Newsletter sign-up: 
Get Dallas Cowboys news on your cellLive from the Alamodome XVIII
9:46 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007 | Permalink
E-mail News tips
 |
 |
 
|
|
February 2008
Categories
Movers and Shakers Pre-season Texas Stadium dallasnews.com
Sports Blogs |
You can practically hear the crickets in the Alamodome this morning. We have a sparse crowd, perhaps since a lot of folks have the pesky 9-to-5 obligations. At any rate, beer sales aren't very brisk right now. I promise not to let the lack of energy in the building affect my blogging enthusiasm. Money-back guarantee stands if you're not satisfied with the following rapid-fire, live-blogging practice experience. I'll take questions until the action gets going at 10:00 or so. To honor the newest Cowboy in the Hall of Fame, follow the jump and refresh with "THE SAME INTENSITY!!!" as you would during a playoff game. 8:51 -- No pads this morning. Just helmets. 9:00 -- No T.O. sighting. His practice percentage is .722 during this training camp, a huge improvement from a year ago. 9:02 -- Rookie CB Alan Ball, who missed the last two practices after hurting his knee, is back out there. ... Cowboys had several guys catching punts before practice, but I didn't see rookie FS Courtney Brown. He does have 4.32 speed, per his pro day time, so it seems like he'd be worth a look. WRs Jamel Richardson, Miles Austin and Jerheme Urban were back there, indicating that the coaches just want somebody who can catch the ball. 9:06 -- Isaiah Stanback, Alonzo Coleman and Greg Ellis are working out on the side again. 9:08 -- I would think tie goes to the veteran who has made pressure kicks in the NFL, but Jerry might want to save 500 grand and go with the rookie. There's definitely a chance that they keep two kickers. ... Can't see Tyson Thompson getting significant carries unless one of the guys in front of him goes down. Thompson's primary role will be returning kicks again. ... The Cowboys only went full-contact on the goal-line in the Tuna's training camp, so the lack of tackling this year isn't a huge change. They're full speed for the first three steps, so there's plenty of evaluation fodder for the big guys. They're seeing the skill guys and DBs do everything but tackle and get tackled. Plus, they'll have four preseason games worth of film before final cuts. ... O-line looked pretty good without the two starting tackles. Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo haven't looked gimpy since getting out there, so that's encouraging. 9:18 -- Lizard, I believe you win the prize. A 10-hour drive shows a lot of dedication. ... Air of dominance? Champs' swagger? Don't know about that. There's a lot of big talk, but this is a team that hasn't won a playoff game in more than a decade. ... Wade Phillips doesn't consider LB a position of surplus. He has important roles in mind for three backups (Anthony Spencer, Kevin Burnett and Bobby Carpenter) and pointed out yesterday that LBs are very important on special teams. ... As big as the O-line is, they expect to be physically dominant each week. That's a bit much to expect out of the D-line, though. 9:22 -- Jim, that's the kind of deep philosophical question that gives a guy gray hairs. Sometimes you can tell if it's a blown assignment. Sometimes you see a great throw and catch despite good coverage. And sometimes you do wonder whether, say, DeMarcus Ware destroying everybody in his path is a good or bad sign. ... Best eats so far have been Boudro's, Landry's and La Fogata. Wait on Mi Tierra has been too long when I tried to go there. Feel free to let me know of any good grubbing I'm missing out on. 9:27 -- Valley Ranch practices will not be open to the public. You'll have to rely on me, folks. I'm still trying to figure out how/if I can keep the live practice blogging going without a press box. 9:30 -- Jerry and Co. will have to decide whether Patrick Crayton is a legit starting WR after this season. If they think so, they'll pay up to keep him. If they think not, he'll probably get more money somewhere else. I'm not convinced yet that Crayton is starting material, though he's obviously a very good No. 3. 9:33 -- OK, got some action. Will get to more questions later. ... First play of team drills was a botched snap between Andre Gurode and Tony Romo. 9:34 -- Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo are sitting out this morning. The plan is to not let them practice twice in one day. ... Romo and Miles Austin had a miscommunication, with Romo throwing a 9 route and Austin running a curl. They got on the same page the next play, completing a deep crossing route in front of Joey Thomas. 9:35 -- Anthony Fasano dropped a quick hitter right in his hands. That's a rare sight. Fasano has had a nice camp. 9:39 -- Anthony Henry picked off a deep ball intended for Mike Jefferson. Henry had good coverage on the play, and Richard Bartel underthrew the ball a bit. 9:42 -- Romo's arm is pretty sore at this point of camp. He just threw an out to Miles Austin that fluttered a bit. It wouldn't be surprising if he got a quasi-day off soon. I doubt he'll sit out a practice, but he might not throw much for a day or so. 9:44 -- O-line just broke down against the blitz. Kevin Burnett got back there pretty easily. Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware joined him in Romo's face. Cory Procter was in there at center. 9:47 -- Brad Johnson threw a nice pass to hit Adam Bergen on an out-and-up between Bobby Carpenter and Keith Davis. The old man didn't have a very big window and put the ball on the money with nice touch. ... Keith Davis could have killed Matt Moore after going unblocked on a safety blitz. 9:50 -- Exciting special teams work now, so I'll take some questions. Jerheme Urban has joined Patrick Crayton and Terence Newman as punt returners. ... Andre Gurode has had a couple high shotgun snaps but nothing to be alarmed about. Cowboys have run a fair amount of shotgun while working two-minute drill and third-and-long situations. ... Bill in DC, problem is there's nowhere for media to sit at Valley Ranch practice fields. I'm thinking a lawn chair would be my best option but need to see if that'd be cool with Cowboys PR folks. ... Thanks for restaurant recommendations. My goal is to avoid the Rivercenter Mall food court for the rest of my stay. 9:57 -- Jerheme Urban has done a fine job of fielding punts so far. ... You folks don't have any questions? 10:00 -- Time for some 7-on-7 and pass-rush drills. 10:01 -- Great catch by Jason Witten on a seam route. Bradie James had decent coverage, so Romo threw the ball to Witten's outside shoulder. Witten made a nice adjustment and caught the ball cleanly ... 15-yard out completed to Sam Hurd in front of Anthony Henry. 10:02 -- They's working on stunts in the pass-rush drills. They're not going full speed -- focus on teaching -- so I'm not going to watch that much. 10:04 -- Nate Jones almost had a pick on an out thrown by Brad Johnson, but Jamel Richardson turned into a DB and broke it up. Richardson slammed Jones to the turf pretty hard. 10:07 -- Romo looks pretty sharp despite the sore arm. He put some zip on a deep crossing route to Sam Hurd. ... Romo also put a post on the money to Miles Austin, but Courtney Brown got up pretty high to deflect the pass. ... Another drop of an easy ball by Anthony Fasano. 10:11 -- 7-on-7 stuff is over, so we get more special teams fun. ... DE Jason Hatcher is working up a pretty good sweat, doing agility drills with the big elastic chord off to the side. He should be back in pads in a couple days. ... Will answer some questions now. 10:14 -- I'd expect Tony Romo to play a couple series, Brad Johnson to play a few and Matt Moore and Richard Bartel to split the rest in the first preseason game. Coaches just want Romo and Johnson to get a little work for timing/rhythm reasons. They need to evaluate Moore and Bartel. ... Greg Ellis is too small (265 pounds) to be a 3-4 DE. He's dropped about 15 pounds in the last two years so he could play OLB. If you see him with his hand on the ground, it'll be in nickel and dime packages. ... Courtney Brown hasn't gotten any reps at CB, only at FS. Looks like a practice squad candidate. ... Jerheme Urban's chances to make the team get better every practice Jamaica Rector and Isaiah Stanback have to sit out. ... Only word from Wade Phillips on Rector's knee is that they don't anticipate surgery being necessary. ... It's possible Stanback might not practice until they return to Valley Ranch, but that's not the plan. They hoped he'd make it out there over the weekend. ... Phillips does not annoy the hell out of his QBs by standing behind them and hollering out a throw count. They are monitoring Romo's reps. As I mentioned earlier, it wouldn't surprise me if he got a quasi-break in the next couple days. ... 10:21 -- Knee braces are no longer required on linemen. Some wear them, some don't. ... I've been impressed with Ken Hamlin's range. He's made several plays by the sideline. ... Live blogging from practice would not continue during the regular season, so opponents will have to work harder to scout than logging on here. .... 11-on-11 starts with Romo hitting Patrick Crayton on a hook. 10:26 -- Anthony Fasano actually caught a pass, snaring a 15-yard out from Romo. ... Romo also hit Miles Austin and Sam Hurd on deep crossing routes. ... Cory Procter still getting reps at center with starters, and there was a botched snap. Andre Gurode is dressed out and standing around chatting with teammates, so I think they're just getting the backup some work. ... Anthony Spencer and Bradie James crashed into each other trying to grab a pass from Matt Moore intended to ?. 10:31 -- Romo hit a surprisingly wide open Sam Hurd on a curl route. Nate Jones appeared to be confused. ... They're working a lot on the running game, which isn't too thrilling without pads. ... Defense is playing a 4-3, which is something Wade Phillips has mentioned that the offense needs to see. I believe New England is the only 3-4 team on the schedule. 10:35 -- Highlight of Matt Moore's series was Stephen Bowen batting the ball back in his face. ... Richard Bartel is getting some reps now -- started with an incompletion and followed with a fumbled snap. 10:37 -- Three-and-out for Bartel after another incompletion on a pass thrown well behind the receiver. ... Bartel is a nice fella, but something just isn't right about a QB dismissed from a winless SMU team playing for the Cowboys. 10:40 -- Forgot about the Jets as a 3-4 team. ... Practice over. Gotta go. ... Will answer the questions submitted here in a separate post creatively titled "Leftover questions from this morning" later today. |
