Training Camp/OTA's Chatter Thread...
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I dunno. Could guess "hamstring" and probably be right.
jsmith6919
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Good point.
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Broaddus: Three More Questions From Week 2 OTAs
Posted 3 hours ago
•Should the Cowboys consider extending DeMarco Murray’s contract?
In my mind, this has an appearance of a no brainer. The problem this front office has had is that in recent history, those extensions have been expensive and the production level has not matched the level of commitment.
There is no question of how well Murray played in 2013, and what he meant to this offense not only carrying the ball but as a receiver and blitz pickup back. In scout’s terms, Murray is a complete back and in this day and age, is one of those guys that never comes off the field. What is working against Murray is that the view of how the position is used and how it is now compensated has changed drastically over the last three seasons.
We have seen plenty of examples of highly compensated running backs, released to only be replaced by cheaper options or more than one man to handle the job. Where Murray and the Cowboys need to be smart is to find a common ground where both parties can live with the agreement. Murray would be wise to take a page out of Doug Free’s book by getting a real grasp of what the market for his position might be and work from there.
Free was more than willing to work with the club and he was able to grab two nice seasons of money for his services. I believe that Murray can work a deal with the Cowboys, but he is going to have to be realistic about the number of years and the potential money available.
•We know this team has five receivers but if they kept six, who would that guy be?
Right now, I believe that guy would be LaRon Byrd for the simple reason of his special teams value. What you have to remember about his game is that he played both offensive and special teams snaps for the Cardinals.
When we have had the opportunity to watch these OTA practices, he has been one of the first receivers off the bench behind Bryant, Williams and Beasley. So there appears to be a plan in place to see how he can handle that load going forward. Another receiver that might be in that mix for the same role would be L’Damian Washington once he is healthy and ready to go. I have seen Washington myself cover punts in Missouri’s game against Georgia game and make tackles.
In the same game, he made a wrap up tackle on an interception, so he is not afraid to stick his nose in the middle of the action. Whatever direction this front office decides to go, that sixth receiver is going to have to do more than just be a player taking up a roster spot.
•Who is taking advantage of other players being out with injury during these OTAs?
In my opinion, this has been an outstanding three weeks for DeMarcus Lawrence in the opening stages of his development. With projected starter Jeremy Mincey nursing an injury, Lawrence has taken full advantage of the situation getting valuable snaps against Tyron Smith.
With no Matt Johnson on the field, Jakar Hamilton has been running with the second defense and to his credit has been turning heads with his play. There have been several snaps where he has been in perfect position to knock balls down in coverage. With no Nick Hayden, Ken Bishop has been getting plenty of work with the first defense. Matter of fact, Bishop has been working with Terrell McClain inside and both have done a quality job of handling things in the middle.
McClain has been filling in for Henry Melton, who will be back for training camp. Brandon Weeden has been more than efficient running the offense in the absence of Tony Romo. With Kyle Orton deciding to sit these camps out, it has given Weeden even more snaps with the first offense which has allowed him to knock some rust off his game.
Posted 3 hours ago
•Should the Cowboys consider extending DeMarco Murray’s contract?
In my mind, this has an appearance of a no brainer. The problem this front office has had is that in recent history, those extensions have been expensive and the production level has not matched the level of commitment.
There is no question of how well Murray played in 2013, and what he meant to this offense not only carrying the ball but as a receiver and blitz pickup back. In scout’s terms, Murray is a complete back and in this day and age, is one of those guys that never comes off the field. What is working against Murray is that the view of how the position is used and how it is now compensated has changed drastically over the last three seasons.
We have seen plenty of examples of highly compensated running backs, released to only be replaced by cheaper options or more than one man to handle the job. Where Murray and the Cowboys need to be smart is to find a common ground where both parties can live with the agreement. Murray would be wise to take a page out of Doug Free’s book by getting a real grasp of what the market for his position might be and work from there.
