DMN Blog: Patrick Crayton has firm grasp of No. 2 WR job

[CATCH17]

Crayton is a very solid player and Austin hasn't shown we can depend on him at all.

Its just common sense.

 

[Idgit]

Only the title of the article and commical blogger Tim MacMahon's opinion indicate PC has won a starting job outright. The actual quotes from Ray Sherman only say he's the man right now, which has been obvious from the start of camp given the distribution of reps.

By all accounts, though, PC is having his best camp ever, and that's a really good thing. People on the board don't like him and will sell him short, but if he beats out Austin for the starting job, he'll have earned it.

 

[Teague31]

I bet crayton moves to the slot when we go three wide

 

[This is Our Year]

I have NO issue with this at all. If Austin earns the job, god bless him. If not Crayton is a solid realible #2 guy, with Austin knocking on the door.

 

[theogt]

Only the title of the article and commical blogger Tim MacMahon's opinion indicate PC has won a starting job outright. The actual quotes from Ray Sherman only say he's the man right now, which has been obvious from the start of camp given the distribution of reps.

By all accounts, though, PC is having his best camp ever, and that's a really good thing. People on the board don't like him and will sell him short, but if he beats out Austin for the starting job, he'll have earned it.

Just to be clear (since I'm one of the people pushing relentlessly for Austin) I like Crayton a lot. As a #3, he's phenomenal. As a #2, he's pretty good. That I think Austin deserves the #2 spot doesn't denigrate Crayton, but rather shows how good I think Austin is.

And I don't think who gets the starting job will necessarily mean that player outperformed another player. Veteran status brings a level of comfort that can force coaches to give one player an edge, even if another player is outplaying them.

 

[bbgun]

Two TEs + Williams + Crayton = where's the speed? Especially when Felix isn't on the field.

 

[Bluefin]

Only the title of the article and commical blogger Tim MacMahon's opinion indicate PC has won a starting job outright.

Exactly.

Ray Sherman isn't some newbie coach in the NFL, he knows better than to give the media quotes like that they can spin into a story.

Wade Phillips isn't all-world with the media, but he easily sidestepped the subject of the receivers competing against each other and said they were all just trying to get better this early in camp.

It isn't a huge deal or anything, I just expect a coach like Sherman to avoid such mistakes.

 

[dbair1967]

Two TEs + Williams + Crayton = where's the speed? Especially when Felix isn't on the field.

Bennett and Witten are huge mismatches downfield for just about any safety or LB.

Williams had shown some ability to make big plays though in Detroit. For comparisons sake, RW in his first 4 seasons in Detroit had 13 plays of 40+ yds, an average of just over 3.0 per yr. Terrell Owens in 13 yrs has 56 such plays, an average of just over 4.0 per yr. And he's considered an elite playmaker. Larry Fitzgerald has 16 in 5 seasons. Anquan Boldin has has 19 in 6 seasons.

 

[Idgit]

Just to be clear (since I'm one of the people pushing relentlessly for Austin) I like Crayton a lot. As a #3, he's phenomenal. As a #2, he's pretty good. That I think Austin deserves the #2 spot doesn't denigrate Crayton, but rather shows how good I think Austin is.

And I don't think who gets the starting job will necessarily mean that player outperformed another player. Veteran status brings a level of comfort that can force coaches to give one player an edge, even if another player is outplaying them.

Yah. I like Austin a lot, too, and think the only thing that might be keeping him from being a legit #1 is experience. Yeah, I said it. I said #1. If Tony and Barber can do it, I don't see why Austin can't. He's definitely got the right attitude and all the ability he needs.

For that reason, though, I'm glad to see PC putting in the work to hold him off. Nothing should come easy for any of these guys, and, while inertia might give PC the nod in a close race, Austin's got enough publicity behind him that I don't think a coach would have to go too far out on a limb to move him into the starting lineup at some point.

