Dallas Cowboys Off Season News

[eagle eye]

From the "That Figures" file, former Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware who had surgery on his elbow in the off season told the Denver Post reporter Mike Klis that, "I feel better than I did the last two years going into the season," Ware said Thursday. "Stronger, faster. I feel flexible." It would be Dallas Cowboys luck that a guy who hasn't been healthy for the past two years is finally, really, truly, healthy and ready to perform to the level he did in his prime.

It's interesting to note that Ware said pretty much the same thing going into training camp last season. In truth, Ware was the unquestioned star of training camp last season. He began the season like his old self but in the 3rd game against San Diego Ware was injured and was not a true force the rest of the season. He missed three games but it was also the first season his sack total wasn't in double digits as he only recorded six sacks all year.

All things considered, I think Jerry and the Cowboys brain trust made the right move to cut bait with Ware. If he has a great season in Denver, good. I like Ware and he's always been a standup guy and I bear him no ill will now that he's a Bronco. Still, he is at the end of his career and he has been hurt the last two years. It was kind of time to let him go. Hell, even the 49ers let Joe Montana go!

 

 

[eagle eye]

20 Questions has wound down to questions 4 and 3. You may have noticed the questions get a little more pointed and in some cases a little harder to answer.

 

4) What kind of difference will new D-coordinator Rod Marinelli make?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/20-Questions-What-Kind-Of-Difference-Will-Marinelli-Make-/d4053eeb-b65c-431e-94cb-d4530eb5b00d

 

I think I agree with Bryan Broaddus' answer. Nick Eatman's too a little. Marinelli got the most out of a bunch of D-linemen off the street to form a semblence of a pass rush. As Eatman said, he did well but they didn't exactly stuff the run. That wasn't exposed too badly because it was just so damn easy to pass the ball on the defense. Broaddus said Kiffin didn't tweek his defense to play to his players strengths and we saw Marinelli's defense in Chicago play very well thank you. It all depends on the health of the players. Just like the past two years, injuries could kill any chance of Dallas fielding even a decent defense. Not even Vince Lombardi could make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

 

3) Where's the pass rush going to come from?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/3-Where’s-The-Pass-Rush-Going-To-Come-From/797a2681-31ef-4450-8c1f-172e7fe858fe

 

I have a hard time agreeing with DC.com writer, Rowan Kavner. He's the most conservative guy I've ever seen. He's like a poor man's Alex P Keaton. "I haven't seen it" and "...we don't know what he's able to do" and "I'd rather have a veteran in that spot because we don't know what the young guy will do" are among the key phrases that he usually spits out. He's so conservative you have to wonder how much anxiety he goes through just buying a new pair of shoes. But in this case I agree. We need pressure from the whole front four. The Cowboys don't have an established pass rusher so the whole 7 or 8 man rotation has to be good.

[eagle eye]

Cowboys training camp began yesterday with the first practice at the training camp facility in Oxnard, California. It was uneventful compared to last season when DL Tyrone Crawford was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. No major losses today either. Romo is said to be looking good but the practices so far have been little more than walk through type affairs. Tomorrow the schedule call for the team to be in pads for the first time. We'll likely see just how ready Romo is. I suspect he's more than ready.

 

The Cowboys had a voluntary fitness test run by players last Friday. I posted about this earlier this week. It turns out that LG Ronald Leary pulled a hammy in the fitness test and was put on the PUP list as training camp began. The injury is not considered bad in any way so he will not likely be out long. This is a good thing because one the main items of interest in this camp was said to be the battle to start at guard between the incumbent, Leary, and the former starting right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau. It's kind of a given that first round pick Zack Martin will step in and start at right guard.

 

The 2014 debut of DE Anthony Spenser will likely be delayed until after the 6th game of the upcoming season because he is still rehabbing from micro fracture knee surgery last season. He only began running about a month ago is reportedly a long way off from slapping on a pair of cleats and hitting the field with the team. It's quite possible Dallas won't see any dividends from sticking with Spenser until 2015.

 

There are training camp podcasts and Jason Garrett pressers on the Cowboys multi media page along with other features. As soon as I get used to this new format (which I think is pretty cool BTW it's just going to take a while to get used to navigating again.) I post links to stuff I think are interesting. Go Cowboys!

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have taken chances on players before. Guys who have or had off field issues. The low end of the spectrum is Pac-man Jones. He was an experiment even Dr Frankenstein wouldn't claim but it sure looks like the chance on Dez Bryant is working out okay to give you an idea that there are guys who have made it. When Dallas lost Sean Lee in the first 20 minutes of the first OTA practice Dallas knew they were in trouble. Despite having several candidates on the roster to fill Lee's spot none failed to ease the anxiety of losing your best defensive player and team captain. Just about a week before training camp Dallas signed troubled former 1st round pick by the Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain. I mentioned his signing earlier in this thread but he was at camp on Saturday in practice with the team for the first time. He missed Thursday and Friday practices because he was in court in his home town of Decatur, Alabama being found guilty of misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest. The ruling is under appeal so in an interview yesterday McClain said he could not comment on the case. However, he did explain his path and in the link below DC.com's Rowan Kavner gives us a look and some insight to Dallas newest player. It's a good article and if McClain's really matured over the last year and 4 months then Jerry is getting a huge bang for his few bucks he spent on him.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-RowanKavner/McClain-Ready-For-New-Chance-With-Fewer-Distractions/734fedd1-543e-41d9-b9f1-2e44d6894064

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys were featured on NFL Channel's Live At Training Camp last evening. Rich Eisen, who is one of the few on-air guys at the NFL Channel I actually like, sat down with Michael Irvin during the Cowboys practice for an interview with Jerry Jones and later after practice ended Eisen and Irvin did interviews with Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.

