As we head into Sunday’s practices, I started jotting down some names that have stood out to me since training camp started in San Antonio.
I’m not going to list the obvious playmakers like Ware, Ratliff, James, Witten, Romo and others…those guys must play well.
Here are five players or groups that have caught my attention—knowing as I’ve said before, you have to be very careful not to “reach” with an opinion about a player during training camp or even the pre-season.
(In no particular order)
1) Martellus Bennett, the Cowboys are lining up in what appears to be more double tight end formations, whether one tight end and an H-Back, but Witten and Bennett are a difficult twosome to handle and the Cowboys need to find ways to keep a constant double-team off Witten. Of course, the running game and wide receivers will have something to say about that too.
2) Orlando Scandrick/Mike Jenkins, there’s a lot of talk about who will be the other starting cornerback opposite Terence Newman. Well, these two are going to make that a difficult decision, but—all three will be on the field a lot. I think the coaches would like to see Jenkins win the battle for the second corner for obvious reasons, including Jenkins being a first-round pick and the money invested. But Scandrick is just a player with a constant chip on his shoulder.
3) RB by committee, I know Barber has been to a pro bowl, and Felix Jones is the people’s choice with his speed, but Tashard Choice just makes plays and is going 100% against other players or against air. Jones is so cat quick and there’s one specific play that he always seem to make big yardage, a counter to the right side with most all movement to the left. It’s like he’s 5-yards downfield before anyone can react. If he remains healthy, I think he’ll score on that play a couple of times. Barber is lighter, quicker, and probably healthier. He took a beating last season, and I’m sure he wants a bounce back season as much as anyone else. Those two, along with Choice gives the Cowboys a three-headed running back monster. It’s a position that will takes bumps and bruises, so you can never have too many good one’s.
4) Gerald Sensabaugh: There appears to be a confidence in the back part of the secondary that hasn’t been there in quite some time. I always thought OU-Roy took the bad rap too many times—but Sensabaugh seems to flow to the ball when it’s in the air…he’s fluid when the ball is in the air and should solidify an obvious concern in the Cowboys secondary. He’s also physical enough to play against the run when necessary.
5) Personality. I’ve been asked about this many times this week, but there is something different about this team. I don’t know if it leads to more or less wins, but other than the regular 2-3 “diva’s,” this team has a bunch of guys who just want to practice and play the game.
Again, I don’t think this team is as talented as in the past year or two, but we saw what that did in December.
The Cowboys rid themselves of those who talked more than they played, and I can’t help but think that’s a good thing.
I don’t know of one question I’ve asked or others have asked that’s been about something other than football.
Well, unless you had to listen to Jerry’s 28-minute barrage on the “party-pass” promotion.
David Smoak
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