Is Dallas Still Nervous About Its Tackles?
Posted: July 29, 2006 @ 12:32 pm
Practice Update: The first practice has concluded and the biggest news involves second-year DE Marcus Spears, who left practice early for an MRI after injuring a knee. The original assumption is a possible torn meniscus, or cartilage. We’ll wait for the MRI results before saying more. This would be the second injury blow for Spears, who was fortunate to escape serious injury when he was rolled in drills last year. He suffered a severe sprain and missed much of camp.
Camp update II: It seems the Cowboys are hardly alone in early camp, hold-your-breath events. The Browns had their heartbreak with LeCharles Bentley. Today the Panthers had a Steve Smith scare.
The Cowboys have expressed interest in former Colts and Panthers OT Adam Meadows. Meadows is attempting a comeback after retiring in preseason two years ago. I asked a source if Dallas was curious or serious. He says the team is eager to work Meadows out, give him a physical and assess his condition. Dallas is not alone. New Orleans and Green Bay have also expressed interest and other teams may join the queue.
The same source told me that former Raiders OT Lincoln Kennedy’s agent called the Cowboys asking for a tryout. Kennedy retired after the ‘04 season, spent last year at the NFL Network and is, like Meadows, looking to come back.
No word on Dallas’ response, but here’s my chicken/egg question. Are the agents calling because they know Dallas had trouble with OT last year, or does the activity show nervousness on Dallas’ part?
Or both?
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At this point in time I think the cowboys are just keeping all their options open. I just wonder if we take one or the other, who will be cut? And if both have been out for a year how long will it take for these guys to get back into playing shape and I don’t know if either one is also capbale of being a “Parcells” guy….
Maybe it has something to do with Flozell being placed on the physically unable to perform list yesterday.
Kinda interesting that players are
contacting Dallas for jobs……I
mean if BP is such a moody,control
freak of a godawful pr-ck to play for
…..Or maybe the players see Dallas
on the rise and want their last shot
to be with contender……. Nah my
guess is these guys figure after the
KD (aka the “Bullet”)incident they
come to Dallas party all-nite,get
shot and as long as they can practice
its all good.
RParr,
I understand Adams failed his conditioning test, like Larry Allen last year. He’ll retake it again tomorrow. He’s probably doing a lot of sprinting and stretching today.
Did Spears get injured? I caught the press conference late. Sounds like there was an injury.
Something about an injured miniscuss?
Can anyone tell me which two players we cut?
Hey everyone, back for camp, the news on Spears isnt good, he twisted his knee in practice, Parcells said if its his miniscus they will fix it today and get him back for around 3 preseason games, a couple of weeks, but he will miss important time in training camp, and it will be his 2nd training camp missed. Lets hope its nothing serious and hes back in a couple of days.
Just some notes,
- McQuistan the rook was on the first team LT with Adams on PUP
- Fabini wont move to LT right now, Petiti on 1st team
- Carpenter on 3rd team, Boiman 2nd, Singelton 1st
- Keith Davis 1st team FS
Spears got hurt? That’s really disappointing. Let’s just hope it’s none too serious
Anyone else think McQuistan would eat a baby if given the chance?
Hi guys, I’m back for the season!
FYI the guys at DC.COM live feed just said Pepper Johnson is smoking hot and has bulked up in size (my concern with him) and seems to know what he’s doing compared to where he left off last year.
Cash-
the Cowboys released guard Shannon Snell and safety Darrell Brooks
also, I could see the mcquistan brothers fighting over who gets the drumsticks! LOL
Thanks for the update Gunner. If I were Pat McQuistan I would at least have asked them to air brush out the herpe on his bottom lip after the team photo shoot.
Hmmm, possible torn meniscus.
Well, in the injury sense, that’s a lot like Keith Davis’ injury, wounded but not killed. It beats a ligament injury, that’s for sure. Just hope that’s ALL that turns up on the MRI.
Cash,
LOL! Should we start referring to McQuistan as “Fat Bastard” from now on?
“I ‘et a bebe!”
