Lucky Whitehead vs. Nick Harwell

[gimmesix]

Fumbles are never overblown in special teams. They lose games, and they're unforgiveable. They kill defenses on punts, and they make for very easy scoring drives on kickoffs.

I can't remember the exact percentage, but a turnover in the kicking game generally equates to a loss most every time.

Yes, a fumble can be overblown when it causes fans to question Whitehead making the team because of one in his first preseason game. If fumbling shows itself to be a real issue with him, then he won't make the team because of it.

No one is saying special-teams fumbles aren't a big deal, just to wait to see if they are a real issue with him. I will say that I did not like he carried the ball on a couple of returns.

 

[conner01]

Fumbles are never overblown in special teams. They lose games, and they're unforgiveable. They kill defenses on punts, and they make for very easy scoring drives on kickoffs.

I can't remember the exact percentage, but a turnover in the kicking game generally equates to a loss most every time.

How many times has he fumbled? That was a very tough hit where his body was really out of position
Did he fumble in college? Has he been fumbling in camp?
Can't really say let's cut a guy because he fumbled once
I agree fumbles on ST are huge because of the field position but the question is does he have a fumbling problem are was that just a bad hit that lots of guys could have fumbled

 

[gimmesix]

In the game, yes. But there have been reports he has muffed some in practice too.

I think he had one go through his legs that he misjudged, but I don't think it's been something that regularly happens. If so, I would think Dallas would scrap any plans to keep him as a returner.

 

[erod]

How many times has he fumbled? That was a very tough hit where his body was really out of position
Did he fumble in college? Has he been fumbling in camp?
Can't really say let's cut a guy because he fumbled once
I agree fumbles on ST are huge because of the field position but the question is does he have a fumbling problem are was that just a bad hit that lots of guys could have fumbled

No, but he looks kinda shaky under a punt. Some guys have trouble judging them, and NFL punters put a LOT more hang time on them than the crappy punters in the low level conference he played in.

 

[jazzcat22]

No, but he looks kinda shaky under a punt. Some guys have trouble judging them, and NFL punters put a LOT more hang time on them than the crappy punters in the low level conference he played in.

Yes true, but also considering it was his first real time to do this with the lights on, then maybe it had a bit to do with it. As you said, hang time and such, is a big difference. But that is what these games are for.
I am interested in seeing how he responds now. Will he look more comfortable in the SF game. Will he be a little more hesitant on going into a crowd in unavoidable, thinking don't fumble. Ball protection over an extra few yards.
Now he knows more what to expect, so how does he adjust to that.

 

[erod]

Yes true, but also considering it was his first real time to do this with the lights on, then maybe it had a bit to do with it. As you said, hang time and such, is a big difference. But that is what these games are for.
I am interested in seeing how he responds now. Will he look more comfortable in the SF game. Will he be a little more hesitant on going into a crowd in unavoidable, thinking don't fumble. Ball protection over an extra few yards.
Now he knows more what to expect, so how does he adjust to that.

You can NOT take chances with an iffy returner on a team with big aspirations. If he's not rock solid with the ball by the Giants game, just go find a sure-handed veteran.

I don't want Beasley or Dez doing it.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Fair or unfair, any fumbles/muffs in this game should seal Whitehead's fate. Harwell has apparently outplayed him as a WR; if he is unable to prove his worth as a kick returner, the Cowboys will be shopping for someone who can be dependable.

Too bad Harwell is not a kick returner; he could have had a good chance to be the 5th WR.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Keep lucky. Send Harwell to the PS. If he gets claimed away. C'est la vie.

 

[speedkilz88]

Was watching one of the training camp live videos and they talked about Whitehead being on the field with the first-team offense playing the role Dwayne Harris used to play. He also was out with the first team some against San Diego. So it appears the fifth receiver spot is his to lose. If we keep Harwell, it will probably be as a sixth receiver because we don't feel we can get him to the PS. Right now, I don't think Dallas feels that way.

Harwell does look good in practice running crisp routes to get open. I'd say Whitehead is definitely more raw in that area, and if he fails to show he can be the return man, then Harwell has a chance to win the fifth spot.

Yeah, many don't realize that Whitehead has actually outplayed Harwell as a WR in camp.

 

[gimmesix]

Yeah, many don't realize that Whitehead has actually outplayed Harwell as a WR in camp.

Well, I think Harwell's really coming on and is showing he might be a more polished receiver at this point than Whitehead from what I've seen in the videos, but I don't think Dallas would be considering Whitehead for Harris' spot if they hadn't seen more from him than the others up to this point. Harwell seems to be hitting his stride now, much like Devin Street. I think Whitehead already has shown his potential, now the question is whether he can build on that.

 

[CF74]

Whitehead

 

[reddyuta]

Remember Harris was cut too,Whitehead better make sure he doesn't fumble anymore.

 

[HellCrowe]

Just like the RB position our KR/PR is a big question mark. Seems like we are playing with fire on both accounts and just trying to go with who we have. I do want to see whitehead get a good lickin' again just to see his durability and if he can actually hold on to the ball. If he can do that I'd go Lucky because of ST. We are stacked at WR.

 

[Doc50]

At this point for what either one would contribute at WR.........I would keep the better returner.

Special teams could make or break Dallas in late season.

They've been average at best for several years.

And Whitehead should be able to back up Beasley in the slot.

 

[Bullflop]

Both Whitehead and Harwell still have tests to pass before they make the grade and in turn, make the roster. Lucky hasn't yet proven he'll be able to avoid fumbling as is necessary to be a successful kick returner. Harwell still must prove that he can the ball catch throughout camp with the consistency that is required to be retained. Both show promise but aren't quite there yet.

 

[conner01]

You can NOT take chances with an iffy returner on a team with big aspirations. If he's not rock solid with the ball by the Giants game, just go find a sure-handed veteran.

I don't want Beasley or Dez doing it.

Then who do you want returning punts is no
Lucky, dez, or Beasley
We are one game into the pre season so not sure you can judge lucky just yet
And you aren't likely to learn much against the 49ers
Maybe see if he is more comfortable but don't see many good return opportunities against them

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I agree that fumbles get overblown, but Whitehead needed to get both hands on that ball in traffic. He held in just one arm without covering it as he was being tackled.

Who keeps both hands on the ball in the NFL while running?

You carry it in one arm and have 4 pressure points on the ball so you can still run fast and protect the football.

I'm just saying that in that situation I think it was overblow because most players would have fumbled the ball.





YR

 

[gimmesix]

Who keeps both hands on the ball in the NFL while running?

You carry it in one arm and have 4 pressure points on the ball so you can still run fast and protect the football.

I'm just saying that in that situation I think it was overblow because most players would have fumbled the ball.





YR

Didn't mean he's supposed to run with two hands on the ball, just that he's supposed to cover up when in heavy traffic or at point of contact. He didn't do it, and I don't think he would have fumbled if he had. I don't think it's a big deal, though, and he can learn from the situation.