Beginning to feel good about Crawford

[gimmesix]

It's been hard to know exactly what we have in Tyrone Crawford due to only seeing him as a rookie (when he was OK as part of the rotation) and then really only having players' praise for him to go by after that because of his injury. That praise is looking like it is well-deserved so far this preseason, though, as Crawford is one of the few defensive linemen giving the offense trouble despite coming off injury.

If he can be a force at right end and then be tough to handle when moving inside on passing downs, it will definitely give this defense something that it sorely needs, especially if Melton keeps progressing to where he's back to consistently getting the backfield.

There are still plenty of other questions to be answered, but it's nice to hear that at least one DL on this team looks like he's consistently tough for this OL to handle.

Another day, another injury to the Cowboys' defensive line. Starting left defensive end George Selvie did not practice due to a strained groin. He was one of six defensive linemen who didn't practice, including defensive ends Anthony Spencer (physically unable to perform list) and DeMarcus Lawrence (out eight to 12 weeks with a broken foot). Tyrone Crawford worked at left defensive end with the starters during team drills with Selvie sidelined -- as was the case for much of Sunday's scrimmage. Crawford, who was one of the first names mentioned by owner and general manager Jerry Jones when asked about standouts from the scrimmage, was especially impressive as an interior rusher in pass-rush drills Monday. He beat center Travis Frederick and right guard Zack Martin on back-to-back snaps at one point.

 

[xwalker]

I was watching a video of the DL going though a bag drill the other day. Crawford is very quick and powerful. He looked quicker in the drill than the super athlete Martez Wilson.

Based on reports, it seems that he wins more snaps in practice than any of the other DL.

 

[Denim Chicken]

I keep hearing he has incredible strength.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Gosselin said last week he thought Crawford looked like the best defensive lineman we had.

Of course Gosselin said Roy Williams should be a 34 OLB, but still.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Can he beat out Selvie as the starting LDE? That is the question.

If he does win the starting LDE job then Selvie and Mincey can hold up the RDE spot until reinforcements (Spencer and Lawrence) return.

 

[Alexander]

Can he beat out Selvie as the starting LDE? That is the question.

If he does win the starting LDE job then Selvie and Mincey can hold up the RDE spot until reinforcements (Spencer and Lawrence) return.

I think it is more like he plays the LDE and Selvie goes to RDE. Mincey is already getting a reputation for being lazy to the point his teammates are calling him out for being last one on the field.

 

[Common Sense]

I think it is more like he plays the LDE and Selvie goes to RDE. Mincey is already getting a reputation for being lazy to the point his teammates are calling him out for being last one on the field.

I missed that. Where is it from?

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I think it is more like he plays the LDE and Selvie goes to RDE. Mincey is already getting a reputation for being lazy to the point his teammates are calling him out for being last one on the field.

Seriously? If so, then he is Mincey meat.

 

[Alexander]

I missed that. Where is it from?

One of the camp reports, can't recall which one. Apparently he was taking his sweet time getting on the field and Scandrick jumped his case over it.

Before the official start of practice, the defense gathered to work on run fits. The last man on the field was Jeremy Mincey, whose late arrival did not go unnoticed. As he hustled over to where his defensive mates were already set to work, Orlando Scandrick yelled out, quite loudly, "F&#% Mincey. Same time every day. We say we want to be good."

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2014...p-report-practice-number-ten-depleted-defense

 

[Galian Beast]

I think we have some potentially really solid contributors on the defensive line, we just need most consistency and more playmaking ability.

A lot of people forget that the defensive line is going to be a rotation. You can look at it similarly to that of the running back by committee theme.

It's interesting to see how some players are progressing, for instance there is the possibility that Mincey could become a contributor inside rather than outside.

On the outside you can have Crawford, Lawrence (when he returns), Gardner (when he returns), Spencer (when he returns), Selvie, Martez e.t.c

I think the current state of the defensive line is in flux, but potentially overblown. All we need is for people to play their role, when it's all said and done. We don't need them all to be all-stars.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

One of the camp reports, can't recall which one. Apparently he was taking his sweet time getting on the field and Scandrick jumped his case over it.



http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2014...p-report-practice-number-ten-depleted-defense

I can live with that as long as he goes full-tilt the rest of the time. After all, the guy is 30, he's a vet and needs to conserve his declining energy.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I think it is more like he plays the LDE and Selvie goes to RDE. Mincey is already getting a reputation for being lazy to the point his teammates are calling him out for being last one on the field.

There is a report of Scandrick calling Mincey out for being the last on the field but this stuff about his reputation is crap you manufactured.

 

[Alexander]

I can live with that as long as he goes full-tilt the rest of the time. After all, the guy is 30, he's a vet and needs to conserve his declining energy.

Given the fact that he got a reputation for laziness from his time in Jacksonville for his work ethic, it is a little concerning. He is not super talented, so if you pair that trait up with it, not impressive.

 

[Alexander]

There is a report of Scandrick calling Mincey out for being the last on the field but this stuff about his reputation is crap you manufactured.

There have been multiple reports about questionable work ethic when he was with the Jaguars. Talk about what you know.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

On the outside you can have Crawford, Lawrence (when he returns), Gardner (when he returns), Spencer (when he returns), Selvie, Martez e.t.c

I agree with your premise, GB, but I worry about Gardner's ability to stay healthy and contribute this year. I do think, though, that Bishop and Coleman could contribute in the middle of the defense this year.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Given the fact that he got a reputation for laziness from his time in Jacksonville for his work ethic, it is a little concerning. He is not super talented, so if you pair that trait up with it, not impressive.

If this is true then there is reason for concern about his ability to contribute.

The DMN had an write up on him today noting that he is dedicated to losing weight and being ready to stabilize the RDE spot. We'll see….

 

[Galian Beast]

I agree with your premise, GB, but I worry about Gardner's ability to stay healthy and contribute this year. I do think, though, that Bishop and Coleman could contribute in the middle of the defense this year.

I'm not worried, because the whole point of having a strong rotation of guys is when one or two drops, the effect is minimalized.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I'm not worried, because the whole point of having a strong rotation of guys is when one or two drops, the effect is minimalized.

Agreed. I like the depth so far and feel better about a younger d-line this year then I did about the d-line last year.

 

[reddyuta]

I am hoping this won't turn into another jinx thread,it did not work out for Rolando or Lawrence.

 

[dmq]

There was a point in the scrimmage where Crawford walked over to talk to some coaches or trainers and he sure looked like he was still walking with a bad limp. My expectations of him for this year took a little step back after seeing that.