Rock Slamdance
DCC 4Life
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My money is him on the PUP list to start the season, comes back, plays in a few games, hurt again. Then in five years he'll be one of those guys we forgot played for the Cowboys once.
Training Camp Thread...
- Thread starter Cotton
- Start date
Jiggyfly
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The same was said when he was signed last year.
He's always "dealing with a couple of different things". Whatever. If they get anything at all out of him this season it is gravy, but the guy is absolutely unreliable. I expect little to nothing from him.
But I do think he needs to be let go in the offseason so that the position can be stabilized.
Jiggyfly
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Broaddus: Dunn & Russell Stand Out Among 12 Scrimmage Thoughts
Monday, August 10, 2015 11:11 AM CDT
By Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
@BryanBroaddus
OXNARD, Calif. – It’s interesting the different things you see when you change vantage points. On Sunday, I watched the Cowboys’ Blue-White Scrimmage from high above the practice fields, as I contributed to the broadcast of the practice.
Having had a chance to review it, there are all sorts of different conclusions I can come to when I’ve got a better angle on things. With that in mind, here are my top 12 impressions of Sunday’s action.
1) In our preview of training camp for DallasCowboys.com, we were asked to list the camp MVP other than Dez Bryant. The response that I gave was for Greg Hardy -- but what I should have written was Cole Beasley. After having an opening practice that was less than stellar, Beasley has been on a tear. It has not mattered where he has lined up, he has embarrassed the man covering him. Without Dez Bryant in the lineup, Beasley has taken on the role of go-to guy. His route running has been textbook and his finish even better.
2) Barry Church continues to show improvement in coverage. His red zone snap in defending Gavin Escobar one-on-one was outstanding. Church never allowed Escobar to go vertical to grab the ball out of the air from Tony Romo. Church was physical off the line, which in turn killed the timing of the pass. Church was in such good position, he was able to knock the ball away with his off hand.
3) From my broadcast position of the scrimmage, I didn't feel that Joseph Randle scored on that over-the-top move on the goal line. When going back and studying the tape, I felt like my initial call was correct. Randle made a heck of an effort to get that ball home, but Kyle Wilber's play was even better. The middle of the line was stacked up by Davon Coleman, which allowed Wilber to slide over and as a reflex knock the ball out of Randle's hand. It was a heads-up play by Wilber that, if reviewed, would have most likely been overturned by the replay official and ruled a fumble.
4) It was good to once again see Morris Claiborne and Sean Lee get extensive work in the scrimmage. Both had a hand in a nice play where it appeared that Joseph Randle had captured the corner and was going to have a sizable gain, but Claiborne and Lee were right there to hold the play to no gain. Lee took on Zack Martin and Claiborne the same with La'el Collins. By both of those players forcing at the point, it allowed J.J. Wilcox and Anthony Hitchens to rally from the inside and make the tackle. It was exactly the way that the scheme needed to be played.
5) Really nice open field tackle by Robert Steeples on a fourth down reception by Deontay Greenberry on a quick screen. The play got the defense off the field to keep the offense from continuing their drive. If Steeples doesn't make that play, Greenberry would have easily secured the first down.
6) Ryan Russell continues to impress the coaches and front office with his play from the under-tackle spot along the defensive line. Russell showed up several times in the scrimmage, beating blocks one-on-one and when double-teamed. Russell had a pretty sack where, on the snap, he went with a head fake like he was going to twist stunt and when Ronald Patrick committed outside, he burst between Patrick and center Shane McDermott to the quarterback to finish.
7) With Ronald Leary sitting out practice with a sore back, La'el Collins once again got the call at left guard. Collins has been physical and powerful when he has had his opportunities, but during the scrimmage he showed he also has awareness. Tyron Smith was struggling with Randy Gregory to the point where Gregory managed to break free of him. Collins, uncovered, noticed the onrushing Gregory, adjusted back quickly to his left and shut him down before he reached Romo.
8) Thought it was a nice day for the running backs when it came to their assignments and finish on the blitz pickups. It was clear from the opening snap that Rod Marinelli was going to try and set the tone for the defense after what happened to his guys the previous practice in the red zone. Marinelli brought pressure the entire day by blitzing his linebackers and secondary personnel. Joseph Randle and Gus Johnson were up to the task by putting themselves in position throughout the practice -- which allowed the quarterbacks that extra second to get rid of the ball.
