Smitty
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It's enough reason to place him in the "average and should not rush to fire without a real upgrade lined up" category.
Training camp thread...
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Camp observations: Defense dominates day
July, 23, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. – If you want to measure the daily success of each unit during training camp, then Day 2 belonged to the Cowboys’ defense.
You’ll soon see why in the Camp Observations:
** LB Sean Lee met RB Phillip Tanner in the hole during the team-run period, which started a run of four straight plays in which the defense did not allow a carry to go more than a few yards. DE Monte Taylor stopped DeMarco Murray after TE Gavin Escobar was late off the ball and Cameron Sheffield ate up Tanner on a run wide to the left. The No. 2 defense saw DTNick Hayden and Ernie Sims come up with a tackle for loss and a no gain.
** Over the last few years Jason Garrett has had individual players pulled for a snap when they make a pre-snap mistake. On Monday he replaced the entire offense. When the entire first-team offense moved and C Travis Frederick didn’t snap the ball, the No. 2 offense came in two snaps. When a shotgun snap from C Phil Costa was off to QB Kyle Orton, Garrett had the No. 3 offense come in for a snap. Garrett has been much more vocal with his displeasure in practice so far early in camp than he was in previous camps.
** A good offensive moment: on a swing pass from Romo, Tanner was able to outrun LBBruce Carter to the edge for a nice gain. It was something Tanner would not have been able to do a year ago. He appears to be in better shape and sharper with his running.
** OT Jermey Parnell is not off to the best of starts in camp, which might be why he is not rotating with Doug Free. In team take-off drills with no defense, he drew Garrett’s ire for flinching before the snap. The offense had to repeat the play.
** In the “blue” practice with rookies and selected vets, Hayden tipped a Nick Stephens’ pass in the air and was able to come down with the interception.
** Also in the “blue” practice, OT Darrion Weems gave up sacks to LB Kyle Wilber and Ike Igbinosun at right and left tackle.
** The special teams’ portion of practice focused on kickoff coverage and return. Dwayne Harris, Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle, Anthony Amos and Cole Beasley handled some returns.
** Lee gave one of the officials an incredulous look for spotting a ball for a first down after a dump pass to Murray from Romo. Lee and S Barry Church closed fast on Murray and it may have been close, but the spot definitely favored the offense.
** Free made a nice block on Carter on a bubble screen to free Harris for a good pick up.
** TE Jason Witten put a nice stiff arm on S Matt Johnson down the field to pick up extra yards. Johnson also did a nice job of picking up WR Dez Bryant on a hot read that would’ve led to a short gain for the offense.
** DeMarcus Ware had three sacks. Tank Reed had a sack. Jeris Pendleton had a sack. Ben Bass had a sack. It was that kind of day for the offense. But the defense normally gets the better of the offense early in camp.
July, 23, 2013
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. – If you want to measure the daily success of each unit during training camp, then Day 2 belonged to the Cowboys’ defense.
You’ll soon see why in the Camp Observations:
** LB Sean Lee met RB Phillip Tanner in the hole during the team-run period, which started a run of four straight plays in which the defense did not allow a carry to go more than a few yards. DE Monte Taylor stopped DeMarco Murray after TE Gavin Escobar was late off the ball and Cameron Sheffield ate up Tanner on a run wide to the left. The No. 2 defense saw DTNick Hayden and Ernie Sims come up with a tackle for loss and a no gain.
** Over the last few years Jason Garrett has had individual players pulled for a snap when they make a pre-snap mistake. On Monday he replaced the entire offense. When the entire first-team offense moved and C Travis Frederick didn’t snap the ball, the No. 2 offense came in two snaps. When a shotgun snap from C Phil Costa was off to QB Kyle Orton, Garrett had the No. 3 offense come in for a snap. Garrett has been much more vocal with his displeasure in practice so far early in camp than he was in previous camps.
** A good offensive moment: on a swing pass from Romo, Tanner was able to outrun LBBruce Carter to the edge for a nice gain. It was something Tanner would not have been able to do a year ago. He appears to be in better shape and sharper with his running.
** OT Jermey Parnell is not off to the best of starts in camp, which might be why he is not rotating with Doug Free. In team take-off drills with no defense, he drew Garrett’s ire for flinching before the snap. The offense had to repeat the play.
** In the “blue” practice with rookies and selected vets, Hayden tipped a Nick Stephens’ pass in the air and was able to come down with the interception.
** Also in the “blue” practice, OT Darrion Weems gave up sacks to LB Kyle Wilber and Ike Igbinosun at right and left tackle.
** The special teams’ portion of practice focused on kickoff coverage and return. Dwayne Harris, Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle, Anthony Amos and Cole Beasley handled some returns.
** Lee gave one of the officials an incredulous look for spotting a ball for a first down after a dump pass to Murray from Romo. Lee and S Barry Church closed fast on Murray and it may have been close, but the spot definitely favored the offense.
