Training Camp/OTA's Chatter Thread...
- Thread starter Cotton
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Not a super bowl or bust. Just plain tired of the same results and the same expectations. Not as fun as it used to be and im not just talking about the super bowl years. Eventually I will start getting anxious but lately its been about opening day where as it used to be about draft day.Super Bowl or bust guy? It's nearly here, football season. Still can't get excited? Are you a fuddy duddy or something?
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Don't hold your breath on Melton. I wouldn't be shocked if he doesn't do much until very late in camp.
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Lawrence is he one I'm most looking forward to seeing. I think he is pivotal to our defenses success. Sucks that we are having to rely on a rookie for any pass rush, but it is what it is, I guess.
Carp
DCC 4Life
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Yeah...I was more talking about the season. Also want to see what Gardner can do...think he can be a player.
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Are Cowboys fit for training camp? Jason Witten wants to find out Monday
SportsDayDFW.com
Published: 18 July 2014 01:54 PM
Updated: 18 July 2014 02:16 PM
The Dallas Cowboys head to Oxnard to prepare for the season on Tuesday. On Monday, the players will be preparing for training camp.
New backup quarterback Brandon Weeden explained in an interview Friday with Oklahoma City's Sports Morning on WWLS (98.1 FM and 640 AM in OKC) that tight end Jason Witten wants to know the fitness of his teammates before the flight and has called a conditioning test a day before departing from Dallas.
"[Jason] Witten thought it would be a great idea to do our conditioning tests in Dallas in 100-degree heat instead of doing that in Oxnard," Weeden said. "We give him all kinds of hell about that. So we run on Monday morning and the plane leaves for Oxnard on Tuesday. ... I'm going to head down to Dallas Sunday night and get started Monday morning."
Weeden explained what's in store for the team in its planned running drill on Monday.
"We've got a total of 20 50s [yards] timed," Weeden said. "The skill positions have 8 seconds to run 60 yards, we've got 7 seconds to run 50 yards and the big guys have 6 seconds to run 40 yards, so it's a pretty good sprint. So 10 of those with a three minute-break and 10 more."
Is Weeden worried that his name may be one of those who fail the conditioning test? Three players failed the annual evaluation of fitness in 2012 - receiver Andre Holmes, running back Felix Jones and safety Brodney Poole. In 2013, center/guard Ryan Cook, tackle Demetress Bell, and receiver Lavasier Tuinei were listed as players who failed their tests.
"I've been running it a few times and straight-lined speed's never been my thing so I've got to hump it a little more than the rest of these guys," Weeden joked.
SportsDayDFW.com
Published: 18 July 2014 01:54 PM
Updated: 18 July 2014 02:16 PM
The Dallas Cowboys head to Oxnard to prepare for the season on Tuesday. On Monday, the players will be preparing for training camp.
New backup quarterback Brandon Weeden explained in an interview Friday with Oklahoma City's Sports Morning on WWLS (98.1 FM and 640 AM in OKC) that tight end Jason Witten wants to know the fitness of his teammates before the flight and has called a conditioning test a day before departing from Dallas.
"[Jason] Witten thought it would be a great idea to do our conditioning tests in Dallas in 100-degree heat instead of doing that in Oxnard," Weeden said. "We give him all kinds of hell about that. So we run on Monday morning and the plane leaves for Oxnard on Tuesday. ... I'm going to head down to Dallas Sunday night and get started Monday morning."
Weeden explained what's in store for the team in its planned running drill on Monday.
"We've got a total of 20 50s [yards] timed," Weeden said. "The skill positions have 8 seconds to run 60 yards, we've got 7 seconds to run 50 yards and the big guys have 6 seconds to run 40 yards, so it's a pretty good sprint. So 10 of those with a three minute-break and 10 more."
Is Weeden worried that his name may be one of those who fail the conditioning test? Three players failed the annual evaluation of fitness in 2012 - receiver Andre Holmes, running back Felix Jones and safety Brodney Poole. In 2013, center/guard Ryan Cook, tackle Demetress Bell, and receiver Lavasier Tuinei were listed as players who failed their tests.
"I've been running it a few times and straight-lined speed's never been my thing so I've got to hump it a little more than the rest of these guys," Weeden joked.
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Cowboys training camp preview: The five biggest concerns as camp begins
By RAINER SABIN and BRANDON GEORGE
Staff Writers
Published: 19 July 2014 02:34 PM
Updated: 19 July 2014 11:27 PM
Will Romo be able to return to form at QB?
Almost seven months have passed since Tony Romo underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk. At the time, the operation was cause for concern because it was the second back procedure performed in less than a year on the soon-to-be 34-year-old quarterback.
