OXNARD, Calif. – Every day of Dallas Cowboys training camp, we’ll offer up a wake-up call that offers a quick review of the previous day and a preview of the current day.
Today’s schedule: The Cowboys have changed their schedule and will practice at 3:45 p.m. PT today. Jason Garrett’s news conference is at noon. Practice was scheduled for 5:15 p.m.
Quick thoughts on Saturday’s practice:
DeMarco Murray has proven to be a pretty adept pass catcher during the last few years. He was involved in the passing game a lot Saturday with six catches in team and seven-on-seven drills out of seven throws.
Brandon Weeden’s best throw of the day was a seam route to tight end James Hanna. He purposely threw to Hanna’s back shoulder so as to not lead him into the safety coming from the other side of the field. Hanna was able to make a nice adjustment and come down with the catch.
Backup center Ronald Patrick was forced from practice early with an ankle injury. If he misses time,Mackenzy Bernadeau and Zack Martin will have to take the backup center snaps.
Tight end Gavin Escobar has to be able to go up and get the ball with his 6-foot-6 frame. He did it on a Tony Romo throw near the sideline, outjumping Orlando Scandrick and J.J. Wilcox, while also withstanding the hit to hold on to the ball.
A sign of Cole Beasley’s toughness: He collided with safety Ryan Smith on a punt return and needed a moment to catch his bearings. On the first play for the offense, he caught a slot pass from Romo for a nice gain.
What I’m watching: Kenneth Boatright has had five practices with the Cowboys, but he might be working his way into the discussion making the 53-man roster. He looks the part and had a tackle for loss and quarterback hurry vs. the Chargers. He was getting a crash course on special teams, which is a sign the Cowboys are looking for a way to him to stick longer-term.
Romo has spent some time with rookie wide receiver Devin Street in camp. If he is doing something like that, then perhaps Smith can have a game-day role. Let's see how that develops.
The backup offensive tackle spot might bear some watching. John Wetzel is drawing some attention. He was added to the practice squad late last season, and with Darrion Weems suffering a dislocated shoulder, Wetzel has received more playing time. He still has a ways to go to push Jermey Parnell, but the coaches like what they have seen.
They said it: "I expect it. I don’t want to be pleased. It’s the standard. It’s the standard that we want to do.” – defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli after a better performance in practice from the defense Saturday than in the San Diego game.