Offseason update: Dallas Cowboys
Vic Carucci By Vic Carucci
National Editor, NFL.com
(May 22, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Dallas Cowboys' offseason moves: First-round draft pick Anthony Spencer, a defensive end from Purdue, could very well prove to be a defining player for the Wade Phillips coaching era.
DeMarcus Ware should benefit from the addition of Anthony Spencer.
DeMarcus Ware should benefit from the addition of Anthony Spencer.
The Cowboys hired Phillips primarily to put more teeth into their 3-4 defensive scheme. Trading up with the Philadelphia Eagles to land Spencer is a key step toward recreating the same aggressive, playmaking mentality that the San Diego Chargers' defense had under Phillips' guidance. With his considerable athleticism and broad repertoire of pass-rush moves, Spencer is equipped to make an immediate impact putting heat on quarterbacks and helping the Cowboys to get even more production from incumbent sack leader DeMarcus Ware.
The Cowboys made what looks like a very good value pick in third-rounder James Marten, an offensive tackle from Boston College. Despite his gigantic frame (6-foot-7-plus and 310 pounds), Marten is quick on his feet and shows superb athleticism. He also is technically sound, especially when it comes to using his hands to tie up defenders. Marten's advanced skills should allow him to at least contribute on a spot basis this year, and it won't be long before he takes over for one of the team's shaky tackle starters -- Flozell Adams or Marc Colombo.
This is what concerns me: Public comments by Cowboys players that they feel a sense of relief now that Bill Parcells and his hard-line, unwavering style are gone. Parcells' style has rubbed a lot of players the wrong way through the years, but it also has been successful. Granted, he never did win a playoff game in Dallas, but for players to suggest that he didn't do enough to allow them to succeed should sound an alarm because it comes off as so much excuse-making rather than a willingness to accept accountability. It also creates an impression that they are looking forward to a less ridged approach from the easier-going Phillips. Phillips already has brought a more comfortable atmosphere to Valley Ranch, but if players -- especially Terrell Owens -- perceive that they have more leeway to follow their own agenda, it could make for a long season. Phillips is capable of establishing that his gentler nature should never be confused for weakness.
The Cowboys' biggest free-agency acquisition was offensive lineman Leonard Davis. At 6-6 and 366 pounds, Davis should be the dominant tackle he was expected to become when the Arizona Cardinals made him the second overall pick of the 2001 draft. However, he has hardly distinguished himself at that position. Davis played guard and tackle for the Cardinals, and is expected to start at right guard for the Cowboys for at least the 2007 season. So far, Davis' career has been defined by underachievement. He must prove that the Cowboys' substantial investment in him was money well spent.
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Tony Romo still has a long way to go to prove he can be a consistently effective starting quarterback. If he doesn't make significant progress this year, the Cowboys' alternatives are limited. They picked up veteran Brad Johnson in free agency, but he is little more than a short-term solution at this stage of his career.
After Spencer and Marten, the Cowboys' draft pretty much focused on players whose football skills need developing over the next few years. However, the team might need more immediate contributions, especially on defense.
National Editor, NFL.com
(May 22, 2007) -- This is what I like about the Dallas Cowboys' offseason moves: First-round draft pick Anthony Spencer, a defensive end from Purdue, could very well prove to be a defining player for the Wade Phillips coaching era.
DeMarcus Ware should benefit from the addition of Anthony Spencer.
DeMarcus Ware should benefit from the addition of Anthony Spencer.
The Cowboys hired Phillips primarily to put more teeth into their 3-4 defensive scheme. Trading up with the Philadelphia Eagles to land Spencer is a key step toward recreating the same aggressive, playmaking mentality that the San Diego Chargers' defense had under Phillips' guidance. With his considerable athleticism and broad repertoire of pass-rush moves, Spencer is equipped to make an immediate impact putting heat on quarterbacks and helping the Cowboys to get even more production from incumbent sack leader DeMarcus Ware.
The Cowboys made what looks like a very good value pick in third-rounder James Marten, an offensive tackle from Boston College. Despite his gigantic frame (6-foot-7-plus and 310 pounds), Marten is quick on his feet and shows superb athleticism. He also is technically sound, especially when it comes to using his hands to tie up defenders. Marten's advanced skills should allow him to at least contribute on a spot basis this year, and it won't be long before he takes over for one of the team's shaky tackle starters -- Flozell Adams or Marc Colombo.
This is what concerns me: Public comments by Cowboys players that they feel a sense of relief now that Bill Parcells and his hard-line, unwavering style are gone. Parcells' style has rubbed a lot of players the wrong way through the years, but it also has been successful. Granted, he never did win a playoff game in Dallas, but for players to suggest that he didn't do enough to allow them to succeed should sound an alarm because it comes off as so much excuse-making rather than a willingness to accept accountability. It also creates an impression that they are looking forward to a less ridged approach from the easier-going Phillips. Phillips already has brought a more comfortable atmosphere to Valley Ranch, but if players -- especially Terrell Owens -- perceive that they have more leeway to follow their own agenda, it could make for a long season. Phillips is capable of establishing that his gentler nature should never be confused for weakness.
The Cowboys' biggest free-agency acquisition was offensive lineman Leonard Davis. At 6-6 and 366 pounds, Davis should be the dominant tackle he was expected to become when the Arizona Cardinals made him the second overall pick of the 2001 draft. However, he has hardly distinguished himself at that position. Davis played guard and tackle for the Cardinals, and is expected to start at right guard for the Cowboys for at least the 2007 season. So far, Davis' career has been defined by underachievement. He must prove that the Cowboys' substantial investment in him was money well spent.
Ask Vic!
Have a question for Vic on anything NFL related? Don't just sit there -- send it to AskVic@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!
Tony Romo still has a long way to go to prove he can be a consistently effective starting quarterback. If he doesn't make significant progress this year, the Cowboys' alternatives are limited. They picked up veteran Brad Johnson in free agency, but he is little more than a short-term solution at this stage of his career.
After Spencer and Marten, the Cowboys' draft pretty much focused on players whose football skills need developing over the next few years. However, the team might need more immediate contributions, especially on defense.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:12 PM
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