Cowboys Mailbag: Hurd made all the right moves in opener
Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News
IRVING – Sam Hurd's alert play in Sunday's opener earned him major points with Wade Phillips.
Most specifically, the coach was impressed with the quick thinking the second-year receiver displayed en route to making a 51-yard, victory-clinching touchdown catch late in the 45-35 victory over the Giants.
The play started with Tony Romo recognizing the Giants planned to blitz a safety with the Cowboys nursing a 38-35 lead while facing third-and-7 from their own 49-yard line. After alerting Hurd to the blitz with a hand signal, Romo hit the Brackenridge graduate in stride at the 30 on a slant.
It was Hurd's only catch of the game and his first career TD.
"Tony recognized the safety blitz, but the backup receiver recognized it too," Phillips said, referring to Hurd. "Of course, Tony put it right on the money, but (Hurd) ran a real good route and made a good catch.
"Those things are good to see. Everybody practices, but Hurd doesn't get as many reps as everybody else. That shows you guys who aren't playing are still focusing on what we are doing and know how to do the right things.
"That was real special for us."
With Terry Glenn sidelined with a possible season-ending knee injury, Hurd entered the game as the No. 3 receiver behind Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton.
Romo said he and Hurd share a passion for the game.
"I got to work with him a lot during the preseason, so I got to feel him out. He's kind of a football rat, too," Romo said. "He likes to get out there and throw the ball. He's similar to me, really."
Hurd's contribution against the Giants wasn't limited to his TD catch. He also recorded a special teams tackle.
Now on to this week’s mail:
I am not convinced Jason Garrett was the best choice for offensive coordinator. Was there no better alternative than to get a rookie offensive coordinator for what could be a Super Bowl team?
— Cristian, San Antonio
After watching Garrett direct the offense in the opener, all I can think of is the Toby Keith song, "How Do You Like Me Now?"
Roy Williams needs to grow up and shut up. A real team leader never publicly questions management’s decisions. Wade Phillips has just a little more experience than know-it-all Roy Williams. Be a man and not a spoiled child. Support your coach. Disagree and speak negatively to the media and you will have an adverse impact on your team. Roy needs to use this opportunity to assume Aaron Glenn’s role as a team leader and mentor the younger players and help them develop into contributors – not complainers.
— Jim Fults, Center, Texas
I agree. If Williams was so passionate about the Cowboys keeping Glenn, he should have spoken up to Phillips and Jerry Jones before the final cuts were made. That’s where he missed out on the chance to be a team leader. Once the decision was made, it serves no purpose to complain.
What will Isaiah Stanback’s role be in the Cowboys offense? Will he be activated and get playing time? I’m excited about this guy.
— Glenn Larocque Jr. , Cental Falls, R.I.
I think everybody is. But don’t expect to see Stanback activated anytime soon. Remember, he’s learning a new position. It’s going to take awhile for the coaches to gain confidence in him. Putting him in before he’s ready will only hurt him. Besides, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin deserve a chance to show what they’ve got.
San Antonio Express-News
IRVING – Sam Hurd's alert play in Sunday's opener earned him major points with Wade Phillips.
Most specifically, the coach was impressed with the quick thinking the second-year receiver displayed en route to making a 51-yard, victory-clinching touchdown catch late in the 45-35 victory over the Giants.
The play started with Tony Romo recognizing the Giants planned to blitz a safety with the Cowboys nursing a 38-35 lead while facing third-and-7 from their own 49-yard line. After alerting Hurd to the blitz with a hand signal, Romo hit the Brackenridge graduate in stride at the 30 on a slant.
It was Hurd's only catch of the game and his first career TD.
"Tony recognized the safety blitz, but the backup receiver recognized it too," Phillips said, referring to Hurd. "Of course, Tony put it right on the money, but (Hurd) ran a real good route and made a good catch.
"Those things are good to see. Everybody practices, but Hurd doesn't get as many reps as everybody else. That shows you guys who aren't playing are still focusing on what we are doing and know how to do the right things.
"That was real special for us."
With Terry Glenn sidelined with a possible season-ending knee injury, Hurd entered the game as the No. 3 receiver behind Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton.
Romo said he and Hurd share a passion for the game.
"I got to work with him a lot during the preseason, so I got to feel him out. He's kind of a football rat, too," Romo said. "He likes to get out there and throw the ball. He's similar to me, really."
Hurd's contribution against the Giants wasn't limited to his TD catch. He also recorded a special teams tackle.
Now on to this week’s mail:
I am not convinced Jason Garrett was the best choice for offensive coordinator. Was there no better alternative than to get a rookie offensive coordinator for what could be a Super Bowl team?
— Cristian, San Antonio
After watching Garrett direct the offense in the opener, all I can think of is the Toby Keith song, "How Do You Like Me Now?"
Roy Williams needs to grow up and shut up. A real team leader never publicly questions management’s decisions. Wade Phillips has just a little more experience than know-it-all Roy Williams. Be a man and not a spoiled child. Support your coach. Disagree and speak negatively to the media and you will have an adverse impact on your team. Roy needs to use this opportunity to assume Aaron Glenn’s role as a team leader and mentor the younger players and help them develop into contributors – not complainers.
— Jim Fults, Center, Texas
I agree. If Williams was so passionate about the Cowboys keeping Glenn, he should have spoken up to Phillips and Jerry Jones before the final cuts were made. That’s where he missed out on the chance to be a team leader. Once the decision was made, it serves no purpose to complain.
What will Isaiah Stanback’s role be in the Cowboys offense? Will he be activated and get playing time? I’m excited about this guy.
— Glenn Larocque Jr. , Cental Falls, R.I.
I think everybody is. But don’t expect to see Stanback activated anytime soon. Remember, he’s learning a new position. It’s going to take awhile for the coaches to gain confidence in him. Putting him in before he’s ready will only hurt him. Besides, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin deserve a chance to show what they’ve got.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:00 PM
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