 

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-training-camps/0ap2000000370328/Jones-on-Manziel-It-was-that-close

 

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-training-camps/0ap2000000370344/Tony-Romo-ready-to-have-his-best-season

 

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-training-camps/0ap2000000370347/Bryant-fired-up-for-2014

 

The Cowboys had three defensive players leave practice with injuries yesterday. LB Devonte Holloman left with what is believed to be dehydration and he is day to day. DT Terrell McClain left with an ankle thing. I say thing because nothing has been officially diagnosed but he did sit out the rest of practice after hurting it. S Matt Johnson left with a hamstring pull. Johnson can't seem to stay healthy and it has been his balky hammies that have done him in. Since he was drafted in 2012 Johnson has yet to play a down for the Cowboys in a regular season game. Also, LB Bruce Carter left for a time but returned to practice probably due to lack of fluids and Jeff Heath left for a time but he returned with his hand heavily wrapped. Heath said later he got it smashed between a couple of helmets. In addition, 3 players missed practice all from the defensive side of the ball. DL Ben Bass (shoulder), Will Smith (groin) and Darrius Morris all missed.

 

Here's a look at yesterday's practice with DC.com writers Bryan Broaddus and Rowan Kavner.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/

[eagle eye]

If there is one thing I have been remiss about in passing on info about the Cowboys is that I have failed to mention the passing of a Cowboys legend, folk hero, fan favorite.....there are so many ways to describe the impact that Robert Newhouse had on Cowboys fans lucky enough to see him play game in and game out for 12 seasons. From 1972 to 1983 Newhouse was a spark plug for the Cowboys. Give him the ball and the way he fought for every single yard, often gaining extra yards from his effort fired up fans in the stadium and in living rooms all over the country. His biggest, highest profile, play was probably the fullback pass to Golden Richards to ice the game for the Cowboys. Newhouse was 5'10" and 209 lbs of pure muscle and he had maybe the biggest pair of thighs in football at the time, except for Earl Campbell's, at 44". Most men's waists aren't even that big! The cool thing about Newhouse was he was a Texan through and through and he went to college right up the road in Houston at the U of H. Here's brief write-up of Newhouse from NY Times writer William Yardley.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/sports/football/robert-newhouse-64-rusher-whose-pass-secured-a-title-dies.html?_r=0

 

Here's another link to an article from the Dallas Morning News writer David Moore who interviewed another Cowboys great, Charlie Waters, recounting a funny backstory to Newhouse's famous TD pass in SB XII.

 

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/07/what-charlies-waters-knows-about-that-robert-newhouse-td-pass-in-super-bowl-xii-that-you-dont.html/

 

We will never know the nice, caring and unselfish man Waters refers to but for those who watched him play we can relive the fond memories he was a part of as part of the Cowboys dynasty of the seventies. For the high motor and spark he gave the Cowboys and the many, many Sundays we cheered the "human bowling ball" as he scratched and clawed his way to the next first down. Thanks for the memories Robert. Rest in peace.

[eagle eye]

Anthony Spenser has been rehabbing his knee since he had micro fracture surgery last fall. It's a potentially career threatening surgery and football players have difficult time making it back. But, he has been very diligent and following the trainers and doctor's instructions but when he began training camp on the Active/PUP list it appeared like he would be at least mid season before he could return to the lineup. Today in an interview Spenser indicated he is confident he will be on the opening day roster against the 49ers. That would be a big shot in the arm talent-wise IF Spenser is back to his old self.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-NickEatman/Spencer-Optimistic-To-Return-Before-Sept-7-Opener-/48a37e16-fe9c-4a25-aaa0-105127fc61a7

 

DeMarco Murray is the acknowledged bell cow of the Cowboys but even Murray recognizes talent when he sees it. What he's seen is the potential of fellow RB Lance Dunbar. Really, the only thing that has held Dunbar back is pass blocking because no matter what Tony Romo is the Cowboys bread and butter and if you can't pass protect you won't see the field much.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-RowanKavner/Murray-I’m-Lead-Guy-But-Dunbar-Needs-Touches/b19b5a2d-1a26-4d7b-8d05-bc1d33b808f5

[eagle eye]

