Some Cowboys thoughts on Training Camp Eve:
My biggest question as camp opens for the Cowboys here in Oxnard is the offense line. Switching the tackles and adding a pair of new guards creates a challenge for Bill Callahan. How quickly this group meshes will be key with the great defensive front sevens the club will face this season.
I don't think there will be a problem with Dez Bryant's focus on the field while this latest issue is being taken care of off it. Some players could be dragged down this kind of thing, but I don't think that will be the case for Bryant, who is a football player first. Being in camp and playing ball is what he lives for.
We really won't be able to tell how quickly DeMarco Murray and Lawrence Vickers are adapting to one another until this team works in full pads. Vickers is a different type of blocker than Tony Fiammetta, who is more athletic and able to adjust on the move. Vickers is a more physical player at the point of contact.
Monday afternoon, inside linebacker will be Bruce Carter's job to start practice, but is he good enough to hold off Dan Connor? In my view, whoever wins this job will be the best player. When camp opened for selected veterans and rookies last week, the defensive coaches were working with Alex Albright inside and flopping the guys that normally play Sam linebacker to the Jack spot, looking for depth at both positions.
Snapper L.P. Ladouceur has been a steady performer throughout his career, but is this the season a rookie takes his place? Charley Hughlett has been accurate in rookie camp, without shoulder pads. Hughlett appears to be athletic enough to help as a blocker after the snap, which is something all special teams coaches are looking for. Hughlett should get plenty of opportunities.
