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David Buehler misses 4 straight FG in practice; Wade Phillips: 'In the long run, it's going to help us'
12:35 AM CDT on Thursday, September 23, 2010
BY GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Cowboys kicker David Buehler on Wednesday had a forgettable practice that included a stretch of four consecutive misses.
Dez Bryant was a limited participant at practice Wednesday after a ribs condition was revealed on the NFL injury report. Bryant will continue to return punts but not kickoffs.
The misses, during the open portion of practice, came on tries between 30 and 40 yards. Buehler missed to both sides.
Coach Wade Phillips said the wind cutting across the open practice field played a role in the misses. Winds were gusting up to 20 mph during practice.
"But that's part of it," Phillips said. "He needs to make all he can."
Buehler, in his first NFL season as the placekicker, made 10 of 11 kicks in the exhibition season but had a vital miss in each of the first two games. The Cowboys nonetheless remain committed to him, with Phillips saying the club could have won both games despite the misses with better overall play.
"It's growing pains sometimes," Phillips said. "I think in the long run, it's going to help us."
Schedule change most notable difference: The Cowboys looked much the same as they returned to practice two days after a players-only, soul-searching meeting and Phillips' vow to make changes where necessary.
There were no personnel switches. The usual raucous cards game that takes place in the locker room during the media period was not held, but there was no indication that was permanent.
The biggest change came during practice. Phillips altered the schedule, extending the time devoted to the team segment of the practice.
"We did some things we think will help," Phillips said. "We're trying different ways to get the execution better."
The meeting turned into an opportunity for players to "get stuff off their chest," linebacker Anthony Spencer said. In a free-form atmosphere, players made suggestions as to what can be done better.
Bryant dealing with ribs problem: Rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant has another injury limitation.
Bryant, who missed more than half of training camp because of a high ankle sprain, was listed as missing practice on the official NFL injury report because of a ribs condition incurred in the opener. Phillips said Bryant was a limited participant in practice.
The condition gives the Cowboys more reason to stay with the current arrangement of Bryant as the punt returner and rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah as the kickoff returner. The kickoff returner, Phillips said, is put in a more vulnerable position.
Bryant, who scored on a 62-yard punt return against Chicago, would like to handle both duties but accepts the division of labor. At Oklahoma State, Bryant was more accomplished as a punt returner.
"It would be great, but it's not my call," Bryant said. "Wherever they put me in, I'm fine."
Bryant will not appear on every punt. Owusu-Ansah is more sure-handed, Phillips said, and will be used when fielding the punt is more important than a potential return.
Briefly: Tight end Jason Witten (head) was either a limited participant in practice, according to the NFL report, or went through a full practice with contact, according to the Cowboys. Cornerback Mike Jenkins (bruised knee) was limited. Both are expected to play Sunday at Houston. ... Defensive lineman Jay Ratliff will miss his second consecutive practice today to attend the funeral of his grandparents, who died last week in a house fire in Hahira, Ga. The Cowboys expect to have Ratliff against Houston. ... Phillips said he will consider the options but is not inclined to add a cornerback to the roster as injury protection for Jenkins. The Cowboys carry only three cornerbacks.
• • •
12:35 AM CDT on Thursday, September 23, 2010
BY GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News
gfraley@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Cowboys kicker David Buehler on Wednesday had a forgettable practice that included a stretch of four consecutive misses.
Dez Bryant was a limited participant at practice Wednesday after a ribs condition was revealed on the NFL injury report. Bryant will continue to return punts but not kickoffs.
The misses, during the open portion of practice, came on tries between 30 and 40 yards. Buehler missed to both sides.
Coach Wade Phillips said the wind cutting across the open practice field played a role in the misses. Winds were gusting up to 20 mph during practice.
"But that's part of it," Phillips said. "He needs to make all he can."
Buehler, in his first NFL season as the placekicker, made 10 of 11 kicks in the exhibition season but had a vital miss in each of the first two games. The Cowboys nonetheless remain committed to him, with Phillips saying the club could have won both games despite the misses with better overall play.
"It's growing pains sometimes," Phillips said. "I think in the long run, it's going to help us."
Schedule change most notable difference: The Cowboys looked much the same as they returned to practice two days after a players-only, soul-searching meeting and Phillips' vow to make changes where necessary.
There were no personnel switches. The usual raucous cards game that takes place in the locker room during the media period was not held, but there was no indication that was permanent.
The biggest change came during practice. Phillips altered the schedule, extending the time devoted to the team segment of the practice.
"We did some things we think will help," Phillips said. "We're trying different ways to get the execution better."
The meeting turned into an opportunity for players to "get stuff off their chest," linebacker Anthony Spencer said. In a free-form atmosphere, players made suggestions as to what can be done better.
Bryant dealing with ribs problem: Rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant has another injury limitation.
Bryant, who missed more than half of training camp because of a high ankle sprain, was listed as missing practice on the official NFL injury report because of a ribs condition incurred in the opener. Phillips said Bryant was a limited participant in practice.
The condition gives the Cowboys more reason to stay with the current arrangement of Bryant as the punt returner and rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah as the kickoff returner. The kickoff returner, Phillips said, is put in a more vulnerable position.
Bryant, who scored on a 62-yard punt return against Chicago, would like to handle both duties but accepts the division of labor. At Oklahoma State, Bryant was more accomplished as a punt returner.
"It would be great, but it's not my call," Bryant said. "Wherever they put me in, I'm fine."
Bryant will not appear on every punt. Owusu-Ansah is more sure-handed, Phillips said, and will be used when fielding the punt is more important than a potential return.
Briefly: Tight end Jason Witten (head) was either a limited participant in practice, according to the NFL report, or went through a full practice with contact, according to the Cowboys. Cornerback Mike Jenkins (bruised knee) was limited. Both are expected to play Sunday at Houston. ... Defensive lineman Jay Ratliff will miss his second consecutive practice today to attend the funeral of his grandparents, who died last week in a house fire in Hahira, Ga. The Cowboys expect to have Ratliff against Houston. ... Phillips said he will consider the options but is not inclined to add a cornerback to the roster as injury protection for Jenkins. The Cowboys carry only three cornerbacks.
• • •