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