CCBoy
07-28-2012, 11:22 AM
DallasCowboys.com Writers Preview Training Camp 2012
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/DallasCowboyscom-Writers-Preview-Training-Camp-2012/e1bc40e9-65c2-4c72-b6fa-9a2679c249ff
...Most Intriguing Battle:
Nick: Since I’m already saying the receiver position is the biggest issue, I’ll focus on the safety spot. I’ve said all along that Barry Church should be given the chance to start, and I’ll stick with it. I believe if he gets a fair amount of reps, Church will beat out Brodney Pool for the starting job. But it’s interesting to see where Matt Johnson can fit in, assuming he can get healthy.
Bryan: Inside linebacker. Its Bruce Carter’s job now, but Dan Connor will not go quietly. I will say that whoever wins this job will be the best man. Connor has the experience and the understanding of the position, while Carter has the physical traits but lacks the experience. Both players will have to be at their best each day and in these preseason games.
Josh: The right guard spot still seems very much in flux to me, with Mackenzy Bernadeau starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It’s still hard to say how long he’ll be out, and what kind of shape he’ll be in when he returns. In the meantime, does Ron Leary prove he’s one of the best five linemen? Or, does he prove he’s better than Phil Costa, which means Bernadeau slides to center?
Surprise Cut?
Nick: Not sure this would be a huge surprise to everyone else considering it has been brought up, but I’d still be surprised if Marcus Spears gets released. He’s a savvy veteran who is a good locker room player and plays an underappreciated position. But if the Cowboys really like Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers and rookie Tyrone Crawford, there doesn’t seem to be room for both Spears and Kenyon Coleman. Since Coleman is the starter and has ties with Rob Ryan and his staff, I’d say Coleman gets the nod there and Spears might not make it after camp.
Bryan: I think it’s going to be one of the veteran defensive ends, Coleman or Spears. There are three good young defensive ends on this roster with Lissemore, Crawford and Geathers. The front office might decide to go long at this spot if they only keep two quarterbacks. It’s hard to find defensive linemen on the street but depending on other positions, a cut might have to come from this group.
Josh: One thing we know about the Cowboys under Jason Garrett – he’s not afraid of axing a draft pick or three. I think fourth-rounder Matt Johnson is probably safe despite falling behind this summer when he wasn’t able to practice, but fifth-round receiver Danny Coale may get lost in the shuffle at wide receiver if his foot doesn’t hurry up and get better. Sixth-round tight end James Hanna faces competition from undrafted Andrew Szczerba and seventh-round inside linebacker Caleb McSurdy has to win a battle against practice squad vet Orie Lemon. And speaking of draft picks being in serious danger, I think last year’s fourth-round guard David Arkin has a lot to prove, too....
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/DallasCowboyscom-Writers-Preview-Training-Camp-2012/e1bc40e9-65c2-4c72-b6fa-9a2679c249ff
...Most Intriguing Battle:
Nick: Since I’m already saying the receiver position is the biggest issue, I’ll focus on the safety spot. I’ve said all along that Barry Church should be given the chance to start, and I’ll stick with it. I believe if he gets a fair amount of reps, Church will beat out Brodney Pool for the starting job. But it’s interesting to see where Matt Johnson can fit in, assuming he can get healthy.
Bryan: Inside linebacker. Its Bruce Carter’s job now, but Dan Connor will not go quietly. I will say that whoever wins this job will be the best man. Connor has the experience and the understanding of the position, while Carter has the physical traits but lacks the experience. Both players will have to be at their best each day and in these preseason games.
Josh: The right guard spot still seems very much in flux to me, with Mackenzy Bernadeau starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It’s still hard to say how long he’ll be out, and what kind of shape he’ll be in when he returns. In the meantime, does Ron Leary prove he’s one of the best five linemen? Or, does he prove he’s better than Phil Costa, which means Bernadeau slides to center?
Surprise Cut?
Nick: Not sure this would be a huge surprise to everyone else considering it has been brought up, but I’d still be surprised if Marcus Spears gets released. He’s a savvy veteran who is a good locker room player and plays an underappreciated position. But if the Cowboys really like Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers and rookie Tyrone Crawford, there doesn’t seem to be room for both Spears and Kenyon Coleman. Since Coleman is the starter and has ties with Rob Ryan and his staff, I’d say Coleman gets the nod there and Spears might not make it after camp.
Bryan: I think it’s going to be one of the veteran defensive ends, Coleman or Spears. There are three good young defensive ends on this roster with Lissemore, Crawford and Geathers. The front office might decide to go long at this spot if they only keep two quarterbacks. It’s hard to find defensive linemen on the street but depending on other positions, a cut might have to come from this group.
Josh: One thing we know about the Cowboys under Jason Garrett – he’s not afraid of axing a draft pick or three. I think fourth-rounder Matt Johnson is probably safe despite falling behind this summer when he wasn’t able to practice, but fifth-round receiver Danny Coale may get lost in the shuffle at wide receiver if his foot doesn’t hurry up and get better. Sixth-round tight end James Hanna faces competition from undrafted Andrew Szczerba and seventh-round inside linebacker Caleb McSurdy has to win a battle against practice squad vet Orie Lemon. And speaking of draft picks being in serious danger, I think last year’s fourth-round guard David Arkin has a lot to prove, too....