News: ESPN: Escobar ready to make impact

[Macnalty]

I like Escobar a lot. I'll feel better when I see him using his shoulder to catch a high one, though. That injury to a receiver always makes you nervous.

He is going to be in some highlight reels this year when that shoulder is fully healed, and for those that frowned about his lack of speed and blocking get ready to moan about someone else in 2014.

 

[Galian Beast]

All the work in training camp is to prepare for games. Escobar can't afford to be battling injuries causing him to miss games. All his injury did was give Beasley more opportunities.

How many targets do you think Beasley got in preseason versus the amount both of these receivers got in training camp?

 

[rynochop]

I thought everyone was wanting to run the ball more

 

[KJJ]

How many targets do you think Beasley got in preseason versus the amount both of these receivers got in training camp?

Both receivers got targeted a bunch in training camp as opposed to preseason because training camp is about practice. Practices are controlled and receivers are targeted all day because it's practice. The Cowboys will be counting on both Beasley and Escobar during the season so like the rest of the starters and role players they didn't see much action in preseason. Escobar only played in one preseason game due to an injury. Practice is not the same as a real game which is why years ago Randal Williams use to light it up during training camp but could never make a play in a game other than returning an onside kick for a TD.

A lot of receivers get targeted in training camp even those who end up not making your team because that's what training camp is about. Receivers don't get near as many opportunities in games that they do in practice. Receivers don't get targeted in games unless they're open and the QB has confidence in them because it's an actual game not practice. Both Beasley and Escobar got targeted a lot last training camp but it was Beasley who put up 30 more receptions and 234 more yards than Escobar in games.

 

[Doomsday101]

Both receivers got targeted a bunch in training camp as opposed to preseason because training camp is about practice. Practices are controlled and receivers are targeted all day because it's practice. The Cowboys will be counting on both Beasley and Escobar during the season so like the rest of the starters and role players they didn't see much action in preseason. Escobar only played in one preseason game due to an injury. Practice is not the same as a real game which is why years ago Randal Williams use to light it up during training camp but could never make a play in a game other than returning an onside kick for a TD.

A lot of receivers get targeted in training camp even those who end up not making your team because that's what training camp is about. Receivers don't get near as many opportunities in games that they do in practice. Receivers don't get targeted in games unless they're open and the QB has confidence in them because it's an actual game not practice. Both Beasley and Escobar got targeted a lot last training camp but it was Beasley who put up 30 more receptions and 234 more yards than Escobar in games.

Beasley very well could get more opportunities however I think how games play out and the situations the offensive finds itself in will play a key part. Dallas in 2 TE sets will likely not have Beasley on the field and of course in 3 or 4 WR sets I doubt we see Escobar on the field. Main thing for me is not who gets the most it is coming up with the plays when they come your way.

 

[TwistedMetal]

Beasley very well could get more opportunities however I think how games play out and the situations the offensive finds itself in will play a key part. Dallas in 2 TE sets will likely not have Beasley on the field and of course in 3 or 4 WR sets I doubt we see Escobar on the field. Main thing for me is not who gets the most it is coming up with the plays when they come your way.

This is a great post, I am interested to see what Scott Linehan rolls out in terms of formations. Beasley is effective in 3-4 WR sets because he is quick and runs solid routes, just plain gets open and I don't think I have ever seen him double covered (I certainly could be wrong though). I hope Escobar can take advantage of his 1 on 1 matchups with linebackers, he is big, fast and a load to bring down. We are lucky to have such versatile weapons in the passing game, I just hope we can get them opportunities and they can take advantage of chances they get.

 

[KJJ]

Beasley very well could get more opportunities however I think how games play out and the situations the offensive finds itself in will play a key part. Dallas in 2 TE sets will likely not have Beasley on the field and of course in 3 or 4 WR sets I doubt we see Escobar on the field. Main thing for me is not who gets the most it is coming up with the plays when they come your way.

In the redzone would be the best opportunity for Escobar to make an impact due to his height advantage. You're looking to create matchup problems and he's a big target. Obviously Dez is the Cowboys #1 target in scoring position but Escobar would provide another option. Although he only caught 9 passes last season he did have 2 TD's. He's simply not going to catch a lot of balls with the receivers the Cowboys have so he needs to put 7+ TD's on the board every season to be worthy of his 2nd round draft selection. Scoring TD's is an area Witten hasn't been very good at and maybe this is an area Escobar could excel at.