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
Posted by carl @ 9:01 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
how about brown the cb? any luck with one of the newbies to return punts?
thanks Car
Posted by son of sue @ 9:03 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
If Folk and Gramatica end up "tied" at the end of camp, who gets cut? Any chance we keep 2 kickers?
Posted by anthony @ 9:03 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
What are Tyson Thompson chances of getting some real carries in regular season games? It seams like he can truly be a "change of pace" RB this year, especially since he has the speed that both Julis and Marion don't have.
Posted by Bill In DC @ 9:06 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Seems like there's a lot fewer practices in pads with full hitting this year. Maybe I'm wrong about that.
How does that effect the ability of coaches to evaluate rookies and FAs?
Posted by scott @ 9:07 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
How does the starting o-line look, if its all in tact?
Posted by lizard @ 9:11 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey I am on the field now watching the boring practices. I have to ask--what is the farthest you have heard of someoe driving to be here? I drove 10 hours from Wichita, KS but I am sure there are others who are farther.
Posted by Scott @ 9:12 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Is there any sense of "domanance" in the air by the team yet? Swagger that goes with a Champ?
Posted by neil @ 9:14 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
any chance we deal a LB for a Corner since that seems to be a position of surplus
Posted by Carl L @ 9:17 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Given the size of our o-line and d-line, would it be a reach to expect the Cowboys to be physically dominant week-in and week-out?
Posted by Eric @ 9:17 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
What good restaurants have you hit so far?
Posted by Jim @ 9:20 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
In a scrimmage how do you know if the O is good and the D is bad or the reverse?
Posted by Carl L @ 9:24 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
When the Cowboys return to Valley Ranch for the rest of the preseason will those practices be open to the public?
Posted by Bill In DC @ 9:25 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Jim,
I'd give the same response a Marine Infantry Captain gave when asked a similar question about how you knew good tactics from bad tactics.
If it works its good tactics, if it doesn't its bad tactics.
If the play works the O is good, if it doesn't the D is good.
Posted by Mark @ 9:25 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
I could probably be way off base here, so correct me (nicely) if I am wrong, but I have always felt the Cowboys had the physical tools, but it was the mental that bit them in the behind, especially last year. In the case of the Cowboys, it is 10% physical and 90 percent mental. At least that is how I have always believed.
Posted by Scott B. @ 9:28 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
what about Remi Ayodele, how is he doing? I would think that he would have an advantage over some of the other D-line because he is already football ready since he played in NFL EUROPA.
Posted by Patrick @ 9:29 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Do you think with the way some of the other WRs are playing the Cowboys might not be tempted to give Crayton the money he deserves after this year. I could see another great combo in several years of Hurd and Crayton
Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 9:31 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
How have Andre the Gurode's shotgun snaps looked? I know last year he had a major tell that he'd snap the ball immediately after his head snapped up. Has he improved on that? How much shotgun have the Cowboys run? I know Romo likes the shotgun but what about Red Ball?
Posted by Bill In DC @ 9:31 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim,
All you need is a laptop with broadband wireless. Then you can post to your hearts content while sitting wherever.
