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Much better, now get back out there and win like the winner you are.Nitpick FAIL.
Training camp thread...
- Thread starter Cotton
- Start date
Lotuseater
Banned
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Yep, dunbar sure is a weapon so far.....
I make optimistic comparisons too though, so it was just a little fun. Lighten up.
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Jesus. Really?
But Jerry and Stephen weren't worried?
When will they be? When George Selvie is starting opening night?
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Nah, they will just say that Spencer will be back soon, and that they are just taking precautions. All is well.
Texas Ace
Teh Acester
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All jokes aside, it is quite ridiculous how often they say they aren't worried.
Just look at the title of many if our threads the last few weeks. They contain words like "not worried/concerned", "optimistic", or "pleased" in the title and those quotes are always in response to an injury or poor play.
Sucks, but that's life as a Cowboys fan under the current regime.
Smitty
DCC 4Life
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"Not Worried" is what someone has to say when someone else brings up the possibility that they SHOULD be worried.
The fact that they are getting asked so much, should worry them by itself. It means other people think their team is in trouble.
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Anthony Spencer hasn't started running but vows to be back for the season opener
Anthony Spencer will go into the regular season without any preseason action, but he vows to be in the starting lineup for the Sept. 8 opener against the Giants.
"The more strength I build up, the more stuff I’m able to do in the weight room, it’s making me be able to walk a little stronger and feel less pain each day," Spencer said Monday. "So it’s getting better."
The defensive end had surgery on his left knee July 25. He still is not running. He is walking, lifting, doing elliptical work and riding the stationary bike.
"I’m trying to stay a little bit conditioned," Spencer said.
He is moving from linebacker to defensive end and has had little work in the 4-3 defense of Monte Kiffin. He would rather be on the practice field learning than rehabbing.
"I like being out there," Spencer said. "You only can get better by being out there. I’m actually not helping myself right now."
The Cowboys need Spencer, who had career highs with 106 tackles and 11 sacks last season. They are paying him $10.6 million under the franchise tag and believe he and DeMarcus Ware can give them a formidable pair of pass- rushers.
-- Charean Williams
Anthony Spencer will go into the regular season without any preseason action, but he vows to be in the starting lineup for the Sept. 8 opener against the Giants.
"The more strength I build up, the more stuff I’m able to do in the weight room, it’s making me be able to walk a little stronger and feel less pain each day," Spencer said Monday. "So it’s getting better."
The defensive end had surgery on his left knee July 25. He still is not running. He is walking, lifting, doing elliptical work and riding the stationary bike.
"I’m trying to stay a little bit conditioned," Spencer said.
He is moving from linebacker to defensive end and has had little work in the 4-3 defense of Monte Kiffin. He would rather be on the practice field learning than rehabbing.
"I like being out there," Spencer said. "You only can get better by being out there. I’m actually not helping myself right now."
The Cowboys need Spencer, who had career highs with 106 tackles and 11 sacks last season. They are paying him $10.6 million under the franchise tag and believe he and DeMarcus Ware can give them a formidable pair of pass- rushers.
-- Charean Williams
Clay_Allison
Old Bastard
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The 5 sack performance he's bound for is going to break no banks.
p1_
DCC 4Life
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ive seen my fill of Arkin, thank you very much
L.T. Fan
I'm Easy If You Are
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Yep. This seems to be the pattern veteran players take when they are up for what is likely their final contract. Once they achieve it the zeal for the game is out the door and the bench becomes their second home due to some on going injury.
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Cowboys missing more than a running back while Lance Dunbar is out
The Cowboys are going to be without running back Lance Dunbar for at least two or three weeks while he recovers from a foot sprain. But they will be missing more than a running back.
Dunbar is perhaps the team’s top “gunner” in punt coverage. He was their fourth-leading tackler on special teams last year, and coach Jason Garrett said the second-year back was shining in all areas.
“Done a really nice job for us in all phases as a runner, as a receiver and as a pass protector,” Garrett said. “He’s showing up on special teams … He’s been a runner in regular-type personnel groups. He’s been a runner on third down. He’s been a protector and a receiver on third down. He’s one of those guys that keeps surprising you.”
Dunbar was hurt in the Arizona game on Saturday, but Garrett said he was “not positive” when it happened.
-- Carlos Mendez
The Cowboys are going to be without running back Lance Dunbar for at least two or three weeks while he recovers from a foot sprain. But they will be missing more than a running back.
Dunbar is perhaps the team’s top “gunner” in punt coverage. He was their fourth-leading tackler on special teams last year, and coach Jason Garrett said the second-year back was shining in all areas.
