Dallas Cowboys News

[DC_fan]

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant throws several punches at CB Tyler Patmon in training camp fight that wouldn’t end

OXNARD, Calif. – Receiver Dez Bryant threw several punches Sunday and eventually his mouthpiece at cornerback Tyler Patmon after the two fought on the field and then again on the sideline before Tony Romo played peacemaker.

Patmon was lined up across from Bryant at the line of scrimmage in team drills and the cornerback knocked off Bryant’s helmet just after the snap. Bryant then knocked off Patmon’s helmet and the two started throwing punches at each other before teammates stepped in on the field.

“It’s just two great competitors going at it. We were chirping a little bit back and forth, but at the end of the day, that’s what you want,” Bryant said. “I got a little bit overheated. At the end of the day, that’s something that you really need for a team to try to win ballgames.”

But Bryant wouldn’t let it go. Patmon retreated to the sideline where the defensive players were standing and Bryant charged over and began yelling his way. With teammates trying to get Bryant to calm down, he threw a left hook in Patmon’s direction before firing his mouthpiece at the cornerback. Bryant never landed any punches on the sideline.

Finally, after several minutes, Romo stepped in and was able to get Bryant to back off and walk down the sideline to where the other offensive players were standing. Bryant paced around while Romo and receiver Terrance Williams talked to him.

After practice, coach Jason Garrett spent a few minutes on the field talking to Bryant about the incident. Bryant then ran over to Patmon and gave him a high-five and hugged him.

“If you would’ve seen the play before, I was giving him a little bit of mouth, just talking a whole bunch of stuff to him,” Bryant said. “He was talking back to me and it just escalated over to the next play. That’s what happened. At the end of the day, he wasn’t going to back down. I wasn’t going to back down. At the end of the day, you seen us, we shook hands, we hugged and we respect one another. … We both Oklahoma State guys, so I kind of know where he comes from. … You don’t want somebody weak on your team. That’s why Patmon is here. Patmon was undrafted. He is fighting his way and he’s fighting for respect. You can go to war with a guy like that any day of the week.”
Bryant was asked if he became too animated.

“Sometimes I just hate the fact that when it’s me I know I can get kind of animated with everything,” Bryant said. “I’m very prideful and that’s what you need to win ballgames. Patmon did what he’s supposed to do.”

Bryant was swarmed by a horde of media as he came off the field but declined to answer question. Bryant eventually came back on the field to address the fight.

“You guys are acting like a bunch of kids at a circus trying to get him,” tight end Jason Witten said. “I mean, it’s football. It’s going to happen in training camp. Guys compete. Guys go at it. It’s part of it.”

Patmon, who was taking first-team snaps for Morris Claiborne, never backed down from Bryant.

“Cornerbacks and receivers, there is always history in between that. It’s bound to happen and it’s part of being a family,” Patmon said. “We got at it. We squashed it. It’s over.”

Take a look at the video:

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/cowboys-wr-dez-bryant-cb-tyler-patmon-get-into-scuffle-lose-helmets.html/

 

[DC_fan]

Mid-Day Report: Too Early For A RB Pecking Order; Injury Updates & More

Wednesday, August 05, 2015 2:44 PM CDT

By David Helman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

@HelmanDC

OXNARD, Calif. – It’s a logical conclusion to come to – that with Darren McFadden missing from the huddle, Joseph Randle has an opportunity to separate himself from the pack as the Cowboys’ starting running back.

Predictably, it’s not a line of thinking Cowboys coach Jason Garrett wants to hear as he prepares to begin his second week at training camp.


“I don’t even want to get into that,” he said. “Joseph is off to a great start – there’s no question about that. But Lance Dunbar has done a really nice job, and we’re trying to give those young backs a look, too.”


Randle has looked explosive, and has gotten the majority of the first-team reps in practice. But it would be a disservice to Dunbar to exclude the plays he has made – highlighted by a short touchdown run to cap off Tuesday’s two-minute drill in practice.

“I think he’s demonstrated to us over time that he’s a guy you can give the ball to and give it to him over and over and over again,” Garrett said. “Those other guys are different style of backs that probably don’t have the versatility that he does, as a route-runner and ability to play out in space, as a receiver.”




That doesn’t even include McFadden, who is expected to return to practice in the near future. It won’t stop the chatter about a running back competition, but it’s far too early for Garrett to entertain the conversation.

“We don’t want to really get into the evaluations quite so much – who’s ahead of who and all that kind of stuff. We just want to hopefully create an environment where those guys can get better and show us that they can do the job we’re asking them to do.”



