CN: Cowboys Camp Observations and Questions

[RS12]

Nice capsule from Cowboys Nation.

Below are reflections, observations and a few questions that have surfaced as we approach the first preseason game.

• The team as a whole is transitioning to a much more physical approach.
• Penalties will be heavy in preseason as the Cowboys search for their aggressive balance.
• Competition across the board is more intense and widespread in 2014.
• Tell me I did not read that Jerry Jones sent out playoff ticket options? No, really. I want you to tell me.
• ‘Boys continued search at DE speaks volumes.
• Dallas is wanting to be able to rotate LB snaps in wave fashion as well.
• Dan Bailey is the same. Money well spent.
• If Ben Bass can stay on the field he will be a factor.
• Cole Beasely looks like a veteran who has found a home.
• Mackenzy Bernadeau is playing like a starter.
• Chris Boyd can block and catch and is in the mix.
• Dez Bryant is better. Let that sink in.
• LaRon Byrd is Making Plays.
• Brandon Carr’s return will add more pressure to highly competitive CB battles.
• Bruce Carter is ready for the next test – Game Day.

http://cowboyszone.com/2014/08/cowb...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

[Leadbelly]

Definitely good to see. There were some guys mentioned that I didn't even know were on the team. Will have to look for Keith Smith and Ryan Smith during the preseason games.

In his senior year in 2013, [Keith] Smith had 159 tackles and 13.3 tackles per game—both the most among all FBS players this season—along with 8 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, one interception, and one pass defended. Smith reached new career records, with two games with at least 20 tackles, on September 21 against Minnesota and September 27 against Utah State.

Watching WRs vs the CBs on dallascowboys.com, it definitely felt like Dez's route running took several giant leaps forward. Night and day vs last year. I'm imagining him taking Megatron's criticism last year and using it as fuel all offseason. Hopefully Romo is healthy all year. If so, Dez might go for 1500+.

 

[jobberone]

Nice capsule from Cowboys Nation.

Below are reflections, observations and a few questions that have surfaced as we approach the first preseason game.

• The team as a whole is transitioning to a much more physical approach.
• Penalties will be heavy in preseason as the Cowboys search for their aggressive balance.
• Competition across the board is more intense and widespread in 2014.
• Tell me I did not read that Jerry Jones sent out playoff ticket options? No, really. I want you to tell me.
• ‘Boys continued search at DE speaks volumes.
• Dallas is wanting to be able to rotate LB snaps in wave fashion as well.
• Dan Bailey is the same. Money well spent.
• If Ben Bass can stay on the field he will be a factor.
• Cole Beasely looks like a veteran who has found a home.
• Mackenzy Bernadeau is playing like a starter.
• Chris Boyd can block and catch and is in the mix.
• Dez Bryant is better. Let that sink in.
• LaRon Byrd is Making Plays.
• Brandon Carr’s return will add more pressure to highly competitive CB battles.
• Bruce Carter is ready for the next test – Game Day.

http://cowboyszone.com/2014/08/cowb...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I expected competition to be deeper although I wasn't confident where it would be for certain. I thought Mack and Bass would push for snaps. I'm pleasantly surprised Beasley is doing this well. I expected him to make some noise but not this much. I didn't know Boyd or Byrd were a factor. And I wasn't confident at all about Carter. It's early but I like this.

 

[Gaede]

To sum it up: every body looks good, but can they actually play?

 

[CCBoy]

To sum it up: every body looks good, but can they actually play?

Well, what are you waiting for...give us your opinion.

 

[SlimBig]

Definitely good to see. There were some guys mentioned that I didn't even know were on the team. Will have to look for Keith Smith and Ryan Smith during the preseason games.



Watching WRs vs the CBs on dallascowboys.com, it definitely felt like Dez's route running took several giant leaps forward. Night and day vs last year. I'm imagining him taking Megatron's criticism last year and using it as fuel all offseason. Hopefully Romo is healthy all year. If so, Dez might go for 1500+.

What was Megatron's criticism?

 

[xwalker]

This Steven Van Over has put out some really good training camp reports.

Nice capsule from Cowboys Nation.

Below are reflections, observations and a few questions that have surfaced as we approach the first preseason game.