The whole deal about off season work is to get guys ready for training camp so any fine tuning to the offensive and defensive schemes could be done and the best players could be identified for the coming season. Simple right? Yeah, right. For some it's just an exercise in frustration. Of course the one I'm talking about is S Matt Johnson who was drafted in 2012. From having to show up late to OTAs in '12 because Eastern Washington is one of those pesky Pacific coast colleges that does it's school terms in the quarters system meaning they can't report until the term ends in early June. Within the week Johnson was injured, that confounded hamstring thing. The hammy issues kept him off the field but Dallas was hoping he could return and actually start playing games so they kept him on the active roster but at the end of November Dallas gave up and put Johnson on IR ending his year. In '13 Johnson still battling his hammy managed to play in his first preseason game when Dallas and Miami squared off in Canton in the Hall of Fame game. He injured his foot so badly he was placed on IR during the last cut downs prior to the beginning of the season. In two years he has been able to play in just two pre season games. In '14 he was trying hard not do anything to tweak the hammy even though it hobbled him some but less than 5 days into camp he's in the training tent with a pulled hammy. I've said this before but he must have really showed something in the practices he has been able to participate in. Not just something but something special. That's the only reason why Dallas would have kept him, they see something in this kid and safety is definitely a position of need. By all accounts he's a model citizen, smart, very coachable and dedicated worker who has done everything humanly possible to rehab his injuries and also to prevent injury. In the words of Jason Garrett he's "the right kind of guy". If you believe it, God has a plan for everyone and either he's testing Johnson's patience or the Joneses patience or God has other plans for Mr Johnson. I'm curious about the guy. I want to see him play, I just wish the good Lord would lighten up on the guy. Right now, any semblance of that scenario is extremely in question. Hamstring injuries just never seem to go away once they appear, see Miles Austin a guy with potentially Hall of Fame talent who couldn't stay on the field because of his confounded hamstrings. Bad things happen to good people and it's never more evident than to fans of an NFL team.

[eagle eye]

What the hell is the deal on the defensive side of the ball? I mean really. 2012 the defense was gutted by injuries. Last season the injuries mounted up like cord wood with 22 different starters on the D-line and lost time by virtually every starter on defense. So far this season we've lost Sean Lee for the season with a torn ACL and several other players on the defensive side will miss valuable training camp time with various injuries and now, BANG, we get a biggie. The biggest loss since Sean Lee's ACL. Yesterday in 2-on-2 drills DeMarcus Lawrence was squared off against Tyron Smith when Smith got the better of that skirmish and knocked Lawrence to the ground. Lawrence came up limping badly and after some work with the trainers it was found that Lawrence has a broken foot and will miss 8 to 12 weeks. If it goes the whole 12 it will be the end of October before Lawrence can be back in the lineup. I think Jerry Jones needs to hire an exorsist to purge the defensive demon from Valley Ranch. Enough is e-freaking nuff.

Add to that and LB Rolando McClain left practice with a stomach virus. He could be back today or next week. Considering the virus that blew through the Astros clubhouse this April it could very well be a week he's gone.

 

Chalk this up to sportswriters boredom. Or just an easy way to fill an article deadline. Or the writers have joined ESPN and NFL.com adding to the endless stream of top (fill in the blank) lists. The writers at DC.com have ranked the eleven WRs on the roster from top to bottom. Snooze. They can't be that bored, can they? Anyhoo see if you agree with writers on this ranking.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/Power-Rankings-Staff-Writers-Order-WRs-From-1-11/76ecf6e8-44bf-4fed-9b2a-3c9831b53125

[eagle eye]

Holy cow! LT Tyron Smith's contract was due to expire after the 2015 season. I said "was" because Dallas completed a deal that will keep Smith a Cowboys through the 2023 season worth in the neighborhood of $110 mm! Actually, Smith is signed through 2023 beginning after the final two years on his rookie contract worth $10mm for around $97 mm. It is the highest non-quarterback contract in Cowboys history and will assure Smith will be wearing a star on his helmet unit he's 34 years old. He just turned 24 recently. Smith will be eligible to become a free agent in 2024.

 

"Well, that's awesome but what about Dez Bryant's contract? Don't worry true believers. According to Stephen Jones, the salary cap overseer for the Cowboys, he says even though they just gave their franchise left tackle a $12 mm a year deal with about $40 mm guaranteed there is still money left for Dez. Jones said they are working on a deal and can sign Dez to an extension any time now. Smith and Bryant were the two guys who many felt needed to be signed this year to prevent them from testing the free agent market. Well, one down and one to go. It should be interesting.

 

One bit of good news, one bit of hopeful news and one bit of a downer. DeMarcus Lawrence flew back to Dallas today and will undergo foot surgery tomorrow. A foot that he broke in a drill facing Tyron Smith. Yep, that Tyron Smith. The Cowboys indicated today that Smith could undergo the surgery and recover enough to get back with the team before they break training camp in Oxnard on August 15th. It's an 8-12 week recovery time so Dallas will have to make due, best case, until the end of September and worst case, the end of October. As Jason Garrett has said there's still a lot of football left after 8 to 12 weeks. The name that keeps popping up is Tyrone Crawford to move over and take Lawrence's place. Maybe, but I wanted to see how well Lawrence could step into that other DeMarcus's spot.

[eagle eye]

The news for the defense just won't stop being of the lousy variety.

 

Yesterday Mo Claiborne left at the end of practice with a knee issue. The Cowboys don't think it's a big concern so let's hope they're right!

Brandon Carr, who has missed about the whole of training camp to be with his mother who was in hospice care, has to deal with her passing yesterday. By the time arrangements are made and the funeral service has been held it is speculated that Carr likely won't be back to camp until after the San Diego game next Thursday. The Cowboys, for their part have told Carr to take all the time he needs and to come back when he is ready. That's one thing about Jerry Jones, he does have a kind heart when it comes to his players. It's one reason so many players for Dallas, past and present, love Jones.