But Romo insists he is fine. Although he did not participate in team drills in the spring, he was on the field, throwing passes and taking snaps. That wasn’t the case in 2013, when Romo was idle during organized team activities and the minicamp.
“Last year, I was just starting around this point, so this year I’ve had … months to kind of get myself into feeling like I can go,” he said. “Now it’s going to be more perfecting as opposed to just trying to hammer everything out in four weeks, three weeks.”
Of course, Romo didn’t seem to be affected by the missed practice time last year. In 15 games, he threw for 3,828 yards and 31 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions blemishing his stat line. As the Cowboys head to training camp, where Romo should be cleared to do everything, the Cowboys are banking on their quarterback being as good as he was last season. He’s the engine of an offense that has the potential to be among the most potent in the NFL.
“I know he’s ready,” Cowboys play-caller Scott Linehan said. “Veterans get to the point where your guys are doing this in the offseason. It’s part of the deal. You’ve just got to make sure mentally you’re staying up to speed. And he’s done great that way.”
Rainer Sabin
How do the Cowboys plan to replace injured MLB Lee?
For now, the Cowboys plan to replace Sean Lee from within.
Lee tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in late May in the first offseason practice and will miss the season.
The Cowboys know they don’t have another linebacker the quality of Lee on their roster, but they believe they can fill his spot with players already in house.
If that doesn’t pan out, the Cowboys can always look for an established veteran at some point during training camp.
Veteran Justin Durant took the lead for the middle linebacker starting job in offseason practices. He’s certainly the most experienced player competing for the job.
However, Durant will be pushed by young linebackers DeVonte Holloman and Anthony Hitchens.
The Cowboys used a fourth-round pick in May on Hitchens so he could back up Lee. But they wanted to give him time to develop. Hitchens played outside linebacker at Iowa and might not be ready to start.
Holloman, a sixth-round pick in 2013, came on strong late last season after he missed seven games recovering from a spinal contusion suffered in a practice. Holloman led the Cowboys in tackles with 11 and had two sacks starting at middle linebacker in the season finale against Philadelphia.
The wild card is 2010 first-round pick Rolando McClain, whom the Cowboys obtained in a trade with the Ravens this month. McClain, 25, did not play last season and has twice retired from football.
Brandon George
Will the Cowboys build a foundation for a strong running game?
Last season, the Cowboys gained 4.48 yards per carry — the eighth-highest average in the NFL. They had a running back, DeMarco Murray, rush for at least 1,000 yards for the first time since 2006. Their backup, Lance Dunbar, flashed great potential before suffering a season-ending knee injury. And the zone-blocking scheme offensive line coach Bill Callahan installed in 2012 began to reap results with a line that congealed.
But despite all of these positive developments, the Cowboys were reluctant to feature their running game. Only Atlanta averaged fewer carries per game than Dallas last season. Now Scott Linehan enters the picture.
The Cowboys’ new play-caller ran a pass-heavy offense during five seasons in Detroit. No team attempted more throws from 2009 to 2013 than the Lions, who employed Linehan as their offensive coordinator during that period.
But Linehan insists he will depend on Murray, a Pro Bowler last season, to deliver in key situations.
“Murray can do it,” Linehan said. “I like what I see.”
He should. The Cowboys are 11-0 when Murray carries the ball at least 20 times. But Murray says he isn’t pining for more chances.
“I don’t care what we do — running, passing,” he volunteered. “As long as we’re winning, I am happy.”
Rainer Sabin
When will key DLs Melton, Spencer return to practice?
The Cowboys have rebuilt their entire defensive line after the offseason departures of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher.
They’ll know a lot more about their progress once they see tackle Henry Melton and end Anthony Spencer back on the practice field.
Melton and Spencer didn’t practice this offseason while recovering from surgeries that kept them out most of 2013. They’re the only Cowboys defensive linemen who have reached the Pro Bowl (both made it for the only time in 2012).
Melton tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last September, and the Cowboys expect him to be in team drills during the first training camp practice Thursday. Melton has said he will be ready.
Spencer, however, is another story. Spencer is recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee Oct. 1. As Spencer said in May, it’s an “uncommon” injury and “you rarely see guys coming back from it.”
The Cowboys and Spencer hope he can practice at some point during training camp, but he’s not likely to be ready to participate before August. In fact, there’s a real possibility Spencer could start the season on the physically unable to perform list, which would keep him out of the Cowboys’ first six games.
The sooner Spencer and Melton return, the sooner the Cowboys will know what kind of defensive line they can expect this season.
Brandon George
What will be the most interesting position battles to watch?
Several players will be competing for starting jobs at key spots in training camp. Here are some potential battles to keep an eye on.