** Free made a nice block on Carter on a bubble screen to free Harris for a good pick up.
** TE Jason Witten put a nice stiff arm on S Matt Johnson down the field to pick up extra yards. Johnson also did a nice job of picking up WR Dez Bryant on a hot read that would’ve led to a short gain for the offense.
** DeMarcus Ware had three sacks. Tank Reed had a sack. Jeris Pendleton had a sack. Ben Bass had a sack. It was that kind of day for the offense. But the defense normally gets the better of the offense early in camp.
Genghis Khan
The worst version of myself
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We have to keep in mind that Garrett wasn't doing this before now so we can't even legitimately point to this as a reason he's better than Wade. This is new.
I will say though that Garrett seems like he has changed a few things up this year and that's good. Maybe being a walk around coach is nearing fruit. We will see.
Genghis Khan
The worst version of myself
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Not really.
Carp
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I don't like to see that Frederick took some snaps at G at all. I think he has a shot to be a legit longterm solution at C, so just let him do it from day one. Costa should be the one that is showing position flexibility and take some snaps at G.
Simpleton
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We're down our top 3 OG's right now, I don't see anything wrong with letting him get some reps there, it will help his development as a C I think.
Carp
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He is going to be the starting C...so let him get most if not all of the reps. I think it will help his development as a C if he gets reps at C.
Costa is a back up, he's the one that needs to learn another position.
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Agreed. They drafted the guy to be the long term solution at C so he needs to build rapport with Romo instead of dicking around at Guard.
I'm interested in knowing what percent of of the snaps Frederick's playing at C as opposed to G.
It should at least be 80% at Center and around 20% at Guard.
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Unless it is not being reported, that is about right. From what I have read, he is working at OG with the "new player" portion of the workouts...very brief from what it sounds like just to get familiar with the guard concepts. I just wish they'd put Costa's ass to work there because he's going to make the team and we don't need a center only backup since guys like Kowalski and Bernadeau can do it if something happens to Frederick.
Simpleton
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That's true, I've been wondering if we're going to carry 7 or 8 OL's to games. I'm thinking Costa might not be active most weeks since we could have our starting 5, Leary or Bernadeau (whichever loses for the starting spot) and then the swing tackle.
That's if we trust Bernadeau to be the backup center of course.
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This will have a trickle down effect on the rest of the roster.
I would hate to keep a dumb shit who can only play backup center and have to cut a good LBer or STer just because Jerry has him a hankerin' for some Costa.
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Barry Church: 'I'm 100 percent back'
July, 23, 2013
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. – Searching for a positive spin to a sickening situation, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones pointed to Barry Church.
It hurt to see promising young defensive linemanTyrone Crawford go down with a torn Achilles tendon, but Church was proof that a player could come back strong from that season-ending injury.
Minutes after Crawford tumbled to the grass without any contact, much like Church did in a Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears last season, the strong safety made a diving interception of a deflected pass, rolled to his feet and ran into the end zone.
“It felt unbelievable,” Church said. “(Running back Phillip) Tanner kind of assisted me on it, but it felt unbelievable just to get my hands back on the ball.”
Church, 25, who earned a starting job with a terrific training camp last year, acknowledges that he initially feared that his NFL career was over. The Cowboys, however, had enough confidence in Church to sign him a four-year contract worth as much as $12.9 million, earning the front office a lot of criticism.
That contract will be a bargain if Church’s performances in the first couple of practices during this camp are a sign of things to come.
There is no indication that Church has lost a step. In fact, he’s a little lighter than last season at 218 pounds and might be faster. He earned praise from secondary coach Jerome Henderson after running step for step with Miles Austin on a deep corner route during Monday’s practice.
Church entered camp as the unquestioned starter at strong safety after impressing during organized team activities and the minicamp. The fact that he was able to participate in the offseason sessions without pain is pretty remarkable in itself, with Church crediting the athletic training staff for helping him return to full health in only six months.
“Play every play like it’s your last means so much more to me, because I thought that was my last play with my Achilles injury,” Church said. “But I was able to fight through it, and now I’m back. I feel like I’m 100 percent back.”
July, 23, 2013
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. – Searching for a positive spin to a sickening situation, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones pointed to Barry Church.
It hurt to see promising young defensive linemanTyrone Crawford go down with a torn Achilles tendon, but Church was proof that a player could come back strong from that season-ending injury.
Minutes after Crawford tumbled to the grass without any contact, much like Church did in a Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears last season, the strong safety made a diving interception of a deflected pass, rolled to his feet and ran into the end zone.
“It felt unbelievable,” Church said. “(Running back Phillip) Tanner kind of assisted me on it, but it felt unbelievable just to get my hands back on the ball.”
Church, 25, who earned a starting job with a terrific training camp last year, acknowledges that he initially feared that his NFL career was over. The Cowboys, however, had enough confidence in Church to sign him a four-year contract worth as much as $12.9 million, earning the front office a lot of criticism.
