Cowboys Team Report
By Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
May 20, 2007
LB Greg Ellis, who missed the last half of the 2006 season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon, is unhappy with his contract. Ellis, who's scheduled to earn $2.5 million this year, wants a new deal because he's now among the lowest-paid starters on defense, despite being one of the most valuable. Ellis also is upset because the Cowboys used a top pick on LB Anthony Spencer, and Ellis knows Dallas will be trying to move Spencer into the starting lineup at some point. . . .
The Cowboys are experimenting with a dime defense that will use Roy Williams at linebacker. It's part of their overall plan to keep Williams close to the line of scrimmage on a regular basis, where his strengths are accentuated and his flaws are minimized. They would ask him to do more blitzing from that spot and his coverage responsibilities would be limited.
SCOUTING REPORT: LB Kevin Burnett, one of the best athletes on the team, should have an opportunity to be a playmaker in the Cowboys' new version of the 3-4 defense, which accentuates athleticism. Burnett has excellent speed, strength and intelligence, but he lacks the size to consistently win battles against 300-pound guards. The Cowboys have moved him from outside linebacker to inside linebacker on the weak side, so he doesn't have to deal with as many offensive players, and he can chase plays from the backside. Burnett has been an average special teams player in his first two years, but the Cowboys think he has the ability to be excellent. If he is, it could lead to more playing time.
YOUTH MOVEMENT: RB Tyson Thompson always has intrigued the Cowboys with his tremendous speed and good size, but he never really has had a chance to get enough carries to make any impact. The Cowboys will use this preseason to determine his worth to the offense and to determine whether he has the potential to carry the ball 10-12 times a game or whether he's strictly a change of pace runner. He's a good kickoff returner but lacks the moves and instincts to be elite.
LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: B+This is the Cowboys' deepest and best position, as is should be, since they have spent first-round picks each of the past three years on linebackers. DeMarcus Ware made the Pro Bowl last year and is a star after reaching double-digit sacks last year. ILBs Akin Ayodele and Bradie James are solid and make few mental mistakes. Greg Ellis probably will start the first half of the season, while Anthony Spencer transitions into a starter. Spencer will start in the nickel, but the Cowboys expect him to be a significant contributor. Bobby Carpenter also will be a key contributor this season because he's more comfortable and confident in the scheme and he has the opportunity to be a playmaker.
Jean-Jacques Taylor is a columnist for the Dallas Morning News.
For Sporting News
May 20, 2007
LB Greg Ellis, who missed the last half of the 2006 season with a ruptured Achilles' tendon, is unhappy with his contract. Ellis, who's scheduled to earn $2.5 million this year, wants a new deal because he's now among the lowest-paid starters on defense, despite being one of the most valuable. Ellis also is upset because the Cowboys used a top pick on LB Anthony Spencer, and Ellis knows Dallas will be trying to move Spencer into the starting lineup at some point. . . .
The Cowboys are experimenting with a dime defense that will use Roy Williams at linebacker. It's part of their overall plan to keep Williams close to the line of scrimmage on a regular basis, where his strengths are accentuated and his flaws are minimized. They would ask him to do more blitzing from that spot and his coverage responsibilities would be limited.
SCOUTING REPORT: LB Kevin Burnett, one of the best athletes on the team, should have an opportunity to be a playmaker in the Cowboys' new version of the 3-4 defense, which accentuates athleticism. Burnett has excellent speed, strength and intelligence, but he lacks the size to consistently win battles against 300-pound guards. The Cowboys have moved him from outside linebacker to inside linebacker on the weak side, so he doesn't have to deal with as many offensive players, and he can chase plays from the backside. Burnett has been an average special teams player in his first two years, but the Cowboys think he has the ability to be excellent. If he is, it could lead to more playing time.
YOUTH MOVEMENT: RB Tyson Thompson always has intrigued the Cowboys with his tremendous speed and good size, but he never really has had a chance to get enough carries to make any impact. The Cowboys will use this preseason to determine his worth to the offense and to determine whether he has the potential to carry the ball 10-12 times a game or whether he's strictly a change of pace runner. He's a good kickoff returner but lacks the moves and instincts to be elite.
LINEBACKERS ANALYSIS: B+This is the Cowboys' deepest and best position, as is should be, since they have spent first-round picks each of the past three years on linebackers. DeMarcus Ware made the Pro Bowl last year and is a star after reaching double-digit sacks last year. ILBs Akin Ayodele and Bradie James are solid and make few mental mistakes. Greg Ellis probably will start the first half of the season, while Anthony Spencer transitions into a starter. Spencer will start in the nickel, but the Cowboys expect him to be a significant contributor. Bobby Carpenter also will be a key contributor this season because he's more comfortable and confident in the scheme and he has the opportunity to be a playmaker.
Jean-Jacques Taylor is a columnist for the Dallas Morning News.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:26 PM
<< Home