Star-Telegram: Austin gets first team reps today

[dcfanatic]

http://www.star-telegram.com/332/story/1696919.html
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Miles Austin getting first-team reps
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
chill@star-telegram.com


IRVING — The Dallas Cowboys have yet to make an official announcement, but the writing has been on the wall since wide receiver Miles Austin’s record-setting day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Now it’s coming to fruition on the practice field.

Austin has replaced Crayton in the starting lineup opposite Roy Williams.

Austin took the bulk of the snaps with the first-team offense as the Cowboys returned to work Monday following last week’s bye in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Williams, who practiced for the first time since injuring his ribs against the Denver Broncos and sitting out the Chiefs game, also worked with the first team. Crayton got most of his work as the third receiver.

Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman stuck with the official company line when interviewed after practice. "Right now, we are going through practice," Sherman said. "We have to see and make that decision when it comes."

Crayton, however, confirmed the demotion, but declined further comment because he didn’t want to "say the wrong thing."

Again the move is no surprise considering Austin’s big performance against the Chiefs and his explosive potential. Replacing an injured Williams, Austin caught 10 passes for a team-record 250 yards and touchdowns of 59 and 60 yards.

His 250 yards in one game were more than Crayton (243) and Williams (214) have all season.

Coach Wade Phillips said last week that Austin deserved to stay on the field when Williams returned. Now that the Cowboys are following through on their word, the key for Austin is to prove he is not a one-hit wonder and can be a consistent threat.
"It’s good to see that he had a great game," Sherman said. "But now we've got to forget about that and get ready for this one. He has to keep that up."
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Crayton. I can see why he's not talking. He's frustrated and should be.

But you can't ignore the play of Austin against the Chiefs.

Weird situation though because it was just one game.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Crayton, however, confirmed the demotion, but declined further comment because he didn’t want to "say the wrong thing."

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

 

[silver]

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

also moving to the slot where he's better suited.

 

[Plumfool]

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

It won't

 

[big dog cowboy]

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

For now.

 

[davidb257]

I am very excited about seeing what Austin and Williams can do to defenses while Romo is protected.

The key being, Romo IS protected.

 

[Bluefin]

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

It's also something Patrick Crayton did last year when unfairly demoted for an ill prepared and hobbled Roy Williams.

Coach Wade Phillips said last week that Austin deserved to stay on the field when Williams returned. Now that the Cowboys are following through on their word, the key for Austin is to prove he is not a one-hit wonder and can be a consistent threat.

I'm not too worried.

The coaches have talked about Miles Austin showing up on film doing the right things and getting open even when the ball went elsewhere.

I also know Sky Miles will continue working to better himself as a player however he can.

We need his speed and big play ability on the field.

 

[Bach]

also moving to the slot where he's better suited.

Yep. A two-fer.

Crayton shuts up and moves back to the slot #3 position.

A win-win.

 

[Bleu Star]

Just as long as no one expects him to pull in 10 for 250 every week he'll be just fine. I personally expect 9 for 225 every week or else.

 

[Vintage]

He'll get 2 catches next week and people will be ruing the decision....

Next, we'll hear more and more threads calling for Olgetree.

 

[Bach]

He'll get 2 catches next week and people will be ruing the decision....

Next, we'll hear more and more threads calling for Olgetree.

Or maybe calling for us to actually draft a WR in the first 2-3 rounds.

 

[Bluefin]

I personally expect 9 for 225 every week or else.

:laugh2:

Nothing wrong with that!

But it will be the combined touches of Miles Austin and Felix Jones!

Jason Witten, Roy Williams, Miles Austin, Martellus Bennett and Felix Jones on the field together is a big match-up problem for defenses.

 

[Hoofbite]

Why is Crayton so pissed?

You play like ****, you get to sit.

Go out there and catch a few balls and you'll probably start splittin time with Austin. Catch a few more and you'll probably get your spot back.

 

[Bleu Star]

Why is Crayton so pissed?

You play like ****, you get to sit.

Go out there and catch a few balls and you'll probably start splittin time with Austin. Catch a few more and you'll probably get your spot back.

At this point you play the guys making plays... That's unless the guy's name is Bobby Carpenter. I'm still not sure why he plays.. WTG Hoov.

 

[tunahelper]

Who cares if Crayton likes it or not. What is he going to point to his fumbles as proof he should be starting?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Crayton. I can see why he's not talking. He's frustrated and should be.

But you can't ignore the play of Austin against the Chiefs.

Weird situation though because it was just one game.

I'm listening to the Cowboys Hour on KRLD right now and it's actually Crayton (the regular on the show) and Rossum. It could be an awkward situation, but Crayton is handling it like a pro. I've never understood why people hate the guy so much.

BTW, Rossum sounds like a great guy and a great role model for the younger players. BTW, he said even when he was with Philly, Green Bay, Atlanta, and San Fran, he always still watched the Cowboys when the schedule allowed.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

Good job of recognition by the staff on promoting Miles and Miles of Texas. Better job of being a team player by Crayton by not going the TO route.

 

[Idgit]

It won't

For now.

Crayton's a team player. You guys bash him unfairly.

 

[Teague31]

now we just need ogletree to start taking the #3 reps and we will be set.

 

[FLcowboy]

This should make a lot of Zoners happy -- Crayton deciding to keep his mouth shut.

Yeah, he has a history of spouting off at the wrong time with the wrong words. Hopefully he will become an awesome slot receiver, and I think he will. Anybody remember Kelvin Williams? He was a great slot receiver in the 90s.