Bryan Broaddus on Cowboys Wide Receivers

Ex-scout Bryan Broaddus joined G-Bag Nation on 105.3 FM The Fan last week. Here are some highlights.

On if Terrance Williams looks like a No. 3 wide receiver:
“They’re putting a lot of responsibility on him. I’m really looking forward to tonight because he had extensive burn with the ones. How did he do? How did he matchup? I’ll tell you what, I think he’s a kid that’s very hard on himself. If things go badly for him, he needs to put that past him and then go on to the next thing. Again, that’s something he’s going to have to learn. But he’s been a highly successful receiver at Baylor, and he’s come out here and for the most part, he’s done a nice job of keeping Harris and Beasley and those guys at arms length right now.”

On the young wide receivers on the team:
“Do they carry five? Do they carry six? (Eric) Rogers is a guy that in the 1-on-1 period, you’ll get to see him make some plays. You’ll see (Anthony) Armstrong make some plays. With Armstrong, it’s about quickness. With Rogers, it’s about vertical player because he’s not quick. Anytime the ball goes above his head, he’s able to do that. These guys are fighting for spots, (Cole) Beasley, if you look at (Dwayne) Harris. It looks like they’ve plugged in (Terrance) Williams as the third receiver but will he hit that rookie wall? Will things all of a sudden be hard for him? Will someone go past him? That’s still something that needs to be talked about and debated over the next several weeks.”

Monte Kiffin Funny Line

I guess this morning is the day of funny one liners..... next up, Monte Kiffin:

His approach with players:
“I call it hard coaching, hard love,’’ Kiffin said. “People will say, ‘hey, you’re a good guy. You’re doing great.’
“You ain’t doing great. We’ve got to get better.’’

Funny Jason Witten Story

This funny anecdote told by Jason Garrett explains the level of passion Jason Witten brings to the game every day.....

Slowing Witten down: The Cowboys use “veteran rest days” to keep older guys fresh in camp. DeMarcus Ware, Miles Austin and Jason Hatcher have all benefitted from one already. But one guy who’s not all that keen on rest days is Jason Witten. Jason Garrett relayed an anecdote from 2009, when he pulled Witten for one play of a game during which the tight end’s sole responsibility was to block. Witten was so upset, he wouldn’t talk to Garrett about it for a week.

“So literally we had a battle where he did not talk to me for a week about ‘Aggie 21’ and whamming the nose,” Garrett said. “So getting him to take a day off of practice is a little bit like the ‘Aggie 21’ story. You start the conversation, he nods his head and he continues to nod his head and he goes out to practice again and again and again. He’s a guy you want to make sure you give some rest… But he never wants to come off the football field. Somehow, some way, we’ve got to pry him off in the next five weeks.” 

Cowboys Overview

Great summary and overview after the first week of training camp for the Cowboys and thoughts on the type of season the Cowboys will have this year.  By Engel with the FW Star-Telegram:

Star-Telegram Story Cowboys

NFL Training Camp Thoughts

Few random thoughts on NFL training camps now that all of the teams have reported.

• Dallas Cowboys had a day off yesterday (Thursday 7/25).  With the new CBA rules, teams have to take a day off after five consecutive training camp days.  Since the Cowboys reported early to camp, due to their participation in the "extra" pre-season game, Hall of Fame Game, Thursday marked their day for rest.  By some of the comments made by Cowboys players, is was a welcomed sight.  However, I'm sure some of the "old school" players that are now retired look at today's players as too pampered.
• Percy Harvin injured his hip during conditioning prior to camp and may require surgery.  He is seeking a second opinion.
• Matt Ryan got a 5 year extension worth over $100 Million Dollars.  Of course TV commentators made no derogatory remarks over his contract like they did Tony Romo's extension.  Not sure why, last time I checked they both had the same number of Superbowl Wins.
• BillaCheat and Brady continued to respond by not really saying anything about the Hernandez issue due to "this is a legal issue and I can not comment".
• Andy Reid looked energized and ready to go in his all Red Attire.  From a fantasy football perspective I am interested to see what Reid does with Jamal Charles.

