NFC East: phillip tanner
The inimitable Calvin Watkins, who spends his summer nights at baseball games but still writes about the Dallas Cowboys by day, has a piece on ESPNDallas.com about five Cowboys players whose roster spots could be negatively affected by the draft. One of those players is running back Felix Jones, who lost the starter's job to rookie DeMarco Murray last year and, Calvin thinks, could lose his spot on the team to another rookie depending on how the draft goes:
Would be quite a fall for Jones, from starter in September 2011 to looking for a job in the summer of 2012. But it gives you some idea what the Cowboys think about him. He did an okay job filling in for Murray after Murray got hurt last year, but the offense tailed off considerably with Jones as the lead back. It may be that they believe they need someone or something different in that role -- or that they'd like to give Tanner more carries. Certainly, if you see them draft a running back in the top half of the draft, you have to think Jones is at least in trouble.
The other four players Calvin lists are defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears, center Phil Costa and receiver Kevin Ogletree, though I don't think it comes as any kind of surprise to think their spots could be in danger. The Cowboys still have a number of areas they can reasonably address in the draft, and veterans do tend to hold their breath until all seven rounds are complete.
The Cowboys were interested in Boise State running back Doug Martin, but the storms of last week prevented him from visiting Valley Ranch for a predraft visit. Jones isn't an elite running back, or that matter a No. 1 back. His coach, Jason Garrett, continues to call him a complementary running back, and the team had internal discussions about trading him. If the Cowboys find a younger version, it wouldn't surprise anyone if he's let go. DeMarco Murray, Phillip Tanner and quite possibly a draft doesn't make the Cowboys younger, but gives them some fresh legs.
Would be quite a fall for Jones, from starter in September 2011 to looking for a job in the summer of 2012. But it gives you some idea what the Cowboys think about him. He did an okay job filling in for Murray after Murray got hurt last year, but the offense tailed off considerably with Jones as the lead back. It may be that they believe they need someone or something different in that role -- or that they'd like to give Tanner more carries. Certainly, if you see them draft a running back in the top half of the draft, you have to think Jones is at least in trouble.
The other four players Calvin lists are defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and Marcus Spears, center Phil Costa and receiver Kevin Ogletree, though I don't think it comes as any kind of surprise to think their spots could be in danger. The Cowboys still have a number of areas they can reasonably address in the draft, and veterans do tend to hold their breath until all seven rounds are complete.
Part 2 of ESPNDallas.com's position-by-position series is on running backs. Bryan Broaddus assumes that DeMarco Murray comes back from his ankle injury and regains the starter's role in which he thrived, and that fullback Tony Fiammetta recovers from his own health issues and is re-signed for the fullback role in which he thrived. But Bryan raises this interesting question regarding Felix Jones, who opened the 2011 season as the starter but lost the job to injury and Murray:
Personally, I'm kind of with Broaddus in that I don't see how much value Jones is going to have. If you're saying he's not good enough to be an every-down starter, and that's the reason you're dealing him, you can't really expect another team to decide you're wrong and that he can. So you're basically offering a change-of-pace back and hoping to get a fourth- or fifth-round pick for him. If a team's in the market for a back like that, why wouldn't they just draft one with that fourth- or fifth-round pick and develop him themselves?
Jones is, at this point, a nice luxury for the Cowboys -- a starting-quality back who can sub in for a short time if Murray gets hurt but isn't likely to be able to hold up over long stretches. With one year left on Jones' deal, the Cowboys would do well to give Tanner more time next year and see what they have with him. That'd be easier with Jones out of the picture, but he's worth too much to just cut or give away for nothing. If the Cowboys can find a team willing to part with a mid-round pick for Jones, it'd be a wise deal to make. But if not, he's worth hanging onto in the role in which he finished the 2011 season.
Should the Cowboys consider trading Jones this offseason? It's hard to accomplish a trade with Jones entering the final year of his contract. The Cowboys should explore whether a fourth-or fifth-round pick is available for the former first-round pick. The team doesn't trust Jones to become a 20-down back in the NFL. He's a solid backup, which leads us to Phillip Tanner. He should compete with Jones for more playing time. If he makes the roster, he should get more game-day carries and special teams snaps.
Personally, I'm kind of with Broaddus in that I don't see how much value Jones is going to have. If you're saying he's not good enough to be an every-down starter, and that's the reason you're dealing him, you can't really expect another team to decide you're wrong and that he can. So you're basically offering a change-of-pace back and hoping to get a fourth- or fifth-round pick for him. If a team's in the market for a back like that, why wouldn't they just draft one with that fourth- or fifth-round pick and develop him themselves?
Jones is, at this point, a nice luxury for the Cowboys -- a starting-quality back who can sub in for a short time if Murray gets hurt but isn't likely to be able to hold up over long stretches. With one year left on Jones' deal, the Cowboys would do well to give Tanner more time next year and see what they have with him. That'd be easier with Jones out of the picture, but he's worth too much to just cut or give away for nothing. If the Cowboys can find a team willing to part with a mid-round pick for Jones, it'd be a wise deal to make. But if not, he's worth hanging onto in the role in which he finished the 2011 season.
The Dallas Cowboys on Saturday waived/injured running back Tashard Choice to make room on the roster for rookie linebacker Bruce Carter, who is scheduled to come off the PUP list and make his NFL debut Sunday night against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
That's a pretty rapid fall, considering that Choice was technically the Cowboys' starting running back last week against the Rams in place of the injured Felix Jones. But rookie DeMarco Murray ran 91 yards for a touchdown on the team's fifth play from scrimmage and finished the game with a team-record 253 rushing yards. Choice also injured his shoulder in the third quarter of that game and his hamstring in practice this week.