9) Reggie Dunn continues to impress me in the way that he is going about his job in this camp. Dunn continues to find ways to make plays, regardless of who he draws in coverage. For someone that is listed at 5-9 in height, he has played much bigger in these practices. He has been fearless in the way he has competed in his routes, but more importantly it's the way that he has finished which has grabbed my attention. It is rare to see a ball that has been thrown in his direction wind up on the ground. He has become a reliable target and extremely quarterback friendly.
10) Count me as one of those that is becoming a fan of Jameill Showers and his work. As a former scout I appreciate his athletic ability and willingness to do whatever is asked of him to help the club. What I did know about Showers was that he could really drive the ball as a passer. Where he will need to improve his game -- and this will come over time -- is that ability to not lock on his target right off the snap. In studying the tape, it was clear that the arm strength and power are there, but you could see that his eyes were right there on his man and that defenders were able to read the same thing driving on the ball.
11) With all the cornerbacks that have been dinged up during camp, keep an eye on rookie Joel Ross and the amount of work that he receives in these practices. Ross is not a tall, rangy type of a corner, but he does have thickness and the quickness to handle these receivers. He has shown up no matter who he has had to cover. Ross has been outstanding in not allowing receivers inside on routes, and he has also managed to keep himself in position when the ball is thrown down the field. He is very competitive when the ball is in the air and he has shown the ability to finish on plays.
12) I just wanted to say thanks for my teammates here at DallasCowboys.com and all the fans here at training camp that are always so nice to my family when they hang out with me for this week. It's a special feeling to know that you all care. You guys are the best.
Monday, August 10, 2015 11:11 AM CDT
By Bryan Broaddus
Football Analyst/Scout
@BryanBroaddus
OXNARD, Calif. – It’s interesting the different things you see when you change vantage points. On Sunday, I watched the Cowboys’ Blue-White Scrimmage from high above the practice fields, as I contributed to the broadcast of the practice.
Having had a chance to review it, there are all sorts of different conclusions I can come to when I’ve got a better angle on things. With that in mind, here are my top 12 impressions of Sunday’s action.
1) In our preview of training camp for DallasCowboys.com, we were asked to list the camp MVP other than Dez Bryant. The response that I gave was for Greg Hardy -- but what I should have written was Cole Beasley. After having an opening practice that was less than stellar, Beasley has been on a tear. It has not mattered where he has lined up, he has embarrassed the man covering him. Without Dez Bryant in the lineup, Beasley has taken on the role of go-to guy. His route running has been textbook and his finish even better.
2) Barry Church continues to show improvement in coverage. His red zone snap in defending Gavin Escobar one-on-one was outstanding. Church never allowed Escobar to go vertical to grab the ball out of the air from Tony Romo. Church was physical off the line, which in turn killed the timing of the pass. Church was in such good position, he was able to knock the ball away with his off hand.
3) From my broadcast position of the scrimmage, I didn't feel that Joseph Randle scored on that over-the-top move on the goal line. When going back and studying the tape, I felt like my initial call was correct. Randle made a heck of an effort to get that ball home, but Kyle Wilber's play was even better. The middle of the line was stacked up by Davon Coleman, which allowed Wilber to slide over and as a reflex knock the ball out of Randle's hand. It was a heads-up play by Wilber that, if reviewed, would have most likely been overturned by the replay official and ruled a fumble.
4) It was good to once again see Morris Claiborne and Sean Lee get extensive work in the scrimmage. Both had a hand in a nice play where it appeared that Joseph Randle had captured the corner and was going to have a sizable gain, but Claiborne and Lee were right there to hold the play to no gain. Lee took on Zack Martin and Claiborne the same with La'el Collins. By both of those players forcing at the point, it allowed J.J. Wilcox and Anthony Hitchens to rally from the inside and make the tackle. It was exactly the way that the scheme needed to be played.
5) Really nice open field tackle by Robert Steeples on a fourth down reception by Deontay Greenberry on a quick screen. The play got the defense off the field to keep the offense from continuing their drive. If Steeples doesn't make that play, Greenberry would have easily secured the first down.