“Done a really nice job for us in all phases as a runner, as a receiver and as a pass protector,” Garrett said. “He’s showing up on special teams … He’s been a runner in regular-type personnel groups. He’s been a runner on third down. He’s been a protector and a receiver on third down. He’s one of those guys that keeps surprising you.”
Dunbar was hurt in the Arizona game on Saturday, but Garrett said he was “not positive” when it happened.
-- Carlos Mendez
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Scout’s Eye: Breaking Down Hatcher, Frederick & Pellerin
Posted 1 hour ago
Bryan Broaddus Football Analyst/Scout
IRVING, Texas – Here are few items from my notebook I’ve been seeing from practices out here at Valley Ranch:
· I am interested how Jason Hatcher is going to play as the nose in this scheme once Jay Ratliff comes back into the mix because he has been outstanding in the role of the under tackle. Where Hatcher has really improved his game is in how he has taken to what Rod Marinelli and Leon Lett have taught him technique wise.
You see quickness up the field but you also see him working on moves to free himself from blockers. To me, Hatcher has shown that if something were to happen to Ratliff or he wasn’t ready for the season that he could handle that under tackle without problem.
· I continue to be impressed in Travis Frederick’s ability to play with awareness across the pocket. When Frederick has been uncovered, on pass plays, he has been outstanding of taking his set, putting either his left or right hand up as a takes a slide step but you notice about Frederick is that his eyes are always looking to the backside of the defense and who might be having trouble on that side.
There have been plenty of plays where he has helped secure a block on a defensive linemen, then worked off that man to clean up another area. For a rookie, he actually plays with a great deal of smarts and understanding of where he can help the most to keep the front of the pocket clean.
· I would have not said this four weeks ago but Jeff Heath as a real shot of making this football team. He might be limited in some of his skills but he makes up for it with smarts and toughness. He is more than just a body on special teams and each week he has been given more responsibility and he has responded in a positive manor. Heath is becoming one of those players that when you study the tape, he finds ways to show up.
· Several weeks ago, I had the thought that if this club kept six cornerbacks that Brandon Underwood would have been that guy but Underwood’s play has tailed off as of late and Micah Pellerin has really caught my eye. I have said this before that you have to be a physical corner to play in this scheme and be willing to throw your body around.
Pellerin has shown that he can play with toughness but he also has some skill in handling routes. Like Underwood, he has some length but I believe that he plays with more of an aggressive nature and he also looks quicker.
· I would not be one bit surprised to see Demetress Bell get more work at left tackle over Darrion Weems who is a battle with Edawn Coughman for that potential practice squad spot. There has always been a plan for Bell with this front office and coaching staff. In the Arizona game, there still were plays where Bell was on the edge of not getting his block secure but he hung in there and attempted to finish the best he could.
There was not much foot quickness in his game but his size makes him difficult to work around. Now that the club is back in the heat of Texas, it will be interesting to see if his physical condition continues to improve and they can get a fair evaluation of him these next two games.
· Phillip Tanner will get the majority of the reps over Joseph Randle from this point going forward until Lance Dunbar returns to the squad after suffering his sprained foot. I wrote this before the team heading to California for camp that Dunbar and Tanner would get the majority of the work over Randle and nothing has changed my mind about that at all.
This is not a slam at Randle because potentially, I believe he can be a fine back in this league and in this scheme but Tanner and Dunbar are more experienced and have proven that if something were to happen to DeMarco Murray, that they would be able to fill the job. Randle still has plenty of things that he will need to learn before he will be able to compete for this job but he is making progress.
· If I was in this front office, I would have a plan for B.W. Webb this season. I believe he is a very talented player but with the depth at the position with Scandrick and Moore, I would teach him to just play one position such as slot corner. It’s one of the most difficult positions to play because receivers can carry you all over the field, so I would work with him first at that spot.
Webb in these games has played on the outside with a mixed bag of success and that is okay, because he is a young player but I would try and develop him at just one position. Let him grow and learn just focusing on the slot almost like a specialist that plays in nickel and dime packages. The depth gives him time to learn but I would work with him on the hardest position first, let him feel comfortable and proceed from there.
Posted 1 hour ago
Bryan Broaddus Football Analyst/Scout
IRVING, Texas – Here are few items from my notebook I’ve been seeing from practices out here at Valley Ranch:
· I am interested how Jason Hatcher is going to play as the nose in this scheme once Jay Ratliff comes back into the mix because he has been outstanding in the role of the under tackle. Where Hatcher has really improved his game is in how he has taken to what Rod Marinelli and Leon Lett have taught him technique wise.