Orlando Scandrick vs. Morris Claiborne: Both players will be on the field plenty because the Cowboys frequently rely on their nickel coverages. But it will be interesting to see whom the Cowboys use when they are in their base 4-3 alignment. Scandrick was the Cowboys’ best cornerback last season, but the seasoned veteran has struggled to make game-changing plays. Claiborne, meanwhile, lost his starting position to Scandrick and played only 10 games while fighting through knee, shoulder, hamstring and finger injuries. The sixth overall pick of the 2012 draft needs to show something this season after making only two career interceptions.
Nick Hayden vs. Terrell McClain: Hayden was signed off the street before last season. He ended up starting 16 games for the Cowboys’ injury-ravaged defensive line. But Hayden was considered a liability and was actually rated the worst player on the Cowboys’ ramshackle defense by ProFootballFocus.com. Consequently, the one-technique position he occupies appears there for the taking. Free-agent acquisition McClain has the best chance to supplant Hayden. Although he has only one sack in 32 career games, he made a strong impression during organized team activities.
Ron Leary vs. Mackenzy Bernadeau: Bernadeau lost his starting position at right guard when the Cowboys drafted Zack Martin with the 16th overall pick in May. But that doesn’t mean Bernadeau will automatically be relegated to a reserve role. Instead, he is expected to continue splitting repetitions with Leary, the incumbent left guard. Leary, once a favorite of owner Jerry Jones, struggled at times last season. ProFootballFocus.com rated him as the worst offensive lineman on the Cowboys. Leary’s poor performance has opened the door for Bernadeau to return to the starting lineup. And the savvy seventh-year veteran may take advantage of his latest opportunity.
J.J. Wilcox vs. Jeff Heath: There is little doubt the Cowboys want Wilcox to start alongside Barry Church at the strongside safety spot. Wilcox was a third-round pick with loads of potential. Heath, on the other hand, was an undrafted free agent who missed too many tackles and flopped in pass coverage at key moments. Last season, a sprained knee suffered by Wilcox gave Heath the opportunity to start the final nine games. But Wilcox appears ready to reclaim the job he lost as a rookie.
Rainer Sabin
By RAINER SABIN and BRANDON GEORGE
Staff Writers
Published: 19 July 2014 02:34 PM
Updated: 19 July 2014 11:27 PM
Will Romo be able to return to form at QB?
Almost seven months have passed since Tony Romo underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk. At the time, the operation was cause for concern because it was the second back procedure performed in less than a year on the soon-to-be 34-year-old quarterback.
But Romo insists he is fine. Although he did not participate in team drills in the spring, he was on the field, throwing passes and taking snaps. That wasn’t the case in 2013, when Romo was idle during organized team activities and the minicamp.
“Last year, I was just starting around this point, so this year I’ve had … months to kind of get myself into feeling like I can go,” he said. “Now it’s going to be more perfecting as opposed to just trying to hammer everything out in four weeks, three weeks.”
Of course, Romo didn’t seem to be affected by the missed practice time last year. In 15 games, he threw for 3,828 yards and 31 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions blemishing his stat line. As the Cowboys head to training camp, where Romo should be cleared to do everything, the Cowboys are banking on their quarterback being as good as he was last season. He’s the engine of an offense that has the potential to be among the most potent in the NFL.
“I know he’s ready,” Cowboys play-caller Scott Linehan said. “Veterans get to the point where your guys are doing this in the offseason. It’s part of the deal. You’ve just got to make sure mentally you’re staying up to speed. And he’s done great that way.”
Rainer Sabin
How do the Cowboys plan to replace injured MLB Lee?
For now, the Cowboys plan to replace Sean Lee from within.
Lee tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in late May in the first offseason practice and will miss the season.
The Cowboys know they don’t have another linebacker the quality of Lee on their roster, but they believe they can fill his spot with players already in house.
If that doesn’t pan out, the Cowboys can always look for an established veteran at some point during training camp.
Veteran Justin Durant took the lead for the middle linebacker starting job in offseason practices. He’s certainly the most experienced player competing for the job.
However, Durant will be pushed by young linebackers DeVonte Holloman and Anthony Hitchens.
The Cowboys used a fourth-round pick in May on Hitchens so he could back up Lee. But they wanted to give him time to develop. Hitchens played outside linebacker at Iowa and might not be ready to start.
Holloman, a sixth-round pick in 2013, came on strong late last season after he missed seven games recovering from a spinal contusion suffered in a practice. Holloman led the Cowboys in tackles with 11 and had two sacks starting at middle linebacker in the season finale against Philadelphia.