The Cowboys drafted Carter in the second round this year and plan to use him on special teams Sunday while they work him into the mix at inside linebacker. He had to begin the season on the PUP list because he was still recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL.
Choice was the team's fourth-round draft pick in 2008 and rushed for 1,139 yards on 250 carries in his Cowboys career. While Jones continues to recover from his ankle injury, it appears Murray will handle the workload as the team's No. 1 running back with Phillip Tanner backing him up.
Weekend mailbag: Redskins RB questions
October, 22, 2011
10/22/11
9:42
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Been a while since we dipped into the mailbag. Once I sifted through all of the submissions that were nothing more than profane insults, I did manage to find some questions:
Zack from Atlanta asks, "Who's going to start for the Redskins at running back this week and going forward? Does anyone know?"
Dan Graziano: I'm not sure even Mike Shanahan knows who's going to start at running back "going forward," but I do expect to see Ryan Torain as the feature back Sunday in Carolina. Torain has been hands-down the most effective runner the Redskins have had this season, and last week's game against the Eagles is an easy one to throw out because they got behind so quickly and only ended up calling 12 run plays all game. My prediction (and it is only that -- Shanahan could always throw a curve) is that this will be Torain's first real test as the "starter," that he'll get most of the carries while Tim Hightower and Roy Helu get some later in the game, and that "going forward" each of the three is likely to get some run as a starter as Shanahan rides the hot hand. Remember, Torain has some injury history here, so even if he gets on a roll there's no guarantee he keeps the job all year.
Jon Espinoza from Detroit, Mich. wants to know when we can expect to see rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara on the field for the Giants.
DG: Amukamara was practicing a bit with the team this past week and is hoping to do more this week. I don't know if he'll be able to play in Week 8 against the Dolphins, but there seems to be at least some hope of that. Once he is on the field, I agree with Jon that he will help, as the secondary has played well in his absence but could use some depth at cornerback. I do think we need to temper our expectations, however, for how he'll play. He is a rookie who missed all of training camp and will, I believe, he playing with screws in his surgically repaired foot.
Jason from Bryn Mawr, Pa. asks me to "tap the brakes on the Eagles being a great team again," asserting that the victory against the Redskins wasn't all that impressive because the Redskins aren't really a good team and that the Eagles just went 2-4 against "the easiest part of their schedule."
DG: I mean, I guess, but the Eagles were supposed to be a good enough team to handle any and every part of their schedule, and the victory last week in Washington had the players on the team feeling more confident about their chances to be the kind of team they expected to be. The Redskins have a very tough defense, whether Jason thinks so or not, and any road win in the NFL is a good win. I don't think anybody was writing after last week's game that the Eagles are "a great team again," but certainly they're in better position to recover and make something of their season than they would have been had they lost that game.
And finally, Travis, who would not reveal his location, asked if there was "any chance Phillip Tanner gets on the field for the Cowboys?"
DG: With Felix Jones out, the Cowboys are going to be looking for anyone and anything that can help the run game. There's little doubt that Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray will get the first chances to carry the load in Jones' absence, but should one of those guys get injured or should both prove ineffective, you could see preseason star Tanner get a stray carry here and there and maybe a chance to show what he can do. Short answer: He's still pretty far down the depth chart, but not as far as he was a week ago.
Zack from Atlanta asks, "Who's going to start for the Redskins at running back this week and going forward? Does anyone know?"
Dan Graziano: I'm not sure even Mike Shanahan knows who's going to start at running back "going forward," but I do expect to see Ryan Torain as the feature back Sunday in Carolina. Torain has been hands-down the most effective runner the Redskins have had this season, and last week's game against the Eagles is an easy one to throw out because they got behind so quickly and only ended up calling 12 run plays all game. My prediction (and it is only that -- Shanahan could always throw a curve) is that this will be Torain's first real test as the "starter," that he'll get most of the carries while Tim Hightower and Roy Helu get some later in the game, and that "going forward" each of the three is likely to get some run as a starter as Shanahan rides the hot hand. Remember, Torain has some injury history here, so even if he gets on a roll there's no guarantee he keeps the job all year.
Jon Espinoza from Detroit, Mich. wants to know when we can expect to see rookie cornerback Prince Amukamara on the field for the Giants.
DG: Amukamara was practicing a bit with the team this past week and is hoping to do more this week. I don't know if he'll be able to play in Week 8 against the Dolphins, but there seems to be at least some hope of that. Once he is on the field, I agree with Jon that he will help, as the secondary has played well in his absence but could use some depth at cornerback. I do think we need to temper our expectations, however, for how he'll play. He is a rookie who missed all of training camp and will, I believe, he playing with screws in his surgically repaired foot.
Jason from Bryn Mawr, Pa. asks me to "tap the brakes on the Eagles being a great team again," asserting that the victory against the Redskins wasn't all that impressive because the Redskins aren't really a good team and that the Eagles just went 2-4 against "the easiest part of their schedule."
