Observations and opinions from Cowboys training camp in Irving, Texas:
What’s new
America’s Team didn’t really change all that much this offseason. The coaching staff remained intact. Twenty of 22 starters return in ’10, and publicized new full-timer left tackle Doug Free has been a regular since midseason ’09. Stability is a welcome asset for these Cowboys.
Camp battle
Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be battling along with Tashard Choice for carries out of the backfield.
Among running backs Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, it will be interesting to see who gets the most touches and the ball in critical situations. For Jones to be that back, he must show more durability and better ball security. Jones is now slightly bigger, a lot wiser and not a bit slower.
"You can still see the great acceleration," coach Wade Phillips said. "He’s just more mature and stronger."
Rehab report
Thanks to a relatively clean bill of health, Dallas finished last season strong. Now, the team needs big-play rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant’s sprained ankle to heal. Although Phillips is unsure as to when Bryant can remove his walking boot and begin a full rehab, Bryant was able to do some light pass-catching this week.
Rookie on the spot
With No. 3 tight end John Phillips (torn ACL) out for the season and both No. 2 Martellus Bennett (ankle sprain) and Scott Sicko (concussion) sidelined this week, the Cowboys are scrambling a bit.
Undrafted rookie DajLeon Farr, who was signed just Tuesday, will get plenty of action spelling starter Jason Witten tonight vs. the Raiders. Farr is built similarly to Phillips and Witten but is raw.
2010 outlook
It’s no secret the Cowboys are talented enough to reach Super Bowl 45, and it just happens the big game will be played at Cowboys Stadium. Although that combination comes with great expectations, owner Jerry Jones likes the confidence his team has in reaching that goal.
"We know we can do something about getting there," Jones said.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
Observations and opinions from Cowboys training camp in Irving, Texas:
What’s new
America’s Team didn’t really change all that much this offseason. The coaching staff remained intact. Twenty of 22 starters return in ’10, and publicized new full-timer left tackle Doug Free has been a regular since midseason ’09. Stability is a welcome asset for these Cowboys.
Camp battle
Marion Barber and Felix Jones will be battling along with Tashard Choice for carries out of the backfield.
Among running backs Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, it will be interesting to see who gets the most touches and the ball in critical situations. For Jones to be that back, he must show more durability and better ball security. Jones is now slightly bigger, a lot wiser and not a bit slower.
"You can still see the great acceleration," coach Wade Phillips said. "He’s just more mature and stronger."
Rehab report
Thanks to a relatively clean bill of health, Dallas finished last season strong. Now, the team needs big-play rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant’s sprained ankle to heal. Although Phillips is unsure as to when Bryant can remove his walking boot and begin a full rehab, Bryant was able to do some light pass-catching this week.
Rookie on the spot
With No. 3 tight end John Phillips (torn ACL) out for the season and both No. 2 Martellus Bennett (ankle sprain) and Scott Sicko (concussion) sidelined this week, the Cowboys are scrambling a bit.
Undrafted rookie DajLeon Farr, who was signed just Tuesday, will get plenty of action spelling starter Jason Witten tonight vs. the Raiders. Farr is built similarly to Phillips and Witten but is raw.
2010 outlook
It’s no secret the Cowboys are talented enough to reach Super Bowl 45, and it just happens the big game will be played at Cowboys Stadium. Although that combination comes with great expectations, owner Jerry Jones likes the confidence his team has in reaching that goal.
"We know we can do something about getting there," Jones said.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
