Xavier Woods’ Smarts Enabling Fresh Start with…

The synching of the safeties happened almost instantly, back to their first time on the field together in the spring for Organized Team Activity Practices.

“It is rare. I remember the first OTAs, it’s a brand-new system to Xavier, and he’s making all the calls and communicating with Harrison,” Adam Zimmer said. “That shows how smart Xavier is, number one, but also how they can help each other over the training camp and OTAs and all the practices that we have – I think they’ve just jelled immensely.”

Thielen also took notice of Woods’ presence at those practices.

“From the first day he got here I remember [thinking], ‘Yeah this guy’s pretty dang good.’ [I went up to] Harrison and [said], ‘Man, this guy’s really, really good.’ ” Thielen said. “And just how he plays the game. How he’s able to see the field, how he’s able to take away certain things that we’re trying to do. And then now for him to go in there and show it on game day. What a great addition to this team. [We’re] lucky to have him.”

In addition to his normal film study, Woods will bring in-person knowledge of the multiple threats the Cowboys pose.

Quarterback Dak Prescott has a passer rating of 115.0 this season, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Receivers CeeDee Lamb (497 yards, four touchdowns) and Amari Cooper (373 yards, four touchdowns) and tight end Dalton Schultz (359 yards, three touchdowns) have moved the ball and put points on the board.