Kipers updated round 1 projection (1-31-06)

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...&CMP=ILC-INHEAD

Updated: Jan. 31, 2006
Six Trojans projected to go in first round
Insider
Kiperjr
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
click this

Following the week of Senior Bowl practices, there have been some changes to my first-round projection for the 2006 NFL draft. There are 14 underclassmen in this week's projected first round, three fewer than last week.

The top-six picks remain the same, but the one newcomer to the top 10 is Texas defensive back Michael Huff. Right now I have him projected to land in San Francisco, which has the seventh overall pick. What I like about Huff is his versatility because he can player either cornerback or safety.

This projected pick reminds me of what the 49ers did in 1981 in a similar situation. In the '81 draft, the 49ers had the eighth overall pick and selected another versatile defensive back, USC's Ronnie Lott.

I will submit another first-round projection following the NFL Combine, which is Feb. 22-28 in Indianapolis.

First-Round Projections
1. Houston Reggie Bush, RB* USC
2. New Orleans Matt Leinart, QB USC
3. Tennessee Vince Young, QB* Texas
4. NY Jets D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T Virginia
5. Green Bay Mario Williams, DE* NC State
6. Oakland A.J. Hawk, LB Ohio St.
7. San Francisco Michael Huff, DB Texas
8. Buffalo Haloti Ngata, DT* Oregon
9. Detroit Jay Cutler, QB Vanderbilt
10. Arizona DeAngelo Williams, RB Memphis
11. St. Louis Vernon Davis, TE* Maryland
12. Cleveland Chad Greenway, LB Iowa
13. Baltimore Tamba Hali, DE Penn St.
14. Philadelphia Winston Justice, T* USC
15. Atlanta Jimmy Williams, DB Virginia Tech
16. Miami Ashton Youboty, CB* Ohio St.
17. Minnesota LenDale White, RB* USC
18. Dallas Marcus McNeill, T Auburn
19. San Diego Santonio Holmes, WR* Ohio St.
20. Kansas City Tye Hill, CB Clemson
21. New England Laurence Maroney, RB* Minnesota
22. Denver (from WSH) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE Boston College
23. Tampa Bay DeMeco Ryans, LB Alabama
24. Cincinnati Ko Simpson, DB* South Carolina
25. NY Giants Johnathan Joseph, CB* South Carolina
26. Chicago Leonard Pope, TE* Georgia
27. Carolina Dominique Byrd, TE USC
28. Jacksonville Ernie Sims, OLB* Florida St.
29. Denver Sinorice Moss, WR Miami
30. Indianapolis Taitusi "Deuce" Lutui, G USC
31. Pittsburgh Bobby Carpenter, LB Ohio St.
32. Seattle Maurice Stovall, WR Notre Dame

* denotes underclassman

Positional Breakdown
Quarterbacks 3
Running backs 4
Wide receivers 3
Tight ends 3
Offensive linemen 4
Defensive linemen 4
Linebackers 5
Defensive backs 6

Most Players Selected by School
USC 6 Bush, Leinart, Justice, White, Byrd, Lutui
Ohio St. 4 Hawk, Youboty, Holmes, Carpenter
Texas 2 Young, Huff
South Carolina 2 Simpson, Joseph

NFL Players Dying @ Alarming Rate (Article)

Orginally posted by my friend Sportbabe in another sports forum:

Heavy NFL players twice as likely to die before 50
By Thomas Hargrove
Scripps Howard News Service

Wow, what a study.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2313476

Cap May Extend To 110 Million

Cap May Extend To 110 Million
http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...e_fails/?page=2
It's crunch time in labor negotiations

Meetings have begun between representatives of the Players Association and the Management Council and will continue next week with the hope that the framework for an extension of the collective bargaining agreement will be in place by late February.

Technically, an extension would have to be in place by the start of the new league year on March 3 or problems would arise; agents would be faced with making deals for this year's free agents with only a four-year amortization period for bonuses, and some franchises would be forced to all but gut their teams because of salary cap problems, according to league sources on both sides of the issue.

''A number of teams would go into severe cap trouble if there's no extension," said a league source. ''A team like the Colts would have to blow their team up. And for agents, it will be hard to get a true market deal. Not hard. It would be impossible.

''The good news is, the way the system was designed the last year without an extension is very painful for both sides. Hopefully that will promote rational behavior on both sides. As we get closer to D-Day, people start to think more clearly on both sides."

Management has begun to put together some guaranteed cap numbers beginning at $110 million and swelling to $160 million six years later. Twelve years ago, when the salary cap era began, the first cap was around $36 million.

NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports that the Broncos are unlikely to give the Eagles any trade compensation for Terrell Owens

NFL Network's Adam Shefter reports that the Broncos are unlikely to give the Eagles any trade compensation for Terrell Owens. This report directly contrasts with a report from the Denver Post this morning. Since Shefter is better connected with the Broncos than either Post reporter, we trust his take more.

Jan. 31 - 9:56 am et

The Broncos are reportedly upset that news of T.O.'s visit got out

The Broncos are reportedly upset that news of T.O.'s visit got out.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus was probably using the news to invite other teams into the bidding. The Broncos are $30 million over the cap, which could also complicate matters.

Source: ProFootballtalk.com

RECAP: JJT with Norm on The Ticket...

Orginally posted by Trickblue from a sports forum:
RECAP: JJT with Norm on The Ticket...

1) Haley will likely be the Passing Game Coordinator.
2) Sparano will likely will be the Running Game Coordinator.
3) Palmer will likely help out wherever needed.
4) The Cowboys need to change their philosophy on Coordinators. This isn't the early 90's teams where they run on cruise control.
Lil' Danny is spending his money in the right places in regards to his coaching staff.
5) Jerry needs to copy Lil' Danny in this respect.
6) Jim Bates is a superb coach and he should be coaching somewhere. The problem is that no one wants to pay him 1 mil which is about what he would cost.
To keep things peachy you would have to bump up Zimmer a bit to keep him happy. Dallas should pick Bates up.
7) The players reaction to the hiring of Palmer? blah... what has he done lately?
Dallas needs to beef up the OL... two player gave up 26 of the 49 sacks. It is the biggest reason Dallas didn't make the playoffs.
8) Several of the players after the Rams game said they couldn't even set up for three step drops because they (tackles) couldn't keep the defense off of the QB.
Bentley is a player that Dallas would benefit by signing. He is young and very talented.
9) Runyan is too old to sign to a big contract. When does "the slide" begin for him?
20/20, Dallas should have signed Wall over Rivera last year. He is younger and better. He got more money, but over time it is insignificant.
Seattle is the example for the middle-rung teams. Solid drafting and player acqusition prove you can make it to the SB

Cowboys may start nibbling at Terrell Owens, because of the Broncos open interest in T.O.

Terrell Owens and agent Drew Rosenhaus met with Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in Denver Monday.
The meeting was only a "get-acquainted" session, but shows obvious mutual interest. Owens is still under contract with the Eagles and the two sides would have to work out a trade. The Broncos have a need at receiver and a strong-willed coach who is willing to take Owens on. It will be interesting to see if other teams like the Dolphins or Cowboys also start nibbling.

Jan. 30 - 9:19 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Owens meets with Broncos officials... No Cowboys?

Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 28 minutes ago

While most NFL teams slow down in their off-season, Terrell Owens' off-season is just heating up.

Denver sources have told FOXSports.com that the Pro Bowl wide receiver and his agent Drew Rosenhaus went to Denver on Monday to meet with Broncos officials. Denver coach Mike Shanahan was not present, but others in the organization met privately with Owens.

Owens and his agent have been given permission to seek a trade out of Philadelphia. And teams such as Denver, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Miami have been linked to his services.

Owens' days in Philadelphia have been anything but quiet, as he's publicly questioned quarterback Donovan McNabb's ability to run a team and has clashed with head coach Andy Reid.

The Eagles dismissed Owens from the team in early November after the controversial wideout got into a fight with former teammate Hugh Douglas inside the team's practice facility.

Owens apologized to the team two days after the incident in a memorable press conference outside of his New Jersey home, but he was not invited back for the rest of the season.

If Owens does not get traded by the beginning of March, the Eagles will release him. And it is expected that any team that signs him will pay him well, but any deal will be contingent upon him being a perfect soldier.

Cowboys to announce contractors for new stadium

Oklahoma-based contractor gets Cowboys' stadium project
By ANDREA AHLES and SALLY CLAUNCH
Star-Telegram Staff Writers


The Dallas Cowboys $650 million stadium will be built by Manhattan Construction, according to sources close to the project.
The club will announce the Oklahoma-based company as its general contractor Tuesday. The team will also announce two strategic alliances with minority general contractors — Hispanic-owned Rayco Construction Inc. of Grand Prairie and African American-owned 3i Construction of Dallas — the sources said.
Manhattan, which built Ameriquest Field and Houston’s Reliant Stadium, will be in charge of constructing the Arlington football stadium, as well as hiring subcontractors for the job.
The deal is valued at about $15 million, sources said. The Cowboys plan to break ground on the stadium this spring and to play their first season in the stadium in 2009.
Manhattan has already begun soliciting bids from firms for erosion control, site cleaning, temporary construction fencing and other preconstruction work.
The bids are due Feb. 10, according to an Arlington Chamber of Commerce statement. Manhattan Construction manager Keith Cooper said the firm has been handling preconstruction bids for the Cowboys while waiting for the team to name a general contractor.
Cowboys spokesman Brett Daniels confirmed that an announcement would be made Tuesday, but would not comment further.
Sources who confirmed the Manhattan deal did not want to comment on the record because they had pledged not to publicly discuss the deal until the announcement was made.
The hiring of a general contractor for the Cowboys stadium has been a divisive topic. Some African-Americans have criticized the Cowboys for not doing enough to encourage joint ventures with firms owned by minorities and women.
Last fall, the Rev. Dwight McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones promised to hire an African-American construction firm to partner with the general contractor.
But Daniels said Jones had not made any specific commitments.
The Cowboys did sign a fair-share agreement with the city of Arlington in October 2004 that set a goal of awarding 25 percent of project contracts to minority- or women-owned businesses. In November, the team reported to the Arlington City Council that 17 such firms had been awarded preconstruction contracts totaling $10.8 million.
McKissic applauded the hiring of two minority firms to work with Manhattan but expressed disappointment that neither is based in Arlington.
"We are pleased through our combined efforts that an African-American and a Hispanic firm will participate in this strategic relationship and that we contributed to these results," McKissic said in a letter to Mayor Robert Cluck that was released Monday. "We are concerned that qualified Arlington-based minority contractors were not offered an opportunity to dialogue about this matter."
He added that he would continue to argue for Arlington-based minority contractors to be included in significant aspects of the stadium and future projects.
Arlington councilman Robert Rivera, a primary advocate for bringing the Cowboys to Arlington, said he was pleased with the strategic alliances.
The two minority firms will be part of Manhattan’s management team overseeing the stadium project. The 30- to 40-person team will include four to six supervisors from Rayco and four to six supervisors from 3i, a source said.
Rayco, owned by Arlington resident Raymond Gomez Jr., has worked on D/FW Airport’s Terminal D project and specializes in commercial construction and remodeling. Gomez was named Small Business Person of the Year in 2000 by the federal Small Business Administration and has worked on several contracts for the federal government.
Gomez could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.
According to 3i’s Web site, the Dallas general contractor has refurbished several schools for the Dallas Independent School District, renovated Gateway Church in Southlake and worked on Terminals B and D at D/FW Airport.
The firm was founded by Michael Williams, a former NBA player and a graduate of Dallas Carter High School.
COWBOYS STADIUM
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Manhattan Construction
Headquarters: Oklahoma. Opened an office in Dallas in the mid-1960s after winning contracts to build the Dallas Convention Center and terminals at D/FW Airport
Projects: Ameriquest Field, Pier 1 Imports headquarters, Reliant Stadium, Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dallas and the University of Texas at Arlington Chemistry and Physics building.
The Cowboys are also expected to announce a strategic alliance with two minority-owned general contractors for the stadium project.
Rayco Construction Inc.
Owned by: Raymond Gomez Jr.
Headquarters: Grand Prairie
Projects: D/FW International Airport’s Terminal D, several commercial construction and remodeling contracts for the federal government
3i Construction
Owned by: Michael Williams, former NBA player
Headquarters: Dallas
Projects: Terminals B and D at D/FW International Airport, various projects for Dallas Independent School District

