Cowboys: Scandrick and Jenkins to split time this season

[CaptainAmerica]

We think it's a wonderful idea!!

Sincerely,

Coach Landry, Craig Morton & Roger Staubach

 

[Doomsday101]

We think it's a wonderful idea!!

Sincerely,

Coach Landry, Craig Morton & Roger Staubach

Bit different than rotating QB's. :laugh2:

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Lots of comments in this thread I don't understand. Some have already been mentioned by others.

-- Why do people think the first rounder is being pushed by Jerry? Because Mosley speculated that was the case? Bobby Carp and Spencer haven't started because they were first rounders. And it seems to me that being able to brag about the outstanding player you traded up for in the fifth would offset the disappointment of a first rounder being a nickel player.

-- Why do people assume Scandrick has been so much vastly better than Jenkins? CB is what I played in my completely insignificant little football life, so I watch the position a lot, and I don't see where either guy has been so clearly better than the other. And we really haven't seen that much of either guy as a starter at RCB anyway. Maybe others have a favorite so they aren't so objective? Maybe it comes from practice reports, which are often unreliable? I don't know.

-- Why is this such a harmful decision? Sounds like it was a photo finish, so the coaches decided to let the competition continue under more real-world (regular season) conditions. If the two guys are really that close, it won't matter, right? And I still think that if one guy is clearly better, the decision will sort itself out before long.

 

[YosemiteSam]

-- Why is this such a harmful decision? Sounds like it was a photo finish, so the coaches decided to let the competition continue under more real-world (regular season) conditions. If the two guys are really that close, it won't matter, right? And I still think that if one guy is clearly better, the decision will sort itself out before long.

The Cowboys are afraid of harming Jenkins psyche since confidence is extremely important for a CB. It is assumed that the kid is emotionally weak.

 

[LandryFan]

LOL

So Jenkins gets to face the Buccaneers and Byron Leftwich, but Scandrick faces Eli and the Giants.

I'm kidding. Just thinking X's and O's on this.

You kid, but my first thought when looking at their solution was whether they really think Scandrick is the better of the two and the alternate starts (at least at the beginning of the schedule) would pit him against the tougher opponent. Who really knows, though...

 

[Alexander]

Can you please explain to me what the hell it matters to have someone "named starter"? If you have two equally good players, what possible benefit flows from naming one starter instead of splitting time?

There are certain positions where you could do this and it is not a big issue.

RB for example is more instinctual, so you can platoon backs for certain roles. You would not want to do this at other positions, like say on the offensive line, where communication is vital. Players have to know the tendency of the players around them because cooperation is vital and eventually someone is going to have to trust what they are doing and know they've got each other's back. Would you do it at WR? I wouldn't. QB? Absolutely not. Is CB like that? I don't believe it is the right thing to do.

To me, it makes sense to have a player who is designated to start for chemistry purposes in a secondary that has been plagued by communication issues over the years and apparently still is.

IMO CB is a position where you need a confident player who is certain about his role, who he will be facing each week and one who can communicate effectively with his teammates in the secondary. If there is uncertainty or a player pushing too hard, it could lead to issues. We now have two players who will now feel they need to outdo the other in alternating weeks rather than just settling into a role and preparing accordingly not prepping for slot duty one week, split the next. The time for that is preseason, not when the games count.

Had we not had a history of appeasing egos and "starting" those of perceived higher status (see Ellis, Greg and Jones, Julius) to keep the peace, I can fully understand the perception some have of the organization potentially letting that drive decisions on who plays more.

The main issue I have is that I cannot think of a similar situation like this positively or negatively. If someone has input, I might be convinced that this is a great idea.

 

[cobra]

I can see that point if it really was the case like QB or WR where your backup never sees the light of day.

But these 3 CBs will be together on the field at least half the time anyhow. So the issue of them developing "communication" with each other is red herring.

Basically, we have a 5 DB backfield. Hamlin, Sensabaugh, Newman, Jenkins and Scandrick. They will be back there together a lot. Definitely on any passing down. They all know each other and trust each other.

So what could possibly matter that they rotate who is playing on the traditional running downs when they are out there on an island manning up?

It doesn't. They know the defense. They know how to work with the DBs on coverage. They know how to communicate.

This is a meanignless decision.

