DMN: Tavon Austin’s Rams stats, training camp snaps are instructive for predicting his role in Cowboys offense

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Tavon Austin’s Rams stats, training camp snaps are instructive for predicting his role in Cowboys offense
By Kristi Scales , Special contributor Contact Kristi Scaleson

Kristi Scales, the sideline reporter for the Dallas Cowboys radio network, answered your questions about the team during a live chat recently. Here are some highlights:

Which position should Cowboys fans be the most concerned about? Receiver or something else?

Scales: The receivers have had some really good moments individually with some great grabs, but overall the pass game is still developing its consistency and chemistry. Dak admitted as much following Sunday's Blue White Scrimmage in which the first-team offense was very effective in Red Zone, but got dominated in 2-minute drills. Overall, and some of this was the second and third teams, but the defense scored four times on Sunday. Is the defense that good, or is the pass game struggling that much? Usually it's a combination of both. Don't be shocked if the Cowboys starters get a series or two in the preseason opener on Thursday at the 49ers. The coaching staff wants the first-team offense (specifically the passing game) to develop some chemistry/momentum. But there's the risk of injury. In the past, it would have been a no-brainer...the starters would sit out the opener. This week, there is strong consideration of giving Dak and the receivers a few plays in the game. Of course, if you play Dak, you have to play your All-Pros on the offensive line to protect your starting quarterback.

How much do you expect Tavon Austin to be used out of the backfield?

Scales: Catch or run? Where is Tavon Austin most productive?

Monday afternoon's 10th practice of 2018 Training Camp was the first time we saw Tavon Austin line up in the backfield as a running back. His previous runs in earlier practices occurred on jet sweeps/end-arounds.

In the offseason 2018 player roster released by Cowboys P.R., Austin was listed with the running backs. But the official 2018 Training Camp Player Roster lists him as a wide receiver. The press release for Thursday's preseason opener at the 49ers also lists him with the receivers.

He's been working in multiple spots throughout camp, almost exclusively at receiver, not only in the slot, but also as a wideout. He's been one of the most impressive players of camp, showing off his speed and making catches on deep routes.

The Cowboys coaching staff will not tip their hand too much in preseason, so it's hard to predict how often he will be used in the running game once the regular season begins. But it's instructive to look at his numbers with the Rams. Surprisingly, he was nearly as effective on the ground as he was through the air.

Through Austin's first five NFL seasons, he gained 2,927 scrimmage yards for the Rams: 1,689 through the air; 1,238 on the ground.

Austin was targeted 328 times as a receiver, totaling 194 receptions for 1,689 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He averaged 8.7 yards per catch and 22.5 yards-per-game.

Austin ran the ball 184 times for 1,238 rushing yards and 9 TDs. He averaged 6.7 yards-per-rush and 16.5 rushing yards-per-game.

The bottom line is that he is a dynamic, speedy player who has averaged 8.4 yards-per-touch on offense, whether it's running or passing.

Zeke is still going to get the vast majority of carries for the Cowboys in 2018, if he stays healthy. That's the way it should be. But Austin is a viable change-up in the ground game. If camp is indicative of what we'll see in the regular season, don't expect Austin to line up in the backfield often. His touches on the ground are more likely to come on sweeps. But at least the possibility of Austin being the backfield means that opposing defenses will have spend time during the week game planning for that scenario.

What should be looking for in the Cowboys first preseason game?

Scales: Lance Lenoir: The Receiver to Watch on Thursday Night at San Francisco

Lance Lenoir is drawing rave reviews from coaches and teammates and Cowboys Training Camp, but he's overlooked by fans and media because of newcomers to the receiving corps such as Tavon Austin, Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup and Deonte Thompson.

But when I talk to scouts and coaches, Lenoir is the name that keeps coming up. He has as much on the line in the preseason opener as any other player fighting for a roster spot.

Lenoir spent the first 15 games of 2017 on the Cowboys' practice squad. He was signed to the active roster for the regular season finale, and got in the game for five plays on special teams.

He has an uphill climb to make this year's 53-man roster because, even if the Cowboys keep 6 wide receivers, he's buried on the depth chart behind Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, Tavon Austin, and Deonte Thompson.

Hurns (groin) and Thompson (Achilles) missed practice time this past week, so that's given Lenoir more opportunity to shine in practice. The question is whether Lenoir can carry that momentum from the practice field into preseason action when the lights come on.

Here's one way to know that coaches are looking for a way to get him on the roster: Lenoir will have opportunities in preseason as punt returner.

"You love to coach Lance Lenoir," head coach Jason Garrett said during an informal walk-off with reporters following Monday's press conference. Scouts have told me they are rooting for the kid, and the special teams coaches love working with him.

If Lenoir plays well in preseason, he could earn himself opportunities with other teams. If the Cowboys waive him during final roster cuts, he could be claimed by another team. That would be great for him, but not good for the Cowboys. They like this young receiver and want to keep him around.
 
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