DG: I mean, I guess, but the Eagles were supposed to be a good enough team to handle any and every part of their schedule, and the victory last week in Washington had the players on the team feeling more confident about their chances to be the kind of team they expected to be. The Redskins have a very tough defense, whether Jason thinks so or not, and any road win in the NFL is a good win. I don't think anybody was writing after last week's game that the Eagles are "a great team again," but certainly they're in better position to recover and make something of their season than they would have been had they lost that game.
And finally, Travis, who would not reveal his location, asked if there was "any chance Phillip Tanner gets on the field for the Cowboys?"
DG: With Felix Jones out, the Cowboys are going to be looking for anyone and anything that can help the run game. There's little doubt that Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray will get the first chances to carry the load in Jones' absence, but should one of those guys get injured or should both prove ineffective, you could see preseason star Tanner get a stray carry here and there and maybe a chance to show what he can do. Short answer: He's still pretty far down the depth chart, but not as far as he was a week ago.
Click here for a complete list of the Dallas Cowboys' roster moves.
Biggest surprise: I guess they released four fullbacks, including Chris Gronkowski, meaning they kept none. They're obviously deep at tailback with Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, DeMarco Murray and Phillip Tanner and at tight end as well, so they either didn't see the need to use a fullback this season or are content with the idea of picking one off the scrap heap within the next couple of weeks. Other than that, I didn't find any of the cuts especially surprising. Igor Olshansky started 28 of their 32 games the past two seasons, so he's the biggest name among the cuts. But we'd seen this one coming for a while. It was clear that new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan preferred Kenyon Coleman at defensive end, and that the Cowboys weren't going to be afraid to cut ties with established veterans.
No-brainers: Kickers Shayne Graham and Dave Rayner had their chances to win jobs but couldn't, so they're gone and the Cowboys will go with David Buehler for kickoffs and Dan Bailey for field goals. Lonyae Miller showed promise early but was passed by Tanner for the lone spot in the crowded running back field. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah clearly wasn't panning out at safety in spite of being the team's fourth-round draft pick in 2010.
What's next: With only five wide receivers on the roster, the Cowboys could theoretically hunt around for veteran help there. But they may believe the receiving ability of their tight ends and running backs minimizes the importance of adding there. They will surely continue looking for a kicker, because
they're obviously not satisfied with what they have, and they may be on the lookout for added depth in the secondary. They kept 10 offensive linemen, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to see them bringing someone in from the outside if they can find a reliable veteran backup for some of their young starters.
Biggest surprise: I guess they released four fullbacks, including Chris Gronkowski, meaning they kept none. They're obviously deep at tailback with Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, DeMarco Murray and Phillip Tanner and at tight end as well, so they either didn't see the need to use a fullback this season or are content with the idea of picking one off the scrap heap within the next couple of weeks. Other than that, I didn't find any of the cuts especially surprising. Igor Olshansky started 28 of their 32 games the past two seasons, so he's the biggest name among the cuts. But we'd seen this one coming for a while. It was clear that new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan preferred Kenyon Coleman at defensive end, and that the Cowboys weren't going to be afraid to cut ties with established veterans.
No-brainers: Kickers Shayne Graham and Dave Rayner had their chances to win jobs but couldn't, so they're gone and the Cowboys will go with David Buehler for kickoffs and Dan Bailey for field goals. Lonyae Miller showed promise early but was passed by Tanner for the lone spot in the crowded running back field. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah clearly wasn't panning out at safety in spite of being the team's fourth-round draft pick in 2010.
What's next: With only five wide receivers on the roster, the Cowboys could theoretically hunt around for veteran help there. But they may believe the receiving ability of their tight ends and running backs minimizes the importance of adding there. They will surely continue looking for a kicker, because
they're obviously not satisfied with what they have, and they may be on the lookout for added depth in the secondary. They kept 10 offensive linemen, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to see them bringing someone in from the outside if they can find a reliable veteran backup for some of their young starters.
Breakfast links: Another Giants injury
September, 2, 2011
9/02/11
8:00
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Good morning to ya. Special shout-out to the Giants and Cowboys fans, and a promise that I haven't forgotten you and will be doing "Observation Deck" for your teams' Thursday night game at some point today. Problem was, all four NFC East games were on at the same time and I haven't had time to watch them all yet. The posts on the Redskins and the Eagles are up, though, if you feel like doing some scouting.
If not, we have links.
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones said after Thursday's game that undrafted running back Phillip Tanner will be on the team. Tanner looked great all preseason and earned a spot. The question is what this means for the Cowboys at running back. Is there a chance Tashard Choice gets traded, or even cut? Or do they go with four tailbacks -- Felix Jones, DeMarco Murray, Choice and Tanner? Jones' comments made it sound as though they were expecting to carry all four, but he didn't commit to that and some things could still need to be sorted out there.
Really crummy break for receiver Raymond Radway, who broke his leg going up for the ball with three seconds left in the final preseason game. I don't know if Radway would have made the team or not, but he showed some things early in the preseason, and it's a shame to see a guy suffer that level of injury on a play as completely meaningless as that one.
New York Giants
And speaking of crummy breaks, what an awful thing to have happen to Giants linebacker Clint Sintim, who was coming off a torn ACL in his right knee and may have torn it again Thursday night. At the very least, Tom Coughlin said, Sintim has a torn patella tendon and is out for the year. This is just the latest in a string of significant injuries to the Giants' defense this preseason and it obviously hurts their depth at linebacker, where they didn't have a lot to begin with. But mainly, you really feel for Sintim, who was apparently pretty emotional about it in the locker room after the game.
