Thursday, July 19, 2007

Dallas Cowboys 2007 Training Camp Preview

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REPORT DATES: Rookies July 24th, Veterans July 24th

SITE: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX

CAMP OBJECTIVES: Instead of being uptight in California, toiling under Bill Parcells, the Cowboys will spend this year's training camp relaxed in San Antonio with new coach Wade Phillips. Whether Phillips' more laid-back camp approach inspires more wins remains to be seen, however. The offense is basically the same one that started in last year's playoff game against the Seahawks, though Leonard Davis (ex-Cardinals) was paid handsomely to come in and fill the right guard slot and new coordinator Jason Garrett will be the man calling the offensive shots. More than anything else, Phillips will be expected to craft a strong defense out of last year's underachieving unit, albeit with few new players apart from first-round draft choice Anthony Spencer (Purdue) and former Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin. Spencer, a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, projects as a situational pass rusher at first, while Hamlin figures to be penciled in at free safety next to the coverage- challenged Roy Williams. Finding a way to accentuate Williams' skills will be one of Phillips' most important training camp objectives. As usual, the Cowboys will also have to find a reliable kicker, with the hope being that sixth-round draft choice Nick Folk (Arizona) can beat out Martin Gramatica.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE: 8/9 vs. Indianapolis; 8/18 vs. Denver; 8/25 at Houston; 8/30 at Minnesota