FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/3/2009 11:54pm et

The Dallas Morning News reports Dallas Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton will try to set history Week 9. Crayton has returned a punt for a touchdown in each of the last two games. No professional player has ever returned a punt for a touchdown in three consecutive games, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

The Huddle Take: It seems as though being demoted and given the primary responsibility of being a return man as opposed to a primary receiver has allowed Crayton to focus. He's been a one man wrecking crew on special teams, and it is hard to imagine benching him at the moment, even though his offensive output has been nil. Many eyes will be watching to see if he can pull it off!

Posted: 10/19/2009 8:49pm et

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin replaced WR Patrick Crayton with the first-team offense in practice Monday, Oct. 19. Austin took the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense.

The Huddle Take: Reports out of Dallas are that Crayton has taken quite the dive in ability this year, in fact, some say it is the fastest downturn they've ever seen. How much truth there is in those reports is uncertain, but what is obvious is that Austin is moving up and Crayton is moving down - quickly.

Posted: 8/4/2009 10:09pm et

The Dallas Morning News reports Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Ray Sherman doesn't believe there is any competition for the team's No. 2 receiver job. He believes it is owned by Patrick Crayton. 'Patrick is the guy right now,' Sherman said. 'Patrick is having a very good camp, and I think the guys are really in tune. They don't care about who starts.' Having Crayton as the No. 2 isn't a knock on WR Miles Austin, who is having a strong training camp. Sherman just believes the more experienced and consistent Crayton has earned the right to start.

The Huddle Take: Interesting bit of information, and obviously things can change, but for early drafters this may make deciding between Crayton and Austin a bit easier. Either one will be the second fiddle to Roy Williams, however, but still could be a solid mid level performer.

Posted: 5/30/2009 3:50am et

Mac Engel, of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys WR Miles Austin (6-3, 218 pounds) has the size to become a clone of Terrell Owens (6-3, 224) in the Cowboys' offense. Austin said he is trying to work hard and improve every day. The team's No. 2 receiver role is technically held by WR Patrick Crayton, but there is an unofficial opening for it. Austin could have a chance to be the team's speed threat. "The guy can play," WRs coach Ray Sherman said. "Physically the guy is a beast. I've liked him since he came out of Monmouth when I was with the Titans." Sherman noted Austin is bigger, stronger and his route running has improved. Plus, he is 100 percent recovered from last year's knee injury. "I think he's ready to break out," Sherman said. Crayton, who may be better suited for the slot, has proven to be an NFL-caliber receiver, but does not possess speed to make a cornerback backpedal.

The Huddle Take: While Jason Witten and Roy Williams are the top pass-catching options in the Dallas offense, it's worth keeping an eye on the Austin-Crayton battle for looks. So long as Austin's comparisons to Owens are physical and not emotional, he may wind up being a great fit in that role.

Posted: 3/9/2009 11:14am et

The Dallas Morning News reports Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton is expected to compete with WR Miles Austin with the starting wide receiver spot opposite WR Roy Williams.

The Huddle Take: Crayton's numbers were better last year, but Austin scored three touchdowns on just 13 catches. Which player emerges opposite Williams depends on which can be a better complement to Jason Witten, as well as what specifically the Cowboys get from Williams.