DMN Blog: Notes from the Alamodome
Todd Archer, Dallas Morning News

Picked up pieces through the first three practices

** For those of you wondering, the reason why some players trickle out on to the field during special teams’ practice is because they don’t take part in special teams. There’s no reason for, say, Tony Romo or Roy Williams, to be on the field for punt coverage.

** Rookie tight end John Phillips knows how to make a team. He’s not the most physically gifted guy but he doesn’t make mistakes. He knows all three tight end spots and I saw him doing some long snapping before practice the other day.

** And how weird would this be? David Buehler as a holder. The kicker is working at being a holder, too. It makes some sense because if the Cowboys are keeping two kickers, then Buehler better do more than just kick off.

** While players would prefer to practice outside on grass, they are enjoying the set up at the Alamodome much better than in the past. Why? They don’t have to live there all day. The Grand Hyatt, where the club is calling home, is where they meet, eat, get treatment (mostly) and sleep. Remember in 2003 when they brought cots to the dome for the players to sleep between practices?

** After seeing Mat McBriar punt inside the Alamodome I am more convinced that he will hit the digital board at Cowboys Stadium a ton this year. I know there’s some directional kicking involved but he’s hitting that thing this year.

** Igor Olshansky is a house. I saw two offensive linemen pulling on separate running plays collide with him and just crumble.

** At one point two pigeons were on the field yesterday behind secondary coach Dave Campo. Strange. And the invasion of the crickets has not happened yet.

Matt Jones claims he spoke to Bears, Cowboys, Jets & Titans…*Cowboys deny interest*

I’ll try and dictate from Wade’s afternoon press conference.

Understand, there are priorities and he could be trumped by us serving chili and jambalaya to players who drop by the press box.

We interrupt this Wade Phillips press conference to bring you Jerry Jones about the Cowboys Stadium game-day party-pass.

Jerry Jones: (Design of Cowboys Stadium)—wanted to articulate and picture the experience of the pavilion at the Byron Nelson or the infield at the Kentucky Derby. Picture a part of the stadium, decks or patios where we, the Cowboys will be there at the stadium with a party pass…very much a part of the design of our building. And we received a lot of encouragement from the commissioner and other NFL owners. It allows us to include a price point to fans that might not be involved otherwise.

We want our fans to enjoy a party atmosphere that’s collegiate, loose, and enjoy the moment. We sold 10,000 of these tickets to our Gold Cup soccer event.

I’m not just talking about a Super Bowl or a stadium opener, something we want to operate as a fan experience.

Jerry talked about the “party-pass” for 20+ minutes, seriously, he went on and on and on about the party-pass. His press conference actually included Jerry discussing a family hunting lodge, “Magnum Lodge,” owned by the Jones’.

Wade Phillips:

DB Michael Hawkins was being checked for a bruise, bruised kneecap.

PUP Updates:
Stephen Hodge (could return on Monday)

Tim Anderson (3rd or 4th preseason)

Defensive Coordinator Responsibilities:

I enjoy coaching, that’s why I’m doing it. The days are a little different because I’m more with the defense and defensive coaches than previous two years. All days are long, all late night and early morning that hasn’t changed.

Meeting Rooms:

I spend different times in various defensive meeting rooms and I’m making out the script for practices too.

Important to Improve Team Speed:

I think you’re always, especially defensively but overall speed is a big factor. You can make a mistake with speed, effort first and then speed. You’re going to make mistakes defensively, but you can make up for it with speed, so it’s a big factor.

You’ve been around Hall of Fame Pass Rushers-Dema

I think anytime you have 20 1/2 sacks I think you let everyone know—I was looking at him—it’s his birthday today—celebrated by letting him practice—his body is maturing and he’s actually getting bigger. He looks like Lawrence Taylor. I don’t know if LT ever had 20 1/2 sacks or more than that—we’re looking at that kind of guy.

Can Demarcus get better than last season?

I think he can approach that kind of year, I don’t think he’s underrated, but people don’t realize how he plays against the run. He’s a destructive rusher—he doesn’t just go after the QB, he’s the whole package.

Did he put on 5-pounds for a reason?

It’s part of the off-season program and part of him getting stronger, but he’ll lose some weight, he works so hard and plays almost every play—he doesn’t hide behind the water cooler (reference to Greg Ellis)…laughter from media.

Igor Olshansky expectations:

I think Igor can come in and play and play really strong against the run which Chris Canty did. I think he’s really strong in that area, and he can give you some pass rush ability and push the pocket—and make sure the QB can’t step up. That’s why we got him, and we think Bowen and Hatcher will come on and be better than they have been.

QB Competition #3:

Anytime there’s competition it’s going to help you at any position. It takes it off the coach when the players are motivated to get better.

Bradie James:

I don’t know of any inside LB’s that had as many sacks as last year. For the number of times he rushed, he had an amazing stat last year, he is a good rusher, he knows how to rush certain people and take advantage of his strengths. He’s one of the best ILB rushing the passer that I’ve ever had.

