Curtis Johnson

[ejthedj]

His name seems to be coming up a lot in the chats/play by play. At least a lot more than Butler.

I think he may knock Butler out and really make a run at being a primary backup.

 

[ejthedj]

Just a few examples from today. Butler wasn't even mentioned:

4:24

Tim MacMahon (ESPNDallas):
Curtis Johnson blows up a play-action pass, torching Bennett on a speed rush and knocking Barber back.
4:25
BryanBroaddus:
Martellus Bennett stays in to help with protection, Curtis Johnson eats him up, causing Romo to move forward in the pocket, sack [via Twitter]
4:35

Tim MacMahon (ESPNDallas):
Curtis Johnson chases down Kitna from the blind side. ... Water break.
4:38
BryanBroaddus:
Alex Barron struggles with Curtis Johnson on the edge, Kitna rolls to his right, Barron's strength is his footwork Johnson would have sacked

 

[AbeBeta]

i think neither is going to play with Brandon Williams back in the mix.

 

[AbeBeta]

Butler is nothing but one lucky game. He started and did very poorly against NO

 

[ThreeandOut]

Johnson definitely showed up today. I don't know if he'll knock Butler off the roster but he may convince the coaches to keep five OLB's.

 

[ejthedj]

early practice:

10:02
BryanBroaddus:
Alex Barron will always struggle with the inside move because he doesn't play with power. Curtis Johnson hard inside, no chance. [via Twitter]
two days ago:

4:51

Tim MacMahon (ESPNDallas):
Josh Brent bats the ball up in the air. OLB Curtis Johnson comes up with the rebound. ... three:

4:50

Tim MacMahon (ESPNDallas):
Curtis Johnson beat Free for would-be sack. Then Ratliff shows off his wheels, chasing down Barber in the flat after the checkdown. ... Romo one-hops an out to Austin.

 

[ejthedj]

I haven't seen it live, but his name is coming up way more than Butler.

I sure wish a mediot would notice and ask Wade about him...

 

[RS12]

They'll go with 5 OLBs. The two starters and Williams, Butler, and Johnson. Butler actually has been playing well earlier.

 

[ThreeandOut]

After today, I'll think we'll be hearing more about Johnson and the CB Gordan.

 

[gimmesix]

They'll go with 5 OLBs. The two starters and Williams, Butler, and Johnson. Butler actually has been playing well earlier.

I think this is most likely. All three have brought pressure at times, and I think that will keep them around.

 

[ThreeandOut]

They'll go with 5 OLBs. The two starters and Williams, Butler, and Johnson. Butler actually has been playing well earlier.

Of the three back-ups, Butler is also probably the most accomplished on special teams.

 

[rkell87]

cujo has all the tools to be a carbon copy of ware, he was a great wire pick up if he develops

 

[UnoDallas]

I still have not seen him make a tackle in a real game

what Butler had three sacks last year

 

[The Emperor]

Butler is nothing but one lucky game. He started and did very poorly against NO

That's very true. The thing was he got among our first sacks and turnovers of the season. So, his big plays were accentuated for that reason.

I was a little disappointed he wasn't able to do more against the Saints after that.

I like the kid because he says that he watches highlights of DeMarcus Ware on his iPod to help him prepare for games.

 

[gimmesix]

That's very true. The thing was he got among our first sacks and turnovers of the season. So, his big plays were accentuated for that reason.

I was a little disappointed he wasn't able to do more against the Saints after that.

I like the kid because he says that he watches highlights of DeMarcus Ware on his iPod to help him prepare for games.

I find it hard to be disappointed in anything Butler accomplished or didn't accomplish last year because of the transition he had to make to outside linebacker, especially on the strong side. It's a difficult move to make, and I don't expect him (or the others) to have completely adjusted this year.

 

[7footer]

Good observations by the original poster! Not only does Johnson seem to be making a lot of plays, but he is doing so against many of our first teamers.

I saw he beat Bennett twice in the above reports, and also beat Free and Barron. It's one thing if he's having his way with 2nd and 3rd teamers, but he seems to be playing well against everyone. Definitely a name to keep an eye on for sure!

 

[jobberone]

We're loaded at OLB. A far cry from the days of just Ware and Ellis. You have to give Wade the credit here.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I could honestly see us keeping even 6 OLB's if you count Steve Octavien. No one really mentions him this year but the kid is a beast. He's not the biggest but he never quits and he seems like he was one of our better special teams players last year. High high highhhh moter and i wouldn't be at all suprised if he was on the team again this year. Keep an eye on him.

 

[CCBoy]

The Cowboy outside linebackers are the dogs that eat up an opposing team's offense. If they are being let loose and reeking havoc, then this defense will match or better their level of shutting down opponents as they did last season. I just want to see similar headlines when Dallas plays the Giants! Depth is great if this shows up in the Exhibition Games. I can't wait until Sunday to start gathering tendencies and skill strengths during games. Oh for the carpet show...

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Just read on article written on an interview done with Spencer where he was asked which of the young LB's was impressing him the most and the first and only name he mentioned was Octavien.. stay tuned for the preseason! haha