Notes from OTAs Today

[xwalker]

I thought Ward was going to be a penetrating 3 since hes built like Hatcher and Irving. Maybe the goal is to basically have him as a penetrating 1, kinda like Wade does with his NT sometimes in the 3-4 (Ratliff here)

If you have a Lee, healthy Smith, and LVE it gives you some leeway if that was the case.

Whole Lewis thing is overblown. It could just be a motivational technique for all we know. Lewis has talent, maybe Richard's wants to build up some of that dog in him to reach his potential. Who knows.

They are playing Lewis 2nd string to allow him to play outside as well as the slot.

If he played 1st string he would only play the slot and would not get reps when they are not in Nickel.

It's better for him to get reps outside and not just in the slot cover position.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Byron and Chido better be flawless out there because Jordan is coming

 

[Rockport]

Good to see everyone's savior in Richard has the same kind of physical prototypes that blind him to talent.

Marinelli wanted that "quick twitch". Richard has his hang-up with "length".

Blind him to talent? He created the “Legion of Doom”. I know you like to hate on all things Cowboys but hating on a new coach is ridiculous.

 

[waving monkey]

Completely disagree. Many successful athletes in all sports have over come obstacles and have a serious chip on their shoulder that will never go away. Did you see the way he finished plays while at Texas. He enjoyed knocking guys on their butt, then giving them another solid shove while they were trying to get up. He’s Not soft.

 

[Risen Star]

A 2nd round DL with big potential (considering the state of things along the line) or a return man / little used WR. Don't really need a news article or a snippet from camp to tell me it's an OK deal.

That's nice but I'll wait to see Ward actually play other than a bum before I call it a good trade. The Raiders thought so little of his big potential that they traded him for a "return man/little used WR".

I'm not saying it can't happen. I'm saying comments from Bryan friggin Broaddus in June shouldn't mean anything.

 

[Stash]

That's nice but I'll wait to see Ward actually play other than a bum before I call it a good trade. The Raiders thought so little of his big potential that they traded him for a "return man/little used WR".

I'm not saying it can't happen. I'm saying comments from Bryan friggin Broaddus in June shouldn't mean anything.

Broaddus has been on the Ward train since they made the trade. Why, I don't know. But it's reminiscent of his Chaz Green bandwagon of last year, when despite all evidence to the contrary, he continued to push that scrub.

His credibility died on that hill.

 

[HungryLion]

It’s impossible to tell much of anything with the lineman during OTA’s without pads on.

That being said Ward always did have a lot of potential, he was raw coming into the league, but the physical ability is there. He is only going into his 3rd season. Hopefully he puts it all together. For all of Marinelli’s faults as a defensive coordinator, he has always shown an ability to coach defensive linemen well.

 

[Stash]

It’s impossible to tell much of anything with the lineman during OTA’s without pads on.

That being said Ward always did have a lot of potential, he was raw coming into the league, but the physical ability is there. He is only going into his 3rd season. Hopefully he puts it all together. For all of Marinelli’s faults as a defensive coordinator, he has always shown an ability to coach defensive linemen well.

I think he's much better at teaching defensive ends and pass rush than he is defensive tackles and run stopping.

My big criticism is that I think he places too much emphasis on pass rush and "get upfield" and not nearly enough on stop the run.

One thing I am hopeful about is that it looks to me like a split responsibility on defense between he and Richard which will allow him to pay even more attention to his strengths and coaching the defensive line.

 

[Rayman70]

Rico will be cut by the end of TC

YEP...I been saying this as well. He is another Matt Johnson.

 

[Alexander]

I'm just saying what Switzer brought compared to a 2nd round DL who can play multiple positions. It's looking good right now. I agree that the pads have to come on, but DL for a return man is a win no matter how it turns out.

I seem to recall Ward being considered a bit of a reach for a second round pick.

 

[Stash]

I seem to recall Ward being considered a bit of a reach for a second round pick.

He was. Considered really raw with good physical tools.

And that's fine. But what I can't accept is this talk that a 6'5" guy who weights under 300 lbs is somehow going to be this team's nose tackle.

 

[Doomsday101]

Blind him to talent? He created the “Legion of Doom”. I know you like to hate on all things Cowboys but hating on a new coach is ridiculous.