Here are some more notes from Wednesday’s press conference:

• McFadden and Rolando McClain can expect to stay on the Physically Unable to Perform List for at least the time being. Garrett said McFadden is “probably a few days away” from returning from his hamstring injury. McClain is still “a week or two away.”
• Garrett was asked about the NFL’s decision to move the PAT back to the 15-yard line, and whether that will influence him to call more two-point conversions this season. The Cowboys didn’t attempt a single two-point conversion in 2014. “We’ve always worked on the two-point play, because typically they’re critical plays in games,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out across the league … if those numbers actually spike and go higher.”
• Jeremy Mincey worked at left defensive end during his first padded practice on Tuesday afternoon, which was a departure from his traditional role as right defensive end. Garrett said training camp is the time to experiment with moving players around the formation – much like Tyrone Crawford did last summer, moving from end to tackle.
• Sean Lee worked into seven-on-seven drills on Tuesday, which was the first time he has done any reps outside of individual position drills. He didn’t participate in the full-team, two-minute drill. The Cowboys continue to be mindful of monitoring Lee’s workload as he works his way back from the torn ACL in the spring of 2014.
• Dez Bryant continues to get reps in the return game as the Cowboys continue into their practice sessions. Garrett reiterated that he feels comfortable using Bryant in that aspect – though it’s doubtful the Cowboys would tab him for that job full-time.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...oo-early-rb-pecking-order-injury-updates-more

 

[DC_fan]

Wed. Practice Recap: RB Spot Getting Thin After Dunbar Suffers Ankle Injury

Wednesday, August 05, 2015 9:41 PM CDT

By Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

@nickeatman

OXNARD, Calif. – It doesn’t like it’s time to hit the panic button on the running back spot just yet – at least, the Cowboys hope so.


Lance Dunbar came up limping after taking a rep in full-team drills during Wednesday’s afternoon practice, and he left the field with team trainers after having his right ankle looked at.


Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said he doesn’t think the injury is serious, but he added that it’s too early to say for sure.


“I think that was an awkward tackle or hit that was made on him, and I think he just tweaked something,” Jones said. “We don’t really think it’s a serious issue at this point.”


That might be the case, but it certainly gave the Cowboys a concerning look at their running back prospects in the event of injury. Darren McFadden is still rehabbing his hamstring injury, so the loss of Dunbar left the offense with just Joseph Randle, Lache Seastrunk and Gus Johnson.


Having said that, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday morning that McFadden was days away from returning to the lineup, and Jones agreed with that assessment.


“He’s making great progress,” he said. “I think we’re doing it the way we want to do it, which is to make sure when we put him out there that there’s nothing lingering with him, and we’ll get better results that way.”




Quick Hits:

• Tony Romo and Jason Witten took veterans’ days off on Wednesday afternoon. It was especially unusual to see Witten take the afternoon off – a development that Jones called “a miracle,” given that the Pro Bowler typically refuses to take days off.
• This was Romo’s second off day since arriving at training camp, as he also took a rest day while he dealt with a stye under his eye. It’s probable that the Cowboys will keep him on a schedule of rest days and practice days, but Jones said that hasn’t been determined yet. “I don’t think he’s totally determined that yet – exactly what he’s going to do. The coaches work with him in a good way and our trainers do, and he’s going to figure out a good program for him. But I wouldn’t say anything is set in stone”
• Jones updated several other injury developments after practice. Defensive tackles Chris Whaley and Terrell McClain both left practice – Whaley with a sore knee, and McClain with a bone bruise and a hamstring problem. Devin Street rolled his ankle on the final play of practice – an impressive touchdown catch – but he said afterward it wasn’t an issue.

Notable Standouts:

• Joseph Randle – Once Dunbar went down, Randle had to handle most of the first- and second-team reps. He showed his superior speed out of the backfield, running away from linebackers in coverage. Randle showed how smooth he can be in the open field. With two of the top three backs out of practice, Randle is tightening his grip on the starting role even more.
• Cole Beasley – He’s just having a great camp. Right now, he could probably be on this list every day because he catches just about every pass thrown his way and he’s getting open nearly every time. On Wednesday, Beasley not only dominated the team drills with his underneath routes, but had two nice grabs in the 1-on-1 drills.
• Reggie Dunn – While it might be an uphill battle to make this roster, Dunn made several nice plays all day, showing not only his speed and quickness but he has some hops for a 5-9, 180-pound receiver. Dunn hauled in a corner route in front of two defenders during the 7-on-7 drill.

