DMN Blog: Worried yet?
If you're not already hanging off a ledge, read Todd Archer's story about how the Cowboys will try to fill holes in the season opener potentially created by four key injuries.
I don't believe Todd ranked the injuries in order of concern. So let's give that a whirl.
1. Terence Newman's partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right heel -- Duh. He's the guy you leave on an island, allowing Wade Phillips to run a whole bunch of fancy blitzes and help Anthony Henry. If Newman can't go, you're counting on a couple of seventh-rounders who are J.A.Gs.
2. Greg Ellis' bursitis -- Forget Ellis' pass-rushing ability. First-round pick Anthony Spencer should be able to get some pressure. The concern is how Spencer and Bobby Carpenter will hold up against the Giants' power running attack. Spencer just isn't comfortable enough in his new position yet to consistently get off blocks and prevent his end from getting turned.
3. Terry Glenn's knee -- I'm assuming Glenn with either play a limited role or not at all Sunday night. The Cowboys should still be able to throw the ball against a suspect New York secondary. Tony Romo still has Pro Bowl targets in T.O. and Jason Witten, and it's proving time for Patrick Crayton.
4. Kevin Burnett's ankle -- Burnett, who has been injury prone as a pro, impressed with his preseason work in nickel and dime packages. Slimmed-down Bradie James will get those snaps now, meaning he's a three-down LB again for the time being. The Cowboys want to give James some time off to keep him from getting worn down, but I don't know if that's too big of a concern in the season opener. James covering Jeremy Shockey downfield would be, but he doesn't think he'll have that responsibility much in Phillips' scheme.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 10:46 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (7)
I don't believe Todd ranked the injuries in order of concern. So let's give that a whirl.
1. Terence Newman's partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right heel -- Duh. He's the guy you leave on an island, allowing Wade Phillips to run a whole bunch of fancy blitzes and help Anthony Henry. If Newman can't go, you're counting on a couple of seventh-rounders who are J.A.Gs.
2. Greg Ellis' bursitis -- Forget Ellis' pass-rushing ability. First-round pick Anthony Spencer should be able to get some pressure. The concern is how Spencer and Bobby Carpenter will hold up against the Giants' power running attack. Spencer just isn't comfortable enough in his new position yet to consistently get off blocks and prevent his end from getting turned.
3. Terry Glenn's knee -- I'm assuming Glenn with either play a limited role or not at all Sunday night. The Cowboys should still be able to throw the ball against a suspect New York secondary. Tony Romo still has Pro Bowl targets in T.O. and Jason Witten, and it's proving time for Patrick Crayton.
4. Kevin Burnett's ankle -- Burnett, who has been injury prone as a pro, impressed with his preseason work in nickel and dime packages. Slimmed-down Bradie James will get those snaps now, meaning he's a three-down LB again for the time being. The Cowboys want to give James some time off to keep him from getting worn down, but I don't know if that's too big of a concern in the season opener. James covering Jeremy Shockey downfield would be, but he doesn't think he'll have that responsibility much in Phillips' scheme.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 10:46 AM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (7)
posted by The Gryphon at 1:55 PM
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