The Dallas Cowboys will continue to use cutting-edge technology to have a better chance of studying plays and improve their players as they are set to use virtual reality following their utilization of drones to special teams practices.
The Cowboys started using drones after SMU coach Chad Morris used them in spring practices.
In a report by ESPN, a source said the Cowboys had a deal with StriVR Labs which is a virtual-reality company that will use a software allowing the players to have a 3-D view of live action from practices.
ESPN also reported that former Stanford kicker Derek Belch was the one who developed the program which has also been used by Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson and Vanderbilt among other programs last year.
According to ESPN, the Cowboys already added a new room for the virtual technology at their facility in Valley Ranch facility.
Dallas has been using a stationary camera behind the line of scrimmage to film plays that will provide a 360-degree view of them with sounds, NFL.com reported.
The report also said quarterbacks, linebackers and safeties will use virtual-reality headsets which will allow coaches to observe if they are making the correct reads and checks.
The technology also gives other players not involved the chance to experience the play through a first-person perspective by using the virtual-reality headsets.
"It's interesting because it gives you the chance from behind to see all 11 guys on offense and all 11 guys on defense but from a closer angle," Cowboys head coach Jason Gartett said according to ESPN.
"This allows you to get a little closer so you can coach better. You can see hand placement. You see where they have their feet, where they have their eyes."
"I think that's important. You can look at that and coach them better being that much closer to the action," Garrett added.
As of now the Cowboys are the only team in the NFL using virtual reality technology but ESPN reported that the Atlanta Falcons are also thinking of using it as well.
