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February 2008
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Folks, this will be the last day of live practice blogging until the off-season activities. No practice tomorrow, and we only get to see the first 30 minutes of practice (read: stretching) the rest of the season. Technology willing, I plan on going out with a bang this morning and afternoon. I'd like to thank the majority of you for your unconditional love during this experiment. For those who have pointed out that my work has suffered since leaving the Alamodome, I aplogize for not being as efficient occasionally kneeling in the grass as I am sitting comfortably in a press box. One helpful fella suggested Belo spring for a air-conditioned golf cart, but I'm not in a position to ask for anything after turning in a record-setting expense account upon my return from San Antonio. I know you have a lot of options for live Cowboys practice updates, and I'd like to thank you for choosing this here blog despite the recent bumpy ride. Oh, wait. That's right. I'm the only guy giving this kind of coverage. Well, in that case, follow the jump and refresh for fun Cowboys-Broncos stuff you can't get anywhere else. 9:07 -- Ahhh ... a nice, overcast day. 9:12 -- Rookie WR Isaiah Stanback is practicing. I assume the trainers just don't want him practicing twice a day. Will find out for sure during Wade Phillips' press conference. ... Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo are sitting out the morning practice again. 9:15 -- No T.O. sighting at this point. Perhaps his hammy or back is sore again. Or maybe he's watching tape of himself leaving Champ Bailey flat-footed with a double-move in 1-on-1s yesterday. 9:22 -- Or maybe T.O. just got stuck in traffic. He's out here now, sporting black spandex with a white pinstripe up the leg and stretching with strength coach Joe Juraszek. Everybody else is doing position drills. 9:30 -- Jerry just chatted with the refs on the sideline. Didn't see any cash exchange hands, but Jerry might have made some promises. 9:34 -- About to start Broncos vs. Cowboys stuff. No Jason Ferguson today. He might just be taking the morning off, which is the right of a veteran who gets hit every play. 9:36 -- Remi Ayodele is working with the starters at NT in inside run drills. ... Also have 7-on-7 going. Nice break by Terence Newman to get hands on crossing route to Javon Walker. 9:38 -- INT by Joey Thomas on a poor pass by Jay Cutler. Thomas had good coverage on Brian Clark's fade route, so the only chance Cutler had was to loft the ball to the corner. He tried to zip it in there, and Thomas caught it cleanly. ... Isaiah Stanback beat Champ Bailey deep. Stanback also just burned Dre Bly for another TD. WRs have the edge in 1-on-1 drills, but it's very encouraging nonetheless. ... Boise State hero Jerard Rabb just beat Bailey on a crossing route. 9:42 -- Denver WR Brandon Marshall, a 6-4, 230-pound second-year guy who reminds some folks of a raw, young T.O., did a nice job using his body to shield Terence Newman for a TD on a fade route. ... South Garland's Quincy Morgan beat Anthony Henry and Domenik Hixon beat Aaron Glenn on fades, too. 9:44 -- Excellent job by Joey Thomas breaking up a fade to Marshall, who got up high to snatch the ball with both hands but had Thomas jar it loose on the way down. ... Great tippy-toe catch in back of end zone by Broncos WR David Kircus over Glenn. 9:46 -- Thomas ended what had been a great 1-on-1 session for him by getting beat badly on a slant. Thomas guessed fade and had no chance. The Denver scrub WR dropped the pass, though. ... Couldn't see much inside run stuff, which happened on the other end of the field behind a wall of players. ... Now working on field goals. 9:50 -- FB Oliver Hoyte has joined the group of guys working out on the side. Will let you know when I find out what's wrong with him. 9:56 -- Radio analyst extraordinaire Babe Laufenberg, who had back surgery Friday, has returned to Valley Ranch. Babe is on his feet watching practice and looks fine. He says he'll sit out this week's game and return to the booth next week in Houston. Moose Johnston, who is filling my chair on Ch. 52's Southwest KIA Sportstalk today, will fill in Saturday for Babe. 9:58 -- We kinda, sorta had a fight, depending on how soft you are with your definition of fight. Broncos CB Bill Alford, who I've never heard of, was working as a gunner on punt coverage. He took offense to Sam Hurd slapping him upside his head and exchanged pushes with Hurd and Damarius Bilbo. 