Undrafted linebacker Mark Herzlich picked up a sack and has impressed the Giants' coaching staff this preseason. He's not a sure thing, but he's certainly got a very good chance of making the final roster and could even be helped by the Sintim injury, though his most likely contribution is more likely to be on special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles
Andy Reid continues to express confidence in rookie kicker Alex Henery, who didn't have the greatest night Thursday. I don't imagine the Eagles will go out and look for a veteran kicker at this point, partly because the Cowboys seem to have signed them all anyway, but also because they're kind of all-in with Henery after releasing David Akers to make room for the rookie.
Danny Watkins talked his way into Thursday night's lineup and looked... like a rookie, again, writes Jeff McLane. This is what the Eagles have at starting right guard heading into this season -- a guy who's still learning, getting better and making mistakes along the way.
Washington Redskins
Jason Reid says John Beck has all the votes he needs to be the Redskins' starting quarterback. Basically, Jason says, the only vote that counts is Mike Shanahan's. And Jason has wisely been reading this thing correctly all along. Shanahan wanted Beck to show he wouldn't be a complete mess if he got the job. Surely, in spite of Thursday's downer, Beck has shown that. They like his speed, his athleticism, his quick release and the decision-making ability he's shown. Lots of people watched Thursday and thought Rex Grossman had won the job already. I still think it's Beck, and has been Beck all along.
Oh, and earlier Thursday, the Redskins announced plans for a new indoor practice facility that will keep them from having to scrounge for a college facility or some other place to use when the weather prevents them from practicing outdoors, as it did four times last year. This is a nifty new 20th-century notion for the Skins. I hear they're also planning to put more than one bar on the face masks this year...
OK, back to watching these awful final preseason games. I do this for you guys, you know, because I love you. And for no other reason.
If not, we have links.
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones said after Thursday's game that undrafted running back Phillip Tanner will be on the team. Tanner looked great all preseason and earned a spot. The question is what this means for the Cowboys at running back. Is there a chance Tashard Choice gets traded, or even cut? Or do they go with four tailbacks -- Felix Jones, DeMarco Murray, Choice and Tanner? Jones' comments made it sound as though they were expecting to carry all four, but he didn't commit to that and some things could still need to be sorted out there.
Really crummy break for receiver Raymond Radway, who broke his leg going up for the ball with three seconds left in the final preseason game. I don't know if Radway would have made the team or not, but he showed some things early in the preseason, and it's a shame to see a guy suffer that level of injury on a play as completely meaningless as that one.
New York Giants
And speaking of crummy breaks, what an awful thing to have happen to Giants linebacker Clint Sintim, who was coming off a torn ACL in his right knee and may have torn it again Thursday night. At the very least, Tom Coughlin said, Sintim has a torn patella tendon and is out for the year. This is just the latest in a string of significant injuries to the Giants' defense this preseason and it obviously hurts their depth at linebacker, where they didn't have a lot to begin with. But mainly, you really feel for Sintim, who was apparently pretty emotional about it in the locker room after the game.
Undrafted linebacker Mark Herzlich picked up a sack and has impressed the Giants' coaching staff this preseason. He's not a sure thing, but he's certainly got a very good chance of making the final roster and could even be helped by the Sintim injury, though his most likely contribution is more likely to be on special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles
Andy Reid continues to express confidence in rookie kicker Alex Henery, who didn't have the greatest night Thursday. I don't imagine the Eagles will go out and look for a veteran kicker at this point, partly because the Cowboys seem to have signed them all anyway, but also because they're kind of all-in with Henery after releasing David Akers to make room for the rookie.
Danny Watkins talked his way into Thursday night's lineup and looked... like a rookie, again, writes Jeff McLane. This is what the Eagles have at starting right guard heading into this season -- a guy who's still learning, getting better and making mistakes along the way.
Washington Redskins
Jason Reid says John Beck has all the votes he needs to be the Redskins' starting quarterback. Basically, Jason says, the only vote that counts is Mike Shanahan's. And Jason has wisely been reading this thing correctly all along. Shanahan wanted Beck to show he wouldn't be a complete mess if he got the job. Surely, in spite of Thursday's downer, Beck has shown that. They like his speed, his athleticism, his quick release and the decision-making ability he's shown. Lots of people watched Thursday and thought Rex Grossman had won the job already. I still think it's Beck, and has been Beck all along.
Oh, and earlier Thursday, the Redskins announced plans for a new indoor practice facility that will keep them from having to scrounge for a college facility or some other place to use when the weather prevents them from practicing outdoors, as it did four times last year. This is a nifty new 20th-century notion for the Skins. I hear they're also planning to put more than one bar on the face masks this year...
OK, back to watching these awful final preseason games. I do this for you guys, you know, because I love you. And for no other reason.
Breakfast links: Who'll back up Vick?
September, 1, 2011
9/01/11
8:00
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Happy September, everyone. You know what September is? Yeah, the month when football starts. It's one week until the first regular-season NFL game of the year, 10 days until the first NFC East games of the year, and quite honestly there are 15 Division I-A college football games tonight if you're into that sort of thing, which I am. You know what else I'm into? Links.
Dallas Cowboys
Tashard Choice has a bruised knee and won't play in the Cowboys' preseason finale in Miami. This means Choice will finish the preseason with 14 rushing yards on three carries. Cuts are coming Saturday, and I can't imagine Choice is in huge trouble. I mean, if his roster spot were in jeopardy, they'd have to give him a chance to play in the game and earn it, right? But if someone like DeMarco Murray, Lonyae Miller or my personal favorite, Phillip Tanner, has a big night, it could bode ill for Choice's short-term future in terms of carries and maybe even his long-term future in terms of the roster. They're not messing around in Dallas, remember. Just ask Andre Gurode.
