Gurode Making Push For Starting Center Job

Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
August 4, 2006 4:56 PM


OXNARD, Calif. - No other team made an off-season splash like the Cowboys, who signed Terrell Owens, Mike Vanderjagt and six more veterans.

The Cowboys added Owens' playmaking ability and a steady, veteran kicker like Vanderjagt, not to mention some linebacker help from Akin Ayodele and a new left guard in Kyle Kosier.

But lost in the shuffle was the Cowboys' decision to keep Andre Gurode around for another year, signing the fourth-year veteran to a one-year extension in March.

While it might not have been the most attractive off-season signing, Gurode is starting to show here in training camp just why the Cowboys couldn't let him go.

Not only is Gurode one of the team's most versatile interior linemen, having started games at both guard spots and center during his career, but he's one of the team's strongest offensive linemen.

And so far here in camp, Gurode is combining his versatility, experience and strength to take an early lead in the battle with Al Johnson for the starting center position.

At least, that is the way it appears. Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells said he plans to rotate several players along the line in an attempt to find "the best combinations" among his linemen.

However, Gurode hasn't missed a beat since taking over at first-team center five days ago. The offense has picked up the pace over the last few days and Parcells said he credits some of that to Gurode, who despite playing some guard in the past, seems to be settling down at center.

"This is just a better fit for him," Parcells said. "He's doing well. I think this is the best I've seen Andre so far in my time here. I think I understand Andre pretty well now, and I think he understands me pretty well, so I can have pretty hard conversation with him at this point and he gets it. He's really trying to do what we are asking him to do."

And Parcells' main request so far is for Gurode to be more focused.

He mentioned the word "distractible" several times when referring to Gurode, who now understands the message.

"He wants me to concentrate on every single play," Gurode said. "I think maybe in the past, I've had some problems doing that for the whole game or practice. That's what I've been working on - paying a lot of attention to detail and just really trying stay on my game."

If he stays on his game, there is a good chance Gurode will stay in the game.

While Parcells said he has no problems rotating his centers, he is gaining confidence in Gurode with every practice.

"He's got a lot of ability now," Parcells said earlier this week. "I think he's doing a really good job for us. We're just seeing how this (rotation) is going. I don't know how it's going to end up. But I really like the player. I think Andre is doing a very good job for us and I hope he can keep it up."

Several times in the last two years, Parcells has noted the differences between Gurode and Johnson, who started all 16 games at center last year.

While Gurode has more size and strength against 3-4 defensive teams like the Cowboys, who have a beefy nose tackle lining up on the ball, Johnson is considered better at making adjustments on the line.

However, Parcells quashed the notion that Gurode's problems have been mental.

"No, I don't think that's it," Parcells said. "I really have done a lot of studying on this kid and I know his intelligence level is very good. I know that. From talking to a guy, you know if he's smart or not. The word distractible is the key word there. That's something that I think you have to discipline yourself to avoid."

Gurode remains good friends with former Cowboys tackle Torrin Tucker, who is now in Tampa Bay. Asked if Tucker's absence keeps Gurode more focused, Parcells sidestepped the question with a meaningful quip.

"Creatures of similar plumages habitually congregate in places of closest proximity," Parcells said.

But whatever the reason, Parcells said Gurode can't afford any distractions, especially while trying to anchor the middle of the offensive line.

"At his position, at what he does, that's very vital and I've told him that," Parcells said. "On the field I don't care if we're out here for five years. I want 100 percent focus from you for five hours. If you can't do it you won't be successful playing the position. If you keep him on the concentration track they are very good; as soon as they get off, they are not every good. But it's not mental with Andre."

Parcells isn't the only one who's noticed a change in Gurode's demeanor.

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe said the additions of Gurode and right tackle Marc Colombo to the first-team offense this week have led to noticeable improvement.

"You can tell, we've picked it up a little bit," Bledsoe said. "The last couple of days, it's really starting to turn the corner. We've made a couple of changes and those guys have been playing very well."

While Parcells said Gurode can match up with the 3-4 scheme better than Johnson, he said Johnson is better at recognizing defenses, even before the offense gets to the line of scrimmage.

"You have to call the protection and re-direct," Parcells said. "So you have to be on top of it. I had a center, Bart Oates (with the Giants) who would call the defense before we even came out of the huddle. He knew, pretty much all the time, what the opponents were going to be in. He studied them and he knew their substitution pattern and he knew when they were going to bring the nickel in, much like a quarterback.

"It's a big help and Al is good at that. That's something Gurode needs to do a little better. But overall, he's doing a real good job for us right now."

Good enough to work with the first team.

Now let's see if Gurode can stay focused enough to keep it that way.