Play of the Day:
In the team red-zone period, Brandon Weeden was trying to set up a screen to Joseph Randle, but the play got blown up by a rushing Tyrone Crawford, who beat Doug Free inside. Weeden chunked the ball to the ground for an incomplete pass, but instead, the ball ricocheted off DeMarcus Lawrence’s right foot and up to Crawford, who turned up the field and took off the other way for an interception return.
Transactions:
Aug. 4 – Signed TE Brandon Barden.
Aug. 4 – Released TE Ray Hamilton.
Aug. 3 – Signed LB Ka’Lial Glaud, LB Jonathan Brown
Aug. 3 – Placed LB Justin Anderson (ankle) and G Reshod Fortenberry (knee) on Waived/Injured.
Aug. 2 – Activated DE Jeremy Mincey from Reserve/Did Not Report list.
Waived/Injured LB Justin Jackson.
Injury Report:
Left Practice:
RB Lance Dunbar (ankle)
WR Devin Street (ankle)
DE Chris Whaley (knee)
DT Terrell McClain (bone bruise/hamstring)
Missed Practice:
TE Jason Witten (veteran day off)
QB Tony Romo (veteran day off)
RB Darren McFadden (hamstring)
OL Chaz Green (hip)
LB Mark Nzeocha (knee)
LB Rolando McClain (knee)

Upcoming Schedule:
Thursday, August 6
12:00 p.m. (PDT) Coach Garrett press conference
3:45 p.m. (PDT) Practice

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...etting-thin-after-dunbar-suffers-ankle-injury

 

[DC_fan]

As Sean Lee progresses, takeaways reappear

• 
  Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
  
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  • Covered NFL since 1997, Cowboys since 2003
  • Previously covered Bengals and Dolphins
  • Lives in Dallas area with his wife and two children
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OXNARD, Calif. -- Some players just have a natural way of finding the football. Sean Lee is one of those guys.
In his second day of 7-on-7 work as he comes back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament that kept him out all of last season, Lee helped force a fumble by Joseph Randle that safety J.J. Wilcox recovered.
"I think that just kind of follows Sean around, big plays," executive vice president Stephen Jones said, "and it's great to see him out there."
Like he did in the offseason, Lee has progressed from individual drills to 7-on-7 work and should be moving to full team drills over the next few days.

"The one thing I can say is I've missed a lot of time but also came back from a lot of injuries and been able to produce after injuries," Lee said, "and that's my goal now. Coming back, being able to stay on the field, but producing after an injury."

• In addition to Tony Romo taking a day off, tight end Jason Witten was given a day of rest, which was something of a miracle, according to Jones. How did the Cowboys convince Witten to sit? "I can't tell you that," Jones said. "Might be a cap violation." Relax, he was kidding. But there was a noticeable difference in the energy from practice without the two veteran offensive leaders.
• A big part of the Cowboys success last year was taking the ball away and they had a decent day Wednesday. In addition to Lee's forced fumble, Brandon Carr intercepted a Brandon Weeden throw to Dez Bryant in the end zone, coming down with a tipped ball while making sure his feet were inbounds. Tyrone Crawford had perhaps the strangest interception in team drills. Weeden attempted a throw away on a screen pass, but it deflected into the air off DeMarcus Lawrence's foot, allowing Crawford to pick it off and run down field.
• Later in the one-on-one period, Bryant beat Carr for a diving touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. Bryant flipped the ball high in the air after getting up. Not even the NFL could overturn such a play. Terrance Williams had two scores in one-on-one work against Orlando Scandrick.
• Wide receiver Devin Street had a leaping touchdown grab over cornerback Byron Jones from Dustin Vaughan. It was bright note on a day in which Street had some struggles, failing to come down with a crossing route earlier from Vaughan. Street was limping a little after the play but didn't appear too bad.
• Cole Beasley has been a nightmare for the defense the entire camp. The defense has not defended him the entire camp. At one stretch of 7-on-7 drills Beasley caught three straight passes, withstanding a hit from J.J. Wilcox that left him shaking his right wrist.
• Cornerback Tyler Patmon has had a strong start to camp but made a mistake in defending A.J. Jenkins in the end zone. Instead of ripping his hands through Jenkins as the receiver went up for the catch, he sat back and allowed the touchdown.
• Dan Bailey was given a day of rest as a kicker. He did work on some pooch punts on long field-goal attempts with some pretty good success of getting the ball inside the 10.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/

 

[DC_fan]

The 30 best logos in American sports

After looking through the official logos of each of the 300+ professional and college sports teams in the United States, one thing became clear: There’s no rhyme or reason to what makes a great sports logo. Some are clean and simple. Others are delicate and intricate. Some have hidden messages. Others have all the subtly of an episode of Bachelor in Paradise. Some include the team names. Others go without it. The NHL has the best logos, while the NFL has the worst. Colleges, surprisingly, have generally boring logos despite all the odd mascots that would theoretically make for interesting illustrations. Through all that, FTW selected the 30 best logos in American sports, a top 19 for logos currently in use and 11 more historical logos no longer used (though they should be). All pictures and info via Chris Creamer’s indispensable sportslogos.net.

