Over Analyzing Training Camp Moments

[Bobhaze]

Training Camp is always a welcome sign that off season is finally over and we are about 6 weeks away from some real football. But one reminder for all of us fans hungry for Cowboys football- don’t over-analyze every practice, drill, or individual play.

The day to day, play to play, minute by minute training camp updates can be fun, but can also be very misleading. Sometimes in practices and drills, the coaches have players working on specific things that to the naked eye may be deceiving. Sometimes a drill is happening instead of a real football play.

For example, if an Off Lineman is working on a particular footwork skill, he may get beat in a drill that is not designed to show their overall blocking ability but is simply designed to improve a particular skill. Some WR drills are designed to work on route running- breaks, head fakes, footwork. In some of those drills, catching the ball isn't as important as working on those other things. Someone who doesn’t know that might report, “WR A dropped a couple of passes”. But the WR position coach is thinking, “That guy has really improved his route running.”

My point is, don’t look at a segment of practice in a single day and think it is hugely informative about how a player is doing. Listen to what the coaches are saying over time, plus what the players show in preseason games against opponents. A lot of practice situations are deceiving unless you know what they are working on. Some of the “beast” moments some fans rave about aren’t, and some bad moments in practice may not be bad.

The good news is real football is about 6 weeks away. Until then, the over-analysis of practices and drills will continue. I just wouldn’t put too much stock into all that.

 

[Doc50]

Yeah, great plays will be made by players who still don’t make the roster. It will be fine if everybody just plays up to their expectations; we get excited about those who exceed that.

 

[Bobhaze]

Yeah, great plays will be made by players who still don’t make the roster. It will be fine if everybody just plays up to their expectations; we get excited about those who exceed that.

Every year, there are “training camp all stars” who end being cut.

 

[CouchCoach]

Training camp and pretend season are both overblown but fans are hungry for football and also in need of some optimism. Except for the injuries, every team is spinning positives out of camp.

The only attention I pay to either is that Injury report, that can separate the contenders before it gets real. And the Cowboys are a little too thin in certain areas so I sweat camp and pretend season a little.

 

[Bobhaze]

Training camp and pretend season are both overblown but fans are hungry for football and also in need of some optimism. Except for the injuries, every team is spinning positives out of camp.

The only attention I pay to either is that Injury report, that can separate the contenders before it gets real. And the Cowboys are a little too thin in certain areas so I sweat camp and pretend season a little.

Yep. There’s always a fine line between hope and hype.

And regarding injuries, I recall reading an article a couple of years ago by some former NFL GM who said the practice of training camp should be ended. It was started in the early days of the NFL when players were essentially part time and needed 6 weeks to get in shape. Players today are usually in good shape year round. The owners want to keep TC as a money maker and PR machine to hype interest.

What would be better would be something akin to what college football does. They just use about 4 weeks of practices and start playing by Sept. 1.

 

[cern]

I put far more stock in preseason games than any hype coming from training camp. You can at least apply the eye test to games.

 

[GenoT]

While it’s fun to watch some practice highlights and the preseason games, I never get real excited, either way, about most of what happens at camp.

Too many unknown-to-us-fans elements factor into how the FO/coaches decide who stays, who gets cut and where those who do make the team are placed on the “final 53” depth chart.

First game of the regular season and things become more clear.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Stay true to yourself sports fans and do what you do, I enjoy reading the different opinions and or reactions to all things Cowboys. It is interesting, informative and sometimes entertaining to view the growing pains of my fellow Cowboys fans. It's your fandom, embrace it

 

[Bobhaze]

While it’s fun to watch some practice highlights and the preseason games, I never get real excited, either way, about most of what happens in the at camp.

Too many unknown-to-us-fans elements factor into how the FO/coaches decide who stays, who gets cut and where those who do make the team are placed on the “final 53” depth chart.

First game of the regular season and things become more clear.

Some older long time fans might remember a former “training camp star” RB Beau Morgan in the mid 80s who was also a former QB and late round draft pick from Air Force Academy.

Every other day in TC we would hear writers talking about “what a great camp” Morgan was having. He was getting rave reviews from all who took the time to say what was happening in TC. Morgan was even the leading rusher for the Cowboys in preseason games.

Then he was cut. That happens every year to some “training camp star”.

 

[Diehardblues]

The only meaningful news for me coming out of Camp is injuries. Or if we’re waiting for a player to sign.

I couldn’t care less about these daily reports on how players are doing. It’s usually more hyperbole than anything.

I’ll judge by what I see in preseason on any of these developing players and the final 53 of course.

 

[Bobhaze]

Anyone remember these training camp all stars of recent years?