The wild card is 2010 first-round pick Rolando McClain, whom the Cowboys obtained in a trade with the Ravens this month. McClain, 25, did not play last season and has twice retired from football.
Brandon George
Will the Cowboys build a foundation for a strong running game?
Last season, the Cowboys gained 4.48 yards per carry — the eighth-highest average in the NFL. They had a running back, DeMarco Murray, rush for at least 1,000 yards for the first time since 2006. Their backup, Lance Dunbar, flashed great potential before suffering a season-ending knee injury. And the zone-blocking scheme offensive line coach Bill Callahan installed in 2012 began to reap results with a line that congealed.
But despite all of these positive developments, the Cowboys were reluctant to feature their running game. Only Atlanta averaged fewer carries per game than Dallas last season. Now Scott Linehan enters the picture.
The Cowboys’ new play-caller ran a pass-heavy offense during five seasons in Detroit. No team attempted more throws from 2009 to 2013 than the Lions, who employed Linehan as their offensive coordinator during that period.
But Linehan insists he will depend on Murray, a Pro Bowler last season, to deliver in key situations.
“Murray can do it,” Linehan said. “I like what I see.”
He should. The Cowboys are 11-0 when Murray carries the ball at least 20 times. But Murray says he isn’t pining for more chances.
“I don’t care what we do — running, passing,” he volunteered. “As long as we’re winning, I am happy.”
Rainer Sabin
When will key DLs Melton, Spencer return to practice?
The Cowboys have rebuilt their entire defensive line after the offseason departures of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher.
They’ll know a lot more about their progress once they see tackle Henry Melton and end Anthony Spencer back on the practice field.
Melton and Spencer didn’t practice this offseason while recovering from surgeries that kept them out most of 2013. They’re the only Cowboys defensive linemen who have reached the Pro Bowl (both made it for the only time in 2012).
Melton tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last September, and the Cowboys expect him to be in team drills during the first training camp practice Thursday. Melton has said he will be ready.
Spencer, however, is another story. Spencer is recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee Oct. 1. As Spencer said in May, it’s an “uncommon” injury and “you rarely see guys coming back from it.”
The Cowboys and Spencer hope he can practice at some point during training camp, but he’s not likely to be ready to participate before August. In fact, there’s a real possibility Spencer could start the season on the physically unable to perform list, which would keep him out of the Cowboys’ first six games.
The sooner Spencer and Melton return, the sooner the Cowboys will know what kind of defensive line they can expect this season.
Brandon George
What will be the most interesting position battles to watch?
Several players will be competing for starting jobs at key spots in training camp. Here are some potential battles to keep an eye on.
Orlando Scandrick vs. Morris Claiborne: Both players will be on the field plenty because the Cowboys frequently rely on their nickel coverages. But it will be interesting to see whom the Cowboys use when they are in their base 4-3 alignment. Scandrick was the Cowboys’ best cornerback last season, but the seasoned veteran has struggled to make game-changing plays. Claiborne, meanwhile, lost his starting position to Scandrick and played only 10 games while fighting through knee, shoulder, hamstring and finger injuries. The sixth overall pick of the 2012 draft needs to show something this season after making only two career interceptions.
Nick Hayden vs. Terrell McClain: Hayden was signed off the street before last season. He ended up starting 16 games for the Cowboys’ injury-ravaged defensive line. But Hayden was considered a liability and was actually rated the worst player on the Cowboys’ ramshackle defense by ProFootballFocus.com. Consequently, the one-technique position he occupies appears there for the taking. Free-agent acquisition McClain has the best chance to supplant Hayden. Although he has only one sack in 32 career games, he made a strong impression during organized team activities.
Ron Leary vs. Mackenzy Bernadeau: Bernadeau lost his starting position at right guard when the Cowboys drafted Zack Martin with the 16th overall pick in May. But that doesn’t mean Bernadeau will automatically be relegated to a reserve role. Instead, he is expected to continue splitting repetitions with Leary, the incumbent left guard. Leary, once a favorite of owner Jerry Jones, struggled at times last season. ProFootballFocus.com rated him as the worst offensive lineman on the Cowboys. Leary’s poor performance has opened the door for Bernadeau to return to the starting lineup. And the savvy seventh-year veteran may take advantage of his latest opportunity.
J.J. Wilcox vs. Jeff Heath: There is little doubt the Cowboys want Wilcox to start alongside Barry Church at the strongside safety spot. Wilcox was a third-round pick with loads of potential. Heath, on the other hand, was an undrafted free agent who missed too many tackles and flopped in pass coverage at key moments. Last season, a sprained knee suffered by Wilcox gave Heath the opportunity to start the final nine games. But Wilcox appears ready to reclaim the job he lost as a rookie.
