DMN: Bob Sturm: Why I don’t think Lance Dunbar is a given to make Cowboys’ roster coming out of camp

[BigStar]

Not sure Dunbar's ever really been a given to make the roster. The presence of McFadden this year makes things tougher for him. There are other players with return ability, and Randle's getting removed from coverage teams and will have to be replaced. A back who can catch passes and contribute in the return game isn't as valuable with McFadden on the roster. If Williams establishes himself as a short-yardage option and can play some on coverage teams, he's got a good shot at that RB3 job.

Agree, writer really went out on a limb there If he really wanted to generate any "real" discussion, he would have pointed out the wasted resources @ the TE position Who am I kidding, we don't even admit that around here...

 

[Hoov]

Not sure Dunbar's ever really been a given to make the roster. The presence of McFadden this year makes things tougher for him. There are other players with return ability, and Randle's getting removed from coverage teams and will have to be replaced. A back who can catch passes and contribute in the return game isn't as valuable with McFadden on the roster. If Williams establishes himself as a short-yardage option and can play some on coverage teams, he's got a good shot at that RB3 job.

It would be nice if someone asked Garrett specifics as to what they were working on with Williams all last year and if he showed more ability to pass protect or play special teams.

That would be a good story right now.

I think these sports journalists are leaving some meat on the bone here.

 

[DFWJC]

Dunbar has a little Tony D in him. (I said a little, before someone attacks me).

Someone told me once that Tony Danza really did play high school football.

 

[xwalker]

It would be nice if someone asked Garrett specifics as to what they were working on with Williams all last year and if he showed more ability to pass protect or play special teams.

That would be a good story right now.

I think these sports journalists are leaving some meat on the bone here.

I've heard some on local sports talk radio that they made Pass Pro the #1 priority in practice for Ryan Williams last season.

 

[jobberone]

I don't see any wasted resources at TE. You must have at least two for 2 TE sets and we even run 3 TE sets. You have to have at least 3 TEs to have depth for the top 2 TEs. And even that is not clear cut because they use Hanna and Escobar differently fairly often. If they carry four TEs then he provides depth for the other three, is used as a 2nd blocking TE (Witten is just ok) and primarily for STs and a TE to develop.

The latter is why a see Swaim having a decent shot at making the roster. He's also pretty athletic, blocks pretty well already, and is a decent route runner esp for someone not used in college for receiving. How he's going to run routes against NFL is up in the air.

 

[Hoov]

I've heard some on local sports talk radio that they made Pass Pro the #1 priority in practice for Ryan Williams last season.

That is good. That is what I would have hoped they would do. Thanks x, I don't get to hear the local sports talk.

 

[jnday]

I absolutely see Dunbar as our 3rd down running back going forward. We've been waiting to see his role expand with the team, and there are reports that the team is looking to do just that.

I think he is a lock to make the team.

As much as I want Ryan Williams to make the team, I think he is the long shot. He has issues staying healthy and I don't see what he offers that Randle and McFadden don't. I also don't know if McFadden makes this roster if he isn't the starter over Randle, but then again, can you just trust Randle? I don't know. I think there is an outside chance we go with 4 running backs. Traditionally there used to be 3 halfbacks and 2 fullbacks, but that group has gotten smaller with the advent of the tight end, of which we might be keeping 3 of as well..

A lot of tough decisions will need to be made.

Your post give hints at just how messed up the RB position really is.

 

[BigStar]

Someone told me once that Tony Danza really did play high school football.

So Dunbar will dance around Angela for a couple of seasons?

 

[BigStar]

I don't see any wasted resources at TE. You must have at least two for 2 TE sets and we even run 3 TE sets. You have to have at least 3 TEs to have depth for the top 2 TEs. And even that is not clear cut because they use Hanna and Escobar differently fairly often. If they carry four TEs then he provides depth for the other three, is used as a 2nd blocking TE (Witten is just ok) and primarily for STs and a TE to develop.

The latter is why a see Swaim having a decent shot at making the roster. He's also pretty athletic, blocks pretty well already, and is a decent route runner esp for someone not used in college for receiving. How he's going to run routes against NFL is up in the air.

The high level of the picks is the gripe mainly. No problem with 4th and beyond in fitting this need, etc. When you use 2nd round picks, you are pigeon holed into making them more prominent; scheme or not. 3 in a decade looks bad and shows we didn't know what to do with that resource. You draft 7th rounders to fit the 2nd TE role we envisioned as blockers and decoys, etc. We wanted to be NE but we didn't have the minds to make it work; never schemed into the gameplan.

Elephant in the room = Witten doesn't give up reps/looks. No assistance on his part in the least in grooming any resemblance of a replacement ( I can play 5 more years, okay maybe running that 5.5). Romo seemed to be willing to accommodate Witten in this as well. The FO should just ask them if they should draft a TE next time?