The Cowboys lost three more players to injury yesterday. WR Dwayne Harris tweaked his ankle losing a one-on-one battle with new CB Terrence Mitchell that saw Mitchell sling Harris to the ground. Cowboys coaches let Mitchell know that sort of behavior is NOT tolerated. DL Ben Bass had a slight hamstring pull and OL lineman Darrion Weems going 1-on-1 in a drill with Tyron Smith hurt his shoulder. Tyron Smith is becoming a real beast and Dallas won't let him play with the other guys if he keeps sending them to the infirmary.

One good thing happened yesterday, OG Ronald Leary, who began training camp on PUP was back at practice. That's a good thing as one of the key battles of training camp was going to be between Leary and Mackenzy Bernadeau to see who will be the starting left guard. He'll work in slowly because he hurt his hamstring in the conditioning test held by players before training camp began.

Speaking of the O-line, word is Dallas hit a home run drafting Zack Martin with their first round pick. It is said he is very strong for a rookie, he rarely makes a mistake and he's solid at the point of attack. Add to this a bonding the line has done through OTAs and up through training camp. The line is spending quality time together off the field too to foster this bonding. Center Travis Frederick said that the O-line group is the tightest group he's been around in his football career. This includes not just the starting five the whole group in camp, many of which won't make the final cut.

Finally, Dallas added two DE's to their roster of the three they worked out last Friday. Adewale Ojomo and Kenneth Boatwright are the newest sacrificial lambs to the injury demon plaguing the defense. Ojomo played for the Giants as an UFA in 2012 and was on the practice squads of several teams last season finally ending up with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans released him in April after he was arrested for soliciting a prostitute in Miami. Boatwright was a UFA from Southern Illinois last year who was signed by Seattle. The Seahawks released him during their mini camp in June. To make room for them Dallas is expected to release OL Darius Morris and WR L'Damian Washington.

I'm out. I'm conducting an exorcism to expel the injury demon plaguing the defense. May the power of the Star compel you!

Edited August 2, 2014 by eagle eye

[eagle eye]

It's kind of looking like the exocism we did the day before yesterday may have worked! I'm not uncrossing my fingers though and I've got some spirit powder handy just in case but since Thursday nobody of any consequence has been hurt.

Mo Claiborne is still out and no real word on his status that I can find. As far as I'm concerned no news is good news. (Spirit powder handy)

 

Yes, the HOF game between Buffalo and the NY Giants is tonight on NBC at 7 o'clock but this afternoon at 4:30 PM on DallasCowboys.com the annual Blue-White scrimmage is going to take place. Pretty generic stuff, you how scrimmages go, but it's a chance to get a first look at the 2014 version of the Cowboys. And it's football---in August---on Sunday.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys held their annual Blue-White scrimmage over the weekend and the biggest story of scrimmage was an altercation between Dez Bryant and JJ Wilcox after Wilcox wrestled Bryant to the ground after a reception over the middle of the field. Dez was up immediately and getting into Wilcox's face which included a bit of a head butt when Wilcox threw a couple of punches. Teammates stepped between the two and prevented anything serious from developing. In the aftermath of the scrimmage it was noted that while not the best thing in the world the incident between Dez and Wilcox was a good thing. A good thing that showed some spunk by the defense who has had to listen to Dez talk smack constantly to the DBs in particular and the defense in general. A Cowboy vet remarked that the incident reminded him of the old Jimmy Johnson days and how Michael Irvin talked smack and fights used to break out all the time because the atmosphere was so competitive. Jason Garrett's comments about the deal were not really negative at all. He talked about the competitive nature of the camp and such things happen in competitive situations. Now, in private, I'm sure Garrett pointed out to Wilcox and Dez that the punches and the head butt would have gotten both ejected from a game and he didn't want to see it again but in his mind I'm sure he was tickled to death to see that kind of spirit on the field. Dez is emerging as a newer and improved Michael Irvin. Dez is more talented than Michael and really the sky is the limit for him but his personality is emerging and he's becoming the heart and soul of the team with his drive, work ethic and team spirit just like The Playmaker was. Nobody worked harder than Irvin back in the day and nobody works harder than Dez does now. The personal problems that plagued Dez early on was due to a lack of maturity on his part and the fact that he overcame a truly horrific childhood to be where he is now is a testament to his strength of character. Don't worry about Dez, he'll be okay. The fact that he's the patriarch of the WR corps now that Miles Austin is gone is something Dez seems to have taken to heart and he's making the most of it. Truth be told, the fact that Wilcox stood up to him and got right back in his face probably made Dez happy. Dez wants his defense to show some spirit too. In his mind Dez was probably thinking, "...good for you JJ!" while something totally different was coming out of his mouth. Some might call that tough love.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys hired tight ends coach Mike Pope this off season with an eye on developing the younger players on the roster but he's had a definite influence on Jason Witten as well. Pope is sort of THE TE's guru of the NFL and he brings a lot of interesting drills to help the TE's improve their skills. Here's an article from the Cowboys web site about the influence of Coach Pope. It's pretty funny and interesting to boot.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-RowanKavner/Mike-Pope-Shares-Why-He’s-Got-His-List-Of-478-Tricks/da4c392b-12ab-42d3-821e-7cea04a49c79

 

Tony Romo is keeping a low profile during the preseason to such an extent that since the Sunday Blue-White scrimmage Romo hasn't practiced and will not play Thursday night in the preseason opener against San Diego.

