Training Camp/OTA's Chatter Thread...

[Smitty]

It is cool coming from Parcells. Coming from a robot trainee like Garrett, not so much.

Of course. Yeah, how dare he try to pick up techniques from the greats.

 

[boozeman]

Of course. Yeah, how dare he try to pick up techniques from the greats.

Hey, if it was included in his basic 101 course, yeah, he should use it.

Just kind of stupid when he takes bits and pieces from everywhere but can't figure out that "the greats" don't sit there and abandon the run game with a 20 point lead.

But he got that sticker on the helmet thing going on. Definitely got that.

 

[Smitty]

Hey, if it was included in his basic 101 course, yeah, he should use it.

Just kind of stupid when he takes bits and pieces from everywhere but can't figure out that "the greats" don't sit there and abandon the run game with a 20 point lead.

But he got that sticker on the helmet thing going on. Definitely got that.

Well of course there are other problems but I don't think that cheapens the helmet thing. I liked it when Parcells did it, I don't see why I should like it less now.

 

[boozeman]

Well of course there are other problems but I don't think that cheapens the helmet thing. I liked it when Parcells did it, I don't see why I should like it less now.

Parcells did it to deconstruct everyone, not just make the rookies earn it.

Even veterans got offended when he made them have tape with their names on the helmet. That small detail must have been left out of the course Garrett took.

Now when Garrett commands enough respect to have them bringing him cups of ice, I might take notice.

Like everything else, Garrett is like a pod person. Looks like a head coach. Sometimes acts like it. But it is all fake.

 

[Smitty]

Parcells did it to deconstruct everyone, not just make the rookies earn it.

Even veterans got offended when he made them have tape with their names on the helmet. That small detail must have been left out of the course Garrett took.

Now when Garrett commands enough respect to have them bringing him cups of ice, I might take notice.

Like everything else, Garrett is like a pod person. Looks like a head coach. Sometimes acts like it. But it is all fake.

Fair enough but I still like the idea and I'd like it if our next head coach does it too.

 

[boozeman]

Fair enough but I still like the idea and I'd like it if our next head coach does it too.

Well, Marinelli didn't make the Lions guys run around without helmet stickers.

 

[Genghis Khan]

Well of course there are other problems but I don't think that cheapens the helmet thing. I liked it when Parcells did it, I don't see why I should like it less now.

Because saying they have to earn it and actually making them earn it are two different things. You can't just emulate this thing parcells did without the substance behind it that parcells implemented.

 

[Smitty]

Because saying they have to earn it and actually making them earn it are two different things. You can't just emulate this thing parcells did without the substance behind it that parcells implemented.

Making the team is technically earning it. I like boozeman's answer better... I get that the real reason behind it, namely "deconstructing everyone" is probably lacking.

 

[boozeman]

Making the team is technically earning it. I like boozeman's answer better... I get that the real reason behind it, namely "deconstructing everyone" is probably lacking.

When you are taking the "haves" to basketball games with you...yeah, you are kind of doing it wrong.

Look, I get Garrett subscribed to the idea that you don't piss off your elite guys. Neither did Johnson and frankly, neither did Parcells, really.

But it was about a general "nobody is special" façade. He just is a little too close to some guys and others, especially the defense, are treated like second class citizens. You see a lot of forgiveness and lack of "worry". There are a lot of pretty bad offensive players who got free passes.

He had a golden opportunity to change perception when he took over as head coach. Back then, the same little snipping about Romo and Witten were there. And it was not just a Terrell Owens pain in the ass thing. If anyone "gave up" on Phillips it was the offense.

Part of his real development as a head coach is to not think that the offense should be the identity. It is okay for the offense to have the flash, but the defense needs the most TLC. Maybe getting rid of Ware is a step that way. Maybe all these young guys won't know any better.