6) Ryan Russell continues to impress the coaches and front office with his play from the under-tackle spot along the defensive line. Russell showed up several times in the scrimmage, beating blocks one-on-one and when double-teamed. Russell had a pretty sack where, on the snap, he went with a head fake like he was going to twist stunt and when Ronald Patrick committed outside, he burst between Patrick and center Shane McDermott to the quarterback to finish.
7) With Ronald Leary sitting out practice with a sore back, La'el Collins once again got the call at left guard. Collins has been physical and powerful when he has had his opportunities, but during the scrimmage he showed he also has awareness. Tyron Smith was struggling with Randy Gregory to the point where Gregory managed to break free of him. Collins, uncovered, noticed the onrushing Gregory, adjusted back quickly to his left and shut him down before he reached Romo.
8) Thought it was a nice day for the running backs when it came to their assignments and finish on the blitz pickups. It was clear from the opening snap that Rod Marinelli was going to try and set the tone for the defense after what happened to his guys the previous practice in the red zone. Marinelli brought pressure the entire day by blitzing his linebackers and secondary personnel. Joseph Randle and Gus Johnson were up to the task by putting themselves in position throughout the practice -- which allowed the quarterbacks that extra second to get rid of the ball.
9) Reggie Dunn continues to impress me in the way that he is going about his job in this camp. Dunn continues to find ways to make plays, regardless of who he draws in coverage. For someone that is listed at 5-9 in height, he has played much bigger in these practices. He has been fearless in the way he has competed in his routes, but more importantly it's the way that he has finished which has grabbed my attention. It is rare to see a ball that has been thrown in his direction wind up on the ground. He has become a reliable target and extremely quarterback friendly.
10) Count me as one of those that is becoming a fan of Jameill Showers and his work. As a former scout I appreciate his athletic ability and willingness to do whatever is asked of him to help the club. What I did know about Showers was that he could really drive the ball as a passer. Where he will need to improve his game -- and this will come over time -- is that ability to not lock on his target right off the snap. In studying the tape, it was clear that the arm strength and power are there, but you could see that his eyes were right there on his man and that defenders were able to read the same thing driving on the ball.
11) With all the cornerbacks that have been dinged up during camp, keep an eye on rookie Joel Ross and the amount of work that he receives in these practices. Ross is not a tall, rangy type of a corner, but he does have thickness and the quickness to handle these receivers. He has shown up no matter who he has had to cover. Ross has been outstanding in not allowing receivers inside on routes, and he has also managed to keep himself in position when the ball is thrown down the field. He is very competitive when the ball is in the air and he has shown the ability to finish on plays.
12) I just wanted to say thanks for my teammates here at DallasCowboys.com and all the fans here at training camp that are always so nice to my family when they hang out with me for this week. It's a special feeling to know that you all care. You guys are the best.
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This seems pretty accurate. The only hiccup could be that whole guaranteed contract for vets on the opening day roster thing.
A part of me thinks thinks (hopes) they come to their senses and cut him prior to the season starting.
Jiggyfly
Banned
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- 9,220
Sun. Practice Recap: Defense Responds To Offense’s Challenge On The Goal Line
Sunday, August 09, 2015 8:52 PM CDT
By David Helman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
@HelmanDC
OXNARD, Calif. – It wasn’t hard to pinpoint the biggest moment of the Blue-White Scrimmage on Sunday, as it featured a touchdown, a fumble and a return for another touchdown – all in one controversial play.
After being dominated in goal line practice on Saturday, the Dallas defense lined up against its offensive counterpart on the one-yard line, determined to atone for its miscues. Across the line, Tony Romo handed off to Joseph Randle, who dove over the line and thrust the ball toward the goal line.
“Touchdown,” Randle said. “Ain’t no doubt about it.”
Well, not quite. As the ball went forward, the Cowboys’ linebackers knocked it out, where Barry Church scooped it up. Despite being five yards deep in the end zone, Church skirted around Gavin Escobar and outran Tony Romo in a situation that he said “definitely” would have been a scoop and score.
“Gavin, I just left him in the dust, and then I saw Romo coming up out of nowhere,” Church said. “I was going to hit him with the stiff arm, but then I thought about it, like ‘Nah, maybe I shouldn’t stiff arm our quarterback.’ I just kind of out ran him to the edge, but if he would have caught me, I would have never heard the end of it.”