The winner being the Dallas Cowboys logo

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/08/bes...s?hootPostID=ae26e2ab449403982bbba5b8fa1de46a

 

[DC_fan]

Mike Gaechter, key defensive back of ’60s Dallas Cowboys’ rare feat, dies at 75

Mike Gaechter, a former Cowboys player during the early years of the franchise, died Monday of heart failure at his home in Dallas.
He was 75.

Gaechter is survived by his wife, Cheri, his daughter, Katherine Rea, and three brothers — Paul Anthony, William and Mark. A funeral mass at St. Ann Catholic Parish in Coppell and services at Restland Funeral Home are pending.

A defensive back, Gaechter appeared in 108 games during an NFL career that spanned eight seasons from 1962 to 1969. His name remains etched in the team’s record books after he ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in a 1962 victory over Philadelphia that also featured a 101-yard kickoff return by Dallas’ Amos Marsh. By the time he walked away from football, he had picked off 21 passes.

“He was a very good athlete,” said Gaechter’s former teammate and friend, Dave Manders. “He was a real tough, hard-nosed player. He never minded putting in his head in there.”

In Gaechter’s later life, he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease that caused him to sell his billboard advertising company, according to his wife, Cheri.
“From that point forward he knew he had a bad memory,” she said.
But he continued to enjoy life. He spent time with his nephews. And he watched sports – football, basketball and most of all, golf.

Even as his health worsened, the former hard-hitting defender never linked his condition with the NFL career he had, according to Cheri Gaechter.
As a result, Gaechter chose not to join the concussion-effects lawsuit against the league that led to a $765 million settlement in August 2013.

But after Gaechter’s heart began to fail him in March during a scary episode, his wife decided that she would donate her husband’s brain for research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, which launched the Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair in 2014 and has established ties to the NFL.

“He would have wanted that,” Cheri Gaechter said.

After all, Manders said while choking up over the phone, “he was a loving person.”

“And he was a great friend. A great friend.”

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/mike-gaechter-key-defensive-back-of-60s-dallas-cowboys-rare-feat-dies-at-75.html/

 

[shiznit]

The Cowboys are ill disciplined... They had a fight with the Raiders last pre-season...

They fight amongst themselves earlier in this pre-season...

And then this...

https://twitter.com/patdoneynbc5/status/633797341896572929

 

[DC_fan]

The Cowboys are ill disciplined... They had a fight with the Raiders last pre-season...

They fight amongst themselves earlier in this pre-season...

And then this...

https://twitter.com/patdoneynbc5/status/633797341896572929

You ever thought that the Rams may have started it?

Fights in training camp, even between teammates often occur. Usually caused by the intensity of players wanting to make that final roster.

 

[shiznit]

You ever thought that the Rams may have started it?

Fights in training camp, even between teammates often occur. Usually caused by the intensity of players wanting to make that final roster.

So it was the Raiders fault last season... And it's the Rams fault this season.... :roll:

Just go and have a look at the first post on this page... I bet that wasn't the Cowboys fault either... :roll:

 

[DC_fan]

So it was the Raiders fault last season... And it's the Rams fault this season.... :roll:

Just go and have a look at the first post on this page... I bet that wasn't the Cowboys fault either... :roll:

I didn't say it wasn't the Cowboys fault. From your statement you are assuming it was.

 

[DC_fan]

The Cowboys are ill disciplined... They had a fight with the Raiders last pre-season...

They fight amongst themselves earlier in this pre-season...

And then this...

https://twitter.com/patdoneynbc5/status/633797341896572929

Question: I heard a lot of comments that the Cowboys got their butts kicked in the fight yesterday. Maybe that?s true but in the video I saw, the Rams took quite a few shots at Cowboy players who had their backs to them. Not saying the Cowboys were innocent in the whole melee but from your view didn?t the Rams escalate the fight by taking a bunch of cheapshots?

Babe Laufenberg: Yes. A bunch of cheap shots. I understand they were not fighting by the ?Marquess of Queensbury Rules? but they were cheap shots. Just watch the video of Jared Cook (#89) blindsiding Randy Gregory. Or Eugene Sims (#97) blind siding Ben Gardner. Throw Brandon Washington (#70) in there, and you have some real punk shots being delivered. The Rams have not had a winning season in the last 11 years. It looked like they were trying to take 11 years of frustration out on the Cowboys. If you are looking for instigators, you would need to point your collective fingers at the Rams. Just way beyond the bounds of what takes place in an NFL practice. Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar cut on a screen play (you NEVER go low in a practice) then Gregory was clipped low on the next play. Really, shame on the Rams. It certainly did not reflect well on the NFL and wouldn?t be surprised to see the Rams organization issue a public or private apology.