Don't paint Troy Aikman by numbers, just 'W's

DMN: Don't paint Aikman by numbers, just 'W's
10:37 PM CST on Sunday, January 29, 2006
By RICK GOSSELIN / The Dallas Morning News


Editor's note: Rick Gosselin, one of 39 voters for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will make the case for Troy Aikman, Rayfield Wright and Michael Irvin.

This story originally appeared Aug. 6, 2005.

The Cowboys visited Atlanta on the Monday night of Christmas week in 1992, needing a victory over the Falcons to clinch their first division title in seven years.

Facing a secondary that featured Deion Sanders, who, in his prime, was supposed to be able to take away half the field from an offense, Troy Aikman completed 15 of 17 passes in the first half for 196 yards and two touchdowns, staking the Cowboys to a 20-10 lead.

Aikman threw his 18th pass on the opening possession of the second half, and Alvin Harper caught it for a 23-yard touchdown and a 27-10 lead.

Emmitt Smith took over from there, rushing for 132 of his 174 yards in the second half as the Cowboys clinched the NFC East and a first-round playoff bye with a 41-17 romp over the Falcons.

But the game was essentially over by the time the Cowboys turned the ball over to Smith. Aikman threw only three more passes the rest of night, finishing 18-of-21 for 239 yards and three touchdowns.

That was how the Cowboys played offense in winning three Super Bowls in a span of four seasons in the 1990s - the pass set up the run. Aikman's arm would get the Cowboys into leads in the first half, and Smith's legs would keep them there in the second half.

That game plan, however, created the one gaping deficiency in the Hall-of-Fame portfolio of Aikman, who becomes eligible in 2006. He lacks the statistics that would demand his enshrinement in Canton.

The 1990s were perhaps the golden era of quarterbacking in the NFL. Dan Marino and Steve Young are being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday in the Class of 2005. They join John Elway, who was inducted in 2004, and Jim Kelly, who was inducted in 2002.

Brett Favre will one day make it five quarterbacks in Canton from the 1990s, and Warren Moon looms in the shadows. Statistically, Aikman pales in comparison with his peer group.

Young won six NFL passing titles. Aikman didn't win any. Favre won three NFL MVP awards. Aikman didn't win any.

Marino passed for 300 yards an NFL-record 53 times. Aikman did it 13 times. Elway rallied his team to 47 fourth-quarter victories. Aikman engineered only 16 such comebacks. Moon passed for 4,000 yards in four NFL seasons. Aikman never had a 4,000-yard season.

Aikman doesn't rank in the top 10 in any major passing category. He's 12th all-time in completions and 20th in yards. He doesn't even rank in the top 50 in touchdown passes. Vinny Testaverde and Drew Bledsoe both sit higher on that list than Aikman, who topped 20 TDs just once in his 12 NFL seasons.
If you like statistics, you're not going to like Troy Aikman.

But don't blame Aikman. Blame Cowboys coaches Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer. Blame Cowboys offensive play-callers Norv Turner and Ernie Zampese. They didn't allow Aikman any garbage stats.

Aikman was too efficient for his own good. His job was to get the Cowboys in front. When he did - and it was usually by halftime - the Cowboys stopped throwing.

"When we got leads," Turner said, "the run took over."

Counting the postseason, Aikman started 158 games for the Cowboys in the 1990s. The Cowboys led at halftime in 98 of them and found themselves tied on 10 other occasions.

Wonder why Aikman had so few come-from-behind victories? He was rarely behind.

Wonder why Aikman had so few 300-yard passing games in his career? He was usually done throwing by halftime.

In those 158 starts, he threw 10 passes or fewer in the second half of 36 games. There were 13 other second halves that he threw 10 times or fewer because of an injury or because his coaches opted to rest him in a blowout.

So in 31 percent of his starts in the 1990s, Aikman barely threw the ball enough in the second half to keep warm. It's difficult amassing passing statistics when you're not passing.

In 1993, when the Cowboys won their second consecutive NFL championship, Dallas led at halftime in 14 of Aikman's 17 starts. He threw 68 fewer passes in the second half of those games than he did in the first. He passed for 1,921 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first halves and 1,179 yards and three TDs in the second.

From 1992 to '96 when the Cowboys won five straight division titles, Aikman threw 243 fewer passes in the second half of games than in the first. He passed for 8,864 yards and 51 touchdowns in the first halves but only 6,787 yards and 28 TDs in the second.

For the 1990s, Aikman threw 294 fewer passes in the second half than the first. He passed for 15,606 yards and 86 touchdowns in the first halves compared with 3,954 yards and 63 TDs in the second.

But yards and touchdowns never mattered to Aikman. Victories did. And that's where he stands alone in his peer group.

Aikman won more games in one decade (90) than any quarterback in NFL history. Yes, more than Young in the 1990s, Joe Montana in the 1980s and Terry Bradshaw in the 1970s. Aikman also won three Super Bowls. The only two quarterbacks who won more, Montana and Bradshaw, are enshrined in Canton.

It was never about statistics with Aikman. It was about winning.

"I had a lot of confidence in my abilities," Aikman said. "If we had thrown more than we did, there's no doubt in my mind we'd have put up big numbers. But it's not what we did. We won without it. I'm content with that.

"If you throw for 4,000 yards in a season and we go 5-11, what's the difference?"

Early-'90s peak
Aikman emerged as a franchise quarterback during Turner's three seasons as offensive coordinator, from 1991 to '93. He passed for career highs of 3,445 yards and 23 touchdowns in 1992 and was at his efficient best in 1993 when he posted a 99.0 passer rating.

When Turner asked Aikman to cut loose, he cut loose. In the game that triggered the Dallas dynasty - the 1992 NFC title game at San Francisco - Aikman completed 24 of 34 passes for 322 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 30-20 upset of the 49ers.

It was his only 300-yard day in 17 games that season.

But Aikman never complained. Only once did he even hint to Turner that he'd like to throw more. That was after that Atlanta game in 1992.

"He told me he wished we could have kept going," Turner said.
And that was it. All of Aikman's statistics were legit, coming during the flow of games. There was no padding. And no complaints.

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN
While Troy Aikman didn't compile the big passing statistics his contemporaries in the '90s did, he led them all in the most important statistic - victories.

"The one thing that people can never appreciate unless you were around Troy was his unselfishness," said Turner, now head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

"He was so disciplined, you could call the same play five straight times and if the right place to throw was to the tight end, he'd throw it there five straight times. He didn't let his emotions tell him, 'I've got to make a big play now,' or 'I've got to get the ball to Alvin.' Troy played each play the way it was designed to be played. That's discipline. I've never been around another guy like that."

Everyone loves a team player - someone willing to forgo individual good for the good of the team. When a guy like that finally comes along, is he penalized for it? We'll find out in the next few years.

From JJT's blog.. "How interested is T.O. in coming to Dallas?"

From JJT's blog...

• Bumped into Tom Condon, probably the most powerful agent in the business these days, and actually had a short conversation with him concerning La'Roi Glover. He didn't talk about whether Glover would return, but he did know that Glover counts more than $7 million against the club's salary cap next year. He talked about the $1.5 million roster bonus Glover is supposed to receive in March and how that's quite a bit for a player who doesn't really fit the defensive scheme.

Based on that conversation and a similar conversation I had with Jerry Jones, it's hard to believe Glover will return.

• Damon Hodge, a real voice from the Cowboys' past (2000 season), tracked me down this afternoon. He's been chasing the dream in Canada and the Arena Football League but now wants to get into scouting at the pro level.

• Got a personal brushoff from super agent Drew Rosenhaus this afternoon when I tried to ask him about Terrell Owens. Actually, he brushed me off twice because I was persistent.

The second time, he acted like he was doing me such a big favor. "OK," he said, "I'll answer your question."

"How interested is T.O. in coming to Dallas?" I asked.

"No comment," he replied.

At least he didn't say...."Next question."

• Spoke with Texas tackle Jonathon Scott's father in the hotel lobby this AM. He said Scott is working in Houston between all-star games to improve his strength. The key, he said, is for his son to bench press 225 pounds at least 30 times at the combine. Do that and he thinks he goes in the first round.

Also said Flozell Adams had been wonderful to the kid and was trying to teach him some of his tricks of the trade. I don't want to hear anything from you wise guys -- and you know who you are -- about how Adams is probably showing him how to be whistled for illegal procedure 12 times a season and still get a trillion-dollar contract.

• Keyshawn Johnson called this morning. Wanted to know if I found any receivers at the Senior Bowl that can help. I told him tackles were more important than receivers.

• Hung out with Dallas-based agent Jordan Woy for awhile. He represents Texas tackle Jonathan Scott, who played high school ball at Carter. He said the Cowboys met with him briefly. No surprise there considering Rob Petitti (13.5) and Torrin Tucker (12.5) finished 1-2 in the league in sacks allowed.