Posted by Mitchell @ 9:33 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey Lizard sitting here in Wichita Ks, reading this blog. I think you have the better seat.
Posted by Billy @ 9:34 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Try the Josephine Street Cafe...if you like great Chicken Fried Steak and sides of onion rings and red beans and white gravy. A good bar, also.
Posted by Scott B. @ 9:36 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
I agree with Patrick, we need to sign P Crayton and S Hurd, both of them seem to have the route running skills to put them in the right place to get the ball and they both have great hands!
Posted by David @ 9:44 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim, have you tried Rosario's on Alamo St or Texas Pride BBQ off 1604 in Adkins? I was at camp this past weekend and had Rosario's for lunch on Sunday. The tacos were delicious as were the enchiladas. Texas Pride was about a 15 minute drive from Alamodome. Although it wasn't the best BBQ I've ever had...it was worth the trip. Enjoyed camp! By the way...my brother WAS wearing #88 on Saturday in honor of Michael. You may have missed him.
Posted by Eric @ 9:48 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Don't miss Chris Madrid's for a beer and burger, and the Liberty Bar off Broadway is one of the best restaurants in SA.
Posted by Mo @ 9:59 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
what do you think the playing time split will be for the QBs on Thursday?
Posted by Carl L @ 10:00 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
You may have already said this before but what is your prediction for the Cowboys this upcoming season?
Posted by rudi @ 10:00 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
What about replacing spears w/ ellis and put spencer full-time at OLB,with spears backing up fergeson on some packages
Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 10:01 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
What are Courtney Brown's chances to make the team? Will he knock off Nate Jones as the CB/FS guy?
Posted by Roger @ 10:01 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
What are Urban's chances of making the team
Posted by scott @ 10:02 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Do you think its a possibility that we will not see stanback at San Anotonio at all but he will practice once back at the closed valley ranch pratciees?
Posted by kenneth @ 10:02 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
whats the status on Jamaica when will he be returning to practice any news.
Posted by aric @ 10:02 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim--
I was meaning to ask about Romo. Does Phillips keep a throw count like Parcells did? Is he monitoring the reps that Romo is getting in practice?
Also, I know one of the problems Parcells had with Quincy and, I think, with Romo was leg strength since it's so important for later in the season. Any chance of getting time with Jurazcek to see what he did with the players this offseason to make sure we don't have another "December to Remember" ????
Posted by yac @ 10:03 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
I thought BP required all lineman to use knee braces. Have u noticed if they're continuing that rule or doing it by choice?
Posted by Bob @ 10:03 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
How is Ken Hamlin's range?
Posted by Bryan Barber @ 10:03 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim, does this mean you'll be blogging live from the Valley Ranch practices? Is the team concerned about the blog being used against them by other teams?
Posted by Kevin @ 10:05 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Aside from the pass rush, how is Spencer developing? Can he move well in open space?
Posted by Justin - Bye Bye Greg @ 10:06 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Another day another post about Greg Ellis and his terriblr team spirit.What else can be said? He's proving his worthlessness everyday.
Trash.
Anyway, are Watkins and "Shoot me in the head next time" Davis both going to make the team? 3 FS?
Posted by Jim Morris, Austin @ 10:10 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Previously (Aug 2) you stated that there were no problems with the Alamodome field/turf ("[its] the good, grass-like stuff") while privately there are grumblings from veteran players on it questionable condition. By my injury count, there are 5 knees, 2 hamstring and one each of ankle, heel, shin, calf and pulled muscle. There are very cautionary player rehabs of 2 knees, an Achilles tendon and one foot as well. This does not provide much confirmation on your glowing assessment. What is the real scoop on the poor field/turf condition from the veterans point of view?
Posted by clark Bell @ 10:12 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
if Stanback doesn't make it into any of the preseason games, will he end up on the PUP list or IR for the season to protect him from the waiver wire?
Posted by James @ 10:19 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey man, thanks for the blog, it keeps me alive at work. We didn't get to see much of Sam Hurd in action last year. I'm sure it's probably hard to tell at this point, but does he look like a guy that could some day be a legit #2 or even a 1 receiver in the NFL?
Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 10:19 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Who do you think is going to return punts for Thursday's game? Surely they won't use Newman and it looks like Patrick Crayton is probably going to be starting at WR.