Free was more than willing to work with the club and he was able to grab two nice seasons of money for his services. I believe that Murray can work a deal with the Cowboys, but he is going to have to be realistic about the number of years and the potential money available.
•We know this team has five receivers but if they kept six, who would that guy be?
Right now, I believe that guy would be LaRon Byrd for the simple reason of his special teams value. What you have to remember about his game is that he played both offensive and special teams snaps for the Cardinals.
When we have had the opportunity to watch these OTA practices, he has been one of the first receivers off the bench behind Bryant, Williams and Beasley. So there appears to be a plan in place to see how he can handle that load going forward. Another receiver that might be in that mix for the same role would be L’Damian Washington once he is healthy and ready to go. I have seen Washington myself cover punts in Missouri’s game against Georgia game and make tackles.
In the same game, he made a wrap up tackle on an interception, so he is not afraid to stick his nose in the middle of the action. Whatever direction this front office decides to go, that sixth receiver is going to have to do more than just be a player taking up a roster spot.
•Who is taking advantage of other players being out with injury during these OTAs?
In my opinion, this has been an outstanding three weeks for DeMarcus Lawrence in the opening stages of his development. With projected starter Jeremy Mincey nursing an injury, Lawrence has taken full advantage of the situation getting valuable snaps against Tyron Smith.
With no Matt Johnson on the field, Jakar Hamilton has been running with the second defense and to his credit has been turning heads with his play. There have been several snaps where he has been in perfect position to knock balls down in coverage. With no Nick Hayden, Ken Bishop has been getting plenty of work with the first defense. Matter of fact, Bishop has been working with Terrell McClain inside and both have done a quality job of handling things in the middle.
McClain has been filling in for Henry Melton, who will be back for training camp. Brandon Weeden has been more than efficient running the offense in the absence of Tony Romo. With Kyle Orton deciding to sit these camps out, it has given Weeden even more snaps with the first offense which has allowed him to knock some rust off his game.
Genghis Khan
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"With no Matt Johnson on the field"
ravidubey
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I don't think that would work. Jerry would have a "Matt Johnson Day" at the stadium and ceremonially keep his contract on the books.
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DT Terrell McClain one of most impressive players in Cowboys OTAs
By David Moore
dmoore@dallasnews.com
9:35 am on June 11, 2014 | Permalink
One of the most impressive players during organized team activities for the Cowboys has been Terrell McClain.
The defensive tackle hasn’t started an NFL game in three years. The Cowboys are his fourth team since Carolina took him in the third round of the 2011 draft.
The Cowboys liked him coming out of South Florida. They like what he’s flashed on tape. He was signed to see if that flash can become a consistent performance.
“He’s one of those guys who doesn’t say anything to anybody,’’ head coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s just quiet and goes to work every day.
“But he’s absolutely one of the guys who is showing up the most in these first eight OTA practices. He has great intensity in all that he does. He flashes some ability.
“We really like how he goes about his business.’’
McClain last played nose tackle in Houston’s 3-4 scheme. He will likely push Nick Hayden for the starting job as the one-technique tackle in the Cowboys 4-3 scheme. But with Henry Melton unable to practice in OTAs, McClain has been playing the 3-technique at defensive tackle and turning heads.
“He’s not the typical zero nose tackle in a 3-4 defense where he just sits over the center and two-gaps,’’ Garrett said. “That hasn’t been his mode since he’s been playing. He’s always been a guy who has been on an edge, being able to play up field a little bit.
“We’re definitely seeing some of that through these OTAs.’’
By David Moore
dmoore@dallasnews.com
9:35 am on June 11, 2014 | Permalink
One of the most impressive players during organized team activities for the Cowboys has been Terrell McClain.
The defensive tackle hasn’t started an NFL game in three years. The Cowboys are his fourth team since Carolina took him in the third round of the 2011 draft.
The Cowboys liked him coming out of South Florida. They like what he’s flashed on tape. He was signed to see if that flash can become a consistent performance.