• Spent some time with Kennard McGuire, Andre Gurode's agent. He said he'll listen to offers from Dallas, but expects to seriously explore the free-agent market.

Dallas Cowboys may be interested in OT Johnathan Scott

KFFL reports:
Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:21:32 -0800

Jean-Jacques Taylor, writing for the Sporting News, reports the Dallas Cowboys need help at right tackle and they are showing some interest in Texas OT Jonathan Scott, who played high school ball in Dallas and could be a good choice in the first round if he can increase his strength and bench press 225 pounds at least 30 times at the NFL Combine in February.

Cowboys Name Palmer QB Coach; More Moves Expected

IRVING, Texas - After losing a pair of coaches in the last two weeks, the Cowboys have officially added one, naming Chris Palmer the team's quarterbacks coach on Monday.

Palmer, who has worked with both Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells and quarterback Drew Bledsoe in the past in New England, has been a head coach in Cleveland for two years and the offensive coordinator in Houston for four seasons.

The Cowboys did not make any other coaching announcements on Monday, but probably will in the near future. Last season, David Lee served as quarterbacks coach, but he is still under contract and expected to be on the staff next year.

One possibility is that Lee will coach tight ends next season, and Paul Pasqualoni, who coached the tight ends last year, will move over to coach linebackers, replacing Gary Gibbs. The entire coaching staff and assignments should be finalized within the next two weeks.

While the Cowboys again do not have an official offensive coordinator, it's likely Palmer will have similar duties as Sean Payton, who served as the team's assistant head coach and passing game coordinator last year. Payton was named the head coach of the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 18 and hired Gibbs to become the team's defensive coordinator.
Palmer, who first worked under Parcells as the Patriots' wide receivers coach from 1993-95, moved to New England's quarterbacks coach in 1996, where he worked with Bledsoe as the Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XXXI.

From there, Palmer joined Tom Coughlin's staff in Jacksonville, spending two seasons as the Jaguars' offensive coordinator. He then became head coach of the expansion Cleveland Browns from 1999-2000.
But after just a 5-27 record in two years, Palmer was fired in Cleveland. He joined the Houston Texans in 2002 and spent four years as the offensive coordinator before getting fired in Week 2 this season.
Along with Parcells and Bledsoe, Palmer will also reunite with offensive line coach and running game coordinator Tony Sparano, who was hired by Palmer for the Browns coaching staff in 2000. The two also worked together at New Haven and Boston University.

Before interviewing for the Cowboys position last week, Palmer met with the New York Jets, and then later spoke with Payton for an opening on the Saints staff.

Henson To Rhein
Cowboys quarterback Drew Henson, one of three players allocated to NFL Europe this season, will play for the Rhein Fire this summer.
Henson will report to NFLE training camp in Tampa, Fla. on Feb. 10, getting ready for the 10-game season that begins in early March.
Henson, who has only played in two games since signing with the Cowboys before the 2004 season, spent all last season as the inactive third quarterback and did not take a single snap.

The Cowboys also allocated wide receiver Tom Crowder and cornerback Lenny Williams to the Frankfurt Galaxy

N.F.L. Channel..No more Thanksgiving Games

Unless you live in Dallas or Washington DC you will not be seeing that Thanksgiving day game unless you have the NFL network.

Thanksgiving will now be a tripleheader:

NFL Network to televise regular-season games


(Jan. 28, 2006) -- NFL Network, the NFL's two-year-old television channel, will begin airing a "run up to the playoffs" package of eight primetime regular-season NFL games starting in the 2006 season, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced.

The eight-game package will consist of primetime games airing from Thanksgiving to the end of the regular season on Thursday and/or Saturday nights.

The inaugural game of the package is scheduled for Thanksgiving night on Thursday, Nov. 23, as part of a new Thanksgiving Day tripleheader. Games telecast on NFL Network will include pregame and postgame shows.

"After discussing this new package of games with many potential partners, we decided it would be best presented on our own, high-quality NFL Network, which has developed so rapidly that the time had come to add live regular-season games to the programming," Commissioner Tagliabue said. "In the end, we wanted these games on our network, which is devoted 24/7 to the sport of football, and not on a multi-sport network."

NFL Network will make all of its games available on free, over-the-air television in the participating team markets, continuing the NFL's long-standing practice of making all of its games, including the playoffs and Super Bowl, available on free, over-the-air television.

"The NFL has traditionally been at the forefront of innovation and new technology dating back to starting NFL Films in the ‘60s, and Pete Rozelle and Roone Arledge creating Monday Night Football in 1970," said Commissioner Tagliabue. "With NFL Network, we are creating a fresh, innovative programming package that will complement all of our television partners."

NFL Network's new eight-game package was created by shifting Saturday and Sunday games from previous arrangements. In November of 2004, CBS and FOX agreed to extend their packages for six more years. NBC and ESPN last April secured rights for six and eight years, respectively.

"It was decided after surveying the rapidly evolving media landscape that a year-round channel dedicated to our sport was the best way to continue to develop and serve our fan base," NFL Network President & CEO Steve Bornstein said. "This is an opportune time to present these games ourselves and develop new ways to deliver the game of football at all levels to sports fans."

Agreements for all available NFL television packages now are concluded. Following are the rights holders beginning in 2006:

CBS -- AFC package -- Sunday afternoons [1 & 4 p.m. ET]
FOX -- NFC package -- Sunday afternoons [1 & 4 p.m. ET]
NBC -- Primetime broadcast package -- Sunday evenings [8:15 p.m. ET]
ESPN -- Monday Night Football package -- Monday evenings [8:30 p.m. ET]
NFL Network -- Special Late-Season package -- Thursday and/or Saturday evenings [8 p.m. ET] (beginning Thanksgiving)
DirecTV -- Sunday Ticket satellite package [1 & 4 p.m. ET]

Dallas Cowboys hired former Texans coordinator Chris Palmer as an offensive assistant

Cowboys hired former Texans coordinator Chris Palmer as an offensive assistant.
His title is unclear, but it appears the Cowboys won't have anyone fill the official "offensive coordinator" position this year. Palmer will oversee the passing game. He worked with Drew Bledsoe in New England.

Jan. 30 - 1:54 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Dallas Cowboys appear set to hire Chris Palmer

Cowboys appear set to hire Palmer
By MAC ENGEL
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

DETROIT - The Cowboys are set to hire former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer as an assistant coach, most likely this week, according to a source close to the team.

But Palmer is not a lock to be the team's next offensive coordinator and replace Sean Payton as the team's passing game coordinator and primary play-caller.
This will be Palmer's second time on staff with Cowboys coach Bill Parcells. Palmer was the receivers coach for three seasons when Parcells was head coach in New England. Palmer was the quarterbacks coach for one season and worked with quarterback Drew Bledsoe when the Patriots reached the Super Bowl in the 1996 season.
Palmer was head coach of the expansion Cleveland Browns for two seasons. He was the Texans' offensive coordinator since their inception but was fired in September.

Dallas Cowboy Thanksgiving night game with Washington not set yet

KFFL reports:
Sat, 28 Jan 2006 17:59:12 -0800

Barry Horn, of the Dallas Morning News, reports NFL Network spokesman Seth Palansky said a New York Times report claiming that a Dallas Cowboys- Washington Redskins game at Texas Stadium has already been penciled in for the first Thanksgiving prime-time game may be premature. "The schedule isn't completed until April," Palansky said. "I've been assured no decisions have been made."

RUMOR: NFL Network reports Cowboys planning trade for Atlanta Falcon QB Matt Schaub

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BrownsFan21---Joined: 03 Jan 2006
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Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject: Trade Rumor reported on NFL Network

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One of the guys on the NFL Network stated that the Cowboys were trading their 1st and 2nd Rounders for Matt Schuab. He said to expect it to be done Thursday or Friday. What do you guys think?

CINCI.com: Parcells had his share of recruiting miscues

BY RANDY BEARD | TALLAHASSEE (FLA.) DEMOCRAT

With his primary focus on filling staff vacancies, Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells was in his office Thursday morning playing phone tag while attempting to evaluate the college talent that was gathered 600 miles away.

"With the NFL Network, you can scout the Senior Bowl pretty good right now from your living room," Parcells said of the all-star game that was played in Mobile, Ala., Saturday after a week of practices supervised by NFL coaching staffs. "But I am sorry I'm not there this year. You can tell a lot more when you see players up close."

At least some coaches can.

Jack Youngblood likes to tell a story that takes Parcells back to his assistant coaching days at Florida State in the early '70s. Youngblood, who became an All-American at Florida, said he might have played for the Seminoles if only Parcells hadn't told former FSU head coach Bill Peterson that the player's arms were too skinny.

"Thank goodness there was a baseball coach who was helping recruit at Florida who had a better eye than Parcells," said Youngblood. "Dave Fuller was the one who told Coach (Ray) Graves, 'Let's take a chance on this guy.' ... Otherwise, I would have gone to North Florida Junior College and become a nuclear scientist or something."

Youngblood wasn't the only future All-Pro that Parcells misjudged.

"Years ago, Parcells told me, 'Jack don't feel too bad. About three years later, I was recruiting in South Alabama and there was a kid who was running up and down the field breaking all the records in Alabama high school football ... It was Walter Payton.' ''

Parcells' analysis: Payton was too small to play college football.

"Everyone passed on Payton," Parcells said of the Chicago Bears' great who played at Jackson State. "But it's all true. I've got about two or three of those stories."

He also admits to under-rating Woodrow Lowe, who became a three-time All-American at Alabama and played linebacker for 11 years with the San Diego Chargers.

"That's the way it is ... It's not an exact science," said Parcells.

It's a point that can't be emphasized enough with colleges gearing up to sign another recruiting class Wednesday. And while Parcells has proven himself as a judge of talent in the NFL, he believes that evaluating players for the draft is also cloaked in uncertainty.

"There are always guys who don't look like they are supposed to be that good. They aren't built like Greek Gods, but they turn out to be the best players," Parcells said. "You have to have some height, weight, speed criteria. But at the end of the day I just want to know how the guy plays."

Link

The Bucs will not pursue a deal for troubled WR Terrell Owens

A source close to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has said the Bucs will not pursue a deal for troubled WR Terrell Owens.

No doubt, Michael Clayton disappointed in his sophomore year. But the source posed a solid argument: "Why would you put a guy like that into that room with guys like Chris Simms and Cadillac [Williams] and Alex Smith? Those guys and the young linemen have great chemistry. [They] don't want to ruin that. I just don't see it happening."

Jan. 29 - 8:47 am et
Source: Tampa Tribune

Rumors of an Aaron Rodgers-like draft slide for USC quarterback Matt Leinart are already being discussed

Rumors of an Aaron Rodgers-like draft slide for USC quarterback Matt Leinart are already being discussed.