You see quickness up the field but you also see him working on moves to free himself from blockers. To me, Hatcher has shown that if something were to happen to Ratliff or he wasn’t ready for the season that he could handle that under tackle without problem.
· I continue to be impressed in Travis Frederick’s ability to play with awareness across the pocket. When Frederick has been uncovered, on pass plays, he has been outstanding of taking his set, putting either his left or right hand up as a takes a slide step but you notice about Frederick is that his eyes are always looking to the backside of the defense and who might be having trouble on that side.
There have been plenty of plays where he has helped secure a block on a defensive linemen, then worked off that man to clean up another area. For a rookie, he actually plays with a great deal of smarts and understanding of where he can help the most to keep the front of the pocket clean.
· I would have not said this four weeks ago but Jeff Heath as a real shot of making this football team. He might be limited in some of his skills but he makes up for it with smarts and toughness. He is more than just a body on special teams and each week he has been given more responsibility and he has responded in a positive manor. Heath is becoming one of those players that when you study the tape, he finds ways to show up.
· Several weeks ago, I had the thought that if this club kept six cornerbacks that Brandon Underwood would have been that guy but Underwood’s play has tailed off as of late and Micah Pellerin has really caught my eye. I have said this before that you have to be a physical corner to play in this scheme and be willing to throw your body around.
Pellerin has shown that he can play with toughness but he also has some skill in handling routes. Like Underwood, he has some length but I believe that he plays with more of an aggressive nature and he also looks quicker.
· I would not be one bit surprised to see Demetress Bell get more work at left tackle over Darrion Weems who is a battle with Edawn Coughman for that potential practice squad spot. There has always been a plan for Bell with this front office and coaching staff. In the Arizona game, there still were plays where Bell was on the edge of not getting his block secure but he hung in there and attempted to finish the best he could.
There was not much foot quickness in his game but his size makes him difficult to work around. Now that the club is back in the heat of Texas, it will be interesting to see if his physical condition continues to improve and they can get a fair evaluation of him these next two games.
· Phillip Tanner will get the majority of the reps over Joseph Randle from this point going forward until Lance Dunbar returns to the squad after suffering his sprained foot. I wrote this before the team heading to California for camp that Dunbar and Tanner would get the majority of the work over Randle and nothing has changed my mind about that at all.
This is not a slam at Randle because potentially, I believe he can be a fine back in this league and in this scheme but Tanner and Dunbar are more experienced and have proven that if something were to happen to DeMarco Murray, that they would be able to fill the job. Randle still has plenty of things that he will need to learn before he will be able to compete for this job but he is making progress.
· If I was in this front office, I would have a plan for B.W. Webb this season. I believe he is a very talented player but with the depth at the position with Scandrick and Moore, I would teach him to just play one position such as slot corner. It’s one of the most difficult positions to play because receivers can carry you all over the field, so I would work with him first at that spot.
Webb in these games has played on the outside with a mixed bag of success and that is okay, because he is a young player but I would try and develop him at just one position. Let him grow and learn just focusing on the slot almost like a specialist that plays in nickel and dime packages. The depth gives him time to learn but I would work with him on the hardest position first, let him feel comfortable and proceed from there.
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Lissemore returns to practice for Cowboys, but still no Claiborne, Johnson, Wilcox
Defensive tackle Sean Lissemore returned to practice Tuesday after being sidelined a week by a groin injury during training camp. Lissemore, a fourth-year player who signed a three-year extension last September, was working behind Nick Hayden in the latter part of camp.
Rookie linebacker Brandon Magee was not at practice because of a concussion he suffered at Monday's practice.
Also missing from practice were: cornerback Morris Claiborne (knee), safeties Matt Johnson (foot/ankle), J.J. Wilcox (family) and Eric Frampton (hamstring), linebacker Ernie Sims (groin), defensive end Anthony Spencer (knee), receiver Cole Beasley (knee), running back Lance Dunbar (foot), center/guard Ryan Cook (back), guard Ron Leary (knee) and guard Nate Livings (knee).
Claiborne, out since Aug. 6, said he hoped to begin running this week. Johnson has been out since the preseason opener. Wilcox is expected back mid-week after going home because of the death of his mother.
-- Carlos Mendez
Defensive tackle Sean Lissemore returned to practice Tuesday after being sidelined a week by a groin injury during training camp. Lissemore, a fourth-year player who signed a three-year extension last September, was working behind Nick Hayden in the latter part of camp.
Rookie linebacker Brandon Magee was not at practice because of a concussion he suffered at Monday's practice.
