RT decision could come soon

by Dave Halprin on Aug 18, 2006 7:56 PM CDT in Dallas Cowboys News

The RT position continues to mystify the Cowboys, who can't seem to get the position settled over the last few years. Nothing has changed in this year's training camp, but the Saints game could go a long way towards clarifying who will be the starter this year. Parcells indicated in today's press conference that he would like to make a decision on that position after the game. Rob Phillips tackles the issue in this article.

One thing that's starting to become more likely, the starter at RT won't be Rob Petitti. After causing a buzz over the offseason, he hasn't followed it up with stellar play at camp. Parcells detailed the deficiencies in his technique at yesterday's press conference. Now, he appears to be the backup swing tackle.

"We need to bounce him around a little bit," Cowboys offensive line coach Tony Sparano said. "Rob is the one guy that we know can play both sides."

Meanwhile, Jason Fabini is the real question mark; he seemingly could either be the starter or not even make the roster

Parcells said Fabini has looked better in practice the last 7-10 days, but the 31-year-old has been "a little up and down so far." Fabini might need a good performance Monday to keep a roster spot, though the Cowboys would have to eat his $1.75 million signing bonus if he's cut. Also under consideration, though, would be Fabini being a vested veteran, meaning his contract would be guaranteed if he's on the roster the first week of the season.

"Coach Parcells always says that a player the age of a Jason Fabini, at some point I've got to see him do it," Sparano said. "We need to see him do it."

Before camp, I thought Fabini would win the battle at RT. After watching the first weeks of camp and seeing Marc Colombo and Fabini practice, I now believe that Colombo will end up being the starter.

For a guy who was supposed to settle a position that was a sore spot last year, Mike Vanderjagt's camp has certainly been unsettling. Parcells let us know today that they've got a plan in place for Vandy, and that includes trying him on kickoffs.

"If he's physically ready to go, hopefully he kicks off back in Dallas next week," said Parcells, referring to the third preseason game, Aug. 26, against San Francisco in Dallas.

Parcells is not a proponent of carrying a kickoff specialist on his 53-man roster, much less on his 46-man gameday roster, and doesn't want to start now if he can help it. When asked if the possibility of carrying a kickoff specialist on his 53-man roster would create a hardship cutting the team down, Parcells said, resoundingly, "Yes," leaving no doubt he wants Vanderjagt to handle both chores.

I've written before on this blog that a special teams coach in the NFL told me in a phone conversation that he didn't believe there was any way that Vandy would be able to handle kickoffs. I expect the Cowboys will be forced to keep Suisham as a kickoff specialist.

Matt Mosley has a few points from today's practice.

Coach Tony Sparano told Pat McQuistan he was "afraid to hit" linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Later, Parcells shouted, "You cannot let that man start running!".

WR Jamaica Rector has come back strong the last week. He made another tough catch in traffic this afternoon.

WR Skyler Green made the catch of the day when he snagged a ball from Matt Baker with his fingertips.

QB Tony Romo beat the blitz in team drills with a quick pass to TE Sean Ryan, who has made several nice catches the last two days.

DE Marcus Spears steamrolled guard Stephen Peterman during 1-on-1 drills.

In team drills, LT Flozell Adams slung rookie DE Jason Hatcher to the ground.

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Comments

Columbo

can also swing between tackle positions I believe and perhaps this indicates the starting RT is his already. Say bye bye to Fabini? I would rather keep McQ. it is intriguing to think about Kosier there (RT) with Proctor at LG but late now to switch him. Perhaps Peterman can influence this decision?

by lee3022 on Aug 19, 2006 3:45 AM CDT reply actions

Line

Looks to me like Proctor is the only other guard that BP likes- not peterman, who I think isjust about gone. Petitti needs more seasoning- more time and experience. Columbo is better technically it appears, and might well be more talented physically. Kosier I think is not a candidate for tackle, since everything I have heard about him is that he just does not have the talent for that position. He can do it for a game or so, but that is all. Strictly short term backup at tackle. Fabini is going to have to show a lot more to stick, since McQuistan seems destined to at least make the practice squad, and if he shines any more BP might not be able to risk him there. If he stays on the roster, then Fabini is gone. I think the backups left will be either Johnson or Gurode; Proctor, Petitti, and Mcquistan. Since Gurode can play guard pretty well, he can back up there if we lose more then one guard.

by burmafrd1944 on Aug 19, 2006 5:38 AM CDT reply actions