Apparently, after Martellus Bennett said that stuff in the offseason about how Jon Kitna had earned the right to challenge Tony Romo for the starting quarterback job, Romo sat down with Bennett to air some things out because he didn't consider Bennett's comments "in the best interests of the Dallas Cowboys." I like it. Sounds like Bennett did too.
New York Giants
Tom Coughlin said he's weighing whether or not to play his starters at all in tonight's preseason finale, since it'd be the Giants' second game in four days due to the rescheduling as a result of Hurricane Irene. Coughlin, like all coaches, laments the fact that the compressed offseason and new CBA rules have limited his ability to get in enough practices to get his team ready for the season. And certain key parts of Coughlin's team have looked awful in these preseason games. But he's probably better off resting regulars like Eli Manning and trusting that his veterans will be ready come Sept. 11 whether they get a few more meaningless game snaps in or not.
Ohm writes that the Giants' defensive players say they're ready for the season in spite of the injuries that have thinned their ranks. I actually thought the Giants looked very good on defense Monday night, for whatever that's worth, which is very little since it was a preseason game. Again, the front-line starters look very good. I'm just not sure the defense could take another significant injury and still do what they're going to need to do. And there are always injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles
The final preseason game is audition time for the players on the bottom third of the Eagles' current 80-man roster, as Tom Rimback writes. Further down in this story, you'll see an indication that the Eagles don't plan to play either of their rookie offensive lineman, Danny Watkins or Jason Kelce, who are projected to open the season as starters for them in tonight's preseason finale. Me, I'd have run them out there for another quarter or so. But as usual, they didn't ask me.
One of the more interesting battles fought in the Eagles' preseason finale could be the one between Vince Young and Mike Kafka to determine which would start if Michael Vick got injured early in the season. Young has struggled to learn the offense since arriving in Philadelphia. Kafka knows it, but he's not 30-17 as an NFL starter. If Young demonstrates that he's picking things up, I imagine he's the first option off the bench.
Washington Redskins
Everybody, including the other players on the Redskins' roster, awaits the decision on whether John Beck or Rex Grossman will be the starting quarterback for the season opener. Rich Campbell wonders if Mike Shanahan is delaying the announcement in part to keep the Giants -- his Week 1 opponent -- in the dark. Something tells me the Giants have bigger worries.
Thomas Boswell thinks the Redskins have finally hit on a key element in their head coach -- one who's not a nice guy. Now, that doesn' t seem very nice on Mr. Boswell's part, does it? I'm not sure Thomas has really taken the time to get to know Mr. Shanahan...
Dallas Cowboys
Tashard Choice has a bruised knee and won't play in the Cowboys' preseason finale in Miami. This means Choice will finish the preseason with 14 rushing yards on three carries. Cuts are coming Saturday, and I can't imagine Choice is in huge trouble. I mean, if his roster spot were in jeopardy, they'd have to give him a chance to play in the game and earn it, right? But if someone like DeMarco Murray, Lonyae Miller or my personal favorite, Phillip Tanner, has a big night, it could bode ill for Choice's short-term future in terms of carries and maybe even his long-term future in terms of the roster. They're not messing around in Dallas, remember. Just ask Andre Gurode.
Apparently, after Martellus Bennett said that stuff in the offseason about how Jon Kitna had earned the right to challenge Tony Romo for the starting quarterback job, Romo sat down with Bennett to air some things out because he didn't consider Bennett's comments "in the best interests of the Dallas Cowboys." I like it. Sounds like Bennett did too.
New York Giants
Tom Coughlin said he's weighing whether or not to play his starters at all in tonight's preseason finale, since it'd be the Giants' second game in four days due to the rescheduling as a result of Hurricane Irene. Coughlin, like all coaches, laments the fact that the compressed offseason and new CBA rules have limited his ability to get in enough practices to get his team ready for the season. And certain key parts of Coughlin's team have looked awful in these preseason games. But he's probably better off resting regulars like Eli Manning and trusting that his veterans will be ready come Sept. 11 whether they get a few more meaningless game snaps in or not.
Ohm writes that the Giants' defensive players say they're ready for the season in spite of the injuries that have thinned their ranks. I actually thought the Giants looked very good on defense Monday night, for whatever that's worth, which is very little since it was a preseason game. Again, the front-line starters look very good. I'm just not sure the defense could take another significant injury and still do what they're going to need to do. And there are always injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles
The final preseason game is audition time for the players on the bottom third of the Eagles' current 80-man roster, as Tom Rimback writes. Further down in this story, you'll see an indication that the Eagles don't plan to play either of their rookie offensive lineman, Danny Watkins or Jason Kelce, who are projected to open the season as starters for them in tonight's preseason finale. Me, I'd have run them out there for another quarter or so. But as usual, they didn't ask me.
One of the more interesting battles fought in the Eagles' preseason finale could be the one between Vince Young and Mike Kafka to determine which would start if Michael Vick got injured early in the season. Young has struggled to learn the offense since arriving in Philadelphia. Kafka knows it, but he's not 30-17 as an NFL starter. If Young demonstrates that he's picking things up, I imagine he's the first option off the bench.