 

Here's a recap of Monday's practice.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-NickEatman/Mon-Practice-Recap-CB-Depth-Thin-LB-McClain-Banged-Up/d92afa10-286a-4c48-a6fa-e75d5617680c

[eagle eye]

I wonder if Jason Garrett is a little miffed at QB's coach Wade Wilson. In an interview Wilson said that Tony Romo is having trouble throwing the deep ball and he feels it's because of his back which is still being rehabbed following surgery after the Week 16 win over Washington. Head Coaches don't normally like to divulge player weaknesses. Some coaches like Bill Belichick are down right fanatical about NOT giving other teams player info that can be used against his Patriots. You've got to wonder if there may be a private conversation between Garrett and Wilson about what NOT to say to the press.

 

The Cowboys vs Chargers game is on late tomorrow night. Because they are on the West Coast the game normally will start late and tomorrow is not exception. The game begins at 9:30 CDT on the NFL Channel.

 

There was no practice today as the Cowboys travelled to San Diego.

 

There will be one guy who will be in the spotlight more than any other player tomorrow night. Who, you ask? Brandon Weeden I answer. With the release of Kyle Orton Weeden has become the defacto #2 guy in the QB depth chart. Caleb Hanie is in the mix but Dallas really wants Weeden to succeed. Dallas had Weeden on their radar when he was part of the 2012 draft and now that they actually have him, Dallas wants him to be that guy. Yes, there will be a lot of eyes on the defense as it should be but with Romo coming off back surgery Dallas needs someone to be able to go out and win a couple of games if needed. If it's more it's likely Dallas season is in big trouble anyway. The extended reps Weeden has been given with Romo on a conservative practice schedule have been invaluable and the start tomorrow night just adds to that much needed bank of reps Weeden will need to be ready. .................Damn, football is really here!

[eagle eye]

Dallas looked pretty in Thursday night's game. 27-7 looks pretty bad. The whole team didn't look bad though, believe it or not there were a couple of actual bright spots. No, really, I'm serious. First of all Brandon Weeden didn't look half bad. With the first team offensive line in front of him Weeden looked pretty good. The TD pass he threw to James Hanna in the 1st quarter was pretty dope. Rolling out to his right and just as he was being drilled in the chest by a Chargers defender he threw a strike past 3 defenders to Hanna in the back of the end zone. Nice play indeed.

Up until about a one minute span in the 3rd the score was a respectable 10-7 Chargers lead. Kellen Clemens threw a 70 yard TD pass over the newest cornerback on the roster signed Tuesday and without benefit of even one practice. On the ensuing kickoff RB Ben Malena suffered a groin injury and 3rd string QB Caleb Hanie was the victim of a strip sack that resulted in another Charger score. Bang, a 10-7 game turned into a 24-7 rout.

This recap of the game by DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola puts some perspective on the game you may not have realized. After that a breakdown of the game by Bryan Broaddus who went over game film to see what happened and pointing out a couple of bright spots besides Weeden.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-MickeySpagnola/Spagnola-Let’s-Not-Jump-To-Such-Hasty-Conclusions/e6670278-f771-4ce1-bf46-61f2dcac6122

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-BryanBroaddus/Scout’s-Eye-Breaking-Down-The-San-Diego-Tape/e11b2e57-0014-4032-bf7d-46e4956b53b5

 

Dallas is also about to sign former Maryland RB D J Adams who coincidently enough was cut by San Diego in June for a defensive signing. The signing of Adams is likely due to the strained quad Ben Malena suffered Thursday night. Malena has been on crutches ever since. Speculation is that Malena will be waived/injured to make room on the roster for Adams. Malena has shown promise and he could end up being signed to the Cowboys practice squad.

[eagle eye]

After the smack down from the San Diego Chargers on Thursday night there have been a couple of roster moves. Not as punishment for poor play but rather out of need or a 'thanks but no thanks' situation.

 

Dallas lost Ben Malena and he was waived/injured so Dallas signed D J Adams. Neither guy has, or had, more than a gambler's chance to make the team although Malena was definitely a practice squad candidate. Dallas also released a punter. No not mainstay Chris Jones but rookie from Alabama Cody Mandell. The ultimate idea is to sign a kicker to give Dan Bailey a break.

 

Just like the cavalry riding in over the hill to save the day in those old western movies Dallas had a cavalry of sorts back at practice on Saturday. CB Brandon Carr was back after an emotional two weeks with his mother who passed away from cancer. The support of the Jones family was much appreciated by the Carr family from just emotional support to sending meals to them while his mother was in hospice. If you hate Jones the GM please don't hate Jones the man. He's proven time and again how he's stood behind his players under any circumstance. Like Josh Brent. More on Brent another time.

Saturday also saw the return of CB's Mo Claiborne and Sterling Moore, S Barry Church, LB's Rolando McClain and Will Smith. All just participated in individual drills and will be eased back into the routine to prevent any set backs of their injuries. Good news seems to come in bunches and it's none-too-soon after the disappointing showing against San Diego.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys can't catch a break but this latest snafu has nothing to do with an injury--thank goodness?! CB Orlando Scandrick, arguably the best defensive player so far during training camp will be suspended the first 4 games of the season for violating the NFL policy on PED use. Jerry Jones announced that Scandrick and the Cowboys were made aware of situation just prior to the beginning of training camp. Scandrick had appealed his suspension and that Scandrick and the Cowboys were notified yesterday that Scandrick had lost his appeal. Scandrick will miss the following games; the 49ers, @ Tennessee, @ St Louis and at home vs New Orleans.

