Training Camp Update 1

Training Camp is about 5 days deep and so far, things are going smooth... for the most part.

The playbook has apparently been revamped with a variety of new plays, formations and schemes, most notably the Wildcat... err, I mean the Razorback formation. As every other team in the league seems to be jumping on the Wildcat bandwagon, why not the Cowboys too. There's definitely a place for it, or at least to practice against it.

Also being utilized more are 2 tight end sets and 2 running back sets. The pure overall athleticism of second year TE Martellus Bennett has forced the coaches to get him on the field with pro-bowler Jason Witten, as much as possible. The same can be said for all three running backs, Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice... Smash, Dash and Tash will be a big part of this season's success.

The defense has been the true star of practice. Demarcus Ware is doing great as expected, and newcomers Gerald Sensabaugh and Igor Olshansky (sp) are preforming well... so is Bobby Carpenter, actually. Cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins are also doing great, and it's anyone's guess as to which will receive the starting #2 CB spot.

The offense has been a little slow out of the gate, but is in position to make great strides. The Tony Romo/Roy Williams connection could use some work, but there's plenty of time. It seems that Kitna has been connecting better with Williams than Romo, but of course, they do have years of history in Detroit, so that isn't saying too much.

There have been a few hiccups that include rookie Robert Brewster missing the whole season with a pectoral injury. Also troubling is WR/QB Isaiah Stanback, who hasn't lived up to his potential since he was drafted and now he faces a strained hamstring and already missed a couple days of practice. If Stanback can't step it up and make an impact and/or stay away from injuries, I doubt he will make the 53.

Overall though, things are looking great for Dallas in '09 and since they aren't loaded with pressure from being touted in the media as sure-things to reach the Super Bowl, they are in a good position to come out from underdog status and prove a lot of doubters wrong. Hopefully.

P.S. 4th and Long winner, WR Jesse Holley is doing pretty well in camp. He has a very slim chance of actually making the team, but if players like Stanback are forced out from injury, he may actually have a shot. I'd still bet that the furthest he gets is the practice squad, but we shall see... in this league, you never know what you're gonna get.