The referees wound up ruling touchdown, much to the defense’s dismay. Sean Lee joked that the practice fields needed instant replay – though it did nothing to take the points off the board. Regardless, it was an improvement from Saturday.
“Yesterday, I felt like the offense pretty much dominated us – definitely on the goal line,” Church said. “So we came out here with a point to prove and played pretty well.”
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett agreed with that assessment after practice – though not too enthusiastically.
“We challenged our defense last night in our meetings and explained to them why they were dominated, and there were a number of reasons,” he said. “We tried to address those, and we were crystal clear about what we want and what we expect, and we anticipated them to respond the right way.
“It was not a perfect day for the defense by any means, but they certainly responded the right way and play a lot better.”
Quick Hits
IIn addition to pre-existing injuries, several Cowboys players sat out of the scrimmage day with various ailments. Tyler Patmon and Nick Hayden both sat out for the defense, while Ron Leary sat out for the offense with a tweaked back. Garrett said all three are day-to-day.
Garrett declined to elaborate on whether playing time Sunday was indicative of what kind of playing time to expect when the team faces San Diego in its preseason opener on Thursday. “We’ll look at it day-by-day. We won’t get into who is playing when and how much for a couple days now.”
Jameill Showers got a chance to take reps with the third team offense at practice – ahead of Dustin Vaughan. Both Garrett and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said it wasn’t a demotion for Vaughan, so much as it was a chance to get Showers ready for the Chargers game. “Dustin has had primarily most of the three reps, and you never know what’s going to happen in a preseason game,” Linehan said. “We didn’t want (Showers) to go out there without having done it before.”
With Leary sitting out, La’el Collins got another chance to play left guard with the first-team offense. “It’s always telling to see how they respond, and it’s how they respond to the guys they’re playing with and the guys they’re playing against,” Garrett said.
Notable Standouts
Cole Beasley – Beasley continues to stand out at practice, and he had an even bigger chance to flash with Dez Bryant sitting out for the day. Romo found Beasley several times during two-minute drill and full-team work, and the defense – as usual – had a tough time covering him. Jason Witten has long been called Romo’s security blanket, but it’s apparent the type of trust that has developed between the quarterback and his slot receiver.
Barry Church – On top of his opportunistic fumble recovery – or near fumble recovery, at least – Church made another great play down near the goal line. Gavin Escobar victimized Church in the one-on-one compete period on Saturday, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the offense call his number again on Sunday. Escobar split out wide from the five-yard line and went toward the corner on a fade route, but Church shifted over and blanketed him, breaking up the touchdown in the process.
Andrew Gachkar – Sunday was one of the first times in this camp that the newly-acquired free agent had a chance to shine. In two-minute drill for the second-team offense, Gachkar read Brandon Weeden’s eyes all the way across the field and intercepted him on a crossing route. It killed the drive and brought a loud ovation from his defensive teammates.
Play of the Day
In fairness, the play of the day was the fumble controversy down on the goal line. But Randle made another play worth mentioning, when he took a handoff from Romo to the right side. He cut past right tackle Darrion Weems – replacing Doug Free for the day – and collided with Jack Crawford. It was a monstrous collision, and Randle absolutely got the better of it, dropping the defensive end to the ground. He shifted forward for another six yards before he was eventually brought down inside the five-yard line.
Sunday, August 09, 2015 8:52 PM CDT
By David Helman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
@HelmanDC
OXNARD, Calif. – It wasn’t hard to pinpoint the biggest moment of the Blue-White Scrimmage on Sunday, as it featured a touchdown, a fumble and a return for another touchdown – all in one controversial play.
After being dominated in goal line practice on Saturday, the Dallas defense lined up against its offensive counterpart on the one-yard line, determined to atone for its miscues. Across the line, Tony Romo handed off to Joseph Randle, who dove over the line and thrust the ball toward the goal line.
“Touchdown,” Randle said. “Ain’t no doubt about it.”
Well, not quite. As the ball went forward, the Cowboys’ linebackers knocked it out, where Barry Church scooped it up. Despite being five yards deep in the end zone, Church skirted around Gavin Escobar and outran Tony Romo in a situation that he said “definitely” would have been a scoop and score.
