FRISCO, Texas — Special teams decides roster spots 45 through 53 in Dallas, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Monday at The Star.
Schottenheimer played quarterback and was not usually put on special teams. He sits with Nick Sorensen and Carlos Polk for 30 to 45 minutes every couple of days because the phase does not come to him as naturally as the other two.
“The easy answer is special teams. When you get into really roster spot 45 through 53, those are usually guys that are not starters or premium players that they play every snap or the majority of snaps,” Schottenheimer said. “So you have to find guys that have the versatility to play special teams. And then, quite honestly, when you’re going to game day activations and inactives, that’s the other thing.”
“Make no mistakes. We were not good enough on special teams last year. We know that. We realize that. It’s been a big emphasis. Last week wasn’t great. Seattle, I’m talking about,” Schottenheimer continued. “So if you want to help yourself, you spend a lot of time with Nick Sorensen and Carlos Polk, and you dive into the details of being a part of the big four.”
“And I think you look at guys, I’ll speak to this young man, Markquese Bell. Markquese Bell is one of our most trusted leaders on the special teams,” Schottenheimer added. “He’s a really good football player. He’s a good defensive player. I think he’s a great special teams player. And there’s guys like that they play eight, nine, ten, eleven years sometimes because they have a trait that is needed.”
Markquese Bell’s Role In Dallas
Markquese Bell played all 17 games last season with 3 starts. He recorded 41 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 passes defensed. The interception went for 24 yards.
Jonathan Mingo played 7 special teams snaps at Arizona on Saturday night.
The Dallas Cowboys Special Teams Staff
Sorensen is in his second season as the Cowboys special teams coordinator. Polk works with him on the unit. Trent Sieg handled the long snapping in all 17 games last season.
What Is Left Before Dallas Cowboys Cuts
Dallas practices in front of fans at The Star on Tuesday and Wednesday. The preseason closes Friday against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m. CT on CBS.
Rosters must be at 53 players by 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 30, two days earlier than the deadline has fallen in recent years. Waiver claims are due at noon CT the next day. Teams then build a practice squad.