 

When S Ahmad Dixon from Baylor was drafted the book on him was that he was a big hitter but lacked cover skills. The Cowboys have been looking for a good free safety to pair with strong safety Barry Church. In all honesty the Cowboys have been looking for a replacement to Darren Woodson who retired over ten years ago and they have failed miserably to date. They did hit a bit of a diamond in the rough in undrafted free agent Church but the other spot has been much more elusive to fill. Last Thursday's game vs San Diego opened some eyes, that is to say, got Ahmad Dixon noticed by the Cowboys staff. Dixon was the leading tackler in the game logging 12 stops unfortunately the last tackle cost him the rest of the game due to possible concussion issues. Dixon sort of proved what the Cowboys thought--big hitter but needs to learn other things to be a really good safety. He did prove he could hit although he probably needs to not lead with his head when he does it. So, Dixon has the coaches attention. That's step one in making the team but now he needs to prove he's not a one trick pony --- or Bear --- as the case may be.

 

The Cowboys begin a couple of days worth of practices with the Oakland Raiders today after and off day yesterday. As chippy as the Cowboys have been in practice this past week and a half it will be interesting if there isn't as much fighting as practicing going on. There's no doubt both teams have been told to keep things civil but it is the Raiders. Chippy was a word invented to describe them on their good days and Dallas has shown the propensity to go off on each other this camp. The over-under on fights the next couple of days is 2. It should be fun.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys and Raiders had the first of two practices yesterday and I pointed out that there would probably be some fights over the next two days. Well, both teams delivered with two separate brawls. With a recap of yesterday's practice which includes injury updates, a couple of roster moves and of course the blow by blow of the fights along with some video included David Helman of DallasCowboys.com gets us up to speed. As I said, there were some roster moves one involving DL Ben Bass who was traded to the Patriots for a cornerback. As for the fights, yesterday I said the over-under on fights was 2. They had 2 in the same practice. We will have to see what today's practice brings.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DavidHelman/Tue-Practice-Recap-2-Brawls-Highlight-Joint-Practice/2c600046-d63d-47eb-8610-a02f15cb0ff6

 

Orlando Scandrick address the media yesterday following the news that he would be suspended for the first 4 games of the season for testing positive for PED use. Scandrick apologized to the Jones family, his teammates, Cowboys fans and his family. Apparently, back in April, Scandrick was out of the country on vacation when he ingested something, what was never said, that caused him to test positive for amphetamines. Scandrick said he made an error in judgement ingesting something he wasn't sure of and it's a mistake that will never happen again. He swore that he wasn't taking the substance as a way of enhancing his performance but it was a lapse in judgment while on vacation.

 

In Jason Garrett's press conference before practice yesterday he talked about the repercussions of Orlando Scandrick's suspension, the status of DT Henry Melton (minor 'tweak' to his groin) and several other subjects. Here's a recap of that presser by DC.com's David Helman.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DavidHelman/Garrett-Updates-Henry-Meltons-Injury-Bishop--More/fdcd05f8-436b-4c36-9712-8f2e15bbea01

[eagle eye]

Never a dull moment with the Cowboys. They are still making roster moves to compensate for injuries. So, I'll take a stab at the player moves in the last day or two.

 

DL Ben Gardner is done for 2014 due to a shoulder injury that will require surgery. It is expected that he will be placed on injured reserve when Dallas makes it's first roster cuts from 90 to 75.

 

Mo Claiborne is day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Jason Garrett said the Cowboys got good news that it wasn't serious but it had to do with an AC joint separation. This is the second year in a row Claiborne has had shoulder issues. Garrett did say it is day-to-day and back within a week type of deal. It's likely he will miss the Ravens game Saturday.

 

Ahmad Dixon was cleared to return to practice yesterday. Dixon suffered a mild concussion vs San Diego last Thursday.

 

CB's Brandon Carr and Sterling Moore are back at practice but it looks like Dallas is easing them back into game shape after both have missed time in training camp. Carr missed due to the ill health and death of his mother and Moore suffered a groin injury. Carr will not play against the Ravens but Moore could depending on how he's doing in practice.

 

CB Korey Lindsey who was signed last Tuesday and played in the San Diego game on Thursday. That's only part of the story. This past week he suffered an injury and yesterday he was waived/injured by the Cowboys.

 

To fill the open roster spot Dallas signed defensive tackle Zach Minter. Minter was an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Montana State who was signed by the Bears following last year's draft. He was on the Bears practice squad and active roster thru November and he played in 2 games for the Bears recording no stats. The Bengals signed Minter on Dec 20 last years and he remained with them until he was released Aug 8.

 

On Tuesday Dallas acquired CB Justin Green from New England in a trade for DL Ben Bass. Green was signed by NE in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois. He is 5'11" and 200 lbs. Dallas has suffered a few setbacks at cornerback and depth at the position has been thin. Green played in 2 games for the Patriots around 2 stints on the practice squad.