Witten...Man or Machine?

Great article by Charean Williams of Fort Worth Star-Telegram about Jason Witten.  Incredible athlete and teammate.  The fact that he set the NFL Record for receptions by a Tight End in the same year that he started the season with a lacerated spleen..... Unbelievable.

Jason Witten FWST Article

Negative Media

So following up on my comment from the previous post about the media painting the Cowboys in a negative light.....

As I watched coverage of training camp by ESPN and particularly NFL network yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the disdain and disrespect by which all of the coverage and interviews were done when it came to the Cowboys.  Then with other teams, they treated the player being interviewed or the coverage with respect and straight coverage.  I'll give a couple of examples to make my point....

• NFL Network - while camera was in studio with a live video feed of the Cowboys practicing in the background in pads but with no helmets.....NFL commentator said "I thought they were supposed to be in pads, but they don't have any helmets....where's there helmets....(another commentator interjected).... Yeah where's that Star.... in a very derogatory voice.

• NFL Network - about to go live to Michael Irvin in Oxnard California to Cowboys Training Camp, Rich Eisen says...."Cowboys have been in Oxnard for Training Camp now for several years, I'm surprised they haven't got a sponsor contract for naming rights for the field"...... again done in a very derogatory voice.  

Really?!  Oh yeah, last I checked Cowboys Stadium is just Cowboys Stadium (I know this is about to change soon).  Not like the 49ers and every other team that sells the naming rights to the stadium.  From Eisen's comment, you would think the Cowboys are the only team to generate revenue from sponsorships.  Really?!  Then immediately following this snide comment, the NFL cameras show the Eagles at "Novacare" Practice Field.  But nay, not one comment from Rich Eisen.  What's the deal?!  What does he have against the Cowboys?

• NFL Network - The big eared guy for NFL network while interviewing Witten.... "So in Jason Garrett's team speech video, he said the team needs leaders.  Was he calling you guys out, because you don't have leaders on the team?"  

Really?!  Every coach in the NFL talks about leaders on the team and in opening speeches to the team for the year.  And the big eared guy has to turn it around and make it sound like the coach is calling guys out for not being a leader, on day one of training camp before any work is even completed.
Really?!

So why the constant negative bias against a team that hasn't even been relevant (one playoff win in 15 years)?

As Sergeant Schultz would say... "I know NOTHING!"

If you haven't watched Jason Garrett's opening address to the team, then you should now...Here....
If you have watched it, you know what I mean, when I say Jason has these guys trained on how to navigate the media.  After being asked about his engagement to Hulk Hogan's daughter, Costa answered with:

“We just got engaged, but my focus right now is really on training camp and doing my best for the team.”

Great answer Phil.  I noticed the same type of constraint last night while watching the Michael Irvin interview with Dez Bryant on NFL Network.  Dez kept the answers simple and on point, paraphrasing for Dez..... "we're working hard to make the team better".

Keep it up Cowboys Players, you know the media is always out to paint the Cowboys in a negative light - that's both local and national media.

Romo to Follow Garrett as Offensive Coordinator

Apparently Romo wants to follow in the footsteps of Jason Garrett, and after playing football as QB, become an offensive coordinator.  And who knows, after that possibly head coach (that's my comment, not Romo's).  Here's a quick hit from Dallas Morning News:

Romo wants to coach: Jerry Jones wanted Tony Romo to get more involved in the offense this off-season, and apparently Romo has taken to it like a fish to water. In fact, Jones revealed that his quarterback now has aspirations of becoming a coordinator one day. “[Romo] told me, ‘When I’m through playing ball, I want to be an offensive coordinator One of the biggest shame things for me is that I may never have gotten to call my own plays. I think I’m a heck of an offensive coordinator,’ ” Jones said.

