Cowboys 2006 by Sporting News (12-4 and playoff victory)
Cowboys Support Group
May 12, 2006 Print it
By Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
A first critical look at the 2006 Cowboys:
WHAT'S NEW
The Cowboys have not won a playoff game in nine years, the longest streak in franchise history, but owner Jerry Jones has given coach Bill Parcells enough talent to end that drought in 2006.
Look no further than the addition of volatile receiver Terrell Owens and volatile kicker Mike Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
The Cowboys don't fear any team in the NFC and with Parcells, 64, nearing the end of his career, Jones wants the Cowboys loaded up to make a run at a sixth Super Bowl title. After all, that's why he hired Parcells four seasons ago. He wanted Parcells, known as a master builder, to make the Cowboys an elite franchise again.
This year's team will be the most talented in Parcells' tenure in Dallas, especially on offense, which includes Owens, receiver Terry Glenn, tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
Jones has no idea how long Parcells will coach, so time is of the essence. Jones yearns to be in the winner's circle again and says this is the season Parcells will take him there.
GAME PLAN
Offense: The Cowboys are getting rid of the fullback and going to a base offense that uses two tight ends, two receivers and one running back. The team wants a power running game that's accented by a passing attack that can be effective on intermediate and deep routes.
It has enough weapons in the passing game to attack no matter which players opponents attempt to take away. The key, though, will be the ability of first-year passing-game coordinator Todd Haley to use creative formations to get the ball to Owens.
Defense: The defense now is a full-fledged 3-4 scheme, getting significantly bigger along the front seven. That should allow it to win more one-on-one battles and be more effective against the run.
The secondary, led by strong safety Roy Williams, can be one of the best in the league. The Cowboys were 10th in total defense last season and added more pieces through the draft and free-agent market.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS
RB Julius Jones: Jones has had some dynamic performances in his first two seasons with the Cowboys, but because Dallas listened to trade offers for him on draft day, it might be ready to move on because of Jones' injury problems in his first two seasons.
The question isn't his toughness; it's his body's ability to hold up in the NFL. The switch to the two-tight end base offense could make it harder for Jones to stay on the field. It will increase the congestion in the middle, exposing Jones to more hits and reducing his opportunities to run draws and delays.
The positive from Jones' missed time in 2005: It gave rookie Marion Barber an opportunity to prove he is a legitimate NFL back. Barber is a hard-nosed, powerful runner who gained Parcells' respect with his penchant for finishing runs by running over defensive backs. Barber's good hands and blocking skills made him the team's third-down back.
OLBs DeMarcus Ware and Bobby Carpenter: After learning the subtleties of outside linebacker during his rookie season in 2005, Ware will become a star this year. He will "react" instead of "think" and is poised to register double-digit sacks.
Carpenter, a first-round pick this year, is a perfect fit in the 3-4. Ware's ability to rush the passer is one reason Dallas took Carpenter, the only strongside linebacker worthy of a first-round pick. Carpenter fits the Cowboys' scheme because he is big enough to hold his ground at the point of attack. Carpenter is a high-energy player who can put his hand down and rush the passer or drop into coverage.
S Roy Williams: For Dallas to become an elite defense, it must get more from Williams, who has played in three consecutive Pro Bowls. Williams struggles in coverage, so the Cowboys have spent a chunk of the offseason devising ways to get him more involved in the run defense.
The closer he plays to the line of scrimmage, the more effective he becomes. Dallas wants to blitz him more and give him more opportunities to be a dominant player.
VINNIE IYER'S TAKE
With their respective windows for personal success closing, Parcells and Owens find a way to get along. Prediction: 12-4 (first in the NFC East).
FANTASY SOURCE SPIN
Stud: WR Terrell Owens. Worried about T.O. becoming a whining detriment to the Cowboys? Well, just look at how Parcells deftly handled the less talented but equally volatile Keyshawn Johnson.
Sleeper: QB Drew Bledsoe. He has been a favorite whipping boy of fantasy owners in the past, but he won't be this year -- not with Owens to throw to.
Stumbler: WR Terry Glenn. As the Cowboys' second option in the passing game, Glenn's numbers will decline from the '05 season. His history of injuries also makes him a sizable risk.
FALL FORECAST
The Cowboys will end the longest drought without a playoff victory in franchise history. This team has capable performers at the six most important positions -- quarterback, running back, left tackle, receiver, cornerback and defensive end -- and that makes Dallas a contender in the NFC, where no great team exists.
It also has a coach probably in his last season and is attempting to lead his third team to the Super Bowl. Parcells is at his motivational best when he has a player such as Owens and a chip on his shoulder, which he definitely has after missing the playoffs the past two seasons.