“Gavin, I just left him in the dust, and then I saw Romo coming up out of nowhere,” Church said. “I was going to hit him with the stiff arm, but then I thought about it, like ‘Nah, maybe I shouldn’t stiff arm our quarterback.’ I just kind of out ran him to the edge, but if he would have caught me, I would have never heard the end of it.”
The referees wound up ruling touchdown, much to the defense’s dismay. Sean Lee joked that the practice fields needed instant replay – though it did nothing to take the points off the board. Regardless, it was an improvement from Saturday.
“Yesterday, I felt like the offense pretty much dominated us – definitely on the goal line,” Church said. “So we came out here with a point to prove and played pretty well.”
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett agreed with that assessment after practice – though not too enthusiastically.
“We challenged our defense last night in our meetings and explained to them why they were dominated, and there were a number of reasons,” he said. “We tried to address those, and we were crystal clear about what we want and what we expect, and we anticipated them to respond the right way.
“It was not a perfect day for the defense by any means, but they certainly responded the right way and play a lot better.”
Quick Hits
IIn addition to pre-existing injuries, several Cowboys players sat out of the scrimmage day with various ailments. Tyler Patmon and Nick Hayden both sat out for the defense, while Ron Leary sat out for the offense with a tweaked back. Garrett said all three are day-to-day.
Garrett declined to elaborate on whether playing time Sunday was indicative of what kind of playing time to expect when the team faces San Diego in its preseason opener on Thursday. “We’ll look at it day-by-day. We won’t get into who is playing when and how much for a couple days now.”
Jameill Showers got a chance to take reps with the third team offense at practice – ahead of Dustin Vaughan. Both Garrett and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said it wasn’t a demotion for Vaughan, so much as it was a chance to get Showers ready for the Chargers game. “Dustin has had primarily most of the three reps, and you never know what’s going to happen in a preseason game,” Linehan said. “We didn’t want (Showers) to go out there without having done it before.”
With Leary sitting out, La’el Collins got another chance to play left guard with the first-team offense. “It’s always telling to see how they respond, and it’s how they respond to the guys they’re playing with and the guys they’re playing against,” Garrett said.
Notable Standouts
Cole Beasley – Beasley continues to stand out at practice, and he had an even bigger chance to flash with Dez Bryant sitting out for the day. Romo found Beasley several times during two-minute drill and full-team work, and the defense – as usual – had a tough time covering him. Jason Witten has long been called Romo’s security blanket, but it’s apparent the type of trust that has developed between the quarterback and his slot receiver.
Barry Church – On top of his opportunistic fumble recovery – or near fumble recovery, at least – Church made another great play down near the goal line. Gavin Escobar victimized Church in the one-on-one compete period on Saturday, so it wasn’t a surprise to see the offense call his number again on Sunday. Escobar split out wide from the five-yard line and went toward the corner on a fade route, but Church shifted over and blanketed him, breaking up the touchdown in the process.
Andrew Gachkar – Sunday was one of the first times in this camp that the newly-acquired free agent had a chance to shine. In two-minute drill for the second-team offense, Gachkar read Brandon Weeden’s eyes all the way across the field and intercepted him on a crossing route. It killed the drive and brought a loud ovation from his defensive teammates.
Play of the Day
In fairness, the play of the day was the fumble controversy down on the goal line. But Randle made another play worth mentioning, when he took a handoff from Romo to the right side. He cut past right tackle Darrion Weems – replacing Doug Free for the day – and collided with Jack Crawford. It was a monstrous collision, and Randle absolutely got the better of it, dropping the defensive end to the ground. He shifted forward for another six yards before he was eventually brought down inside the five-yard line.
jsmith6919
Honored Member - RIP
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It's getting to the point of ridiculous that we aren't shopping.
Clay_Allison
Old Bastard
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He worked his way up from 5th round pick to overpaid. It took some work ethic to get him there.as much shit as i give brandon carr for not being the #1 he's supposed to be, i still gotta give him a
Never thought he was careless or lazy, just not what everyone originally thought
Smitty
DCC 4Life
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We won't do anything to jeopardize Joseph Randle's shot at starting it seems.
Which is too bad.
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It's like we have suddenly got to the part of camp where nobody wants to practice anymore so they suddenly have a minor injury. It drives me nuts and the way our RB situation is this year these guys should be doing everything they can to play. Instead Randle probably feels like he has it wrapped up already.
