They're new, but are they improved?
Spencer leads a group of newcomers with key roles for the Cowboys
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram staff writer
GETTY IMAGES/RONALD MARTINEZIRVING -- Cowboys rookie outside linebacker Anthony Spencer doesn't get a sit-and-watch adjustment period.
Spencer, a former defensive end at Purdue, steps into the starting lineup Sunday night against the Giants. And the first-round pick doesn't expect to give up his spot after being thrust into the role because of Greg Ellis' injury rehab.
"You expect a lot of things," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said of Spencer. "He's not dominant yet, but he's good. The pass rush, attacking, those kind of things, are things that we saw him do in college, and we think he'll do well here."
Spencer is one of 13 newcomers on the Cowboys' roster, and one of five with major responsibilities for 2007.
OLB Anthony Spencer
(First season) Spencer, left, has the ability to make big plays and take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware, but it likely will take some time. With Greg Ellis out, the Cowboys' only proven pass rusher is Ware, so Spencer will have to be a fast learner.
FS Ken Hamlin
(Fifth season) The Cowboys hope Hamlin can roam the deep middle and allow Roy Williams to hover near the line of scrimmage. Hamlin takes charge in the secondary and likes to communicate on the field. A solid season could keep Hamlin, who signed a one-year deal, in Dallas for several years.
K Nick Folk
(First season) Folk, the team's sixth-round pick, won the job because he was perfect in preseason (3-for-3 on FGs, including a 52-yarder) and veteran Martin Gramatica was placed on injured reserve. The question is: Can Folk handle the crunch-time pressure?
RG Leonard Davis
(Seventh season) If the preseason is any indication, Davis may finally be living up to his status as the No. 2 overall pick in 2001. The Cowboys plan to run often behind their 6-foot-6, 354-pound mountain. Because of his club-record $16 million signing bonus, Davis will be expected to dominate.
FB Deon Anderson
(First season) Anderson, a sixth-round pick, beat out Lousaka Polite for the starting job. Anderson has an electric personality and plays with passion. His true value may be on special teams.
COWBOYS SEASON OPENER VS. GIANTS, 7:15 P.M. SUNDAY, KXAS/CH. 5
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram staff writer
GETTY IMAGES/RONALD MARTINEZIRVING -- Cowboys rookie outside linebacker Anthony Spencer doesn't get a sit-and-watch adjustment period.
Spencer, a former defensive end at Purdue, steps into the starting lineup Sunday night against the Giants. And the first-round pick doesn't expect to give up his spot after being thrust into the role because of Greg Ellis' injury rehab.
"You expect a lot of things," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said of Spencer. "He's not dominant yet, but he's good. The pass rush, attacking, those kind of things, are things that we saw him do in college, and we think he'll do well here."
Spencer is one of 13 newcomers on the Cowboys' roster, and one of five with major responsibilities for 2007.
OLB Anthony Spencer
(First season) Spencer, left, has the ability to make big plays and take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware, but it likely will take some time. With Greg Ellis out, the Cowboys' only proven pass rusher is Ware, so Spencer will have to be a fast learner.
FS Ken Hamlin
(Fifth season) The Cowboys hope Hamlin can roam the deep middle and allow Roy Williams to hover near the line of scrimmage. Hamlin takes charge in the secondary and likes to communicate on the field. A solid season could keep Hamlin, who signed a one-year deal, in Dallas for several years.
K Nick Folk
(First season) Folk, the team's sixth-round pick, won the job because he was perfect in preseason (3-for-3 on FGs, including a 52-yarder) and veteran Martin Gramatica was placed on injured reserve. The question is: Can Folk handle the crunch-time pressure?
RG Leonard Davis
(Seventh season) If the preseason is any indication, Davis may finally be living up to his status as the No. 2 overall pick in 2001. The Cowboys plan to run often behind their 6-foot-6, 354-pound mountain. Because of his club-record $16 million signing bonus, Davis will be expected to dominate.
FB Deon Anderson
(First season) Anderson, a sixth-round pick, beat out Lousaka Polite for the starting job. Anderson has an electric personality and plays with passion. His true value may be on special teams.
COWBOYS SEASON OPENER VS. GIANTS, 7:15 P.M. SUNDAY, KXAS/CH. 5
posted by The Gryphon at 9:27 AM
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