Washington Redskins
Everybody, including the other players on the Redskins' roster, awaits the decision on whether John Beck or Rex Grossman will be the starting quarterback for the season opener. Rich Campbell wonders if Mike Shanahan is delaying the announcement in part to keep the Giants -- his Week 1 opponent -- in the dark. Something tells me the Giants have bigger worries.
Thomas Boswell thinks the Redskins have finally hit on a key element in their head coach -- one who's not a nice guy. Now, that doesn' t seem very nice on Mr. Boswell's part, does it? I'm not sure Thomas has really taken the time to get to know Mr. Shanahan...
Two weeks of preseason football in the books, and some made it through better than others. We take a look at where things stand in the links.
Dallas Cowboys
Running backs DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice will return from their injuries and practice Tuesday. Perhaps they'd been watching Felix Jones and figure they need to get back soon or else they won't get any carries. Perhaps, in Choice's case, he's been watching Phil Tanner and Lonyae Miller and figures he needs to get back soon or else he might not make the team.
Carlos Mendez has a somewhat detailed look at the communication issues the Cowboys are still trying to work out as they attempt to master Rob Ryan's defense in time for the start of the season.
New York Giants
Terrell Thomas' season-ending ACL injury was the one and only important story of Monday night for the Giants, who beat the Bears handily but in a game that didn't count and cost them one of their starting cornerbacks. They did get some good news when X-rays on left tackle Will Beatty's foot came back negative. It would have been tough to weather two major injuries to starters in one preseason game. One's certainly bad enough.
The player most directly affected by Thomas' injury is cornerback Aaron Ross, who will have to play a lot more than originally anticipated and probably a lot better. The game he played Monday night was very encouraging.
Philadelphia Eagles
Position battles continue to rage in Philly, and it looks as if free-agent signee Jarrad Page has become a threat to Nate Allen at the free safety spot. The main reason for this is that Allen does not appear to be completely back from his knee injury. As Nick Fierro writes here, Kurt Coleman is also playing a bigger role in the safety mix, which appears to be unsettled at the moment.
DeSean Jackson has a very sober and reasonable take on the Larry Fitzgerald deal and how it affects him: "The things he's done, he's been in the league, of course, longer than me, this is his third deal . . . There's really no comparison of the type of receivers we are." This is all true, but again, Fitzgerald's deal pushed the top end of the market higher, and while Jackson can't expect to get the same type of deal, the Fitzgerald deal can only help him make more. The question is still how much more the Eagles want to pay, and if the figures don't jive, it's possible the Fitzgerald deal could even portend Jackson's departure from Philly next offseason.
Washington Redskins
Kyle Shanahan explains some of the specific things the team is evaluating while deciding between John Beck and Rex Grossman for the starting quarterback job. We still don't know who's starting Thursday against Baltimore, let alone Sept. 11 against the Giants. But you know where my money is if you ever read this blog.
Chris Cooley says he "can't imagine" not being ready for that Sept. 11 opener, which is good news for whoever the quarterback turns out to be.
Dallas Cowboys
Running backs DeMarco Murray and Tashard Choice will return from their injuries and practice Tuesday. Perhaps they'd been watching Felix Jones and figure they need to get back soon or else they won't get any carries. Perhaps, in Choice's case, he's been watching Phil Tanner and Lonyae Miller and figures he needs to get back soon or else he might not make the team.
Carlos Mendez has a somewhat detailed look at the communication issues the Cowboys are still trying to work out as they attempt to master Rob Ryan's defense in time for the start of the season.
New York Giants
Terrell Thomas' season-ending ACL injury was the one and only important story of Monday night for the Giants, who beat the Bears handily but in a game that didn't count and cost them one of their starting cornerbacks. They did get some good news when X-rays on left tackle Will Beatty's foot came back negative. It would have been tough to weather two major injuries to starters in one preseason game. One's certainly bad enough.
The player most directly affected by Thomas' injury is cornerback Aaron Ross, who will have to play a lot more than originally anticipated and probably a lot better. The game he played Monday night was very encouraging.
Philadelphia Eagles
Position battles continue to rage in Philly, and it looks as if free-agent signee Jarrad Page has become a threat to Nate Allen at the free safety spot. The main reason for this is that Allen does not appear to be completely back from his knee injury. As Nick Fierro writes here, Kurt Coleman is also playing a bigger role in the safety mix, which appears to be unsettled at the moment.
DeSean Jackson has a very sober and reasonable take on the Larry Fitzgerald deal and how it affects him: "The things he's done, he's been in the league, of course, longer than me, this is his third deal . . . There's really no comparison of the type of receivers we are." This is all true, but again, Fitzgerald's deal pushed the top end of the market higher, and while Jackson can't expect to get the same type of deal, the Fitzgerald deal can only help him make more. The question is still how much more the Eagles want to pay, and if the figures don't jive, it's possible the Fitzgerald deal could even portend Jackson's departure from Philly next offseason.
Washington Redskins
Kyle Shanahan explains some of the specific things the team is evaluating while deciding between John Beck and Rex Grossman for the starting quarterback job. We still don't know who's starting Thursday against Baltimore, let alone Sept. 11 against the Giants. But you know where my money is if you ever read this blog.
Chris Cooley says he "can't imagine" not being ready for that Sept. 11 opener, which is good news for whoever the quarterback turns out to be.
Thoughts from the Cowboys' 20-7 preseason loss to the visiting Chargers.