The presence of Vince Young, Jay Cutler, and Brodie Croyle accompanied by the fact that Leinart didn't participate in Senior Bowl activities is given as the reasoning. Although it doesn't seem he's as likely as Rodgers may have been to fall, no one saw what happened last year coming, either. Leinart's agents Leigh Steinberg and Chuck Price have apparently been quarrelling, but at his point there's no way he gets past Miami at 16.

Jan. 29 - 2:50 pm et

Head 'Dallas Cowboy scout is on duty

Head 'Boys scout is on duty
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

MOBILE, Ala. - Cowboys chief scout Jeff Ireland is on the clock.

Ireland and his scouting staff have been busy this week at the Senior Bowl practices poring over and interviewing players. Today's 57th Senior Bowl kicks off at 3 p.m. and features players who could soon be Cowboys.

Ireland, who took over for the retired Larry Lacewell, enters his second draft on the momentum created by last year's draft class.

That group included first-round picks and starters DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. In all, six drafted rookies started at least one game for the Cowboys last season.
After such an impressive first draft, Ireland has the pressure-packed task of doing it over ... and over.

"I have to follow that up, there's no doubt about that," said Ireland, whose official title is vice president of college and pro scouting. "I've got to follow that up with solid drafts. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was a championship football team. It takes consecutive good drafts."

This year's draft presents more of a challenge. Ireland evaluates NFL and college talent and is looking at free agents. And he attended every Cowboys game this season. He hasn't been able to scout as many college players as last season. Last year, he was promoted after working as a national scout.
"I may not have the leg up that I did," Ireland said. "But I still have a good grasp of what's out there."

The Cowboys' scouting department, along with owner Jerry Jones, have studied the offensive linemen in Mobile very closely.

But Jones said the Cowboys are more likely to draft a safety or linebacker with the 18th pick in the first round.

Redskins To Play Cowboys On Thanksgiving?

The New York Times is reporting that the NFL Network will be awarded the league's new eight-game, Thursday/Saturday television package next year.
There will be five Thursday and three Saturday games over the last eight weeks of the season, mostly at 8 PM EST. The first game on the Network's schedule is Thanksgiving Day, Cowboys vs. Redskins. If you don't get NFL Network now, look for it to happen soon.

Jan. 28 - 12:28 pm et
Source: NY Times

Campbell’s agent still waiting to hear from Cowboys

Campbell’s agent still waiting to hear from Cowboys
By MAC ENGELSTAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

IRVING - Tight end Dan Campbell was the Cowboys captain on offense in 2005, but that doesn't mean he's a lock to return in 2006.

Campbell's agent, Leonard Roth, said Friday he has yet to hear from the Cowboys on if they are interested in re-signing Campbell, who is an unrestricted free agent.

"In the past, they have contacted me by now," Roth said. "Dan really wants to play for them again."

Campbell, who will be 30 next season, appeared in all 16 games for the Cowboys in 2005. He caught three passes, including a game-winning touchdown against Kansas City. His primary function is as a blocker, and it's expected that he will return.

"Our first choice is the Cowboys with hopefully a deal he can finish his career with the Cowboys," Roth said.

Could Bill Parcells be trying to change Chris Palmer's mind?

Chris Palmer has reportedly accepted the Saints offensive coordinator position.
It's an intriguing story because Palmer met with Bill Parcells Wednesday and was the favorite to get the job in Dallas. Instead, he's apparently taken a position with Parcells' latest protege. One warning: the information comes from an RSS feed from the DallasCowboys.com site, yet the site itself doesn't display the story. Could Parcells be trying to change Palmer's mind?

Jan. 26 - 9:12 pm et
Source: DallasCowboys.com

DallasCowboys.com report claiming that the Saints have hired Chris Palmer as their offensive coordinator appears to be inaccurate

For now, a Thursday evening DallasCowboys.com report claiming that the Saints have hired Chris Palmer as their offensive coordinator appears to be inaccurate.
Or they jumped the gun. The report is now off the site, and no other news organziation has picked it up in Texas or Louisiana. Stay tuned.

Jan. 27 - 9:32 am et

Dallas Cowboy QB Drew Henson allocated to Rhein Fire

Young NFL talent Europe-bound
January 27, 2006
NFL Europe

The countdown to the 2006 NFL Europe League season, the 14th in league history, has begun with the assignment of the first group of NFL allocated players.

Drew Henson, who started for the Dallas Cowboys in 2004, is one of the quarterbacks allocated to the NFLEL for the season. He was placed on the Rhein Fire roster as part of the first stage of the annual allocation of NFL players.

Saints Hire Palmer As Offensive Coordinator?

I don't know how true this article is but here it is..........

Saints Hire Palmer As Offensive Coordinator
DallasCowboys.com Report
January 26, 2006 6:12 PM

IRVING, Texas - One day after the Cowboys interviewed Chris Palmer to replace the departed Sean Payton, the former Bill Parcells assistant coach accepted a similar position with, of all people, Payton and the New Orleans Saints.

Palmer will become Payton's offensive coordinator, meaning the Saints new head coach now has hired both coordinators, former Cowboys linebackers coach Garry Gibbs and now a guy the Cowboys were looking at to be intimately involved in the offense as Payton's replacement.

This is a rather interesting move since Palmer seemed to be a good fit in Dallas, where he would reunite with Parcells, quarterback Drew Bledsoe and offensive line coach/run-game coordinator Tony Sparano.

Palmer, who met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in Dallas on Wednesday morning, spent four years with Parcells in New England (1993-96), coaching wide receivers for three and then Bledsoe and the quarterbacks in 1996 when the Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XXXI. He also hired Sparano as one of his assistants after being named head coach in Cleveland (1999-2000).

But now Palmer is headed to New Orleans to join Payton, who spent the last three seasons on the Cowboys' staff. Payton was the assistant head coach/passing game coordinator last year and called the offensive plays.

Payton, named head coach in New Orleans last week, already had hired Gibbs as the Saints defensive coordinator, and was interested in bringing Sparano along before the Cowboys denied him permission to speak with the Cowboys' offensive line coach.

"By the weekend, I'd like to have both coordinators in place and a special teams coordinator in place," Payton said Wednesday. "I've got about seven more people I'm looking to interview."

Apparently, Palmer was the best option for the Saints, and consequently, no longer an option for the Cowboys, if indeed they were interested in hiring him following the mid-week interview.

Jason Witten will join teammates Roy Williams and Larry Allen at the Pro Bowl after all

Will Be replacing Shockey.......

http://www.cowboysplus.com/topstoryn....3f9a45f4.html

Witten replaces Shockey in Pro Bowl

01:22 PM CST on Thursday, January 26, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News


IRVING – Jason Witten will join teammates Roy Williams and Larry Allen at the Pro Bowl after all.

Witten was named as a replacement for New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, who will miss the game because of an injury. This will be Witten’s second straight Pro Bowl appearance.

He caught 66 passes for 757 yards and six touchdowns in 2005, becoming the first Dallas tight end since Doug Cosbie in 1984-85 to have back-to-back 60-catch seasons. Witten caught 87 passes for 980 yards and six touchdowns in 2004.

The Pro Bowl will be played Feb. 12 in Honolulu.

The Cowboys are in the market for a free agent kicker

The Cowboys are in the market for a free agent kicker.
It looks like Shaun Suisham isn't a long term solution. Mike Vanderjagt, Ryan Longwell, Matt Bryant, Paul Edinger and Todd Peterson are all unrestricted free agents.

Jan. 25 - 10:35 pm et
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Market for T.O. will be surprisingly hot

Two teams are going to the Super Bowl, and 30 teams are thinking about Terrell Owens.

Well, maybe not exactly, but at least indirectly. Change is imperative in the offseason, and nobody represents change more than the forgotten-but-not-gone Owens.

Still technically property of the Philadelphia Eagles, Owens will have a new address next season. In that regard, he is like many other players. And after the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers will be like all the other teams.

Win or lose, they will change their lineups. Free-agent defections dictate change, but it is more than a necessity. Change is also the desire of any team trying to get to a Super Bowl.

Stability has its rewards. The Seahawks and Steelers spent time assembling the core of their Super Bowl teams. Nobody in the NFC has been coach of his team longer than Seattle’s Mike Holmgren. Pittsburgh’s Bill Cowher is dean of all NFL coaches.

But constantly tweaking the lineup is the blueprint for improvement. Any team that stands pat stands to lose. The Eagles had been improving for years, getting to the NFC title game four years in a row. Not until they added Owens did they get to a Super Bowl. This year didn’t work out, so there will be more change.

Who will be next on Owens’ travels? Denver center Tom Nalen already has expressed his idea for improvement: “I’d take T.O. If it would work anywhere, I think it would work here because of the guys in the locker room. Guys would keep him straight. ... I think he’d conform. He’d fit in here.”

Famous first words, not without merit. As much as the Eagles suffered as Owens wore out his welcome, they benefited in 2004. Now Owens must start over in a new place, and if he has a lick of sense left — debatable, perhaps — he will be on his best behavior for at least a year. He has no chance to earn what he thinks he’s worth if he isn’t a model citizen.

Most teams won’t think twice of touching him, but every team is bound to think at least once, if to do no more than reject him out of hand. Owens represents the ultimate in change, and every team knows it must somehow change.

The Seahawks have been in the playoffs three years in a row. The Steelers have been in three AFC title games in the past five seasons. So both have been knocking on the Super Bowl door longer than most also-rans. Yet neither counted entirely on improvement from within this season.
The Seahawks plugged rookie linebackers Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill into their starting lineup.

The Seahawks had eight new starters on defense.
Last year, the Steelers’ five offensive linemen never missed a game as the team went 15-1 and fell one game short of the Super Bowl. But two of the five were let go in free agency because the Steelers correctly figured on upgrading.

The Seahawks signed free-agent receiver Joe Jurevicius and he led the team with 10 touchdown catches.

The Steelers signed free-agent receiver Cedric Wilson and he helped beat Cincinnati and Denver in the playoffs with touchdown catches. Plaxico Burress led Steelers receivers in touchdown catches last season and was let go in free agency.

The Seahawks signed free-agent pass rusher Bryce Fisher, and he led the team in sacks.

The Steelers switched from power to speed in their running game, turning to undrafted second-year man Willie Parker ahead of veterans Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley.

Change can come from within, as it did in Pittsburgh with the return from injury by Pittsburgh guard Kendall Simmons and nose tackle Casey Hampton or in Seattle with linebacker D.D. Lewis.

More often, change comes from outside, via the draft, trade, or free agency.
Tight end Miller was picked 30th in the first round of the draft. Linebackers Tatupu and Hill were selected 45th and 98th. All played immediate, productive roles.

