CN: Cowboys Camp Observations and Questions

[tantrix1969]

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

Yep, forget who it was but one of the media guys tweeted the offense have been picking on Webb

 

[xwalker]

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

I think you just haven't seen all of the tweets and reports or you don't remember.

If Ben Bass can stay on the field he will be a factor. Haven't really head much either way on him
Broaddus said that he was doing some things really well.

Chris Boyd can block and catch and is in the mix. As the #8 receiver?
Several reports and some video show him to be doing really well. If several of them are about equal, the guys most recently out of school tend to get the edge when considering that the 6th WR spot is a developmental spot and will be inactive on game days.

Jakar Hamilton has talent to be a weapon on defense. Haven't heard anything to indicate he is challenging Wilcox or Church.
There was video that showed him to be the best in some of the drills.

James Hanna is blocking exponentially better. What about receiving? Haven't heard a word.
One report said that his blocking is "exponentially better" and that his receiving looked good.

Dwayne Harris will have another good year. Have heard almost nothing about him as a receiver except getting hurt
He can have a good year without playing WR. Not only is he the top return guy, he was the top coverage guy on special teams last year also.

Jeff Heath is better than last year. Looks like he’s in the rotation unless Dixon can step up. What has he done better?
There was a report about him one day this past week that said he was on fire. Said he disguised his coverage really well and was doing a terrific job of shedding blocks.

DeVonte Holloman can play all three positions at a high level. But not well enough to start anywhere?
He has taken reps with the 1st team Nickel multiple times.

Matt Johnson is impressive when he plays Seriously? He has been impressive? How could he be?
The mainstream media guys like Broaddus said that he looked terrific before the injury.

Ben Malena has a chance to be part of the equation. Almost nothing since camp started
There was an article this week that said that he really looks good.

Jordan Najvar is a wild card who keeps showing up. What has he done?
I have not heard anything about him.

Jamar Newsome is in the WR conversation. Top 5 are set, best after that has been Byrd.
Many reports from multiple people are saying that he looks as good as any of the 6th WR candidates.

Tyler Patmon may be playing his way into the CB conversation. Hope so but he made another writer's sinking list
A report this week said that he finally showed up one day and the DB coach Henderson said "it's about time, Patmon".

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
Again, Broaddus said that he has a slight lead in the 3rd RB competition.

Tony Romo looks loose and in good shape. Not sure about the looking loose part.
I don't know what "looking loose" means.

George Selvie is for real and looks locked in on the strong side. Enjoy! I hope so but haven't heard much either way
Again, Broaddus reported about him in an article. Said that he is much stronger that you would expect. There are multiple reports of him winning in the drills.

Keith Smith is for real. Again, haven't heard anything about safeties stepping up
I have not heard this anywhere else.

Ryan Smith is looking like a practice squad steal if Dallas can get him there. A PS steal? Wow...that is impressive.
They said that he really knows what he doing and is often helping other young players get aligned correctly.

Anthony Spencer looks every bit as healthy as Jay Ratliff did last year at this time. What does this mean?
I don't know what this means. Reports are that he is "close".

B.W. Webb came ready to compete this year. Physicality on display. Every report I have seen says he is being passed by others
I've heard that he is physical and his effort is great, but that his skill level is lacking.

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
Most reports are that it's very close between him and Randle. They say he has the best feet in some of the drills.

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
He was reported to have beat Tyron on one rep. That's the only guy that I've heard that's done that. Broaddus said that he has had some very good reps, but stills need work on converting speed to power.

 

[xwalker]

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

It depend on how you interpret what he said. I don't think he is saying that he's had good results, just that he is more physical and try's really hard.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

OK, last year, he reported everyone was buying into Kiffin's scheme and it was going to be a huge upgrade. How did that work out?

http://cowboyszone.com/2013/08/the-turnover-plan-kiffin-d-101.html

He mentions Arkin's incredible ability to move with precision and deliver a block (on a practice dummy)...we know how this worked against live competition.

http://cowboyszone.com/2013/08/cowboys-camp-storyboard-day-10-working.html

Read some of his evaluations in this gem from training camp last year. He pimps Arkin, says that Selvie can't play on the strong side, says Hayden has "upfield burst" and some other interesting comments.

http://cowboyszone.com/2013/08/position-battle-shake-ups-due-to.html

Hard to really look at his articles from last year to see how his analysis turned out, because last year he really didn't provide much analysis, was doing more as a photographer and posting little snippets with each picture. I don't know what his credentials are to be evaluating players so I am going to be skeptical. I appreciate the information that Cowboys Nation and Mr. Van Over are providing but not going to buy just because he says every player looks great.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

So Broaddus is an absolute idiot... Until you need his opinion to validate your case.

 

[jobberone]

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?

He's posted about players not looking good. So it's not all rosy from him. He has to print something and that's why you get your day to day stuff. And one person can look at something and say one thing and a guy across the field say the polar opposite. That's completely normal. You have to look at a player over time to get a good read. But I'm thirsty for what news I get. I just take it all with a grain of salt.