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Another RB Down With Randle Out; DT Carted Off
Monday, August 10, 2015 9:29 PM CDT
By DallasCowboys.com Report
OXNARD, Calif. – What’s worse than two injured running backs on the roster? That would be three injured running backs, something the Cowboys might be facing after first-teamer Joseph Randle missed all of Monday’s practice.
Randle came out to practice in pads, but went off to the side with an athletic trainer for a few minutes early into practice. He never went into the locker room until the end of practice, but stood off to the side without his helmet for the entire practice.
Word from practice was Randle had an injury in his midsection, perhaps an oblique injury. The third-year pro walked off the field, surrounded by reporters, and said he might learn more about the nature of the injury when he met with the training staff.
Randle’s injury might not be severe, but serious enough to keep him out of Thursday’s preseason game with the Chargers in San Diego.
The Cowboys are already down two backs – Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar – and could have just Gus Johnson and Lache Seastrunk to run the ball against the Chargers.
McFadden remains on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) with a hamstring injury he sustained before the start of camp. He’s expected to return to practice on Saturday, Aug. 15 when the team is back in Oxnard. Dunbar’s status remains day-to-day with an ankle injury he sustained last week in practice. He is hopeful to practice next week.
Randle has been the Cowboys’ most productive runner this camp, handling the bulk of the reps for the first-team and oftentimes with the second unit.
Notable Standouts
Kyle Wilber – The strong-side linebacker is stringing together some impressive practices these days. It’s Wilber who was officially credited with forcing Sunday’s goal line fumble. On Monday, he came up with another takeaway when he picked off Jameill Showersin the end zone during seven-on-seven drills. Wilber seems to be lost in the shuffle during linebacker discussions, but he’s making a strong case for himself as the Cowboys’ strong side starter.
Jeremy Mincey – As well as Tyron Smith has played in this camp, congratulations are in order when someone can beat him as definitively as Mincey did Monday. It wasn’t even like Mincey raced around him – he bull-rushed Smith straight-on and caught him off balance. Smith wanted a re-do, but the horn blew to end the period before he could get his rematch.
Tyler Clutts – You could tell how dire the numbers game was at running back when Clutts started taking first-team carries with the offense. It was far from an ideal situation, but the fullback performed admirably, all things considered. In full-team period, he took a handoff from Brandon Weeden on about the 12-yard line and rumbled through the defense for a surprising touchdown. His bowling ball run exasperated the Cowboys defenders and their coaches.
Play Of The Day
Dez Bryant didn’t participate in practice, so it fell to Terrance Williams to do his best impression of No. 88. Williams was working out of the slot in seven-on-seven drills and matched up with Joel Ross. The fade route went to the back corner of the end zone. Ross didn’t look back for the ball, and Williams skied over him to bring in an impressive touchdown catch. The play had a scary moment, as Williams lost his helmet when he hit the ground and appeared to have injured himself. He recovered quickly, though, and bounded back to the huddle with a nice touchdown catch.
Monday, August 10, 2015 9:29 PM CDT
By DallasCowboys.com Report
OXNARD, Calif. – What’s worse than two injured running backs on the roster? That would be three injured running backs, something the Cowboys might be facing after first-teamer Joseph Randle missed all of Monday’s practice.
Randle came out to practice in pads, but went off to the side with an athletic trainer for a few minutes early into practice. He never went into the locker room until the end of practice, but stood off to the side without his helmet for the entire practice.
Word from practice was Randle had an injury in his midsection, perhaps an oblique injury. The third-year pro walked off the field, surrounded by reporters, and said he might learn more about the nature of the injury when he met with the training staff.
Randle’s injury might not be severe, but serious enough to keep him out of Thursday’s preseason game with the Chargers in San Diego.
McFadden remains on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) with a hamstring injury he sustained before the start of camp. He’s expected to return to practice on Saturday, Aug. 15 when the team is back in Oxnard. Dunbar’s status remains day-to-day with an ankle injury he sustained last week in practice. He is hopeful to practice next week.
Randle has been the Cowboys’ most productive runner this camp, handling the bulk of the reps for the first-team and oftentimes with the second unit.