Also missing from practice were: cornerback Morris Claiborne (knee), safeties Matt Johnson (foot/ankle), J.J. Wilcox (family) and Eric Frampton (hamstring), linebacker Ernie Sims (groin), defensive end Anthony Spencer (knee), receiver Cole Beasley (knee), running back Lance Dunbar (foot), center/guard Ryan Cook (back), guard Ron Leary (knee) and guard Nate Livings (knee).
Claiborne, out since Aug. 6, said he hoped to begin running this week. Johnson has been out since the preseason opener. Wilcox is expected back mid-week after going home because of the death of his mother.
-- Carlos Mendez
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Tues. Garrett Presser: First-Teamers To Get More Reps Saturday
Posted 1 hour ago
Nick Eatman DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas – As the Cowboys have now returned to Valley Ranch, the practice schedule is starting to get into regular-season form as well.
While the Cowboys are expected to play their starters most of the first half in Saturday’s “dress rehearsal” game against the Bengals, head coach Jason Garrett said the team continues to get prepared for the routine his players will have when the season begins.
“As training camp progress, it’s about getting them more reps,” Garrett said. “But not drastic (changes). We won’t game plan a lot for this game. We’ll take the same preseason mentality – develop the team and get ready for the regular season. This will be the game (the starters) play the most.”
Other than the first 20-25 minutes, practices are now closed to the media.
“We do a lot of good stuff when you guys aren’t around,” Garrett joked.
Whether the Cowboys have four preseason games, or five like they do this year, The second-to-last preseason game is typically the final tune-up game for the starters. Next week against Houston, it’s likely none of the starters will play, unless they’re coming back from injury and need to knock off some rust in the final game.
The focus all along is to get players ready to return for the Sept. 8 game against the Giants.
Here are some other topics Garrett addressed in Tuesday’s press conference:
•Rookie linebacker Brandon Magee indeed suffered a concussion in Monday’s practice. It’s likely he will miss Saturday’s game. “He’s been doing well. He’s a good player,” Garrett said of Magee. “What we’ve seen in college, we’re seeing it here. He’s not the fastest player but he does have a nose for the ball.”
•Garrett said Sean Lissemore (groin) wore pads in practice but it sounded like he was limited in participation in Tuesday’s practice. Lissemore is expected to work his way into team drills over the next days.
•Cornerback Morris Claiborne is not expected to practice much this week, if at all. The second-year pro is battling a knee injury that required an MRI, which showed no structural damage.
•Rookie safety J.J. Wilcox, whose mother passed away last week, is expected to return to Dallas from Georgia on Wednesday and should be able to practice Thursday. Garrett said he has not spoken to Wilcox this week but has traded a few text messages.
•When asked how much he needs to see from Matt Johnson (knee) to evaluate him for roster consideration, Garrett said, “you’d like to see him practice every day and play all the games, but that’s not where he is. We have to make best evaluations of him with opportunities we have to see them. He’s played well in practice and in some games. We’ll re-evaluate his injury and see where he is.”
-------------
ONE game, Garrett. ONE.
Posted 1 hour ago
Nick Eatman DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas – As the Cowboys have now returned to Valley Ranch, the practice schedule is starting to get into regular-season form as well.
While the Cowboys are expected to play their starters most of the first half in Saturday’s “dress rehearsal” game against the Bengals, head coach Jason Garrett said the team continues to get prepared for the routine his players will have when the season begins.
“As training camp progress, it’s about getting them more reps,” Garrett said. “But not drastic (changes). We won’t game plan a lot for this game. We’ll take the same preseason mentality – develop the team and get ready for the regular season. This will be the game (the starters) play the most.”
Other than the first 20-25 minutes, practices are now closed to the media.
“We do a lot of good stuff when you guys aren’t around,” Garrett joked.
Whether the Cowboys have four preseason games, or five like they do this year, The second-to-last preseason game is typically the final tune-up game for the starters. Next week against Houston, it’s likely none of the starters will play, unless they’re coming back from injury and need to knock off some rust in the final game.
The focus all along is to get players ready to return for the Sept. 8 game against the Giants.
Here are some other topics Garrett addressed in Tuesday’s press conference:
•Rookie linebacker Brandon Magee indeed suffered a concussion in Monday’s practice. It’s likely he will miss Saturday’s game. “He’s been doing well. He’s a good player,” Garrett said of Magee. “What we’ve seen in college, we’re seeing it here. He’s not the fastest player but he does have a nose for the ball.”
•Garrett said Sean Lissemore (groin) wore pads in practice but it sounded like he was limited in participation in Tuesday’s practice. Lissemore is expected to work his way into team drills over the next days.
•Cornerback Morris Claiborne is not expected to practice much this week, if at all. The second-year pro is battling a knee injury that required an MRI, which showed no structural damage.