 

[VA Cowboy]

What's funny about "earning" the helmet stickers is it's just a meaningless ploy. I guess if they didn't allow players to wear the star until they made the team then it might have some significance. But once the games start, even in preseason, the stars go on the helmets and there will be a couple of dozen players wearing the star in the those first couple preseason games who aren't going to make the final roster.
So I guess in reality, "earning" the star just means you stuck around long enough to make it to the opening of preseason.

 

[boozeman]

What's funny about "earning" the helmet stickers is it's just a meaningless ploy. I guess if they didn't allow players to wear the star until they made the team then it might have some significance. But once the games start, even in preseason, the stars go on the helmets and there will be a couple of dozen players wearing the star in the those first couple preseason games who aren't going to make the final roster.
So I guess in reality, "earning" the star just means you stuck around long enough to make it to the opening of preseason.

It was to weed out schlubs in minicamps. That is all.

 

[Clay_Allison]

Parcells did a lot of stuff that had impact because he had skins on the wall and automatic respect from most of the players because of who he is. When he did something, players think: "Man, he's for real." When a head coach that doesn't impress anyone and has never had success as a coach on any level tries the same gimmick the players just make a jerking off motion and think "whatever".

 

[p1_]

Parcells did a lot of stuff that had impact because he had skins on the wall and automatic respect from most of the players because of who he is. When he did something, players think: "Man, he's for real." When a head coach that doesn't impress anyone and has never had success as a coach on any level tries the same gimmick the players just make a jerking off motion and think "whatever".

Remember how many times during Parcells' tenure you heard the phrase 'skins on the wall'? He had truckloads of cred. Garrett's got ..... well.... not a lot.

 

[Cotton]

Scout’s Eye: Grading The Offense From Rookie Minicamp
Posted 11 minutes ago

Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout

Quarterbacks:
Both Dustin Vaughan and Kolton Browning had their moments where they flashed confident play, but they also had their moments where they were nowhere as good as they needed to be -- especially considering they didn’t have to deal with consistent pressure. Vaughan has the stronger arm, but he had no clue where the ball was going when he let it go. I would like the opportunity to continue to work with him. After watching Browning, who was here on a tryout basis, I thank him for his effort and move on.


Wide Receivers:
I liked what I saw from Devin Street and what he can bring to the scheme with his ability to make plays. In this camp, he showed ability as a route runner, but I would like to see him run them with a little more zip. That might have to do with his post draft conditioning, which will improve the closer we draw toward camp in Oxnard, California. L’Damian Washington was much better after the first practice, where he wasn’t nearly physical enough. Not really sure how reliable his hands are? If there was a bit of a disappointment, it was Chris Boyd. The year off from football didn’t help him at all, but after watching his tape from Vanderbilt, I did expect more. Hopefully we see a different player as we work through the summer.

Tight Ends:
Among this group, Jordan Najvar was the best. There are limitations to his game as a blocker, though he can catch the ball. Kane Friel was a tryout guy that did nothing to make me want to sign him and Evan Wilson has the size to be a blocker and we will see if that is the case when the pads come on. No one from this group made me sit up and really take notice.

Running Backs:
Ben Malena was my favorite of the group, with Josh Harris as a close second. Glasco Martin is too straight line for me and the front office thought the very same thing in using his spot for newly signed Ryan Williams. Malena has the ability to break down a defense in space with the ball in his hands. I really like the toughness he brings, as well. Harris was here on a tryout and flashed some nice skill but with the addition of Williams, that most likely hurts his opportunity for a spot on the training camp roster. Fullback JC Copeland needs to lose weight and this will help him with his ability to adjust on the move. When the pads come on, that is when he will have a chance to shine.


Offensive Line:
There were some really nice battles during these practices between guard Zack Martin and defensive tackle Davon Coleman, which gave you an indication of how well Martin handles quickness right off the snap. Coleman tested him plenty and that was a good sign. I really liked what I saw from tackle Jarrod Pughsley from Akron. I had heard rumor that he might be a guard when we open camp in Oxnard, but he looked plenty comfortable play tackle – as he did in college. Like Martin, he had some nice battles, but he was against defensive end Ben Gardner. Keep an eye on Brian Clarke from Bloomsburg, who lined up at guard. Physically, he is not the biggest guy at 6-2, 299, but there is some nastiness to his game. He is one of those guys that battles to the echo of the whistle.

