Cowboys Team Report
Posted: December 2, 2007
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Ken Hamlin has been everything the Cowboys want in a free safety, so look for them to begin contract negotiations with the veteran. Hamlin signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal in the offseason, but he'll earn substantially more with his next deal. The Cowboys love Hamlin's leadership in the secondary, where makes sure everyone else is lined up properly. While he has always been good against the run -- he's nicknamed Hammer -- Hamlin has played well in coverage and is tied for the team lead with five interceptions. . . .
OLB Greg Ellis earned a $250,000 bonus with his 10th sack of the season. Ellis has always been a good pass rusher, but he's benefiting from opponents having to pay so much attention to OLB DeMarcus Ware. As a result, Ellis is facing more single coverage than ever. In addition, coach Wade Phillips' scheme is designed to create confusion on the offensive line and help Ellis get to the quarterback.
SCOUTING REPORT: CB Jacques Reeves has proved he can be a capable starter this season as CBs Terence Newman and Anthony Henry have battled nagging injuries. Reeves has tremendous speed and plays with good technique. He has good footwork and does a nice job of recognizing route patterns. Although Reeves plays too soft in some zone coverages and isn't as physical as the coaches would like in press coverage, he has good recovery skills when he's beaten and is a sure tackler.
THIRD-QUARTER GRADES:
Offense: A+. QB Tony Romo is shattering the franchise's single-season record book and WR Terrell Owens is having a career year.
Defense: B. Ware and Ellis combined have 20 sacks, which helps compensate for inconsistency in the secondary.
Special teams: B. S Keith Davis is one of the best coverage men in the league; K Nick Folk and P Mat McBriar have been superb.
Coaching: A. Phillips has figured out how to keep everything running smoothly, which isn't nearly as easy as it looks. Ask the Chargers' Norv Turner.
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL UPDATE: Ken Hamlin has been everything the Cowboys want in a free safety, so look for them to begin contract negotiations with the veteran. Hamlin signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal in the offseason, but he'll earn substantially more with his next deal. The Cowboys love Hamlin's leadership in the secondary, where makes sure everyone else is lined up properly. While he has always been good against the run -- he's nicknamed Hammer -- Hamlin has played well in coverage and is tied for the team lead with five interceptions. . . .
OLB Greg Ellis earned a $250,000 bonus with his 10th sack of the season. Ellis has always been a good pass rusher, but he's benefiting from opponents having to pay so much attention to OLB DeMarcus Ware. As a result, Ellis is facing more single coverage than ever. In addition, coach Wade Phillips' scheme is designed to create confusion on the offensive line and help Ellis get to the quarterback.
SCOUTING REPORT: CB Jacques Reeves has proved he can be a capable starter this season as CBs Terence Newman and Anthony Henry have battled nagging injuries. Reeves has tremendous speed and plays with good technique. He has good footwork and does a nice job of recognizing route patterns. Although Reeves plays too soft in some zone coverages and isn't as physical as the coaches would like in press coverage, he has good recovery skills when he's beaten and is a sure tackler.
THIRD-QUARTER GRADES:
Offense: A+. QB Tony Romo is shattering the franchise's single-season record book and WR Terrell Owens is having a career year.
Defense: B. Ware and Ellis combined have 20 sacks, which helps compensate for inconsistency in the secondary.
Special teams: B. S Keith Davis is one of the best coverage men in the league; K Nick Folk and P Mat McBriar have been superb.
Coaching: A. Phillips has figured out how to keep everything running smoothly, which isn't nearly as easy as it looks. Ask the Chargers' Norv Turner.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:48 AM
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