Defense is what matters for the Dallas Cowboys. Defense is what killed them in 2010, and defense will determine whether or not they can rebound and return to playoff contention in 2011. And so, when you tune in to watch a Cowboys preseason game, you're going to watch the defense. And it is, as we mentioned in Camp Confidential, a work in progress.
New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's defense is based on multiple and varied looks. It's intended to confuse the opposing offense, but before it can do that, the players playing the defense must learn the scheme and develop trust and confidence in it. Since the lockout eliminated OTAs and minicamps, the Cowboys couldn't start practicing their roles in Ryan's new scheme until a couple of weeks ago, and the lack of experience in the new system has shown in both of their preseason games so far.
The best example was Randy McMichael's touchdown catch from Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. The Cowboys' pass rush had Rivers cold and he looked as though he was about to throw the ball away. But because cornerback Alan Ball and safety Gerald Sensabaugh had both gone after the same receiver, McMichael was wide open. Rivers saw him and found him for the touchdown, and Ryan had something to say to Sensabaugh when he came off the field.
There were good things that happened, too. Barry Church had an excellent game, knocking down a touchdown pass in the first half and making a great open-field tackle in the third quarter. And Ryan lined top linebacker DeMarcus Ware in several different spots -- left side, right side, dropped him into pass coverage. As a coordinator, Ryan's never had a player as good as Ware, and he's going to have more and more fun with him as everybody gets comfortable in the new system and he can keep moving Ware (and others) all over the field into unexpected spots.
But the question is how soon that will be. Can this Cowboys team learn and become comfortable in this new system in just two more preseason games and three more weeks of practice? There are still communication issues in the secondary, and injured starting cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman haven't even played yet, so there's no way to even know if they'll be good enough to allow Ryan to do what he wants to do up front. Long way to go before the Cowboys' defense looks like a cohesive unit, and they don't have a lot of time.
Here are some other things I saw in the loss to San Diego:
1. The first-team offensive line looked good. Especially rookie right tackle Tyron Smith, who is big and strong and athletic and just looks like a nightmare to try and get past. They've been working with Smith on his footwork, specifically the alignment of his left foot, and it's a matter of him getting comfortable with the new foot position and trusting it. He looked better and protecting the outside Sunday night than he had in the first game. Fellow rookie Bill Nagy got the start at left guard and handled himself well, but he gets overpowered by stronger defensive linemen, as rookie David Arkin did a bit last week. If everyone's healthy (including starting center Andre Gurode), I still think either Montrae Holland or Phil Costa starts at left guard three weeks from now in New York. But Nagy and Arkin will still get opportunities in the meantime to show what they can do, and there are plenty of reasons to like both -- for the near future, if not immediately. You can always build strength.
2. I don't have anything, really, to say on Tony Romo. Yes, his interception was terrible -- terrible decision, terrible throw, terrible all the way around. But from the Twitter reaction you'd have thought it was his 700th consecutive pass attempt that resulted in an interception. His touchdown pass was a very good throw, and while it seems clear that those who don't like Romo will always be looking for reasons to point and shout, "See? Told ya!", he has offered no reason to worry and remains very low on the Cowboys' list of concerns.
3. Lonyae Miller and Phillip Tanner. With Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray injured, the younger running backs on the Cowboys roster have had a chance to show their stuff. Miller looked good early, and the block he threw against the blitz early in the third quarter will show up on his personal highlight film. But his fumble will not, and fumbles can kill a fringe guy's chances of making the team. Tanner struggled in pass protection last week, but he looks like a better runner than Miller does. I don't think any defenders let up on the play after he lost his helmet on the touchdown that got called back, so on tape that's going to show up as a tough touchdown run. Difficult call, if it comes down to two of these guys for one spot, or if they're looking to see whether or not one can unseat Choice.
4. Oh, and the starting running back. Felix Jones, for the second week in a row... wow. Fast, tough and resilient. Guy is moving up those fantasy draft boards, I guarantee. He's running like he means it. His teammates like the spark he brings. He's seeing the field and his lanes from the backfield, and he's working for extra yards against a very good defense in a game that doesn't count. Everything you'd want to see out of Jones when presented with a chance to be the every-down guy, he's showing. My only concern? He's taking a lot of hits, and hasn't exactly shown himself to be Mr. Durable in the past. If he can hold up, he's got a chance to bring something special.
5. The No. 3 receiver issue. If it's Kevin Ogletree's job to lose, he didn't do anything to lose it Sunday. He looked very speedy and very determined, and we didn't see any of the Dwayne Harris magic we saw last year. Manuel Johnson was the down-the-roster receiver who made the strongest second-half impression with Stephen McGee under center. Which is probably another reason for Ogletree to feel good about things.
6. No blood in the kicking battle. Neither Dan Bailey nor David Buehler got a field goal attempt, and I'm not sure I get why neither got one in the final minute. Is it more important right now for the Cowboys to see these guys kick or see if their third-team offense can get in on fourth-and-goal? I guess you could say a 20-yard field goal would be a poor indicator anyway, but still. Why not put one of the kickers in a real game situation if you can?
7. Finally, I'm a little bit surprised by the choice of James Spader for "The Office." My hope is that it allows the very funny people that populate the rest of the cast to shine now that they don't all have to orbit Steve Carell.
Defense is what matters for the Dallas Cowboys. Defense is what killed them in 2010, and defense will determine whether or not they can rebound and return to playoff contention in 2011. And so, when you tune in to watch a Cowboys preseason game, you're going to watch the defense. And it is, as we mentioned in Camp Confidential, a work in progress.
