My Impressions from Training Camp

I attended my first training camp practice of the year today and I'll do my best to describe what I saw while I was there. One thing you'll notice, as I did early on, is that my camera takes horrible pictures. I posted a couple that came out ok, but there rest of them were too fuzzy to make out. Here are my quick thoughts from today. I am planning to go into more detail over the next few days on some of these topics, but I wanted to get everything down while it was fresh in my mind.

Roy Williams looks good. He is much quicker, faster, and confident then he appeared last year. He made some tough catches with defenders draped all over him. Michael Irvin was also giving him some pointers after a 10-yard comeback route on the art of the push off so hopefully he was taking notes (the picture to the right captures part of the discussion between Irvin and Williams).

Tony Romo looked very good. According to most media sources, Romo had been off to a slow start over the first few days. Today his passes were tight spirals and most of them hit receivers on target and in stride. He forced one pass during team drill that was intercepted but that was the only memorable mistake he made over the 2 hour practice session.

Jason Witten is getting better every season. He looked like an all-pro player today. He caught every ball thrown his way and did an excellent job blocking from what I saw. He lined up on one play at wide receiver during team drills and caught a 10 yard slant route that may have been a touchdown in a live game situation.

Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins both looked awfully good. Both players clearly have more confidence and seemed to be able to stick with any receiver throughout practice. Scandrick had some trouble with the size of Roy Williams, but most DB's would.

The rookie DB's have a long way to go. Michael Hawkins walked off the field with the trainers pretty early on, but DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens looked overmatched in one-on-one situations. I'm sure they'll get more confidence as camp goes on but they didn't impress me today. Michael Hamlin was the lone exception for the rookie DB's. He looked bigger than I expected and he made a nice interception during practice.

Gerald Sensabaugh has great coverage ability. Martellus Bennett couldn't beat him in man coverage several times during the team portion of practice. He'll be a major upgrade in coverage over Roy Williams.

Kyle Kosier looks good. He might end up winning the left guard job after all. I was leaning towards Holland before today but Holland looked fatter than last year to me and Kosier did a good job with the first team.

Martellus Bennett needs to focus on football. He spent his first 10 minutes on the field playing the crowd, dancing, and doing T.O. touchdown celebration impressions. Everyone else was stretching and warming up. There were several times when teams were transitioning from one drill to another and Martellus would be the last to arrive because he didn't hustle. His body language sends a bad message. But his natural receiving ability is easy to see. I think some focus from Bennett would probably fix is pre-snap alignment troubles.

Bobby Carpenter looks determined to make an impact. He made several plays during running drills and was very active all day. We'll get a better idea of his impact when preseason games get going since there is no tackling.

Terence Newman looks good. He got beat on a double move at one point, but he looks quick, confident, and prepared for the season. He worked with the receivers and caught passes from the QB's for one session of practice which I found interesting. Maybe they'll put him on the field as a deep threat this year from time to time?

Demarcus Ware looks great. He may have gained some muscle in his lower body but he was beating blockers off the edge all day long.

The defenders spent a lot of time on fumble recovery drills. That was good to see because an increase in takeaways would go a long way in helping the team win more games.

Matt McBriar is 100%. He booted several punts 70+ yards in the air.

Nick Folk is good to go. He kicked field goals and didn't seem to have any limitations.

Jon Kitna looked bad. He needs to pick up his level of play. He had numerous off target passes and forced the ball into coverage all day long.

Stephen McGee has talent. He was accurate and throws a good looking ball. It is hard to judge him until he gets some game action in preseason, but he looks like he has the skills to develop into a player.

Jason Williams got beaten badly a couple of times in coverage. He didn't looks as fast as I expected but he is obviously slow right now because he has to think before he reacts. His speed and quickness will probably be more evident when he gets more comfortable with his role in the defense.

Igor Olshansky is a beast. He looks like the big, strong guy that we were promised. I saw him beat a double team to get to the quarterback in the team session.

The three running backs all look good. Felix looks as fast as ever. All three running backs look ready to start the season right now.

Sam Hurd looked like the #3 receiver today. If I didn't know Miles Austin was expected to make an impact I wouldn't even have noticed him. Hurd made several tough catches. Austin did absolutely nothing to show me he is ready to break out this year.

Jesse Holley looked pretty darn good. I know he is in a fierce battle for the last receiver spot but he was impressive today. Holley, Stanback, and Ogletree all looked pretty even in their battle. Manuel Johnson looked very slow. Mike Jefferson was inconsistent throughout the day.

I wish I could say more about the offensive and defensive line but they mostly worked on the opposite side of the field from me.

