WFAA Blog: OTA Observations - 06/04/09

WoodysGirl

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Cowboys punt returns may look different
10:53 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
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The Dallas Cowboys punt return team may have a different look this season.

In practicing their punt returns, the Cowboys are often using two men deep, as opposed to the single punt returner they have typically used.

They're also working on different alignments moving the up returner around.

And, it's important to note, that running back and kickoff returner Felix Jones is working on returning punts. He dropped one, which received several profane words which echoed from the megaphone of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who is again on the field with the team.

Rookie defensive back DeAngelo Smith is also working on punt returns and also dropped one. DeCamillis didn't have nice things tos ay after that one, either.

Several Cowboys not practicing
11:14 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
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Several Dallas Cowboys starters and people expected to be key contributors are not participating in the team's OTA today. It's too bad because it's a beautiful day. This is the third day of OTAs this week, which is the third week of OTAs. The final week is next week, which is followed by a minicamp.

Wide receivers Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback and Travis Wilson

Defensive backs Courtney Brown, Mike Mickens and Terence Newman

Fullback Deon Anderson and tight end Rodney Hannah

Linebackers Bradie James, Justin Rogers, Stephen Hodge and Victor Butler

Offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Michael Turkovich

Defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Jason Hatcher

Kicker Nick Folk

Cowboys try a little "Wildcat"
11:24 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Ted Madden
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The Cowboys ran a couple of Wildcat plays early in their practice today. I was at the other end of the field for the first one; the second one had Patrick Crayton lined up in the shotgun, with Felix Jones coming in motion from the right slot. On the snap, Jones continued running out to the left as a decoy, and Crayton rolled right and threw a lousy pass to the tight end - who looked like he was running a little 5-7 yard out. The throw was low and too far in front.

I asked a colleague about the first Wildcat play, and he said it was a handoff to Jones (who was coming in motion from right to left). Tony Romo lined up as a wideout left on both plays.

A lot of us who follow the NFL and the Cowboys fully expected them to work in some Wildcat plays this year - with guys like Isaiah Stanback and Patrick Crayton, who have played quarterback in the past. It should be fun to see during the regular season.

Cowboys attracting a crowd
11:52 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
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The Dallas Cowboys OTAs at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton are closed to the public, but that's not stopping about a dozen people from looking on beyond a fence here at the stadium.

I guess if the Cowboys really wanted they could have the folks at CFBISD move the folks out, but it's such a small, quiet crowd that it's probably not worth it.
 

Chief

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WoodysGirl;2798700 said:
And, it's important to note, that running back and kickoff returner Felix Jones is working on returning punts. He dropped one, which received several profane words which echoed from the megaphone of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who is again on the field with the team.

As great a kickoff return man Jones was at Arkansas, his coaches there said he just isn't able to field punts for whatever reason. I guess the Dallas coaches have to see it for themselves.
 

JonJon

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Chief;2798708 said:
As great a kickoff return man Jones was at Arkansas, his coaches there said he just isn't able to field punts for whatever reason. I guess the Dallas coaches have to see it for themselves.
He's probably too concerned about getting jacked up out there and loses focus.
 

Bob Sacamano

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JonJon;2798712 said:
He's probably too concerned about getting jacked up out there and loses focus.

Felix Jones' game is based on vision, he tries to find rushing lanes

I think he's just looking upfield before securing the ball
 

AsthmaField

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WoodysGirl;2798700 said:
Cowboys attracting a crowd
11:52 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
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The Dallas Cowboys OTAs at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton are closed to the public, but that's not stopping about a dozen people from looking on beyond a fence here at the stadium.

I guess if the Cowboys really wanted they could have the folks at CFBISD move the folks out, but it's such a small, quiet crowd that it's probably not worth it.


I wish they wouldn't take up space that could be used on football information, by talking about who's watching the practice. I would think that most football fans couldn't care less about a small crowd watching through a fence.

What next? A paragraph about a squirrel that is chewing an acorn in a tree adjacent to the practice field? A group of ants cleaning out an old Snickers wrapper?

We fans are so starved for any real Cowboy news that it just seems like a waste of time to write about that stuff when he could be telling us some football details. Even very small stuff like which rookies are lining up on the second team defense and which are with the third string would be appreciated. Who appears to be giving 100% and who seems to be just going through the motions? Are any more of Romo's passes fluttering? Who is spending time as the slot WR? Are there a lot of 2 TE sets being run?

Any of that info would be soaked up like a sponge by us fans. Instead we hear about a crowd watching through a fence.

It's not like we aren't grateful for the info we do get... it's just that these guys are in a position that we cannot be in (watching the practice), and should understand that the fans want football related details that we wouldn't otherwise know about.

[/rant]
 

Chocolate Lab

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Felix probably just doesn't have the hands for it. Not many people do.

And the double safety punt return formation? I don't remember seeing that since the Landry days. :eek:

My biggest shock is that we actually ran some wildcat. Too bad Stanback is out again.
 

CowboyMort

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AsthmaField;2798720 said:
I wish they wouldn't take up space that could be used on football information, by talking about who's watching the practice. I would think that most football fans couldn't care less about a small crowd watching through a fence.

What next? A paragraph about a squirrel that is chewing an acorn in a tree adjacent to the practice field? A group of ants cleaning out an old Snickers wrapper?

We fans are so starved for any real Cowboy news that it just seems like a waste of time to write about that stuff when he could be telling us some football details. Even very small stuff like which rookies are lining up on the second team defense and which are with the third string would be appreciated. Who appears to be giving 100% and who seems to be just going through the motions? Are any more of Romo's passes fluttering? Who is spending time as the slot WR? Are there a lot of 2 TE sets being run?

Any of that info would be soaked up like a sponge by us fans. Instead we hear about a crowd watching through a fence.

It's not like we aren't grateful for the info we do get... it's just that these guys are in a position that we cannot be in (watching the practice), and should understand that the fans want football related details that we wouldn't otherwise know about.

[/rant]

I'm with you on that one brother!
 

Frozen700

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i like were mixing things up...2 return men back on punts? hmm interesting for real
 

casmith07

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2 return men on punts is very interesting that could be pretty neat, IF they can block enough guys to make a catch without having to call for fair catch.

Romo might get his first career TD reception this year!!! :laugh1:
 

xpistofer

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casmith07;2798984 said:
2 return men on punts is very interesting that could be pretty neat, IF they can block enough guys to make a catch without having to call for fair catch.

Romo might get his first career TD reception this year!!! :laugh1:

danny white got one...
 

WoodysGirl

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Jerry Jones: T.O. is 'credible'

1:42 PM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
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We just can't get enough of former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens, who now plays for the Buffalo Bill after being released by the Cowboys earlier this off season. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones can't either.

There's been a lot of news since Owens left.

He took a shot at offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterback Tony Romo on his Twitter feed a couple weeks ago: "blame the OC & romo!! but i'm happy 2 b where i am but i miss the other guys tht were & r true teammates!!"

Jones says he is paying attention.

"I read carefully what's written... I have a good relationship with him," Jones said. "He's credible with me."

Despite what Owens has said about Romo and Garrett, Jones said he isn't upset by it.

"I know the rationale and the reason the decision (to release Owens) was made," he said. "I've seen nothing he's said that bothers me."

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said he's ready to move on from Owens, but does see what he says.

"I think I read what everybody else reads," Phillips said. "We had a great relationship when Terrell was here."

Are we done now? Please.
 
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