Posted by hd @ 10:19 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Your coverage on Henry is very concerning. Seems like he has lost about 6 and not "a" step. Is this going to be a glaring issue once the regular season starts? Does he have the potential to be the "weakest link"?
Posted by Eddie @ 10:19 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
How has Bradie James looked so far in camp? Can he be an effective leader this year?
Posted by Mitchell @ 10:19 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
From what you have seen did the "Coach" of the Sea Hawks have a point about Hamlin, and do you think the players can count on him talking bad about them after they leave.
Posted by Mitchell @ 10:21 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Do you think Holmgren had a point about Hamlin? How do you feel about a Coach speaking ill of former players.
Posted by Bernard @ 10:23 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Have we wasted another 1st round pick on a average LB ? Does Spencer show any signs of being a above average player ?
Posted by BRENT @ 10:26 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
I heard something about Romo throwing a pass to Julius, left-handed... Any truth to this? Do we have an ambidextrous QB?
Posted by Brownie @ 10:28 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
How about the running backs so far? From all the practices you've seen, is JJ going to step it up in this contract year or are we looking at McFadden in the draft?
Posted by hd @ 10:29 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Your coverage on Henry is very concerning. Seems like he has lost about 6 and not "a" step. Is this going to be a glaring issue once the regular season starts? Does he have the potential to be the "weakest link"?
Posted by casey/coogiguy03 @ 10:34 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey tim i'd feel special if you address my name in one of your answered question (it would make my day) but the comments that owens, romo, and witten made for the guys being late for practice, do you think we can continue to see these type of leadership skills throughout the season, and did it suprise you that owens said something?
Posted by casey/coogiguy03 @ 10:38 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey tim, the jets and the bills do they NOT run a 3-4 or use it sometimes, the bills i'd say maybe, but i do remember hearing John Vilma voice his anger because of the coaches trying to make moves to the 3-4
Posted by Jim Mora, Jr. @ 10:40 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Henry is getting burned in TC so much because he isn't confident that Hamlin will be in the right spot.
Posted by casey/coogiguy03 @ 10:44 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim was it that hard to post my name my gosh your breakin my heart
Posted by S l @ 10:45 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Sorry, Lizard, but I once went from Nashville to Wichita Falls to watch Camp Campo, an extra couple hundred miles from your drive.
Posted by Greg @ 10:50 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Best Mexican food in Texas...
Karam's @ 121 N Zarzamora St...210-433-0111
(the nachos grande will clog your heart...great!)
off the beaten path, so you know it's good...lunch or dinner.
Posted by Andrew Woodward @ 10:58 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
I believe Miami also uses a lot of 3-4, and with bringing in Joey Porter, they will use even more of it. Jason Taylor was a beast last year when they lined up in a 3-4 alignment.
Posted by SRVBob @ 11:04 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Tim, FYI, you also forgot about the Dolphins as a 3-4 team. But who's counting?
Posted by mark @ 11:07 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
If you like huevos rancheros try the G & L Steakhouse across from the Menger Hotel and the Alamo. Haven't been there in a few years but that used to have the best ever. Small hole in the wall but a great way to start the day.
Posted by Jay @ 11:10 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
You need to try Chris Madrid's for a burger, phenomenal.
Posted by Steve @ 11:10 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Is the camp schedule remaining the same for the last few days?
Posted by Tim @ 11:31 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
reading your practice logs over the past week has got me concerned. it seems anthony henry is getting beat a lot. how concerned should us fans be about henry?
Posted by David @ 11:37 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
not wearing knee braces is reckless. an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You have Flo who had one severe injury and Columbo who is lucky to still compete. I am 45 and just had a total knee replacement and am having the other replaced soon. I feel like I am eighty.
Posted by Keith Mullins @ 11:48 AM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
+ 1 on eating at Rosario's. I went there based on local advice when I was down for camp last week.
Posted by jim @ 12:24 PM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
so, i think the good readers of this fine blog deserve to know the answer to this fine question, who would win in a fight, a black bear, or bigg davis?
Posted by Larry @ 12:33 PM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Hey Tim,
What has happened to Abram Elam?
Parcells was really high on this guy
but have heard nothing about him in camp.
Posted by clark @ 12:41 PM Mon, Aug 06, 2007
Steve,
An afternoon practice today, one practice tomorrow than one final "walk-through" on Wed before they break camp and return to Dallas.