The VRR: Cowboys Release Player; Injured Vets Expected Back Monday
by Dave Halprin on Aug 16, 2009 10:53 AM CDT
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PrintNick Eatman's blog reports that Newman and Jenkins should be back at practice on Monday.
Head coach Wade Phillips said in Saturday’s press conference that he expected players such as Terence Newman (groin) and Mike Jenkins (ankle) to return on Monday. Also, Phillips said linebackers Stephen Hodge (knee) and Steve Octavien (groin) would return on Monday as well.
The Cowboys dumped NT Tim Anderson leaving Siavii and Seawright, neither of which inspire confidence.
What had been a three-way battle to win a job at nose tackle behind Jay Ratliff has been reduced to two finalists, as the Cowboys waived sixth-year pro Tim Anderson Saturday morning. As has been the case throughout the off-season the leader appears to be 30-year-old Junior Siavii, who continues to run with the second team. Jonas Seawright, a 6-6, 303-pounder is currently the third-team nose tackle.
Speculation is they may bring in a RB since Alonzo Coleman is injured. The only current RB on the roster that won't be playing on Sundays this year is Keon Lattimore. You'd generally like to have more than one "camp body" RB to beat up on in the preseason games.
More VRR below...
Sam Hurd is on the rise, as Carl wrote about yesterday. He'll probably get some first team-reps this week according to Wade Phillips.
"We're going to give [Hurd] more and more playing time because he deserves it," Wade Phillips said Saturday. All of Hurd's damage was done against Oakland's second-string defense. The Cowboys want to see what he can do against better competition the rest of the preseason. "We'll play him more with our first three receivers, certainly."
Here's more on Hurd's ascendancy.
"Sam makes circus catches every day, and he did the same thing in the ballgame," Phillips said. "We're going to get him more and more playing time because he deserves it."
Bobby Carpenter receives praise from Wade for his play on Thursday.
"He made a lot of plays. He was in the right places a lot," Phillips said. "He made a nice play on the play play where he broke up the tight end going down the middle, he covered well. I thought he played well in the game. Now the group didn't play well that he was playing with, but he made plays all over the field, and he played like he's been practicing."
Wade Phillips coached his first game as head coach and "official" defensive coordinator.
"I probably went over to the bench more to talk to players in between," Phillips said of the preseason opener. "I didn't see quite as much of the offense as I normally would see."
We touched on it in the gameday open threads but never really posted about it. Deon Anderson had knee surgery and it's generally estimated he'll miss about a month. Julian Crosslin and Asaph Schwapp will move up on the depth chart for the preseason.
The Jenkins vs. Scandrick battle for the "starting" spot opposite Newman rages on.
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you shall be called "sphere"
because you have no point.
JK. You are one of my favorite posters even from way back at the old blog.
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-Winston Churchill
Signing a RB
I hope the Cowboys sign a back who is either versatile and can help out on ST (especially if he’s a PR) or a big guy to battle it out with Lattimore.
If they go with a veteran, I think Maurice Hicks is still available. He has some KR experience.
A UDFA would have more potential, though. I’d hate for the Cowboys to have to overuse Choice next week if they hold out the starters even more than against jOakland.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 16, 2009 11:14 AM CDT reply actions
Available Free Agent RBs
Scout.com’s available FA list (updated 8/3)
Running Back
Edgerrin James – Fits in as a solid second back and can also handle a third-down role.
Warrick Dunn – Probably has one to two years left as a second back.
Deuce McAllister – Knee problems have curtailed a once promising career. He said recently that he still wants to play.
Ahman Green – Has dealt with knee problems in recent years and may retire.
DeShaun Foster – Should find work as a second back after camps start.
Selvin Young – Solid change of pace back.
Najeh Davenport (KR) – Talented, but an underachiever.
Rudi Johnson – Probably has a few years left as a second back.
Michael Pittman (FB) – Fits in as a second back and can play fullback if needed.
Tatum Bell – Fits in as a second back.
Chris Perry (KR) – He was recently selected in the UFL draft.
Reuben Droughns (KR) – Fits in as a third back.
Aaron Stecker (KR) – Versatile, veteran back who probably has one decent year left as a third back.