 

[Doomsday101]

In the redzone would be the best opportunity for Escobar to make an impact due to his height advantage. You're looking to create matchup problems and he's a big target. Obviously Dez is the Cowboys #1 target in scoring position but Escobar would provide another option. Although he only caught 9 passes last season he did have 2 TD's. He's simply not going to catch a lot of balls with the receivers the Cowboys have so he needs to put 7+ TD's on the board every season to be worthy of his 2nd round draft selection. Scoring TD's is an area Witten hasn't been very good at and maybe this is an area Escobar could excel at.

I don't expect him to be a leader in receptions but I think he can and will have a significant impact on offense.

 

[boyzjunkie]

I thought everyone was wanting to run the ball more

You are such a wet blanket. Come fantasize with us.

 

[KJJ]

I don't expect him to be a leader in receptions but I think he can and will have a significant impact on offense.

If he doesn't make a significant impact on the offense this season I don't think he ever will unless something happens to Witten or Beasley or the Cowboys decide to go with Escobar to try and get their 2nd round value out of him. I don't believe the Cowboys expected Beasley to progress the way he has which appears to have thrown a wrench in their plans with Escobar.

Some of the discussions we've been having about Escobar are the same discussions we had about Marty B. Many kept saying year after year Marty B would make a significant impact on the offense and it never happened. His only impact came as a blocker and that's not why they drafted him and it's not why they drafted Escobar.

 

[ghst187]

Escobar is not as ready as I am for him to make an impact!

 

[dogunwo]

I think maybe Witten has slowed some.....

Yeah, just maybe, LOL.

 

[dfan32]

Yeah, just maybe, LOL.

OK you're right. Remove the "I think maybe". LOL.

 

[Bluefin]

I think maybe Witten has slowed some. His big plays are fewer it seems like.

Jason Witten had 13 receptions of 20+ yards last season, which tied for the third most such plays in a season of his eventual Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor career (14 in '08, 15 in '11).

Witten's 2013 average per reception, 11.7 yards, was over half a yard higher than his current career average per reception of 11.1 yards.

The Senator's 8 receiving touchdowns last year were the second most in a season in his career (9 in '10).

My only worry with Witten is getting him a ring before he retires.

 

[dfan32]

Jason Witten had 13 receptions of 20+ yards last season, which tied for the third most such plays in a season of his eventual Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor career (14 in '08, 15 in '11).

Witten's 2013 average per reception, 11.7 yards, was over half a yard higher than his current career average per reception of 11.1 yards.

The Senator's 8 receiving touchdowns last year were the second most in a season in his career (9 in '10).

My only worry with Witten is getting him a ring before he retires.

I didn't mean to suggest Witten is all washed up. I mean he's still a great player but he has lost a step. Just saying it would be nice if Escobar can gain experience and become a starter as Wittens ability declines.

 

[Section446]

Zero faith that this coaching staff has the brains to get him involved.

 

[Risen Star]

I think this will prove to be much to do about nothing.

Every year they talk about the impact of the 2nd TE and every year it amounts to nothing more than Bigfoot sightings.

 

[Tabascocat]

I think this will prove to be much to do about nothing.

Every year they talk about the impact of the 2nd TE and every year it amounts to nothing more than Bigfoot sightings.

 

[RackofRibs]

I want to be a little bit optimistic that they'll throw it more to Escobar and maybe Hanna too since Garret won't be the play caller anymore. And I say that because he's arrogant and never gets the new guys involved. Just go back to how long it took him to get Hanna involved in the passing game as well as beasley

 

[big dog cowboy]

Jason Witten had 13 receptions of 20+ yards last season, which tied for the third most such plays in a season of his eventual Hall of Fame and Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor career (14 in '08, 15 in '11).

Witten's 2013 average per reception, 11.7 yards, was over half a yard higher than his current career average per reception of 11.1 yards.

The Senator's 8 receiving touchdowns last year were the second most in a season in his career (9 in '10).

My only worry with Witten is getting him a ring before he retires.

This is a good post. Witten is still Romo's BFF and writing him off is putting the cart before the horse.