Cowboys Team Report
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
Patrick Crayton, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, continues to do a nice job replacing Terry Glenn at receiver and doing the same for Terence Newman at punt returner. Crayton, who plays in the slot in three receiver formations, caught seven passes for a career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns against St. Louis. He also returned two punts for a 22.5-yard average. Crayton isn't fast, but he is shifty and strong enough to run through arm tackles. He's also the Cowboys' best run-blocking receiver, adding to his importance to the offense. When Glenn (knee) was hurt during training camp, the Cowboys opted to move Crayton and Hurd up the depth chart instead of trying to sign another receiver.
Outside linebacker Greg Ellis, who returned to the field for the first time since rupturing his Achilles' tendon last November, had 1.5 sacks in his debut. Ellis said he's about 75 percent healthy and played only in obvious passing situations. He's the only other player besides DeMarcus Ware who can consistently beat one-on-one blocking.
SCOUTING REPORT
Leonard Davis has been a strong performer in the first quarter of the season for the Cowboys and a significant upgrade over Marco Rivera, who was hobbled by back and hamstring injuries last season. Davis is a powerful run blocker who can create running lanes by burying defensive tackles when he locks onto them. He has been criticized for not playing with intensity each week, but that hasn't been the case this season. The Cowboys are happy with his effort.
FIRST QUARTER GRADES
Offense: The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in each of their first four games for the first time since 1986. Grade: A+.
Defense: It's taking some time, but they're finally adjusting to Wade Phillips' defensive scheme and improving each week. Grade: B.
Special Teams: Rookie kicker Nick Folk and punter Mat McBriar have been, along with the coverage teams, virtually flawless. Grade: A.
Coaching: Wade Phillips has changed the atmosphere and the players are having a blast, which shows on the field. Grade: A.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS
Patrick Crayton, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, continues to do a nice job replacing Terry Glenn at receiver and doing the same for Terence Newman at punt returner. Crayton, who plays in the slot in three receiver formations, caught seven passes for a career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns against St. Louis. He also returned two punts for a 22.5-yard average. Crayton isn't fast, but he is shifty and strong enough to run through arm tackles. He's also the Cowboys' best run-blocking receiver, adding to his importance to the offense. When Glenn (knee) was hurt during training camp, the Cowboys opted to move Crayton and Hurd up the depth chart instead of trying to sign another receiver.
Outside linebacker Greg Ellis, who returned to the field for the first time since rupturing his Achilles' tendon last November, had 1.5 sacks in his debut. Ellis said he's about 75 percent healthy and played only in obvious passing situations. He's the only other player besides DeMarcus Ware who can consistently beat one-on-one blocking.
SCOUTING REPORT
Leonard Davis has been a strong performer in the first quarter of the season for the Cowboys and a significant upgrade over Marco Rivera, who was hobbled by back and hamstring injuries last season. Davis is a powerful run blocker who can create running lanes by burying defensive tackles when he locks onto them. He has been criticized for not playing with intensity each week, but that hasn't been the case this season. The Cowboys are happy with his effort.
FIRST QUARTER GRADES
Offense: The Cowboys have scored more than 30 points in each of their first four games for the first time since 1986. Grade: A+.
Defense: It's taking some time, but they're finally adjusting to Wade Phillips' defensive scheme and improving each week. Grade: B.
Special Teams: Rookie kicker Nick Folk and punter Mat McBriar have been, along with the coverage teams, virtually flawless. Grade: A.
Coaching: Wade Phillips has changed the atmosphere and the players are having a blast, which shows on the field. Grade: A.
posted by The Gryphon at 5:56 PM
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