 

[boozeman]

Broaddus: D-Line Stands Out At Rookie Minicamp

Posted 2 hours ago



Bryan Broaddus

Football Analyst/Scout



•Defensive Line:

Of all the position groups in this camp, I thought this was the one that showed up the best from a talent standpoint. DeMarcus Lawrence was able to get back in time for the Saturday walk through practices, and he got a full dose of work on Sunday.

Athletically, you saw everything you did on his college film. He showed the ability to get up the field, then redirect when the ball went outside on him. Where he is going to improve the most, in my opinion, is working at his technique with Leon Lett. He can extend and bend, but where he will need the most work is playing with his hands. The quicker that he can free himself, the better shot he has to work his rush.

A defender that can play with technique is Ben Gardner. He doesn’t have the athletic ability or quickness of Lawrence, so you see him come up with creative ways to free himself.

If this front office stole one, it might be Davon Coleman playing the three-technique. This guy is always attacking the blockers. Ken Bishop was solid at the one as well. If I am signing a workout guy out of this group, there is something to this Dartwan Bush from Texas Tech. He lines up at right defensive end and down-after-down, he was in the middle of the action. He plays with solid technique and deserves a shot.
•Linebackers:

This group was unique in how they arrived at the ball and their ability to make plays. All eyes were on Anthony Hitchens and Will Smith, who I said on “Minicamp Live” will look much better when the pads come on and I still believe that will be the case.

To be honest, I didn’t expect much from Joe Windsor out of Northern Illinois, but there were several snaps where he dropped in coverage, knocking a ball down or knifing through the line to tackle the ball carrier behind the line. There is nothing physically impressive about Windsor but he just kept showing up.

Dontvis Sapp of Tennessee does look good physically and you can see it in the way he plays. This guy plays with a nose for the ball and he has the ability to work his way through the trash to make a play.



•Defensive Backs:

When the defensive coaches put their secondary on the field, they lined up Terrance Mitchell at one corner and workout guy Tyler Patmon at the other. What I learned in watching these two young guys go at it was that despite the talent they we all believed was opposite them at receivers, they didn’t back down from the challenge.

Matter of fact, there were reps where these corners shut them down. I have to say that Mitchell played with far more aggressiveness than he did from what I saw at Oregon. I wasn’t sold on his catch-up speed, but that didn’t appear to be an issue as we went through these practices.

If I was on the scouting staff here, I would push for them to sign Patmon quickly. The kid can play off or press and he does it well.

The best safety of the group, in my view, was Ryan Smith from Auburn. Smith plays with really nice movement and flexibility. He not only lined up at safety, but he played some corner and in the slot as well. The only thing that scared me on tape was his lack of ability to finish the tackle but he is around the ball a bunch.

Marvin Robinson from Ferris State hurt his knee on Friday but his movement skill before that looked improved.

 

[Cotton]

3 Questions: New RB; Battle For SAM LB; Role For Rookies
Posted 45 minutes ago

Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout

IRVING, Texas – With the rookie minicamp over and the OTA practices to begin next week, let’s look at three questions that need answers.

What should we read into the signing of Ryan Williams for the running back position?

I have to say that I was surprised by the move that the front office did with adding Williams to the mix. But this has been consistent with what they have done in taking a look at players that do not have many years of service in the league but had quality grades on their draft board. They did it with Amobi Okoye and Brandon Weeden, so Williams fits in that same pattern. I have never faulted a scouting department for wanting to take a look at a player that might not have made it with another team. It’s a low risk, high reward type of an opportunity. What will be interesting is if Williams out plays Joseph Randle for that third spot on the roster and the dynamic that would bring. With the direction of the signing, it tells me that if that in fact happens, this front office is more than willing to move on from Randle if that is the case.

