Cowboys Team Report
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS
The Cowboys have a good running back situation with Marion Barber and Julius Jones. It doesn't matter whether Jones continues to start, but the Cowboys must get Barber more than 12 carries a game because he's a dynamic runner who energizes the team and the stadium when he's in the game. Jones, who gained 1,000 yards last season, has a valuable role on the team because he's a big-play performer when he gets in space. The Cowboys have to get him the ball more on draws, screens and quick-hitters that give him an opportunity to make plays. But they can't do it at the expense of getting Barber the ball.
Although the 3-4 is designed to make the outside linebackers stars, the Cowboys have to get more pass rush from defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears to take the pressure off of DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis. If they can't do it, look for Jason Hatcher to get more playing time in passing situations. And don't be surprised if the Cowboys put Ellis at one end, Hatcher at the other and use rookie Anthony Spencer as a pass-rushing linebacker in some situations to generate the pressure Wade Phillips wants.
The Cowboys kick and punt coverage and kickoff return units must play better in the second half of the season. Dallas has already yielded a kickoff and punt return for touchdowns this season and they're not getting much from kick returner Tyson Thompson. As the games become important later in the season, special teams become even more critical because field position is so important. Keith Davis is a dominant player on kick and punt coverage. He needs someone to join him.
PROJECTION
The second half of the schedule is a lot more difficult than the first half, but the Cowboys will still finish 12-4, which will be good enough to capture home field advantage throughout the playoffs and put Dallas in position to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1995. The Cowboys, though, must improve their pass defense, which will happen if they can get healthy considering they haven't had their four starters start a single game together.
MIDSEASON GRADES
Offense: A.
Defense: B.
Special teams: B-.
Coaching: A-.
Overall: A-.
For Sporting News
HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS
The Cowboys have a good running back situation with Marion Barber and Julius Jones. It doesn't matter whether Jones continues to start, but the Cowboys must get Barber more than 12 carries a game because he's a dynamic runner who energizes the team and the stadium when he's in the game. Jones, who gained 1,000 yards last season, has a valuable role on the team because he's a big-play performer when he gets in space. The Cowboys have to get him the ball more on draws, screens and quick-hitters that give him an opportunity to make plays. But they can't do it at the expense of getting Barber the ball.
Although the 3-4 is designed to make the outside linebackers stars, the Cowboys have to get more pass rush from defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears to take the pressure off of DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis. If they can't do it, look for Jason Hatcher to get more playing time in passing situations. And don't be surprised if the Cowboys put Ellis at one end, Hatcher at the other and use rookie Anthony Spencer as a pass-rushing linebacker in some situations to generate the pressure Wade Phillips wants.
The Cowboys kick and punt coverage and kickoff return units must play better in the second half of the season. Dallas has already yielded a kickoff and punt return for touchdowns this season and they're not getting much from kick returner Tyson Thompson. As the games become important later in the season, special teams become even more critical because field position is so important. Keith Davis is a dominant player on kick and punt coverage. He needs someone to join him.
PROJECTION
The second half of the schedule is a lot more difficult than the first half, but the Cowboys will still finish 12-4, which will be good enough to capture home field advantage throughout the playoffs and put Dallas in position to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1995. The Cowboys, though, must improve their pass defense, which will happen if they can get healthy considering they haven't had their four starters start a single game together.
MIDSEASON GRADES
Offense: A.
Defense: B.
Special teams: B-.
Coaching: A-.
Overall: A-.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:53 AM
<< Home