Orlando Scandrick: "I'm not playing safety at all"
Earlier this offseason, there was a lot of talk about moving CB Orlando Scandrick to safety, at least on a part-time basis in certain formations. With the departure of Roy Williams (RW1), the Dallas Cowboys were short at the position and were thinking about creative ways to get their best players on the field. They discussed the possibility of Scandrick playing the "Star" position, a role Darren Woodson once played back in the day.
The Cowboys also traded CB Anthony Henry to the Lions in the Jon Kitna deal and that opened up a starting CB spot opposite Terence Newman. Would Mike Jenkins claim that spot by default while Scandrick was learning a hybrid safety spot along with his slot-corner duties in the nickel? Or would Scandrick get his shot at the position on the outside?
I decided to go to the source and see what he said about it. I was able to get a few minutes on the phone the other day with Orlando Scandrick and posed those questions to him.
I asked if he thought he would be competing with Jenkins for the outside CB spot vacated by Henry or if the Cowboys were going to use him in the slot, and would they be using him any in the safety spot as earlier reported.
On the question of competing for Henry's spot, Scandrick replied, "I don't see any reason why I wouldn't." He went on to say that he was basically the third corner last year, practically a starter playing the slot in the nickel, so he thought he would definitely be competing for the position with Jenkins.
On the question of playing the ‘hybrid' safety role, Scandrick indicated that was no longer in the plans. "I'm staying at corner from what I know. They signed a safety, Gerald Sensabaugh, an athletic, young safety," said Scandrick. I pressed a little further for clarification sake. "I'm not playing safety at all," was his reply. A final ‘you'll definitely be at CB this year' question was met with a simple "Yes."
Given that the Cowboys have little depth behind Ken Hamlin and Gerald Sensabaugh (who still has a lot to prove to be a starter), and given that Scandrick thinks there's no way he'll be at the position even part-time, the Cowboys will need to acquire help in the draft. Pat Watkins has yet to show he's the presence they need back there and has injury issues, Courtney Brown hasn't lessened the Cowboys' anxiety about the position in his short time. They could always resort to bringing Keith Davis back, which would surely help special teams. But in reality, the Cowboys need to stop looking at stop-gap solutions and get serious about a safety of the future alongside Ken Hamlin. Maybe Sensabaugh can grow into that role, but the Cowboys would do well to get another option in the draft.
I had a little time to discuss a few other subjects with Scandrick. When I asked him to describe secondary coach Dave Campo's style, he said with a slight chuckle, "Outspoken." He followed up by saying, "He wants the best for all of us. That's a huge benefit, a good guy to work with."
I asked if he noticed much difference between Wade Phillips' play-calling later in the year and Brian Stewart's earlier in the year. Scandrick didn't really notice much difference and said he was just running the play and looking for any hand-signals from coach Campo on the sideline.
When I poked into the ‘chemistry' question of the locker room during the year and his thoughts on the changes made in personnel, he spoke as the wisest of Cowboys should speak. He relayed that he just kept his head down during the season because he was still grasping everything as a rookie, he kept quiet and went about his job and that he trusts the organization is making the right moves for the team in the offseason. Now there's an answer worthy of emulating!
He also made sure to note that he is currently working out at Valley Ranch in their 12-week offseason program that will lead right into training camp.
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52 comments
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Comments
Scandrick v. Jenkins: Both are capable starters in my eyes.
by falconPUNCH on Apr 15, 2009 11:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great interview Grizz
Then I’m thinking we’ve got to go Safety in the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft
by BishopWest on Apr 15, 2009 11:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd say 2nd
I’m sick of being held hostage by this position. It’s been 7 years now.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Apr 16, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, yes
Thanks for your hard work, Grizz.
You are appreciated.
by falconPUNCH on Apr 15, 2009 11:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Nice get.
You have a knack for asking the questions that we all want to hear the answers to from the players themselves. Excellent use of time with the player.
Any more news on the press credential front for TC?
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 16, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nevermind
I read your answer downthread.
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 16, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Dallas really liked Sensabaugh
We should have signed him long term. We may regret it like Hamlin.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
by Wmillion on Apr 15, 2009 11:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No way.....he could suck....