 

[Idgit]

If you haven't already, stroll over to dc.com and listen to Coach Sherman go on and on about Sam Big-Bird Hurd.

 

[Goldenrichards83]

I like Austin as well but I think alot of you guys underate Crayton and Hurd. Lastyear before he went out it seemed Hurd and Austin was neck and neck for the 3rd spot. I think they all will get alot of playing time.

 

[bbgun]

Bennett and Witten are huge mismatches downfield for just about any safety or LB.

Williams had shown some ability to make big plays though in Detroit. For comparisons sake, RW in his first 4 seasons in Detroit had 13 plays of 40+ yds, an average of just over 3.0 per yr. Terrell Owens in 13 yrs has 56 such plays, an average of just over 4.0 per yr. And he's considered an elite playmaker. Larry Fitzgerald has 16 in 5 seasons. Anquan Boldin has has 19 in 6 seasons.

Those Detroit exploits might as well have been a million years ago, and the past isn't necessarily prelude. As for Miles, I really have to wonder if this was an "open competition," because every report I've read has given him the edge (not that Patrick has been a disappointment). In any event, I hope we see Miles on first and second downs, and not just obvious passing situations.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I like Crayton but he doesn't strike fear into DB's... I think once Miles gets it going he'll end up the #2 WR.

Yeah I agree.

I wouldnt even number these guys. Crayton in the slot - thats all.

He cant get open otherwise.

 

[Bizwah]

I like Austin as well but I think alot of you guys underate Crayton and Hurd. Lastyear before he went out it seemed Hurd and Austin was neck and neck for the 3rd spot. I think they all will get alot of playing time.

It's not that folks underrate Crayton and Hurd. It's not that we like them. It's just the fact that Austin has such a high ceiling. A much higher ceiling than Crayton and Hurd. His speed adds a much needed dimension to the outside.

I like Crayton and Hurd. I really do. I especially love Hurd's passion and work ethic. That's so reminiscent of Irvin.

 

[Idgit]

It's not that folks underrate Crayton and Hurd. It's not that we like them. It's just the fact that Austin has such a high ceiling. A much higher ceiling than Crayton and Hurd. His speed adds a much needed dimension to the outside.

I like Crayton and Hurd. I really do. I especially love Hurd's passion and work ethic. That's so reminiscent of Irvin.

Srsly. Go listen to Sherman on Hurd today at dc.com. He's high on him just about across the board.

 

[NextGenBoys]

how many kickoffs has Crayton returned for a td in the playoffs?

Hahaha well played sir.

Well played.

 

[Bizwah]

Srsly. Go listen to Sherman on Hurd today at dc.com. He's high on him just about across the board.

I did listen to it.

Loved hearing his ringing endorsement of Hurd. He loves all of his receivers. He's high on Austin as well. He called him a bigger version of Donald Driver.

Ok....I have a feeling this may be headed in a direction I don't want to go. We Cowboy fans are so easily polarized. Whether it's White/Hogenboom, Aikman/Walsh, Carter/Hutchinson, Romo/Henson.....last year folks took sides with Hurd/Austin.

You can really like both guys. I do......I'm excited that our top four guys seem to be having nice camps.

Hey....If Hurd beats out Austin and develops into a WR that can challenge defenses deep, then GREAT! I haven't seen him play WR in a while....so I don't know. I do know that Austin can get open deep. That was never a question. Now, it seems he is consistently catching the ball.

Hopefully, he'll continue to grow.

 

[bayeslife]

I love how no one gives Patrick the credit he deserves. He runs the best routes of any receiver we have. He gets tough yards when we need them. I haven't seen Miles do that.

I love the kid but he's just going to have to prove himself.

 

[landryscorner]

I saw patrick at camp very impressive and sharp.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

That's pretty disappointing. I guess it's going to take Austin just blowing it up in game for several weeks to make them realize how much better he is. It's just a matter of "when" not "if."

Until Austin proves himself over the course of a season, it's still a matter of IF, not WHEN.