The Seahawks didn’t like losing cornerback Ken Lucas to the Panthers, but they signed free agents Andre Dyson and Kelly Herndon to make up the difference.

They were saddened when former No. 1 draft choice Koren Robinson had to spend time in alcohol rehabilitation and was released, but they haven’t missed him.

The Steelers let cornerback Chad Scott and linebacker Kendrell Bell go last offseason. Scott was a former No. 1 draft pick, Bell a former No. 2. The defense got along fine without them.

The New England Patriots won three of the past four Super Bowls and made significant changes every time.

They added running back Corey Dillon and nose tackle Keith Traylor before the 2004 season and drafted defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and tight end Ben Watson. They used Traylor for one year, and he played a big role.
Before the 2003 season, the Patriots signed free-agent safety Rodney Harrison and linebacker Rosevelt Colvin and traded for nose tackle Ted Washington. Then they released their all-pro safety Lawyer Milloy the week before the season started.

Before the 2001 season, they signed running back Antowain Smith and drafted defensive lineman Richard Seymour and offensive tackle Matt Light, both of whom started most of their rookie seasons, including the Super Bowl.
Whether the Steelers or Seahawks prevail, more change is certain. Even league MVP Shaun Alexander of Seattle could become a free agent, though not likely. In Pittsburgh, receiver-punt returner Antwaan Randle El is scheduled for free agency and the Steelers are expected to need a replacement for Bettis, who is contemplating retirement.

Will either the Seahawks or Steelers consider Owens? Ironically, both got to the Super Bowl after losing top receivers Robinson and Burress, so they demonstrate that a player of Owens’ caliber isn’t necessary. Yet conversely, both teams could find room for help at the position.

When Owens officially hits the open market, it will be interesting to see which teams are willing to even consider taking the chance. It’s liable to be a bigger market than you expect.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11024553/

Cowboys DT La'Roi Glover is due a $1.5 million roster bonus in March.

Cowboys DT La'Roi Glover is due a $1.5 million roster bonus in March.
He counts $7 million against the team's cap and is expected to get released.

Jan. 26 - 10:57 am et
Source: Dallas Morning News

Cowboys talk to NT Gabe Watson

Senior Bowl - Tuesday North Practice Scott Wright
President, NFL Draft Countdown

TIDBIT: On defense Gabe Watson of Michigan is still a stud and although he isn't much of a pass rusher he gets great push and penetration versus the run. If I am a 3-4 team in need of a nose tackle he is at or near the top of my list because he could be outstanding in that role.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes DE Greg Ellis will be back with the team

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes DE Greg Ellis will be back with the team.
Ellis recorded eight sacks in 2005, but lost playing time down the stretch to Chris Canty. He appears to want out, but Jones thinks he's staying.

Jan. 24 - 10:44 pm et
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Cowboys LB Dat Nguyen, 30, will officially announce his retirement in the coming days

Cowboys LB Dat Nguyen, 30, will officially announce his retirement in the coming days. Nguyen was limited to eight games last season because of of neck and knee injuries.

Jan. 24 - 10:46 pm et

Mike Shanahan admitted he'd look into acquiring Terrell Owens

Since the Broncos veterans would sign off on bringing in Terrell Owens, Mike Shanahan admitted he'd look into acquiring him.
Since Owens is still an Eagle, Shanahan can't talk specifically about T.O. "For a guy to come into our locker room, the veterans will let him know what it takes to play for this organization." To us, Denver and Miami are the clear favorites to go after Owens.

Jan. 25 - 11:28 am et
Source: Denver Post

Dallas Cowboys are interested in resigning Fujita and Gurode

07:55 PM CST on Tuesday, January 24, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

The Cowboys have spoken to representatives for free-agent linebacker Scott Fujita and center Andre Gurode, an indication they would like to re-sign each player … Dallas is considering shifting tight ends coach Paul Pasqualoni to linebackers, where he would replace Gary Gibbs, New Orleans' new coordinator. Pasqualoni's expertise is defense, linebackers in particular.

The Jones Priority and JJT? Reeves

GOOD READ - Original thread was started by OmegaSupreme in another sports forum posted JAN 21, 06: The Jones Priority and JJT? Reeves

On the Randy Galloway show yesterday, Jerry Jones was interviewed and his responses to the improvements to the team started with the O-line: he said that the return of Flozell will be of great importance but also getting quality depth. He then said that the safety position needs to be addressed stating that Keith Davis exceeded expectations but there is more that is necessary at that safety position. Jerry talked quite a bit about the Anthony Henry injury and stated that more depth could be found at CB but the season changed quite a bit with the injury to Henry. Then, he said, and I can't remember the exact words here, something like "a playmaker" or "weapon" to make the offense more dynamic - BUT he said T.O. is not for Dallas; the downside to T.O. is far more damaging than his upside is rewarding. I got the feeling that he has a "weapon" in mind already on offense (any guesses?). But just to give a projective idea of Jerry's thinking here he stated that if he had the Texans and had a choice between Vince Young/Leinart and Reggie Bush what would he do? he said Reggie Bush definitely that (and he stated this three times) Carr is a good QB. He said that Romo is highly thought of on the team -Bledsoe is one of his biggest fans and that Bledsoe said that if he (Drew) gets injured, he's afraid he won't get to play again after returning from injury because Romo is that good. Sean Payton told Jerry when he was interviewing for the Oakland job that if he ever becomes a HC that he would seriously consider trading for Romo to be his QB. Jerry also said that Drew Henson is everything they thought he was without experience and that his greatest weakness is needing experience BUT they could not give him NFL experience this year, So NFL Europe is going to be perfect for him -Jerry said that Drew Henson's strong point is his ability to make good decisions with the ball!?!?!


Strangely there was little talk about Bledsoe other than the Romo thing (actually Jerry had more enthusiasm for Carr just in number of words used to describe him than Bledsoe - does anyone else think that there any chance that if Chris Palmer joins the Parcells staff that he would try to bring in Carr or Couch?)

Jerry said that it is not in his thinking that both Ellis and Glover will not be a part of the future plans - he said, very carefully, that both will be of use to the Cowboys but he cannot see that Dallas would not at least have one a definite part of the defense. [reading between Jerry's lines here - if a player is used to trade then he is still "of use" in the future.]

He said that he never had to worry about a kicker before but now he does because the games were so close - interestingly he made a rather pregnant statement that he would rather have touchdowns and not have to rely on a field goal to beat another team [Jerry's edged tone really defined how "pregnant" the statment was - you get the feeling that Jones wants more explosiveness in the offense]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now the second item is from JJTaylor in TSN, from this week stating that Parcells is "thrilled" about the progress of Jacquez Reeves - that they expect him to take over for Aaron Glenn eventually - that he has "excellent speed and now he is more technically precise". WHAT?! I think I saw quite a bit of Reeves play this year and saw neither "excellent speed" nor "precision" and there was nothing "thrilling" about him? Does anybody here see keeping Reeves over a good UFA or a end of first day draft draft pick (presumeably one with a lot of potential)? Did Reeves ever present "excellent speed" at the combine? He is just under 6' and not that big? What am I missing here?

Dallas Cowboys trying to retain the rest of their current staff

KFFL reports:
Cowboys | Trying to retain the rest of their current staff
Tue, 24 Jan 2006 06:22:04 -0800

Rick Herrin, of the Star-Telegram, reports Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is trying to prevent the team from losing any more assistant coaches. In an effort to keep head coach Bill Parcells' staff intact, Jones said he has blocked permission for assistants to interview with other teams. He said he has received three to four requests. "We have had clubs call about our position coaches and that's not in our best interest (letting them interview)," Jones said.

Cowboys-Broncos-Bucs In The Running For Terrell Owens

Originally posted by Cowboyznut in a sports forum:
John Clayton On ESPN Radio: Cowboys-Broncos-Bucs In The Running For Terrell Owens

On the "Mike & Mike" show this morning John Clayton said he does not think T.O. is going to Miami. He said that the teams in the running are Denver,Dallas and Tampa Bay…

The Cowboys will interview Chris Palmer for their offensive coordinator

The Cowboys will interview Chris Palmer for their offensive coordinator.
Palmer has struggled in recent spots as Cleveland's coach and Houston's offensive coordinator. "Bill really trusts him," one Cowboys source said. Palmer worked under Bill Parcells for four seasons in New England.

Jan. 24 - 6:07 pm et
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

From Galloway's radio show: Palmer in town today to interview for OC job

Galloway just said on his show that Mac Engel called in to let him know that Chris Palmer was at Valley Ranch today to interview for the offensive coordinator job.

Dallas Cowboys' options still open

Cowboys' options still open
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

TIDBIT: FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made the trip to this year's Senior Bowl without Bill Parcells.

Jones, son and Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones and the scouting department attended Monday's first practice for Saturday's game and watched the South team at Fairhope Municipal Stadium near Mobile.

With Parcells in Dallas reshaping his staff, Jones and the scouts were checking out the talent, keeping a close eye on the offensive linemen. They got a good look at a group that includes tackles Marcus McNeill of Auburn, Miami's Eric Winston and Texas' Jonathan Scott. McNeill (6-foot-8, 332 pounds) could be available when the Cowboys select 18th overall in the first round.

But despite the need at tackle, Jones said the Cowboys would likely look at a lineman after the first round.

"Obviously these offensive linemen need to be looked at," Jones said. "Especially any time we can look at one, not the first [pick] but maybe later."

Instead, the Cowboys might focus on a safety or linebacker in the early rounds. The Cowboys might be considering Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter and Texas safety Michael Huff, who aren't playing in the Senior Bowl.

The Cowboys also want to look at wide receivers, because Keyshawn Johnson is 33 years old and Terry Glenn is 31.

"Receiver is another place we need to start looking, too, with the age of our receivers," Jones said.

NFL | Super Bowl ratings expected to be low

NFL | Super Bowl ratings expected to be low
Mon, 23 Jan 2006 19:54:07 -0800

Ed Sherman, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the television ratings for Super Bowl XL are expected to be in the upper 30s, according to David Blum of Eisner Communications. Only one Super Bowl has rated lower than 40, which was in 1989 when the San Francisco 49ers blew out the Denver Broncos 55-10. The lack of a marquee player and two relatively small-market teams are the basis for the low rating.

Galloway Blog: Overheard this weekend in Denver, Parcells was interested in Mularkey

Drew nixes Bills coach?

Overheard in Denver this weekend:

Big Bill asked Drew Bledsoe if he'd be OK with the hiring of former Bills' coach Mike Mularkey as the new offensive coordinator of the Cowboys.

Bledsoe's answer, not surprisingly, was: NO.

