Notebook: Jones Hitting Weights Apart From Team: Phillips Had Hoped Workouts Would Allow Players to Bond
Publication Source The Dallas Morning News
Publication Date 2007-05-13
By Calvin Watkins, The Dallas Morning News
May 13--IRVING -- In off-season workouts, Wade Phillips wanted his players to bond with each other and with new members of the coaching staff.
Starting running back Julius Jones didn't get the memo.
Jones was a no-show at the optional workouts over the last few weeks, but he did participate in Saturday's minicamp. Jones will attend all minicamp sessions until they end Monday.
Phillips said he didn't have any issues with Jones' absence from the workouts after Jones' agent, Tom Condon, told him that Jones is working out in Arizona.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
"I encourage guys to be here," said Phillips, referring to the off-season workouts. " I like the team aspect of it, not just the working out part."
Phillips said he didn't know whether Jones would attend future optional workouts.
The Cowboys are committed to returning Jones as the lead running back after he rushed for 1,084 yards on 267 carries with four touchdowns last season.
"He's been productive here," Phillips said. "I think he'll continue to be. He worked out in Arizona, and he was really the only guy not here in the off-season. He looks like he's in good shape and running well."
This is an important season for Jones because he's in the last year of his contract.
At times, Jones was frustrated with his role last season, but Cowboys officials and coaches have indicated he will get his carries. However, No. 2 back Marion Barber, who was utilized on passing downs last season, will still get plenty of action.
The coaches like Jones' ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and he ran some of those plays in practice Saturday.
"We're excited about Julius. Obviously, he's been a good player for a few years now," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "When you watch him on tape, he's the kind of guy that has great instincts for running the football, and he has the potential to make big plays."
-- Spencer practices with first team: With outside linebacker Greg Ellis missing minicamp as he recovers from a torn left Achilles' tendon, first-round pick Anthony Spencer practiced with the first-team defense.
"I'm loving the possibility of starting," Spencer said. "Having a little bit of competition is always good, and it builds character. The possibility of starting is definitely what I came here for."
Phillips said Ellis is coming along and that he's still the starting outside linebacker.
-- Inside linebackers set: Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett played as inside linebackers behind starters Akin Ayodele and Bradie James. Carpenter, last year's No. 1 pick, didn't play much until late in the season. The coaches are trying to determine where he fits among the linebackers.
Carpenter said he's lost some weight in an attempt to get on the field more. He was 265 pounds last season and came into minicamp at 252.
Burnett said he likes the new style of the 3-4 defense, which allows players to react more to plays.
"If you're not athletic in this defense, you will get exposed," Burnett said.
-- Briefly: Guard Marco Rivera (back), receiver Isaiah Stanback (foot) and Ellis (Achilles) missed both practices. ... Stanback shagged some punts in the second practice. He said he needs to work on his technique. ... Asked who will be the holder on kicks, quarterback Tony Romo smiled and said, "I don't know. It's not me though." Brad Johnson is expected to hold.
Publication Date 2007-05-13
By Calvin Watkins, The Dallas Morning News
May 13--IRVING -- In off-season workouts, Wade Phillips wanted his players to bond with each other and with new members of the coaching staff.
Starting running back Julius Jones didn't get the memo.
Jones was a no-show at the optional workouts over the last few weeks, but he did participate in Saturday's minicamp. Jones will attend all minicamp sessions until they end Monday.
Phillips said he didn't have any issues with Jones' absence from the workouts after Jones' agent, Tom Condon, told him that Jones is working out in Arizona.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
"I encourage guys to be here," said Phillips, referring to the off-season workouts. " I like the team aspect of it, not just the working out part."
Phillips said he didn't know whether Jones would attend future optional workouts.
The Cowboys are committed to returning Jones as the lead running back after he rushed for 1,084 yards on 267 carries with four touchdowns last season.
"He's been productive here," Phillips said. "I think he'll continue to be. He worked out in Arizona, and he was really the only guy not here in the off-season. He looks like he's in good shape and running well."
This is an important season for Jones because he's in the last year of his contract.
At times, Jones was frustrated with his role last season, but Cowboys officials and coaches have indicated he will get his carries. However, No. 2 back Marion Barber, who was utilized on passing downs last season, will still get plenty of action.
The coaches like Jones' ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and he ran some of those plays in practice Saturday.
"We're excited about Julius. Obviously, he's been a good player for a few years now," offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said. "When you watch him on tape, he's the kind of guy that has great instincts for running the football, and he has the potential to make big plays."
-- Spencer practices with first team: With outside linebacker Greg Ellis missing minicamp as he recovers from a torn left Achilles' tendon, first-round pick Anthony Spencer practiced with the first-team defense.
"I'm loving the possibility of starting," Spencer said. "Having a little bit of competition is always good, and it builds character. The possibility of starting is definitely what I came here for."
Phillips said Ellis is coming along and that he's still the starting outside linebacker.
-- Inside linebackers set: Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett played as inside linebackers behind starters Akin Ayodele and Bradie James. Carpenter, last year's No. 1 pick, didn't play much until late in the season. The coaches are trying to determine where he fits among the linebackers.
Carpenter said he's lost some weight in an attempt to get on the field more. He was 265 pounds last season and came into minicamp at 252.
Burnett said he likes the new style of the 3-4 defense, which allows players to react more to plays.
"If you're not athletic in this defense, you will get exposed," Burnett said.
-- Briefly: Guard Marco Rivera (back), receiver Isaiah Stanback (foot) and Ellis (Achilles) missed both practices. ... Stanback shagged some punts in the second practice. He said he needs to work on his technique. ... Asked who will be the holder on kicks, quarterback Tony Romo smiled and said, "I don't know. It's not me though." Brad Johnson is expected to hold.
posted by The Gryphon at 1:18 PM
<< Home