Dallas Cowboys’ balanced offense on display early
By JEFF CAPLAN
jcaplan@star-telegram.com
OAKLAND, Calif. — Diversity and versatility, two offensive buzzwords, bloomed to life in the Dallas Cowboys’ 71-yard touchdown drive on the first unit’s second series in Thursday’s preseason opener.
The nine-play drive featured six rushes by three ball carriers, including an end-around to wide receiver Patrick Crayton for 12 yards. Tony Romo had four completions — without a misfire — to four receivers, including a 10-yard dump-off to tailback Felix Jones to the Raiders’ 3-yard line.
The first seven plays went to a different offensive weapon. The first eight plays alternated between pass — highlighted by a 12-yard sideline grab by Roy Williams — and run — featuring a 14-yard, hop-skip-and-go run by Jones.
Five of the first eight plays went for 10 yards or more, and one drew a defensive holding call.
The drive started with the first appearance of the anticipated two tight-end set with Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett.
Bennett caught the drive’s first pass and bowled over Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson for 7 yards. Witten completed the drive with an 8-yard pass made possible by the offensive line buying Romo time to scan his options.
Third receiver battle
Miles Austin, a player the Cowboys hope can develop into a deep threat and gain big yards after the catch, dropped a perfectly placed Jon Kitna pass in the open field.
Sam Hurd came back on the next play and caught a 21-yard pass. Hurd, battling with Austin for the third receiver spot, finished the first half with five catches for 79 yards. He also had two holding penalties, one on the opening kickoff that put the offense in a hole.
Injury update
Fullback Deon Anderson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Thursday to repair cartilage damage. He could miss two to four weeks.
Rookie linebacker Brandon Williams was held out with a sore shoulder.
jcaplan@star-telegram.com
OAKLAND, Calif. — Diversity and versatility, two offensive buzzwords, bloomed to life in the Dallas Cowboys’ 71-yard touchdown drive on the first unit’s second series in Thursday’s preseason opener.
The nine-play drive featured six rushes by three ball carriers, including an end-around to wide receiver Patrick Crayton for 12 yards. Tony Romo had four completions — without a misfire — to four receivers, including a 10-yard dump-off to tailback Felix Jones to the Raiders’ 3-yard line.
The first seven plays went to a different offensive weapon. The first eight plays alternated between pass — highlighted by a 12-yard sideline grab by Roy Williams — and run — featuring a 14-yard, hop-skip-and-go run by Jones.
Five of the first eight plays went for 10 yards or more, and one drew a defensive holding call.
The drive started with the first appearance of the anticipated two tight-end set with Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett.
Bennett caught the drive’s first pass and bowled over Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson for 7 yards. Witten completed the drive with an 8-yard pass made possible by the offensive line buying Romo time to scan his options.
Third receiver battle
Miles Austin, a player the Cowboys hope can develop into a deep threat and gain big yards after the catch, dropped a perfectly placed Jon Kitna pass in the open field.
Sam Hurd came back on the next play and caught a 21-yard pass. Hurd, battling with Austin for the third receiver spot, finished the first half with five catches for 79 yards. He also had two holding penalties, one on the opening kickoff that put the offense in a hole.
Injury update
Fullback Deon Anderson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Thursday to repair cartilage damage. He could miss two to four weeks.
Rookie linebacker Brandon Williams was held out with a sore shoulder.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:17 AM
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