That contract will be a bargain if Church’s performances in the first couple of practices during this camp are a sign of things to come.
There is no indication that Church has lost a step. In fact, he’s a little lighter than last season at 218 pounds and might be faster. He earned praise from secondary coach Jerome Henderson after running step for step with Miles Austin on a deep corner route during Monday’s practice.
Church entered camp as the unquestioned starter at strong safety after impressing during organized team activities and the minicamp. The fact that he was able to participate in the offseason sessions without pain is pretty remarkable in itself, with Church crediting the athletic training staff for helping him return to full health in only six months.
“Play every play like it’s your last means so much more to me, because I thought that was my last play with my Achilles injury,” Church said. “But I was able to fight through it, and now I’m back. I feel like I’m 100 percent back.”
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W2W4: Cowboys practice Day 3
July, 23, 2013
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. -- The Cowboys begin their third day of training camp practice Tuesday morning on the West Coast.
Here's a preview:
Injury blues and stadium news: It's early in training camp, but already the Cowboys have big news. Tyrone Crawford is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, Anthony Spencer mightneed surgery, Jay Ratliff's return is uncertain and Jerry Jones is close to a naming rights deal for Cowboys Stadium. All of this came from Monday's practice. What more could happen out of Tuesday's practice?
Dez Bryant quiet so far: The Cowboys wide receiver didn't want to speak with reporters Monday, saying he'll chat with them Tuesday. Bryant has talked to ESPN's Colleen Dominguez and that's about it. Reporters will ask Bryant questions about his maturity level, of course, and whether he can have an even bigger year than last year. Bryant has been solid in the first two days of work. He's got a business-like attitude out here during practices.
The offense is behind: Between the offensive linemen getting knocked around, dropped passes by receivers and some uneven play by Tony Romo, the Cowboys offense has struggled through two days. The defense has been outstanding with an unofficial count of six forced turnovers and eight sacks in the first two days of training camp. There has been some bright spots for the offense: Doug Free, Jason Witten, Lance Dunbar and Bryant have looked good.
Miles Austin struggles: The other starting wide receiver is off to a slow start. On Sunday, he dropped a pass and fumbled. On Monday, he was credited with a drop when he allowed safety Will Allen to snatch a pass out of his hands on a deep throw. Austin is a talented receiver and isn't in danger of losing his job -- rookie Terrance Williams has struggled, too -- but he needs to start putting together some better practices.
Closer look: If you get a chance to watch practice, check out defensive end Monte Taylor, who has replaced Crawford with the second-team defense. He's pushing the pocket and taking down ball carriers. Taylor is No. 61 in your program. All three running backs --DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and Dunbar -- have been solid the first two days. Watch how all three cut back when there's no holes. Romo hasn't been sharp, however, when the pocket closes in on him; watch how he moves. There were some questions about his weight coming into camp, but the quarterback is moving pretty well.
July, 23, 2013
By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. -- The Cowboys begin their third day of training camp practice Tuesday morning on the West Coast.
Here's a preview:
Injury blues and stadium news: It's early in training camp, but already the Cowboys have big news. Tyrone Crawford is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, Anthony Spencer mightneed surgery, Jay Ratliff's return is uncertain and Jerry Jones is close to a naming rights deal for Cowboys Stadium. All of this came from Monday's practice. What more could happen out of Tuesday's practice?
Dez Bryant quiet so far: The Cowboys wide receiver didn't want to speak with reporters Monday, saying he'll chat with them Tuesday. Bryant has talked to ESPN's Colleen Dominguez and that's about it. Reporters will ask Bryant questions about his maturity level, of course, and whether he can have an even bigger year than last year. Bryant has been solid in the first two days of work. He's got a business-like attitude out here during practices.
The offense is behind: Between the offensive linemen getting knocked around, dropped passes by receivers and some uneven play by Tony Romo, the Cowboys offense has struggled through two days. The defense has been outstanding with an unofficial count of six forced turnovers and eight sacks in the first two days of training camp. There has been some bright spots for the offense: Doug Free, Jason Witten, Lance Dunbar and Bryant have looked good.
Miles Austin struggles: The other starting wide receiver is off to a slow start. On Sunday, he dropped a pass and fumbled. On Monday, he was credited with a drop when he allowed safety Will Allen to snatch a pass out of his hands on a deep throw. Austin is a talented receiver and isn't in danger of losing his job -- rookie Terrance Williams has struggled, too -- but he needs to start putting together some better practices.
Closer look: If you get a chance to watch practice, check out defensive end Monte Taylor, who has replaced Crawford with the second-team defense. He's pushing the pocket and taking down ball carriers. Taylor is No. 61 in your program. All three running backs --DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and Dunbar -- have been solid the first two days. Watch how all three cut back when there's no holes. Romo hasn't been sharp, however, when the pocket closes in on him; watch how he moves. There were some questions about his weight coming into camp, but the quarterback is moving pretty well.
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19-0, babeh.
Simpleton
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