9:59 -- Isaiah Stanback is rotating with Patrick Crayton and Terence Newman catching punts. Stanback looks comfortable and has fielded every one cleanly, but he knows he's not going to get hit. Newman is giving Stanback pointers in between plays. ... Ooops. He muffed one that he had to run up to catch. It bounced right back to him, but the bounce won't often be so lucky. ... Found it interesting that Wade Phillips said yesterday he didn't see Stanback as a pure punt returner, though that's one of the roles the Cowboys brass mentioned for Stanback after drafting him. 10:03 -- 7-on-7 started with TE Daniel Graham beating Roy Williams on an out route. Just reporting the facts. ... T.O. dropped a pass on a short crossing route, but Tony Romo threw it a little behind the target. ... Not supposed to be hitting, but Jason Witten and John Lynch butted heads at the goal-line after Witten caught an out and turned upfield. 10:05 -- Anthony Henry broke up a deep ball to Javon Walker. Walker had a step or two on Henry, but the ball was underthrown. Henry did a nice job getting in the air and fighting for the ball. ... Seventh-round FS Courtney Brown showed impressive athleticism with an over-the-shoulder pick on a post route. 10:07 -- Nice catch in traffic by T.O. for a 20-yard TD from Romo. T.O. beat Champ Bailey on a crossing route. ... Push-up time for LB Kevin Burnett after dropping a pick. Great coverage on a TE out route. 10:09 -- Denver LB Nate Webster broke up a Romo slant to Anthony Fasano. Cowboys are calling for defensive holding. ... Denver WR Brandon Marshall caught ball between Bradie James and Akin Ayodele at goal-line. ... Gonna walk down to other end of field to see some pass-rush drills. 10:28 -- Sorry for the delay. Got to chatting with ex-Cowboys DT Tony Casillas, who is working the pre- and post-game show for ESPN 103.3 FM this season. Will share his thoughts on the Cowboys D-line in a separate post later. ... Marcus Spears had no trouble getting by a Broncos backup OG I've never heard of, but didn't see much else before pass-rush drills ended. ... T.O. just caught about a 10-yard TD over Dre Bly in team drills. ... DE Chris Canty got his big paws up to tip a Jay Cutler pass. ... Cutler hit TE Tony Scheffler over Pat Watkins in the end zone. ... Another nice PBU by CB Joey Thomas on a fade route. 10:32 -- Good job by Anthony Spencer, Bradie James and Anthony Henry of not letting Travis Henry turn the corner on a stretch play. Spencer and James held their ground to string the play out, and James would have made the tackle near the line of scrimmage after good pursuit. 10:33 -- This Brandon Marshall kid is impressive. Just made an easy TD catch over Aaron Glenn. Hope nobody in my fantasy football league is reading this, because Marshall will make a heck of a late-round pick. 10:37 -- Watching Cowboys D 3s vs. Broncos O scrubs in red zone. Nothing too exciting. Would rather watch Cowboys' offense, but they're on other end of field behind wall of players. Couldn't see much, but tackles were Pat McQuistan (left) and James Marten (right). ... And that's it for the morning practice. Not sure if you folks have submitted questions, but I'll answer any filed by 10:45 after Wade Phillips' early-afternoon press conference. |
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Comments
Posted by Land @ 9:17 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Thanks for all the live blogs. I've enjoyed following along, or reading them afterward if I wasnt able to log in live. It was a great idea that hopefully will become a great tradition.
Posted by yac @ 9:26 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
I guess everyone is now "entitled" to fast and accurate practice blogging.
Thanks for the great blog!
Posted by Brian Russo @ 9:28 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Matt Moore has looked good so far. I was wondering why he wasn't drafted? What was the knock on him?
