Stock Report: Marcus Spears up; offense is down

August, 14, 2012
8/14/12
8:50
AM CT


As we return to our temporary home in Oxnard, Calif., we have an updated Stock Report after the Cowboys' 3-0 victory against the Oakland Raiders.

Streaking
Stock Up

Marcus Spears: With a roster spot on the line, Spears finished with four tackles and one tackle for loss. There is a gaggle of players competing for a roster spot from the defensive line and here was Spears making his mark to start the preseason. He didn't start and got some good snaps with the second unit and he responded.

Ben Bass: The rookie defensive lineman from Texas A&M finished with one sack, two tackle for loss and five total tackles. Jason Garrett mentioned him in passing a few weeks ago and we found out way. Bass learned a lot about chasing the speedy Terrelle Pryor during the pass rush and he displayed a couple of moves to push the pocket.

Gerald Sensabaugh: We've talked for days about the back end of the secondary and their inability to make enough plays. No complains after Monday's win. Sensabaugh picked off a Carson Palmer pass to end the first offensive possession of the game. He also finished with one tackle, but his play on the ball is something the Cowboys need.

Slumping
Stock Down

First-team offense: We got three possessions and zero points and one first down and one sack. The Cowboys first-team offense is better than this. But it wasn't on Monday night where Tony Romo couldn't get the time necessary to get the ball downfield. David Arkin was steady, according to Jason Garrett, but he allowed a sack and committed a penalty.

Special teams: It's hard to be critical because Dan Bailey converted a 33-yard field goal and Chris Jones had a net average of 42.3, including three punts inside the 20. But there were three special team penalties bringing the Raiders offense back on the field and that's shouldn't happen. Garrett said it was more about players trying to make plays. That's good. But you have to make smart plays.

Felix Jones: He's not a starter anymore, but after his failed conditioning test, we expect a little more out of him this camp. First preseason game, he finished with just four yards on two carries and a dropped pass. Failing the test was inexcusable, and it's not totally his fault the run game struggled, but he could have controlled some things by catching the ball.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Morris Claiborne

Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss this week's minicamp and Dez Bryant. Claiborne will join the show to discuss the latest Cowboys news all season.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett for his weekly visit and you won't believe who he says is the Cowboys' best player.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Derek Dooley

Cowboys wide receivers coach Derek Dooley joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to talk about Dez Bryant's talent and potential.

Galloway & Company: Cowboys talk

Glenn "Stretch" Smith and Matt Mosley talk about their time at Day 2 of Cowboys minicamp and discuss Monte Kiffin's defensive principles and his growing relationship with the players.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Clayton

ESPN NFL insider John Clayton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the Cowboys and Tony Romo missing OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN senior NFL analyst Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss another busy week for the Cowboys at Valley Ranch.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Mark Schlereth

ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss how Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and others spend lots of time with their receivers and if it matters that Tony Romo is not participating in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he's looking for during the third session of OTAs, a potential Sean Lee contract extension and why people underestimate Miles Austin's value.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.