The VRR: Mike Jenkins and Patrick Crayton Could Be Surprise Players in '09
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 3, 2009 5:14 PM CDT
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Mike Jenkins is the number two player listed on Matt Bowen's article at NFP, "Five defensive players who may surprise".
Jenkins will start opposite fellow cornerback Terence Newman in his first year as a full-time player, and although I expect Newman to draw most of the tougher match-ups in the NFC East, expect Jenkins to see plenty of action on his side of the field.
One thing we have to remember about the Cowboys is that they’re a pressure team that sends players after the quarterback, and in return, they count on their secondary to play a lot of man-to-man coverage in blitz packages. The Cowboys totaled 59 sacks in 2008, and they should continue to be a defense that relies on pressure to create plays. Because of this, Jenkins will have plenty of opportunities to make some plays on the ball, and if Newman can continue to play at a top level, opposing offenses will look to try and exploit Jenkins. Lots of opportunities for Jenkins, and I believe he has the talent to get it done.
Hat tip to APerfectStar for the FanShot.
Bowen also lists Patrick Crayton as his number two surprise offensive player.
I have always liked Crayton’s game at the wide receiver position, and with the departure of Terrell Owens, I expect him to play a major role in the passing game for the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo. Yes, we can all agree that Romo’s No. 1 target in any down-and-distance situation will be TE Jason Witten, but the ‘Boys still need a receiver who can make plays down the field on first and second downs.
Crayton averaged more than 14 yards a catch in ’08, and although WR Miles Austin might be the ultimate deep threat for this Cowboys team, he’s still a No. 3. Crayton should fit nicely into the No. 2 role and might even be more productive by season’s end than expected No. 1 Roy Williams.
Marion Barber will be featured on Sportscenter's "Make-A-Wish" segment on Sunday. The episode is the first in a five-day series, and shows Barber fulfilling a six-year-old boy's wish to meet him.
Some love for MBIII's barbarianesqueness.
Before his career is over, Marion Barber will be one of the toughest NFL players to ever play the game. Okay, that may be a little much. But he doesn't have the nickname "Marion the Barbarian" because he enjoys gladiator movies.
FoxSports' Adam Schein says in this video that Jason Garrett is going to help out Tony Romo by "running, running, running" the football. By doing so, he says that there will be plenty of touches for Barber, Tashard Choice, and Felix Jones. He also thinks that the Cowboys should use Felix much like the Eagles use Brian Westbrook.
I'm liking Schein's take on the 'Boys!
NFL Gridiron Gab's fantasy rankings have Jason Witten as the number one tight end in the division.
Witten might be the best all-around tight end in the game today, and he and Romo have developed an awesome rapport over the past two and a half years.
In 2008, Witten finished with 81 catches for over 900 yards and 4 TDs. And this year, T.O. is gone.
True, the extra attention given to Owens will probably shift over to Witten, but the Cowboys have enough weapons to isolate Witten on linebackers and safeties, and he’ll still find ways to produce. Expect a 1,000-yard season with between eight and 10 touchdowns.
Jamie Dukes says that Roy Williams is one player "who must have a breakout season". Big surprise, there.
The NFLN will be airing a Super Bowl marathon to celebrate America's birthday. In his blog, Josh Ellis breaks down the schedule for the episodes featuring America's team.
Part-owner of the San Diego Padres, Troy Aikman, threw out the first pitch at a game Thursday night.
Wearing a Padres jersey with his familiar No. 8, the former Dallas Cowboys star threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Thursday's game against the Houston Astros. He bounced it in the dirt just in front of right-hander Chris Young, a Dallas native.
Men's Health ranked a Texas city as America's "Top Sports Town(s)".
The city of Arlington, Texas came in first, which probably comes from the fan buildup for the new Cowboys stadium and the Texas Rangers baseball team. Texas also has a deep love of high school and college football, along with NASCAR races, and the Dallas Mavericks are just down the road in Dallas.
Here's something nice to keep in your back pocket. Scout.com's updated "Best Available Free Agents" list. The list focuses on offensive players and points to wide receiver as being a "pretty deep" position.
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I really would love
to see Crayton blossom that way. A Hines Ward kind of guy.