Ben Bass..... Who?

Interesting blog mention from FW Star-Telegram on Ben Bass, rookie Free Agent from Texas A&M.  I have seen his name pop up on several blogs this week.   He seems to be getting the coaches attention on the Defensive Line, primarily at Tackle but apparently now at Defense End.  Certainly good to have some good news come out about the Defensive Line with so many injuries already occurring on the DL (Jat Ratliff, Anthony Spencer and of course the loss of Tyron Crawford for the entire year with an Achilles tear on the first day of practice).

Ben Bass Star-Telegram Blog Mention

Cowboys Defensive Tackling Percentage

Great analysis by Jonathan Bales of the Dallas Morning News, breaking down the tackling percentage of the Dallas Cowboys' Defense from last year and how it compares to the top four defenses in the league.  Obviously this is just a part of the picture.  Turnovers, how many big plays (20 yards or greater) does a defense give up, total points allowed, etc...  But I always hear from the "expert commentators" that the Cowboys don't do the basic things well.  This stat obviously refutes that assertion.

Are the Cowboys a Poor Tacking Team?

Beware Dware!

DeMarcus wanted to show everyone that his injured shoulder was OK.  See article from DMN and the video link from Ware's facebook page demonstrating his strength.  Incredible!

DeMarcus Ware ‘loving’ move to DE - DMN

Ware's Facebook Video

Aaron Rodgers Needs to Pay Up

I know it was all in jest, but the arrogance of the Rodgers tweet in response to Sutton deserves a little pay back.  I think Aaron Rodgers should donate a one game paycheck to a charity of Sutton's choice.  Anyone who would stick up for Ryan Braun deserves all of the grief they can get.

Aaron Rodgers Tweet Bet

The Dez Train Continues On

Dez is all the rage now in Cowboys training camp.  Hopefully this can carry over into the season.

Dez Dominates - Dallas Morning News

Dez Story - FW Star-Telegram

and another one from Star-Telegram...Dez

Jason Garrett Video

Due to Peter King's bias against the Cowboys, I hate to promote his new MMQB, but I think every Cowboys fan should watch this video.  Excellent inside view of Jason Garrett and the opening Training Camp speech to the team.  

Click HERE to take you to a Star-Telegram blog to watch the video so you don't have to go to MMQB and give Peter "The Cowboys Hater" King more hits.

Peter King Uses Cowboys to Get Good Ratings for His New Website

It is really aggravating that the Cowboys let Peter King use them to promote his new website.  He has not been a friend of the Cowboys.  Click Here for Garrett's comments about Peter King having this access to his speech.  It obviously was not Garrett's choice, of course we all know it was Jerry's decision.  In the post Garrett tries to be nice and said....."He’s been a great friend to the NFL and a great friend to the Cowboys for years."  All you have to do is read any of King's MMQB articles and you know that simply is not the case.  Even in this new inaugural MMQB he lists how many times he talks about individual football teams and he admits that his mention of the Cowboys is second to least of all 32 teams.  While the Cowboys have been very mediocre for the past 15 years, they are still America's Team and still garner larger TV ratings than any other team, even when they are 8-8.  So for King to barely mention them is just a concerted effort on his part to ignore them.  Couple this small number of mentions in his article with the fact that the largest percentage of those Cowboys discussions are always in a negative light.  

So with all of that Cowboys Hating History, it's disconcerting that Jerry would "help" Peter King out with this new website. King obviously used the huge interest the Cowboys always brings to kick off the new MMQB. 