I had a meniscus tear a few years ago and it’s biggest downfall is the “catching” and “giving out” feeling you get. it tends to make people a little bit tentative when making moves. the whole baby the leg too long thing. He’ll be stiff for a week or so, but heals fast.
BTW, I just downloaded the new DC.COM screensaver. Maybe it’s been there all along, but with the new setup at the website I just found it. Pretty cool stuff and it’s free. I recomend downloading it.
Well if Spears misses a few weeks it’s not the end of the world. Could be LeCharles Bentley serious. Better to sustain this type of injury now rather than late in camp or preseason.
I’m really disappointed with the injury to Spears. This guy looked like Reggie White to me coming out of college. We need his size, speed and athleticism. Hopefully he can get back in there soon.
Lou,
You said the scoop on Spears “isn’t good”.
While your certainly right about the situation not being good, I’m just glad to hear he’ll be back in a couple of weeks.
Although he will miss valuable training experience, consider it lucky since it was his knee that was injured.
A couple more inches and that would have been a torn ligament.
What’s up with Flo?
Did he miss practice because he is in bad shape, or because he is still recovering from the ACL?
Another few notes from Parcells press conference:
1.) Did any one else feel the tension between he and Werder?
2.) Parcells commented on the term “featured back”, and how the NFL is in a “new era” where two or three RBs share the load, as opposed to yester year when backs like Earl Cambell were one man gangs. BP said that he plans to use both players (Jones and Barber) in large rolls. He said that Barber is in the plans for 3rd down, but also plans to get him more reps on 1st and 2nd downs then he had last season. Parcells answered blaitantly that Barber is the better blocker of the two (an onging arguement here on this blog), and that Barber had an easier adjustment to the NFL because of the college system and the coaching he received. Thus hinting that Barber is the better receiver out of the back field. Parcells comment on Barber’s production in limited time is a tell tale sign that he is gaining trust in the player.
madcowboy,
Flozell missed practice because of both your reasons.
His knee is fine but rehabbing from an ACL can really hurt your conditioning due to the limited action of running you’re capable of doing while recovering from that kind of injury.
But with the help of some health trainers he should get back into better shape and be back in practice.
I’ve been a Barber advocate ever since he stepped on the field. The guys keeps his legs moving in traffic, something JJ does not do. Since when did Eric R. jump on board this wagon?
Joker:
I hate the guy that pisses on the fire, but in all the year’s of Parcells conditioning run, Flozell never made it healthy or hurt. He is now a perfect 4 of 4. It appears like to me that it is something the coaching staff expects and lives with as does Flozell.
My question re Julius vs. Marion is why do so many people advocate one to the exclusion of the other? I like Barber but have backed up Jones because there are so many people who want to cast him aside. They both can play and they both will.
Raf:
I think that people cast Julius aside because he is yet to play an entire season. There is always something with this guy. I sense that people see Barber and see production, then it’s Jones turn and you see some production, then he is out of the game and missing the next three weeks. I am with you on Julius’ talent. If he could just show us for an entire season, I really do believe that fans would get off his ass.
I had the opportunity to go watch practice this morning. The crowd was bigger then any time last year. They added bleachers by the end zone; but I recommend showing up at least 15 minutes early to any practice.
Adams was indeed spending much of the practice sprinting, walking then sprinting. One of the trainers never left his side. That said, unlike Larry Allen last year, he could actually run.
I did not have a great angle to watch the offensive linemen do their blocking drills, but once scrimmage started it was Marc Colombo (75) manning most of the snaps at left tackle.
They ran an eleven on eleven running drill and the first team defense dominated the line of scrimmage. They did not break any runs.
In the one on one passing drill the wide outs won more then they lost. The exception being Newman, I did not see him get beat once.
It’s only one practice, but Glenn looked slower then last year. He got beat by multiple people including a couple rooks. He was clearly frustrated even hitting the ground after giving up a 15 yard out.
Late in the practice they did a scrimmage and for a change they held it on the near field. The defense again won more then it lost. The running game did a little better, but not much. The crowd got excited every time Newman lined up on Ownes, but they never threw one to Owens on those plays. Owens did beat Glenn deep for the only TD of the scrimmage. He had fun with it and waved for fans to cheer.