LaBrandon Toefield – Drafted by the UFL recently.
Brian Calhoun – Talented, but underachieving third back.
Maurice Hicks (KR) – Fits in as a third back.
Jesse Chatman – Fits in as a third back.
Travis Minor (KR) – Fits in as a third back.
The Giants may be looking too, now that they lost Andre Brown for the season.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 16, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
That's a lot of backs
At least, that we’ve heard of. This means teams are going with younger players, and let’s face it, the last 3 years there’s been an influx of new talent at that position.
Sam Hurd running with the first three. And it sounds like he’s caught Coach Wade’s eye even for the No. 2 position. Bring it, Sam. The Cowboys really need more guys like you on the field all the time.
I don't believe in team motivation. I believe in getting a team prepared so it knows it will have the necessary confidence when it steps on a field and be prepared to play a good game.
Tom Landry
Word on Hurd.
There’s a job to be won right there.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Aug 16, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
It would be nice to see
a guy play his way into a job that someone else was expected to have.
by I_miss_Switzer on Aug 16, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep, then you're "deeper" by default.
Because your projected starter is now your backup.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
It also establishes
that you are a meritocracy. Nobody has tenure.
Good point on depth.
by I_miss_Switzer on Aug 16, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks captain obvious!
But you’d think there’s more to it than that. Is it him that has 234 children?
LOL!! That really was a question. I didnt see Selvin run in many games but he always looked
impressive to me when I did see him. That was also the guy on the list I wanted.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Selvin never was a smart player
and Denver’s old offense could handle that. I doubt the new regime’s can, as it is Belicheck related. Travis something or other had the tons of kids, and he also got busted in some sort of drug deal
by AustonianAggie on Aug 16, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
No Julius Jones.... *sigh*
I miss seeing him breaking for daylight only to be tacked by one-fingered by his pinkie toe or tripping on the hash mark.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Aug 16, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
My guess would be that if they did go after a RB
it would be someone we’ve barely heard of or someone at the bottom of Aaron’s list. They will just be looking for someone they can let get beat up for a few weeks, then cut them. They probably like Lattimore’s improvement, I certainly have, and will put him on the PS. Whoever comes in is just going to get cut, so it wouldn’t be a “name” back. More of a cheap kid who can play a little.
by Dave Halprin on Aug 16, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
pick somebody with great tools to develop that has been playing in the California penal league so nobody has heard of him.
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.
-Winston Churchill
I was thinking the same thing..
Whoever it is will only be a short term body they will cut later on…..alot of those players want alot more than a 2 or 3 week stay. Many of them on Aaron’s list are hanging out waiting for a injury to happen.
top third of those FA RB's would not come for a vet minimum,
I bet in their mind they still think they can start. For example, I don’t understand why on earth Edgerin James wanted so bad out of his contract (besides that he played for Arizona, or his agent was full of baloney) he was thinking probably to cash out with anther team, he might as well retire now
hi like hurd
I think he takes the # 2 or. #3 spot..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Aug 16, 2009 11:55 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
i as in me not hi as in hello
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Aug 16, 2009 11:56 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Any idea as to Hurd's 40 time?
It doesn’t make a player, but I always assumed he wasn’t very fast.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Aug 16, 2009 12:44 PM CDT reply actions
Here
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2006/draft/players/3834.html
I’d imagine that’s come down quite a bit since he’s been with the Cowboys
I think that scouting report nailed him.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
If The Injury Bug Stays Away
We’ll be as good as any team in the NFL. If we lose Rat, RW11, or an O-lineman, we could be in trouble.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Aug 16, 2009 2:08 PM CDT reply actions
Stock tip. If that happens this year invest heavily in acohol distributers.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
I agree on if we lose Rat or an O-lineman... but I honestly think this offense can click with a solid line and no RW11
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
I just picked him up on my fantasy team
Speaking of which, I think we should do a BTB 14 team fantasy league…Who’s in?
I think they already have one... but if there's room for more I'll throw my hat into the mix
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
do one on yahoo and I`m in
as far as a rb to bring in for camp fodder that could bust his butt on to the practice squad, Josh Vaughn recently released from the Bucs along with Selvin Young and Ryan Torrain and Cory Boyd all looking for work.
