WFAA Blog: OTA Observations - 06/04/09
Cowboys punt returns may look different
10:53 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
The Dallas Cowboys punt return team may have a different look this season.
In practicing their punt returns, the Cowboys are often using two men deep, as opposed to the single punt returner they have typically used.
They're also working on different alignments moving the up returner around.
And, it's important to note, that running back and kickoff returner Felix Jones is working on returning punts. He dropped one, which received several profane words which echoed from the megaphone of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who is again on the field with the team.
Rookie defensive back DeAngelo Smith is also working on punt returns and also dropped one. DeCamillis didn't have nice things tos ay after that one, either.
Several Cowboys not practicing
11:14 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
Several Dallas Cowboys starters and people expected to be key contributors are not participating in the team's OTA today. It's too bad because it's a beautiful day. This is the third day of OTAs this week, which is the third week of OTAs. The final week is next week, which is followed by a minicamp.
Wide receivers Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback and Travis Wilson
Defensive backs Courtney Brown, Mike Mickens and Terence Newman
Fullback Deon Anderson and tight end Rodney Hannah
Linebackers Bradie James, Justin Rogers, Stephen Hodge and Victor Butler
Offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Michael Turkovich
Defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Jason Hatcher
Kicker Nick Folk
Cowboys try a little "Wildcat"
11:24 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Ted Madden
The Cowboys ran a couple of Wildcat plays early in their practice today. I was at the other end of the field for the first one; the second one had Patrick Crayton lined up in the shotgun, with Felix Jones coming in motion from the right slot. On the snap, Jones continued running out to the left as a decoy, and Crayton rolled right and threw a lousy pass to the tight end - who looked like he was running a little 5-7 yard out. The throw was low and too far in front.
I asked a colleague about the first Wildcat play, and he said it was a handoff to Jones (who was coming in motion from right to left). Tony Romo lined up as a wideout left on both plays.
A lot of us who follow the NFL and the Cowboys fully expected them to work in some Wildcat plays this year - with guys like Isaiah Stanback and Patrick Crayton, who have played quarterback in the past. It should be fun to see during the regular season.
Cowboys attracting a crowd
11:52 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
The Dallas Cowboys OTAs at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton are closed to the public, but that's not stopping about a dozen people from looking on beyond a fence here at the stadium.
I guess if the Cowboys really wanted they could have the folks at CFBISD move the folks out, but it's such a small, quiet crowd that it's probably not worth it.
10:53 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
The Dallas Cowboys punt return team may have a different look this season.
In practicing their punt returns, the Cowboys are often using two men deep, as opposed to the single punt returner they have typically used.
They're also working on different alignments moving the up returner around.
And, it's important to note, that running back and kickoff returner Felix Jones is working on returning punts. He dropped one, which received several profane words which echoed from the megaphone of special teams coach Joe DeCamillis, who is again on the field with the team.
Rookie defensive back DeAngelo Smith is also working on punt returns and also dropped one. DeCamillis didn't have nice things tos ay after that one, either.
Several Cowboys not practicing
11:14 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
Several Dallas Cowboys starters and people expected to be key contributors are not participating in the team's OTA today. It's too bad because it's a beautiful day. This is the third day of OTAs this week, which is the third week of OTAs. The final week is next week, which is followed by a minicamp.
Wide receivers Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback and Travis Wilson
Defensive backs Courtney Brown, Mike Mickens and Terence Newman
Fullback Deon Anderson and tight end Rodney Hannah
Linebackers Bradie James, Justin Rogers, Stephen Hodge and Victor Butler
Offensive linemen Kyle Kosier and Michael Turkovich
Defensive linemen Tim Anderson and Jason Hatcher
Kicker Nick Folk
Cowboys try a little "Wildcat"
11:24 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Ted Madden
The Cowboys ran a couple of Wildcat plays early in their practice today. I was at the other end of the field for the first one; the second one had Patrick Crayton lined up in the shotgun, with Felix Jones coming in motion from the right slot. On the snap, Jones continued running out to the left as a decoy, and Crayton rolled right and threw a lousy pass to the tight end - who looked like he was running a little 5-7 yard out. The throw was low and too far in front.
I asked a colleague about the first Wildcat play, and he said it was a handoff to Jones (who was coming in motion from right to left). Tony Romo lined up as a wideout left on both plays.
A lot of us who follow the NFL and the Cowboys fully expected them to work in some Wildcat plays this year - with guys like Isaiah Stanback and Patrick Crayton, who have played quarterback in the past. It should be fun to see during the regular season.
Cowboys attracting a crowd
11:52 AM Thu, Jun 04, 2009 | Permalink
Aaron Chimbel
The Dallas Cowboys OTAs at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton are closed to the public, but that's not stopping about a dozen people from looking on beyond a fence here at the stadium.
I guess if the Cowboys really wanted they could have the folks at CFBISD move the folks out, but it's such a small, quiet crowd that it's probably not worth it.
posted by The Gryphon at 2:48 PM
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