 

Off season free agent signee Amobi Okoye has been medically cleared and he could begin practicing next week if he is cleared on his conditioning. Okoye has missed all of training camp and has been in Boston being treated for a condition called NMDA receptor encephalitis (whatever the heck that is). Is sounds like the first game action Okoye could see is in the final preseason game in two weeks.

 

Bright spots in camp (yes there are bright spots) Mike LB competition is heating up with Justin Durant making a lot of plays and Rolando McClain showing the talent that got him drafted with 8th pick overall a couple of years ago. Also, rookie CB Terrence Mitchell has been turning heads with his play in practice so far. He has a lot to learn but he's got talent and nose for the ball. Could be he's the steal of this year's draft for Dallas.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys will play their 2nd preseason game tonight at 6:00 PM on local channel 4 vs the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys left Oxnard for good yesterday as the California portion of training camp is over. Here's some final thoughts from DallasCowboys.com writers as they reflect on training camp.

 

Some final thoughts from Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine writer Jeff Sullivan.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-JeffSullivan/Sullivan-Farewell-Camp-Thoughts-From-the-Bald-Head-/97ebe707-ec4d-4367-9fa7-4320314d3ad2

 

The DC.com writers break down the camp highlights.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-RowanKavner/DCCom-Staff-Breaks-Down-Its-Camp-Highlights/6e3b0e51-0160-40c6-b573-9e790a7071e4

 

The writers rate the top 10 training camp standouts.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/Offense-Dominates-Top-10-Training-Camp-Standouts/449f0a98-87bf-4297-a24c-ccaaa768045d

 

Former scout Bryan Broaddus gives a breakdown of the two newest Cowboys TE Asa Watson and DL Zack Minter.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-BryanBroaddusBlog/Scouting-Report-Studying-Tape-Of-Minter--Watson/b542965c-8e20-434b-8ee1-e1b5525bee26

 

Finally, the weekly thoughts of senior staff writer Mickey Spagnola who sort of breaks down the defensive challenges ahead for the Cowboys these last 3 weeks of training camp.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-MickeySpagnola/Spagnola-This-Defense-Just-Cant-Rest-Its-Case-Right-Now/45fb9e91-9de6-472e-a471-a3fc74d9ab5f

 

Lot of reading I know but a lot going on and for Cowboys fans a lot to worry about.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys did better than the 37-30 final score would make you think. Except for a fumbled handoff between Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray the first team offense looked pretty good after only two possessions moving the ball pretty well and scoring a TD on a pass from Romo to Dez Bryant. After that Brandon Weeden took over and looked good sporadically. Caleb Hanie came in the game in the second half and led the Cowboys on a TD drive and rookie QB Dustin Vaughn led the Cowboys on 2 4th quarter scores.

The first string defense, who only allowed the Ravens 3 points, was much better than the previous week against San Diego. They weren't great but they were able to get off the field on third down.

I'm sure Rich Bisaccia's special teams units will get an earful when they go over the film on Monday. The kickoff and punt coverage units allowed a ton of yardage including a 108 yard kickoff return following Dallas' first score. There is definitely some work to be done there.

 

Players who stepped up and got noticed:

> RB Ryan Williams didn't get in the game until the 4th quarter but after a 27 yard run to the 3 yard line which included running over a Ravens safety and followed up by a 3 yard TD run you can be that he gives the coaching staff something to think about.

> DL Zack Minter has only been on the team 3 days but he didn't let that stop him. In the 4th quarter he stepped up with 2 sacks, a forced fumble and he tied Rolando McClain for second in the game with 4 tackles.

> LB Rolando McClain also shone in places in the second half looking good in coverage and making some stops at the line of scrimmage.

> WR Jamaar Newsome made an impression with 2 catches, one for TD, and another highlight grab along the sideline that was ruled no catch because both feet didn't get down because the defender was driving him out of bounds.

> QB Dustin Vaughn looked good in his 4th quarter of work which included 2 TD's. It could be Vaughn is showing enough to make the final 53 if Dallas keeps 3 QB's or the practice squad if he actually clears waivers.

 

All in all it was a much more encouraging game for the Cowboys. Maybe not as dramatic a turnaround for Dallas as it was for Houston but the starters played far less for Dallas than they did for Houston. Right now it think the Cowboys offense is ahead of the Texans and the Texans defense is definitely ahead of the Cowboys. No shock here.

[eagle eye]

The outlook for the Cowboys secondary is getting better. CB Brandon Carr, who has missed all of training camp so far to the illness and death of his mother, will be in pads for the first time today. Sterling Moore who has missed some time due to a groin injury could be back later in the week and hopefully Mo Claiborne will also return to practice later this week. It's looking like Dallas will start getting players back at practice for a change because along with the 3 CB's mentioned Dallas is looking to get DL Henry Melton back late this week although he wouldn't play against Miami on Saturday. Terrell McClain could also return from the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined most of preseason. He is coming back from the dreaded high ankle sprain which takes forever to heal. The Cowboys are hoping all five players are on the field by the weekend. The only sure bet is Carr so far.

