4th And Long w/ Michael Irvin (final episode) - elgreazy1's Blog

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4th And Long w/ Michael Irvin (final episode)

Posted on July 21, 2009 at 02:52 PM.

(1)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas Morning News


	On Monday night, Jesse Holley, a wide receiver who was a member of the Tar Heels' 2005 national championship basketball team, was anointed the winner of Michael Irvin's 4th and Long on Spike TV. His prize is the 80th and final roster spot when the Cowboys report to training camp in San Antonio on July 28. Holley is listed as 6-3, 215 pounds with 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash. Holley will be the 11th wide receiver in camp. The Cowboys likely will keep five.

I thought within a couple of episodes that it was either Hawkins', Holley or Montrell's spot for the taking. None of the CBs seemed to assert themselves in coverage skills that would put them on par with NFL players nor did they seem to make an impact in special teams in order to warrant a pick over those other guys. I feel had Montrell Jones (clearly one of Irvin's favorites) come into the competition in better shape, he would have won it hands down, but the show is not about if's because in fact, it is all about making the most of a 2nd opportunity.

As for Hawkins & Holley, honestly, I felt Hawkins showed more production week in and out on the show. He was an excellent special teams player as both a gunner & a return man and had very sure-handed tackling skills, especially for an extremely undersized player. Even when being double-teamed, he somehow found a way to slice through coverage and make a tackle. Holley is a Larry Fitzgerald type and I believe once Jones was out of the competition, it was going to come down to what they wanted: size or speed. Holley has the potential to make the roster as a WR but I don't think he'll make enough impact as a special teams player to keep a spot.

The Cowboys coaching staff seemed to choose prototypical size over game-changing speed & talent, but I understand why they chose to do so. The teams has invested 2+ years in developing Austin Miles, Sam Hurd & Isiah Stanbeck as WRs and neither of them have really produced in receiving or returns in more than a marginal fashion. On top of that, the Cowboys have a 3-headed RB beast, and with Felix Jones on the roster, there was no real role for Hawkins to fill in as an underneath speed receiver nor return man. But still, look at Wes Welker, Maurice Jones-Drew & Darren Sproles are accomplishing on the field. Their small size allows them to cut up the defense underneath.

In the end, I'm happy at least one player got an opportunity to keep his dream alive. As for the right pick, I don't disagree but I also don't agree with Holley being the winner. All I can say is good luck and I hope he gets a fair shot to make the roster.

Comments

# 1 osubucksfan47 @ Jul 21

I couldn't have said it better myself. They even came out and stated that special teams is going to be the best chance for one of these guys to make the team, and Hawkins abilities in that aspect were far & away better than the other contestants. I hope another NFL team gives Andrew Hawkins a shot, & I hope Jesse Holley makes good use of this opportunity.