I'm so sick and tired of you guys trying to constantly think you spot some sort of mistake or issue with how this thing is going. EVERY decision is second guessed and groused about. Sometimes, the discussion is valid and the decisions are concerning. Most of the time, however, the discussions are trying to make something out of nothing... trying to generate controversy--the very thing we always complain of by the mediots (who apparently are the puppetmaster of a lot of you).

This is a GOOD THING for the Cowboys to be in this position. It is a GOOD THING that we have two people who are starting quality and are trying to improve to win the spot. There is no downside here. Quit trying to make on up.

 

[Alexander]

I can see that point if it really was the case like QB or WR where your backup never sees the light of day.

Third string WRs don't see the "light of day"? That's a good one.

But these 3 CBs will be together on the field at least half the time anyhow. So the issue of them developing "communication" with each other is red herring.

So teams will be playing us three wides half the time? Do tell.

Basically, we have a 5 DB backfield. Hamlin, Sensabaugh, Newman, Jenkins and Scandrick. They will be back there together a lot. Definitely on any passing down. They all know each other and trust each other.

They "know" each other when half of them will be really starting together for the first time? And they all trust each other? How so? Neither started often last year and it was in or out for Jenkins in particular. Only Scandrick knew his role and lo and behold, he excelled at it.

We have a new safety in Sensabaugh who now has to adjust. He doesn't even know which player he'll have at one CB spot. Each game both Scandrick and Jenkins will be preparing for different roles. A backup needs to prepare for everything, but it certainly helps if a corner knows what his responsibilities are likely to be.

So what could possibly matter that they rotate who is playing on the traditional running downs when they are out there on an island manning up?

Are we playing more man now? If so, great. I can live with it. If not and we are running the same soft zone as last year, no. Each CB has a different style and that absolutely applies on first and second down and no, not every down is a case where all three CBs are out there. There are no "running" and "passing" downs in today's NFL. Even short yardage situations can bring a team out in spread or shotgun formations. On the flip side, teams are passing more on first down than ever.

This is a meanignless decision.

If it is so insignificant, why don't you see this kind of thing more often? Chances are you don't because it is not nearly as easy to pull off as you believe it is. This isn't a unique situation. Teams do have three solid corners and it is often a must. But for some strange reason, nobody but us has come up with this unique rotational system? Are we pioneers?

Like I said before, if someone show me where this has been done before successfully and I'd become convinced it is the non-issue you maintain it is.

I'm so sick and tired of you guys trying to constantly think you spot some sort of mistake or issue with how this thing is going. EVERY decision is second guessed and groused about. Sometimes, the discussion is valid and the decisions are concerning. Most of the time, however, the discussions are trying to make something out of nothing... trying to generate controversy--the very thing we always complain of by the mediots (who apparently are the puppetmaster of a lot of you).

I'd say I am sick and tired of people like you who choose to deliver a sermon how "you guys" are all being led around by the nose by the evil media who is just out to stir up controversy just because there are legitimate questions about what this team is doing. Had we seen a calm, dedicated team that was winning playoff games and championships galore, I could see where there would be no reason to assume the negative outcomes suggested by the press. But it isn't and hasn't been that way and you know it.

This is a GOOD THING for the Cowboys to be in this position. It is a GOOD THING that we have two people who are starting quality and are trying to improve to win the spot. There is no downside here. Quit trying to make on up.

Who is saying it is bad that the team has two starting quality CBs? In today's NFL you need three. And yes, there is a downside. It isn't something that is common and there is a chance it could cause issues. Even a relatively small chance is enough to be concerned about from a secondary that has had issues being nearly as productive as it should be given the talent.

All you are doing is taking the approach that all is fine. And it very well might be. But for you to chastize others for having doubt, give me a break.

 

[tomson75]

The Cowboys are afraid of harming Jenkins psyche since confidence is extremely important for a CB. It is assumed that the kid is emotionally weak.

Assumed by whom?

 

[DallasEast]

-- Why do people assume Scandrick has been so much vastly better than Jenkins? CB is what I played in my completely insignificant little football life, so I watch the position a lot, and I don't see where either guy has been so clearly better than the other. And we really haven't seen that much of either guy as a starter at RCB anyway. Maybe others have a favorite so they aren't so objective? Maybe it comes from practice reports, which are often unreliable? I don't know.

I completely agree; and that's after taking into account that the position, which I played during my equally complete insignificant football life, was offensive center. Sometimes I feel that some fans see Scandrick as a shutdown corner and Jenkins as average, but I just haven't seen that myself up to this point in both players very young careers.

