Dc.com Blog: My Thoughts Watching From The Sideline

[WoodysGirl]

For those of you who haven't been fortunate enough to be here in sunny California for the opening days of training camp, here are a few of my observations:

Observation 1: The defensive tackles are having an interesting battle with Andre Gurode.
Ferguson and Johnson have been very solid. Both in the one-on-one drills and in the team drills, these tackles have been making plays. At one point during the Sunday evening practice, Ferguson yells to Johnson, "you're kicking Dre's ___". Not to give the wrong impression, Dre (Andre Gurode) has won his share of battles with the twosome, and this is shaping up to be one of the most interesting (and vocal) battles in camp.

Observation 2: I really want to see Tony Romo in regular season action.
This is in no way a reflection of my opinions regarding Drew Bledsoe, but the talk surrounding Romo and some of the plays he's made in practice make me want to see more. I want to see if this guy can make some of these plays in live games where he will be under duress because that really is the measuring rod of an NFL quarterback.

Observation 3: The receiver corp from top to bottom is the best I've seen since I've been with the Cowboys -- in practice.
We all know about T.O. and Terry Glenn, but I've been impressed with guys like Jamaica Rector and Sam Hurd not to mention reliable guys like Patrick Crayton and Terrance Copper. There haven't been a lot of dropped balls so far except for Ahmad Merritt who had a dismal day 1 (both practices).

Observation 4: Al Johnson is always getting pushed around.
For some reason, everytime I watch the one-on-one offensive and defensive line drills, Al Johnson seems to get blasted or blown by. It doesn't matter if it's Jason Ferguson, Thomas "Pepper" Johnson, or Montavious Stanley (more Ferg and Pepper), he just keeps getting beat.
I don't claim to know all the nuances of the position, but I don't think it's a good thing when your Center is consistently being pushed 5 yards back from the line of scrimmage.


Published Sunday, July 30, 2006 7:05 PM by deagleton

[Chrissyboy]

Thanks WG.

I'd agree with all statements there. Pepper JOhnson had a vry impressive day today - both sessions. he disrupted a number of plays.

At the moment, the DL is on top.

[Jimz31]

Wasn't Johnson always getting shoved back into the QB whenver he was in there last year?

[STSINAZ]

al johnson still sucks...newsflash....time for another center