Rainer Sabin
- Joined
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- 123,281
Jul 19, 2014 | 01:23 pm
Huddle-Up: Cowboys Matt Johnson 1-On-1
Jordan Ross
CowboysHQ.com
How cognizant is Matt Johnson of his injury-lowlighted reputation? ‘I almost didn't tell the trainers,' he tells CowboysHQ regarding a recent hamstring problem, ‘because I didn't want anyone to know.' We go 1-on-1 with a Dallas prospect who yearns to demonstrate that his college playmaking skill will translate to the NFL – as soon as he stays on the field.
Over the last three years, the Dallas Cowboys have had an extremely hard time getting rid of that pesky injury bug. Safety Matt Johnson knows this all too well. Johnson has never played a single snap in a regular-season game, due to numerous injuries. In fact, he's barely even played in the preseason. Recently, Johnson had to deal with another ailment: hamstring problems that popped up during OTA's.
"At the end of the first week, I felt a little knot back there and it was a little sore," said Johnson during our phone interview. "It was nothing like I've had in the past, though. I've had some pretty bad ones."
Although it wasn't a serious injury, and Johnson should be fine to begin camp next week, many fans have started to ask questions anew. Like "When is enough, enough?" and "If they cut Miles Austin and DeMarcus Ware because of injuries, then why not cut this guy?"
One easy answer is money. Unlike Austin and Ware, Johnson is still playing on his rookie contract so keeping him around has little negative impact from a financial standpoint. However, that's not the only reason the Cowboys have continued to give Johnson more chances.
His resume -- college-based as it is -- is overflowing with playmaker proof:
During the final week of OTAs, coach Jason Garrett was asked about Johnson.
"The interesting thing about Matt," said Garrett, "is every time we've given him an opportunity, he seems to do a pretty good job, whether it's in practice or some of the scrimmage situations that he's been in. He just needs time on-task, he needs to get out there."
Garrett was then asked what many fans have often wondered: "But Coach, why have you continued to be so patient with him?"
Responded the coach: "Our attitude is to try to give him an opportunity to show us what he can do. We're trying to do that and we feel like what he's done up to this point is worthy of having some patience with him."
The fact that the team has been so patient with Johnson hasn't gone unnoticed by the young safety.
"It means a lot," Johnson said, "especially because I haven't had many chances to prove myself. It feels good for them to say that, but I'd rather them not have to be patient. I'd rather be out there showing it every day. They expect a lot from me and I want to live up to those expectations."
Johnson also understands that eventually patience runs out, which is why he was hesitant to even tell the training staff that he was a little banged up this time around.
"I almost didn't tell the trainers because I didn't want anyone to know. At the same time, I knew if I didn't say anything it could end up being a lot worse."
Although being injured has been frustrating, Johnson has still tried to make the most of his situation, using his rehab and recovery time to increase his knowledge of the game.
"I know the defense much better now,'' said Johnson, who on paper has a chance to push young starter J.J. Wilcox for a job alongside veteran Barry Church. "I've studied the offense more, too, so I can understand the other side of the ball. It's all a lot slower for me now than it was in my first two seasons. I feel like I've improved a lot mentally, but it's tough not being out there for OTA's because I felt like I was getting a lot better every day."
Johnson is confident in his ability and just wants to show the team what he is capable of. However, all of that can only happen if he is able to get back to full health and remain there.
"Staying healthy is the No. 1 thing,' said Johnson, who in 45 games at Eastern Washington recorded 341 tackles, 17 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles and put up big numbers at the combine including a 4.54 40-yard dash time and a 38.5 vertical jump. "Staying on the field. I want to show the plays I made in college, getting turnovers. That's what I do."
Huddle-Up: Cowboys Matt Johnson 1-On-1
Jordan Ross
CowboysHQ.com
How cognizant is Matt Johnson of his injury-lowlighted reputation? ‘I almost didn't tell the trainers,' he tells CowboysHQ regarding a recent hamstring problem, ‘because I didn't want anyone to know.' We go 1-on-1 with a Dallas prospect who yearns to demonstrate that his college playmaking skill will translate to the NFL – as soon as he stays on the field.
Over the last three years, the Dallas Cowboys have had an extremely hard time getting rid of that pesky injury bug. Safety Matt Johnson knows this all too well. Johnson has never played a single snap in a regular-season game, due to numerous injuries. In fact, he's barely even played in the preseason. Recently, Johnson had to deal with another ailment: hamstring problems that popped up during OTA's.
"At the end of the first week, I felt a little knot back there and it was a little sore," said Johnson during our phone interview. "It was nothing like I've had in the past, though. I've had some pretty bad ones."