Bledsoe still thinks he was mistreated in Buffalo. And he's still not happy about it.

Mularkley, by the way, took the OC job in Miami.

http://blogs.dfw.com/wimpfree/

Chris Palmer also has been linked to the Cowboys' offensive coordinator vacancy

Palmer in Jets' picture
BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

One day after telling disgruntled offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger that they plan to retain him, the Jets interviewed former Texans coordinator Chris Palmer on Friday for an undisclosed position on Eric Mangini's staff, two league sources said yesterday. Given his wealth of experience, Palmer likely interviewed for the coordinator job.

The Jets' motive in the Heimerdinger saga has come into focus. Criticized for letting Herm Edwards out of the last two years of his contract, the Jets are taking a hard-line stance with Heimerdinger, who has his eye on the soon-to-be-vacant coordinator job in Denver.

They're expected to release Heimerdinger from the final two years of his contract, but only if he agrees to a settlement package favorable to the club. That could mean letting the Jets off the hook for the remaining $2.2million on his contract. Heimerdinger has made it clear that he wants out. He was passed over for the head-coaching job that went to Mangini, and he believes he should be allowed to leave because he came to the Jets, in part, to work for Edwards. Two weeks ago, Edwards left to become the Chiefs' coach.

The matter should start to resolve itself as soon as the Broncos' season is over; they play today in the AFC Championship Game against the Steelers. Their current coordinator, Gary Kubiak, is slated to become the Texans' head coach. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and Heimerdinger are close friends and former college roommates.

The Jets declined to comment.

The well-traveled Palmer, once regarded as a top coordinator, was fired by the Texans on Sept. 19 after a miserable start. Previously, he was the Patriots' quarterbacks coach, the Jaguars' offensive coordinator and the Browns' head coach. Palmer also has been linked to the Cowboys' offensive coordinator vacancy. He's a protégé of Bill Parcells, so Dallas would appear to have the edge over the Jets. He worked under Parcells in 1996, when the Patriots reached the Super Bowl with Drew Bledsoe, the current Dallas starter, at quarterback.

The Jets also interviewed Texans quarterbacks coach Greg Roman. Although no official announcements were made, Mangini has hired his defensive coordinator (Bob Sutton) and special teams coordinator (Mike Westhoff), both holdovers from the Edwards regime.

Mangini's offensive staff is in a state of flux. Because Mangini is a defensive-minded coach, his most important hire is the offensive coordinator. Assuming Heimerdinger is a goner, the Jets will have to install their third offensive system in three years.

Originally published on January 22, 2006

Saints hired former Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs as defensive coordinator.

The well traveled Gibbs was defensive coordinator for Georgia in 2000 and under Nick Saban at LSU in 2001 before moving on to the NFL. He has a lot of familiarity with 3-4 systems, but the Saints wouldn't appear to have the linebackers top pull off such a move. Jan. 23 - 3:16 pm et

Rumor: Ray Lewis wants to play in Dallas.

Originally posted by BigTex from a sport forum:

According to a league source, the Ravens have been sending out "feelers" to gauge the interest in Pro Bowl middle linebacker Ray Lewis. We're not talking heavy-duty stuff here, but the word was out. Teams, though, might not want to trade for a player who is on the decline, is injury prone and has three years left on his contract worth $5.5 million next season and $6.5 million in 2007 and 2008.

In 2005, Lewis wasn't happy that the Ravens failed to restructure his contract, a move that would have given him significant upfront and guaranteed money. Because of this, Lewis became isolated and no longer wanted to be the face of the Ravens. He has remained silent since leaving the Bears game on Oct. 23 with a season-ending groin and hamstring injury, but it's well-known around the Ravens' training complex that Lewis would prefer to play elsewhere next season.

The ideal situation for Lewis would be to play for a team that is close to breaking through but lacks a veteran leader that could put it over the top. It needs to be a good fit, much like tight end Shannon Sharpe was for the Ravens in 2000. If Lewis remains here, it will be interesting to see how he interacts with his teammates after the Ravens sign safety Ed Reed to a lucrative, multi-year contract this offseason. The Ravens have become believers in Lewis' backup, Bart Scott, who also will become an unrestricted free agent.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/services...ered.intercept (must have a membership)

This wasn't in the article but was mentioned by someone who is close to Ray:

"Ray wants to be traded to Dallas or Jacksonville during the offseason. At the time he was leaning towards Jax because of the then-uncertainty of Parcells returning in Dallas."

If this is true, how do you feel if Ray was to come to the team. I think his attitude is just what the defense need.

Is Bill Parcells waiting on Dan Henning as our next offensive coordinator?

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
St. Petersburg Times
published January 16, 2002

According to interviews with people close to the Bucs and Parcells, the two-time Super Bowl coach will name Dan Henning offensive coordinator.

Henning held the same position with the New York Jets from 1998-2000. Parcells is interested in raiding his former Jets staff for offensive line coach Bill Muir and strength coach John Lott.

http://www.sptimes.com/2002/01/16/Sp...cells_is.shtml

Jets could release Heimerdinger. Does Parcells know something we don't?

Jets Team could release Heimerdinger – on their terms
Sun, 22 Jan 2006 07:55:23 -0800

Rich Cimini, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Jets could release offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger from the final two years of his contract, but only if he agrees to a settlement package favorable to the club. That could mean letting the Jets off the hook for the remaining $2.2 million on his contract. Heimerdinger has made it clear that he wants out.

N.Y. Jets Interview Chris Palmer For undisclosed position

Originally posted by KingTuna in a sports forum:

This is the first movement on Palmer that has been reported since he was fired in Houston... Wonder if this will make Parcells move faster on signing him IF that's the guy he wants...I am still holding out hope for Dan Henning (Panthers O/C).

Jets Team interviews Palmer
Sat, 21 Jan 2006 07:38:26 -0800

The New York Post reports former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator Chris Palmer interviewed for an undisclosed position on the New York Jets coaching staff Friday, Jan. 20.

JJT: Cowboys show a way to Super Bowl

Dallas held Seattle's Alexander, Carolina's Smith in check
09:37 PM CST on Friday, January 20, 2006
Jean-Jacques Taylor

SEATTLE – Seattle running back Shaun Alexander is the NFL's Most Valuable Player. After Carolina receiver Steve Smith caught 12 passes for 218 yards in a playoff win over Chicago last week, some thought he should won the award. The Cowboys shut down Alexander and Smith. So if Seattle coach Mike Holmgren and Carolina coach John Fox are doing their due diligence, then they popped in DVDs and studied how the Cowboys' defense made two of the NFL's best players nonfactors. Alexander, who led the NFL with 1,880 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns, managed 61 yards on 21 carries with a long of 11 against Dallas. For perspective, consider Alexander led the NFL with 54 runs of 10 yards or more and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The Cowboys stopped Alexander because they thought he was soft. They say he runs high and looks for the sideline more than running over a defender to pick up an extra yard. That's a nice way of saying they didn't respect him. They did respect left guard Steve Hutchinson and left tackle Walter Jones, but the Cowboys thought they could make Alexander lose his desire to run by hitting him hard and swarming to the ball. There have always been questions about Alexander's toughness, which is one reason the Seahawks have refused to give him the lucrative long-term deal he craves, even though he has been the league's most productive runner the last two seasons. It didn't help Alexander's reputation when he suffered a concussion in the first half of last week's NFC divisional playoff victory over Washington and missed the rest of the game. Alexander said he doesn't feel any pressure to turn in a better performance Sunday against Carolina in the NFC Championship Game. "Nobody could put more pressure on me than I put on myself," Alexander said Friday at a news conference. "I put extreme pressure on myself to perform and do something more amazing than I've already done every time I step on the field." Although the Cowboys didn't respect Alexander's game, they did respect Smith. Smith, who led the NFL in receptions (103) and yards (1,563), managed one catch for 18 yards against Dallas. Now, you can argue that he would've caught more passes, if he hadn't been ejected with about six minutes left in the third quarter. He did not do anything to suggest that the first 2 ½ quarters were an aberration. They respected him so much they deviated from their usual game plan and asked cornerback Terence Newman to shadow him. Dallas asked Newman to be physical with Smith at the line of scrimmage. They wanted him bumped, pushed and mauled as much as possible within the five-yard area that defensive backs are allowed to touch receivers. They also double covered him nearly every play. Most teams double Smith often, the Cowboys took it to an extreme. Even when they didn't double him, they had safeties Roy Williams or Keith Davis disguise their coverage until the ball was snapped. Most of the time, the safeties hold their faux position until just before the ball is snapped, so they're in the right spot when the play begins. Smith, who had nine 100-yard games, had 150 passes thrown to him this season. Against Dallas, quarterback Jake Delhomme threw him two passes. Drew Carter beat Dallas for a touchdown as did Ricky Proehl. The Cowboys didn't care. As long as Smith didn't do any damage they were happy. Dallas missed the playoffs, but the Cowboys hold the secret to winning the NFC and getting to the Super Bowl. Perhaps that provides coach Bill Parcells and owner Jerry Jones some solace. E-mail jjtaylor@dallasnews.com

Ourlads' 2006 All-Rookie Team: Pettiti and Ware all rookie team

Ourlads' 2006 All-Rookie Team: Pettiti all rookie team

http://www.ourlads.com/2006AllRookieTeam.html

QUIZ: The Tom Landry Era Rated: VERY Difficult!

Originally posted with comments in another forum:
QUIZ: The Tom Landry Era Rated: VERY Difficult!

The purpose of this and many of the Dallas Cowboys quizzes is to reinforce to the younger fans the great and heroic record of one of professional sports greatest franchises. Tom Landry was Head Coach from 1960 to 1988.

Average Score: 40
http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/spo...s_cowboys.html

QUIZ: Emmitt Smith

Originally posted with comments in another forum:
QUIZ: Emmitt Smith

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/spo...ayers_s-z.html

QUIZ: Dallas Cowboys 1960-1995

Originally posted with comments in another forum:
Dallas Cowboys 1960-1995

This is about the overall history of the Dallas Cowboys starting from 1960 through the 1995 season.

The average score for this quiz: 9 / 20

http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/spo...s_cowboys.html

Does dallas have interest in Raven DLB Ray Lewis? We will see.

The Ravens have reportedly sent out "feelers" to gauge interest in linebacker Ray Lewis.The future Hall of Famer has a huge contract, is coming off surgery, and has become tired of being the face of the Ravens franchise. If he was willing to take a paycut, we'd think the would be easy to move.