Wade Phillips is running the defense and is pretty much completely removed from giving any input on the offensive side of the ball. Phillips ran the defensive drills on one end of the field while Garrett ran the offensive drills on the other side. It will be interesting to see how in-game big play decisions are made during the game when it comes to offense. It appears like Garrett has total control over everything on that side of the ball this year. During the team portion of practice Wade Phillips was very involved and animated while coaching the defense.

Joe DeCamillis was quieter than I expected. He does command the attention of the special teams players but I didn't see the screamer I thought I would see.

Keith Brooking didn't do anything to catch my eye.

David Beuhler is big, but he didn't do enough in practice for me to come to any conclusions on him. He does look big enough to contribute in other ways on special teams.

Some Early Training Camp Thoughts

Things appear to be off to a good start at camp...at least from an injury standpoint which is my #1 concern after the endless injuries of last year. The passing game sounds like it is a little rusty which is usually the case at this point in the year. It is actually pretty amusing to see how much the fans and media overreact about the statistics produced by Tony Romo during practice. I don't have concerns about Romo's ability to get the ball to the open man. Three years of good/great numbers tell me that he will get the kinks worked out.

Roy Williams looks leaner and quicker early in camp. All of the receivers are out there working so that is a good sign. I think the receivers can get the job done but there is going to be trouble if anyone gets injured. The last thing the team needs is to bring in another head case. Matt Jones isn't the player the Cowboys need right now. Not only is he one dumb mistake away from suspension, but he is lazy and inconsistent. And just in case you haven't hear...it was Matt Jones' agent who called the Cowboys to try to guage their interest and they said they aren't.

Jason Witten is the best tight end in football no matter how delusional Chris Cooley has become about himself. Cooley's videos were pretty stupid but I have to admit I did chuckle at them. I don't know why he acts surprised that he is catching some flak for putting stupid stuff like that on the internet. I personally don't care what he says or does. It is interesting that no one seems concerned about his focus since he appears to have time to film silly skits like that. If he were a member of the Dallas Cowboys that video would be leading off SportsCenter.

Kyle Kosier is working with the first team at left guard. I am very interested to see how the left guard battle plays out. I'm guessing that Kosier will remain on the first team until the preseason games start. I was really impressed by Holland when he got on the field last year but I might have a skewed memory of him since he was replacing Cory Proctor, one of the worst Cowboys' lineman in recent memory. I'd like to see the Cowboys keep both Kosier and Holland.

If all three running backs go into the season at 100% then I can't name a better group in the NFL. Jason Garrett has to be loving the options he has right now after dealing with injury after injury at running back last year.

I am heading to camp tomorrow to see how things look in person. I'll be sure to post an entry on my impression of training camp when I get home.

Let's Get It Started

All of the picks are signed (except Brewster who is out for the year). Everyone is ready to go. There definitely a different vibe when you listen to Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips talk about the team. They both seem to be making an effort to keep expectations reasonable, but there is a confidence under the surface that tells me they both still believe this team is built for a deep playoff run.

Time will tell how everything plays out but I noticed during yesterday's opening press conference that Wade Phillips seems to be taking a better approach to practice. They will start with special teams every day for a few reasons. Joe DeCamillis is going to be getting everyone fired up but it also sends the message to the team that special teams are no longer an afterthought.

Wade Phillips still isn't exactly a fiery guy, but he definitely has a more serious and determined tone in his voice. I'm sure it will be mocked by the media but at least he is trying. I'm not convinced he is the right guy to deal with everything that comes with being the head coach of the most publicised team in American sports. He is the coach of my team and I have to hope that the team can find a way to succeed with Wade as the head man.

Just Say No to Michael Vick

It was just announced about an hour ago that Michael Vick will be conditionally reinstated to the NFL. He is currently a free agent so he is free to sign with the highest bidder. Jerry Jones has stated on the record several times that the Cowboys will not be signing Michael Vick.

I bring up the issue because I know the "bring Vick to Dallas" comments are already piling up. I don't want that guy on my team now or ever. Look at the picture to the right and tell me he isn't such a bad guy. Those are Falcon fans he flipping off. I doubt he could handle the scrutiny he would face as a Dallas Cowboy. The Cowboys just spent an offseason eliminating distractions and he would be the ultimate distraction coming off of his suspension. Jerry Jones, please don't do something stupid!

Training Camp Preview - Part 10 - Linebackers

And finally we arrive at the linebacker position in the lead into training camp. In some ways this looks like an excellent group but in other ways I see several unknown factors. Demarcus Ware is the best pass rusher in the league. Bradie James is a solid player, but Anthony Spencer and Keith Brooking have something to prove. And how can we forget the former first round draft pick, Bobby Carpenter, who is probably down to his last chance to prove he isn't a bust this season. My #1 concern is the depth at outside linebacker. Let's look at the linebackers one by one.