- Defensive tackle Chris Whaley had to be carted off the field with an apparent ankle injury. Whaley, who missed all of last season with a knee injury that kept him on Reserve/NFI (Non-Football Injury). Whaley has been working at both the 3-technique and 1-technque spots on the defensive line.
- While Randle dealt with an injury setback on Monday, another of the Cowboys’ ball carriers had some positive news. Lance Dunbar said he plans to work on cutting with his injured ankle on Tuesday. It’s been five days since he tweaked it, and he hasn’t been able to practice since. Don’t expect to see Dunbar play against San Diego, but he said he’s hopeful he’ll be able to practice next week.
- DeMarcus Lawrence left practice toward the end of the afternoon with a sore back, but he said the problem isn’t a serious one. With the first preseason game approaching, it seems the Cowboys are being more cautious than anything else with the litany of hindered starters on the roster.
- Tyler Patmon padded up for practice, but he spent most of the afternoon working separately with trainers. His hip problem is classified as a strain.
- Patmon joined Orlando Scandrick and Brandon Carr as corners to miss practice, and Morris Claiborne was held out for the one-on-one portion of the day. As a result, the foursome of Byron Jones, Corey White, Joel Rossand Robert Steeples had perhaps the busiest days of their summer.
- Ronald Leary returned to practice after sitting out of Sunday’s Blue-White Scrimmage. He experienced back soreness late during Saturday’s practice but appeared to be feeling better.
Notable Standouts
Kyle Wilber – The strong-side linebacker is stringing together some impressive practices these days. It’s Wilber who was officially credited with forcing Sunday’s goal line fumble. On Monday, he came up with another takeaway when he picked off Jameill Showersin the end zone during seven-on-seven drills. Wilber seems to be lost in the shuffle during linebacker discussions, but he’s making a strong case for himself as the Cowboys’ strong side starter.
Jeremy Mincey – As well as Tyron Smith has played in this camp, congratulations are in order when someone can beat him as definitively as Mincey did Monday. It wasn’t even like Mincey raced around him – he bull-rushed Smith straight-on and caught him off balance. Smith wanted a re-do, but the horn blew to end the period before he could get his rematch.
Tyler Clutts – You could tell how dire the numbers game was at running back when Clutts started taking first-team carries with the offense. It was far from an ideal situation, but the fullback performed admirably, all things considered. In full-team period, he took a handoff from Brandon Weeden on about the 12-yard line and rumbled through the defense for a surprising touchdown. His bowling ball run exasperated the Cowboys defenders and their coaches.
Play Of The Day
Dez Bryant didn’t participate in practice, so it fell to Terrance Williams to do his best impression of No. 88. Williams was working out of the slot in seven-on-seven drills and matched up with Joel Ross. The fade route went to the back corner of the end zone. Ross didn’t look back for the ball, and Williams skied over him to bring in an impressive touchdown catch. The play had a scary moment, as Williams lost his helmet when he hit the ground and appeared to have injured himself. He recovered quickly, though, and bounded back to the huddle with a nice touchdown catch.
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Gus Johnson expected to start at running back for Cowboys on Thursday
Posted by Josh Alper on August 11, 2015, 7:03 AM EDT
The Cowboys shrugged off suggestions that they’d be looking for more help at running back this offseason by saying they were confident in a group that includes Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden.
They haven’t wavered since the start of training camp, although their confidence would seem a bit more well-founded if any of those three were on the field to finish Monday’s practice. Randle strained an oblique muscle during the session, which left him standing on the sideline with the other two as the workout wrapped up. McFadden hasn’t practiced at all in camp because of a hamstring injury and Dunbar sprained his ankle.
“We’re going to go in here and figure out what we’ve got to do to get it back right so I can get back out here,” Randle said, via the Dallas Morning News.
Randle’s injury isn’t thought to be serious, but the Cowboys play in San Diego Thursday so there isn’t much chance he’ll be on the field for even the limited snaps he was in line to take. That leaves Gus Johnson — an undrafted free agent from Stephen F. Austin rather than the excitable announcer — as the likely starter against the Chargers this week.
Johnson has drawn some good reviews as he’s gotten extra reps in practice and Thursday will give him a chance to open more eyes with a good performance. That would help him in his bid to make the Cowboys and will also put work on tape for other teams to look at if they decide to make a change at running back while the Cowboys stick with their currently injured trio.