I’m betting on Scandrick personally. I think he’s a natural.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 3, 2009 5:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Real good slot CB's are rare and I think Scandrick has the opportunity to be one of the best
I say leave him right where he is until Newman is not in the picture anymore…
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 4, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Run, run, run
better not be the answer. The only way they can use all their newer weapons – Felix, TC, and Bennett – is to not only run, but mix in more slants, screens and passes to the backs. Some of their most effective games last season (especially against pressure teams) involved lots of passes to MBIII and Choice.
I agree that the ratio needs to be closer to 50/50, but predictable running is no better than predicatable passing.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 3, 2009 5:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Miles Austin..
Will be the number 2 receiver on this team..The problem with Crayton is he drops balls at key times..Unless this new found resurgence is real..I say Miles is the man..
by bevomav on Jul 3, 2009 7:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You think Crayton drops a lot of balls?
Hah! Just wait til you see Miles this season. I like Austin, and certainly think he’d be the better fit in the #2 role, but prepare yourself for T.O. 2.0 as far as hands are concerned.
by sublimezg on Jul 3, 2009 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was the rap on Miles
before last training camp. Appaently he made great strides in being nore sure handed.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 4, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Austin didnt have that problem last season...he has made alot of improvements in that area
Crayton is best suited as a #3..Gives him a better chance against teams #3 CB’s…
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 4, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going off of natural catch ability
you can see how smoothly some people catch the ball.. Others (like T.O.) have to really focus because their hands aren’t as soft. Austins hands aren’t soft from what I’ve seen. Crayton has some of the softest hands I’ve ever seen. Those drops were lack of focus, not lack of good hands
by sublimezg on Jul 4, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Throughout the 2007 season, Crayton was praised for his sure hands...
His drop in the Giants game will be a monkey on his back until he has a big playoff game. But to say he’s prone to drop passes is to ignore a huge body of work that says otherwise.
Austin was the opposite; known for dropping passes early, and seemingly fixing the problem last year. The verdict is still out.
Also, Crayton and Romo, unless everyone forgets, have a tremendous rapport. Romo and Crayton worked second team together and Romo often looked Crayton’s way throughout the ‘06 and ’07 season. This is one tandem that seems most likely to gain from TO’s absence.
The greatest concern regarding Roy Williams and Crayton has been their speed. They’re good possession receivers, implying good hands. This actually fits well with a solid running game. And with Witten, Felix and Austin keeping teams honest, I feel our receiving corps has the potential for a great year.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 3, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crayton Used To Have Sure Hands
The Giants game was a low water mark for Crayton. Not only did he drop two critical passes, but he muffed a punt return. Crayton normally is sure handed when the ball is coming his way; he has had a few drops since the Giants game . . . let’s hope this is the dawn of a new day for Crayton. And, you are so correct: “They’re good possession receivers, implying good hands.”
by Iowacowboy on Jul 4, 2009 7:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He only dropped...
one pass.
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jul 4, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Roy E as the comeback player of the year
I think crayton has shown what he can do as a #2
by BigE on Jul 3, 2009 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the Barbarian article.
We are a totally different team when he is doing his thing. No other running back in the NFL can match his sheer intensity when he is on the field, whether he’s carrying the rock, catching passes, or blocking. This lights a fire in our whole offense, and you can clearly see the o-line loves blocking for him. Garrett just needs to limit his carries, so we can utilize him late in the season. This is going to require a good mix of intelligence and instincts, which I hope Garrett has. The Giants gave us a blueprint last year with Jacobs and Ward, and if we follow that, we will be golden late in the season.
by DoomsdayD75 on Jul 3, 2009 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Luckily marion seems like a team player
and won’t complain about limiting his carries
by BigE on Jul 3, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crayton, Hurd & Austin . . .
. . . are all spares; always have been, always will be.
--
Dallas Cowboy Books Blog
http://tinyurl.com/CowboyBooksBlog
by fgoodwin on Jul 4, 2009 1:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Austin Has The Tools To Be Starting Two
Calling Austin a spare is premature. Hurd – likewise – has not really had the opportunity to show what he can do. Crayton is a slot possession type receiver; used in this role along with a full supporting cast including legitimate one and two WRs – this will allow Crayton to prove Jones right in giving Crayton that mid-season contract two years ago
by Iowacowboy on Jul 4, 2009 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Caryton was handed Glenn's spot
Since Crayton was acquired in 2004, he was never able to beat out Terry Glenn while Glenn was healthy. He’s OK as a slot receiver but he hasn’t shown me he’s the consistent #2 that we need.
