Cowboys linebacker Carpenter earns early praise from Phillips
BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
chill@star-telegram.com
SAN ANTONIO — Coach Wade Phillips commented last week that this was a make-or-break year for a lot of Dallas Cowboys.
With just one start and no defined role since being selected in the first round of the 2006 draft, linebacker Bobby Carpenter is at the top of the list. But Carpenter is finally getting a chance to shed his bust label; the Cowboys have penciled him in as their nickel linebacker.
While nothing will be decided until the Cowboys start the regular season, Carpenter is already winning over a coaching staff that was reluctant to give him praise in the past.
"I think Bobby Carpenter’s done well," Phillips said. "He looks good in the run, pass coverage looks good, he knows what to do and that’s a key thing. We put him in one position for a while, he’s been physical, athletic, all the things you’re looking for in a linebacker, so I look for Bobby to have a good year."
Davis going left?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said one of his biggest concerns is offensive line depth.
And because the Cowboys have no real experience behind left tackle Flozell Adams, Pro Bowl right guard Leonard Davis is double training so he can be an option there.
"It’s just kind of an insurance policy," Davis said. "You know, things can happen and it’s just preparing for the worst-case scenario."
Davis has been considered a possible heir to Adams. With a seven-year, $49.6 million contract, he is being paid like a tackle. He played the position in Arizona before signing with the Cowboys in 2007.
Williams challenged
Rookie linebacker Jason Williams has had a rough first week of camp and admits his head is spinning a little bit.
The third-round pick was criticized by Wade Phillips for reacting too slowly. He’s also being tested daily by veteran linebacker Bradie James.
"It takes a while for those guys to settle in," Phillips said. "Once they know what they’re doing then they can react faster, so he’s working through that right now."
Said Williams: "It’s been progress. I’m not game-ready at this point. I have a lot to learn."
Bennett stalking Witten
Tight end Martellus Bennett has earned praise from the coaches for his play early.
He wants no part of that, however. His goal is to make the Pro Bowl. He’s trying to do that by mimicking Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten’s every move.
"I watch Witten every day," Bennett said. "You know how you’ve got a lot of murderers that watch people for weeks and weeks and weeks? They learn everything about them. That’s how I am with Witten."
Injuries and absences
Receiver Isaiah Stanback (sore hamstring) was held out of practice Saturday. He is expected to return in a day or so.
Tackle Michael Turkovich suffered a strained knee Saturday morning. His return has yet to be determined.
Guard Montrae Holland was excused from practice on Friday for personal reasons. He is expected back today.
Running back Alonzo Coleman is being re-evaluated after suffering a knee injury Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys will update his status today.
chill@star-telegram.com
SAN ANTONIO — Coach Wade Phillips commented last week that this was a make-or-break year for a lot of Dallas Cowboys.
With just one start and no defined role since being selected in the first round of the 2006 draft, linebacker Bobby Carpenter is at the top of the list. But Carpenter is finally getting a chance to shed his bust label; the Cowboys have penciled him in as their nickel linebacker.
While nothing will be decided until the Cowboys start the regular season, Carpenter is already winning over a coaching staff that was reluctant to give him praise in the past.
"I think Bobby Carpenter’s done well," Phillips said. "He looks good in the run, pass coverage looks good, he knows what to do and that’s a key thing. We put him in one position for a while, he’s been physical, athletic, all the things you’re looking for in a linebacker, so I look for Bobby to have a good year."
Davis going left?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said one of his biggest concerns is offensive line depth.
And because the Cowboys have no real experience behind left tackle Flozell Adams, Pro Bowl right guard Leonard Davis is double training so he can be an option there.
"It’s just kind of an insurance policy," Davis said. "You know, things can happen and it’s just preparing for the worst-case scenario."
Davis has been considered a possible heir to Adams. With a seven-year, $49.6 million contract, he is being paid like a tackle. He played the position in Arizona before signing with the Cowboys in 2007.
Williams challenged
Rookie linebacker Jason Williams has had a rough first week of camp and admits his head is spinning a little bit.
The third-round pick was criticized by Wade Phillips for reacting too slowly. He’s also being tested daily by veteran linebacker Bradie James.
"It takes a while for those guys to settle in," Phillips said. "Once they know what they’re doing then they can react faster, so he’s working through that right now."
Said Williams: "It’s been progress. I’m not game-ready at this point. I have a lot to learn."
Bennett stalking Witten
Tight end Martellus Bennett has earned praise from the coaches for his play early.
He wants no part of that, however. His goal is to make the Pro Bowl. He’s trying to do that by mimicking Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten’s every move.
"I watch Witten every day," Bennett said. "You know how you’ve got a lot of murderers that watch people for weeks and weeks and weeks? They learn everything about them. That’s how I am with Witten."
Injuries and absences
Receiver Isaiah Stanback (sore hamstring) was held out of practice Saturday. He is expected to return in a day or so.
Tackle Michael Turkovich suffered a strained knee Saturday morning. His return has yet to be determined.
Guard Montrae Holland was excused from practice on Friday for personal reasons. He is expected back today.
Running back Alonzo Coleman is being re-evaluated after suffering a knee injury Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys will update his status today.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:57 AM
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