Ryan Torrain would be nice.
He’s probably still rehabbing from last year so they could sneak him onto the PS still.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 16, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I just had my first of three drafts today....
I can’t believe I have McNabb and Wesbrook…lol….picked up Mcoy as the backup….The only cowboy I have is Felix Jones
Felix could be a home run.
Does your league give more points based on the length of the TD.
I think with Westbrook and McCoy you the makings of something unless they split carries down the midldle all year.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
I'm not worried about Mike Vick
Jamal Lewis had a horrible season after spending 4 months in jail, I think Vick’s in worse shape than people know
what happens if he is in as a wild cat or a rb
I agree that he might be out of shape, but you gotta have something in the back of your mind. Case in point Fins shredded NE the first game they played to pieces, the second game it didn’t work, but Belichick had to scheme for the wild cat. So my point is that twice we have to worry in terms of game preparation this season and than in the game if he lines up with the offence.
Yeh, worry about McNabb and whoever's their #2.
Vick has some serious rust to knock off. I’m sure he was able to play catch in the joint, but that’s not the same as going even practice speed after two years away. Ask the two Chads.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
I'm not so sure about Vick's rustiness...
He had nothing to do but work-out for how many months? He’d be insane if he didn’t stay fit. And Staubach was okay after 4 years off. Vick was a starter long enough … much of his game will come back easily.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Good question.
Here’s Scout’s DT list of available FAs—once again updated 8/3.
Defensive Tackle
Dewayne Robertson (DE in 3-4) – Former first-round pick of the New York Jets who has underachieved, but has experience in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.
John Thornton- Probably could still start if needed.
Brian Young – Coming off of knee problems, but offers a solid role as a top backup if healthy.
Darwin Walker – Fits in as a backup at this point in his career.
Ellis Wyms (DE) – Versatile, solid backup or could start for a while if needed.
Kindal Moorehead – Fits in as a fourth tackle.
Antwan Lake – Fits in as a fourth tackle.
Kenderick Allen – Fits in as a fourth tackle.
James Reed – Fits in as a fourth tackle.
Langston Moore – Fits in as a fourth of fifth tackle.
No big mammoth NTs that I can see, except maybe Robertson. Anybody else know any much about any of these other dudes?
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 16, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
side note
Are you going to tailgate @ the 49ers game? I’m going w my gf for her first cowboys game and am not sure if the parking passes are going to work the same way and be color coded the same. I thought you may have some insight.
by TONYINCC on Aug 16, 2009 7:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I've never been to a Cowboys homegame.
I hope to tailgate and read that they had some picnic areas around the parking lot.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Why the insistance on size?
Let’s review our starters since we switched.
- L’Roi Glover – 6’2 285 – Made the Pro Bowl and was BP’s first choice at the position.
- Jason Ferguson – 6’3, 305 – Was getting long in the tooth, but had been a multi-Pro Bowler
- Jay Ratliff – 6’4, 300 (I’ve seen 295-305) – The best NT in the league.
And before Wade got here, he always had smaller guys with the exception of Williams in SD and Grady Jackson in Atl.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have a monster as well, but the fact is there are fewer than a dozen NTs in the legue that top 320. Even fewer starting.
But there is a MAJOR difference between the 2-Gap traditional 3-4 and the 1-Gap used by Phillips and Labeau.
And lastly, please, someone, anyone, check the rosters of every 3-4 team. Tell me a single backup, outside NE who just drafted a guy, that fits your criteria. There simply aren’t a ton of good big men that can play the nose.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I'd try to find one...
I believe we should still search for our own Ron Brace/Jamal Williams or whoever. I believe this formation is best utilized with massive NTs. I am grateful for Jay’s production but I’d like to see him play DE. The only problem is that it is very difficult to find out own Grady Jackson or so but I don’t think they’ve put much effort into looking. I’m still waiting to see improvements in certain areas of the defense. It all starts with the trenches!!!
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
You think he'd be better at DE
Wade doesn’t
Ratliff doesn’t
And this formation is best utilized by a good, stout, active player. Size doesn’t always mean better.