• The team as a whole is transitioning to a much more physical approach.
• Penalties will be heavy in preseason as the Cowboys search for their aggressive balance.
• Competition across the board is more intense and widespread in 2014.
• Tell me I did not read that Jerry Jones sent out playoff ticket options? No, really. I want you to tell me.
• ‘Boys continued search at DE speaks volumes.
• Dallas is wanting to be able to rotate LB snaps in wave fashion as well.
• Dan Bailey is the same. Money well spent.
• If Ben Bass can stay on the field he will be a factor.
• Cole Beasely looks like a veteran who has found a home.
• Mackenzy Bernadeau is playing like a starter.
• Chris Boyd can block and catch and is in the mix.
• Dez Bryant is better. Let that sink in.
• LaRon Byrd is Making Plays.
• Brandon Carr’s return will add more pressure to highly competitive CB battles.
• Bruce Carter is ready for the next test – Game Day.

http://cowboyszone.com/2014/08/cowb...al&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

This Steven Van Over has put out some really good training camp reports.

A lot of what he says though doesn't jibe with other reports

 

[Zordon]

Good stuff, a lot of positivity there...like too much....but I like these types of quick reads anyways.

-I really hope we can do better than Cutts at FB.
-Berny might get that starting guard spot. I know the team thinks more highly of him than the board.
-Not going to comment on any linebackers until I see them in a game, especially Carter.
-CB competition is going to be interesting. He has a different opinion on Webb than others.
-I'm getting a little concerned about Gardner's injury keeping him from competing.
-I think guys like Mitchell and McClain can bring an edge that has been missing from this D. Hopefully they show up in game action.
-I'm surprised Ryan Williams has locked up that 3rd running back spot from Randle.
-I think he makes a good point about Hayden. He's a measuring stick for the state of the dline. Most of us this offseason thought we would find an upgrade for him. If he's still on the team, that's not good.
-Jakar Hamilton is the most intriguing player to me this preseason. I believe in him.

 

[ConstantReboot]

Good stuff, a lot of positivity there...like too much....but I like these types of quick reads anyways.

-I really hope we can do better than Cutts at FB.
-Berny might get that starting guard spot. I know the team thinks more highly of him than the board.
-Not going to comment on any linebackers until I see them in a game, especially Carter.
-CB competition is going to be interesting. He has a different opinion on Webb than others.
-I'm getting a little concerned about Gardner's injury keeping him from competing.
-I think guys like Mitchell and McClain can bring an edge that has been missing from this D. Hopefully they show up in game action.
-I'm surprised Ryan Williams has locked up that 3rd running back spot from Randle.
-I think he makes a good point about Hayden. He's a measuring stick for the state of the dline. Most of us this offseason thought we would find an upgrade for him. If he's still on the team, that's not good.
-Jakar Hamilton is the most intriguing player to me this preseason. I believe in him.

I actually hope Berny gets the spot. Thus Zach can be on the left side with Smith and facing the other teams best passrushers.

As for Web, I think he's gone and I don't agree with this comments. I like his optimism but I think its a bit wee too much.

As for our defense I think they will surprise people, even Cowboy fans here. I think they are better than whats being advertise because our oline is really that good. Heck, Melton is having his hands full with Martin and Henry is our best Dline player. I bet the Dline are going to be so sick of practicing against our oline each and every day that their going to unleash their fury on the other team. So Im excited about our defense mainly our def. tackles and corners.

 

[Gameover]

I would get Beasley's signed to an extension now before he blows up this season!

I hope Dez is better. I haven't been all that impressed. Let that sink in

Cowboys have so much young talent! I can't believe their being slept on the way they are.

I think this offense can light it up with Weeden at QB !

 

[BigStar]

I expected competition to be deeper although I wasn't confident where it would be for certain. I thought Mack and Bass would push for snaps. I'm pleasantly surprised Beasley is doing this well. I expected him to make some noise but not this much. I didn't know Boyd or Byrd were a factor. And I wasn't confident at all about Carter. It's early but I like this.

The one thing I didn't like reading was that Carter was recently running 2nd team to Holloman? The team may just be trying different things, etc. but that threw me for bit of a loop considering the positive news out of camp so far.