Although it wasn't a serious injury, and Johnson should be fine to begin camp next week, many fans have started to ask questions anew. Like "When is enough, enough?" and "If they cut Miles Austin and DeMarcus Ware because of injuries, then why not cut this guy?"
One easy answer is money. Unlike Austin and Ware, Johnson is still playing on his rookie contract so keeping him around has little negative impact from a financial standpoint. However, that's not the only reason the Cowboys have continued to give Johnson more chances.
His resume -- college-based as it is -- is overflowing with playmaker proof:
During the final week of OTAs, coach Jason Garrett was asked about Johnson.
"The interesting thing about Matt," said Garrett, "is every time we've given him an opportunity, he seems to do a pretty good job, whether it's in practice or some of the scrimmage situations that he's been in. He just needs time on-task, he needs to get out there."
Garrett was then asked what many fans have often wondered: "But Coach, why have you continued to be so patient with him?"
Responded the coach: "Our attitude is to try to give him an opportunity to show us what he can do. We're trying to do that and we feel like what he's done up to this point is worthy of having some patience with him."
The fact that the team has been so patient with Johnson hasn't gone unnoticed by the young safety.
"It means a lot," Johnson said, "especially because I haven't had many chances to prove myself. It feels good for them to say that, but I'd rather them not have to be patient. I'd rather be out there showing it every day. They expect a lot from me and I want to live up to those expectations."
Johnson also understands that eventually patience runs out, which is why he was hesitant to even tell the training staff that he was a little banged up this time around.
"I almost didn't tell the trainers because I didn't want anyone to know. At the same time, I knew if I didn't say anything it could end up being a lot worse."
Although being injured has been frustrating, Johnson has still tried to make the most of his situation, using his rehab and recovery time to increase his knowledge of the game.
"I know the defense much better now,'' said Johnson, who on paper has a chance to push young starter J.J. Wilcox for a job alongside veteran Barry Church. "I've studied the offense more, too, so I can understand the other side of the ball. It's all a lot slower for me now than it was in my first two seasons. I feel like I've improved a lot mentally, but it's tough not being out there for OTA's because I felt like I was getting a lot better every day."
Johnson is confident in his ability and just wants to show the team what he is capable of. However, all of that can only happen if he is able to get back to full health and remain there.
"Staying healthy is the No. 1 thing,' said Johnson, who in 45 games at Eastern Washington recorded 341 tackles, 17 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles and put up big numbers at the combine including a 4.54 40-yard dash time and a 38.5 vertical jump. "Staying on the field. I want to show the plays I made in college, getting turnovers. That's what I do."
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COWBOYS CAMP PREVIEW: LITTLE MATTERS IN WEEK ONE
Rafael Vela | July 20, 2014
Our long Cowboys football drought will soon end. The thirst within the fan base is intense, and often leads to poor snap judgements and lingering first impressions. Let’s set aside the positional battles and outline some real, early, perennial trends from Cowboys Camp that fans should track.
1. The only thing that matters in week one are injuries. That’s the only news with lasting implications. Will a player tear a ligament or tendon, as Tyrone Crawford did on day one last year? That’s a story.
1a. Has the team finally contained its conditioning issues? The the first weekend of the 2013 Camp, several important players were sidelined with hamstring injuries, and the team had not yet begun full pad practices. The Cowboys have taken measures to prevent them from recurring, but will the team succeed?
2. Rookie learning curves are rarely linear. Quick, name the last Cowboys rookie who was good throughout his rookie camp.
It’s hard. Many rookies struggle adjusting to the speed of the pro game. More often, they struggle to wrap their minds around the game’s complexity. That indecision, that hesitation, will make some rookies look slow. Take DeVonte Holloman as an example. He looked great in the positional drills from day one last summer. When he worked seven-on-seven and he had one clearly defined running back or tight end to cover, he was hard to escape.
When the action changed to 11-on-11, and he had to decipher whether the offense was running a pass or a run, and which zone he had to cover and which offensive player he had to handle in each particular defense, he slowed down, tremendously. That said…
3. Many of the better rookies turn it on in week two or week three, when they work the mistakes out of their systems and begin reacting, rather than thinking through their options. If you hear that a big rookie looks confused in the first week, don’t write him off. If you read that Demarcus Lawrence looks inconsistent, don’t get discouraged. See if he gains his football balance and starts to compete as camp progresses.
4. At the same time, don’t over-react to rookies who make hot starts. I’ve seen bubble D-backs penciled into the Pro Bowl by anxious fans after a strong opening practice. Those same players didn’t pass the first round of cuts three weeks later. Camp truly is a process and it’s far more fruitful for fans to track how their pet cats react to both success and to failure. Does a player regress for two practices after a single strong one? Does a youngster bounce back with two strong practices after a bad one? Given these two rookies, bet on the latter. He shows the ability to adjust quickly, where the first has gotten comfortable with limited success.
