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Felix Jones feels he's catching on as receiving threat
1:32 PM Sun, Aug 02, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Felix Jones was discussing his development in the passing game while signing autographs when he dropped a hat a fan handed to him.
Hey, isn't he supposed to have good hands?
"It's different out there with my teammates, man," Jones said with a smile.
It's also a work in progress.
The coaching staff firmly believes that Jones, who caught only two passes for 10 yards during his abbreviated rookie season, will make an impact as a receiver. He has made some electrifying moves after catching swing passes during training camp, but we've yet to see evidence that he can be effective in the slot and split wide. I can only recall one ball thrown to Jones when he lined up as a receiver, and Tony Romo threw a stop route while Jones ran a go.
The plan is to occasionally utilize Jones in those spots, particularly in packages that put him on the field with Marion Barber. The Cowboys can dictate matchups by motioning Jones from the backfield. The idea is to maximize the ways to get Jones the ball in the open field, and he can also be a downfield threat, especially when covered by a linebacker or slower safety.
Jones started his high school career as a receiver and said he's comfortable lined up wide or in the slot. He acknowledges, however, that he has a lot of room for refinement as a receiver.
"I'm feeling pretty good, but still learning, still got a lot to learn," Jones said. "But I'm catching on fast. It's more being precise with the routes and stuff like that, doing things the right way, making myself open and available to my quarterback."
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Jay Ratliff's working to wreak havoc vs. run
10:54 AM Sun, Aug 02, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Jay Ratliff, who is coming off a Pro Bowl in his first full season as a starter, believes he has a lot of room for improvement.
"Of course I feel like I'm still developing," said Ratliff, who moved inside from defensive end on a full-time basis when Jason Ferguson was injured during the 2007 season opener. "I am young. I am new to it. There's still a lot to learn."
That's why Ratliff, who turns 28 this month, often stays after practice to work with Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis. He focuses on run fits and hand placement during the sessions with the Pro Bowl center and guard.
Ratliff was a dominant force as an interior pass rusher last season, when he had 7.5 sacks and a team-high 31 quarterback pressures. He's motivated to have the same impact against the run.
That doesn't mean Ratliff, who is light by 3-4 nose tackle standards, wants to add bulk. He reported to camp at a sleek 296 pounds, seven lighter than his weight listed in the media guide. His quickness and relentless motor are the primary reasons he gives opponents fits.
"This camp my thing is definitely just focusing on run emphasis and combination blocks," said Ratliff, whose impressive play against the run so far in camp is highlighted by the time he got to Jon Kitna before the QB could hand off the ball. "It's more about technique than anything else."
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1:32 PM Sun, Aug 02, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Felix Jones was discussing his development in the passing game while signing autographs when he dropped a hat a fan handed to him.
Hey, isn't he supposed to have good hands?
"It's different out there with my teammates, man," Jones said with a smile.
It's also a work in progress.
The coaching staff firmly believes that Jones, who caught only two passes for 10 yards during his abbreviated rookie season, will make an impact as a receiver. He has made some electrifying moves after catching swing passes during training camp, but we've yet to see evidence that he can be effective in the slot and split wide. I can only recall one ball thrown to Jones when he lined up as a receiver, and Tony Romo threw a stop route while Jones ran a go.
The plan is to occasionally utilize Jones in those spots, particularly in packages that put him on the field with Marion Barber. The Cowboys can dictate matchups by motioning Jones from the backfield. The idea is to maximize the ways to get Jones the ball in the open field, and he can also be a downfield threat, especially when covered by a linebacker or slower safety.
Jones started his high school career as a receiver and said he's comfortable lined up wide or in the slot. He acknowledges, however, that he has a lot of room for refinement as a receiver.
"I'm feeling pretty good, but still learning, still got a lot to learn," Jones said. "But I'm catching on fast. It's more being precise with the routes and stuff like that, doing things the right way, making myself open and available to my quarterback."
Comments (0) Leave comment | E-mail entry
Jay Ratliff's working to wreak havoc vs. run
10:54 AM Sun, Aug 02, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Jay Ratliff, who is coming off a Pro Bowl in his first full season as a starter, believes he has a lot of room for improvement.
"Of course I feel like I'm still developing," said Ratliff, who moved inside from defensive end on a full-time basis when Jason Ferguson was injured during the 2007 season opener. "I am young. I am new to it. There's still a lot to learn."
That's why Ratliff, who turns 28 this month, often stays after practice to work with Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis. He focuses on run fits and hand placement during the sessions with the Pro Bowl center and guard.
Ratliff was a dominant force as an interior pass rusher last season, when he had 7.5 sacks and a team-high 31 quarterback pressures. He's motivated to have the same impact against the run.
That doesn't mean Ratliff, who is light by 3-4 nose tackle standards, wants to add bulk. He reported to camp at a sleek 296 pounds, seven lighter than his weight listed in the media guide. His quickness and relentless motor are the primary reasons he gives opponents fits.
"This camp my thing is definitely just focusing on run emphasis and combination blocks," said Ratliff, whose impressive play against the run so far in camp is highlighted by the time he got to Jon Kitna before the QB could hand off the ball. "It's more about technique than anything else."
Comments (1) Leave comment | E-mail entry
