Dallas Cowboys: What We've Learned Through Week 2 of Training Camp
The Dallas Cowboys are on the precipice of their first preseason game, which will be the best opportunity to evaluate their roster for the 2015 season.
However, just because they haven't played in any games, it doesn't mean that we can't glean valuable information regarding the roster.
Some players look ready to take the next step in 2015, while others don't seem to be taking advantage of their opportunities. It is still early, but the first two weeks are a great opportunity to make a big impression before camp legs start to set in.
One thing is for sure: The Cowboys appear to have a very talented roster that should be able to compete with any team in the NFL. They appear to have an improved defense, and the offense is filled with firepower.
With that in mind, let's take a look at some things we have learned over the first couple of weeks of training camp.
Running Back Is Getting Worrisome
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Going into training camp, the Cowboys hoped to find a clear-cut starter and figure out how the depth chart was going to play out. There is still a lot of time, but the Cowboys have to be a tad worried about the running back position.
The Cowboys have had to deal with a rash of injuries as Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Darren McFadden are dealing with various injuries at the moment per DallasCowboys.com. That leaves just Gus Johnson and Lache Seastrunk as the only healthy running backs on the roster.
None of the running backs who figure to be on the final roster will likely get any playing time in the first preseason game, which means the Cowboys coaching staff is missing a great opportunity to evaluate its trio of running backs.
For most teams, it is not important for the starting running back to get a lot of time in preseason; however, the Cowboys are a unique case because they need to evaluate who is the best fit on the offense and who will best fit as the starter on the team.
Overall, the Cowboys need to get some answers at the running back position soon, or they may have to look elsewhere to fill the void.
Depth at Cornerback
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The cornerback position has been a thorn in the Cowboys' side in the last few years; however, that time appears to be coming to an end.
The Cowboys have six capable cornerbacks who can contribute in a variety of ways. Orlando Scandrick is the best of the bunch with his versatility to play in the slot or on the outside. Brandon Carr is a physical and durable player who thrives in man coverage, just ask Jordy Nelson.
Morris Claiborne is a big question mark, but if he can play with confidence, he can be a very good player. Tyler Patmon looks poised to make a big jump from his rookie year. Byron Jones plays everywhere in the secondary and looks like he can be effective in them all. Corey White can play in the slot and at free safety, which is extremely valuable in this secondary.
The Cowboys have been diligent in their attempts to improve the cornerback position, and it looks to be paying off.
With the Cowboys' improved pass rush, this year should be the year the secondary shows its true potential.
Cole Beasley Is Ready for a Bigger Role
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Cole Beasley is primed to have a big year this season. He has been the most valuable player thus far in training camp, according to DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus, and it is easy to see why.
Beasley is lightning quick with a fantastic ability to find ways to get open, which gives cornerbacks fits. He is almost impossible to cover one-on-one, which is why he has been so good thus far in training camp.
Thus far in his career, Beasley has been basically a third-down threat who makes some plays out of the slot. This year, it looks like Beasley's role could be much bigger.
With how often the Cowboys are in three wide receiver sets, Beasley will get a ton of playing time, which will give him ample opportunities to showcase himself. If Beasley can be almost as effective on the outside as he is in the slot, the Cowboys offense will be much more potent.
It will give them the opportunity to move Dez Bryant around and create favorable matchups for the offense.
Overall, expect to see Beasley have a breakout season and put up some big numbers in 2015.
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Ryan Russell Looks Good at Under Tackle
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When Ryan Russell was drafted, the thought was that he would be a great developmental play at the defensive end position. However, through the first couple of weeks of practice, he appeared to struggle, but don't fret because the Cowboys may have found his best position.
Recently, Russell has been playing a lot of snaps at the under tackle position and he has been very effective per Dallascowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus.
Russell's quickness has given him a big advantage of the inside against slower-footed guards. On the edge, Russell's inability to win with his hands when he couldn't bend the edge rendered him almost useless. However, he appears to be much more comfortable in tight quarters on the inside.
Russell gives the Cowboys another pass-rush threat from the inside who could pair nicely with Tyrone and Jack Crawford.
It appeared as though Russell would have an uphill climb to make the team at defensive end, but he should be able to find a spot on the squad if he continues to play at a high level on the inside.
Ronald Leary Is Clear Starter at Left Guard
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One of the biggest position battles in training camp was going to take place at the left guard position. Ronald Leary was the incumbent and he would be challenged by the talented rookie La'el Collins.
Through the first two weeks of practice, it appears as though Ronald Leary has a firm grip on the starting left guard position per CowboysHQ.com's Mike Fisher.
This may be surprising to some because of how talented Collins is, but it shows you just how talented the Cowboys offensive line is as a whole.
Leary has his faults, but he is a road grader at guard who can pave the way for the Cowboys in the running game. Furthermore, he has the advantage of having already developed continuity with the offensive line, and the coaching staff doesn't have to worry about him missing his assignments.
This doesn't mean Collins hasn't performed well thus far in training camp, it just means that Leary has taken advantage of his opportunities thus far.
There is still a chance that Collins wins the starting job, but at the moment, Leary is the heavy favorite.
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