Well I’m back from a grueling week of training and just in time to get ready for training camp. I don’t know if you’ve realized but this may be the most important training camp the Cowboys organization has endured in years. Why you ask? Well, simply because we are at a turning point for this team, a surge of young talent and revamped attitude headlines a training camp for a team who seeks to once again return to dominance. So with that being said I thought that we’d take a look at some of the position battles that we’ve been paying EXTRA attention too.
Wide Receiver:
Since the Draft we’ve been hearing a lot about the Game Breaking ability that Miles Austin has displayed, but have forgotten about the possible emergence of Sam Hurd. Not to mention the fairly consistent play of Patrick Crayton. Let me just help you all realize something, Hurd has sure hands. I was at the Miami game last year, and after being kicked out once for starting a train of Cowboys fans that marched throughout Dolphin stadium chanting, I got back in to witness some of Sam Hurd’s ability. It was about 3rd and 7, and Romo threw a pass to the sideline too far ahead of Hurd but Hurd outstretched his hands and pulled it in with an impressive effort to then turn up field and gain some yards.
Now, I’m not saying Hurd should start but I am saying don’t forget about him. The possibility of the Austin-Hurd tandem shows promise to a receiver core that some are pessimistic about. Lastly, Crayton still has the speed and the hands to provide a good number 2 receiver to the lineup. This is important for one thing and that is to allow Austin to be lined up on safeties or linebackers in coverage within the slot.
With Roy Williams working hard this offseason and the talent that is emerging, don’t sleep on this Cowboys unit.
Cornerback:
Clearly Newman gets the nod as one of the Elite DB’s in the league. Most importantly to me is the battle among Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. I know that Jenkins has said that it’s his job to loose but is it really? His play was slow up until mid season, and he still has much to learn. Though I truly believe he has the talent to start in this league, I’m curious as to if he’s reached his fullest potential.
Against him lies Orlando Scandrick, the underdog to most. His play however, has been pretty solid. Coming in on nickel sets, he’s been a tackling machine and has impressed the coaches. He surely has potential to start in this league, but also has much more to learn. One thing is for sure, this is a battle only time will tell.
Nevertheless, you have to feel good about all this battling. It defines the future of the Cowboys. With so much talent, it can only mean success in the upcoming years. Stay tuned for updates on these battles and more!
Two good points there Bryan!
Jenkins may have the title to being with, but it’s not a certainty that he’ll be starting. Of course you did forget to mention that if Scandrick does win the starting job, who can we count on to play the slot effectively? I don’t think Jenkins would be as good and I hate to throw Newman into the slot while Scandrick and Jenkins play the outside. Then again, time will tell and maybe that would work great.
I’m ready for Sam Hurd to step up and do something to keep his job. So far he’s had the developmental tag placed on him, but in my mind, that tag has a short shelf life and it’s time for him to go beyond it.
Before we fire Hurd, Stanback, and Austin, let’s make sure we upgrade the talent before cutting them from developmental status.