While speaking on a local radio show, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed the team’s decision to platoon cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins to begin the 2009 NFL season.
This often happens when a season starts and a team is unsure as to who to go with. After a few games, the team will usually decide on the player putting in a better performance. This situation may be different though, as Jones stated it could last for the whole year.
Jones believes that the fact that both potential cornerbacks are playing well at the position could work to the team’s advantage.
Jones contrasted it from a battle for the quarterback position, where alternating quarterbacks could throw off an entire offense. Individually, these two are very talented and he feels it benefits the team to work both into every game.
Jones’ suggestion that there could be a 50/50 split between Scandrick and Jenkins is somewhat surprising, but not all that much of a shock. Both second year players have looked great in training camp, and the Cowboys would be doing an injustice benching either one of the two.
The Cowboys drafted both cornerbacks in 2008. Scandrick was selected in the 5th round, and Mike Jenkins in the 1st round with the 25th overall pick. Jenkins notably returned an interception for a touchdown during one game in 2008, and Scandrick played in all 16 games last season.
Jones not only plans to split duties between the two, but said that it’s very well possible that both Scandrick and Jenkins could end up on the field at the same time. When there’s raw talent like this, he believes, there’s no reason not to play them both.
The Cowboys’ season is in question, following the loss of superstar wide receiver Terrell Owens. With that said, the role of these two will be integral to the team’s success.
Do you feel the hype? The pro football season has arrived. Play some NFL pick ‘em and talk in the sport forum at RootZoo.
