The Battle at CB for the Dallas Cowboys: Carr, Claiborne & Scandrick
By Reid Hanson
Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Orlando Scandrick are quite possibly embarking in the battle of the season for the Dallas Cowboys. This is not your typical training camp battle, mind you. The battle they are fighting is against themselves individually, rather than with each other.
Their starting positions are pretty darn safe. Despite being ranked by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) as the 58th CB in the NFL, Brandon Carr has his starting spot locked down. Making over $10M per season affords you that kind of security/responsibility – even if you gave up the fourth most receiving yards in the entire NFL last season.
July 30, 2012; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) goes through drills during opening day of training camp. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Morris Claiborne’s starting spot on the outside may not be as secure as Carr’s is opposite him, but it’s his job to lose. The former first round pick (#6 overall) ranked 88th in the league last season. He was out of position and unconfident to an alarming degree. Yet, the Cowboys’ investment in the young man dictate a starting role on the outside.
Camp has been going well for Claiborne thus far. He’s had the well-documented spar with WR Terrence Williams and strung together a couple good practices. Every practice hasn’t been great but you have to start somewhere and Mo is providing some reason for optimism.
Orlando Scandrick, the Cowboys best CB from 2013, ranked 38th in the league last season. Normally 38th is nothing to brag about, but on a team of disappointments, Scandrick was the only established player who seemed to exceed expectations in 2013.
Scandrick’s skillset fits the nickleback role best on the team. He my have terrible ballskills but he rarely gets burned and can usually stick with his assignments in the slot.
For this defense to work the Cowboys have to see great things from their top-3 CBs. Scandrick needs to maintain his level of play, Carr needs to step up in a big way, and Claiborne must start realizing his potential.
Now let’s look at their battles…
Dec 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) reach for the ball in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Scandrick
In recent weeks we spent plenty of time discussing Orlando Scandrick (player profile here). We established he’s a Good Player, Just not a Playmaker. Most of the love going his way this offseason is relative – based on how terrible his CB brethren are playing next to him.
We still appreciate the hell out Scandy. We called him a leader and one of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest bargains. We just need him to continue his level of play in 2014. Marinelli likes to send the nickleback in on blitzes so he will have plenty of opportunities to shine.
Orlando Scandrick’s Training Camp Battle is to continue to play aggressively and consistently as a nickleback.
Nov 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is unable to catch a pass while defended by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) in the first half during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Morris Claiborne
Morris Claiborne (player profile here) needs to first –stay healthy. His two seasons in the league he has spent more time sitting out practice than actually practicing. He needs a clean training camp more than anyone on the roster. The only way he is going to become a player, is learning what to do, how to do it, and have the confidence to execute.
Claiborne still has the ball skills and ability to reach his potential, but the clock is ticking. He has the rare ability to play the ball but technique and confidence often overshadow. Mo must get better in 2014 and it all starts with practice.
Morris Claiborne’s Training Camp Battle is just staying healthy and participating.
Brandon Carr
Brandon Carr (player profile here) has been a disappointment of epic proportions. When he signed his 5yr/$50.1M contract with the Cowboys, his expectations went through the roof. He has failed to meet even the most modest of expectations ranking as the 52nd CB in 2012 and the 58th CB in 2013, all while getting paid like a Top-10 CB.
For more on how rankings (how we use PFF scores) and how our player expectations work, Check out Grading and Setting Expectations.
Dec 15, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones (89) tries to make a catch in the first quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) at AT&T Stadium. Carr was flagged for interference on the play. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
As the top-paid player on the Dallas Cowboys defense, Brandon Carr needs to lead the team to improvement rather than follow. The pass-rush isn’t going to suddenly become a sack-machine overnight and make it easy for him.
Even with Marinelli taking over the defense, it’s not going to be man coverage every down. Carr has to learn and implement zone coverage from time to time (at least 30% of the time). Zone coverage generally requires less physical ability so the problem is clearly in his head and heart.
If Carr commits to learning zone coverage he can succeed in this defense and be a feared CB in the league. Two things he’s currently not. Big money brings big expectations and Carr must take ownership and produce.
Brandon Carr’s Training Camp Battle is to become competent in zone coverage and lead the team to improvement rather than follow along.
This is a huge season for these CBs. Carr and Claiborne are in true, make or break seasons. Marinelli will give them more man coverage but they have to hold up their end of the bargain.
Do you have questions or comments regarding Dallas area sports? Email SportDFW at permaximum@hotmail.com and you may be included in the next weekly mailbag. Don’t forget to include your first name.