Does Austin Deserve to Start *Merge*

[cowboyjoe]

After the performance yesterday and the lack of performance from crayton what do you think

yes, he is more explosive then crayton
crayton is more of a number 3 wr
i would have roy williams and miles austin as my 2 starting wrs with crayton in the slot

 

[jobberone]

Personally, I'd look at starting R Williams and Austin. I think Austin can scare opposing defenses more than Crayton, though Crayton is probably more steady and consistent at this stage. But I think Austin's big play ability is a better match along side R Williams. And I'd use Crayton in the slot - a role I think he plays well.

I agree. This makes the most sense and utilizes their talent the best. I believe they both know the X and Z. At least I hope they do. Regardless of the handle you put on the position, I'd use Austin for the longer routes in general and RW as the possession WR. In general.

Crayton is a better slot or Y WR than he is a Z or flanker.


PS: Hows the weather over there. What are the Brits saying about the Yanks these days?

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

The real question is if our coaches will man up and start him. They felt that Spencer should have started over Ellis last year, but Ellis kept his starting job anyway because they didn't want to hurt his feelings. Same with Scandrick over Anthony Henry or never giving Choice a chance last year until injury forced them to.

This team does not like to make line-up adjustments in season for some reason.

 

[21Savage]

I didnt see the game. Saw some clips of his catches and almost catches. That one going into the end zone reminded me of a similar catch that TO made years ago for us by tipping the ball back to himself while extending himself.

My question is: How are his hands? Seems he should catch more than he has. He needs to learn to catch the ball better. He needs to "snatch" the ball and it doesnt seem like he does. Can that be taught. I know he is somewhat raw and up and coming as a WR.

What are the projections/thoughts on Austin?

Thanks

I don't think you can be more wrong about the snatches. His hands are excellent to great. Concentration and memory lapses on the other hand can use some work.

The reason I say you're wrong is because he never body catches anything and always snatches them with his hands. The play he extended one hand for was a catch he should've made if he wants to be great but it's not something I'll call a drop. But on some of those out routes, he showed great strength after catching the ball (with DBs not being able to knock it out of his hands). The jump ball catch was great where he just snatched a reception out of the hands of an interception. But his best catch of the game was actually an underrated 3rd down grab that got the offense going.

It was on the series where Choice scored out first TD of the game and we were facing a 3rd down from our own 30. Romo got pressure from a CB blitz and scrambled right. Miles read the blitz, so he stopped his route short, and then ran to an open spot in the middle of the field when he saw Romo scrambling. He jumped up and snatched a throw that was behind him with all HANDS. That was great, you should rewatch it. Mariucci had a coach em up about it on NFL gameday.

 

[YosemiteSam]

After the performance yesterday and the lack of performance from crayton what do you think

While Austin had a great day, I see it for what it was. A team that was highly surprised by what Austin could do. Lets face it, teams are starting to sell out on the run because they think they can cover our receivers 1-on-1. For the most part, that is true. Austin is probably the only one that can dominate single coverage.

Roy too can beat single coverage, but it has to be a jump ball. Romo needs to learn to use Roy better. He also needs to clean up his route running. He has more to offer than size.

That said, Crayton has no business being a starting WR. He is most effective as a #3.

 

[garyv]

I'm sorry if some don't like it but the best receiving corps should be Miles Austin #1 and Kevin Ogletree #2 with Roy Williams at #3 and Crayton as #4.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

*Blinks*

What exactly did Ogletree do yesterday to warrant being the starter over Crayton and Williams?

 

[scrives]

If we want to when more games, he will be. We need speed so teams won't start putting 8 in the box. There is no chance we make the playoffs without making him a starter with Roy. Crayton can go back to his most effective position in the slot. Has anyone heard that this could happen?

 

[WV Cowboy]

*Blinks*

What exactly did Ogletree do yesterday to warrant being the starter over Crayton and Williams?

True, and as much as I loved the day MA had, the two biggest plays were due to poor tackling.

But it is obvious we have to find ways to get him and TC the ball.

I also want to get MB involved some.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

And yes Miles Austin should start along with Roy Williams.

 

[casmith07]

He should be, as Crayton is definitely more effective in the slot. Austin has better speed to run those sideline routes, whereas Crayton seems to be a little bit slower out of the break. That's not to say Crayton isn't fast -- I think we saw that in Tampa but its as if those vertical and crossing routes disappeared in favor of 10, 12, and 15 yard hitches.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

I didnt see the game. Saw some clips of his catches and almost catches. That one going into the end zone reminded me of a similar catch that TO made years ago for us by tipping the ball back to himself while extending himself.

My question is: How are his hands? Seems he should catch more than he has. He needs to learn to catch the ball better. He needs to "snatch" the ball and it doesnt seem like he does. Can that be taught. I know he is somewhat raw and up and coming as a WR.

What are the projections/thoughts on Austin?