Difference in rushing from ILB compared to OLB:

It’s the yards you have to make up from where you are at the snap. And almost every time, they won’t let Demarcus rush against a back and Bradie can use his power and size against the running back trying to block him.

Defensive Backs in practice today:

Praised them from today’s practice and why they selected them, mentioned Mickens making nice pick.

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten’s audio comments following Thursday afternoon’s practice…

Jason Witten post-Thursday practice (07/31/09)

Craig Smoak

Here are a few audio comments from Cowboys linebacker Bradie James following Thursday’s afternoon practice…

Listen Now:
Bradie James post-practice (07/31/09)

Craig Smoak

Not much happening yet, just the one practice today.

Players have stretched and gone through normal warm-up drills.

Hope to see a little action today.

Very good crowd as they head into the weekend.

Okay second phase of exercises has ended, attempting FG’s and once again they’re using the very tight goal posts–no more than 5-8 feet wide.

Nick Folk kicking, Buehler and McBriar holding.

Buehler rips on through and with such a strong leg.

Not sure what his accuracy would be—but he’s an insurance policy if Folk goes down, Buehler was drafted specifically to kick the ball into the end zone on kickoffs.

QB’s throwing deep ball right now against cornerback’s

Jesse Holley had Mike Mickens beat on a deep ball, but Mickens dragged him down with what was an obvious pass interference.

Seems like every time they throw to Manuel Johnson, it’s overthrown or poorly thrown, another one sails over his head.

Romo finds Roy Williams deep left side against Mike Jenkins, what appeared to be a great catch, but he didn’t hold onto the ball when he hit the ground.

Mike Jefferson blows right pact Mickens for touchdown from Rudy Carpenter.

Miles Austin short pattern beats tight coverage from Mike Jenkins for short gain.

Patrick Crayton beats Courtney Brown for a touchdown from Carpenter.

Roy Williams bump-and-run from Orlando Scandrick…makes diving catch falling out of bounds, nice catch. Throw came from Carpenter.

Manuel Johnson beat DeAngelo Smith on sideline pattern from Jon Kitna.

Break in practice…hopefully some 11-on-11 coming up.

Well, no 11-11 yet, just 7-on-7…if that much.

Tony Romo found Roy Williams on a drag route after beating Courtney Brown.

Jon Kitna misfired on a couple of passes in this part of practice, one intended for TE John Phillips and WR Willie Reid.

Romo finds Miles Austin in the right flat and he spins away for a nice catch and run.

I continue to say this–more balls are hitting the ground in passing drills than I’ve ever seen. (Note: It could be I’m watching more practice than ever before).

OL-DL, I’ve liked Montrae Holland’s work today, he’s held up well against whoever comes his way.

Romo with a nice deep out to the right sideline to Mike Jefferson, good timing, good throw and pattern.

Pat McQuistan has thwarted Brandon Williams twice in the past few minutes.

Kitna pass tipped in the air by Michael Hamlin and he drove to pick it off.

Kitna throws a pass intended for Manuel Johnson over his head—Manuel can’t get a break.

Nice read by Orlando Scandrick who steps in front of a Carpenter pass intended for Kevin Ogletree. Nice round of applause from crowd.

Okay…11-on-11.

Romo finds Witten underneath for 10-yards.

Barber up the middle for short yardage at best.

Romo with Barber as a one back, play-action sideline completion to Roy Williams.

Romo under center, flips it out left flat to Felix Jones…Carpenter would’ve had a chance for the tackle near the line of scrimmage.

Toss sweep to Felix Jones right side for 3-4 yards.

Kyle Kosier jumps offside for a penalty.

Romo shotgun completes sideline pass to the left to Sam Hurd, over Keith Brooking and in front of CB. Nice throw, nice catch too as Hurd was spinning towards the sideline.

Kitna bootleg pass to TE John Phillips for short yardage. LB Steve Octavien had Kitna dead to rights.

Kitna deep right sideline for Miles Austin, incomplete, Courtney Brown in position to make the play defensively, but interference call.

Kitna throws left flat for Felix Jones, nice coverage from a linebacker.

Kitna shotgun, wide receiver screen right for Hurd, pressured, underthrown and Hurd had to dive to the turf to make the catch.

Flip pass to Keon Lattimore, and is blown up by Jerome Carter.

Romo pressured by Octavien, throws incomplete to Patrick Crayton right flat.

Romo left side to Barber, short yardage.

Romo left sideline for Roy Williams, intercepted by Mike Mickens.

Romo nice check down to Witten, slant right seam, would’ve been a long gain as everyone in the secondary was going the opposite direction.

Romo flips it back to Felix Jones who bobbles the pitch and then hit pretty hard by LB Keith Brooking.

Kitna in shotgun, rolls right overthrows Willie Reid, incomplete.

Kitna under center, pressured by Tech’s Brandon Williams throws it away into the left flat.

Kitna slant left for Hurd, almost intercepted by Alan Ball.

Not one of the best stretches for the offense.

Kitna right hand side stretch with Choice—bounces back left and big gain.

Rudy Carpenter dumps to Manuel Johnson over the middle for a short gain.

