antonio to the River Ridge facility in Oxnard, California.

The move was universally welcomed by the players, most of whom were quick to comment on how California's breezy, 70-degree coastal weather was a huge improvement from the scorching Texas heat of the past the few days.

The notion of a California training camp is nothing new for the Cowboys, as the franchise trained for 27 preseasons in nearby Thousand Oaks during the Tom Landry era. What is unusual for the Cowboys however, is this year's busy preseason schedule.

Dallas has not only switched training sites in the midst of its preseason, but has also played in the Hall of Fame game in distant Ohio. By the time their regular season starts on September 12, 2010, the Cowboys will have already logged approximately 6,743 miles.

Still, neither the coaches nor the players seemed to mind the travel, as the new change of scenery had everyone in high spirits and ready to begin work on "Phase Two" of their preseason.

Despite the cooler temperatures and ideal hitting weather of Oxnard, the Cowboys went through two non-contact practices on Saturday with an emphasis on getting back to basics and correcting the mistakes from Thursday's game against the Raiders. As such, the team broke into groups and engaged in a variety of fundamental position drills.

Quarterback Tony Romo generally looked sharp, although he did get picked off during a 5 on 5 passing drill when his receiver stopped on a crossing route over the middle.

Receiver Roy Williams had an excellent day of practice, making several nice catches on a variety of routes against the Cowboys' defensive backs. Tight end Jason Witten also displayed his trademark consistency, making numerous catches after dropping one ball earlier in the practice.

Meanwhile, rookie sensation wide receiver Dez Bryant appears to be on his way to better health. Bryant no longer is wearing a walking boot for his high ankle sprain, and spent most of Saturday's practice stretching and doing light exercises with his ankle taped.

Post Practice News & Notes

1. Despite the presence of Cowboy stars Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware, Marion Barber, and Jason Witten, injured rookie Dez Bryant has emerged as one of the fan favorites at practice.

Bryant had the hundreds in attendance clamoring for autographs, and he graciously stayed after practice for nearly 20 minutes meeting and greeting the fans.

2. The Cowboys will play their third preseason game against the San Diego Chargers on August 21, 2010. The game will take place in San Diego.

3. The optimism of training camp was reflected in backup linebacker Victor Butler's "glass half full" perspective. Butler, a second-year, pass-rushing specialist, boldly proclaimed that he was aiming to get about "11 sacks" this season.

By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com