They were smart just signing him to a one year deal. He is somewhat injury prone from what I remember so they did the right thing.
by Boyzfan94 on Apr 16, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What they did was smart
this way they can draft a safety they like, as well as let sensabaugh start out… if he plays well, we can give our rookie some time… if he doesn’t play well, then we aren’t locked down… if they both play well, then we could def. get something for a young safety like sensabaugh if we are confident enough in our rook
by CowboysFan4Life on Apr 16, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the way to go
Make Sensi prove it for this season before they get crazy and sign him long term. If they draft a guy who could challenge for starting SS by end of this season/next season, they save a lot of money going that direction. This keeps the team’s options open.
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 16, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have thought you wouldn't be that definitive before the draft
I would have preferred an answer a la his final answer along the lines of “I will do whatever the team needs me to do to put us in the best position to win”.
If the BPA earlyish in the draft is a CB, flexibility from Scandrick would be helpful. I would rather they take the CB then reach lower for a S because.
That being said I think he deserves a shot at the starting CB role. He has had a chip on his shoulder due to where he was drafted and I think his earlier comments above and driven from this chip. He has played well as a rookie – he deserves his shot to start. A starting corner gets paid a lot better than a starting Safety. Notwithstanding my signature below…..
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
by BoyfromOz on Apr 15, 2009 11:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't understand
why we’re not at least considering it. It would probably be useful to have scandrick take reps at safety. We’re an injury away from needing him. And who knows what will happen with a drafted safety.
The definitiveness of his answer bothers me.
by foyesboys on Apr 16, 2009 12:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe the coaches have plans
that they haven’t discusssed with Scandrick yet?
by BishopWest on Apr 16, 2009 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Scrandrick should've held off on such bold statements
He has no idea what the coaching staff may do come training camp. They could easily change their mind. I still think he is going to get reps at safety in training camp.
by Boyzfan94 on Apr 16, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't
Look at the guy, for how much did he tipped the scales last season? 180 in a very humid day, after a workout and after drinking a gallon of water? If you wanted him to play some at Safety you would do good by putting him right now on the hands of Jurazsek to put some pounds on him and in the right places.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
by Chandus on Apr 16, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is nice to know
That Scandrick is working out at Valley Ranch.
The 12 week program should prove beneficial to him.
I wonder if Jenkins is working out there, too?
by BishopWest on Apr 16, 2009 2:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
nice interview
the whole oscan at star S thing was pretty short lived, i think it was just a few days after it came out he was already saying no that’s not happening now, and i think there was some talk of Ball maybe playing some S instead. one wonders why they made public an idea that was apparently so half-baked. i’d like to think there’s some plan to throw mixed signals for some reason, but I think they may just be indecisive lol.
by scottmaui on Apr 16, 2009 2:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ball is more of a Safety anyway
I never understood Brown at S and Ball at CB. They both were small (185 lbs.) when they were drafted. Ball is much slower (4.55) and was a Cover-2 Corner in college – definitely not equipped to be a top man-corner. He seemed to be a better fit at Safety.
by JimmyJohnson on Apr 16, 2009 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually the coaches did not make it public, scandrick talked about it during a radio interview over
a month ago.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Apr 16, 2009 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the coaches also made it public...
wade and jerry i think both talked about it
by CowboysFan4Life on Apr 16, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I think Wade alluded to it
and then when asked about it OScan gave a lot more details about what it might mean. then just a few days later, it was oh, nevermind about that!
by scottmaui on Apr 16, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scandrick is the Man
He is already one of my favorite Cowboys (up there with Witten and Ware). But I will be happy to see some actual competition for a starting job – for a change.
by JimmyJohnson on Apr 16, 2009 6:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
After the draft last season I said that Scandrick
IMO would turn out to be a better CB than Jenkins when its all said and done and I’m definitely sticking with that prediction.
The kid simply has great talent and ability along with the confident, almost cocky disposition one needs to play CB in the NFL.
I think he’ll beat out Jenkins and start opposite Newman in camp barring any unforseen injuries.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 16, 2009 7:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Plus...
He plays with a chip on his shoulder. I think that he’s out to prove to alot of teams that they made a mistake from passing up on him.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 16, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff
Scandrick seems to be confident without being arrogant. I like his comments on Coach Campo. Could the secondary be shaping up as a plus for us this season?
Hey, Grizz, your interviews are way better than most of the MSM comes up with. Any chance you and Raf could get media credentials when you go to camp? News blogs can ask questions at presidential news conferences, so BTB should be recognized by the Cowboys.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Apr 16, 2009 7:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If it would cost more?