•Rookie safety J.J. Wilcox, whose mother passed away last week, is expected to return to Dallas from Georgia on Wednesday and should be able to practice Thursday. Garrett said he has not spoken to Wilcox this week but has traded a few text messages.
•When asked how much he needs to see from Matt Johnson (knee) to evaluate him for roster consideration, Garrett said, “you’d like to see him practice every day and play all the games, but that’s not where he is. We have to make best evaluations of him with opportunities we have to see them. He’s played well in practice and in some games. We’ll re-evaluate his injury and see where he is.”
-------------
ONE game, Garrett. ONE.
Jiggyfly
Banned
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I am ready to make Hayden and Hatcher the starters and just use Ratliff as a nickel, rotational, matchup guy.
Hayden has shown he can be a plugger big body type and this way Hatcher can play at his most natural spot and both he and Ratliff can hopefully benefit from less wear and tear.
Hayden has shown he can be a plugger big body type and this way Hatcher can play at his most natural spot and both he and Ratliff can hopefully benefit from less wear and tear.
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Wed. Practice Report: DE Signs; More Line Shifts; Wilcox Back
Posted 55 minutes ago
Nick Eatman DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have signed yet another defensive end to the mix, adding Jason Vega, who was recently cut by the Patriots.
Vega has played the last two seasons in the CFL with Winnipeg, but signed with New England in January. He spent all offseason with the Patriots but was released last week.
The 6-4, 255-pounder was on the field Wednesday wearing No. 61. The Cowboys had open roster spots after releasing three players on Monday.
Vega joins a crowded group of backup ends along with George Selvie, Jabari Fletcher, Jerome Long and Thaddeus Gibson.
•The Cowboys welcomed back rookie safety J.J. Wilcox to practice Wednesday. The third-round pick from Georgia Southern left the team to be with his family and mourn the death of his ailing mother, who passed away last week. Wilcox was back in his normal spot, working with the second unit on defense and on a few special teams units.
•The club appeared to be working on a few contingency plans on the offensive line Wednesday. The first unit consisted of Doug Free playing right guard and Jermey Parnell at right tackle. That move would also deplete the tackle depth, considering Parnell is expected to be the swing tackle. Free has only played tackle in his career but in the offseason, team owner Jerry Jones hinted Free had the versatility to move inside.
The Cowboys are likely working on different looks until Ron Leary (knee scope) returns.
•No big surprises Wednesday in terms of attendance. Offensive players not practicing included Lance Dunbar, Ron Leary, Nate Livings and Ryan Cook. On defense, Morris Claiborne, Matt Johnson, Eric Frampton, Brandon Magee, Ernie Sims, Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer were not participating.
•Wednesday’s practice was one of the few sessions in camp in which the team practiced in shoulder pads and shorts. However, a few selected vets such as DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten appeared to have the day off from shoulder pads.
Posted 55 minutes ago
Nick Eatman DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys have signed yet another defensive end to the mix, adding Jason Vega, who was recently cut by the Patriots.
Vega has played the last two seasons in the CFL with Winnipeg, but signed with New England in January. He spent all offseason with the Patriots but was released last week.
The 6-4, 255-pounder was on the field Wednesday wearing No. 61. The Cowboys had open roster spots after releasing three players on Monday.
Vega joins a crowded group of backup ends along with George Selvie, Jabari Fletcher, Jerome Long and Thaddeus Gibson.
•The Cowboys welcomed back rookie safety J.J. Wilcox to practice Wednesday. The third-round pick from Georgia Southern left the team to be with his family and mourn the death of his ailing mother, who passed away last week. Wilcox was back in his normal spot, working with the second unit on defense and on a few special teams units.
•The club appeared to be working on a few contingency plans on the offensive line Wednesday. The first unit consisted of Doug Free playing right guard and Jermey Parnell at right tackle. That move would also deplete the tackle depth, considering Parnell is expected to be the swing tackle. Free has only played tackle in his career but in the offseason, team owner Jerry Jones hinted Free had the versatility to move inside.
The Cowboys are likely working on different looks until Ron Leary (knee scope) returns.
•No big surprises Wednesday in terms of attendance. Offensive players not practicing included Lance Dunbar, Ron Leary, Nate Livings and Ryan Cook. On defense, Morris Claiborne, Matt Johnson, Eric Frampton, Brandon Magee, Ernie Sims, Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer were not participating.
•Wednesday’s practice was one of the few sessions in camp in which the team practiced in shoulder pads and shorts. However, a few selected vets such as DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten appeared to have the day off from shoulder pads.