Carpenter bootleg and pressured by Bradie James, Olshansky and Ratliff, throws it in the dirt.

Carpenters pass left sideline tipped by Scandrick, Ken Hamlin gets the pick right at the sideline.

Practice is over—time to get an interview or two.

Smoaky

Smoaky talks with Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman to discuss training camp through the first two days, Wade Phillips running the defense and much more…

Terence Newman one-on-one interview (07/30)

Cowboys Terence Newman with Smoaky after practice

11-on-11

Romo, 2-TE’s, Crayton in motion to the right side, and just ran straight across the line of scrimmage offside.

Not a great start.

Romo, 2-TE’s, Austin in motion, one-back (Barber), nice cut back from Barber who runs into Terence Newman.

Romo dumps a screen right for Barber, ball floats, and Gerald Sensabaugh would’ve killed Barber on that collision.

Barber right side, not much…a lot of defensive traffic.

Toss right to Felix Jones, Bobby Carpenter gets into the backfield to eliminate any decent gain.

TE Martellus Bennett is limping back after that play—training staff looking at him.

Romo tries a wheel route for Felix Jones who wasn’t looking, falls incomplete.

Romo in shotgun, Jason Witten jumps offside.

Romo shotgun, great protection, deep right sideline for Isaiah Stanback who’d beaten Courtney Brown, and Stanback DROPPED IT. Crowd boos.

Kitna quick hitch screen to Kevin Ogletree and nothing there.

Kitna nice fade route to Ogletree for a big gain, beat either Hawkins or D. Smith.

Kitna deep middle for Sam Hurd, nice gain again.

I’m almost hearing, “KITNA, KITNA,” from the crowd.

Okay, I’m joking.

Kitna bootleg left short gain to TE John Phillips.

Stephen McGee takes some snaps—throws it left flat for Felix Jones.

A scrum up the middle on a running play with Choice.

Lattimore toss sweep right, not much there to the sideline.

McGee avoids pressure from Octavien, and finds Lattimore underneath.

Romo flips it right side for Barber who had some room down the sideline.

Romo quick slant for Roy Williams broken up by LB Victor Butler.

Romo slant right for Roy Williams, thrown behind him, incomplete pass, Williams got one hand on it—but it was a bad pass.

Romo another short pass in the right flat for Barber.

Martellus Bennett did come back into practice, good news.

Romo hand off right side to Felix Jones.

Romo steps up from pressure and nice throw over the linebacker to Sam Hurd for 15-yards against Newman.

Kitna right sideline for Stanback, nice coverage from C. Brown, incomplete pass.

T. Choice sweep around left end.

Kitna avoids pressure and throws to left sideline for Manuel Johnson, but overthrown, incomplete pass.

Practice just ended going down to get some interviews.

The Wade Phillips press conference got started a little late because Jerry Jones introduced a rep from Miller Beer about an open practice at Cowboys Stadium on August 27th.

One media giant asked the obvious question, “will there be free beer?”

Wade’s press conference was so late we were still asking questions when we heard the horn for practice going off…so that ended the press conference.

Special teams followed by standard position drills going on right now.

I think things will pick up in a minute.

Quarterbacks throwing various patterns to wide receivers, some fans got on Roy Williams after a couple of drops, but made a couple of nice catches after a pep talk with receivers coach Ray Sherman.

7-on-7 Drills:

Romo left flat a hook to Crayton

Romo dumps over the middle to Witten

Romo dumps over the middle to Witten (sound familiar), 5-yards.

There’s a reason for the short passes as the offense is working against a certain coverage.

Romo shotgun, left sideline to Miles Austin for 8-10 yards.

Romo right sideline for Witten, overthrown, incomplete pass

Romo slant over the middle to Stanback, 15-20 yards.

Kitna left sideline to Mike Jefferson, 12-15 yards.

Kitna slant to Stanback, dropped, incomplete pass.

Kitna right sideline to Bennett, diving catch for 2-3 yards.

Kitna skinny post for Ogletree, big hit by Newman jars the ball loose, incomplete pass.

Stephen McGee takes over…I’m headed to watch OL-DL.

Jay Ratliff blows by Andre Gurode, but Gurode does better the second time around.

It’s nearly impossible to block Demarcus Ware in these situations, without the help of an H-Back, or a chip block from a running back.

Oops…Romo back in…

Under center and another underneath dump off pass to Sam Hurd.

Romo deep seam to Martellus Bennett—same play they seem to throw a lot to Witten with so much success.

Romo right side for TE Scott Chandler.

Romo slant for Hurd who got inside the cornerback.

Kitna deep slant for Mike Jefferson, broken up by Mike Jenkins.

OL-DL/Marcus Spears just jumped offside against Andre Gurode, and then Gurode handled him on a pass rushing drill.

LB Steve Octavien just left the field for a second after being unsuccessful against Doug Free and then Leonard Davis.

Nice diving effort on a long ball by “Fourth-and-Long” winner Jesse Holley on a well thrown ball by Rudy Carpenter.

Practice Break…