Sullivan: Some Farewell Camp Thoughts From the Bald Head

[morasp]

The author of America’s Team: The Official History of the Dallas Cowboys, Sullivan also writes a new column in each issue of Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine. For subscription information, please click here.

Some farewell camp thoughts that run through an oversized, bald head:


Easily my favorite moment from the second practice with the Oakland Raiders was rookie wideout Devin Street offering criticism and advice to tight end Dallas Walker, who was released Thursday, after an incomplete pass. As they walked back to the huddle, a good 40 yards down field, Street ended up pausing at Oakland’s huddle, saying some words, and sure enough, a scuffle ensued. Just thought it showed a combination of this and that. Not sure it was leadership or toughness, or maybe just talking some trash. Didn’t hear a word Street said, just kind of appreciated the moxy.

Rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens has had a really nice camp. Completely under the radar. Which is confusing since at times there seemed to be more media covering a football practice than at the White House briefing room. Still, didn’t hear much about Hitchens. The fourth-round pick has been solid, can play multiple positions, too, as can Justin Durant , who was hands down the defensive MVP of camp. It wasn’t even close, either

One of my most endearing images of this camp was the legendary Monte Kiffin walking off the field with his arm draped around Rolando McClain . This was a random morning, and McClain wasn’t even in pads, but the dialogue between the two fascinated me. Each was as engaged as the other in the back-and-forth. And as confirmed later, McClain knew verbatim of Kiffin’s background. That’s cool stuff.

Still not sure what the deal is with McClain. If he’s committed, this guy should be one of the top players on this defense. Physically speaking, he’s the most intimidating presence on the team. Last guy you want to meet in a dark alley? No debate. McClain.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/a...ald-Head/97ebe707-ec4d-4367-9fa7-4320314d3ad2

 

[Corso]

Good read:

• Sean Lee, who of course is out for the year following ACL surgery, has been in every linebackers meeting of camp. Has been at every practice. Really think he’ll be a head coach in the NFL one day, could probably be a positions coach now. There’s really no way around this, so just going to say it. He looks sad. Have tried for 10 minutes to think of a better word and just can’t find one. Poor guy, playing football means so much to him. Life is grossly unfair at times. Still out here everyday helping his teammates, class act.

That breaks my heart.
I hope this defense can rise and do some good this year.

Good stuff on the autographs and who stayed behind. I was slightly shocked that Mo was one of them.
Very nice.

 

[Corso]

• Want to be excited about some guys making the leap on offense? Terrance Williams and Gavin Escobar. Know what else? That 2013 draft is going to look mighty fine in the near future.Travis Frederick is going to start making some Pro Bowls and he’s isn’t going to stop that trend for quite some time. It’s ridiculous how we grade drafts in the immediate aftermath or even after a season. Doesn’t happen overnight, rarely does.

Loved this part too...

 

[jazzcat22]

Yes, good read.
I liked that he commented on the camp Hitchens was having. Sounded good. Can't wait to see the comments on him, as well as the Dunbar / Sproles comment.

 

[Gameover]

Been saying it all summer: lot of young talent on this team.

This time next year, cowboys will enter camp as a favorite.

11-5

 

[CCBoy]

I'm a fan of all that Sullivan puts on paper. He's a quality writer in this fan's book.

 

[Moderately_Askew]

It's good to hear Hitchens is having such a good camp, also fun to hear the team loves Heath.

 

[xwalker]

He really likes Hitchens, Durant and R. McClain.

He also likes Boatright and Coleman.

 

[CCBoy]

Boatright and Coleman are great to see growing into another's pair of shoes. I also like the kid, Bishop, a lot.

Mix in a handful of Rolando McCain, and I like what is being put together up the middle of the Dallas defense.

 

[starfrombirth]

He really likes Hitchens, Durant and R. McClain.

He also likes Boatright and Coleman.

It's funny, no knock on Coleman, but Bishop has been more disruptive and made more plays from day one but none of the writers (other than Broadus) ever mention him. ???

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Hitchens a camp standout?

Odd for a guy that wasn't considered draftable in some circles.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

It's funny, no knock on Coleman, but Bishop has been more disruptive and made more plays from day one but none of the writers (other than Broadus) ever mention him. ???

I've heard good things about both rookies.

I don't think I've read that Bishop has done more quite frankly.

 

[dragon_mikal]

It's a breath of fresh air to read some positive tidbits about the team on here. Can't wait till week 1...

 

[5Stars]

This was a really good article. And, I like the fact that he has question marks about the defense. The reason being is, because information about how bad the defense is going to be, the whole NFL reads this stuff just like some of our fans.

I like the fact that information is not coming out about how the defense is one of the strong points of the team. Other teams may read this and think they are going to just come to play the Cowboys and have their way with them.

Now, this years defense is not going to be like last years Seahawks or the 85 Bears defense, but it is not going to be like last years defense. But, they are going to help win some games for the Cowboys, and when the Cowboys do lose a game whether it's defense or offense, the other team is going to know that the Cowboys have came to play!

I have already put my foot in my mouth about liking this defense this year, and have put another foot in my mouth again. If I have more room, I might try and stick an elbow in my mouth. But, don't count out this defense when it comes to helping the Cowboys win games this year.

I also like the fact that not much have been heard about the starters on defense because of players either not practicing, or limping off after a minor boo-boo or whatnot, because I want that bunch to come together as a starting unit in the first game of the season with something to prove, to themselves for being embarrassed, which they deserved, and to not really show the media, the NFL, the fans or anyone else, what the are really about because uncertainty provides intrigue...and this defense, while not being the best, is definitely not going to be in last place at the end of the season.

 

[CCBoy]

This was a really good article. And, I like the fact that he has question marks about the defense. The reason being is, because information about how bad the defense is going to be, the whole NFL reads this stuff just like some of our fans.

I like the fact that information is not coming out about how the defense is one of the strong points of the team. Other teams may read this and think they are going to just come to play the Cowboys and have their way with them.

Now, this years defense is not going to be like last years Seahawks or the 85 Bears defense, but it is not going to be like last years defense. But, they are going to help win some games for the Cowboys, and when the Cowboys do lose a game whether it's defense or offense, the other team is going to know that the Cowboys have came to play!

I have already put my foot in my mouth about liking this defense this year, and have put another foot in my mouth again. If I have more room, I might try and stick an elbow in my mouth. But, don't count out this defense when it comes to helping the Cowboys win games this year.

I also like the fact that not much have been heard about the starters on defense because of players either not practicing, or limping off after a minor boo-boo or whatnot, because I want that bunch to come together as a starting unit in the first game of the season with something to prove, to themselves for being embarrassed, which they deserved, and to not really show the media, the NFL, the fans or anyone else, what the are really about because uncertainty provides intrigue...and this defense, while not being the best, is definitely not going to be in last place at the end of the season.

That's alright...a fan can still be unashamed of rooting for his team...unconditionally.

 

[Risen Star]

He's also a complete homer who works for the team.

 

[CCBoy]

He's also a complete homer who works for the team.

Better than a continual burn barrel buddy...perhaps.

 

[TheDude]

Take a drink

 

[Alexander]

Hitchens a camp standout?

Odd for a guy that wasn't considered draftable in some circles.

Or it speaks volumes about what state the defense is in. At this point, someone, anyone, who is active can make an impression. Nobody ever said Hitchens was not active.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

It's funny, no knock on Coleman, but Bishop has been more disruptive and made more plays from day one but none of the writers (other than Broadus) ever mention him. ???

I've been to at least 4 practices I haven't seen much from Coleman . But bishop and Bush are standouts . Same thing in the San Diego game . Coleman was getting gashed .