New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's defense is based on multiple and varied looks. It's intended to confuse the opposing offense, but before it can do that, the players playing the defense must learn the scheme and develop trust and confidence in it. Since the lockout eliminated OTAs and minicamps, the Cowboys couldn't start practicing their roles in Ryan's new scheme until a couple of weeks ago, and the lack of experience in the new system has shown in both of their preseason games so far.
The best example was Randy McMichael's touchdown catch from Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. The Cowboys' pass rush had Rivers cold and he looked as though he was about to throw the ball away. But because cornerback Alan Ball and safety Gerald Sensabaugh had both gone after the same receiver, McMichael was wide open. Rivers saw him and found him for the touchdown, and Ryan had something to say to Sensabaugh when he came off the field.
There were good things that happened, too. Barry Church had an excellent game, knocking down a touchdown pass in the first half and making a great open-field tackle in the third quarter. And Ryan lined top linebacker DeMarcus Ware in several different spots -- left side, right side, dropped him into pass coverage. As a coordinator, Ryan's never had a player as good as Ware, and he's going to have more and more fun with him as everybody gets comfortable in the new system and he can keep moving Ware (and others) all over the field into unexpected spots.
But the question is how soon that will be. Can this Cowboys team learn and become comfortable in this new system in just two more preseason games and three more weeks of practice? There are still communication issues in the secondary, and injured starting cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman haven't even played yet, so there's no way to even know if they'll be good enough to allow Ryan to do what he wants to do up front. Long way to go before the Cowboys' defense looks like a cohesive unit, and they don't have a lot of time.
Here are some other things I saw in the loss to San Diego:
1. The first-team offensive line looked good. Especially rookie right tackle Tyron Smith, who is big and strong and athletic and just looks like a nightmare to try and get past. They've been working with Smith on his footwork, specifically the alignment of his left foot, and it's a matter of him getting comfortable with the new foot position and trusting it. He looked better and protecting the outside Sunday night than he had in the first game. Fellow rookie Bill Nagy got the start at left guard and handled himself well, but he gets overpowered by stronger defensive linemen, as rookie David Arkin did a bit last week. If everyone's healthy (including starting center Andre Gurode), I still think either Montrae Holland or Phil Costa starts at left guard three weeks from now in New York. But Nagy and Arkin will still get opportunities in the meantime to show what they can do, and there are plenty of reasons to like both -- for the near future, if not immediately. You can always build strength.
2. I don't have anything, really, to say on Tony Romo. Yes, his interception was terrible -- terrible decision, terrible throw, terrible all the way around. But from the Twitter reaction you'd have thought it was his 700th consecutive pass attempt that resulted in an interception. His touchdown pass was a very good throw, and while it seems clear that those who don't like Romo will always be looking for reasons to point and shout, "See? Told ya!", he has offered no reason to worry and remains very low on the Cowboys' list of concerns.
3. Lonyae Miller and Phillip Tanner. With Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray injured, the younger running backs on the Cowboys roster have had a chance to show their stuff. Miller looked good early, and the block he threw against the blitz early in the third quarter will show up on his personal highlight film. But his fumble will not, and fumbles can kill a fringe guy's chances of making the team. Tanner struggled in pass protection last week, but he looks like a better runner than Miller does. I don't think any defenders let up on the play after he lost his helmet on the touchdown that got called back, so on tape that's going to show up as a tough touchdown run. Difficult call, if it comes down to two of these guys for one spot, or if they're looking to see whether or not one can unseat Choice.
4. Oh, and the starting running back. Felix Jones, for the second week in a row... wow. Fast, tough and resilient. Guy is moving up those fantasy draft boards, I guarantee. He's running like he means it. His teammates like the spark he brings. He's seeing the field and his lanes from the backfield, and he's working for extra yards against a very good defense in a game that doesn't count. Everything you'd want to see out of Jones when presented with a chance to be the every-down guy, he's showing. My only concern? He's taking a lot of hits, and hasn't exactly shown himself to be Mr. Durable in the past. If he can hold up, he's got a chance to bring something special.
5. The No. 3 receiver issue. If it's Kevin Ogletree's job to lose, he didn't do anything to lose it Sunday. He looked very speedy and very determined, and we didn't see any of the Dwayne Harris magic we saw last year. Manuel Johnson was the down-the-roster receiver who made the strongest second-half impression with Stephen McGee under center. Which is probably another reason for Ogletree to feel good about things.
6. No blood in the kicking battle. Neither Dan Bailey nor David Buehler got a field goal attempt, and I'm not sure I get why neither got one in the final minute. Is it more important right now for the Cowboys to see these guys kick or see if their third-team offense can get in on fourth-and-goal? I guess you could say a 20-yard field goal would be a poor indicator anyway, but still. Why not put one of the kickers in a real game situation if you can?
7. Finally, I'm a little bit surprised by the choice of James Spader for "The Office." My hope is that it allows the very funny people that populate the rest of the cast to shine now that they don't all have to orbit Steve Carell.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Dan Graziano
Graziano joined ESPN.com in 2011 after two years as a Senior NFL Writer for AOL FanHouse. He covered Major League Baseball, the Olympics and various other sports during his time at the Star-Ledger and the Palm Beach Post. A New Jersey native and author of two published novels, he now lives in Ridgewood, N.J., with his wife and two sons.