Austin & Hurd are both entering their fourth seasons — how long do you give them time to “show what they can produce” or to “hit their stride”? If they were producing in practice, they s/b on the field producing on Sunday.
--
Dallas Cowboy Books Blog
http://tinyurl.com/CowboyBooksBlog
by fgoodwin on Jul 4, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not being able to beat out Terry Glenn
Isn’t a bad thing.
Glenn is a guy who when healthy is a number 1 receiver. It isn’t fair to judge someone on that
it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.
by AirforceBat on Jul 5, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My thought exactly
Glenn in his day was outstanding.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 5, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, based on what? Your own pessimism?
You might be able to make that case for Hurd, but Austin was in the midst of a break-out year when he was injured. Many NFL players take a few years to hit their stride, and unless you don’t believe everything you have seen from him (not to mention the coach’s assessments) Austin’s looking more like a rising star. Crayton had a great year in ’07 as the #2; he was an integral part of the Cowboys most productive offensive season in our history!
Not every player is headed for the HOF … but that hardly means they qualify as “spares” … unless, of course, you prefer pure pessimism
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 4, 2009 7:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Austin
has a lot of upside. He only needs to be able to run 3 routes (unless Roy E. gets hurt). A fly route, a comeback, and deep ins. If he can do that we will be golden.
by DoomsdayD75 on Jul 4, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
Crayton is definitely not a spare. At worst, he’ll be our #3 WR.
I think Austin is going to take hold at the #2, and let Crayton play out of the slot.
Hurd has a role as ST player and ability to backup all 3 WR spots. I guess you could call him a spare, but an important spare.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Jul 4, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Options for the worry-warts
Since the Negative nellies are so sure that our O-Line, WR, and NT positions will doom this team, Scout.com has provided us a list of alternatives, most of whom should be available well into Training Camp.
For LT:
Levi Jones, Kwami Harris, and Charles Spencer are all capable…assuming that Free/McQuistan/Brewster are not. If we don’t pick up one, then everyone should trust the coaches that he’s better than these alternatives.
OG:
Kendall Simmons or Pete Kendall…but Holland and/or Kosier would have to get hurt.
WR:
Matt Jones (my betting favorite), Ashlie Lelie, and a boatload of others. We’ll see if GM Jerry really believes in this group mid-way through TC. When (not if) one of the youngsters gets hurt, my guess is that JJ will pull the trigger.
NT:
Not many options, but Hollis Thomas, DeWayne Robinson, and a few others may do. Most likely, the player won’t come until after the final cuts or via a trade…assuming that Siavii and/or Spears can’t cut it.
So assuming that no one on the current roster can cut it as a backup, there are still options available. Of course, you know what happens when you assume…
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jul 4, 2009 7:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Money quote
If we don’t pick up one, then everyone should trust the coaches that he’s better than these alternatives.
Excellent point.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 4, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Charles Spencer would be a decent guy to look into. He was great when he came into the league and if given time, could become a Mark Columbo type story down the line. I know it would be really tough to find a roster spot, but I think it would be worth having our training staff look him over to see how his knee is doing.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Jul 4, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I buy Crayton, Scandrick or Jenkins - but reckon Spencer could have a break-out
Crayton had done nothing but produce. People knock his speed but Romo can trust him to be where he is suppossed to be. Now if he can just shut his mouth and make sure he catches the ball in the clutch 3rd downs in the playofss.
I think Scandrick can make a big impact, but Jenkins seems to have the inside running on the straight-up #2 spot. Whoever makes it has a great chance to shine with TNew on the other side and the pressure.
But, if he stays healthy, I think Spencer has the biggest “surprise” opportunity – if we get close to 60 sacks again – which have every chance to do – who is going to get the other 40 (after Ware)? He has had the chance to develop slowly, Wade’s schemes will give him every opportunity and with all the attention Ware is going to get, I see him in double-digits, easy.
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
by BoyfromOz on Jul 5, 2009 9:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Troy bouncing a pitch in the dirt??
Say it ain’t so!
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Jul 7, 2009 12:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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