Posted by Josh Alper on August 11, 2015, 7:03 AM EDT
The Cowboys shrugged off suggestions that they’d be looking for more help at running back this offseason by saying they were confident in a group that includes Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden.
They haven’t wavered since the start of training camp, although their confidence would seem a bit more well-founded if any of those three were on the field to finish Monday’s practice. Randle strained an oblique muscle during the session, which left him standing on the sideline with the other two as the workout wrapped up. McFadden hasn’t practiced at all in camp because of a hamstring injury and Dunbar sprained his ankle.
“We’re going to go in here and figure out what we’ve got to do to get it back right so I can get back out here,” Randle said, via the Dallas Morning News.
Randle’s injury isn’t thought to be serious, but the Cowboys play in San Diego Thursday so there isn’t much chance he’ll be on the field for even the limited snaps he was in line to take. That leaves Gus Johnson — an undrafted free agent from Stephen F. Austin rather than the excitable announcer — as the likely starter against the Chargers this week.
Johnson has drawn some good reviews as he’s gotten extra reps in practice and Thursday will give him a chance to open more eyes with a good performance. That would help him in his bid to make the Cowboys and will also put work on tape for other teams to look at if they decide to make a change at running back while the Cowboys stick with their currently injured trio.
Chocolate Lab
Mere Commoner
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- Oct 2, 2014
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I don't know if it's Randle himself making the call. Stephen pretty much said that we're going to take it easy with these players. I know in talking about Free (and maybe McFadden?) he said these guys know how to play, and the most important thing is to have them healthy for the regular season.
I don't think that's necessarily the right attitude, though. To me, it's more of this creeping attitude that hey, we went 12-4 last year. We have everything figured out. All we have to do is get through this without getting people hurt and we're good for the regular season. Would a Parcells or Belichick have that approach? Don't think so.
It probably won't be a problem, but it's a little concern to look out for IMO.
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Tony Romo believes in Cowboys UDFA running back
Tony Romo believes in Gus Johnson.
After all the offseason questions surrounding Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle, Dallas' starting running back during their preseason opener will almost certainly be Johnson, an undrafted free agent and the pride of Stephen F. Austin.
And after a few practices, Romo is starting to see some momentum building in Johnson's favor.
"Gus did a good job yesterday. We had a short yardage and goal line," Romo said on KTCK-AM 1310 via The Dallas Morning News. "It's hard because you don't have live so you don't have the chance to show your ability to break a tackle, maybe get through a gap with a thud, not being a thud, it's not a tackle. I just think he showed a little bit when we were live yesterday in some of the shortage. He's got a chance."
Johnson has the opportunity many undrafted free agents would pray for on the eve of camp. In front of him, the depth chart has completely parted ways and allowed him to get opportunities behind the league's strongest offensive line.
Owner Jerry Jones would like nothing more than to see Johnson seize the moment, helping him erase some of the early doubts on McFadden and Randle as they come back from their respective hamstring and oblique injuries.
- By Conor Orr
- Around The NFL Writer
- Published: Aug. 11, 2015 at 08:01 a.m.
Tony Romo believes in Gus Johnson.
After all the offseason questions surrounding Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle, Dallas' starting running back during their preseason opener will almost certainly be Johnson, an undrafted free agent and the pride of Stephen F. Austin.
And after a few practices, Romo is starting to see some momentum building in Johnson's favor.
"Gus did a good job yesterday. We had a short yardage and goal line," Romo said on KTCK-AM 1310 via The Dallas Morning News. "It's hard because you don't have live so you don't have the chance to show your ability to break a tackle, maybe get through a gap with a thud, not being a thud, it's not a tackle. I just think he showed a little bit when we were live yesterday in some of the shortage. He's got a chance."
Johnson has the opportunity many undrafted free agents would pray for on the eve of camp. In front of him, the depth chart has completely parted ways and allowed him to get opportunities behind the league's strongest offensive line.
Owner Jerry Jones would like nothing more than to see Johnson seize the moment, helping him erase some of the early doubts on McFadden and Randle as they come back from their respective hamstring and oblique injuries.
p1_
DCC 4Life
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- Apr 10, 2013
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Two things:
1) What the hell is the reference to some 'excitable announcer' ? and
2) If Gus baby gets the start, who else is there to get reps behind him ?