Stock Report: Morris Claiborne up, Kevin Ogletree down

October, 22, 2012
10/22/12
9:00
AM CT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Cowboys are now 3-3 and still in the playoff hunt -- well, almost everybody is -- after a 19-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

That means it's time for our weekly Cowboys Stock Report, where we take a look at whose stock is moving up and whose is moving down.

Streaking
STOCK UP

Dan Bailey --Yes, the Cowboys kicker made clutch kicks all afternoon, including the go-ahead 38-yard field goal with 53 seconds to play. Bailey also had kicks of 19, 49 and 28 yards. On the season, Bailey is 8-for-9, with the lone missing coming on a 51-yarder in the closing moments in Baltimore. There doesn't appear to be any sophomore slump for Bailey.

Morris Claiborne -- The rookie cornerback recorded his first interception of the season on a bad throw to the end zone from Cam Newton. Claiborne also made a clutch play in the fourth quarter, getting away with some contact and knocking down a fourth-down pass intended for Louis Murphy.

Bruce Carter -- Sean Lee gets so much credit in the middle of the defense, and he should, but Carter has also looked good this season. With Lee out because of a toe injury, Carter filled and called the signals and finished with five total tackles and one tackle for loss.

Slumping
STOCK DOWN

Running game -- The Cowboys rushed for a 85 total yards Sunday at Carolina, but neither Felix Jones nor Phillip Tanner averaged more than three yards per carry. As a team, the Cowboys averaged 2.7 per carry. It's the third time in the last four weeks the Cowboys failed to average more than three yards a carry.

Kevin Ogletree -- Jason Garrett said a finger injury led to the No. 3 receiver getting some bench time in favor of Dwayne Harris. But it's clear Ogletree has morphed back into what he is -- an inconsistent receiver. He finished with four catches for 27 yards.

Jason Garrett -- It's one thing to mismanage the game in Baltimore, but he was too conservative late in the game Sunday in Carolina. He said coverage was the reason why the Cowboys didn't take one more shot down the field, instead asking Bailey and the defense to secure the victory. It worked out this time, but over the next few weeks games against the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, Garrett will have to call plays that get his team into the end zone.
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: Ed Werder

ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Jerry Jones' recent comments, Cowboys OTAs, Dez Bryant and more.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

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.