 

LB Rolando McClain will get first team reps this week in practice according to Jason Garrett. McClain was the 8th pick in the draft a few years back by Oakland and Dallas has seen flashes of why he was picked so high. According to the Talkin Cowboys podcast the deal with McClain is he isn't in game shape and Bryan Broaddus said that when he got winded in the game Saturday against Baltimore he got very lazy and missed assignments. The key will be to get McClain a lot work and get him to push past his fatigue issues and see if he's got what it takes to play the Mike LB in the NFL. This move likely means that Justin Durant, who has shined at the Mike during training camp, will be moved to his more natural position of Will LB. If that happens then Bruce Carter will either be sitting on the bench or moved to the strong side spot. At any rate Dallas is looking to put the best 3 guys on the field and this game against Miami will go a long way to finding out who that is.

[eagle eye]

Less than a week after joining the Cowboys DL Zach Minter is taking first team reps. Why? Because Minter came into the Falcons game last Saturday and blew up. Recording 2 sacks and a tackle for loss Minter was a noticeable spark on the Dallas defense in the 2nd half of the game. Now, you have to understand Minter was playing with and probably against 3rd teamers but you takes what you got and you does your best and Minter certainly did that on Saturday night with only one practice with the Cowboys under his belt. Now DallasCowboys.com is asking if Minter could be this year's George Selvie.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-NickEatman/Minter’s-Big-Game-Leads-To-First-Team-Reps-At-Def-Tackle-/25711e2c-a93b-44a4-8fd7-5a74d8166059

 

The NFL has implemented a new rules expanding the practice squad from 8 to 10 players. Now, if only they could throw teams a bone by allowing them to step in and keep a player who is trying to be signed off their practice squad. The practice squad is made up of guys teams see potential in developing but under the current rules other teams can sign the player off your practice squad only if he is part of the signing team's 53 man roster. With 10 players now on that practice squad team the team should be allowed to protect at least one of those players from being poached by another team. This would allow a team like Dallas to protect a developmental guy a Matt Moore who was poached by the Carolina Panthers or Alex Tanney who many people thought could be the eventual successor to Tony Romo was signed to Dallas practice squad last season only to see him go to Cleveland and he's now in Tampa Bay. This year Dallas has an undrafted free agent QB in camp named Dustin Vaughan out of West Texas State who has Dallas seriously considering keeping 3 QBs on the roster. Vaughan has looked good in practices and in the preseason games and he is forcing Dallas to do what they haven't done in a while---keep 3 QB's on the roster. With Tony Romo 34 years old and coming off back surgery it's high time that the Cowboys start grooming his replacement and the 6'5" 233 lbs Vaughan has been giving Dallas hope that another UFA like Tony Romo can emerge to be the future QB of the franchise. Vaughan's previous notoriety came with a hilarious spoof of the plethora of videos put out be collegians to market themselves prior to the draft. It's good enough to warrant a look. Unfortunately, the video isn't anywhere I can find it but the video is referenced in an interview with Cowboys reporter Gina Davis. Check it out.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/Dustin-Vaughan-From-YouTube-To-Valley-Ranch/c2a7b5a9-009e-4ea1-b0de-6c31efe7618a

[eagle eye]

Ever get the feeling that the Cowboys are playing a game of musical chairs when they go to practice? A guy gone today is back tomorrow and a guy that missed yesterday is back today? It's hard to really keep track sometimes. Let's give today a try.

 

> CB B W Webb missed today with a hip issue. It's not expected that it's serious but he is missing practice which is never a good thing. Webb missed as a result of a sore hip flexor. The same injury CB Tyler Patmon missed several practices over. Patmon has since returned and Webb is day-to-day.

 

> LB Devonte Holloman the 2nd year man who showed such promise at the end of last season has been informed that his NFL career is over. Jason Garrett announced the news at today's press conference following practice that Holloman's career is likely over due to the neck injury he suffered in last week's game vs Baltimore and is related to the neck injury suffered last season that caused him to miss 6 games. Garrett also said Holloman is being very realistic about his injury and he's the type of guy coaches like to have on their football team. Garrett also said Holloman was welcome to continue being a part of the Dallas Cowboys. I would think that means as an assistant coach or consultant. The Cowboys do take care of their own.

 

> CB Sterling Moore and LB Rolando McClain were back at practice today. Moore had a setback of sorts when a groin injury he's been nursing during training camp flared up again causing him to miss several days of practice. It will be of concern until the Cowboys and Moore know how he feels after practice today. McClain was held out of Wednesday's practice due to lingering effects of cramps he suffered vs Baltimore. McClain is working his way back into football shape after missing the last 20 months due to his "retirement". McClain has told Dallas reporters that he appreciates the way the coaching staff is working him back into football shape and frankly it will be better for his long term health to do it the way Dallas has been doing it.

 

> DL Henry Melton was at practice working on the side with trainers. The Cowboys were hoping to get Melton back by today with hopes of getting him a series or two in Miami this weekend but that is not likely now. Melton is a veteran player and he's played for Rod Marinelli before so it's not like he really needs training camp but getting into football shape is the challenge. If possible I'll bet if Melton gets back to full practice next week he'll get snaps in the 4th preseason game with an eye on being ready Sept 7th for San Francisco. Melton, who is recovering from ACL surgery last year should be ready come opening day.

 

> Starting linebackers in today's practice were Justin Durant at SAM, Rolando McClain at MIKE and Bruce Carter at WILL. This is likely the starting trio for the game in Miami.