And how much better does Rat need to play? I think doubling the sack total of any NT in the league, making the Pro Bowl, and generally becoming the second most disruptive force on the team is pretty darn good enough.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
He can be that good...
But I’m more interested in the ability to eat up the opposing offensive line thus making the rest of the defense better. If there is one spot on defense that I am perfectly fine with the person not getting sacks it’d be him. I’d rather have him disrupt the line by occupying 2-3 lineman along with the DEs to allow the LBs easy access to the backfield. Causing easy turnovers for our secondary. From what I saw (of what I can see) is a lack of a stone solid run defense and to much time for our secondary to be abused. It all starts in the trenchs… Team before self!!!
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
Again
You want a BP 2-Gap plugger. Wade runs a 1-Gap quick animal.
He’s got his guy. As for the backup? Well, he says he’s got his guy there as well.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I'm not sure...
That I’ve heard him confirm the backup. I’ve seen that he has interest in him but I’m not sold that he’s commited to Junior Saivii. I want the Jamaal Williams he utilized in SD with the everyone else we have to stay. I think at least have beast for backup NT. Switch it up.
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
Rat often eats up two O-line guys
Just because he carries less weight doesn’t mean he’s single-teamed.
Also, aside from two fluke Ravens runs, what team was able to run consistently on the Cowboys last year? If the Cowboys could suddenly trade Rat for ANY other NT in the league, I think Wade might say no.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Size doesn't matter.
If Rat went down, I’d be fine if they signed Glover out of retirement. I’d rather have a good player with a high motor than some dude that made a team cuz he’s huge.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
That's better
Then I’m with you.
I’ve done a little research, and from what I can tell, only NE, GB and the Texans have multiple players with size at the position. GB and NE both got theirs this past draft (the DTs from BC) and both were gone before #51. I don’t know the Texans’ backups by name, but they’ve got a few.
Like I posted before, If Wade doesn’t like our depth, there may be a few alternatives on the final cuts, but the only sure way is via trade this year. And that is a very, very long shot.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I just read an article
in ESPN the magazine on this year’s 5 new 34 Ds.
The article hits on each teams D-Line hopes.
For Green Bay = NT BJ Raji
For Arizona = they mention tweeners Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett
For Denver = NT Ronald Fields (huh?)
For Chiefs = Glenn Dorsey moves to DE
For San Fran = they just discuss lack of pass rush from OLB
None of these teams, except maybe the Packers, has a bonafide nose guard. And Cowboys fans expect this team to have two? Something with those guys listed above must not be right if these 5 teams, along with Wade, passed to go with what they got.
Even a high draft pick like Robertson is waiting it out to guys like Siavii and Seawright. Honestly, I think Wade is cool this year with Siavii. Watching him cut him during last year’s Hard Knocks showed me that he really likes the guy and regretted having to let him go cuz they had Tank at the time.
Siavvi (or if they claim someone off waivers or via trade) only has to be the backup for the year. Can’t live life wondering what happens if this guy goes down or that guy goes down. They got a phenom in Rat. Nothing at all wrong with that.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions
And...
Seawright needs a ton of work. That’s probably why they let Tim Anderson go.
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Good points
my concern is only that they find a way to keep Rat healthy so that come December/playoffs he’s still able to play at that level.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
That's why the 3-4 doesn't stay in favor for long.
Few teams have run it consistently long term, because there aren’t enough NTs to run it properly. With all of the teams running it now with undersized NTs, I expect rushing numbers to go up some. Also, keep in mind that it’s not just Ratliff’s stats when looking at the run defense, it’s keeping the OL off of the linebackers. LBs are designed to be the real playmakers in the 3-4, if I understand it correctly. And sacks don’t really help in the running game.
by Baked Potato Soup on Aug 19, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the list.
Dude, you’re all over it!!! I’d give DeWayne a shot. Maybe the star on the helmet will do the trick.
by TheCowboyFan on Aug 17, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions
DMN reports...
Roy Willams getting his left wrist x-rayed…
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/08/roy-williams-gets-wrist-x-rayed.html
Seems like it's OK
Williams sprained his wrist during Sunday’s morning workout after he got tangled up with cornerback Orlando Scandrick. The MRI and X rays were negative and the Cowboys said he was day to day.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
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