jday
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I think most all of us walked away from the game feeling slightly better than last week, regardless of it being a loss. In two games, our starting defense has 3 interceptions and has not allowed any points and our starting offense, at the very least, showed marked improvement over the previous game. That’s not to suggest that the Cowboys are a finished product. But, good or bad, below are the things that stood out to me.
The offensive line looked much improved. Romo looked to have plenty of time on several occasions. On the other hand, it also seemed like the Raiders blitzed quite a bit more, whereas the Chargers remained very vanilla in their blitz packages, particularly with the starters on the field. So, I wouldn’t break out the anointing oil just yet.
Felix doesn’t look like Felix. As much work as Olawale got, I am beginning to wonder who is in trouble, Tanner or Felix? Given the short yardage trouble, particularly in the Red Zone, that the Cowboys had last year, I would not be surprised if Olawale makes the team. I believe this is particularly the case because of his position versatility; he can also play Full Back. We will know more next week. Should Olawale be given an opportunity against starters that could spell the end for Felix. Or do they go heavy at RB/FB? History would suggest no, though, were I making the decision, I might do it, considering the injuries we had to the position last year.
I think Teddy Williams looks good, at times, on defense, but he is not a return man.
Mario Butler is all but a lock for this team, in my mind. Granted, he completely whiffed on a hit that led to a touchdown and missed what looked to be a pretty easy interception, but I’d still say he looked pretty solid. Seemed like he was around the ball an awful lot last night, though, I am fully aware that the game tape may conclude otherwise. That, and he is showing flexibility play bothing DB and S.
I really like James Hanna. He is looking like a very good fit for this team. Catches the ball well and runs downhill, with great leverage, making him a very difficult target, and even harder to bring down upon impact.
Where was Bruce Carter tonight?
Maybe I’m a little drunk on the proverbial Kool-Aid, but it seemed as though the Cowboys were a lot more aggressive going after loose balls. Am I the only one who thinks in the past several years the Cowboys seemed very lackadaisical in going after loose balls? Either way, tonight, when the ball hit the ground, it looked as though there were diving Cowboys jersey’s coming from out of every angle of the TV screen.
After tracking the player that intercepted the pass intended for him all the way down the field and making the stop at the 1 yard line, Jason is going to have a really hard time cutting him. But even if he has to, I think based on what Radway did in that one play, the Cowboys will at the very least try to sneak him on to the Practice Squad. He was on the ground, got up, turned on the jets, and made a tackle saving the touchdown. That alone said a lot about both his character and his physical ability. Plus he had a pretty good return in the game, albeit against scrubs.
I’m beginning to think the 3rd receiver will be by committee. Ogletree very well may be the third receiver as far as the depth chart is concerned, but Cole Beasley will find his way on the field. Runs excellent route’s, makes great cuts to create separation, and catches the ball away from his body. He uses his size to his advantage against bigger defenders and shows some slipperyness after the catch. I really like the idea of using him in a limited role both on offense and on punt returns. I’d even like to see him get a chance at kick returns. Kudos also have to go out to Dwayne Harris, who reminds me a little of Patrick Crayton. Andre Holmes pretty much disappeared in this game and I really can’t say his performance in the first game was that awe inspiring to say he’s already safe. He’s looking more and more like an excellent candidate for the Practice Squad, but we are only half way through preseason and it’s still premature to say one way or the other. Ogletree, in my mind, still has the inside track, not only because of last night, but his overall familiarity with this offense and his flexibility to play all 3 positions.
I said it following last week’s game and I’m still saying it. The Cowboys cannot honestly say they kept the best 53 and keep more than two quarterbacks. Though, I would try to slide Carpenter over to the practice squad.
The offensive line looked much improved. Romo looked to have plenty of time on several occasions. On the other hand, it also seemed like the Raiders blitzed quite a bit more, whereas the Chargers remained very vanilla in their blitz packages, particularly with the starters on the field. So, I wouldn’t break out the anointing oil just yet.
Felix doesn’t look like Felix. As much work as Olawale got, I am beginning to wonder who is in trouble, Tanner or Felix? Given the short yardage trouble, particularly in the Red Zone, that the Cowboys had last year, I would not be surprised if Olawale makes the team. I believe this is particularly the case because of his position versatility; he can also play Full Back. We will know more next week. Should Olawale be given an opportunity against starters that could spell the end for Felix. Or do they go heavy at RB/FB? History would suggest no, though, were I making the decision, I might do it, considering the injuries we had to the position last year.
I think Teddy Williams looks good, at times, on defense, but he is not a return man.
Mario Butler is all but a lock for this team, in my mind. Granted, he completely whiffed on a hit that led to a touchdown and missed what looked to be a pretty easy interception, but I’d still say he looked pretty solid. Seemed like he was around the ball an awful lot last night, though, I am fully aware that the game tape may conclude otherwise. That, and he is showing flexibility play bothing DB and S.
I really like James Hanna. He is looking like a very good fit for this team. Catches the ball well and runs downhill, with great leverage, making him a very difficult target, and even harder to bring down upon impact.
Where was Bruce Carter tonight?
Maybe I’m a little drunk on the proverbial Kool-Aid, but it seemed as though the Cowboys were a lot more aggressive going after loose balls. Am I the only one who thinks in the past several years the Cowboys seemed very lackadaisical in going after loose balls? Either way, tonight, when the ball hit the ground, it looked as though there were diving Cowboys jersey’s coming from out of every angle of the TV screen.
After tracking the player that intercepted the pass intended for him all the way down the field and making the stop at the 1 yard line, Jason is going to have a really hard time cutting him. But even if he has to, I think based on what Radway did in that one play, the Cowboys will at the very least try to sneak him on to the Practice Squad. He was on the ground, got up, turned on the jets, and made a tackle saving the touchdown. That alone said a lot about both his character and his physical ability. Plus he had a pretty good return in the game, albeit against scrubs.
I’m beginning to think the 3rd receiver will be by committee. Ogletree very well may be the third receiver as far as the depth chart is concerned, but Cole Beasley will find his way on the field. Runs excellent route’s, makes great cuts to create separation, and catches the ball away from his body. He uses his size to his advantage against bigger defenders and shows some slipperyness after the catch. I really like the idea of using him in a limited role both on offense and on punt returns. I’d even like to see him get a chance at kick returns. Kudos also have to go out to Dwayne Harris, who reminds me a little of Patrick Crayton. Andre Holmes pretty much disappeared in this game and I really can’t say his performance in the first game was that awe inspiring to say he’s already safe. He’s looking more and more like an excellent candidate for the Practice Squad, but we are only half way through preseason and it’s still premature to say one way or the other. Ogletree, in my mind, still has the inside track, not only because of last night, but his overall familiarity with this offense and his flexibility to play all 3 positions.
I said it following last week’s game and I’m still saying it. The Cowboys cannot honestly say they kept the best 53 and keep more than two quarterbacks. Though, I would try to slide Carpenter over to the practice squad.
