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| Tuesday, July 15 Updated: August 20, 10:23 AM ET Cowboys: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: The depth at cornerback took a hit when reserve Pete Hunter broke his forearm, but Bill Parcells has been more than pleased with this group. First-round CB Terence Newman is a likely starter across from either Derek Ross or Mario Edwards, who are running neck and neck. Behind them, Donald Mitchell handles the nickel duties, and when Hunter returns (he's expected out at least a month), there'll be a glut of talent there. Biggest disappointment: OLG Larry Allen was expected to be exactly the kind of lineman who could take an inconsistent line and mold it into a top-flight unit under Parcells' watch. But so far, he has been the biggest mystery on the team, sitting out many practices with what could be described as a "puffy ankle." Parcells' mantra is, if you're hurt, get out of the way, and for Allen to be missing time under a coach who does not tolerate these things is particularly disappointing. Injury update: Allen and Hunter have the main injuries, but second-round C Al Johnson was the likely starter until cartilage damage was detected in his knee, and he is expected to miss the season. RB Michael Wiley, fighting for time, is still suffering from a swollen rotator cuff, which could leave his status on the team in jeopardy. Rookie to watch: Parcells appears intrigued by seventh-round WR Zuriel Smith, who is showing decent potential as a return specialist. There is good depth at receiver, but the release of DeVeren Johnson gives Smith more hope of making the roster as a fifth or sixth wideout. He made a nice catch in the preseason opener vs. Arizona and has caught the ball well in practice. Still, his chances of making the team depend more on what he does as a returner than what he does as a receiver. Part 2 -- Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: OG Larry Allen has been in a funk so far in camp, and no one is quite sure what is going on. Allen says he has not been hurt, but he missed a day of practice and was badly burned on a few occasions. It will be imperative for Bill Parcells and the offensive staff to figure out what the problem is or get someone else to take his place. Player on the verge: The team almost gave up on NT Willie Blade when it looked as if he would be a bust. But Blade has been a good story so far, working with the first team. Although Blade hasn't done anything spectacular in game action yet, his lower weight (from 345 to 315) and a better effort have been major indications he is making a commitment. He'll get every chance to prove himself during the remainder of camp. Strongest position: Parcells has admitted he thinks his WR corps could be the strength of the team thus far through camp. Antonio Bryant has looked good on one side, and Joey Galloway is getting a run for his money for his starting spot by Terry Glenn on the other. Reserve WRs Ken-Yon Rambo, Randal Williams, Reggie Swinton and Zuriel Smith are in a dogfight for the final two WR spots. Weakest position: There is uncertainty who the starting running back and quarterback will be come opening week. Parcells has said he will announce whether Chad Hutchinson or Quincy Carter will be the starting quarterback by the end of camp, so they have a small window to prove themselves. RB Troy Hambrick likely will start, but that has as much to do with the fact the other runners haven't done anything to set themselves apart as it has with Hambrick's performance so far. Part 1 -- July 18 Most significant change: Uh, have you been on Mars? Bill Parcells is the new sheriff in town, and everyone is curious to see how the working relationship with owner Jerry Jones will pan out. So far it appears to be smooth, but the real test is coming. Reason for optimism: Parcells has a proven track record for turning around teams, and he might have more to work with than his previous rebuilding efforts. The first three teams he coached won a grand total of seven games in the seasons before he arrived; Dallas won five last year. Talent on defense should help speed things up. Cause for concern: There are major questions at running back and quarterback. Running back Troy Hambrick will try to replace Emmitt Smith without too much competition. The worry is: Can he slim down and hold up for an entire season? Depth on defense and on the offensive line, plus so-so special-teams units are also concerns. Training-camp battle to watch: Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson are the combatants in the marquee battle this year at quarterback, but there is a chance that one or both of them could be gone after this year. It will be hard for Michael Wiley or Aveion Cason to legitimately challenge Hambrick's starting spot, but they could push him. Don't be surprised if: Rookie center Al Johnson is starting by Week 1.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Training Camp