 

[jobberone]

The high level of the picks is the gripe mainly. No problem with 4th and beyond in fitting this need, etc. When you use 2nd round picks, you are pigeon holed into making them more prominent; scheme or not. 3 in a decade looks bad and shows we didn't know what to do with that resource. You draft 7th rounders to fit the 2nd TE role we envisioned as blockers and decoys, etc. We wanted to be NE but we didn't have the minds to make it work; never schemed into the gameplan.

Your 2nd TE is one play from being your #1. There aren't too many Witten's out there so not sure what this offense is without him. But you want your best shot. Escobar should develop into a fair receiving TE and I think will serve well as a #1.

So you have to spend resources on a starting TE or one who will be one.

 

[BigStar]

Your 2nd TE is one play from being your #1. There aren't too many Witten's out there so not sure what this offense is without him. But you want your best shot. Escobar should develop into a fair receiving TE and I think will serve well as a #1.

So you have to spend resources on a starting TE or one who will be one.

Escobar will be on another team before his potential is realized. That's the reality. Somehow Witten's 5 yard sit routes are a staple in this offense (game planned (Romo), first look many times...but not for the 2nd TE's even if they happen to sub for Witten on that rare occasion). That is brilliant scheming when the O is stalling or has a shifty receiver who can take advantage of slow LBers (Beasley?), but holding it back otherwise bc Witten doesn't break any tackles.

This is when Dez should be the focus, etc. (we really wonder why TW halfs some routes; they are Witten routes, no one else gets a chance). Unfortunately these sit routes don't set up anything as we can't go deep anymore (Romo health and reluctance; can't play dumb here). We haven't drafted a QB high since Quincy, but we are worried about our iron man Witten going down? Not feeling it. We barely beat the Lions Yeah, they got it covered

 

[jobberone]

Witten averaged 11 YPC and was generally considered the #2 TE last year. Escobar will consider signing here to be the heir of Witten. OTOH he may go elsewhere.

 

[CF74]

Considering the injury history of 3 of our backs I hope we keep 4....

 

[TonyRomo17]

Watch the Seatte game..

 

[Deep_South]

I don't know. Randle had 2 times the rushing yards as Dunbar the past two seasons, but Dunbar had 3 times the receiving yards. Together they make a pretty complete back if they realize their potential, and maybe that is the plan for our starting RB this year.

 

[BigStar]

Witten averaged 11 YPC and was generally considered the #2 TE last year. Escobar will consider signing here to be the heir of Witten. OTOH he may go elsewhere.

Witten was #2 TE? You talking in the league, etc.? I do like Witten and def. appreciate what he has done for the team in his career, just think he should more of a vet safety option instead of a prominent role in the offense considering our weapons, etc. Definitely not our first option.

 

[jobberone]

Witten was #2 TE? You talking in the league, etc.? I do like Witten and def. appreciate what he has done for the team in his career, just think he should more of a vet safety option instead of a prominent role in the offense considering our weapons, etc. Definitely not our first option.

Then we should agree to disagree. His reception total was down as he was targeted less frequently last year. However, his reception rate per being targeted was among the league high and if I remember correctly was about the highest for those with a decent reception total. His YPC was above normal. His TD total was 5 I think.

Not a superior year for him but on balance he was the #2 in the league. That's not a backup by any means.

The problem is unless someone can beat him out then they will have limited opportunities. If Escobar grows impatient to be a starter then he will leave even if they offer him near starter money. Many here are down on the player but he can start in this league given an opportunity. He's that talented. You just don't get to see it often.

 

[BigStar]

Then we should agree to disagree. His reception total was down as he was targeted less frequently last year. However, his reception rate per being targeted was among the league high and if I remember correctly was about the highest for those with a decent reception total. His YPC was above normal. His TD total was 5 I think.

Not a superior year for him but on balance he was the #2 in the league. That's not a backup by any means.

The problem is unless someone can beat him out then they will have limited opportunities. If Escobar grows impatient to be a starter then he will leave even if they offer him near starter money. Many here are down on the player but he can start in this league given an opportunity. He's that talented. You just don't get to see it often.

Well, but, okay, if you'e going to use facts and all In all seriousness though, thanks for the schooling ,etc. Sometimes fans' perceptions are off and I was obv off on this one. Good look!

 

[jobberone]

Well, but, okay, if you'e going to use facts and all In all seriousness though, thanks for the schooling ,etc. Sometimes fans' perceptions are off and I was obv off on this one. Good look!

Stop chasing with bad hands, sir!

 

[KJJ]

Dunbar was being fazed out late last season he only saw 3 carries in the blowout wins over Indy and Washington and didn't see a carry or pass attempt in the playoffs. Had Murray resigned he would have been released. If none of the backs emerge in training camp or preseason or if Williams continues to struggle in pass protection Dunbar could still stick especially if the Cowboys feel the need to go long at RB.