Cowboys Vs Ravens: Standouts and Game Observations

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a time out in the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Baltimore beat Dallas 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday evening the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in the second (of four) preseason game of the season. Some players clearly stepped up while others just stepped out. After reviewing game film and keying on assignments and execution, here is what we have:

• Obviously DT Zach Minter jumped off the screen on Saturday. The recently signed lineman was quick off the snap and strong enough to shed blocks. He attacked the gaps and was relentless in his pursuit into the backfield. It will be interesting to see how much this had to do with the quality of opponent he was facing off against and how much should be credited to him. Expect him to play against higher-quality players next week so the Cowboys can figure out exactly where Minter fits into this rotation.
• Speaking of Minter – while he did play strong for majority of his snaps, his technique was still lazy, as was his pad level, and subsequently his leverage. He was blown up in short yardage situations early and looked completely overmatched at the goal line.  He had no bend and was being lifted up because he allowed the offensive linemen to get better (lower) leverage on him. Once again, I would like to see him play more because that type of technique will not work against NFL starters.
• OG Ronald Leary looked much better and seems to now have the inside track on winning the last remaining guard spot. He was able to pull and block on the run. He sealed off lanes while on the go and seemed to improve his zone blocking ability (something he was not very good at last season).
• OG/C Mackenzy Bernadaeu also played strong on Saturday and looked good at backup center as well. Mack will always lack strength and I believe that is what will keep him from claiming a starting spot in 2014. Leary isn’t the run-blocker Mack is in the a zone blocking scheme but he his considerably stronger and can compete in short yardage situations. Mack versatility to play center probably hurts his chances as well, since the Cowboys can now keep him as the primary backup to both guard spots and center.
• RB Joseph Randle is winning the battle against Ryan Williams but Williams is keeping the fight interesting. Both players have NFL ability and one of them will likely be cut before the season. Randle is trying to separate himself through his special teams play which is something the Cowboys desperately need to improve on.
• Special Teams were terrible. The Cowboys cannot afford to give up points and field position to special teams. The Defense will be poor once again and doesn’t need anymore disadvantages.
• Joseph Randle is not a natural kick returner and seems content closing his eyes and running straight ahead.
• In jump ball situations Dez Bryant looks like Randy Moss. That’s a very good thing.
• WILL Bruce Carter is much better in zone coverage than he is in man coverage. With the starting CBs preferring man-press expect to see a lot of single high safety coverage this season (We will break this down later in the week).
• DT Devon Coleman is quick to the gap but a liability against the run. He has talent and certainly a place on this offensive line but he seems single-minded. His skills are certainly worth developing and the Cowboys’ general lack of talent on the D-line ensure him a roster spot.
• CB Orlando Scandrick has never played better football. Too bad he’s sitting out the first 4 weeks…
• Both Backup offensive tackles struggled on Saturday. Jeremy Parnell looked slow, inflexible, and lumbering. Preseason game 1 standout John Wetzel didn’t have the same quickness and looked a little slow out of his stance. Both are fighting for a roster spot and need to show much better next game.
• WR Jamar Newsome seems to really be pushing LaRon Bryd for that last WR spot. He has great body control and can catch the ball despite good coverage.
• WR Devin Street plays like a veteran. He runs crisp routes play after play which is something the coaching staff notices. He’s not a big guy but can play the outside and is a willing and able blocker. On the short screen from the slot, Street blocked his DB brilliantly. If the Cowboys do indeed run more screens to WRs in 2014, that first block is crucial.
• TE James Hanna is clearly a playmaker but he needs to be more consistent. He still misses blocks and drops balls. He’s so close he just needs to stay in the moment.
• DT Ken Bishop was disappointing after standing out against San Diego a week before. He was dominated in short yardage alongside DT Minter and seemed to clearly regress
• CB B.W. Webb is lost blitzing. He was asked to blitz from the slot and avoided contact so he could curl in from the outside rather than get in the passers face. He could have made a difference – instead he ran away.
• DE Martez Wilson is a better pass-rusher than Kyle Wilber as a DE in the nickel package.
• The Cowboys were defending 3rd and 1 and went with the undersized nickel package to defend. With undersized players littering the defensive line the Ravens were easily able to run the ball for a first down and more. It’s only preseason but its curious (troubling) play-calling.