Question: Lot of brawls in these joint practices. Do you think they?re a good idea? Is is worth the risk of injury?

Babe Laufenberg: I have always believed they were a really good idea, but I may be ?evolving? in that view (we used to ?flip-flop? now we ?evolve?) Yesterday was downright ugly, and it was a minor miracle that no one was seriously injured. Dez Bryant took a clean punch to the face with no helmet on. What if he breaks his jaw like Geno Smith? So you are always dealing in risk-reward, and I am not sure the risk now outweighs the reward.

Question: Fairly harsh words on your part on Twitter today. Rams had the dirtiest practice you?ve seen? Could you elaborate?

Babe Laufenberg: It was just so far out of the realm of what NFL football looks like. There is a certain practice tempo, and certain ways you go about your work so as not to injure another player. And the Rams violated those rules. They know it. And have I seen every camp practice in the NFL over the last 33 years? Obviously not. But it was the most egregious violation that i have personally witnessed. And I am at every practice. I truly hope this does not sound condescending, but I think anyone who has played or coached the NFL game would say the same thing. Just my opinion.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...were-instigators-of-tuesdays-camp-brawl.html/

 

[DC_fan]

Jason Garrett likes to say injuries present opportunities. Rookie receiver David Porter worked out Sunday, signed later that day and had three touchdown catches in his first practice. By Tuesday he was working with the first-team punt return squad. The younger receivers haven't seized the moment in camp, and Porter has a chance to claim a roster spot if he can continue to improve and play well in preseason games. -- Todd Archer

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13472093/johnny-manziel-gets-more-game-action-nfl

 

[shiznit]

Question: I heard a lot of comments that the Cowboys got their butts kicked in the fight yesterday. Maybe that’s true but in the video I saw, the Rams took quite a few shots at Cowboy players who had their backs to them. Not saying the Cowboys were innocent in the whole melee but from your view didn’t the Rams escalate the fight by taking a bunch of cheapshots?

Babe Laufenberg: Yes. A bunch of cheap shots. I understand they were not fighting by the “Marquess of Queensbury Rules” but they were cheap shots. Just watch the video of Jared Cook (#89) blindsiding Randy Gregory. Or Eugene Sims (#97) blind siding Ben Gardner. Throw Brandon Washington (#70) in there, and you have some real punk shots being delivered. The Rams have not had a winning season in the last 11 years. It looked like they were trying to take 11 years of frustration out on the Cowboys. If you are looking for instigators, you would need to point your collective fingers at the Rams. Just way beyond the bounds of what takes place in an NFL practice. Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar cut on a screen play (you NEVER go low in a practice) then Gregory was clipped low on the next play. Really, shame on the Rams. It certainly did not reflect well on the NFL and wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rams organization issue a public or private apology.

Question: Lot of brawls in these joint practices. Do you think they’re a good idea? Is is worth the risk of injury?

Babe Laufenberg: I have always believed they were a really good idea, but I may be “evolving” in that view (we used to “flip-flop” now we “evolve”) Yesterday was downright ugly, and it was a minor miracle that no one was seriously injured. Dez Bryant took a clean punch to the face with no helmet on. What if he breaks his jaw like Geno Smith? So you are always dealing in risk-reward, and I am not sure the risk now outweighs the reward.

Question: Fairly harsh words on your part on Twitter today. Rams had the dirtiest practice you’ve seen? Could you elaborate?

Babe Laufenberg: It was just so far out of the realm of what NFL football looks like. There is a certain practice tempo, and certain ways you go about your work so as not to injure another player. And the Rams violated those rules. They know it. And have I seen every camp practice in the NFL over the last 33 years? Obviously not. But it was the most egregious violation that i have personally witnessed. And I am at every practice. I truly hope this does not sound condescending, but I think anyone who has played or coached the NFL game would say the same thing. Just my opinion.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...were-instigators-of-tuesdays-camp-brawl.html/

Ohhh okay... So let's take the word of a Cowboys homer... :roll:

He wouldn't be biased would he... :lol:

Like I said... In the past 2 pre-seasons there have been 3 instances of fighting which have made the news...

Cowboys v Raiders
Dez v Tyler Patmon
Cowboys v Rams

Cowboys homers can say whatever they like... But there's a clear pattern emerging here...

And considering the fact they sign up great guys like Greg Hardy... It's not surprising.

 

[DC_fan]

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is concerned with 49ers field for Sunday’s game

OXNARD, Calif. — The Cowboys are headed to Santa Clara, Calif., to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in their second preseason game.

