Orlando Scandrick Returning To Rookie Form; Manuel Johnson Likely Promotion

by KD Drummond on Dec 15, 2010 3:30 PM CST in Dallas Cowboys General

Nick Eatman of the Mothership has a good read up on Orlando Scandrick's play over the last five games, saying that the return against the Colts isn't the only good thing he's done since the coaching change:

While the coaching move could be seen as the reason for this sudden turnaround, Scandrick said it was another meeting with his position coach that really hit home.

During the week the Cowboys switched head coaches, it was also halfway through the 16-game schedule. That was when secondary coach Dave Campo sat down with all of the defensive backs and talked about the evaluations that would take place at the end of the season.

...

"My season has been tough," Scandrick said. "I feel like I've played well, but I know that I've had some bad plays at the most inopportune times. Big plays, not finding the ball sometimes. I feel like that overshadowed the good things I was doing. Now I think I'm making a few plays."

Manny Johnson will be promoted from practice squad to replace Kevin Ogletree.

From Clarence Hill of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Manual Johnson is expected to be called up from the practice squad to replace Ogletree who is expected to go on IR. Manny, a 7th round pick, will most likely be a special teams only player, at least this week. Ogletree is set for surgery Thursday.

It prevents Ogletree from building on last week's performance against the Eagles. It was his first game in place of the injured Dez Bryant. He had three catches for 34 yards before being injured on a kickoff return in the fourth quarter.

If Ogletree goes on injured reserve, the Cowboys will likely bring up receiver Manuel Johnson from the practice squad.

HatTip to OCC for the Fanshot

Everyone loves feel good stories, and everyone loves un-heralded wide receivers (see Crayton, Patrick and Austin, Miles). Here's to hoping Manny continues in our new tradition.

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Isnt this just one big fanshot?

Cmon dont make me say it haha

by thebigham on Dec 15, 2010 3:42 PM CST reply actions

Scandrick

I bashed him hard man, I feel bad because the kid is blazing fast, evident in him running across the field to almost catch DeDirtbag Jackson, is tough and physical
Scan has a future here and im so glad him playing more zone and a new coach has brought his game up

Manny Johnson was a beast at OU, im curious to see what he can do, we need a slot WR

by Archie Barberio on Dec 15, 2010 5:03 PM CST reply actions

I think

him and Jenkins are the future of the team at CB, if Jenkins can pull his head out of his butt, which he has done lately.

"Wade is no longer the coach." Jason Garrett

by k2spitfire88 on Dec 15, 2010 5:53 PM CST up reply actions

+1 on the slot receiver thing

I think Manny maybe the next PC but faster

by liquidblake on Dec 15, 2010 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

thanks we def need a slot guy, idk why we keep overlooking slot WR's especially Ammendola

Manny was great at the slot at OU, and he is fast your right

by Archie Barberio on Dec 15, 2010 7:12 PM CST up reply actions

I've been saying MJ...

Was the “quick” slot guy that we could use for some time. He’s not really very fast, but he gets to top speed in a hurry. I think a bad drop in the preseason that led to a pick6 really hurt him. Then, again, as it’s been well-documented, there is just something about the Wade-coached team that just couldn’t see how certain talent could be exploited for this team. Worrying about mistakes I guess. But if MJ gets on the field and gets enough reps to where he can feel comfortable, I guarantee you he will shine.

by ChuckCowboy on Dec 15, 2010 7:42 PM CST up reply actions

scandrick, when he can cover, has a little bit of nastiness to him that i like

newman is a surprisingly good open field tackler…at times. jenkins is showing some spunk…and gets hurt. scandrick is our only good blitzing DB and seems to be the best hitter out of everyone except sensi, who can hit but is slow and never in position. lol sensi running stride for stride with rice and never turning around for the ball…that has been that dude’s most impressive play over the last 12 months

by blee on Dec 15, 2010 6:22 PM CST reply actions

Glad to see Scandrick getting some props

Folks were really tough on him earlier in the season. I happen to think he’s a starting caliber CB with the misfortune of playing behind TNew and Jenkins, who are better players. Now that he’s returned to form and even added a playmaking dimension to his game I think he’ll be a good starter for us sooner than later.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Dec 15, 2010 6:32 PM CST via mobile reply actions

lets also keep in mind this was his 2nd career pick lol

by blee on Dec 15, 2010 6:34 PM CST reply actions

in defense of that...

Scandrick has been working the slot which is not is best position….here is a partial Scouting report on him:
Negatives: Needs to upgrade his overall strength and physical receivers have had success pushing off him (struggles to reroute bigger opponents in press coverage) … Has very good timed speed, but he lacks explosion and suddenness coming out of his breaks or when redirecting (takes extra steps) … Looks awkward in transition when he gets too high in his backpedal … Is slippery when avoiding blocks in backside pursuit, but if blockers gets into his jersey, he is easily washed out … Does not have the upper-body strength or hand jolt to disengage … Will ankle-bite or take a side when tackling and needs to do a better job of facing up and breaking down taking on ballcarriers along the perimeter … Perhaps due to his rolling start, he does not close with great urgency, especially on plays in front of him … Gets a lot more pass deflections than pass thefts due to marginal hands (traps the ball or lets it into his body rather than reaching and plucking for it), but has the timing and leaping ability to compete for jump balls or to elevate when attempting to block kicks … Struggles with route recognition and, when he gets back in the zone, he will eyeball the pocket too long or bite on pump fakes … Must not allow so much cushion, as his lack of explosion out of his breaks can make him a step slow in recovering when a receiver gets behind him.
I noted in my post on our CB’s here is it if you want to re- read it (click link) that Scandrick needs to be on the outside and not in the slot.

Knowledge and Skill overcome Superstition and Luck- Dawn Patrol Motto-Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology

by I draft the Cowboys!!!! on Dec 15, 2010 9:05 PM CST up reply actions