May 12, 2006 Print it
By Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
A first critical look at the 2006 Cowboys:
WHAT'S NEW
The Cowboys have not won a playoff game in nine years, the longest streak in franchise history, but owner Jerry Jones has given coach Bill Parcells enough talent to end that drought in 2006.
Look no further than the addition of volatile receiver Terrell Owens and volatile kicker Mike Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
The Cowboys don't fear any team in the NFC and with Parcells, 64, nearing the end of his career, Jones wants the Cowboys loaded up to make a run at a sixth Super Bowl title. After all, that's why he hired Parcells four seasons ago. He wanted Parcells, known as a master builder, to make the Cowboys an elite franchise again.
This year's team will be the most talented in Parcells' tenure in Dallas, especially on offense, which includes Owens, receiver Terry Glenn, tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
Jones has no idea how long Parcells will coach, so time is of the essence. Jones yearns to be in the winner's circle again and says this is the season Parcells will take him there.
GAME PLAN
Offense: The Cowboys are getting rid of the fullback and going to a base offense that uses two tight ends, two receivers and one running back. The team wants a power running game that's accented by a passing attack that can be effective on intermediate and deep routes.
It has enough weapons in the passing game to attack no matter which players opponents attempt to take away. The key, though, will be the ability of first-year passing-game coordinator Todd Haley to use creative formations to get the ball to Owens.
Defense: The defense now is a full-fledged 3-4 scheme, getting significantly bigger along the front seven. That should allow it to win more one-on-one battles and be more effective against the run.
The secondary, led by strong safety Roy Williams, can be one of the best in the league. The Cowboys were 10th in total defense last season and added more pieces through the draft and free-agent market.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS
RB Julius Jones: Jones has had some dynamic performances in his first two seasons with the Cowboys, but because Dallas listened to trade offers for him on draft day, it might be ready to move on because of Jones' injury problems in his first two seasons.
The question isn't his toughness; it's his body's ability to hold up in the NFL. The switch to the two-tight end base offense could make it harder for Jones to stay on the field. It will increase the congestion in the middle, exposing Jones to more hits and reducing his opportunities to run draws and delays.
The positive from Jones' missed time in 2005: It gave rookie Marion Barber an opportunity to prove he is a legitimate NFL back. Barber is a hard-nosed, powerful runner who gained Parcells' respect with his penchant for finishing runs by running over defensive backs. Barber's good hands and blocking skills made him the team's third-down back.
OLBs DeMarcus Ware and Bobby Carpenter: After learning the subtleties of outside linebacker during his rookie season in 2005, Ware will become a star this year. He will "react" instead of "think" and is poised to register double-digit sacks.
Carpenter, a first-round pick this year, is a perfect fit in the 3-4. Ware's ability to rush the passer is one reason Dallas took Carpenter, the only strongside linebacker worthy of a first-round pick. Carpenter fits the Cowboys' scheme because he is big enough to hold his ground at the point of attack. Carpenter is a high-energy player who can put his hand down and rush the passer or drop into coverage.
S Roy Williams: For Dallas to become an elite defense, it must get more from Williams, who has played in three consecutive Pro Bowls. Williams struggles in coverage, so the Cowboys have spent a chunk of the offseason devising ways to get him more involved in the run defense.
The closer he plays to the line of scrimmage, the more effective he becomes. Dallas wants to blitz him more and give him more opportunities to be a dominant player.
VINNIE IYER'S TAKE
With their respective windows for personal success closing, Parcells and Owens find a way to get along. Prediction: 12-4 (first in the NFC East).
FANTASY SOURCE SPIN
Stud: WR Terrell Owens. Worried about T.O. becoming a whining detriment to the Cowboys? Well, just look at how Parcells deftly handled the less talented but equally volatile Keyshawn Johnson.
Sleeper: QB Drew Bledsoe. He has been a favorite whipping boy of fantasy owners in the past, but he won't be this year -- not with Owens to throw to.
Stumbler: WR Terry Glenn. As the Cowboys' second option in the passing game, Glenn's numbers will decline from the '05 season. His history of injuries also makes him a sizable risk.
FALL FORECAST
The Cowboys will end the longest drought without a playoff victory in franchise history. This team has capable performers at the six most important positions -- quarterback, running back, left tackle, receiver, cornerback and defensive end -- and that makes Dallas a contender in the NFC, where no great team exists.
It also has a coach probably in his last season and is attempting to lead his third team to the Super Bowl. Parcells is at his motivational best when he has a player such as Owens and a chip on his shoulder, which he definitely has after missing the playoffs the past two seasons.
posted by The Gryphon at 11:59 AM
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