Cowboys to Split Time Between Jenkins and Scandrick

While speaking on a local radio show, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed the team's decision to platoon cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins to begin the 2009 NFL season.

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.

Jones contrasted it from a battle for the quarterback position, where alternating quarterbacks could throw off an entire offense. Individually, these two are very talented and he feels it benefits the team to work both into every game.

Scandrick and Jenkins have both been very productive this preseason (save for one game against the 49ers), and Jones would like to reward them both as they continue to develop and contribute to the Cowboys' defensive unit.

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.

Being that the team has suffered various setbacks since the end of last year, it seems like the Cowboys will be happy to have any defensive help at their disposal.

Can you feel the excitement? The NFL season has arrived. Play some football pick 'em games and talk in the football forum at RootZoo.