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Practice Hits: Sensabaugh Covering
Posted by rphillips at 8/1/2009 12:59 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
Some competitive highlights and observations from the Alamodome press box this morning:
*No doubt about it, new strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh will be an upgrade in coverage. In one-on-one drills, tight end Martellus Bennett used a double move to get separation on a skinny post, but Sensabaugh recovered and knocked the ball away.
*A little later, Sensabaugh stayed stride for stride with Kevin Ogletree for 40 yards down the middle and batted the ball down in the end zone. Impressive coverage on a fast receiver with no help.
*I agree with what Mickey said on “Talkin’ Cowboys” yesterday: Sam Hurd does look faster and more explosive. He did in May, too; we just forgot because he missed some time with a sore quad. Today in one-on-one drills he scorched Scandrick down the seam and caught a TD pass from Tony Romo in stride. Great play against a very good young corner.
*Jon Kitna has misfired on some throws in practice, but we saw an example of his rapport with Roy Williams. In red zone, he threaded a ball in between DeAngelo Smith and Pat Watkins for TD.
*Smith, who primarily played corner in college, is taking some reps there in practice. The Cowboys view him as a safety, and that’s where he worked in the off-season, but versatility is a plus.
Back with more in a bit.
-Rob
Practice Hits: Part 2
Posted by rphillips at 8/1/2009 2:28 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
More competitive highlights and observations from the Alamodome press box:
*We mentioned CB Mike Mickens’ coverage skills in the Mid-day Report. Other rookie DB’s are making plays, too. Fifth-round safety Michael Hamlin made a diving interception Friday afternoon. Secondary coach Dave Campo wants his guys to be aggressive and using solid technique at the same time.
*QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams misfired early in team drills. A screen pass to Williams landed in the dirt, and then Romo tried to force a pass in between safety Ken Hamlin and cornerback Mike Jenkins.
*RB Tashard Choice really has excellence patience with the ball in his hands. He’s not dancing, but rather taking an extra millisecond to let the hole develop.
*Miles Austin made a nice over-the-middle catch from Romo with CB Courtney Brown draped all over him. Great route and finish.
*Saw a lot of the nickel defense during some third-down work. Bobby Carpenter is working at the “Mo” inside linebacker position next to Bradie James. One nickel line featured rookie linebacker Brandon Williams (end), Marcus Spears (tackle), Igor Olshansky (tackle) and Steve Octavien (end). Another group had defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Marcus Dixon moving inside and rookie linebacker Victor Butler lining up at right end.
*Rookie QB Stephen McGee doesn’t seem to be making any bad decisions, but he’s not really looking for the deep or intermediate receivers. Lots of checkdowns to the backs and tight ends, which is something we also saw from him in OTA’s and mini-camp. He’s still learning and getting comfortable with the system.
-Rob
Posted by rphillips at 8/1/2009 12:59 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
Some competitive highlights and observations from the Alamodome press box this morning:
*No doubt about it, new strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh will be an upgrade in coverage. In one-on-one drills, tight end Martellus Bennett used a double move to get separation on a skinny post, but Sensabaugh recovered and knocked the ball away.
*A little later, Sensabaugh stayed stride for stride with Kevin Ogletree for 40 yards down the middle and batted the ball down in the end zone. Impressive coverage on a fast receiver with no help.
*I agree with what Mickey said on “Talkin’ Cowboys” yesterday: Sam Hurd does look faster and more explosive. He did in May, too; we just forgot because he missed some time with a sore quad. Today in one-on-one drills he scorched Scandrick down the seam and caught a TD pass from Tony Romo in stride. Great play against a very good young corner.
*Jon Kitna has misfired on some throws in practice, but we saw an example of his rapport with Roy Williams. In red zone, he threaded a ball in between DeAngelo Smith and Pat Watkins for TD.
*Smith, who primarily played corner in college, is taking some reps there in practice. The Cowboys view him as a safety, and that’s where he worked in the off-season, but versatility is a plus.
Back with more in a bit.
-Rob
Practice Hits: Part 2
Posted by rphillips at 8/1/2009 2:28 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com
More competitive highlights and observations from the Alamodome press box:
*We mentioned CB Mike Mickens’ coverage skills in the Mid-day Report. Other rookie DB’s are making plays, too. Fifth-round safety Michael Hamlin made a diving interception Friday afternoon. Secondary coach Dave Campo wants his guys to be aggressive and using solid technique at the same time.
*QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams misfired early in team drills. A screen pass to Williams landed in the dirt, and then Romo tried to force a pass in between safety Ken Hamlin and cornerback Mike Jenkins.
*RB Tashard Choice really has excellence patience with the ball in his hands. He’s not dancing, but rather taking an extra millisecond to let the hole develop.
*Miles Austin made a nice over-the-middle catch from Romo with CB Courtney Brown draped all over him. Great route and finish.
*Saw a lot of the nickel defense during some third-down work. Bobby Carpenter is working at the “Mo” inside linebacker position next to Bradie James. One nickel line featured rookie linebacker Brandon Williams (end), Marcus Spears (tackle), Igor Olshansky (tackle) and Steve Octavien (end). Another group had defensive ends Jason Hatcher and Marcus Dixon moving inside and rookie linebacker Victor Butler lining up at right end.
*Rookie QB Stephen McGee doesn’t seem to be making any bad decisions, but he’s not really looking for the deep or intermediate receivers. Lots of checkdowns to the backs and tight ends, which is something we also saw from him in OTA’s and mini-camp. He’s still learning and getting comfortable with the system.
-Rob
