ESPN: Sunday NFL preview: Cowboys RB job up for grabs vs. 49ers; NFL blurbs

[jobberone]

Sunday NFL preview: Cowboys RB job up for grabs vs. 49ers

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NFL Nation reporters look ahead to Sunday's practices and games.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys play their second preseason game Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Tony Romo is expected to get his first action, albeit briefly, but this game will mean more for the running backs: Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. None played last week against the San Diego Chargers and all three will be available Sunday. Nobody will run away with the job, but they can at least ease the fears some have about the position group with a positive showing. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants: The Giants are off Sunday and Monday before returning to practice Tuesday. But watch today for any news on linebacker Jon Beason, who left Saturday night's game with a left knee sprain. As the middle linebacker, Beason is a critical part of Steve Spagnuolo's defense. And with so little experience at the second and third levels, the Giants count on his leadership and organizational skills to keep things running smoothly. A long-term injury to Beason would be difficult to overcome. -- Dan Graziano

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are off Sunday after their one-sided preseason victory over the Baltimore Ravens Saturday night. When they reconvene Monday, Sam Bradford will have some game action -- an 11-play touchdown drive, at that -- under his belt for the first time in a year. --Phil Sheridan

Washington Commanders: As the Commanders return to work Sunday, the focus again will be on quarterback Robert Griffin III. He'll undergo concussion protocol throughout the week, but the team remains hopeful that he'll play vs. Baltimore on Aug. 29. It will be interesting to hear coach Jay Gruden's assessment of Griffin's night. This much is clear: Not all the issues stemmed from the offensive line. -- John Keim

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13491961/cowboys-rb-job-grabs-vs-49ers-nfl

 

[Irvin88_4life]

With most of the starting OL our RBs won't have the holes they will in the season. I look to see quick decisions and getting north and south. I'm looking for vision and the ability in pass protection.

Overall im looking to see the DL and if Gregory builds on a decent showing from last game.

I want to watch Collins and see if he can cement himself as a starter. Will he get some action at RT. Does Weems have a better performance at LT.....shouldn't be too hard considering how bad he was the first game.

I want to watch Vaughn and Showers, can one or both take Weeden spot at backup or a reason to keep 3 QBs.

I wanna see Lucky take control of that 5th reciever spot and be our return man.

Like to see Claiborne show us if he is really healthy and can he make plays for us or let Patmon and White pass him in the depth chart.

As always I'm watching my pet cat Tim Scott at safety and see if he can make a case to stay on the roster. He needs to have a big game today if he wants to stay

 

[Hailmary]

If Romo does play tonight, I just want to see him for one series handing it off to whoever. With most of the starters on the oline not suiting up tonight, I don't want to see a defender within 10yds of Romo.

 

[jazzcat22]

Yes, without the starting OL, we will get to see how the RB's do. I am sure there will be missed posts on the outcome of their performances. But that is what we are here for.
But I am looking at it, as they just show they have a grasp on the offense, and get some plays in. Then against the Vikings with the so called dress rehearsal. If all the OL is back. We can see more of the true RB's and how they may do. Though not game planned.

I just want to see them handle it well and obviously stay healthy. And same for the entire team.

 

[TonyS]

Wondering what the reasoning would be to even play Romo if critical OL pieces are going to be missing on a suspect field?

 

[Seven]

Wondering what the reasoning would be to even play Romo if critical OL pieces are going to be missing on a suspect field?

I think it'll be because Romo wants to play.

 

[MrPeanutbutter]

I think it'll be because Romo wants to play.

It would be good for Romo to get a few snaps under center. But I hate watching guys get sacked in preseason games.

 

[Idgit]

If Romo does play tonight, I just want to see him for one series handing it off to whoever. With most of the starters on the oline not suiting up tonight, I don't want to see a defender within 10yds of Romo.

It'd be idiotic to play him at all today. Not on that field, with that line. And with limited weapons.

 

[DCBoysfan]

It'd be idiotic to play him at all today. Not on that field, with that line. And with limited weapons.

My feeling exactly, these conditions are suspect.

 

[DandyDon52]

Wondering what the reasoning would be to even play Romo if critical OL pieces are going to be missing on a suspect field?

I know martin was hurt , but why would the others not play??
If Whole OL is out, what is the point in playing the top 3 rb's????
And I agree it would be stupid to play romo if that is the case .

if it is just martin out then it is ok.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo is expected to get his first action, albeit briefly, but this game will mean more for the running backs: Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. None played last week against the San Diego Chargers and all three will be available Sunday. Nobody will run away with the job, but they can at least ease the fears some have about the position group with a positive showing. -- Todd Archere

The entire off season the media seems to think the Cowboys should be in full blown panic mode concerning our RB situation. It's clear they simply are not paying attention becaue the Cowboys non-action in free agency and the draft speaks volumns in this matter. We may eventually sign a RB but they don't seem to be in any kind of panic mode to "ease the fears" that don't outwardly seem to exist.

 

[jobberone]

The entire off season the media seems to think the Cowboys should be in full blown panic mode concerning our RB situation. It's clear they simply are not paying attention becaue the Cowboys non-action in free agency and the draft speaks volumns in this matter. We may eventually sign a RB but they don't seem to be in any kind of panic mode to "ease the fears" that don't outwardly seem to exist.

Agreed. They want to see what they have. They have speed covered. They could use a thumper IMO because I don't see Clutts performing that function although I might be wrong. They can pick up a power back later on if need be.

If people are looking for another Murray then I suggest they don't hold their breath. If he stays healthy there will be cries to the heavens. But we have tools to do the job.

 

[jobberone]

If Romo does play tonight, I just want to see him for one series handing it off to whoever. With most of the starters on the oline not suiting up tonight, I don't want to see a defender within 10yds of Romo.

Generally he'd play a quarter or couple of series. I'd rather he play as usual the 3rd game a quarter or two. I don't think he needs the play.

 

[KJJ]

With all the injury concerns with McFadden Randle will likely end up being the starter opening day if he's healthy. They'll be a committee with him getting the brunt of the carries.

 

[KJJ]

It'd be idiotic to play him at all today. Not on that field, with that line. And with limited weapons.

They have to play him at least a series because he'll only play a half to 3 quarters next week and that will be it until opening day. He has to be sharp for the opener so he doesn't come out of the blocks caked with rust like he did in the opener last season vs SF. Granted Romo has had more work this offseason that last summer not having to rehab his back but he has to play more than just a half to 3 quarters of one preseason game to be sharp for the opener.

 

[jobberone]

Romo doesn't need any game time esp in those conditions. He can next week.

 

[Sportsbabe]

I think it'll be because Romo wants to play.

... and because he can see how the guys do under lights when the real bullets are flying. You never know when they may be called to duty. I don't like hearing people talking and playing scared. That's when bad things happen. That's why you need to go all out all day every day. Give your best regardless of the circumstances.