“He’s one of those guys who doesn’t say anything to anybody,’’ head coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s just quiet and goes to work every day.
“But he’s absolutely one of the guys who is showing up the most in these first eight OTA practices. He has great intensity in all that he does. He flashes some ability.
“We really like how he goes about his business.’’
McClain last played nose tackle in Houston’s 3-4 scheme. He will likely push Nick Hayden for the starting job as the one-technique tackle in the Cowboys 4-3 scheme. But with Henry Melton unable to practice in OTAs, McClain has been playing the 3-technique at defensive tackle and turning heads.
“He’s not the typical zero nose tackle in a 3-4 defense where he just sits over the center and two-gaps,’’ Garrett said. “That hasn’t been his mode since he’s been playing. He’s always been a guy who has been on an edge, being able to play up field a little bit.
“We’re definitely seeing some of that through these OTAs.’’
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OTA observations: Pump up the volume
June, 10, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys pumped up the volume at Tuesday's organized team activity, playing music throughout the workout, ranging from Run DMC to heavy metal.
Coach Jason Garrett said he has used music in past OTAs in 2-minute situations, but this was the first practice in which the music played almost through the entire practice.
"It puts you in the game," passing game coordinator Scott Linehan said. "You've got to communicate in the game. It's not always perfect. When you're out here in the spacious practice facility with nobody yelling or screaming at you it's like golf. You don't have to worry or think about distractions. You've got to learn how to play when you've got 100,000 people screaming down your neck and doing it without letting it bother you, so I think it's really good work."
On to some more observations:
June, 10, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys pumped up the volume at Tuesday's organized team activity, playing music throughout the workout, ranging from Run DMC to heavy metal.
Coach Jason Garrett said he has used music in past OTAs in 2-minute situations, but this was the first practice in which the music played almost through the entire practice.
"It puts you in the game," passing game coordinator Scott Linehan said. "You've got to communicate in the game. It's not always perfect. When you're out here in the spacious practice facility with nobody yelling or screaming at you it's like golf. You don't have to worry or think about distractions. You've got to learn how to play when you've got 100,000 people screaming down your neck and doing it without letting it bother you, so I think it's really good work."
On to some more observations:
- Linehan said Brandon Weeden has had his best week of practice. With Tony Romositting and Kyle Orton absent, Caleb Hanie had his best day in the sessions open to the media. He completed all but two of his throws in team drills and one was a throwaway while he was under pressure. He connected with Devin Street near the sideline, putting the ball on a dime to where Street could keep his feet inbounds.
- Weeden's best throw was a play-action dig to wide receiver Terrance Williams, putting the ball just a little low to keep it away from cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who was trailing on the play.
- The timing Romo and Jason Witten have is almost always impeccable. You can see the small difference when Romo isn't in there. Weeden was unable to get enough loft on a corner route to Witten with linebacker Bruce Carter in coverage. The throw was more on the line and Witten couldn't get both hands on it. With a little more air, Witten would have made the catch.
- The struggles continued for cornerback B.W. Webb. On two of three passes he was beaten by Tim Benford and Cole Beasley. On the second play Beasley was able to change direction so quickly that Webb lost his leverage and gave up a big gain.
- Backup left tackle Darrion Weems did a nice job of kicking out defensive end Martez Wilson on a Lance Dunbar run to beat a blitz from the defense.
- Backup tight end Gavin Escobar had a good day after missing the open session last week with what he described as a tweaked back. He plucked a Hanie pass away withJakar Hamilton closing fast, making sure the safety did not have a chance to break up the play. Later working in motion he was able to get inside leverage with a hard sell to the outside for a decent completion from Dustin Vaughan.
- DeVonte Holloman and Anthony Hitchens did not take part in team drills. Holloman has been slowed by a hamstring strain. Undrafted rookie Dontavis Sapp was able to get more work at backup middle linebacker.