Posted by Matt Causey @ 9:31 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Let's get goin TMac....how's our passing game doing against Champ and Dre? Is Ware abusing Meadows again and how's Bigg looking against Sam Adams. Always thought Adams was pretty good. Has his play deteriorated or is Bigg just too damn Bigg! Also would like to know how our new safety tandem looks against the deep ball because I saw on the Broncos sight their video of several completions deep....although most were on our 2's and 3's. u da man
Posted by Carl in Arlington @ 9:35 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey Tim,
How has Kosier looked through camp so far? I really think he is our worst starter on either side of the ball. I wish we still had "Big Larry" at left guard. Imagine that O-line's average size and strength. One word, DOMINATION
Posted by Zach @ 9:40 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
TMac, wanted thank you for all the hard work, I can't imagine sitting out on a field in 100+ weather and typing. Good luck and you should have elbowed the Kia Sports Talk dude for the Elway question last night. lol!
Posted by S L @ 9:44 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey pal, first round's on me (hopefully not literally) if I ever get to say thanks for your efforts in person. You will never enjoy a press box as much this season after these practices, I'll bet.
The good news - closing practices means this is as bad as it ever gets. You won't have to find out how laptops do when they discover rain or sleet, or have to buy those funny gloves with no fingertips to type in the wind.
stay loose!
Posted by Rob @ 9:47 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Given the logjam at running back, is there any real hope of Jackie Battle making the team? Do you think he is a practice squad candidate?
Posted by Mike Stone @ 9:48 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Great Coverage.
TMac has love in Denton. Galloway has none.
Posted by Chris/Denton @ 9:54 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Great to hear Stanbeck is looking good. Madden08 must not have thought he was going to be good since they have his overall at 68 and speed at 86!? LOL.
Posted by Jim de Guadalajara @ 9:56 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Great coverage today, like S.A. Thanks from Mexico
Posted by LL from Austin @ 10:02 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Thanks for the memories...
Posted by Land @ 10:02 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Wow... I dont believe I've ever seen an injury update on a analyst in the middle of practice. It is the great Babe though, so I understand..
Posted by Derrick @ 10:04 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Carl,
Larry Allen is and has been a shell of what he used to be since 2003, he couldn't get to the second level,Domination!! no thats not the word you're looking for, WISHFULL THINKING!!! Kosier is a solid left guard and graded out very well last year, you cant have all pros at every position.
Posted by Steve @ 10:06 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
You've done a great job, and this was a fantastic idea. Credit to you guys for being innovative.
So beloblog won't even spring for a folding chair and beach umbrella? I say next camp you hold out until they renegotitate your incentives package...
Posted by chris in royse city @ 10:08 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
first of all I would just like to say you have done an absolutely amazing job! Thank you for giving us your time and commitment. The worst part is I'm not going to know what to do at work, because I have planned my days around getting on my cell phone and blogging to pass the time. Now for a question...is Tyson thompson still looking good? He looked great in the preseason game. Also do you think stanback will actually see the field much in the regular season?
Posted by John @ 10:09 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Thanks for doing this - the complainers can become Texan fans. I've never felt more "in tune" with the 'Boys this early, have never known as much about the "bottom" of the roster, and have enjoyed every blog! I appreciate you doing this for the common fan!
Posted by Jim Morris, Austin @ 10:11 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Yes we do appreciate your coverage but more than 10,000 guys would swap places with you in a heart beat and about half of those would do a pretty good job at it. Everybody has opinions but do not get upset when someone disparages you just be prepared to support yours. Thanks.
Posted by S L @ 10:13 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
pads, shorts? one side in steel plated armor and the other in spandex? helmets? beanies? shoes? sandals? 4 practices in a row outside? really?
Posted by John Paul @ 10:16 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
You da bomb, baby! Thanks for doing this for the common fan - it's been great hearing about not just the stars, but so many of those we had previously never heard of!
Posted by Michael @ 10:17 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
We appreciate what your doing TMac. Even if you can't blog all the times it cool. Technical issues happen all the time. I can't imagine typing while having all that practice action going on. Thats what happens when you set such high standards in the Alamo Dome lol. Ok time to refresh.
Posted by Dallus1 @ 10:19 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Really like what I have been reading about Joey Thomas @ CB. Do you think he is capable of playing opposite Newman in the near future?
Posted by alanTdot @ 10:22 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
C'mon Tim.