-QB Stephen McGee
-WR Danny Coale
-S Matt Johnson
-C/G- David Arkin
-WR Kevin Ogletree
-C Al Costa
-QB Dustin Vaughn
-S Ahmad Dixon
-CB BW Webb

We were told they all were “having a great camp”. I can still hear the voice of Mickey “Jones” Spagnola waxing on about these guys turning heads in TC, LOL.

 

[Doc50]

Anyone remember these training camp all stars of recent years?

-QB Stephen McGee
-WR Danny Coale
-S Matt Johnson
-C/G- David Arkin
-WR Kevin Ogletree
-C Al Costa
-QB Dustin Vaughn
-S Ahmad Dixon
-CB BW Webb

We were told they all were “having a great camp”. I can still hear the voice of Mickey “Jones” Spagnola waxing on about these guys turning heads in TC, LOL.

Mickey’s still blowin that smoke.

 

[Fletch]

Training Camp is always a welcome sign that off season is finally over and we are about 6 weeks away from some real football. But one reminder for all of us fans hungry for Cowboys football- don’t over-analyze every practice, drill, or individual play.

The day to day, play to play, minute by minute training camp updates can be fun, but can also be very misleading. Sometimes in practices and drills, the coaches have players working on specific things that to the naked eye may be deceiving. Sometimes a drill is happening instead of a real football play.

For example, if an Off Lineman is working on a particular footwork skill, he may get beat in a drill that is not designed to show their overall blocking ability but is simply designed to improve a particular skill. Some WR drills are designed to work on route running- breaks, head fakes, footwork. In some of those drills, catching the ball isn't as important as working on those other things. Someone who doesn’t know that might report, “WR A dropped a couple of passes”. But the WR position coach is thinking, “That guy has really improved his route running.”

My point is, don’t look at a segment of practice in a single day and think it is hugely informative about how a player is doing. Listen to what the coaches are saying over time, plus what the players show in preseason games against opponents. A lot of practice situations are deceiving unless you know what they are working on. Some of the “beast” moments some fans rave about aren’t, and some bad moments in practice may not be bad.

The good news is real football is about 6 weeks away. Until then, the over-analysis of practices and drills will continue. I just wouldn’t put too much stock into all that.

You typed out an Op Ed to tell us not to be excited, or break down plays in practice? It has been dang near 6 months since we’ve had football.

I’ll over analyze crack sweat at camp if I want too. Football is back. Sit back and enjoy my friend!

 

[Bobhaze]

You typed out an Op Ed to tell us not to be excited, or break down plays in practice? It has been dang near 6 months since we’ve had football.

I’ll over analyze crack sweat at camp if I want too. Football is back. Sit back and enjoy my friend!

Lol, I hear you Fletch. TC just makes me even more anxious for the regular season.

 

[Old'Boyfan]

Anyone remember these training camp all stars of recent years?

-QB Stephen McGee
-WR Danny Coale
-S Matt Johnson
-C/G- David Arkin
-WR Kevin Ogletree
-C Al Costa
-QB Dustin Vaughn
-S Ahmad Dixon
-CB BW Webb

We were told they all were “having a great camp”. I can still hear the voice of Mickey “Jones” Spagnola waxing on about these guys turning heads in TC, LOL.

Ah yes, "Matty" Johnson. We wasted 3 years waiting to see that guy actually play in a game.

 

[speedkilz88]

Anyone remember these training camp all stars of recent years?

-QB Stephen McGee
-WR Danny Coale
-S Matt Johnson
-C/G- David Arkin
-WR Kevin Ogletree
-C Al Costa
-QB Dustin Vaughn
-S Ahmad Dixon
-CB BW Webb

We were told they all were “having a great camp”. I can still hear the voice of Mickey “Jones” Spagnola waxing on about these guys turning heads in TC, LOL.

I got to disagree on a few. McGee, Arkin, and Webb sucked balls all through their time with the Cowboys.

 

[Bobhaze]

I got to disagree on a few. McGee, Arkin, and Webb sucked balls all through their time with the Cowboys.

Yeah I know, but not according to training camp guru Mickey Spags.

 

[Corso]

Lol, I hear you Fletch. TC just makes me even more anxious for the regular season.

Lol... it's a game. Why be anxious?

 

[Whyjerry]

So many pet cats floating around every year. I will say there is a lot of intrigue at several positions this year. WR and TE in particular. I will also say Jaylon Smith and Randy Gregory are something to watch. If those guys are back this D might be excellent.

On another note I got Benched yesterday because of my threads on the Dallas decision on National Anthem. Complete garbage.

 

[lukin2006]

I just want some football ... my favourite has the longest off-season.