Dallas Cowboys: Preseason molehills conquered during the quest for six
As our Dallas Cowboys prepare for their fourth and final preseason game against the Houston Texans, I want to look upon the awesomeness that is #CowboysNation – but first, let me take a selfie.
There are other teams using this time to decide who their starting quarterback will be. With us, we have passionate discussions about backup Brandon Weeden and third string hopefuls Jameill Showers and Dustin Vaughan. Yes, I’m #TeamShowers and I don’t think he’ll remain in Dallas if they attempt to place him on the practice squad.
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It’s strange that head coach Jason Garrett has just started carrying three quarterbacks. Garrett was with the Cowboys for seven years (1993 – 1999). For six of those years, you could find three quarterbacks on the Cowboys roster. If anyone knows the value of being on the sideline as the third guy, it’s Garrett. Hopefully he’ll keep Showers and use the moment to “pay it forward”.
Quarterbacks On Cowboys’ Roster 1993 – 1998 | |||
1993 | Jason Garrett | ||
1994 | Aikman | Garrett | |
1995 | Aikman | Garrett | |
1996 | Aikman | Wade Wilson | Garrett |
1997 | Aikman | Wade Wilson | Garrett |
1998 | Aikman | Garrett |
We’re fortunate in Dallas to have a group of running backs that could each start. I feel that being named the starter is over-rated. It only means you were on the field during the team’s first offensive/defensive play. Starting may provide financial incentive if the player gets a bonus for being the starter for X amount of games.
To the rest of us, unless you have Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden on your fantasy team, the starter is probably irrelevant. If Garrett rotated starts between McFadden, Randle, Lance Dunbar, Gus Johnson and even Tyler Clutts – we’re still getting number six this season #QuestForSix.
Of course we do have some serious issues to address. We haven’t figured out who’s going to replace Dwayne Harris yet! Seriously, there’s the hole created by Orlando Scandrick‘s injury but I don’t think it’s going to be a major weakness. Rookie cornerback and first round draft pick Byron Jones will have “rookie moments”, but he’ll be solid.
I’ve always been a big fan of Tyler Patmon even if he hasn’t sent me an autographed jersey (too obvious, right?). In addition to that, this off-season many of us used to say, “Corey who?”, and now we’re huge supporters of Corey White. Meanwhile, Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and the others will benefit from an improved pass rush and the return of linebackers Sean Lee and eventually Rolando McClain.
Speaking of Claiborne – I know I can be a harsh critic, especially last year during the St. Louis Rams game when he allowed a receiver with both knees on the ground to catch a touchdown pass. However, I just want to commend him for working hard and returning from injury to do something you love.
Speaking of love – I want to show some to my six year old son, he’s playing his first year of Pop Warner football & I’m super proud. So I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone with a love for this game – from Pop Warner to the NFL – a safe and healthy season. Now Play Fast; Play Smart; Play Hard!
#GoCowboys
Find me at Facebook.com/CowboysRob