Dallas Cowboys Camp Observation

It's been a while since I've wrote anything on the Cowboys, but that's because there wasn't much going on. However, that's all changed. We're a week into training camp and the first preseason game is just nine days away.

So here are some camp observations from the first few days.

1) The Dallas Cowboys camp has a much different feel this season; it's all about football. No cameras, No T.O. no NFL Live update on Adam Jones everyday. There's even no Rowdy the team mascot, as it's been reported that Coach Wade Phillips had him removed from the field because the players were getting distracted. 

Starting linebacker Bradie James notices a huge difference in the camp this year.

"I wouldn't say it's a little different; I'd say it's a lot different, There's no Hard Knocks. Certain players with dynamic personalities are no longer here. With certain dynamic players come some good things and some bad things," he said to the Dallas Morning News.

Although Cowboys fans won't get an hour-long weekly update on what's going on at camp, I'm sure they are relieved to know that football is what the Cowboys are focusing on.

2) The second cornerback spot hasn't been much a competition just yet. Both Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick have been playing just fine, but coach Phillips said that at this point, they haven't even started thinking about who's winning the competition.

Both players have shared time with the first and second team units; they're are expected to do the same during the first preseason game against the Raiders.

3) Tony Romo is using this camp to make adjustments on his technique and his stance—most notably the position of his feet when he's throwing across his body to the left.

Quarterbacks Coach Wade Wilson was quoted saying, "His stance was a little closed, I guess, is the best way to say it, he's getting his hips a little more open now, and that allows him to drive the ball to the sideline more."

After looking at some tape, the one place I noticed him sailing balls to the left is on out-routes and corner-routes to the left. During the Cowboys overtime possession against the Arizona Cardinals, he did just that on two passes to former receiver Terrell Owens, although I'm sure his broken thumb played a part in the two throws.  

4) Yesterday, Tony Romo and Roy Williams finally hooked up for a touchdown for the first time in camp. The touchdown was scored during a red zone workout on a fade route with Mike Mickens covering.

They tried the same play during the morning practice against Orlando Scandrick, but Scandrick tipped the pass and into the hands of Alan Ball.

Speaking of Mickens, he's acquired the nickname "Sticky Mickey" for his ability to get his hands on the ball very often during the first few days of camp.

5) Felix Jones has been running past everyone in camp (mostly because they can't tackle him) and apparently shook James out of his shoes on Saturday after hitting the hole, taking a step to the right, going back left, and took off past James, who was completely caught off guard by Jones' speed. Here's to Jones staying healthy and doing the same to some division linebackers.

6) The Cowboys have been practicing two tight end sets with one back. With Jason Garret's imagination, this could be a mismatch nightmare with Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett, both solid blockers and terrific receivers, and either Tashard Choice, Felix Jones, or Marion Barber as the lone back. So expect to see it a lot during preseason games and when NFL Network goes to Cowboys camp.

7) Only one notable player has been injured so far, and it's not surprising when you take a look at the player's history.

Isaiah Stanback has a strained hamstring, but it's not serious and he should be ready by the first preseason game. But with Stanback you never know. The label injury prone is all over him and if he can't stay healthy this season, the Cowboys might give up on him.

Be sure to look out for more camp updates throughout the next week and the preseason.