 

[noshame]

Any news on how Weeden is doing over all? I see good comments but nothing in totality, it would be nice to know in the event he's needed.

 

[jobberone]

The one thing I didn't like reading was that Carter was recently running 2nd team to Holloman? The team may just be trying different things, etc. but that threw me for bit of a loop considering the positive news out of camp so far.

They are running lots of players at different positions so I wouldn't make a lot out of that.

 

[diehard2294]

So everyone looks great as long as they can stay healthy..

 

[xwalker]

A lot of what he says though doesn't jibe with other reports

That's a good thing, IMO. Most other reporters just parrot what Broaddus says. This guys and Todd Archer are at least providing some alternative reports that don't parrot the dc.com guys.

What specifically did he say that does not jibe with other reports?

 

[xwalker]

The one thing I didn't like reading was that Carter was recently running 2nd team to Holloman? The team may just be trying different things, etc. but that threw me for bit of a loop considering the positive news out of camp so far.

It was later reported that he had an upset stomach and that somehow played into him not taking 1st team reps. I guess that he was late getting on the field.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

That's a good thing, IMO. Most other reporters just parrot what Broaddus says. This guys and Todd Archer are at least providing some alternative reports that don't parrot the dc.com guys.

What specifically did he say that does not jibe with other reports?

First off, he has named about 40 different players and everything is rosy....I really doubt that is the case. Some specifically different takes:

• If Ben Bass can stay on the field he will be a factor. Haven't really head much either way on him
• Chris Boyd can block and catch and is in the mix. As the #8 receiver?
• Jakar Hamilton has talent to be a weapon on defense. Haven't heard anything to indicate he is challenging Wilcox or Church.
• James Hanna is blocking exponentially better. What about receiving? Haven't heard a word.
  
• Dwayne Harris will have another good year. Have heard almost nothing about him as a receiver except getting hurt
• Jeff Heath is better than last year. Looks like he’s in the rotation unless Dixon can step up. What has he done better?
• DeVonte Holloman can play all three positions at a high level. But not well enough to start anywhere?
• Matt Johnson is impressive when he plays Seriously? He has been impressive? How could he be?
• Ben Malena has a chance to be part of the equation. Almost nothing since camp started
• Jordan Najvar is a wild card who keeps showing up. What has he done?
• Jamar Newsome is in the WR conversation. Top 5 are set, best after that has been Byrd.
• Tyler Patmon may be playing his way into the CB conversation. Hope so but he made another writer's sinking list
• Joseph Randle is locking down the RB3 roster spot. I hope due to what he has done, not because Williams and Malena aren't up to it
• Tony Romo looks loose and in good shape. Not sure about the looking loose part.
• George Selvie is for real and looks locked in on the strong side. Enjoy! I hope so but haven't heard much either way
• Keith Smith is for real. Again, haven't heard anything about safeties stepping up
  Ryan Smith is looking like a practice squad steal if Dallas can get him there. A PS steal? Wow...that is impressive.
• Anthony Spencer looks every bit as healthy as Jay Ratliff did last year at this time. What does this mean?
• B.W. Webb came ready to compete this year. Physicality on display. Every report I have seen says he is being passed by others
• Ryan Williams has been solid, needs to step up. Most I have read is that he hasn't flashed and is making Randle look good
• Martez Wilson is looking like he will be a factor come game day. Perhaps a serious one. Heard he isn't taking advantage of extra look

Trust me, I am one of the more optimistic fans there is but when he posts nothing but positive news on just about every individual in camp it's kind of hard to believe.

How can so many defensive guys be doing so great and looking so good but all we are hearing is that the offense is just destroying them in every head to head matchup?

We are still scouring the streets for players on the DL yet somehow Mincey, McClain, Selvie, Melton, Bass and a few others are all the real deal?

 

[Zordon]

That's a good thing, IMO. Most other reporters just parrot what Broaddus says. This guys and Todd Archer are at least providing some alternative reports that don't parrot the dc.com guys.

What specifically did he say that does not jibe with other reports?

The comment about BW Webb is the biggest red flag. He's been horrible according to everybody.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

DL and LB,,, Dallas needs to pounce if any decent player becomes available on the market.