 

[pugilist]

good problem to have

 

[tomson75]

I completely agree; and that's after taking into account that the position, which I played during my equally complete insignificant football life, was offensive center. Sometimes I feel that some fans see Scandrick as a shutdown corner and Jenkins as average, but I just haven't seen that myself up to this point in both players very young careers.

Fans see what they want to see. Most on this forum determined a long time ago that Scandrick was better because of one play by Jenkins....and they won't be seeing it any other way anytime soon.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

All things being equal, you want your cheapest players playing more because it gives you more flexibility in managing contracts down the road. For any single given year, it doesn't matter to you since the player personnel costs are sunk anyway. But in this case, all things are not equal. They're weighing factors of size and skill and experience and trying to get the best combination on the field for the next couple of years. If you can do that by developing Jenkins in the position he's best suited for, great. If not, then they'll sit him. Either way, it doesn't have anything at all to do with Jerry Jones' ego in regards to draft position, of all things.

We all know when a CB plays lights out all year long that he's getting paid, no matter what, when renewing his contract. If a player from the 5th round is in the top 3 in INTs and shuts his man down all year, he's getting paid--a bling bling.

CB is a position where a lot of guys get hurt. I think this could keep both guys game-ready, too. I like the idea. But I don't think we're doing it for the reasons you present.

 

[speedkilz88]

I completely agree; and that's after taking into account that the position, which I played during my equally complete insignificant football life, was offensive center. Sometimes I feel that some fans see Scandrick as a shutdown corner and Jenkins as average, but I just haven't seen that myself up to this point in both players very young careers.

All they remember is one play.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Given all the people saying this is stupid to not name a starter, I have a favor to ask.

Can you please explain to me what the hell it matters to have someone "named starter"? If you have two equally good players, what possible benefit flows from naming one starter instead of splitting time?

I can see why players care because the "starter" label may effect their ability to demand pay.

But from a team and fan position, I cannot figure out why the hell anyone here would care about whether one player is named a starter when the play is equal.

(That is, other than the obvious fact that some people here like to ***** about every freaking thing this team does)

Good post.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

Jenkins' ankle (bone spurs) has got to be at least a factor in this decision. It's something he's going to have to play with for the entire season, so to mitigate its effects they competitively reduce his playing time and keep Scandrick's spirits up altogether. An interesting move. Might make it harder for teams to gameplan us as well, given they'll have to study the tendencies of each corner and then implement the right strategy against the right one.

Maybe I'm just talking. I do that sometimes.

My guess is that eventually they won't even be alternating games because one will win out. Sooner or later one will make a bad play that causes the coach to make a move, or one will make a dazzling play that causes the coach to name a starter.

Either way, the situation is set up so hopefully Wade can look like he's doin' some coaching out there. Let it be know, however, that I'd like for both of these guys to do well, which would really make Wade look good.

 

[Doomsday101]

The Cowboys are afraid of harming Jenkins psyche since confidence is extremely important for a CB. It is assumed that the kid is emotionally weak.

Is that based on your opinion or that of the team? Both Jenkins and Scandrick want to start and watching both I don't think one distanced himself from the other and for me it did not matter who was named starter since I like them both and realize all 3 of our CB will see ample playing time as so many teams out there like running 3 to 4 WR sets for much of the game

 

[tomson75]

Is that based on your opinion or that of the team?

Take a wild guess...

 

[bayeslife]

My guess is that eventually they won't even be alternating games because one will win out. Sooner or later one will make a bad play that causes the coach to make a move, or one will make a dazzling play that causes the coach to name a starter.

Either way, the situation is set up so hopefully Wade can look like he's doin' some coaching out there. Let it be know, however, that I'd like for both of these guys to do well, which would really make Wade look good.

All I can say is, if Jenkins plays through the bone spurs and finishes as the starter and has a great season, nobody better have the audacity to bring his toughness into question.

 

[Doomsday101]

Take a wild guess...

I don't think it would take a wild guess. :laugh2: Having 3 qualities CB on this team in my view is not a dilemma and rotating them in and out is not a big deal. I think in the end it will just force both guys to continue to push each other and help make each other better in the long run. I think sometime people around here are more concerned about being right so for those claiming Scandrick should be the starter even before training camp started will throw a bit of a temper tantrum and same for those who felt Jenkins should be the guy. For me both are very good players and I’m glad we have them here and look forward to seeing them both progress