Your job is to are spend time telling die hard fans what is going on with their favorite team during TC.
You aren't working on a Cancer Cure.
Thanks for the updates.
Try not to pat your own back so much.
Posted by Gary Neill @ 10:22 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
No more live blogging?? How in the world am I gonna kill time at work now? This blog is addictive... thanks bro for the great information to us hard cord cowboy fans...
Posted by Rodney @ 10:25 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey Tmac thanks for all the coverage it rocks!!! Is there ne chance any of theses next 3 preseason games will be on satelite? like nfl,fox, espn, cbs??
Posted by Lee Sebel aka Voltz @ 10:35 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Thanks for all the reports, Tim. I was there for the opening of camp, and you kept me there the last few weeks.
With news of that expense account you are my new hero...
Posted by DubB @ 10:36 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Thomas seems to be having a heck of a camp... do you think its enough to beat out Jones? If he does what happens to to CB Draft picks (Ball, Brown)?
Posted by Shawn Stafford @ 10:43 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey Tim,
Thanks for the blog by the way, good stuff.
How did Remi Ayodele look running with the first team D?
Posted by PA Cowboy Fan @ 10:45 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
T-Mac, I want to sincerely thank you for your work this summer....it's been a Godsend to us Dallas Cowboy folks living out of State and missing the live TV games and news broadcasts. You are a magnificent blogger, and we do truly appreciate the SWEAT and tears you have put into this service.
You're even better than the new, glossy Dallas Cowboys news/magazine! Great reporting!
Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 10:54 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Jason Ferguson missed practice because his wife is having a baby.
Posted by austin @ 11:08 AM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Any word on Shaun Andrews' injury. Profootballtalk.com is saying it might be season or career threatening.
Posted by John Moelker @ 12:06 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Appreciated your updates! Nice comeback to the whiners this morning.
One Question: You mentioned some good things about Thomas. I think he may be a strong player in the future for the Boys. What are his chances of landing the 5th CB spot?
Posted by Gary @ 12:12 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey Tim, we're sorry if your feelings were hurt. I'm sure the ad revenue to this blog which is paying your salary for you to report to us will make you feel better.
Posted by warroom @ 1:00 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Jason Hilliard -
What number is he wearing? Has he shown anything to suggest that he is anything more than just a camp body?
Posted by Bobby @ 1:06 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Tim, Who seems to be getting the best of the other. The Boys or the Broncos. What is your overall opinion of our offense against their defense and vice versa?
Posted by Mark @ 1:50 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Man, Tim, Killer job here this last month. Sorry about the whiners, someone really needs a life. Thanks again for all of this. Blessings
Posted by Carl @ 1:52 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Derrick,
I know what Larry Allen is and isn't. I know he is not what he used to be but he is still a better guard at this stage of his career than Kosier. Also, L.A. should have been a Dallas Cowboy for his entire career. I think most die-hard Cowboys' fans would agree with me on that subject. Besides, I'm not ragging Kosier or anything. I'm just looking at what I think is the weaker spots on our team. The Cowboys should be constantly looking to get better at every position. That is how you sustain decades of success. I want the Cowboys to be the first with 6 rings....to accomplish that they need above average players at every position or superior QB play to make-up for a lack of talent at other positions.
Posted by David (Too many Davids) @ 2:07 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey I don't presume to know the coverage schemes your using to keep this blog going on the field but perhaps if you lost a few pounds and took more yoga you would be flexible enough to cover the practices while kneeling in the grass. I love your blog but your not going to go to the sport's writers hall of fame by reputation alone.
Posted by Steve @ 2:18 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Hey, does anyone know if the blackout rule applies for preseason games as well? If so has the game been sold out against the Broncos this Saturday night? Will it be televised?
Thanks, Steve
Posted by pete @ 2:57 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Look for the broncos salary cay wazard Mike Bluem out there. He is from Lewisville, Tx
Posted by Big Mike @ 6:44 PM Thu, Aug 16, 2007
Tim MacMahon.....thanks.
Posted by Jeremy @ 6:19 AM Fri, Aug 17, 2007
This blog rules and JUST satisfies my Cowboys Football cravings. Keep em coming!