DMN Blog: Debate, debate, debate

Let's look at some training camp battles almost two months before it starts.

Will Nick Folk beat Martin Gramatica for the kicker job?
I doubt it. Folk has a stronger leg, so the coaches say, but Gramatica is a vet. If the Cowboys are trying to make a Super Bowl run, a rookie kicker doesn't cut it.

Can Anthony Spencer overtake Greg Ellis for the starting outside linebackers job?
Nope. Wade Phillips doesn't want rookies in the starting lineup so expect Ellis, if he's healthy, to start at OLB. Spencer will see significant time, however.

Will Isaiah Stanback make the active roster?
Yes, if he can beat out Jamacia Rector. Dallas had five wide receivers on its active roster last season and Rector was the odd man out. He was active only once last season. Stanback has speed, hands, or so we're told, and the smarts to play receiver. The big question is can he field punts. That won't be determined until training camp.

Does Marco Rivera retire?
Yes. He's not even working out during the OTAs (organized team activities) and isn't expected to work out in the final minicamp that starts on Friday. Rivera, a nice guy who is one of the leaders on this team, will be missed. But his back injury is too much to overcome.

Posted by Calvin Watkins at 10:26 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (17)