Vanderjagt missing mark for Cowboys
By RICK HERRIN
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING - The Cowboys have gone from a receiver controversy to a kicker controversy.
Mike Vanderjagt was signed to a three-year, $5.4 million deal in the off-season to solve the Cowboys' kicking woes.
So far, Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, has been a disappointment.
He has been injured and inaccurate when he has kicked.
Kicking for the first time in three games, Vanderjagt missed potential game-winning efforts of 33 and 32 yards in overtime.
He made a 22-yarder in the first half, but that didn't matter at the end of the game.
"I have no idea," Vanderjagt said. "They were obviously horrible. Not enough work I guess."
The Cowboys came into the game wondering if Vanderjagt could kick off. He didn't do well in that category, with his lone attempt landing at the 12-yard line. The Cowboys didn't want to carry two kickers on the roster. But they might not have a choice. Of course, that's if they keep Vanderjagt.
"I don't know," Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said. "I haven't seen much. I am going to have to think it over. We had two point-blank field goals to win the game, and we missed those."
Defense tested
The Cowboys' defense hadn't been tested in the preseason until Thursday's final tuneup against Minnesota.
Minnesota scored the only touchdown the Cowboys' first-team defense has allowed in preseason with a 98-yard drive. The Vikings used nine plays, with Brad Johnson throwing a 24-yard touchdown to Marcus Robinson. The big play on the drive was a 40-yard completion to Troy Williamson, who was working against cornerback Anthony Henry.
Robinson's touchdown came on a deep slant route against cornerback Terence Newman.
The Cowboys' starters did not produce a sack or turnover.
Briefly
Owner Jerry Jones said the team remains in contract negotiations with linebacker Bradie James, but he doesn't know a time frame on when an extension will be complete. He also said the Cowboys will go with two quarterbacks on the roster to start the season to open an additional roster spot, but not necessarily for a kickoff specialist. Rookie quarterback Matt Baker will likely be moved to the practice squad.
The Cowboys traded backup third-year tight end Sean Ryan to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick in 2007. Ryan, a fifth-round pick in 2004, started two games in Dallas and did not have a catch.
Jerry Jones said he expects the Cowboys to apply, possibly as early as March, to host a Super Bowl in the new stadium in Arlington.
The NFL has committed to Super Bowl sites through 2010, and the Colts said they will apply to host the event in their new stadium in 2011.
Rookie free safety Patrick Watkins started his third consecutive preseason game.
IN THE KNOW
Running in place
Cowboys running back Julius Jones never seemed to find his groove this preseason. A game-by-game look at his performances:
Att. Yds. Lng.
Game 1: Dallas 13, Seattle 3
7 14 4
Game 2: Dallas 30, Saints 7
13 29 11
Game 3: Dallas 17, 49ers 7
15 56 9
Game 4: Dallas 10, Vikings 10
8 minus-2 1
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING - The Cowboys have gone from a receiver controversy to a kicker controversy.
Mike Vanderjagt was signed to a three-year, $5.4 million deal in the off-season to solve the Cowboys' kicking woes.
So far, Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, has been a disappointment.
He has been injured and inaccurate when he has kicked.
Kicking for the first time in three games, Vanderjagt missed potential game-winning efforts of 33 and 32 yards in overtime.
He made a 22-yarder in the first half, but that didn't matter at the end of the game.
"I have no idea," Vanderjagt said. "They were obviously horrible. Not enough work I guess."
The Cowboys came into the game wondering if Vanderjagt could kick off. He didn't do well in that category, with his lone attempt landing at the 12-yard line. The Cowboys didn't want to carry two kickers on the roster. But they might not have a choice. Of course, that's if they keep Vanderjagt.
"I don't know," Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said. "I haven't seen much. I am going to have to think it over. We had two point-blank field goals to win the game, and we missed those."
Defense tested
The Cowboys' defense hadn't been tested in the preseason until Thursday's final tuneup against Minnesota.
Minnesota scored the only touchdown the Cowboys' first-team defense has allowed in preseason with a 98-yard drive. The Vikings used nine plays, with Brad Johnson throwing a 24-yard touchdown to Marcus Robinson. The big play on the drive was a 40-yard completion to Troy Williamson, who was working against cornerback Anthony Henry.
Robinson's touchdown came on a deep slant route against cornerback Terence Newman.
The Cowboys' starters did not produce a sack or turnover.
Briefly
Owner Jerry Jones said the team remains in contract negotiations with linebacker Bradie James, but he doesn't know a time frame on when an extension will be complete. He also said the Cowboys will go with two quarterbacks on the roster to start the season to open an additional roster spot, but not necessarily for a kickoff specialist. Rookie quarterback Matt Baker will likely be moved to the practice squad.
The Cowboys traded backup third-year tight end Sean Ryan to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick in 2007. Ryan, a fifth-round pick in 2004, started two games in Dallas and did not have a catch.
Jerry Jones said he expects the Cowboys to apply, possibly as early as March, to host a Super Bowl in the new stadium in Arlington.
The NFL has committed to Super Bowl sites through 2010, and the Colts said they will apply to host the event in their new stadium in 2011.
Rookie free safety Patrick Watkins started his third consecutive preseason game.
IN THE KNOW
Running in place
Cowboys running back Julius Jones never seemed to find his groove this preseason. A game-by-game look at his performances:
Att. Yds. Lng.
Game 1: Dallas 13, Seattle 3
7 14 4
Game 2: Dallas 30, Saints 7
13 29 11
Game 3: Dallas 17, 49ers 7
15 56 9
Game 4: Dallas 10, Vikings 10
8 minus-2 1
posted by The Gryphon at 7:41 AM
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