I think with a new coach in Richards and young DB on this team these guys will have to go out and earn it, as Richards gets a chance to see what he has in the secondary. Frankly I think there is a lot of talent he has to work with in this group but with no past history with any of these players they will have to go out and handle their business to earn a starting role.

 

[Stash]

I think with a new coach in Richards and young DB on this team these guys will have to go out and earn it, as Richards gets a chance to see what he has in the secondary. Frankly I think there is a lot of talent he has to work with in this group but with no past history with any of these players they will have to go out and handle their business to earn a starting role.

I agree. I think pairing a young, talented group of defensive backs with a proven secondary coach and motivator is a winning combination.

I'm excited to see what they can accomplish together.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

I've always had my doubts about Conner Williams...and even more about this move to LG. I just don't trust a guy that used to continue to get his butt kicked everyday. You can't tell me the guy isn't mentally soft. That seed has been deeply planted....and isn't going anywhere.

Yes, always better to have athletes that have had it easy and have never had any obstacles. Those guys always pan out at the highest level. Meanwhile, guys like Michael Jordan, who didn’t make high school team continue to be mentally soft.

 

[Doomsday101]

Good to hear that Ward is looking good. I'm sure Marinelli was on the phone with Lovie Smith who coached Ward at Illinois before Dallas made the trade with the Raiders to get the low down on Ward. Given Ward time in Lovie Smith defense he should have a very good understanding of Marinelli defense.

 

[Stash]

Good to hear that Ward is looking good. I'm sure Marinelli was on the phone with Lovie Smith who coached Ward at Illinois before Dallas made the trade with the Raiders to get the low down on Ward. Given Ward time in Lovie Smith defense he should have a very good understanding of Marinelli defense.

Actually, Marinelli and the Cowboys liked Ward previously from working with him at the Senior Bowl a few years ago. I think that likely played a big part in the trade.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...e-dallas-cowboys-draft-day-trade-ryan-switzer

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

That's nice but I'll wait to see Ward actually play other than a bum before I call it a good trade. The Raiders thought so little of his big potential that they traded him for a "return man/little used WR".

I'm not saying it can't happen. I'm saying comments from Bryan friggin Broaddus in June shouldn't mean anything.

This is worth watching, from ESPN when he was drafted (forgive phone video). Kid had very difficult upbringing, played at some NYC community college, was DE first at Illinois, and then only 1 year at DT before being drafted. Not saying he’s going to be Leon Lett, but just because he didn’t fit the Raiders scheme, does not mean he won’t be a very good fit at a penetrating DT here. If Marinelli can get decent production out of Datone Jones at 1T last year, he can mold this kid.

 

[Doomsday101]

Blake Jarwin has been one player who has gotten some notice during the OTAs.

In the last two OTA workouts open to the media, Blake Jarwin has caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Cooper Rush at the end of practice.

The first-year tight end has shown an ability to get downfield and separate from defenders during these voluntary workouts, and he has an opportunity for snaps in a competition with Geoff Swaim, Rico Gathers and rookie Dalton Schultz.

The Cowboys clearly like Jarwin’s potential. They signed him to the 53-man roster last October after other teams reportedly had interest in signing the undrafted rookie off their practice squad.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/201...leighton-vander-esch-zack-martin-tavon-austin

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

He was. Considered really raw with good physical tools.

And that's fine. But what I can't accept is this talk that a 6'5" guy who weights under 300 lbs is somehow going to be this team's nose tackle.

I think this misunderstands our 4-3. Guys like Leon Lett, Tony Casillas, Laroi Glover, Jay Ratliff, Terrell McClain, etc. were all about 300 or under. We simply don’t use 330lb pluggers at 1T. They need to be quick twitch and penetrate.

 

[Stash]

I think this misunderstands our 4-3. Guys like Leon Lett, Tony Casillas, Laroi Glover, Jay Ratliff, Terrell McClain, etc. were all about 300 or under. We simply don’t use 330lb pluggers at 1T. They need to be quick twitch and penetrate.

https://insidethestar.com/film-room-eagles-gashed-cowboys-trap-scheme/

And fall on their face while the Eagles rack up over 200 yards rushing.

I don't think I "misunderstand" the issues at all.