Notes, quotes: Dallas Cowboys
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The Cowboys were a two-back team last year and will be the same in 2007 with Julius Jones starting and Marion Barber serving as the third-down and short-yardage back.
Barber, however, will get more looks on first and second down this year than last year.
Look for Jones to get 60 percent of the carries with Barber getting 40 percent.
"Of course you want to (start)," Barber said. "It's a goal of mine. If you are not motivated to start or train yourself like you are going to start, you shouldn't be playing. But you have to know your role. I just try to be ready when they call my name."
The Cowboys were one of seven teams last year who had a backup running back with a better yards-per-carry average than the starter.
The Cowboys had just 34 sacks last season. They simply couldn't pressure the quarterback when Greg Ellis was sidelined with a torn left Achilles. That is one reason Wade Phillips was brought to Dallas. He will get after the quarterback. Under Phillips, the Chargers registered 61 sacks last season. Even if you take away the 17 from Shawne Merriman, they still had more than the Cowboys.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Any time you're missing a top-notch caliber player of that magnitude, it definitely affects you. It affects how you do things." -- Cornerback Aaron Glenn said of the potential absence of cornerback Terence Newman for the season opener.
Strategy and personnel
PLAYER TO WATCH: FS Ken Hamlin — Hamlin is considered the final piece to the puzzle on what the Cowboys believe is a potentially dominant defense. He is a centerfielder and true quarterback of the defense. He will have a major impact on strong safety Roy Williams. He will also allow Williams to play closer to the line scrimmage where he can maximize his abilities to make plays in the backfield. Williams was used too often in deep coverage the past two seasons, which is not his strength. Hamlin will also make Williams more accountable.
Draft picks to stick
Rd. 1/26, DE Anthony Spencer, Purdue — He will start opening day. But he remains a work in progress in his transition from college defensive end to NFL linebacker.
Rd. 3/67, OT James Marten, Boston College — He has struggled in pass protection. Is at least a year away from contributing.
Rd. 4/103, WR Isaiah Stanback, Washington — A converted college quarterback who missed most of camp with an injury. He was picked for the future.
Rd. 4/122, OT Doug Free, Northern Illinois — He had been a big surprise until he sprained his knee in the preseason opener.
Rd. 6/178, K Nick Folk, Arizona — Has had a wonderful preseason and will make the team as the opening day kicker.
Rd. 6/195, FB Deon Anderson, Connecticut — Has all the tools to be an NFL fullback. He can also play special teams. Will be a contributor if not a starter.
Sports Xchange
The Cowboys were a two-back team last year and will be the same in 2007 with Julius Jones starting and Marion Barber serving as the third-down and short-yardage back.
Barber, however, will get more looks on first and second down this year than last year.
Look for Jones to get 60 percent of the carries with Barber getting 40 percent.
"Of course you want to (start)," Barber said. "It's a goal of mine. If you are not motivated to start or train yourself like you are going to start, you shouldn't be playing. But you have to know your role. I just try to be ready when they call my name."
The Cowboys were one of seven teams last year who had a backup running back with a better yards-per-carry average than the starter.
The Cowboys had just 34 sacks last season. They simply couldn't pressure the quarterback when Greg Ellis was sidelined with a torn left Achilles. That is one reason Wade Phillips was brought to Dallas. He will get after the quarterback. Under Phillips, the Chargers registered 61 sacks last season. Even if you take away the 17 from Shawne Merriman, they still had more than the Cowboys.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Any time you're missing a top-notch caliber player of that magnitude, it definitely affects you. It affects how you do things." -- Cornerback Aaron Glenn said of the potential absence of cornerback Terence Newman for the season opener.
Strategy and personnel
PLAYER TO WATCH: FS Ken Hamlin — Hamlin is considered the final piece to the puzzle on what the Cowboys believe is a potentially dominant defense. He is a centerfielder and true quarterback of the defense. He will have a major impact on strong safety Roy Williams. He will also allow Williams to play closer to the line scrimmage where he can maximize his abilities to make plays in the backfield. Williams was used too often in deep coverage the past two seasons, which is not his strength. Hamlin will also make Williams more accountable.
Draft picks to stick
Rd. 1/26, DE Anthony Spencer, Purdue — He will start opening day. But he remains a work in progress in his transition from college defensive end to NFL linebacker.
Rd. 3/67, OT James Marten, Boston College — He has struggled in pass protection. Is at least a year away from contributing.
Rd. 4/103, WR Isaiah Stanback, Washington — A converted college quarterback who missed most of camp with an injury. He was picked for the future.
Rd. 4/122, OT Doug Free, Northern Illinois — He had been a big surprise until he sprained his knee in the preseason opener.
Rd. 6/178, K Nick Folk, Arizona — Has had a wonderful preseason and will make the team as the opening day kicker.
Rd. 6/195, FB Deon Anderson, Connecticut — Has all the tools to be an NFL fullback. He can also play special teams. Will be a contributor if not a starter.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:31 PM
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