News: Cowboys’ Rod Marinelli: In Ben Gardner’s first game since October 2013, he’s ‘got to go cash in’

[CCBoy]

Cowboys’ Rod Marinelli: In Ben Gardner’s first game since October 2013, he’s ‘got to go cash in’
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Rainer Sabin
http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...s-to-play-first-game-since-october-2013.html/



SAN DIEGO — Ben Gardner promises he will sleep Wednesday night.

But it would be understandable if nerves made for a restless slumber for the Cowboys defensive end.

On Thursday, in Dallas’ preseason opener against San Diego, Gardner will play his first football game since October 2013, when he was a senior at Stanford.

“It’s been a long time,” he said. “I try not to think about it too much and keep my approach day-by-day in practice. But it’s definitely exciting.”

Gardner’s final year with the Cardinal was curtailed when he injured his pectoral muscle. Then, in his first practice in pads with the Cowboys in July 2014, the former seventh-round pick tore ligaments in his left shoulder...

 

[JoeyBoy718]

He better. I'm getting tired of hearing about the guy like he's a legend.

 

[speedkilz88]

On the Cowboys site podcast today. They were pretty down on him. Broaddus claimed that Lavar Edwards has outplayed him.

 

[Roadtrip635]

I think everybody's rooting for Ben. I just hope he doesn't turn out to be like the mythical Matt Johnson.

 

[DogFace]

I think he will play well Thursday and make the team this year.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

On the Cowboys site podcast today. They were pretty down on him. Broaddus claimed that Lavar Edwards has outplayed him.

Who is down on him, the coaching staff or Broaddus?

He has to outplay Russell and Edwards if he expects to get a spot. Is Edwards the DE who gets hurt a lot? Beating out Russell may be a challenge.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

He's gotta do something, though at this point I doubt it will ever be enough

 

[CF74]

Bullets are gonna fly, yeehaw!!!

 

[Bullflop]

It's always good to watch players (who have been hyped to some extent) with an open mind and simply see what they're able to accomplish when the lights come on. Doing just that, devoid of any possible false expectations, is ideally the best way to arrive at a sound perspective of what they'll most likely have to offer in the regular season.

As much as I'd like nothing better than to see guys like Gardner, Gus Johnson and the like doing well, reality should always take precedence over a fan's craving for an unproven hero to emerge. I believe I'll just wish them the best and hope for their success without any preconceived notions of seeing a savior who's about to come forth.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

It's always good to watch players (who have been hyped to some extent) with an open mind and simply see what they're able to accomplish when the lights come on. Doing just that, devoid of any possible false expectations, is ideally the best way to arrive at a sound perspective of what they'll most likely have to offer in the regular season.

As much as I'd like nothing better than to see guys like Gardner, Gus Johnson and the like doing well, reality should always take precedence over a fan's craving for an unproven hero to emerge. I believe I'll just wish them the best and hope for their success without any preconceived notions of seeing a savior who's about to come forth.

To the point, I just want him, and all young players, to play and play to their capabilities.

As for Broaddus, could his opinion be influenced by the fact that Edwards is an LSU guy? If it was up to me, I'd go with the guy from Stanford if they are equal.

 

[Bullflop]

To the point, I just want him, and all young players, to play and play to their capabilities.

As for Broaddus, could his opinion be influenced by the fact that Edwards is an LSU guy? If it was up to me, I'd go with the guy from Stanford if they are equal.

I'll be pulling for both of those two -- anytime it comes to depth and success, the more the merrier. It's all good.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Who is down on him, the coaching staff or Broaddus?

He has to outplay Russell and Edwards if he expects to get a spot. Is Edwards the DE who gets hurt a lot? Beating out Russell may be a challenge.

I dont even think he has to outplay Russell or Jack Crawford considering Hardy wont count for a roster spot for the first four games.

I think he is competing with some of the fringe 1 Techs and Edwards for a spot

 

[burmafrd]

still waiting for Hayden to show why he is on the roster. Rod, your favoritism is showing.

 

[DoctorChicken]

The Gardner will rise.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Ben Gardner will eat all our puppies

 

[stilltheguru88]

still waiting for Hayden to show why he is on the roster. Rod, your favoritism is showing.

He's probably on the roster because hes assignment sound and works hard. Says something about the more talented guys who can't beat him out.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

He's probably on the roster because hes assignment sound and works hard. Says something about the more talented guys who can't beat him out.

Hayden is the poster child for all guys and gals who use more than their athletic ability to succeed at the highest level in their sport.

 

[RS12]

Has to overcome incredibly short arms and injury history.

 

[Noryb]

He's probably on the roster because hes assignment sound and works hard. Says something about the more talented guys who can't beat him out.

Cowboys signed Hayden to a 1yr deal worth about 800k after he tested free agency. Hayden isn't here because the Cowboys feel as though they need him on the 53 man roster, he's here because nobody else wanted him and it was cheap to bring a familiar player back. I don't buy into the conclusion that Hayden is a lock to make the 53 man roster because if they liked him that much they would have given him a longer deal. If any of the two combinations of Bishop, McClain and Coleman show that they can man that position, there is no doubt in my mind Hayden is toast.

Hayden is a cheap insurance in case the other three flame out. If they cut Hayden and get hit by the injury bug, Hayden will be a phone call away. Nobody wants him!

 

[Pandora]

On the Cowboys site podcast today. They were pretty down on him. Broaddus claimed that Lavar Edwards has outplayed him.

Broaddus often confuses his own opinion for that of the team.