5. Have some mercy on the veterans. It’s the first time in pads for everybody, even the seasoned guys. They’ve been through an NFL camp before but their muscles get just as sore and their joints and reflexes are just as rusty as the rookies’ are. If you hear Henry Melton looks creaky coming off his ACL repair, don’t push the panic button. His first padded practice will be his first contact in nearly a full year.
I recall a similar situation with one of my first Oxnard camps back in 2006. Flozell Adams was coming off an ACL reconstruction and struggled adjusting to his knee brace the first few days of camp. DeMarcus Ware and the backups rolled past Flozell in the first week and the knee-jerkers were sure the Cowboys were out of luck at left tackle.
When the Blue and White scrimmage was played at the end of week one, Adams shut down Ware and everybody else. The rippers calmed down. Dallas went to the playoffs and Flozell went to the Pro Bowl that year.
Let them all find their levels on their own time tables. The real games don’t start until September. We’ve been waiting since January for the real thing. Wait at least until week two of camp to either lose your mind or let your optimism run amok.
Rafael Vela | July 20, 2014
Our long Cowboys football drought will soon end. The thirst within the fan base is intense, and often leads to poor snap judgements and lingering first impressions. Let’s set aside the positional battles and outline some real, early, perennial trends from Cowboys Camp that fans should track.
1. The only thing that matters in week one are injuries. That’s the only news with lasting implications. Will a player tear a ligament or tendon, as Tyrone Crawford did on day one last year? That’s a story.
1a. Has the team finally contained its conditioning issues? The the first weekend of the 2013 Camp, several important players were sidelined with hamstring injuries, and the team had not yet begun full pad practices. The Cowboys have taken measures to prevent them from recurring, but will the team succeed?
2. Rookie learning curves are rarely linear. Quick, name the last Cowboys rookie who was good throughout his rookie camp.
It’s hard. Many rookies struggle adjusting to the speed of the pro game. More often, they struggle to wrap their minds around the game’s complexity. That indecision, that hesitation, will make some rookies look slow. Take DeVonte Holloman as an example. He looked great in the positional drills from day one last summer. When he worked seven-on-seven and he had one clearly defined running back or tight end to cover, he was hard to escape.
When the action changed to 11-on-11, and he had to decipher whether the offense was running a pass or a run, and which zone he had to cover and which offensive player he had to handle in each particular defense, he slowed down, tremendously. That said…
3. Many of the better rookies turn it on in week two or week three, when they work the mistakes out of their systems and begin reacting, rather than thinking through their options. If you hear that a big rookie looks confused in the first week, don’t write him off. If you read that Demarcus Lawrence looks inconsistent, don’t get discouraged. See if he gains his football balance and starts to compete as camp progresses.
4. At the same time, don’t over-react to rookies who make hot starts. I’ve seen bubble D-backs penciled into the Pro Bowl by anxious fans after a strong opening practice. Those same players didn’t pass the first round of cuts three weeks later. Camp truly is a process and it’s far more fruitful for fans to track how their pet cats react to both success and to failure. Does a player regress for two practices after a single strong one? Does a youngster bounce back with two strong practices after a bad one? Given these two rookies, bet on the latter. He shows the ability to adjust quickly, where the first has gotten comfortable with limited success.
5. Have some mercy on the veterans. It’s the first time in pads for everybody, even the seasoned guys. They’ve been through an NFL camp before but their muscles get just as sore and their joints and reflexes are just as rusty as the rookies’ are. If you hear Henry Melton looks creaky coming off his ACL repair, don’t push the panic button. His first padded practice will be his first contact in nearly a full year.
I recall a similar situation with one of my first Oxnard camps back in 2006. Flozell Adams was coming off an ACL reconstruction and struggled adjusting to his knee brace the first few days of camp. DeMarcus Ware and the backups rolled past Flozell in the first week and the knee-jerkers were sure the Cowboys were out of luck at left tackle.
When the Blue and White scrimmage was played at the end of week one, Adams shut down Ware and everybody else. The rippers calmed down. Dallas went to the playoffs and Flozell went to the Pro Bowl that year.
Let them all find their levels on their own time tables. The real games don’t start until September. We’ve been waiting since January for the real thing. Wait at least until week two of camp to either lose your mind or let your optimism run amok.
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Most Cowboys get set for conditioning test
July, 21, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- Before the Dallas Cowboys head to Oxnard, California, for training camp on Tuesday, the players in the area will be able to take the team’s conditioning test at Valley Ranch on Monday.
