3 thoughts after first 4 days of Dallas Cowboys training camp practices: Good to see CB Morris Claiborne changing, but …
By Brandon George / Reporter
bgeorge@dallasnews.com
11:03 am on July 28, 2014
OXNARD, Calif. — Four practices down — two with contact — and the Dallas Cowboys are taking their first day off of training camp Monday.
After two slow days of no contact — and not even the offense and defense competing against each other in drills — the weekend brought the pads out and also shed some light on a few things.
Here are three thoughts after watching the first four days of training camp practices:
* CB Morris Claiborne’s swagger is refreshing, but … : Cornerback Morris Claiborne is obviously trying to change his game, or at least find the LSU version of Claiborne whom the Cowboys traded up to select sixth overall. Claiborne has brought a lot of swagger to the field the first two days of contact practices. He was talking and in the face of WR Terrance Williams three times Saturday, with Williams eventually pushing him away, after Claiborne broke up passes. On Sunday, he was talking to WR Dez Bryant after back-to-back pass breakups. Frankly, the swagger is refreshing for Claiborne, who hasn’t lived up to all the hype yet and has battled injuries throughout his pro career. However, you wonder if Claiborne is trying to be someone he’s not. He’s a reserve guy in the locker room. And you hear coach Jason Garrett say be who you are and don’t try to be someone you’re not. It just doesn’t work. But swagger for a cornerback is always good. You have to have some to play the position. Claiborne still has a long way to go. After two pass breakups Sunday against Bryant, he was left standing still pretty much when Dez beat him with double moves to get wide open down the left sideline on deep passes from Tony Romo. On Saturday, Claiborne started practice fiery and exhausted himself before it was over. He couldn’t finish team drills because of cramps. He looked every bit like a player trying to make an impression early in camp, but he also has to be smart, especially considering he’s had multiple injuries to fight through.
* TE Jason Witten still leading: If there is one unquestioned leader of the Cowboys, it’s Jason Witten. You watch him on the field encourage his teammates and, when necessary, let someone know they need to pick it up. He’s one of those players all his teammates look up to on and off the field because he does it the right way. He may or may not reach the Hall of Fame one day, but he has the respect of his peers. You hear about a speech he delivered in front of his teammates last week that was inspirational. Witten went down in front of his teammates and called some up one by one to lock arms and form a chain. He was fiery and emotional. After more than 10 years in the league, he still has that deep desire to win and lead by example.
* Some young players who have caught my eye and more: Two receivers who have been open on most of their routes the first two days of contact are Laron Byrd and Dezmon Briscoe (the Cedar Hill product). Byrd is a player the Cowboys really like, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can continue to push in camp for a roster spot. He’s a longshot, but he’s catching everything right now. Briscoe is even more of a longshot, joining the roster just before camp opened. … On defense, DT Davon Coleman had an active first day of contact practice Saturday, but he wasn’t as active Sunday. Coach Jason Garrett talks all the time about he doesn’t want flash players and wants players to consistently show up every day and perform well. … LB Kyle Wilber looks even quicker off the edge rush than last season. He’s beaten first-team offensive linemen in drills with his speed and a nice spin move the other day to get past RT Doug Free. … RB Ryan Williams is a longshot to make the Cowboys’ final roster because he’s not a good special teams player. If you’re going to be a reserve player in the NFL, you better be able to contribute on special teams. Otherwise, a team can’t afford to keep you.