Who do you like better at SAM linebacker, DeVonte Holloman or Kyle Wilber?

That is a great question because both are young guys that have seemed to have found a spot that they both could excel at. I was disappointed when Holloman missed seven games with a neck injury that he suffered in practice because he was well on his way to being that core special teamer and nickel linebacker that the staff could count on for quality snaps. Just to give you an example of potentially what was there, just go back and see how well he

filled in for Sean Lee at the MIKE in those final two games of the season at Washington, then at home against Philadelphia. Wilber was really a forgotten man until injuries to the linebackers forced him to have to make the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. Wilber would go on and start seven games that season at SAM and there was only one game where he didn’t have five or more tackles which was quite impressive. If I had to give the nod to who might walk away with this job once we leave Oxnard in August, I feel that it will be a very close competition but I am leaning toward DeVonte Holloman to be that guy. The way that he plays the point of attack with power and his knack for handling coverage assignments does it for me.

With the current roster, what position will be the hardest for a rookie to crack?

I earlier wrote about the running backs and how I feel like that might shake out but we should also look at wide receiver as well. I believe that the front office could go into the season with six receivers but if they carry say an extra quarterback, offensive or defensive linemen-that might be hard. Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley would be the four that I have on the team as we open camp with Devin Street as the lone draft pick that will most likely be in the mix. That leaves others like Tim Benford, Chris Boyd, LaRon Byrd, Jamar Newsome and L’Damian Washington hunting either that fifth or sixth spot. The offensive coaches have thrown a lot already at Street to see if he can handle it and to this point, he has. Byrd has game experience from Arizona, plus he has played special teams, so he has value. What would be interesting is if the coaches like one or two of these receivers value wise more than Beasley? I continue to believe that Derek Dooley will keep the pressure on Street to develop quickly.

 

[ravidubey]

What will be interesting is if Williams out plays Joseph Randle for that third spot on the roster and the dynamic that would bring. With the direction of the signing, it tells me that if that in fact happens, this front office is more than willing to move on from Randle if that is the case.

If that's true,

 

[Cowboysrock55]

Who do you like better at SAM linebacker, DeVonte Holloman or Kyle Wilber?

That is a great question because both are young guys that have seemed to have found a spot that they both could excel at. I was disappointed when Holloman missed seven games with a neck injury that he suffered in practice because he was well on his way to being that core special teamer and nickel linebacker that the staff could count on for quality snaps. Just to give you an example of potentially what was there, just go back and see how well he

filled in for Sean Lee at the MIKE in those final two games of the season at Washington, then at home against Philadelphia. Wilber was really a forgotten man until injuries to the linebackers forced him to have to make the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. Wilber would go on and start seven games that season at SAM and there was only one game where he didn’t have five or more tackles which was quite impressive. If I had to give the nod to who might walk away with this job once we leave Oxnard in August, I feel that it will be a very close competition but I am leaning toward DeVonte Holloman to be that guy. The way that he plays the point of attack with power and his knack for handling coverage assignments does it for me.

Why not Holloman at WLBer? If his strength is coverage, wouldn't that position be perfect for him? I'm not even sure Carter belongs in the starting lineup at LBer next year.

 

[Clay_Allison]

Why not Holloman at WLBer? If his strength is coverage, wouldn't that position be perfect for him? I'm not even sure Carter belongs in the starting lineup at LBer next year.

I agree with this. Wilber, Lee, Holloman would be my penciled in starters with Carter having to earn his way back in if someone is hurt or plays poorly.

 

[Cowboysrock55]

I agree with this. Wilber, Lee, Holloman would be my penciled in starters with Carter having to earn his way back in if someone is hurt or plays poorly.

I don't know why Carter would play the weak side regardless. His coverage last year was absolutely garbage and he got benched at one point because of it.