- Receiver Dwayne Harris was kept out of team drills as a receiver as he continues to come back from offseason shoulder surgery. He was able to handle the punt return duties. Harris said he will not do any team drills on offense until training camp.
- The Cowboys signed defensive end Dartwan Bush, who attended the rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, and will place cornerback Jocquel Skinner on injured reserve with a knee injury.
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OTAs end with Cowboys U camp
June, 12, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys concluded their organized team activities on Thursday with what has become their annual Cowboys U. football camp.
The Cowboys brought in 160 kids from 20 north Texas high schools from 10 different districts for a 6-on-6 round robin tournament with the Cowboys players as coaches. After the camp, the players went through a life skills' session with the players and coaches.
Team Tyron Smith beat Team Tony Romo in a storm-shortened championship game. Team Smith converted a two-point conversion on the final play with a lightning storm looming in the background.
“A lot of teams I’ve been on do bowling outings or fishing outings or something like that,” said coach Jason Garrett, who operates a similar camp every June at Princeton. “We feel like this is a win-win across the board. Our players work with the kids and the kids have an opportunity to be with the players. Everybody is taking advantage of it. Our players embrace it. They get closer as a result of it. You see our guys running around the field high fiving each other, high fiving the kids, competing against each other. I just think it’s a real positive day for so many different reasons.”
Cornerback Brandon Carr will hold a camp later this month in Michigan and another in Duncanville, Texas, before heading to training camp.
"It’s a learning experience,” Carr said. “It’s an opportunity to switch hats and kind of see what the coaches go through on a day-to-day basis. This is a lot of fun just being with the kids and seeing the guys and how they respond to coaching and being with kids.
Safety J.J. Wilcox empathizes with his position coaches, Jerome Henderson and Joe Baker.
“Now I know why they get gray hair so early,” Wilcox said.
After handing out awards and a brief lunch, the high school kids heard stories from the players.
“I start with life is about opportunity, creating opportunities for yourself and taking advantage of them,” Garrett said. “We don’t have the kids ask the players for autographs or take pictures with them. But I encourage them if you have a chance to be walking in next to Tyron Smith, ask him a question, where he came from, why he chose USC, who’s the best guy he plays against, what’s the hardest thing in his life. All of those things can positively impact the kid. The kids do a great job understanding that and they develop relationships with players in a short period of time.”
June, 12, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys concluded their organized team activities on Thursday with what has become their annual Cowboys U. football camp.
The Cowboys brought in 160 kids from 20 north Texas high schools from 10 different districts for a 6-on-6 round robin tournament with the Cowboys players as coaches. After the camp, the players went through a life skills' session with the players and coaches.
Team Tyron Smith beat Team Tony Romo in a storm-shortened championship game. Team Smith converted a two-point conversion on the final play with a lightning storm looming in the background.
“A lot of teams I’ve been on do bowling outings or fishing outings or something like that,” said coach Jason Garrett, who operates a similar camp every June at Princeton. “We feel like this is a win-win across the board. Our players work with the kids and the kids have an opportunity to be with the players. Everybody is taking advantage of it. Our players embrace it. They get closer as a result of it. You see our guys running around the field high fiving each other, high fiving the kids, competing against each other. I just think it’s a real positive day for so many different reasons.”
Cornerback Brandon Carr will hold a camp later this month in Michigan and another in Duncanville, Texas, before heading to training camp.
"It’s a learning experience,” Carr said. “It’s an opportunity to switch hats and kind of see what the coaches go through on a day-to-day basis. This is a lot of fun just being with the kids and seeing the guys and how they respond to coaching and being with kids.
Safety J.J. Wilcox empathizes with his position coaches, Jerome Henderson and Joe Baker.
“Now I know why they get gray hair so early,” Wilcox said.
After handing out awards and a brief lunch, the high school kids heard stories from the players.