Jan. 21 - 10:06 am et
Source: Baltimore Sun

Mickey Spagnola Comments On the Dallas Cowboy's Offensive Line

Mickey Spagnola Comments On Offensive Line

Brendan Raybuck, Tucson, Ariz.: I don't like the idea of going out and getting a right tackle. For value, sure. But Rob Petitti should be allowed to develop. He lost a lot of weight going into last season. A good season of conditioning work and strength work will make him better prepared physically and mentally. What we should do is get a center. Johnson and Gurode have been given several years and they're both useless.

Mickey: Now useless might be a tad strong, but the Cowboys must make a tough call there. Do they stay with Johnson another year or pull the plug, and bring in a guy who can legitimately compete with him for the starting spot? I agree with you on Petitti. But again, you have to cover yourself there with a capable veteran just in case you get more of the same from Petitti. Here is the deal, though. Petitti can do all the weight and conditioning training you want and he can shed a few more pounds, but until he gets better feet - more agility - he is going to struggle out there when left alone. He needs to join Jerry Rice and Master P for some of those dance lessons.

Jerry Jones on ESPN 103.3: Dallas Cowboy off-season priorities

Originally posted by Cowboyznut in a sports forum:

Jerry Jones on ESPN 103.3

Asked by Sean "The Steak" Salisbury what his "desire, priority" etc is in the off-season......
1. Offensive Line
2. Safety
3. Offensive Playmaker

Spagnola on Talking Cowboys: Puts his money on Chris Palmer Being Our Next O/C

Originally posted by KingTuna from a sports forum:

Mickey Spagnola said today that he still puts his money on Chris Palmer being the guy Parcells brings in for O/C..Said Parcells is going to wait until after this weekend to start moving forward and we'll probably start hearing reports of Cowboys contacting this person and that person next week.He also said that Parcells has his list together of who he wants.Sounds VERY confident that Palmer will be our guy in the end...We shall see.......

Some good quarterbacks go deep

Some good quarterbacks go deep
January 20
Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw (registration required):

" When Delhomme was a free agent in 2003, he met with new Cowboys coach Bill Parcells. But Jerry Jones wanted Parcells to take a year to look at Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson – at least that's how the story is being told these days at Valley Ranch – so the Cowboys watched Delhomme jump-start his career in Carolina."

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders 2006 calendar shoot

According to TiVo, ESPN2 is running a show on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders 2006 calendar shoot. I believe the next showing is Thursday, 1/26.

Mike Martz would now listen to possibly become an offensive coordinator somewhere

Mike Martz would now listen to possibly become an offensive coordinator somewhere. Initially, Martz took a head coach or bust approach.

Jan. 20 - 2:42 pm et
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Dallas Cowboy WR Keyshawn Johnson: Interviewed on 103.3 ESPN

Originally posted by KingTuna from a sports forum:

Keyshawn was just interviewed on 103.3 ESPN radio "Dennis & Engle" show. Was pretty short but one thing I felt is worth mentioning. They asked Keyshawn about how the fans are calling out that the Cowboys need to get another WR this year.

Keyshawn said "Go ahead, go get 1 guy. It won’t matter because he'll only be effective if the ball is getting to him. It won't do any good to have him and the Quarterback is on his back. So what if he can run 65 yards, if the QB is on his back the ball is not going to get there. I can run as fast as I need and Terry can run as fast as he needs but we've got to get the ball"Dennis and Engle then said "So what you're saying is that the Cowboys better bring in some offensive linemen?"Keyshawn responded, "They better bring in somebody to help upfront". He then finished with saying (while chuckling),

"What, do you think drafting a WR is going to make the improvement? You think a 21 year old kid at WR is going to help 64 year old Parcells win games? He really called out his O-line! Parcells needs to sign Bentley at Center and Jason Fabini as our RT...

Aikman Reaches the Top of Another Profession

L.A. TIMES: Aikman Reaches the Top of Another Profession

As a quarterback, Troy Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and in 1992 he was named the game's most valuable player. On Feb. 4 he will find out if he is one of the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As a broadcaster, Aikman sits in John Madden's old seat as Fox's No. 1 NFL commentator. On Sunday, he and play-by-play partner Joe Buck will announce the NFC championship game between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.

In other words, Aikman has risen to the top in two professions.After Aikman worked last Sunday's game between the Panthers and Chicago Bears, Ron Rapoport of the Chicago Sun-Times called him "the best analyst in the game today.

" Ed Sherman of the Chicago Tribune wrote that Buck and Aikman "seemed to have all the angles covered.

"As for why Aikman has excelled in two professions, those close to him talk about his work ethic and his attention to detail. As does Aikman.

"There may have been players with more God-given talent than I had," he said, "but I would always try to work harder than the next guy. That's been my philosophy in everything I do."When I was 9, I decided I wanted to be a professional athlete, and was determined to work hard enough to achieve that goal."And that's what I've done in broadcasting. I look at this as a full-time job and I put in a lot of time preparing. That allows me to go into the booth before a big game feeling comfortable.

"It's like studying for an exam. If you're well-prepared, you take it with confidence."One of Aikman's best traits as a broadcaster is that he can be honest, even critical, without sounding harsh.As last Sunday's game was winding down, he said of the Bears: "If they thought they didn't get any respect coming into the game, they're certainly not going to get any when it's over."Aikman saw early that the Bears were in deep trouble with cornerback Charles Tillman trying in vain to cover Carolina's Steve Smith. When Smith scored again in the third quarter, he wondered why there wasn't more help from the secondary.

Now that he has done so well in broadcasting, there may be other worlds for Aikman to conquer, such as business. He owns a Ford car dealership in Dallas and is working on opening a Toyota dealership there as well.Then there's the sports world. He and Roger Staubach have formed a NASCAR team, and his friends say Aikman someday would like to own an NFL team, or at least run one.

"I'm very happy with what I am doing now," Aikman said, "but there is a side of me that is definitely intrigued by it, if it were the right situation."Aikman is a native of Southern California, living in Cerritos until age 12. He played for UCLA, and now has a second home in Montecito. Being an owner or part-owner of a team in Southern California has to be within the realm of possibility. If that were to ever come about, Aikman no doubt would work hard to succeed.

Another name to watch out for is former Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer

USATODAY- Inside Slant

TIDBIT: Parcells may or may not replace Payton as the play-caller. Parcells called plays in 2003 and 2004 before giving the duties to Payton on 2005. He might return himself to the role in 2006.

But he must find someone to replace what Payton does in developing the game plan. He could elevate receivers coach Todd Haley or offensive line coach Tony Sparano to that role.

Another name to watch out for is former Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer. He coached receivers and quarterbacks under Parcells for four years with the Patriots.

Michigan defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann may become the Cowboys linebackers coach

USATODAY-Inside Slant

TIDBIT: Payton's departure means a shuffle on the Cowboys coaching staff.
He is expected to take an assistant or two with him to New Orleans.

The early word is that Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs will be the defensive coordinator in New Orleans.

The Cowboys seemingly have been bracing for Gibbs' departure, as they supposedly have been in contact with Michigan defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann about becoming the linebackers coach.

Sean Payton will be allowed to interview Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs

KFFL reports:
Saints Payton will be allowed to interview G. Gibbs
Thu, 19 Jan 2006 06:10:16 -0800

Jean-Jacques Taylor, of the Dallas Morning News, reports New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will be allowed to interview Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach Gary Gibbs to be his defensive coordinator. Gibbs is under contract with Dallas through the 2006 season, but head coach Bill Parcells is allowing Gibbs to speak with other teams about becoming a defensive coordinator.

Parcells not allowing Cowboys offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tony Sparano to join Saints

Payton can't bring Sparano along
Sources: Parcells not allowing Cowboys assistant to join Saints
11:16 PM CST on Wednesday, January 18, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

Now that former Cowboys assistant Sean Payton has been formally introduced as New Orleans' head coach, his first task is putting together a staff. It apparently will not include Cowboys offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tony Sparano. Two sources said coach Bill Parcells, who has the contractual authority to hire and fire assistant coaches, decided Wednesday not to let Sparano join the Saints as offensive coordinator. Payton had spoken with the Cowboys about allowing Sparano and linebackers coach Gary Gibbs to join his staff as coordinators. Each coach is under contract with Dallas through the 2006 season. Parcells, though, has given Gibbs permission to speak with other teams about becoming a coordinator. League rules do not require a club to let an assistant under contract join another team – even for a promotion. Parcells and owner Jerry Jones, who was at a league meeting in New York, could not be reached for comment. At his introductory news conference at the Saints practice facility, Payton said he has a no-nonsense style that he expects to produce a winner. New Orleans, which has the second pick in the NFL draft, finished 3-13 in 2005. "I'm not all for fiery speeches and motivational gimmicks," said Payton, 42. "I believe in preparation and attention to detail. There's nothing magical about winning. It's the same with every team. I want tough, smart, disciplined players because that's who you win football games with." Payton, the 14th head coach in Saints history, said he hopes his team's performance on the field next season will bring comfort to an area that has been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. "Obviously 2005 was a traumatic year for this area; it was a tough time for this team," Payton said. "I hope that in some small way the effort of this team in 2006 and beyond will represent this city and this region well."

The Dalas Cowboys will probably be looking for a play caller

Payton eager to get started with Saints
06:49 PM CST on Tuesday, January 17, 2006
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News

TIDBIT: If Parcells wants to maintain the same setup, he could move receivers coach Todd Haley to passing game coordinator. Or he could decide to let Sparano run the entire offense. Another option is hire an offensive coordinator and let Sparano focus entirely on the offensive line.

If he chooses that option, Parcells might select Chris Palmer. Palmer, the head coach when the Cleveland Browns returned to the NFL in 1999, was also the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator for three seasons. He and Parcells worked together in New England.

Mosley believes Cowboy's keep Key, ignore T.O.

1/14: Could Eagles' T.O. land with Cowboys?
10:22 PM CST on Friday, January 13, 2006

Question: Any news whether the Cowboys are going to try and sign T.O. if he does not get traded and is released. And are the Cowboys going to re-sign Keyshawn Johnson? Viron Wildy

Mosley: Viron, I think the Cowboys owe Johnson about a $1 million roster bonus in March, but I still think they'll keep him. That may not have been the case had Bill Parcells retired. I'm sure we'll be ramping up the Terrell Owens talk at some point, but I don't think it's going to happen. A few of the guys in the personnel department have rolled their eyes when I ask them about Owens. It's fun to talk about, but I don't think Parcells will let it happen.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could bring some Dallas Cowboys assistant coaches to New Orleans with him

Saints Payton could bring some coaches with him to New Orleans
Tue, 17 Jan 2006 19:26:56 -0800

Jean-Jacques Taylor, of the Dallas Morning News, reports soon-to-be named New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton could bring some Dallas Cowboys assistant coaches to New Orleans with him. Payton has spoken to the Cowboys about allowing linebackers coach Gary Gibbs and offensive line coach and running game coordinator Tony Sparano to join him in New Orleans as coordinators. Each is under contract with the Cowboys, who do not have to let them leave even if the new jobs represent promotions.