Demarcus Ware - No concerns here. He is quite simply the best player on the defense and possibly the best defensive player in the league. I just pray he stays healthy leading up to the regular season.

Anthony Spencer - His time has arrived. It is time to prove he was worth the first round pick the Cowboys used on him in 2007. He was starting to edge Greg Ellis off of the field on a regular basis last year, but this year he will need to show he can rush the passer to keep defenses from focusing on Demarcus Ware. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy after getting banged up a couple of times last year. I want to see him showing that he is a force to be reckoned with during training camp and preseason.

Bradie James - He is a very good middle linebacker. I don't think he will ever be great, but Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme really seems to suit James. I like the fact that he tries to step up as the vocal leader of the defense, but I think he should share the role with Demarcus Ware. I just want to see him continue the gradual improvement he has shown every year in the current defensive scheme.

Keith Brooking - He was a dominant player a few years ago and had his best seasons in Wade Phillips' defense in Atlanta. The talk is that he has lost his pass coverage ability. He'll have to prove he can still do it...at least on first and second down. I like the fire and tenacity he brings to the table and I hope his attitude is infectious. I want to see if he looks comfortable in the defense in training camp because the defense needs him to be ready immediately.

Bobby Carpenter - This is a hard one to evaluate for me. I know this guy can play because he was very good as a rookie against Atlanta (spying Michael Vick) and in the Seattle playoff loss. Ever since Wade Phillips came on board it seems like Bobby has been in the dog house. With Kevin Burnett now in San Diego this is Bobby's best and last shot to prove himself. He'll be the nickel linebacker unless he completely bombs during camp and the preseason. I want to see him succeed, but he is going to have to earn his time on the field.

Victor Butler - This is where things start to get a little dicey. Butler is a rookie out of Oregon State who is transitioning from defensive end to outside linebacker. With Ellis now gone Butler is one of the rookies who has to be ready to play by the time the regular season starts. He is going to have to get himself up to speed quickly with hard work and intense studying. The Cowboys need him for depth right now so he gets no grace period to get ready.

Stephen Hodge - He is one of the lucky rookies who won't be forced into action immediately on defense. He will be making the transition from safety to linebacker but he will be expected to make big contributions on special teams while he learns the ropes during his rookie year. I hope to see hustle and great tackling out of him during special teams play heading into the season.

Jason Williams - Jason is coming out of a gimmick defense in college to play in a conventional defense. He has to basically learn everything there is to know about playing middle linebacker. He is an athletic freak so he should be great on special teams. He also has great pass rushing ability so I would expect him to be on the field at some point during the season on passing downs. I hope he looks comfortable in camp but I expect to see him making a lot of mistakes as he learns the ropes. He could be a great player down the road if he is willing to work.

Brandon Williams - Here is another rookie who needs to be ready to provide depth at outside linebacker immediately. He is also transitioning from defensive end in college but, like Victor Butler, he has no time to waste. He needs to be ready to play in game 1 so I expect to see a focused, hard working player in camp.

There are a few other players at linebacker on the roster, but these are the players most likely to make the team and get on the field. I am very concerned about the depth at outside linebacker, but I think the starting set of linebackers looks good. The most important thing to me, as it is with the entire team, is that I see better tackling this preseason. I hope the coaches put an emphasis on wrapping up rather than trying to throw shoulder into someone or arm tackle.

Training Camp Preview - Part 9 - Safeties

Safety was a problem for the Dallas Cowboys all season in 2008. Whether it was injury (yet again) or just poor play, the defense gave up countless big plays due to mistakes at safety. Ken Hamlin returns as a starter, but there will be someone new on the starting defense with him. Gerald Sensabaugh was signed as a potential starter and several players were drafted. It will be very important that the depth and the overall play of the safeties improve this season. I'll be watching closely to see if the Cowboys have finally found the answer at this position.

Ken Hamlin - Hamlin had a down year last year. I'm sure part of it was due to the fact that he was constantly trying to compensate for poor play from Roy Williams or Pat Watkins or Courtney Brown or Keith Davis...or whoever happened to be out there with during the game. I think he was forced to go against his aggressive nature due to the injury problems. I want to see him back to his 2007 form in training camp. Not only does he need to do a better job breaking on the ball but I also want to see improved tackling.