“I start with life is about opportunity, creating opportunities for yourself and taking advantage of them,” Garrett said. “We don’t have the kids ask the players for autographs or take pictures with them. But I encourage them if you have a chance to be walking in next to Tyron Smith, ask him a question, where he came from, why he chose USC, who’s the best guy he plays against, what’s the hardest thing in his life. All of those things can positively impact the kid. The kids do a great job understanding that and they develop relationships with players in a short period of time.”
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Cowboys to continue work in minicamp
June, 17, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys hold their mandatory minicamp Tuesday-Thursday but there is not much difference between one of these practices and the nine organized team activities they held in May and June.
"Some of the things are different as far as the structure (of the day) but the intensity will be the same," cornerback Brandon Carr said. "We'll probably turn it up a few more notches, but guys, believe me, we've been getting after it pretty good these past few weeks anyway. It's just longer days, more meetings. But it's still football."
Offseason football. The Cowboys will not be in pads, per league rules. It will also be a little bit of a review of what they went through in the OTAs. Coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday will represent the early part of the OTA instillation with Wednesday and Thursday covering the rest of the OTA work.
"We're really laying the foundation for our offensive, defensive and the kicking game systems," Garrett said.
When the Cowboys reconvene in Oxnard, California, in July, the early practices will also be a review.
"You work hard to get up to this point to get ready for the OTAs and minicamp," running back DeMarco Murray said. "We had a good offseason of work with our strength coaches, had 10 practices with the OTAs and with these three days of minicamp coming up we've got to finish what we started and continue to work hard."
June, 17, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys hold their mandatory minicamp Tuesday-Thursday but there is not much difference between one of these practices and the nine organized team activities they held in May and June.
"Some of the things are different as far as the structure (of the day) but the intensity will be the same," cornerback Brandon Carr said. "We'll probably turn it up a few more notches, but guys, believe me, we've been getting after it pretty good these past few weeks anyway. It's just longer days, more meetings. But it's still football."
Offseason football. The Cowboys will not be in pads, per league rules. It will also be a little bit of a review of what they went through in the OTAs. Coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday will represent the early part of the OTA instillation with Wednesday and Thursday covering the rest of the OTA work.
"We're really laying the foundation for our offensive, defensive and the kicking game systems," Garrett said.
When the Cowboys reconvene in Oxnard, California, in July, the early practices will also be a review.
"You work hard to get up to this point to get ready for the OTAs and minicamp," running back DeMarco Murray said. "We had a good offseason of work with our strength coaches, had 10 practices with the OTAs and with these three days of minicamp coming up we've got to finish what we started and continue to work hard."
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Well, when you have such a clear cut notion of how the season will invariably end, it's hard to get too pumped.
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More reps for youngsters as minicamp ends
June, 19, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' offseason comes to an end after Thursday's final minicamp practice, but the club has already been saving some of the veterans for training camp.
Coach Jason Garrett has rested some of the regulars over the last two weeks of work. Jason Witten, DeMarco Murray, Brandon Carr and Barry Church did not take part in the two-minute drill in Wednesday's workout. Dez Bryant did not take part in every snap. Doug Free was replaced by Jermey Parnell for a spell.
"It's really just to see those young guys and see some of the other guys that we're counting on," Garrett said, "and give them an opportunity to show what they can do; work with the ones, be in some of the situations we've been working on and see how they respond."
Second-year tight end Gavin Escobar had a fourth-down catch in a two-minute drill that ended in a Bryant touchdown. Cornerback Sterling Moore shut down a throw to Terrance Williams in the end zone. Tyrone Crawford forced an incomplete pass with a pressure.
"We'll continue to do that and see how they respond to the work," Garrett said.
Thursday's practice will be the Cowboys' first at AT&T Stadium. It will be followed by a family cookout.
Players can continue to work out at Valley Ranch until 10 days before training camp starts. Injured players will continue to rehab. The rookies will continue their full-scale workouts for another week, but the on-field work with the coaches will end until the team reconvenes in Oxnard, California, on July 22.
