Camp brings the battles

Dallas Cowboys training camp

Today, the Dallas Cowboys begin to scratch the itch that's plaguing us all.

The baseball season's been a blast and I think we're looking forward to the second half as it unfolds.

But no one can ignore that July is almost over and that NFL training camps are starting. Then high school two-a-days, then college practices. It's football season whether we want to fully embrace it or not.

The team is arriving in California today and owner/GM Jerry Jones and head coach Wade Phillips will try to answer hard-hitting questions from the media during a press conference. Then Friday, the hitting begins.

The very able Calvin Watkins went through a series of questions that need some resolution in camp and as the season begins. Most are obvious even to the most casual football fan.

The interesting part about the Cowboys depth chart is that there are a number of position battles to be had in Cowboys camp. Here's the deal.

Back-Up Quarterback
Two weeks ago, Jones was looking for a veteran back-up to challenge Brad Johnson. On top of all that is Richard Bartel, a SMU/Tarleton State product, who's been able to hang on a lot like a certain Tony Romo. Not that Bartel's anything to sneeze at, but Jones and others must like him. If he can't compete with Johnson, Jones may make some move to bring someone in and at that point there will be a mighty battle. But don't discount Bartel throwing the kitchen sink to try and make some waves. By no means do I think the Cowboys are in love with Johnson.

Returner
Over two years, the Cowboys have successfully acquired about a dozen guys who can return kicks. Unfortunately, there are typically only three spots. One thing's for sure, Patrick Crayton won't need to spare everyone to death returning punts. Felix Jones, Isaiah Stanback, Mike Jenkins, Pacman Jones, Terence Newman and Miles Austin can all vie for a spot. For Austin and Stanback probably need to turn some heads more so than the other guys.

Fourth Receiver
Assuming the Cowboys are set with Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Terry Glenn, the Cowboys will have a fight for the remaining spots. Questions abound! Will they take five or six receivers? Will Glenn come back? Guys like Miles and Stanback need to stake their claim in the return game to guarantee spots. One would think Sam Hurd is the lock at the No. 4 spot. With all those names, don't forget rookie free agents Danny Amendola and Daniel Polk.

Cornerback
Newman is set. That leaves one starting spot. We can assume Anthony Henry is the rightful heir all we want but there's a new boss in town, namely Pacman Jones. Don't underestimate Mike Jenkins either. If you think Pacman is going to ride in and just play second fiddle for long, think again. He's an exceptional athlete, who if he didn't have a screw losse in the noggin, we'd be celebrating him as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. One guy to look for: rookie fifth rounder Orlando Scandrick out of the pesky Boise State.

Defensive Line
There's three spots and you have Remi Ayodele, Tank Johnson, Chris Canty, Jason Hatcher, Jay Ratliff, Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen and handful of newbies battling. 'Tis good to be deep.

Third Running Back
OK, Marion the Barbarian is in. Felix Jones is No. 2. So who's No. 3? Tashard Choice seems logical but Alonzo Coleman and Keon Lattimore aren't necessarily stiffs.

Punter
Mat McBriar vs. Jay Ottovegio. Just joking.