I could not see the line play in the scrimmage because I was looking from defenses end zone.
Other observations:
Carpenter did very well in the blocking drill, he was shredding Sean Pierce and Sean Ryan very quickly.
Jim Burt was working with the defensive linemen. Hatcher looks big and held his own when drilling with the other defensive linemen.
Styler Green beat his man three times for no completions. Two throws were difficult, the third he should have caught.
There was a quick wide out wearing number 6. Not sure who he was.
Ryan Hannam (backup TE) practiced with the linebackers. He played a nickel linebacker role in the drills and scrimmages.
The weather was great. After a week of record highs and muggy humidity, the teams first practice was in in perfect football weather. Overcast with a cool breeze. Who says God is not a Cowboy fan!!
Well, time to leave for the five o’ clock practice.
Forgot to mention,
Greg Ellis lined up and practiced as a defensive lineman exclusively. He did not work with the linebacker coaches at all. His snaps in scrimmage were with the nickel defense.
One thing to keep in mind. BP has said he has never forgiven himself for working Joe Morris so hard that his career was shortened drastically. I think that BP since then has been very reluctant to make any back his workhorse in the same way. And it is a good thing: 20-25 carries a game in todays NFL is more then enough for ANY back for a whole season. With the size, speed and strength of todays defenders, you do not want your RB getting hammered too often a game.
hey burm,
Do you think Parcells was thinking about Joe Morris when he handed the ball 2,020 times to Curtis Martin in six years?
Cash,
you and EricR are the main members. To the point where you guys go over the same b.s. arguments.
Julius Jones is the main running back for the Cowboys.
When and if JJ gets hurt, or gets beat, then you can do your little dance. Until then, please, not another year of inane crap. Be thankful we have both.
Trey,
Thanks. I front paged your report. I’m going to do the rest too, if you don’t mind.
Raf,
I have been saying the same for some time now. Recall the “Emmitt days are gone” comment? Both will play, and both have different strengths. The arguement I was speaking of was who was the better blocker? .. I have advocated strongly that Barber is a more polished blocker and receiver, and that fits this team’s stregths better. Having Barber on the field with Witten, Fasano, Glenn, and Owens creates a defensive nightamare. I am not throwing Jones out of the picture, but I do think that the Cowboys could use his on special teams, if need be. Many here argue you don’t use a “featured back” on ST. Well I guess there goes that arguement, since we don’t have a featured back. .. I believe if Julius gets 15-20 carries a game and a few chances on special teams he will flourish. That will open the door for Barber to get 15-20 carries and a few receptions. But the big thing, IMO, is blocking!! Better protect Bledsoe goes far in my book. Since JJ doesn’t thrive as a blocker, I’d look high and low for a position he can use his speed and agility … maybe even kick returning.
Fighter,
Oh I get it now, he is the MAIN RB. .. Look before you go off on a tangent, I am not unseeding Jones, just suggesting finding a better way to utalize his superb ability. This may sound stupid, but I think Jones may average more yards per carry if he gets a few less reps. But get the guy in opened field situations like returning kicks may work for him. I am a huge advocate of Jones. A Notre Dame fan that wrote into Mickey Spags screaming for him to tip a Cowboy executive to look at the Jones footage against USC. I just do not think it is a good thing to hammer him 25-30 times. Plus Barber fits this passing offense so so well. Good blocking helps free up Witten and keep Bledsoe confident. And Barber is a very polished route runner and understands how to help his QB as a receiver. …. Like I keep saying they both have different stregths and I like em both.
has anyone given any thought that Julius might not be a better blocker because he has had a shoulder problem? Maybe he doesn’t have much confidence in it right now. For all we know (which isn’t much) he could be a “one armed” blocker until he gets confidence and strength in it. I don’t think he lacks courage, do you guys?