NFL teams have enough to worry about when it comes to injuries and their players’ well-being, and Dallas is no exception, with a number of starters expected to miss this weekend’s game. But Cowboys owner Jerry Jones also isn’t comfortable with the playing conditions and discussed them with G-Bag Nation on KRLD-FM 105.3 in Dallas on Friday.

“This is interesting. We’re going up here to a great new stadium where we’re going to have the Super Bowl, and we’ve got field problems,” Jones said. “And this field is really causing us to have to look at what we’re going to do during the game because of the challenges of this turf not taking hold.”

Jones has seen bad field conditions before. The Cowboys played preseason games in Mexico City in the ’90s, where the soccer stadium provided didn’t have the turf capable of handling the rigors of an NFL game.

“It reminds me of what we did down in Mexico City,” Jones said. “If y’all remember those clumps as big as softballs. Just huge, big clumps out there. I can’t believe when I look back on it that we kept playing in Mexico City.”

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Thursday that the team would head over to the stadium before they go to the team hotel on Saturday.

“We’ll take a peek at it, but it sounds like it has been an issue and they’re trying to address it as best they can,” Garrett said. “We’re going to play a game on Sunday afternoon, so we’ve got to figure it out. Hopefully they’ve taken care of their end of it.”

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...erned-with-49ers-field-for-sundays-game.html/

 

[DC_fan]

Cowboys stock watch: A look at who’s rising, falling after 2nd preseason game

Published: August 24, 2015 4:12 pm

It’s too early to hedge bets on the Cowboys. And people may be more hesitant to go all in on Dallas after witnessing the 23-6 loss to San Francisco that left head coach Jason Garrett fuming. But from an individual standpoint not every player turned in a cringe-worthy performance. Here is a look at some who excelled and others who tested the confidence of the Cowboys’ fans:

Stock rising:

Geoff Swaim; TE; James Hanna has been a serviceable tight end during his time with the Cowboys. He’s dutifully done yeoman’s work, blocking and setting the edge in his three seasons with Dallas. He’s also been reliable, appearing in every game since entering the league in 2012. But he has never seemed to be an ideal fit for the role he plays.

The guy ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds in the NFL combine and appears suited to be a receiver in an offense that relies more on spread looks. And that may have been why Geoff Swaim was drafted in the seventh round in May. Swaim came to Dallas as a blocker and he has the traits to play the “Y” position – the one Jason Witten handles with great aplomb. The Cowboys value inline tight ends like Witten, which is why Swaim has a serious shot to make the roster. He appeared to have enhanced his chances with Sunday’s performance, when he led all Cowboys receivers with four catches for 57 yards. But ProFootballFocus.com thought Swaim underperformed. No player received a worse run-blocking rating than Swaim.

Even so, this is a player the Cowboys like and he’s demonstrated he is more than just another player to stick at the end of the offensive line.

Laurence Gibson; OT; Laurence Gibson became a forgotten man after La’el Collins joined the team with much fanfare after the draft. But the seventh-round pick turned fared well Sunday. In fact, ProFootballFocus.com rated him as the top performer on offense.

And while that is not saying that much after the Cowboys managed six points against the 49ers, it is notable considering Dallas could be looking for a swing tackle now that Darrion Weems is losing his grasp on that spot.

With Chaz Green sidelined indefinitely and Weems struggling, Gibson could find his way on the roster. That seemed far-fetched not too long ago. Considering that Gibson is relatively raw and has made strides in training camp, he could be worth betting on for the long term.

Keith Smith; LB: It’s hard to get too excited about a player’s performance in a preseason game. Remember Zach Minter, A.K.A Flounder? Probably not.

But Smith is a gamer. In the loss Sunday, he led the Cowboys with five tackles, two of which resulted in lost yardage. Smith spent last season being signed, cut, added to the practice squad, promoted to the active roster and then released again. Yet he kept coming back. And in the 42 snaps he played in 2014, he managed to make four tackles and force a fumble. A solid special teams player, Smith wouldn’t be a bad guy to have tucked away on the roster. The Cowboys could do worse than have somebody on the team who exhibits the kind of resiliency and tenacity Smith has shown during his many stints with the club.

Stock Falling:

Darrion Weems; OT; It’s not necessarily a bad thing when fans are kvetching about the deficiencies at swing tackle – a reserve role. That means the team is pretty solid in all of the major spots and people have been forced to scour the depth chart to find something worthy of concern. But this position is now a source of worry. Weems has underperformed in the two preseason games. He’s been called for three penalties and allowed two sacks. No lineman has been given a worse rating by ProFootballFocus.com than Weems.