Gerald Sensabaugh - He looks like the early front runner for the starting job. From what we are being told by the coaches and media it looks like Sensabaugh is going to be a free agency steal. He came to the Cowboys on a cheap one-year deal so he'll be out to prove himself and in order to earn a long term, high paying deal. I want to see him matched up on the tight end since isolated Roy Williams became such a popular tactic over the last few years. I also want to get a look at his speed, quickness and general awareness in the passing game.

Michael Hamlin - Hamlin is 6'2" and about 215 pounds so he brings some excellent size to the table. He looks like a guy who can develop into a starter but he'll need to contribute on special teams this year. I've heard a few media members talk about his potential but we'll all have to wait and see how he looks in training camp and the preseason. My concern about this Hamlin will be his speed and quickness. Size is great, but he has to show the ability to stay with the faster receivers during camp.

DeAngelo Smith - He played a lot of cornerback at Cincinnati, but he is going to be moved to safety with Dallas. He does have some experience there, but his ability to cover man-to-man is going to give him a great chance to develop into a solid player. He will also be expected to play on special teams. I am excited to see what he can do with his speed and quickness at the safety position.

Pat Watkins - Pat was another injury casualty in 2008. He is a very good special teams player but hasn't shown much during his time on the team at safety. He has been given a lot of playing time and I'm afraid that he is what he is at this point. He can be counted on to do a good job on special teams and fill in at safety in a pinch. He just needs to stay healthy. I want to see if the coaches have improved his tackling technique during the offseason so his injuries will be less frequent.

Courtney Brown - I don't know if he will make the team. He is small and looked out of his league in his brief time last year. He is going to have to show some big-time improvement to make the final roster.

The Cowboys went out of their way to give themselves options at safety. They didn't land a big name, but I have to believe that one or two of the new guys will show the ability to get the job done. Sensabaugh might end up being the best safety on the team if what I'm reading from the media proves to be true. Let's just hope the injury bug doesn't hit this position like it did last year.

Training Camp Preview - Part 8 - Cornerbacks

The top three cornerbacks on the roster heading into training camp look very good for the Cowboys. After that, there is a lot of unproven youth at the position. Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins are the top three players. There will be a battle to fill out the rest of the depth chart. Alan Ball and Mike Mickens look like the best bet to make the team but there will be a few other players fighting for a job as well. I want to take a quick look at what to expect from each cornerback in training camp.

Terence Newman - This is an easy one. He is one of the best in the NFL when healthy, but the last two years have left serious doubt that he is durable enough to be counted on for 16 games. I just want him to make it to the regular season healthy. We all know what he is capable of on the field, so he doesn't have anything to prove to me during training camp except that he can stay healthy.

Mike Jenkins - By the end of last season Jenkins was starting to show some of the ability that made the Cowboys draft him in the first round. There are concerns from some people about his toughness, but I'm really not too worried about that. I just want to see more confidence in his game. Jenkins started the season a little tentative, but after yet another Cowboys' injury he came back as a much more aggressive player against the pass. I want to see him challenging receivers at the line during training camp and showing the ability to knock down passes thrown in his direction. He has to step up his game this season.

Orlando Scandrick - Scandrick was a surprise last year being a fifth round draft pick. After showing some tremendous talent last season he will have much higher expectations heading into this season. I completely agree with Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com on this one. It will be harder for Scandrick to impress us this season because we now all believe he is talented. Last season it was easier for him because there were very low expectations for him. Just like Jenkins I want to see tight coverage and passes being broken up. We all know he can do it, but this season he'll be expected to be a big time player.

Alan Ball - I think Ball was a forgotten man this offseason with all of the talk about Jenkins and Scandrick. He didn't get much playing time but when he was forced into action against Tampa Bay he was very good. He has got to be ready to play when teams go to a four receiver set. Ball is going to have to earn is playing time by beating out Mike Mickens during camp.

Mike Mickens - I believe we are going to look back at the 2009 draft in a few years and view Mickens as the steal of the draft. He slipped all the way to the seventh round due to an injury, but he appears fully healed heading into training camp. From what I have heard about this guy he absolutely has the talent to play at the NFL level. I'll be interested to see what he can do during camp. I hope to see some quickness and a knack for getting between the receiver and the ball. I have high hopes for Mickens.

I think the cornerback position is in good shape heading into the season. I wasn't sad to see Anthony Henry go because I was sick of watching him allow passes to be caught in front of him on a regular basis. The tipping point for me came when he couldn't cover a one armed receiver (Derrick Mason) in the Ravens game. The big question mark is the health of Terence Newman. If he can stay on the field then the pass defense should be better this season than last year. I don't really care who wins the starting job across from Newman because Jenkins and Scandrick will both be on the field most of the time with so many teams running three and/or four receiver sets on most plays.