OXNARD, Calif. -- Jameill Showers took every snap of the Dallas Cowboys' scrimmage Sunday and the second-year quarterback earned some praise from coach Jason Garrett.
He completed 7 of 10 passes on the two drives that ended with Dan Bailey field goal attempts. What impressed Garrett, however, was the presence Showers had after a penalty on the offense and a subsequent timeout when things were not organized.
"He plays with composure," Garrett said. "He knows what to do. I think he's getting the ball out of his hand more quickly because he's more confident. He's seen the looks. I thought he handled himself well. The big thing you want to see from everybody in those situations is OK we're driving, first-and-10, second-and-5, first down, first-and-10, second-and-2, first down, sack, second-and-18. OK, how do you handle that? Do you start to try to make 19 on the first one or chip away, find the check down give yourself a manageable third down? You want to see those guys play and understand the situations, not get out of whack, execute ball plays. I thought from my vantage point he did a pretty good job of that."
Dak Prescott took all of the second-team snaps and completed 9 of 12 passes in team and 7-on-7 drills.
• The prettiest play of the day was a stutter-go route by Dez Bryant in which he beat Brandon Carr for a touchdown pass from Romo. Bryant threw up the X with the fans in the end zone and then celebrated with his teammates.
"You take that for granted, I guess, but it is nice to see it," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "If they're not getting it done by the start of the season we might have a little light problem."
Romo finished the day 13-of-19 in team and 7-on-7 drills. For camp, he is now 51-of-85 in those situations.
• Veterans just get it. On the third play of play-action drills, Witten and linebacker Sean Lee came together for a solid collision on an Alfred Morris run. After the play Witten hollered and Lee countered. It seemed to set the tempo for the day. Later in 7-on-7 work, after a Terrance Williams touchdown, Bryant screamed and Lee was right there with a retort.
• With DeMarcus Lawrence (back) earning a day of rest and newcomer Shaneil Jenkins not prepared to practice, the Cowboys had just nine defensive linemen available at the start of practice. Defensive end Ryan Russell (knee) was not able to finish practice, leaving them with just eight linemen, including Lawrence Okoye, who is playing through a sore left elbow. Charles Tapper worked at left and right defensive end with the starters, while Michael McAdoo got some time at right defensive end.
• WR Lucky Whitehead had his best moment of camp with a decisive punt return. Fielding the punt near the right sideline, Whitehead worked laterally before quickly turning up field through a gap in the coverage for what could have been a touchdown.
• Bailey went 5-for-5 in special teams drills but he had a 50-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright. It was just the third miss of camp for Bailey. All three misses have been from 50 yards or more but he drilled this kick with it hitting the upright near the top.
• With Kyle Wilber out and Justin Durant working into shape, Derek Akunne has worked with the first-team defense at strong side linebacker the last two days. He had a tackle for loss (combined with Lee) at the goal line and a sack. He is undersized (5-foot-11, 230 pounds) but Garrett said he is making the most of his opportunity.
