Cowboys Coach Utters Vote of Confidence in Former Pro Bowler

Newsweek

6 hours ago

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After being drafted in the first round of the 2022 draft, Jake Ferguson has developed into a productive piece in the Dallas Cowboys offense. Following a lackluster showing last season, one key member of the organization feels he'll be able to turn a new leaf in 2025.
In his second season, Ferguson showed the potential of being one of the more productive tight ends in the NFL. He secured his first Pro Bowl selection after racking up 761 yards and five touchdowns.
Coming off his best years in the pros, Ferguson's production took a noticeable step back. He'd miss some time due to injury and failed to find the endzone across 14 starts. Despite how things played out for him, Ferguson isn't letting it weigh him down heading into his fourth year with the Cowboys.
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Following mandatory minicamp, Ferguson touched on his mindset heading into this season. He admitted to dealing with multiple ailments last year but is confident he'll be able to get back on track.
New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer looks on during at a press conference along side CEO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones and team owner Jerry Jones.
New head coach of the Dallas Cowboys Brian Schottenheimer looks on during at a press conference along side CEO and Executive Vice President Stephen Jones and team owner Jerry Jones."I definitely wasn't satisfied with how I played all last year," Ferguson recently said, via NFL.com. "My knee hurt, for sure. The concussion was weird. But I've said this before, if I'm on the field, I should be able to give it my all. I don't think I've ever played a full season and not scored a touchdown. That was something that I came into this offseason really working on. Just trying to really dial in on those things."
Ferguson isn't the only person who is confident he'll return to form for the Cowboys this season. When asked about the young tight end, head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised his mindset and work ethic.
"He definitely dealt with some stuff that was hard for him," Schottenheimer said. "Jake's always motivated. Jake is one of those tone setters who just plays the right way. But the look in his eyes and the way his body looks, in terms of physique, and the way he's moving has been noticeably different in a good way."
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Ferguson should be bracing for a slight dip in targets following the addition of George Pickens. However, he could still be a key piece in the offense. Ferguson benefited greatly from Dak Prescott's MVP-level campaign in 2023. With the star QB returning from an injury-ridden season of his own, the two should be able to re-establish their strong connection on the field.
With Pickens and CeeDee Lamb garnering all the attention from opposing defenses, it should create opportunities for Ferguson to be impactful. If he's able to bounce back, he could emerge as an X-factor for the Cowboys' offense.
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