Cowboys Team Report
Jean-Jacques Taylor
Dallas Morning News
Posted: September 3, 2006
The Cowboys didn't run the ball well at all during training camp and averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. The bigger problem is that Julius Jones averaged just 2.3 yards per carry on 43 carries. The two-tight end offense that Dallas has made its base offense doesn't suit the skills of Jones, who is much more effective running draws and delays from formations with three receivers. This current offense requires more power running plays, which suits Marion Barber, though he doesn't have the speed or quickness of Jones to turn short runs into long touchdowns. . . .
The Cowboys still don't have a suitable backup for NT Jason Ferguson, which is an issue because nose tackle is such a physically demanding position. Thomas Johnson, the backup, is a good pass rusher and plays with high intensity, but he's not consistently adept at being a two-gap player, which is required of nose tackles in the 3-4. He has trouble maintaining his leverage at the point of attack, shedding the blocker and making the play. He's a lot more effective when down and distance indicates the offense is going to run or pass because it allows him to get a better jump off the snap, but the Cowboys don't want him relying on anticipation to be effective.
NEWCOMER REPORT: Rookie free-agent linebacker Oliver Hoyte made himself a factor at training camp with his performance on special teams. He had four tackles against New Orleans and continued to play at a high level on the coverage units in his last two games. He's also been a strong run defender in training camp and has impressed the coaching staff with his instincts. He needs work on his pass coverage and recognizing route combinations and getting the proper depth in zone coverages, but he could make his mark this season on special teams.
PROBLEM SPOT:Mike Vanderjagt, the highest-paid kicker in franchise history, has been poor in training camp when he wasn't injured. He didn't kick in two exhibition games because of a strained groin and quadriceps, and then he missed potential game-winning kicks in overtime against Minnesota from 33 and 32 yards in the final exhibition game. He has not shown good leg strength, and there are now questions about whether the 46-yard attempt he missed wide right with 17 seconds left in the Colts' 21-18 AFC divisional loss has created a mental block for him. Every kick he missed in training camp and the preseason has been wide right.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNED: 1. Greg Ellis has made a successful shift from defensive end to linebacker, which will give the Cowboys nearly 600 pounds at defensive end and linebacker on the strong side, making them one of the biggest in the league. 2. Tony Romo's continued improvement means the season is no longer over if quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffers an injury that forces him to miss several games. Romo should be able to keep the team afloat until Bledsoe returns. 3. Terence Newman was superb in training camp and should have a breakout year that includes a trip to the Pro Bowl because he's a physical run defender, he has the speed and technique to cover slot receivers and when he gets a chance to return punts occasionally this year, he has game-breaking potential.
THREE THIGNS WE DON'T KNOW: 1. The offensive line has been unimpressive much of training camp, and no one knows for sure whether it will be adequate enough to get the job done and create enough running lanes for Julius Jones. 2. Terrell Owens and Bill Parcells managed to get through all of the issues regarding his strained left hamstring without a training camp blowup. That bodes well for their ability to manage the regular season without any incidents that create a situation that tears the team apart. 3. Dallas is going with some type of committee approach between Bill Parcells, offensive line coach Tony Sparano and receivers coach Todd Haley. Are too many people involved in the process and will that lead to confusion on the sideline or no accountability on those days when things go wrong?
Dallas Morning News
Posted: September 3, 2006
The Cowboys didn't run the ball well at all during training camp and averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. The bigger problem is that Julius Jones averaged just 2.3 yards per carry on 43 carries. The two-tight end offense that Dallas has made its base offense doesn't suit the skills of Jones, who is much more effective running draws and delays from formations with three receivers. This current offense requires more power running plays, which suits Marion Barber, though he doesn't have the speed or quickness of Jones to turn short runs into long touchdowns. . . .
The Cowboys still don't have a suitable backup for NT Jason Ferguson, which is an issue because nose tackle is such a physically demanding position. Thomas Johnson, the backup, is a good pass rusher and plays with high intensity, but he's not consistently adept at being a two-gap player, which is required of nose tackles in the 3-4. He has trouble maintaining his leverage at the point of attack, shedding the blocker and making the play. He's a lot more effective when down and distance indicates the offense is going to run or pass because it allows him to get a better jump off the snap, but the Cowboys don't want him relying on anticipation to be effective.
NEWCOMER REPORT: Rookie free-agent linebacker Oliver Hoyte made himself a factor at training camp with his performance on special teams. He had four tackles against New Orleans and continued to play at a high level on the coverage units in his last two games. He's also been a strong run defender in training camp and has impressed the coaching staff with his instincts. He needs work on his pass coverage and recognizing route combinations and getting the proper depth in zone coverages, but he could make his mark this season on special teams.
PROBLEM SPOT:Mike Vanderjagt, the highest-paid kicker in franchise history, has been poor in training camp when he wasn't injured. He didn't kick in two exhibition games because of a strained groin and quadriceps, and then he missed potential game-winning kicks in overtime against Minnesota from 33 and 32 yards in the final exhibition game. He has not shown good leg strength, and there are now questions about whether the 46-yard attempt he missed wide right with 17 seconds left in the Colts' 21-18 AFC divisional loss has created a mental block for him. Every kick he missed in training camp and the preseason has been wide right.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNED: 1. Greg Ellis has made a successful shift from defensive end to linebacker, which will give the Cowboys nearly 600 pounds at defensive end and linebacker on the strong side, making them one of the biggest in the league. 2. Tony Romo's continued improvement means the season is no longer over if quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffers an injury that forces him to miss several games. Romo should be able to keep the team afloat until Bledsoe returns. 3. Terence Newman was superb in training camp and should have a breakout year that includes a trip to the Pro Bowl because he's a physical run defender, he has the speed and technique to cover slot receivers and when he gets a chance to return punts occasionally this year, he has game-breaking potential.
THREE THIGNS WE DON'T KNOW: 1. The offensive line has been unimpressive much of training camp, and no one knows for sure whether it will be adequate enough to get the job done and create enough running lanes for Julius Jones. 2. Terrell Owens and Bill Parcells managed to get through all of the issues regarding his strained left hamstring without a training camp blowup. That bodes well for their ability to manage the regular season without any incidents that create a situation that tears the team apart. 3. Dallas is going with some type of committee approach between Bill Parcells, offensive line coach Tony Sparano and receivers coach Todd Haley. Are too many people involved in the process and will that lead to confusion on the sideline or no accountability on those days when things go wrong?
posted by The Gryphon at 11:15 AM
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