DMN JJT Blog: No instincts for Miles Austin, but he is still learning the game

[Doomsday]

Its part of being young and from a small school. He knew and admitted he messed up. He is only going to get better, I think he is going to be a good player for us.

 

[LeonDixson]

The problem with JJT's original post was that he succumbed to the use of hyperbole. Saying that Miles has "no instincts" as in none. That's just plain wrong. If he had said that Miles' instincts were wrong on that play, then there would be no harm, no foul.

 

[sago1]

It's good to watch Austin starting to become the WR we all hoped he would be. He's not there yet but hopefully he continues to improve as the season progresses. BTW: Austin was a WR before we signed him--even though from a very small scool in NJ; he's only now getting it together in his 3rd season. That should tell some of you who want to cut Stanback just how difficult & how long it takes to become a good WR in the NFL. Now imagine just how hard it is for a guy like Stanbach, who was a QB in college/not a WR. The Cowboys aren't going to cut him. He's got size/smarts/speed even more so then Austin. Did you see how fast he come up on the Felix TD return (think that was the play?) to ensure Felix got into the end zone. The Cowboys want Stanback to participate in practice as long as he can & contribute in games (both on ST & as a WR) as long as possible. Last thing they want is to stop his development by placing him on the IR. Cutting him is not an option; he's got too much talent. Next year is when they will really want to see what he can do. Really believe the Cowboys drafted Stanbach cause they hope he's got #1 WR size/speed/smarts.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

He actually tripped a bit either just before or just after the catch. He didn't have a chance to make it to the endzone after that, as the defender was already at top speed.

IF he ran to the pylon he wouldn't have gotten caught.

 

[Funxva]

The quickest point between A and B is a straight line. After his stumble if he ran at an angle he probably wouldn't have gotten as far as he did. The DB was already at top speed.

 

[Nav22]

I don't know about the "no instincts" comment, but JJT is right in that if Austin ran to the pylon he would have scored the TD. He had the safety beat (#36, Nick Collins) and turned it upfield rather than continuing to the pylon.

I noticed it when it happened during the game, and Michael Irvin gave Austin some ribbing on the very same thing on his radio show. Austin laughed before Mike even mentioned it because he knew it was coming, and he knew that he made a mistake there.

No biggie since Barber scored anyways, but what if Barber had fumbled? What if we had to settle for a FG there? It was a mistake on Austin's part, and I'm sure it's something he can learn from.

And yes, this is probably nitpicking...

 

[sbark]

Austins development really shouldnt be of any surprize.......had a solid preseason...........and Romo hinted very strongly back in August(thread on Zone ) that this kid would be the one comeing out of the shadows....

so he has Romo's confidence for the time, hopefully it builds.........

Loved Romo's joke in postgame TV about Austins big head, cap size wise...seemed to be a running lockerroom banter.....

 

[Big Dakota]

I'll comment on this thread once I get done picking this nit.

no kidding

 

[peplaw06]

Thought he looked pretty instinctual on the TD catch.

But I guess I'll take 2 catches for 115 yards and a TD from someone with "no intsincts." Sounds impressive to me.

 

[mmohican29]

imagine if he had some instincts (yawn). JJT... can't we just be happy for a young man clearly developing into an excellent football player- if not a perfect one? Please.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Its easy to get an "instinct"

Go to ebay...

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Austin will be fine, he's a hard worker and is making amazing strides.

 

[sacase]

JJT was pretty much right. Austin cut up strait to the endzone. That move gave the defender the angle he needed to quickly catch him. when he did I was thining to myself what are you doing? It was a good play, he will get better and learn from it. I doubt he does it again.

 

[ZeroClub]

JJTs observation about the Austin's angle -- that's a nice point.

But it does seem a little harsh to take that observation and blow it up into a general comment about instincts, though.

 

[dcfanatic]

Of course Austin was supposed to head for the pylon, but I think he thought he was so far ahead of the defender that he didn't think he could get caught from behind.

JJT should have just been lighthearted about it and maybe he would not have taken heat from the fans.

The problem is that JJT always come off like a know it all and that he's dropping some sort of knowledge that no one has thought of already.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Oh noes, he is teh RANDAL WILLEMZ !!ONES1111ELEVENTY!!!

 

[HoosierCowboy]

he showed great instincts on his TD catch--slowing to shield the defender and then catching the ball away from his body

 

[joseephuss]

The quickest point between A and B is a straight line. After his stumble if he ran at an angle he probably wouldn't have gotten as far as he did. The DB was already at top speed.

Sure the quickest way to get from point A and point B(the endzone) is a straight line. The same applies to the defender. He had to get from point C(where he was) to point D(where Austin was). Austin turning straight up field gave the defender the shortest straight line to getting to Austin. By taking a different angle Austin could have increased the distance the defender had to cover. It is not a guarantee that Austin would have scored had he headed for the pylon. I think he would have and based on what I have heard he and the rest of the team think so, too.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

No instincts for Miles Austin
9:20 PM Sun, Sep 21, 2008 | Permalink
Jean-Jacques Taylor E-mail News tips

Yes, Miles Austin has plenty of speed.

He ran a 4.47 at the combine.....adequate, but not plenty.

 

[InmanRoshi]

He ran a 4.47 at the combine.

And likely wasn't attending combine preparation and speed running camps that the Div I and high profile prospects attend.