CFZ Cross Training T.J. Bass at Center

[shabazz]

Mike McCarthy discussed cross training T.J. Bass at Center in his latest press conference. He said that in addition to learning the mental aspects of the position, a player needs about 10,000 practice snaps to obtain the muscle memory needed to be a good center. So, doing a little math:

If someone can go through a cadence and snap the ball about 3 times a minute (1 snap every 20 seconds on average), that means he can do about 180 practice snaps in an hour. If T.J. Bass were to dedicate himself to one-hour each day practicing snapping the ball, including his off days, he could get in about 1260 snaps a week. At that pace, it would take him about 8 weeks to obtain the muscle memory required to become competent to be the Cowboys backup center.

The Cowboys are going to play 6 games over the next two months, leading up to their 7th game against the LA Rams on October 29th, which occurs after the bye week. With two centers on the practice squad, the Cowboys can activate each practice squad center 3 times each to get through the first 6 games. After that time, if Bass puts the work in, he could become the backup center on the team for the final 11 games of the season, plus any playoffs. Of course, Bass would need to continue practicing at center to gain even more experience in practice during the season. But it is possible to create a realistic plan for Bass to become the Cowboys' primary back-up center by the end of October.

I cannot verify that this will be the plan of the Cowboys, but just running the numbers, this plan makes sense to me. We'll see if he becomes trusted to be the backup center after October.

We'll have Lance under center by that time....doing he thing

 

[America's Cowboy]

If Farniok was better, they would have kept him.

We will soon find out who was right.

 

[rambo2]

We will soon find out who was right.

You do know that they do know Farniok very well? He had been there for over 2 years.

 

[America's Cowboy]

You do know that they do know Farniok very well? He had been there for over 2 years.

New Oline coach whose Olines from the past have not graded very well.

 

[exciter]

You wouldn't be drafting a backup center. He would be an immediate starter. That is like saying by drafting Travis Frederick he would be a backup center.

So you’re drafting a player at a position and handing it to him over player in his 20s who just made the pro bowl and is still on you’re team? That’s like basic reasoning skills of a potato roster management. We should all thank our lucky stars Jerry is in charge on a daily basis!

 

[ElGatoGrande]

So you’re drafting a player at a position and handing it to him over player in his 20s who just made the pro bowl and is still on you’re team? That’s like basic reasoning skills of a potato roster management. We should all thank our lucky stars Jerry is in charge on a daily basis!

I'm curious how a center that consistently gets walked back to the QB and allows the pocket to be collapsed gets into the pro bowl. Just how bad is it out there? Cowboys bias? Just a pro bowl alternate?

 

[exciter]

I'm curious how a center that consistently gets walked back to the QB and allows the pocket to be collapsed gets into the pro bowl. Just how bad is it out there? Cowboys bias? Just a pro bowl alternate?

Hmmm… 1066 snaps, credited a total of 5 penalties and exactly 0 sacks last season but he’s consistently being walked back. Yeah, I’d say there’s some bias from fans that really don’t comprehend what they’re watching!

 

[gtb1943]

Andre Gurode says hello

Gurode actually only had a few bad snaps; unfortunately they were obvious ones and dumber fans labeled him falsely. But them some fans never forgave Romo for the botched hold of a slippery ball either.

 

[gtb1943]

Hmmm… 1066 snaps, credited a total of 5 penalties and exactly 0 sacks last season but he’s consistently being walked back. Yeah, I’d say there’s some bias from fans that really don’t comprehend what they’re watching!

Sad fact is that one or two plays will brand a player for good with moronic fans

 

[exciter]

Sad fact is that one or two plays will brand a player for good with moronic fans

Bingo!

 

[EPL0c0]

I always thought OL in HS should all be coached on how to play C. it's such a vital position.. the more guys you have with the skill set, the better.

 

[Hardline]

So you’re drafting a player at a position and handing it to him over player in his 20s who just made the pro bowl and is still on you’re team? That’s like basic reasoning skills of a potato roster management. We should all thank our lucky stars Jerry is in charge on a daily basis!

Terrible analogy. Do you think Biadaz would lose a roster spot just because he got beat out by another center? The answer is no.

 

[exciter]

Your the one that stated Schmitz would be the immediate starter!

 

[AsthmaField]

Sad fact is that one or two plays will brand a player for good with moronic fans

Exactly right.

 

[Alexander]

Phil Costa musta needed about 100,000,000 practice snaps

I had wiped the memory of that fop from my memory. Thanks to you, I am reminded how much Jerry Jones talked about how he could play.

Mike McCarthy discussed cross training T.J. Bass at Center in his latest press conference. He said that in addition to learning the mental aspects of the position, a player needs about 10,000 practice snaps to obtain the muscle memory needed to be a good center. So, doing a little math:

If someone can go through a cadence and snap the ball about 3 times a minute (1 snap every 20 seconds on average), that means he can do about 180 practice snaps in an hour. If T.J. Bass were to dedicate himself to one-hour each day practicing snapping the ball, including his off days, he could get in about 1260 snaps a week. At that pace, it would take him about 8 weeks to obtain the muscle memory required to become competent to be the Cowboys backup center.

The Cowboys are going to play 6 games over the next two months, leading up to their 7th game against the LA Rams on October 29th, which occurs after the bye week. With two centers on the practice squad, the Cowboys can activate each practice squad center 3 times each to get through the first 6 games. After that time, if Bass puts the work in, he could become the backup center on the team for the final 11 games of the season, plus any playoffs. Of course, Bass would need to continue practicing at center to gain even more experience in practice during the season. But it is possible to create a realistic plan for Bass to become the Cowboys' primary back-up center by the end of October.

I cannot verify that this will be the plan of the Cowboys, but just running the numbers, this plan makes sense to me. We'll see if he becomes trusted to be the backup center after October.

Great post.

The more I have watched Bass, he is so active as a guard, I wonder why we would mess around at center.

Solari is a cut above Joe Philbin. I trust what he is trying to do.

From the center position, you handle the mental assignments and calls.

What I like the most about the player is that he always looks for work and he is so quick to react.

Those are skills the good guards have.

And I think his physical nature lends better to pushing bodies versus traffic control.

 

[Alexander]

Andre gurode also

I still don't understand how that worked with him.

It was okay, but sometimes it was brutal. I guess it was about developing a physical mindset, but unfortunately, he could not snap to save his life.

 

[Captain-Crash]

If Bass becomes a mean mauler, he'll become on of my favorite players.

 

[Coogiguy03]

I still don't understand how that worked with him.

It was okay, but sometimes it was brutal. I guess it was about developing a physical mindset, but unfortunately, he could not snap to save his life.

Lol lol right I can just see him launching it back 20 yards lol

 

[gtb1943]

I still don't understand how that worked with him.

It was okay, but sometimes it was brutal. I guess it was about developing a physical mindset, but unfortunately, he could not snap to save his life.

Exhibit A as regards a few plays and moronic fans

 

[buybuydandavis]

Mike McCarthy discussed cross training T.J. Bass at Center in his latest press conference.

Cross training olinemen at other positions? That's just crazy talk!

First putting Tyler Smith at G, and now this. Two sensible things I've heard of from the oline staff this season.
What the hell is going on?

Next they'll be targeting Pollard deep more than once every 4 years.
It's a madhouse!