June, 19, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' offseason comes to an end after Thursday's final minicamp practice, but the club has already been saving some of the veterans for training camp.
Coach Jason Garrett has rested some of the regulars over the last two weeks of work. Jason Witten, DeMarco Murray, Brandon Carr and Barry Church did not take part in the two-minute drill in Wednesday's workout. Dez Bryant did not take part in every snap. Doug Free was replaced by Jermey Parnell for a spell.
"It's really just to see those young guys and see some of the other guys that we're counting on," Garrett said, "and give them an opportunity to show what they can do; work with the ones, be in some of the situations we've been working on and see how they respond."
Second-year tight end Gavin Escobar had a fourth-down catch in a two-minute drill that ended in a Bryant touchdown. Cornerback Sterling Moore shut down a throw to Terrance Williams in the end zone. Tyrone Crawford forced an incomplete pass with a pressure.
"We'll continue to do that and see how they respond to the work," Garrett said.
Thursday's practice will be the Cowboys' first at AT&T Stadium. It will be followed by a family cookout.
Players can continue to work out at Valley Ranch until 10 days before training camp starts. Injured players will continue to rehab. The rookies will continue their full-scale workouts for another week, but the on-field work with the coaches will end until the team reconvenes in Oxnard, California, on July 22.
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Cowboys finish off-season with minds already on training camp
The Cowboys celebrated the end of their off-season program with a short practice and a family day at AT&T Stadium.
School’s out for summer!
The Cowboys go on vacation the next 4 ½ weeks, arriving to Oxnard, Calif., on July 22 for the start of training camp.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll be out of sight, out of mind. The rookies continue structured workouts for another week, and all players can work out on their own at Valley Ranch through July 11.
“It’s time that we all need to get away and get recharged mentally, physically, emotionally, so you want to take advantage of that,” coach Jason Garrett said. “You want to embrace every day away. But for all of us, we’re really locked into this. We care a great deal about it. We’re all very much invested in it. So you’re always thinking about it. You consciously try to get away from it, but it’s always on your mind, and it’s always kind of in your person, trying to somehow, someway do it better, make it better, be better yourself, be better for your team. …You’re always fighting that balance.”
The Cowboys lost middle linebacker Sean Lee to a torn left anterior cruciate ligament on the first day of organized team activities, but otherwise, it was a successful off-season, Garrett said.
“We had a really good practice to finish a really good minicamp to finish a really good off-season program,” he said. “We have the right kind of guys on our football team. They work the right way. They’re coming together. We have a long, long way to go. We all know that. We’ve made great strides here over the course of the off-season. I like how our team works. Now, it’s time for them to get away from it and come back recharged and ready to go and get ready for training camp.”
-- Charean Williams
The Cowboys celebrated the end of their off-season program with a short practice and a family day at AT&T Stadium.
School’s out for summer!
The Cowboys go on vacation the next 4 ½ weeks, arriving to Oxnard, Calif., on July 22 for the start of training camp.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll be out of sight, out of mind. The rookies continue structured workouts for another week, and all players can work out on their own at Valley Ranch through July 11.
“It’s time that we all need to get away and get recharged mentally, physically, emotionally, so you want to take advantage of that,” coach Jason Garrett said. “You want to embrace every day away. But for all of us, we’re really locked into this. We care a great deal about it. We’re all very much invested in it. So you’re always thinking about it. You consciously try to get away from it, but it’s always on your mind, and it’s always kind of in your person, trying to somehow, someway do it better, make it better, be better yourself, be better for your team. …You’re always fighting that balance.”
The Cowboys lost middle linebacker Sean Lee to a torn left anterior cruciate ligament on the first day of organized team activities, but otherwise, it was a successful off-season, Garrett said.
