Dallas Cowboys wake-up call: Day 10
August, 2, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
OXNARD, Calif. -- Every day of Dallas Cowboys training camp, we’ll offer up a wake-up call that offers a quick review of the previous day and a preview of the current day.
Today’s schedule: The Cowboys return from an off day with a 3:45 p.m. practice. Jason Garrett’s news conference is at noon.
Quick thoughts on five padded practices:
In four padded practices, Tony Romo has completed 41 of 59 passes in team and 7-on-7 drills, a nearly 70 percent completion rate. Romo completed only 63.9 percent of his passes last season, which was his lowest in a full season since 2009 when he completed 63.1 percent. For all of the talk about what Romo has not done in training camp in terms of his schedule, when he has practiced he has not looked much different than in recent years.
Depending on a coach’s perspective, there can be cause for joy and elation in training camp. At least most of the time. There has to be some concern about how easy the Cowboys are running the ball against the defense. Now, you can say the offensive line is that good, but there have been runs where running backs DeMarco Murray and Lance Dunbar are 10 yards downfield before they get touched. There isn’t a lot of scheming going on in camp, but there has to be some worry.
As I think about my next roster projection, I might consider adding a sixth wide receiver. If I do, it would be LaRon Byrd at this point. He has made some nice plays the last few days. He’s not the fastest but he makes contested catches.
What I’m watching: Garrett thought the Thursday walk-through was a little lackadaisical and let the players know it. Let’s see if the players are sharp after an off day.
Romo did not practice after the first off day of camp and it will be interesting to see if he sits out of today’s work. With three straight practices before the team leaves for San Diego, perhaps Romo could increase his workload this week. The Cowboys will have a walk-through on Wednesday. He is questionable at best to play Thursday against the Chargers and next Friday will be an off day as well.
The cornerbacks could use some help just out of numbers. They have only five healthy corners right now, although Morris Claiborne (knee) and Sterling Moore (groin) could return after sitting out Thursday’s work.
They said it: “I love him. I feel like he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for in my life. He just brings a whole other intensity, a whole other passion to the game, so it’s kind of hard not to want to play for him.” -- Linebacker Kyle Wilber on special teams coach Rich Bisaccia.