Newspaper: Saints will hired Payton as new head coach

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints will hire Sean Payton to be the team's 14th head coach, The Times-Picayune reported Tuesday, citing unidentified league sources.Payton and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis negotiated a multi-year contract Tuesday, the newspaper reported, adding that the announcement is expected some time Wednesday at the team's practice facility in Metairie.Payton for the last three years has worked under two-time Super Bowl winner Bill Parcells with the Dallas Cowboys. He was assistant head coach/passing game coordinator for the Cowboys this season and was the assistant head coach/quarterbacks for the two previous seasons.Payton would succeed Jim Haslett, whose tenure lasted six years. The team's compiled a 3-13 record for 2005, a season in which all of their "home" games were played on the road because of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints had an aggregate .500 record during Haslett's first five seasons.

OC Sean Payton offered the HC with the New Orlean Saints.

Payton offered the HC with the Saints.

The New Orleans Saints forum on ESPN is reporting: Payton offered the HC with the Saints. No word yet on if he accepted the position. Remember he turned down the Oakland Raiders position last year.

http://forums.espn.go.com/espn/threa...tID=184 36510

The Dallas Cowboys are looking for RB Julius Jones to undergo offseason improvements

KFFL reports:
Cowboys Team looking for Jones to undergo offseason improvements
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:14:22 -0800

Jean-Jacque Taylor, writing for the Sporting News, reports the Dallas Cowboys are looking for RB Julius Jones to spend the offseason making his lower body significantly stronger to allow him to stay healthy and break more tackles. The Cowboys view the upcoming season as huge for Jones. The team needs to figure out whether Jones is going to be healthy enough to be a frontline starter or if he will only be able to be the type of running back that has to always share action in the backfield.

The Dallas Cowboys worked out free agent P Bryce Benekos (Raiders) last week

KFFL reports:
Cowboys Benekos worked out
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:50:50 -0800

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys worked out free agent P Bryce Benekos (Raiders) last week. The team will continue exploring their options at the position, possibly to add some competition for P Mat McBriar during the offseason and training camp.

New signed LS Danny Young signed and allocated to NFL Europe

KFFL reports:
Cowboys Young signed and allocated to NFL Europe
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:48:40 -0800

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports the Dallas Cowboys signed free agent LS Danny Young (Chargers) and allocated him to NFL Europe.

Two Offensive Tackles the Cowboys might want to look at

KFFL reports:
Eagles Decisions coming at offensive tackle
Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:48:19 -0800

Mark Eckel, writing for the Sporting News, reports the Philadelphia Eagles face two major decisions at offensive tackle in 2006. OT Tra Thomas will be coming off back surgery and he is due to count close to $5 million against the team's 2006 salary cap. The team's other starter, OT Jon Runyan, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. It's doubtful both will be back, but the team can't afford to lose both.

An outlook on the Dallas Cowboys' needs for the 2006 NFL Draft

Dec 27 2005
from Mike Jeffris
Draft Needs of the Dallas Cowboys


An outlook on the Dallas Cowboys' needs for the 2006 NFL Draft:

Quarterback - With their hands full of picks, this organization will look to the NFL Draft to pump youth back into their offense, starting with quarterback (provided a talented quarterback is available, of course). Jerry Jones never seriously addressed this position after future Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman retired. And with this team looking to rebuild their offense, now’s the perfect time.

Offensive Tackle - Early-season injuries killed Parcells' ‘run heavy’ game plan. It also killed any hopes of allowing Bledsoe more time in the pocket. Bringing in a proven veteran player at this position through free agency would provide depth relief for Dallas if injury should arise again, as well as allow the Cowboys to address other positions of need in the draft’s first day. Center - The seasoned veterans of the interior line had an extremely difficult time of creating running lanes for their backs, who averaged 3.5 yards per carry, ranking 30th in the league. A mid-to-late second-round pick would give Dallas that beast they so desperately need to support Parcells' run game, which currently ranks in the top five in attempts.

Wide Receiver - Dallas has some very talented players at this position but age and durability are a concern. Bringing in a speedy receiver to play opposite Terry Glenn would provide depth as well as be just what Patrick Crayton needs to excel in the slot.

Free Safety - Roy Williams is at his best inside the box, rushing the quarterback, and cracking running backs before they ever get started. Drafting a cover safety would allow Roy to do just that. Linebacker - Dallas has a long list of talented prospects at this position, and with Dat Nguyen contemplating retirement, opting for veteran leadership could be the better decision over drafting another prospect player in the later rounds.

Kicker - The Cowboys lost some close games this year due to poor play from their kickers. Jerry Jones needs to stop scraping the barrel of kicker sludge and just pay the extra money for a proven veteran kicker in free agency.

Overall - Bill Parcells decided to roll with an entirely new defensive scheme in Dallas in 2005 and it paid off huge, bringing a 6-10 team in 2004 to being contenders in the playoff race in 2005 on their defensive play alone. Parcells will now look to put the finishing touches on this team as he prepares to address the offensive side of the ball. He did an amazing job of bringing in talent, through the draft and free agency, to revamp a defense that excelled in their first year and I expect the same results as he reshapes this offense.

Bills DT Sam Adams said they would have been in playoffs with Drew Bledsoe at QB

Bills DT Sam Adams just said...

On Sirius NFL Radio in an interview with Bob Poppa and Shannon Sharpe, Sam Adams was asked how the team would feel if Bledsoe would have been retained.

His response: "We would be getting ready to play tomorrow, no doubt!"

2005 Dallas Cowboys JACKED UP Videos

2005 Dallas Cowboys JACKED UP Video

2005 Jacked up
link

Demarcus ware vid mix
link

Added this long ass vid 2005 Dallas cowboys season 28 minutes long(435 Mbs )
link

Monday News & Notes

Monday News & Notes
By Mike Fisher
TheRanchReport.com
Date: Jan 15, 2006

TIDBIT: IRVING, TX -- Assorted observations while perched atop the Fish barstool: I have faith in Drew Bledsoe, assuming he's allowed to perform behind an offensive line made up of something more than has-beens and might-could-be's and never-was'es.

http://cowboys.scout.com/2/489285.html?refid=400

PLAYER NOTES: Dallas Cowboy CB Terence Newman records 59 tackles

Terence Newman recorded one sack, three interceptions, 59 tackles (56 solo) and 14 passes defensed this season in Dallas. (1/12/2006)

PLAYER NOTES: Dallas Cowboy CB Anthony Henry has inconsistent season

Anthony Henry recorded three interceptions, one TD, 48 tackles (39 solo) and 11 passes defensed in 12 games this season in Dallas. He was solid to start the season, but injuries caused a decrease in production down the stretch. (1/12/2006)

Comments after the game by the Dallas Cowboy's future kicker Mike Vanderjagt?

Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field goal attempt as time expired in Indinapolis' 21-18 Divisional Round loss to Pittsburgh.It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Vanderjagt pushed the ball impossibly wide, a boot that will go down in NFL lore as an all-time gag job. It could also end Vandy's Colts career. Entering free agency, the team already wasn't expected to make a serious offer to keep him because of salary demands and previous off the field comments. He'll be very popular on the open market.

Jan. 15 - 5:46 pm et

Mike Vanderjagt said he made "everything all day - in practice and pregame," before his fateful final try against the Steelers. Wasn't it just a few years ago Vanderjagt criticized Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy for lacking the requisite emotion to win the playoffs?

Jan. 16 - 9:25 am et
Source: Indianapolis Star

The Reason We Were Able To Beat Carolina...

Good follow-up comments by CaptainAmerica from a sports forum:

...Parcells said it right after the game that day. He told the media that on Monday morning of that week he instructed Zimmer that "Steve Smith will not beat us". Parcells with the obvious help of his staff then went out and crafted an excellent game-plan to totally shut down and frustrate one of the best WRs in the game today.Special props to Newman for everything he did in that game to shut Smith down with some help from the rest of our defense.That performance should be considered one of the best defensive game plans and executions of the year, especially when you see how Smith torched the so-called "GREAT" Bears defense today.I get frustrated with Parcells at times, but one thing you can't ever deny with him...The Man knows defense. I can't wait to see our unit next year as the young guys and some more new additions mature and really crank up the pressure!!

Coach Bill Parcells may have given Sean Payton an ultimatum

BP has apparently given Payton an ultimatum. "Take another job or get back here and get to work."

I can understand the logic here. The longer Payton waits, the harder it will be for BP to find a replacement. Payton is said to be one of front runners for Bills and Saints jobs.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Terrell Owens or Reggie Wayne?

Good food for thought originally posted by grogthatfrog from a sport forum:

Quite obviously, Dallas needs to do something to upgrade their offense in the upcoming off season. Offensive line has to be priority #1. They're not going to switch QB's again and they'll probably continue in trying to settle the RB position between M.Barber and J.Jones. So, what about WR? Terry Glenn is signed, through 2006, and he's a bargain for whatever they're due to pay him. Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton are both young and still can get better. But Keyshawn is getting up there in age and could be replaced. With Terrell Owens and Reggie Wayne due to be free agents, who should Dallas go after? Owens, who's obviously the more talented, but is also a potential boat-load of baggage. Or Reggie Wayne, who's a very good WR but not in the same class as Owens.

The Bills will inteview Dallas offensive coordinator Sean Payton for their head coaching position

The Bills will inteview Dallas offensive coordinator Sean Payton for their head coaching position.

Payton is also a candidate in New Orleans. Jim Haslett is believed to be the favorite in Buffalo, although current defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, Dick Jauron, and Marv Levy are all possibilities.

Jan. 14 - 1:04 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Dallas Cowboys: Medical Watch Update

from INSIDE SLANT:

MEDICAL WATCH: LB Al Singleton (hernia) should return by the start of the off-season program.
—T Flozell Adams (knee) should be ready to return by the start of minicamps.
—LB Dat Nguyen (neck) will likely retire.

Dallas Cowboy Free-Agent Update

FREE-AGENT UPDATE:

TE Dan Campbell (an unrestricted free agent will be resigned)
S Lynn Scott (unrestricted, will not return)
S Tony Dixon (unrestricted, will not return)
LB Scott Fujita (unrestricted, will get offer to return)
C Andre Gurode (unrestricted, will get offer but will likely get more money and a better opportunity with another team)
LB Eric Ogbogu (unrestricted, will not return)
LB Mike Barrow (unrestricted, will not return)
LB Quinton Caver (unrestricted, not a high priority)