Cowboys: Fasano stars alongside Witten
Tom Orsborn
Express-News staff writer
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys tight end Anthony Fasano says he has yet to prove himself as an NFL player.
But if Thursday's exhibition opener is any indication of how new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett plans to use him, Fasano should have plenty of opportunities this season to show he belongs.
Lining up alongside Pro Bowler Jason Witten in a two tight-end set early in the Cowboys' 23-10 victory over Indianapolis, Fasano caught three passes from Tony Romo for 43 yards.
Fasano's longest reception covered 18 yards. He was wide open on a third-down play in the second quarter that could have resulted in an easy touchdown, but Romo threw instead to Marion Barber, leaving Dallas to settle for a field goal.
"He did a great job," Romo said of Fasano, a second-year player from Notre Dame.
"He's had a good camp," Romo added, "and I think (tight ends coach) John Garrett has done wonders for him. I expect him to be a good contributor this season for sure."
Fasano finished last season with only 14 catches for 126 yards and no TDs.
In Bill Parcells' two-tight end attack, Fasano often lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. But this season, Jason Garrett plans to use him more on the line of scrimmage with Witten.
"It's a way for us to keep our offensive strategy hidden," Fasano said. "Defenses won't know if it's a run or a pass."
Against the Colts, Fasano and the other tight ends took advantage of a defensive plan that called for double coverage on the outside receivers with the safeties playing deep.
It's a strategy that gives the tight ends one-on-one matchups with the linebackers.
"When they do that, you have to take advantage and try to go to the tight ends," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said.
The tight ends finished with eight receptions for 113 yards. Second-year player Tony Curtis, locked in a battle with veteran Adam Bergen for the third-string spot, caught three passes from rookie Matt Moore for a team-high 58 yards.
"We had some opportunities and (Jason Garrett) did a great job of taking advantage of it," Fasano said. "The play-calling was excellent."
With the tight ends leading the way, each of the Cowboys' first four drives lasted at least 10 plays.
"We wanted to go out there and play loose and not worry about making mistakes and playing tentative," Fasano said. "A lot of the guys in the offense did that, and it showed.
"It was a sign of things to come."
Romo completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards. He hit six different targets.
"I was just taking what the defense gave me," Romo said.
But Witten says it's a sign that Romo has matured.
"He's understanding the system and getting the ball out to the tight ends and running backs," Witten said. "He must continue to do that for us to be successful."
And for Fasano to have a chance to prove he belongs.
Notes: The Cowboys watched film and lifted weights Friday, marking the first time since training camp started July 24 they haven't been on the field. They resume practice today. The roster must be trimmed from 85 to 75 players by Aug. 28.
Express-News staff writer
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys tight end Anthony Fasano says he has yet to prove himself as an NFL player.
But if Thursday's exhibition opener is any indication of how new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett plans to use him, Fasano should have plenty of opportunities this season to show he belongs.
Lining up alongside Pro Bowler Jason Witten in a two tight-end set early in the Cowboys' 23-10 victory over Indianapolis, Fasano caught three passes from Tony Romo for 43 yards.
Fasano's longest reception covered 18 yards. He was wide open on a third-down play in the second quarter that could have resulted in an easy touchdown, but Romo threw instead to Marion Barber, leaving Dallas to settle for a field goal.
"He did a great job," Romo said of Fasano, a second-year player from Notre Dame.
"He's had a good camp," Romo added, "and I think (tight ends coach) John Garrett has done wonders for him. I expect him to be a good contributor this season for sure."
Fasano finished last season with only 14 catches for 126 yards and no TDs.
In Bill Parcells' two-tight end attack, Fasano often lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. But this season, Jason Garrett plans to use him more on the line of scrimmage with Witten.
"It's a way for us to keep our offensive strategy hidden," Fasano said. "Defenses won't know if it's a run or a pass."
Against the Colts, Fasano and the other tight ends took advantage of a defensive plan that called for double coverage on the outside receivers with the safeties playing deep.
It's a strategy that gives the tight ends one-on-one matchups with the linebackers.
"When they do that, you have to take advantage and try to go to the tight ends," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said.
The tight ends finished with eight receptions for 113 yards. Second-year player Tony Curtis, locked in a battle with veteran Adam Bergen for the third-string spot, caught three passes from rookie Matt Moore for a team-high 58 yards.
"We had some opportunities and (Jason Garrett) did a great job of taking advantage of it," Fasano said. "The play-calling was excellent."
With the tight ends leading the way, each of the Cowboys' first four drives lasted at least 10 plays.
"We wanted to go out there and play loose and not worry about making mistakes and playing tentative," Fasano said. "A lot of the guys in the offense did that, and it showed.
"It was a sign of things to come."
Romo completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards. He hit six different targets.
"I was just taking what the defense gave me," Romo said.
But Witten says it's a sign that Romo has matured.
"He's understanding the system and getting the ball out to the tight ends and running backs," Witten said. "He must continue to do that for us to be successful."
And for Fasano to have a chance to prove he belongs.
Notes: The Cowboys watched film and lifted weights Friday, marking the first time since training camp started July 24 they haven't been on the field. They resume practice today. The roster must be trimmed from 85 to 75 players by Aug. 28.
posted by The Gryphon at 11:09 AM
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