It looks like the Cowboys will be splitting time between Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins at the cornerback position, at least to start off the season. Jerry Jones confirmed this information while speaking on a Dallas sports radio morning show.
Typically, this happens at the start of a season when a team is unsure as to who will be the better fit. Within the first few weeks, the stronger option will establish himself, winning the role for the long haul. According to Jones, this may not be the case here. He claims that this platoon could continue throughout the entire season.
Jones believes that the fact that both potential cornerbacks are playing well at the position could work to the team's advantage.
Uncertainty at a more defining position like quarterback would typically be an issue, but Jones believes that both Scandrick and Jenkins are more than qualified to play cornerback, in addition to other defensive positions too.
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.
Both of these defenders were drafted by the Cowboys in 2008 (Jenkins in the 1st round, Scandrick in the 5th) as they looked to firm up an often criticized secondary. They both had moderately successful rookie seasons, as Scandrick recorded 35 tackles and Jenkins 19.
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.
Coming off of a disappointing end to the 2008 season, the loss of Terrell Owens, and a dismal preseason, the Dallas Cowboys are going to need all of the defensive help they can get.
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