The loss of Jermey Parnell this offseason is now looming large. Don’t forget that in 2014 he started seven games because Doug Free, the veteran right tackle, was sidelined with ankle and foot injuries. The Cowboys know the swing tackle could come into play at some point in 2015. They need to solidify that position, and right now Weems might not be the solution.

Dan Bailey; K; Bailey’s track record is virtually unassailable. He’s been the epitome of consistency since he joined the team in 2011. But Bailey has missed three of his last four field goal attempts dating back to the Wild Card round victory over Detroit in January. Bailey sliced his latest try – a 43-yard kick – in the loss to the 49ers.

Bailey doesn’t seem like a kicker who will go all Mike Vanderjagt on the Cowboys. He appears to have too much poise. But it is strange to see he’s been rather inaccurate in the recent games he’s played. At the same time, it would be foolhardy to make any sweeping judgments based on such a small sample size.

Joseph Randle; RB; It always appeared to be a leap of faith to expect Joseph Randle to be DeMarco Murray’s primary replacement. It still seems that way. Randle looked fine running the ball Sunday. He picked up 30 yards on seven carries. But Randle showed his deficiencies as well. He was particularly weak in pass protection. He was called for holding and was involved in a play that led to a sack. On the sideline, Randle was summoned by Jason Garrett after Brandon Weeden was dropped in the second quarter for a nine-yard loss. Randle went out in the flat, and it’s uncertain if he was supposed to slide over to help pick up the oncoming rushers.

Well after the fact, ProFootballFocus.com said Randle underperformed in pass protection against the 49ers. And it’s uncertain if Randle can improve enough in this discipline by the start of the season to give the Cowboys the confidence to use him regularly. The fact that Darren McFadden was the running back when Tony Romo was in the game with a patchwork offensive line speaks volumes.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...im-gibson-on-rise-as-bailey-randle-fall.html/

The Cowboys will not carry more then three tight ends so it comes down to Swaim and Hanna for the third spot. I have been impressed with Swaim.

I was a fan of Gibson before the draft and was happy when the Cowboys drafted him. Has not been outstanding in his play but shows potential.

Weems has been a disappointment. Expected more from him, so far as failed to deliver. His feet seem to let him down big time.

 

[DC_fan]

Cowboys’ Scandrick: ‘It’s my ACL; I know it; it’s gone’; club awaits MRI results

David Moore Follow @DavidMooreDMN Email dmoore@dallasnews.com

Published: August 25, 2015 7:39 pm

OXNARD, Calif. – Orlando Scandrick feared his season was over the moment he went down and clutched his right knee in Tuesday’s practice.

“He said immediately, ‘it’s my ACL. I know it. It’s gone,’’’ secondary coach Jerome Henderson relayed.

The club was still awaiting results of an MRI. But final confirmation didn’t deter the belief that the Cowboys’ best cornerback the past two seasons, and one of the NFL’s top slot corners, is lost for the upcoming season.

That’s why the players in the secondary kneeled and said a prayer before leaving the field at the conclusion of practice.

“I said O is hurting right now,’’ Henderson said. “Everybody keep him in your prayers and it’s next man up if he’s out.

“We don’t know if that’s the case yet. In this league, it happens to every team. You hate it happens to such a great player if he is hurt, but it’s next man up and we’ve got to keep moving.’’

Practice began on a positive note with Scandrick intercepting an overthrown pass by quarterback Tony Romo. A few minutes later, on a completion to rookie Lucky Whitehead, Scandrick turned to plant his foot and the knee appeared to buckle as he went for the tackle.

“I saw him come across at the last minute,’’ Whitehead said. “I thought he was going to hit me so I tried to get down before I got hit. I mean, it was unfortunate that he got hurt.

“My shoulder pad hit his knee. I felt it. I know he got me good here on my hip. I don’t know if that hit his knee or my shoulder pad hit his knee, but I know he fell wrong on it.’’

Scandrick began to scream in pain as he rolled on the ground. Safety Barry Church, the closest defender to the cornerback at the time of the injury, began to yell and immediately signaled for the training staff.

Scandrick continued to scream periodically as he writhed on the ground. When he was taken off the field on a cart a few minutes later he covered his face.

“You can feel that,’’ cornerback Morris Claiborne said of the pall that was cast over the remainder of practice. “You can feel when your knee is not functioning right.

“I heard it in his voice. I have been there. I know the feeling. I actually felt myself go back to then after just sitting there looking at him and holding his hand, and he’s squeezing. I know that feeling.”

Safety J.J. Wilcox was so distraught he had to be reminded to take the field in several defensive sets afterwards. Church and Wilcox declined to speak with reporters as they left the field.