 

[starfrombirth]

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 !

Let me see if I understand this... your so impressed with Beasly that you want us to prematurely sign him to an extension but your not impressed with Dez... a top 5 receiver in every statistical category? Don't get me wrong. I like Beasly but dude, come on!

 

[Leadbelly]

What was Megatron's criticism?

Just a general dig at Dez's route running leading into the Detroit game. I forget the exact phrasing but something like, "he's an ok WR in spite of his poor route running."

To be fair, many others have made the same (valid) criticism.

 

[texbumthelife]

Just a general dig at Dez's route running leading into the Detroit game. I forget the exact phrasing but something like, "he's an ok WR in spite of his poor route running."

To be fair, many others have made the same (valid) criticism.

I believe he is also one of the guys who said Dez needs to run more than 2-3 routes at a high level, in order to be in the elite conversation.

 

[texbumthelife]

Flacowpoke, I kind of get what your digging at, but is it too much to ask that every once in a while someones paints a rosy picture? I kind of like it, especially in contrast to the constant doom and gloom on this board.

Also, you said his comments are in contrast to others, then in your breakdown on almost every comment you either "havent heard anything" which would mean he isn't in contrast, or you simply wanted more info, again, not in contrast. Also, show me a writer and/or commentator and I will show you someone who is generally wrong more than they're right--particularly at this point in camp.

I think your criticism is a little unwarranted, honestly.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Flacowpoke, I kind of get what your digging at, but is it too much to ask that every once in a while someones paints a rosy picture? I kind of like it, especially in contrast to the constant doom and gloom on this board.

Also, you said his comments are in contrast to others, then in your breakdown on almost every comment you either "havent heard anything" which would mean he isn't in contrast, or you simply wanted more info, again, not in contrast. Also, show me a writer and/or commentator and I will show you someone who is generally wrong more than they're right--particularly at this point in camp.

I think your criticism is a little unwarranted, honestly.

Fair enough.

I guess I should have worded it better....many times when I say I haven't heard anything it means anything like what the guy is reporting. He is saying BW Webb is doing this and that....and I have seen no one write that....have seen many write he is overmatched and getting burned everyone.

I generally lean toward the positive....I guess I just don't know this guy's track record or really what his credentials are. Rafael Vela is on Cowboys Nation too and usually is a positive writer, yet he explains things in more detail and gives more specific commentary.

I am not trying to hate on the writer, just hoped he would give more specifics. when he is saying a certain player is doing well.

 

[pgreptom]

If Carter has had such a good camp why was he running with two's yesterday?

 

[Gameover]

Let me see if I understand this... your so impressed with Beasly that you want us to prematurely sign him to an extension but your not impressed with Dez... a top 5 receiver in every statistical category? Don't get me wrong. I like Beasly but dude, come on!

He wasn't top 5 in rec yards or receptions last season.

His metric numbers aren't impressive either.

He shouldn't have gone to the pro bowl. Boldin was the best the best receiver in the league last season.

I just don't see it: great goal line threat. Can dominate when covered 1on 1. Put a zone on him and he's bin laden(hard to find).

Jerry will foolishly give him an hundred million contract though!

If our coaching staff gets a clue, Beasley could be beastley... Then he'll out price himself here and he'll go to New England and become a legit pro bowler!

 

[texbumthelife]

Fair enough.

I guess I should have worded it better....many times when I say I haven't heard anything it means anything like what the guy is reporting. He is saying BW Webb is doing this and that....and I have seen no one write that....have seen many write he is overmatched and getting burned everyone.

I generally lean toward the positive....I guess I just don't know this guy's track record or really what his credentials are. Rafael Vela is on Cowboys Nation too and usually is a positive writer, yet he explains things in more detail and gives more specific commentary.

I am not trying to hate on the writer, just hoped he would give more specifics. when he is saying a certain player is doing well.

Oh ok. I feel you though, trust me. I like to keep an even opinion. I cant stand people who lean one way or the other to the extreme.

I think this guys was just catering to the masses by writing quick snippets, much like he would a twitter reaction. He has other longer observations that have more depth and tempered negativity.

 

[CowboyStar88]

Let me see if I understand this... your so impressed with Beasly that you want us to prematurely sign him to an extension but your not impressed with Dez... a top 5 receiver in every statistical category? Don't get me wrong. I like Beasly but dude, come on!

Don't waste your time! He hates Dez he said Twill was a better WR last year. It's game over for that guy.

 

[guag]

Nice read, but I don't recall seeing a single negative thing about anyone there ("not blowing up" is not negative)

 

[Bullflop]

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.

He's doing very well in practice, according to practically each and every account but as you probably know, there's a great difference between doing well in practice and doing so in live games that actually count for something. I like hearing the good news so far but I imagine we'll have to wait until the first preseason game and he's tested under stress before we get our first good clue.