Bump the training camp budget up a little and maybe a few more guys can chip in and help pay for it
by BishopWest on Apr 16, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scandrick
Nice interview. I agree, would be awesome if you guys could do interviews at camp.
Love the idea of Scandrick and Jenkins competing for a starting spot. It’s good for both players.
by Lobsterman on Apr 16, 2009 7:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice work Grizz
Agree with the prior comment. You get more than the Sports writers.
Great to hear it straight from the source, and in context.
He’s a keeper. Mature for his age/time in the league. That’s the kind of player we need.
One who has the athletic skills, but equally important the mental sharpness to play smart.
by oldtimer on Apr 16, 2009 8:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 16, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raf and I
will be working on getting access at training camp. I think we’ll be able to do it.
And thanks for the kind words on the interview.
by Dave Halprin on Apr 16, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
awesome with a capital A
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Apr 16, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there is any truth to the rumors....
that Braylon Edwards may be going to the Giants and Anquan Boldin to the Eagles, our secondary is really going to be put to the test. We’re still going to need more help, but I’m glad Scandrick is committed to off-season workouts and competing for Henry’s job.
How ironic would it be if the Giants and Eagles each add a No. 1 wideout, while we have released ours.
by Boundforbeach on Apr 16, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Roy Williams' numbers are similar to Boldin's and Edward's
I did a long piece on Boldin vs. Roy last summer. They’re the same player.
Dallas just got theirs earlier than Philly and New York.
And you’re forgetting that New York cut their #1 — some guy named Plaxico.
by Rafael Vela on Apr 16, 2009 9:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey Rafael
What do you think of the value for Braylon: a 2nd, 5th, and either WR Hixon or the other guy from the gints? Do you think that dallas’ deal was a higher cost or below this?
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Apr 16, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If RW, Boldin and Edwards are similar...
I guess the question becomes which team would have the best overall receiving corps? If we leave TE’s out of the equation, it would have to be Philly. Forgot about Plaxico.
by Boundforbeach on Apr 16, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but leaving out TE's would marginalize the huge Contributions we get from Jason Witten
The other NFC East Teams just don’t have anyone like him
by AustonianAggie on Apr 16, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love this insider type stuff
Great work Grizz! I hope we see more stuff like this in the future, especially at camp.
p.s. Sensi gets 6 picks this season
by sublimezg on Apr 16, 2009 9:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i just hope
he gets alot of FF or TFL
What the French?! Toast!
by thebigham on Apr 16, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Starting Corner
To me it is not going to matter because teams throw so much. Scandrick and Jenkins will be on the field together. We still need another corner when injuries happen and to push Ball. Outside of the play when Jenkins refused to tackle I thought he played well last year along with Scandrick.
by B-Real on Apr 16, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree...
Nickel CB’s play like almost 50% of the time. 3rd CB’s are starting CB’s.
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by AirforceBat on Apr 16, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's hoping Rashad Johnson lands with us in the 3rd.
by Johnny Cage on Apr 16, 2009 10:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm fast becoming a fan
Johnson’s cerebral approach to the game could be just what Dallas’ secondary needs, given its propensity for mental lapses. I saw a piece on him on NFL Network and Johnson is not only a great story, but he’s another guy that you’d WANT in your locker room and on the field with you.
I’m not a fan of picking a safety at #51 because I don’t see players who are ready to make the jump, but Johnson would be a good pick at #69 for a position in dire need of better depth and someone we could groom for the future.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
by 5Blings on Apr 16, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Rashad J. seems like a very mature player. He’s been praised by Saban as one of the smartest football players he’s ever coached, and Gosselin lists him as his favorite player in the entire draft.
If Dallas goes NT,LB,or OL in with their first pick, he would be a good value with their second pick.
Feb. 27 -- Veteran free agency signing period begins. Trading period begins.
April 25-26 -- NFL Draft
by APerfectStar on Apr 16, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you sure Gosselin didn't steal that from someone?
Don't believe everything you think.
Your causes are cute!!!
by stoproyce on Apr 16, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You go, Grizz!
Personally, I’m glad Scandrick is determined to stick at CB. That way, we don’t have to hear all these rumors about position switches like we did with A.Henry every TC.
Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Draft Nick Reed. Say that fast, five times!
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 16, 2009 12:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good job Grizz.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
by kameleon_o on Apr 18, 2009 12:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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