“I’ve been in that position before,’’ said Claiborne, who had his 2014 season cut short with a ruptured patellar tendon. “I know what it feels like to be down there, to see everything just go away.

“Man, I’m at a loss for words.”

Claiborne now assumes the starting cornerback job opposite Brandon Carr. Henderson said Tyler Patmon will take over Scandrick’s role in the slot.

“He’s done a good job for us,’’ Henderson said of Patmon. “Like O, he has those unique awareness instincts inside. He feels the game, he sees the game from a different perspective.

“Now he’ll get an opportunity to go out and see how he holds up in there. We’ll start with him and figure out a plan from there.’’

A plan that no longer includes Scandrick.

“It’s tough,’’ said Henderson, whose voice was shaking as he spoke to reporters. “You get a little emotional because he’s one of your guys.’’

Catch David Moore on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) with The Musers at 9:35 a.m. and The Hardline at 4:10 p.m. every Monday through Friday during training camp.

Follow David Moore on Twitter at @ DavidMooreDMN

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...lucky-whitehead-and-is-carted-off-field.html/

Devastating news if scans prove its his ACL. Scandrick is the Cowboys best corner and has been for the past couple of seasons. His potential loss puts a lot of pressure on former first round pick Morris Claiborne to show he was worth that pick.

 

[nick87]

Oooof... I mean i would gladly wish injuries on to a guy like Greg Hardy, who's an absolute POS... but Scandrick seems like a good dude, and he's a quality player. That's a big loss if the ACL is confirmed.

Dallas dont really have the depth at corner to cover that either. I guess you'd have to hope POS Hardy and Gregory, along with Lawrence come on and form a fearsome pass rush to try and help that secondary.

 

[DC_fan]

Oooof... I mean i would gladly wish injuries on to a guy like Greg Hardy, who's an absolute POS... but Scandrick seems like a good dude, and he's a quality player. That's a big loss if the ACL is confirmed.

Dallas dont really have the depth at corner to cover that either. I guess you'd have to hope POS Hardy and Gregory, along with Lawrence come on and form a fearsome pass rush to try and help that secondary.

Scandricks injury is a real blow to the team and you are right our depth at cornerback is not great. As I said earlier its time for Claiborne to step up and show he was worth the 6th overall pick back in 2012. Carr is another player who needs to show he is worth all the money the team is paying him. If these two can play too their true ability then Scandricks loss will not be felt as much. I have been impressed with Corey White a free agent pickup from the Saints. We shouldn't forget rookie Byron Jones either.

As you say a fearsome pass rush would help the secondary. Gregory has done a couple of good things so far, but I would like to see him get a bit bigger. Too often he gets man handled by much bigger offensive linemen. If he cant build himself up then he is going to work on more moves to beat the blockers. Hardy has looked good in training camp, but I need to see more of that on the playing field.

 

[DC_fan]

Cowboys decision to activate Rolando McClain makes LB available for one more game during regular season

Rolando McClain was cleared to practice with the Cowboys for the first time in eight months.

It’s a procedural move as much as a practical one.

The Cowboys activated their starting middle linebacker from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before Monday night’s practice. He went through some drills with the team on a limited basis and is expected practice again on Tuesday before he begins his suspension.

McClain, who had offseason surgery on his knee, will miss the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Once the preseason concludes with Thursday night’s game against Houston, he’s not allowed to practice with the team or work out at its Valley Ranch facility until his punishment ends on Oct. 5.

So why have McClain practice for two days leading up to a game he’s unlikely to play before he disappears for a month?

If McClain had opened the season on the PUP list he would have been forced to sit out the first six weeks of the season. That essentially would have extended his absence to five games, since the Cowboys have a bye in that stretch.

Activating McClain Monday makes him eligible for one more game than he would have been able to play if he remained on the PUP list.

“We just feel like he’s ready to practice,’’ head coach Jason Garrett said.

Linebackers coach Matt Eberflus argues these two days of work, even though McClain won’t be able to practice with his teammates again until October, helps.

“It was great to have him out there,’’ Eberflus said. “He’s working with the other linebackers, working with Sean (Lee), working with the first group, being familiar with those guys and getting comfortable.

“Reps are reps. We can get him in there, make him feel comfortable and have him make the close calls and all those communication things and he’ll be fine.’’

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...for-one-more-game-during-regular-season.html/

 

[DC_fan]

Dallas Cowboys cut five players, including two on defense

The Cowboys have waived cornerback Robert Steeples, receiver Phil Bates, defensive tackle Carlif Taylor, punter Tom Hornsey and long snapper Casey Kreiter.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2...s-they-begin-to-trim-their-roster-to-75.html/

No surprises here. The surprises may come when they make the make the remaining 10 cuts to get the roster numbers down to 75.