“We had a really good practice to finish a really good minicamp to finish a really good off-season program,” he said. “We have the right kind of guys on our football team. They work the right way. They’re coming together. We have a long, long way to go. We all know that. We’ve made great strides here over the course of the off-season. I like how our team works. Now, it’s time for them to get away from it and come back recharged and ready to go and get ready for training camp.”
-- Charean Williams
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Minicamp observations: Hamilton shines
June, 19, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys concluded their final minicamp practice Thursday at AT&T Stadium with a lunch for the players and coaches’ families, but the 90-minute session had some highlights worth noting.
•Safety Jakar Hamilton came up with a nice interception after linebacker Anthony Hitchens deflected a Dustin Vaughan throw down the seam to wide receiver Devin Street. Hamilton instinctively stuck one hand in the air and then corralled the ball as he turned up field. Hamilton later did a nice job being in position to force an off-target throw to Dez Bryant in the slot.
From our vantage point it was hard to tell if Bryant was able to get his feet down for a touchdown catch on a fade pass from Brandon Weeden over Morris Claiborne, but it was an impressive athletic feat. Jason Witten might have had a TD catch from Weeden in seven-on-seven drills over safety J.J. Wilcox, but the replay officials might have overturned it with one foot appearing out of bounds.
•Left tackle Tyron Smith sealed off the edge to allow running back Lance Dunbar to scamper in for a touchdown run in the red zone. Dunbar had a touchdown run with the second-team offense in a two-minute situation.
•Rookie punter Cody Mandell scraped the center-hung digital board three times during special teams’ drills. He did the same when he played in Arlington while at Alabama. On Thursday, however, Jason Garrett said the board was lower than its normal 90 feet. The board was lowered for a recent George Strait concert.
•Quarterback Caleb Hanie was sharp in his situational work, completing four of his five passes, including a nice corner route to Street for a decent gain. One of Dunbar’s touchdowns was set up by a pass interference penalty on Terrance Mitchell, who was covering Street.
•Linebacker Orie Lemon did a nice job breaking up a goal-line throw to tight end Gavin Escobar in seven-on-seven work with the second team. Weeden was able to complete the same route to James Hanna in the first-team work with a nice fastball.
June, 19, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys concluded their final minicamp practice Thursday at AT&T Stadium with a lunch for the players and coaches’ families, but the 90-minute session had some highlights worth noting.
•Safety Jakar Hamilton came up with a nice interception after linebacker Anthony Hitchens deflected a Dustin Vaughan throw down the seam to wide receiver Devin Street. Hamilton instinctively stuck one hand in the air and then corralled the ball as he turned up field. Hamilton later did a nice job being in position to force an off-target throw to Dez Bryant in the slot.
From our vantage point it was hard to tell if Bryant was able to get his feet down for a touchdown catch on a fade pass from Brandon Weeden over Morris Claiborne, but it was an impressive athletic feat. Jason Witten might have had a TD catch from Weeden in seven-on-seven drills over safety J.J. Wilcox, but the replay officials might have overturned it with one foot appearing out of bounds.
•Left tackle Tyron Smith sealed off the edge to allow running back Lance Dunbar to scamper in for a touchdown run in the red zone. Dunbar had a touchdown run with the second-team offense in a two-minute situation.
•Rookie punter Cody Mandell scraped the center-hung digital board three times during special teams’ drills. He did the same when he played in Arlington while at Alabama. On Thursday, however, Jason Garrett said the board was lower than its normal 90 feet. The board was lowered for a recent George Strait concert.
•Quarterback Caleb Hanie was sharp in his situational work, completing four of his five passes, including a nice corner route to Street for a decent gain. One of Dunbar’s touchdowns was set up by a pass interference penalty on Terrance Mitchell, who was covering Street.
•Linebacker Orie Lemon did a nice job breaking up a goal-line throw to tight end Gavin Escobar in seven-on-seven work with the second team. Weeden was able to complete the same route to James Hanna in the first-team work with a nice fastball.