Underachieving in Big D

Back in August in San Antonio, I attended one afternoon practice for the Dallas Cowboys.  I remember one specific play, a streaking Martellus Bennett, running a skinny post, beat a linebacker by at least five yards for an easy touchdown.  I remember turning and telling my wife, “This guy is gonna have a monster year!”   I remember thinking, “this guy is gonna be the best thing since…well…since Jason Witten.” That hasn’t happened, not even close. As I’ve watched games, he’s done a commendable job blocking and has caught a few passes, but he has far from impressed. 

The Cowboys run a two tight end set where they may become unpredictable, but ironically, they have become very predictable.  In order for the Cowboys to be truly dynamic, Bennett has to keep his side of the bargain and become a pass catching threat and not just a solid blocker.  Defenses know he not a pass catching threat, therefore they blanket Witten.  I hope when Bennett comes back from his fog, his pass catching abilities will become clear and present as well.  When Bennett realizes his potential, the Cowboys have a truly be a dynamic offense. 

Last year everybody had a man crush on Orlando Scandrick.  He could tackle; he could cover the slot; he could run for president; he could do no wrong.  This year he’s hit the sophomore wall.  He can’t tackle or cover much less be a candidate.  For all his struggles this year Scandrick appears close to breaking out.  Against Seattle on the touchdown he got beaten, all he had to do was turn around and the INT was his.  If he didn’t slip and fall so many times against the first Giants game, he would have been there for the tackles.  He’s young and still learning.  His incredible rookie year led us to believe he was next coming of Everson Walls, but, along with his skill, a fraction of luck might have played into the equation.  Nonetheless, Orlando Scandrick is underachieving, but he is a few plays close to earning our praises again.

In the next few games if both Bennett and Scandrick play up to their abilities, they will give both the offense and defense a new dimension making them dynamic.  The offense will become unpredictable (in a good way) if Bennett breaks out.  If defenders decide to blanket Witten, Bennett and the other receivers will make them pay.  If Scandrick shuts the slot receiver down, Ware, Spencer and the other pass rushers will have a field day.  Optimism at its finest.