Fighter,
Who was I arguing with? Do you have a problem with people who have a different opinion than you? I suggest you take some big boy vitamins, grow up, and understand that some people will disagree with you. Good day to you.
scout,
Look maybe I have a different opinion about Jones than others saying Barber should get more touches. To me to a large lesser degree its a bit like comparing Joe Morris to Barry Sanders. While Morris didn’t have Sanders ability, he fit what the Giants did in the 80’s .. ground and pound. Do you think Parcells would have traded his guy for a more elusive back? I don’t! He had a tough player that he knew he could count on in game situations.
Just an opinion, but this offense looks the part of a team that can pass a bunch on first and second downs. Thus Barber’s blocking and pass recieving skills fit. Jones at times is a liability (shoulder injury or not). If that is the case and Barber is a better fit, thus gets more snaps, if I am Parcells, I am looking for a way to intrigate Jones’ ability. From what I know of Jones, he was very good at returning kicks. I for one would not mind seeing Jones and Green back returning kickoffs. That can prove to be an explosive duo. Maybe I am dead wrong, but to me, its worth a shot testing the waters during the preseason. Especially if Barber shows he can handle the load at RB.
EricR:
Curtis Martin wasn’t a polished blocker in 1995, was an ellusive type of back and still Parcells had him starting 15 games and gave him the ball 368 times.
Parcells is going to start the player that wins the Training Camp competition, if it’s Julius, we’re going to see him, if it’s Marion, we’re going to see him, but still they’re going to share the carries.
The biggest flaw in JJ that I see is that he can’t be the 3rd down back. His blocking skills aren’t as good as MBIII nor are his recieving skills. In my opinion it’s JJ’s lack of skill as a 3rd down back that requires MBIII to fill that roll more so than JJ being a better 1st and 2nd down back than MBIII.
Both backs have fumble issues.
JJ does fine as a 3rd down back. Last year he was in it most of the time not Barber. JJ can do a lot more once he gets the ball then barber can anyway. That was shown since he had a much higher yds per catch stat then barber did. JJ is not a great receiver but as long as you get it close to him he will catch it. That was shown last year.
Now as regards pass blocking JJ does it good enough- or he would not be in there at all.
Cash,
Yes Barber has better blocking and receiving skills. The thing you are missing is this team’s stregnth is throwing the football. Dallas has two perenial Pro Bowl receivers (T.O. and Witten), plus two more very capable players (Glenn and Fasano). That is a lot of talent in the receiving corps!! .. Plus the NFL is in an era were defenses blitz more on 1st and 2nd downs. ….. The Cowboys have the talent to spread a defense out and put them on their heels by passing the ball more on 1st and 2nd down. Barber’s skills fit that passing philosophy. Like I said previously, I am not unseeding Jones, just giving Barber more reps on 1st and 2nd down to protect Bledsoe and give the offense another dimension. In a previous thread, I pointed out with T.O. demanding a double team, and the defense’s best cover cover LB (or cover S) on Witten, teams will have a very difficult time matching up against Barber in our passing game. Then they’ll also have to account for Fasano and Glenn. With Barber in, the defense has a nightmare of a time matching up.
Eric R.,
The advantages that Barber has over Jones in the passing game are slight. Last season Barber caught 18 passes for 115 yards, a 6.4 ypc average. Jones caught 35 passes for 218 yards, a 6.2 ypc average. The proportion of passes caught to their rushing carries was almost exactly the same (257 rushes for Jones, 138 for Barber). So, as receivers, they are pretty much a wash.
I will give you Barber being the better pass blocker. At least he was last year.
At any rate, since we do have the makings of a powerful passing game, with or without Jones or Barber in the lineup, I would rather see the more dangerous runner in the game, to draw attention to that aspect and further free up the receivers who can really do damage when they get the ball.
Barber can get us good yardage when given the ball. Jones can take it to the house. Every defense must respect that. In other words, Jones must be considered in any defensive gameplanning. Barber, not so much.
I’m sure we will make good use of both of their talents. Parcells has said that he wants to use Barber more. But, frankly, he has to wait and see how things work out between them (and the other running backs) before he will commit to any rotation.