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/cowboys/2013/07/jason-garrett-calls-pre-camp-speech-posted-by-peter-king-nuts-and-bolts-but-says-motivation-is-no-1-.html#storylink=cpy

DWare Better than Before? Scary

Article from Star-Telegram with some comments, particularly from Sean Lee, who says DeMarcus Ware could even be better this year.  While DWare doesn't get a lot of media attention, keep in mind that he reached 100 sacks quicker in his career second only to Reggie White. So to say he could even be better this year, well that's kinda scary.  Should make Tyson Smith (RT) well practiced for opposing teams.  Kinda like swinging two bats on the on deck circle.  Opposing DE will seem easy.

DeMarcus Ware Getting Better

Battle at Running Back Already Heating Up

It's just day 1 of training camp, but look what rabblerousr at "Blogging The Boys" had to say about Lance Dunbar.  I have read similar points from other observers.  Here's the link to the whole article by rabblerousr if you are interested, great writeup on the first day of practice...Bloggingtheboys rabblerousr day 1 training camp writeup

Player of the Day: Lance Dunbar. Not only did Dunbar (somewhat surprisingly) take second-team snaps, he backed up his depth chart status by often looking like the quickest guy on the field. More importantly, he showed a gift for finding a hole and shooting through it before it closed. Going into the season, many observers thought that Joseph Randle would be Murray's backup, with Dunbar serving as the third down back. Today's practice suggested a new possibility: Dunbar as the backup and the bigger Randle as the third-down back.

Dez Continues to Impress

I will try not to post something about Dez Bryant every day.  But the excitement continues to build around his prospects.  This is from Nick Eatman from dallascowboys.com.  Click here Cowboys Sunday Camp Highlights for other Sunday Camp highlights.

Play of The Day:

It was a good battle between Dez Bryant and Orlando Scandrick in the team drill period towards the end of practice. Bryant had already had a few nice grabs, but on a deep ball down the left sideline Scandrick appeared to be beat on the play, but found a way to catch up. The cornerback dove in at the last second to swat the pass away from Bryant, who appeared to have a long touchdown in sight. The deflection drew some big cheers from the crowd, who were anticipating another Bryant score.
However, Bryant got his revenge a few snaps later. Once again, Romo fired a deep ball down the sideline and although Scandrick was in better coverage this time, Bryant used his jumping ability to outfight him for the ball. Bryant hauled this one in for a score, giving the crowd a chance to erupt.

Football Has Begun

Football has begun, well sorta.  Cowboys and Dolphins reported to training camp over the weekend as these two teams will play each other in the first/early pre-season Hall of Fame Game.

Some quick hits from the first day of Cowboys Training Camp:

• Romo Back Injury/Cyst is very concerning.. Romo Back Problem

• First Round Draft Pick Travis Frederick looking good...Frederick Shotgun Snaps On Target

• Can't even get past the conditioning test without significant injuries already occurring with Tyrone Crawford out for the season with an Achilles Tear...Crawford Out

• Ratliff already sitting on the sidelines like last year, personal opinion, time to cut ties with this one.  If you can't get on the field then you don't belong on the team..."The Rat" picks up where last year ended

These are just a few, we'll keep a close eye on all things Cowboys and also begin more general NFL news and especially Fantasy Football News and Opinions as the preseason unfolds.  Can't wait, this is going to be a great season!

Peter King's New MMQB Website....

Peter King Loves the Cowboys when it Help promote his new website....

OMG - Peter King's Inaugural website MMQB is using two different Dallas Cowboys headlines on the front page of ccnsi.com......

PeterKINGMONDAY MORNING QB A new day: Jason Garrett wants to establish a new Cowboys identity.

AND
MMQB: Starting in the Cowboys' inner sanctum

Who saw that coming???  Oh yea, I did last week.  But I do stand corrected, I said Mr. King (lover of all things Patriots and Giants, hater of all things Cowboys, except when it helps to promote his new website) would use a Cowboy Headline...singular, he is actually using two different Cowboys headlines including a picture of Jason Garrett at Training Camp to get the clicks a coming.
Well one thing you can say about King, he is predictable. 

For reference, to the post above, here's what I posted on the MMQB comments section last week.....

