Coach Garrett was less than pleased the first time these hopeful starters took the field to showcase would be talent in an attempt to earn the “Star”. Coach Garrett was quoted in the midday presser after the first open practices,” It was unorganized and looked like lack of attention to detail. These guys worked through it and it looked better at the end. We will hold meetings and return to the field this afternoon”.

Understandably so, the expectations are high and the coaching staff is looking for the above and beyond athlete to stand out and be a major contributor to the all around team effort.

Coach Ryan was quoted as saying, ” We’re going to bad ass!” Obviously, Coach Ryan has the same expectations as the rest and his wild and somewhat controversial Coaching prowess will soon be recognized by the newcomers as a reason to step up their game if they want to make the final cut.

Rob Ryan is slowly earning a wildcat reputation in Dallas/Ft. Worth and the fans are looking forward to his second full season as the Mastermind and Dictator of what is expected to be one of the top five Defenses in the league for 2012.

One of the early standouts is Caleb McSurdy, ILB from Montana. At 6-1, 245, he has a solid frame and has shown plenty of quickness inside and out. He is getting to the ball and is showing promise. He is from a cold weather climate, however he has a legitimate shot at the roster if the Texas heat does not “exhaust” his capabilities when it comes “crunch time”. As I mentioned in earlier posts, the Cowboys have paid particular attention to the defensive side of the ball this season with draft picks and undrafted free agents.

Rob Ryan is particularly excited in grooming his new recruits and his now grizzled veterans into what the Dallas Cowboys’ fans hope is the number one defense in the league and at the very least a defense that is resilient enough to overturn the late game losses in 2011 into playoff run wins in 2012.

-Eric Luck

Twitter: @SMWWLUCK

Dallas Cowboys Blog: www.getrealfootball.com