Speaking on WWLS in Oklahoma City last week, backup quarterback Brandon Weeden said Jason Witten made the request that players take the test on Monday. The players have to run 20 sprints of either 40, 50 or 60 yards and within different time frames depending on position groups. Skill players have to run 60 yards in eight seconds. Linemen have to run 40 yards in six seconds and those in between have seven seconds to cover 50 yards.
After 10 sprints, the players get a three-minute break.
If a player does not complete the conditioning test, then he could start the year on the physically unable to perform list. Once he passes the test, he will be eligible to practice. Last year, a handful of players, including Jay Ratliff, did not pass the test. Ratliff remained on PUP and was eventually cut last October in a nasty divorce.
For those players not in the area or meeting the team in Oxnard, they will take the conditioning test on Wednesday. It’s not clear if newly-signed players like Rolando McClain, Uche Nwaneri and Dallas Walker will be required to take the test immediately since they joined the team after the offseason program ended.
The Cowboys are scheduled to land at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu on Tuesday afternoon and will sign autographs for the military and their families before heading to their headquarters at the River Ridge Residence Inn.
The Cowboys first practice will be Thursday.
July, 21, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- Before the Dallas Cowboys head to Oxnard, California, for training camp on Tuesday, the players in the area will be able to take the team’s conditioning test at Valley Ranch on Monday.
Speaking on WWLS in Oklahoma City last week, backup quarterback Brandon Weeden said Jason Witten made the request that players take the test on Monday. The players have to run 20 sprints of either 40, 50 or 60 yards and within different time frames depending on position groups. Skill players have to run 60 yards in eight seconds. Linemen have to run 40 yards in six seconds and those in between have seven seconds to cover 50 yards.
After 10 sprints, the players get a three-minute break.
If a player does not complete the conditioning test, then he could start the year on the physically unable to perform list. Once he passes the test, he will be eligible to practice. Last year, a handful of players, including Jay Ratliff, did not pass the test. Ratliff remained on PUP and was eventually cut last October in a nasty divorce.
For those players not in the area or meeting the team in Oxnard, they will take the conditioning test on Wednesday. It’s not clear if newly-signed players like Rolando McClain, Uche Nwaneri and Dallas Walker will be required to take the test immediately since they joined the team after the offseason program ended.
The Cowboys are scheduled to land at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu on Tuesday afternoon and will sign autographs for the military and their families before heading to their headquarters at the River Ridge Residence Inn.
The Cowboys first practice will be Thursday.
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
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Roughly 75 players complete conditioning tests before Cowboys leave for training camp
By David Moore
dmoore@dallasnews.com
Training camp doesn’t get underway for the Cowboys until later this week, but the majority of the roster has already gotten a jump on the process.
Roughly 75 players chose to take their conditioning tests Monday at Valley Ranch. The tests were overseen by the team captains with results relayed to the Cowboys staff.
Jason Witten, one of the captains, suggested that players still in the area fulfill the requirement before the team departs for Oxnard on Tuesday. Since camp doesn’t officially get underway until the team lands in Southern California, the sessions had to be conducted by the players.
The players are required to complete a series of 20 sprints within a designated time frame. The mandated time and length of those sprints varies according to the position.
There was no official word on the results, but linebacker Justin Durant tweeted Monday that “everybody passed.’’
Players are required to pass those tests to take part in practice. Those who didn’t run sprints Monday will be required to take the test Wednesday.
The first practice of this camp is Thursday. Coaches and trainers generally prefer for the players to complete the conditioning tests earlier in the week because it gives the body more time to recover before the first practice.
By David Moore
dmoore@dallasnews.com
Training camp doesn’t get underway for the Cowboys until later this week, but the majority of the roster has already gotten a jump on the process.
Roughly 75 players chose to take their conditioning tests Monday at Valley Ranch. The tests were overseen by the team captains with results relayed to the Cowboys staff.
Jason Witten, one of the captains, suggested that players still in the area fulfill the requirement before the team departs for Oxnard on Tuesday. Since camp doesn’t officially get underway until the team lands in Southern California, the sessions had to be conducted by the players.
The players are required to complete a series of 20 sprints within a designated time frame. The mandated time and length of those sprints varies according to the position.
There was no official word on the results, but linebacker Justin Durant tweeted Monday that “everybody passed.’’
Players are required to pass those tests to take part in practice. Those who didn’t run sprints Monday will be required to take the test Wednesday.
The first practice of this camp is Thursday. Coaches and trainers generally prefer for the players to complete the conditioning tests earlier in the week because it gives the body more time to recover before the first practice.