Thanks

Couldn't be more incorrect. He has wonderful hands and I've never seen him attempt to cradle the ball with his chest or gut. His hands are magnificent even. He had one drop on a tough catch... and one that was stripped by the defender (maybe he should have held higher). The deep pass he stole from the defender was nothing short of Irvin or Lynn Swann. Take your pick.

 

[Doomsday101]

If we want to when more games, he will be. We need speed so teams won't start putting 8 in the box. There is no chance we make the playoffs without making him a starter with Roy. Crayton can go back to his most effective position in the slot. Has anyone heard that this could happen?

I would hope that his performace will earn him a starting role alongside Williams. I have always felt that Crayton was a good fit for the slot position and with Austin play yesterday I would hope that the Cowboys will make him a starter. I guess we will find out over the week what they plan on doing

 

[TNCowboy]

True, and as much as I loved the day MA had, the two biggest plays were due to poor tackling.

But it is obvious we have to find ways to get him and TC the ball.

I also want to get MB involved some.

Poor tackling happens all the time. As Cowboy fans, we've seen our share of it as well lately.

Even if you take away the 2 long plays, Austin still has a huge day.

Look back over the times that Romo has thrown the ball to Austin the last few years. The TD against TB, the TDs last year against GB, the PIs he drew two years ago, Romo overthrowing him when he was wide open in the Giants playoff loss....He has done more with limited playing time than anyone on our offense, save perhaps Felix Jones.

The guy is a natural born football player. When Romo has thrown to him, generally good things have happened. They've got to get him on the field and leave him there.

 

[basilhayden]

True, and as much as I loved the day MA had, the two biggest plays were due to poor tackling.

But it is obvious we have to find ways to get him and TC the ball.

I also want to get MB involved some.

Give him credit. A percentage of that can be due to his ability to break tackles on the move. The last catch, Leggett was on his back and he ducked under it...

 

[casmith07]

Undeniably.

Crayton is just a guy. Austin has real potential.

Austin should've been out there all along. It's so frustrating to see our idiotic coaches make the same mistakes again and again. Crayton over Austin, MBIII over Choice and Jones, Henry over Jenkins.

That one hurt more than most.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

True, and as much as I loved the day MA had, the two biggest plays were due to poor tackling.

But it is obvious we have to find ways to get him and TC the ball.

I also want to get MB involved some.

I disagree here also. Those run after catches were also great break away's as much as poor tackling. On the first he snagged the ball beautifully as the defender dove for the break up.. Miles pulled away and darted creating a POOR ANGLE for the would be tackler.. a slight stiff arm and his speed did the job moreso than a missed tackle. Trust me. Someone else.. WOULD HAVE BEEN TACKLED. On the seccond.. very similar.. defender gambled.. because Miles used his hands.. he had time to break away.. from there it was a foot race..

 

[alancdc]

Considering he is the only WR that can take it to the house unless they have a 30 yard start, YES.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I don't think you can be more wrong about the snatches. His hands are excellent to great. Concentration and memory lapses on the other hand can use some work.

The reason I say you're wrong is because he never body catches anything and always snatches them with his hands. The play he extended one hand for was a catch he should've made if he wants to be great but it's not something I'll call a drop. But on some of those out routes, he showed great strength after catching the ball (with DBs not being able to knock it out of his hands). The jump ball catch was great where he just snatched a reception out of the hands of an interception. But his best catch of the game was actually an underrated 3rd down grab that got the offense going.

It was on the series where Choice scored out first TD of the game and we were facing a 3rd down from our own 30. Romo got pressure from a CB blitz and scrambled right. Miles read the blitz, so he stopped his route short, and then ran to an open spot in the middle of the field when he saw Romo scrambling. He jumped up and snatched a throw that was behind him with all HANDS. That was great, you should rewatch it. Mariucci had a coach em up about it on NFL gameday.

Couldn't be more incorrect. He has wonderful hands and I've never seen him attempt to cradle the ball with his chest or gut. His hands are magnificent even. He had one drop on a tough catch... and one that was stripped by the defender (maybe he should have held higher). The deep pass he stole from the defender was nothing short of Irvin or Lynn Swann. Take your pick.

Good info, thanks.
Catching with his hands and snatching is two different things(and I never said he caught with his body). I didnt really see the plays more than just a few highlights. So I will watch again. I do know what I have seen from him is a few too many balls hit off his hands. I want him to pull those in more.

All good though. So is Miles our next homegrown GREAT WR in the making. I hope so.

I'm sorry if some don't like it but the best receiving corps should be Miles Austin #1 and Kevin Ogletree #2 with Roy Williams at #3 and Crayton as #4.

If Austin could move in to #1 eventually that would be great. But I think we are putting too much emphasis on numbering. If it turned to be #1/2(Roy or Austin) that would be great. Crayton should be SLOT and thats it. Hurd and Tree need to earn anything above 4th or 5th etc..

 

[casmith07]

And leave it to CowboysZone to take away credit from the guy after a 250-yard, 2 TD, overtime winning TD day.