 

So Mr. King who hates the Cowboys, is critical of the players, critical of the management, critical of the new stadium and in general as most northeast liberal elites commonly are, hates the Cowboys...... Just coincidentally is going to Cowboys Training camp the weekend before his new MMQB website starts??? Really, of course the reason is because the Cowboys are starting their camp early, so it is logical that he would start there first.... LOL.  Detroit, which he loves, is also starting early, why not visit there first so the headlines on the first MMQB post on the new website would feature Lions stories??
Of course the answer is, there is no coincidence.  Cowboys are #1 on the Forbes list and they always draw interest.  So by being able to put "Cowboys" somewhere in the headlines of the new MMBQ inaugural post he will draw more interest and more hits.  Even though he hates the Cowboys, he loves how they help him.  Hypocrite.

Cowboys Training Camp Schedule

We finally move away from the dark side of the moon.  Due to their participation in the Hall of Fame Pre-Season Game, the Dallas Cowboys are the first team to report to training camp.  Players started arriving in Oxnard California today, Friday July 19th with training to begin on Sunday July 21st.

That's right, it's starting to look a lot like Christmas...I mean Football.  Here is the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp schedule as currently posted.  Practices times tend to fluctuate periodically throughout the pre-season as coaches adjust schedules.

DALLAS COWBOYS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE

Date	Time / Action
Saturday, July 20th	12:00 p.m. - Camp Opening Press Conference
Sunday, July 21st	10:30 a.m. - First Walk-Thru
Sunday, July 21st	12:00 p.m. - Jason Garrett Press Conference
Sunday, July 21st	4:00 p.m. – First Team Practice
Monday, July 22nd	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, July 23rd	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 24th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, July 25th	No Practice
Friday, July 26th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, July 27th	2:30 p.m. – Practice
Sunday, July 28th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Monday, July 29th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, July 30th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, July 31st	No Practice
Thursday, August 1st	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Friday, August 2nd	5:15 p.m. – Practice
Saturday, August 3rd	Team Travel to Canton, OH
Sunday, August 4th	No practice – Preseason Game –Dallas vs. Miami (7:00 PM CST)
Monday, August 5th	No Practice
Tuesday, August 6th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 7th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 8th	Team Travel to Oakland, CA
Friday, August 9th	No practice – Preseason Game –Dallas vs. Oakland (9:00PM CST)
Saturday, August 10th	No Practice
Sunday, August 11th	5:15 p.m. – Practice
Monday, August 12th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Tuesday, August 13th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Wednesday, August 14th	4:00 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, August 15th	5:15 p.m. – Practice
Friday, August 16th	Break Training Camp
Saturday, August 17th	No practice – Preseason Game –Dallas @ Arizona (3:30PM CST)
Tuesday, August 28th	Kickoff Luncheon @ Cowboys Stadium (11:00 am CST)

Over the Top Statements by Sports Writers.... Please Stop

Bleacher Report provides entertainment during the off season with their continual slideshows.  They're usually not very informative, but entertaining during this period of little football news.  Anyway, recently ran across this one and couldn't let the gross overstatement go.....

Not that kickers are real football players, so I hate to spend time debating them, however when a writer makes such an ignorant and obviously non-researched over-statement as "No other kicker was even close to Walsh's level" as Mr. Stueve made in the slideshow (Bleacher Report Best Players at each position - Kicker), I have to take the time to call them out. Just one example.....

Dan Bailey, K for Dallas Cowboys, stats for 2012....
Overall on FGs 29 of 31 for 93% 
Extra Points 37 of 37 for 100% 
kicks > 50 yards, 3 of 5.....

So there was no other kicker even close to Walsh's level??
It's OK to pick your favorite player's for each position, and Walsh is certainly in the conversation for 2012 since he was 10 of 10 for 50+ kicks, but let's refrain from the constant barrage of overstatements so commonplace with sports writers and commentators.