Cowboys CB Tyler Patmon prepared to take over for Orlando Scandrick
The Dallas Cowboys lost eighth-year cornerback Orlando Scandrick to injury, but second-year defensive back Tyler Patmon has been preparing for such a moment.
"It was something that me and Coach [Jerome] Henderson talked about that throughout this year," Patmon said on KESN-FM Tuesday. "I'm always having to be ready. Did we think it would happen this soon? No, it kind of hit us kind of fast."
Scandrick, the most veteran defensive back on the roster, went down with a torn ACL and MCL on Aug. 25 after defending a pass intended for undrafted rookie Lucky Whitehead. Scandrick had surgery Aug. 27 to repair his knee, thus ending his season before it could even begin.
Undrafted out of Oklahoma State in 2014, Patmon played in 11 games for the Cowboys, recording 10 tackles and one of the team's two interceptions returned for a touchdown. Aside from that 58-yard interception return against the Arizona Cardinals, his inexperience is self-evident. Knowing this, Patmon has worked to be prepared.
"I would have to say that I'm a student of the game and I go hard all the time," said Patmon. "So, when my talent can't make up for it, I see stuff and I have awareness that can help me out when I'm thrown in a situation I can just be more ready and not rely only on my talent."
Patmon says he has studied a great deal under Scandrick, but realizes that what made Scandrick "the most productive DB in the room" was his experience from being with the Cowboys since 2008. Patmon is confident with experience, he too can be as productive as Scandrick.
"Sometimes I just catch myself watching film of Orlando playing just to see how he looks and how he's feeling out routes. And something that I won't be able to get from Orlando until I play more is his feel of the route combinations and his feel of the game.
"He's just gotten better and better every year because he's played so much. So, I've learned to watch him and see what routes he can go after and how he plays certain situations. So, I definitely learned a lot."
According to Patmon, the coaches expect him to step onto the field in nickel situations and play as the slot cornerback. The 24-year-old defensive back out of Cedar Park, Texas realizes the significance of the role, and can only express his gratitude that his coaches trust him.
"It's big shoes to fill, but it's something that I'm looking forward to and I'm honored that they trust me to do that," Patmon said.
