'Deep-Ball Dak': Cowboys' Mike McCarthy Loves Prescott-Led 'Growth'

Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Brooks was one of the stars of camp last offseason, and he's doing it again in Oxnard.

Fresh off a rookie season that saw Brooks be on the periphery of the offense, in year two, he might be seeing more snaps if his work in camp is anything to go by.

Several times in the last few practices, Dak Prescott has dialed up the launch codes on deep balls to Brooks, with the second-year receiver hauling them in, with one being on All-Pro corner Trevon Diggs in his latest outing.

And head coach Mike McCarthy likes the connection the pair is developing.

“Definitely love the growth and the connection between Jalen and Dak,” McCarthy said. “It's nice to see things that you really emphasize come to life, and in the deep ball, been has been one of them. So we had some really good time clocks as far as when and how we want to throw those balls, but it's been it's been something that's been emphasized and I think our guys have done a great job in that area.”

With Brooks' blend of speed and size, he poses a problem for defenses and can often get favorable matchups. Now, it seems he has the trust of Prescott to have the ball thrown his way often, and in Oxnard, Brooks has been a star consistently, which is likely aided by the absence of CeeDee Lamb.

While Jalen Tolbert is seen as the third receiver, Brooks is snapping at his heels, and a roster spot looks all but is confirmed after what he's shown this offseason.

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Aside from Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys didn't have a deep-threat option last season, but with Brooks now emerging as a genuine deep threat, maybe the Cowboys' offense will be even more damaging in 2024.

Is a second-year leap coming for Brooks?

It sure feels like it.