Cowboys Team Report: Offseason Outlook
By Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
OFFSEASON OUTLOOK
Running back: The Cowboys don't have that much work to do in free agency, though they're expected to get offseason deals done with defensive end Chris Canty and running back Marion Barber that will keep them in Dallas long term.
Barber was named the starter Sunday for the first time this season and responded with 129 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in the loss to the New York Giants. Barber will enter next season as the starter, though the Cowboys will look to add a complementary runner in free agency or the draft.
Finding a backup for Barber is necessary because deposed starter Julius Jones will be an unrestricted free agent and has no interest in returning to Dallas.
Barber's teammates feed off his slashing style -- he led the NFL with 29 broken tackles -- and his ability to sustain plays after initial contact. He also led the NFL in fourth-quarter rushing yards (402) during the regular season, so there is naturally some concern about whether he'll be an effective closer at the end of the game if he enters the fourth quarter with 15 or more carries.
Wide receiver: The Cowboys need to upgrade at wide receiver because Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are both 34. Old players tend to get hurt and take longer to recover. Look for Dallas, which has two first-round selections, to use a pick in the first- or second-round on a wide receiver to make sure Tony Romo has plenty of weapons.
Cornerback: Dallas owner/GM Jerry Jones also should use a premium pick on a cornerback. One of the offseason goals is to get a long-term deal done with cornerback Terence Newman, who has a year left on his contract. Still, the Cowboys must start grooming a cornerback to replace Newman's counterpart, Anthony Henry, who could move to free safety.
Nickel back Jacques Reeves is an average player, and the Cowboys will look to upgrade his spot, too, through the draft and/or free agency.
Safety: Dallas also will look to get a deal done with safety Ken Hamlin, who was excellent this season, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. The Cowboys want to lock him up long term because the coaches like the way he handles all of the alignments in the secondary.
ELLIS THE COMEBACK PLAYER
Greg Ellis, named Comeback Player of the Year, averaged nearly a sack a game. Ellis, who had 12 1/2 sacks in 13 games, missed the first three games recovering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon suffered in November 2006.
Ellis lacks great burst or strength but is a master technician and does an excellent job of using hand techniques to free himself from blockers. He also uses a multiple pass-rush moves, which means he can setup offensive linemen in the first quarter for a move he'll use in the fourth quarter.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Stephen Bowen has made himself a valuable member of the Cowboys' defensive line rotation. He is solid against the run but also has proved to be an adept pass rusher. He plays with good pad level and has a good burst at the snap.
Bowen had to fight in training camp just to make the team. He'll spend this offseason working on technique and getting stronger, so he can have more of a role next season.
For Sporting News
OFFSEASON OUTLOOK
Running back: The Cowboys don't have that much work to do in free agency, though they're expected to get offseason deals done with defensive end Chris Canty and running back Marion Barber that will keep them in Dallas long term.
Barber was named the starter Sunday for the first time this season and responded with 129 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in the loss to the New York Giants. Barber will enter next season as the starter, though the Cowboys will look to add a complementary runner in free agency or the draft.
Finding a backup for Barber is necessary because deposed starter Julius Jones will be an unrestricted free agent and has no interest in returning to Dallas.
Barber's teammates feed off his slashing style -- he led the NFL with 29 broken tackles -- and his ability to sustain plays after initial contact. He also led the NFL in fourth-quarter rushing yards (402) during the regular season, so there is naturally some concern about whether he'll be an effective closer at the end of the game if he enters the fourth quarter with 15 or more carries.
Wide receiver: The Cowboys need to upgrade at wide receiver because Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are both 34. Old players tend to get hurt and take longer to recover. Look for Dallas, which has two first-round selections, to use a pick in the first- or second-round on a wide receiver to make sure Tony Romo has plenty of weapons.
Cornerback: Dallas owner/GM Jerry Jones also should use a premium pick on a cornerback. One of the offseason goals is to get a long-term deal done with cornerback Terence Newman, who has a year left on his contract. Still, the Cowboys must start grooming a cornerback to replace Newman's counterpart, Anthony Henry, who could move to free safety.
Nickel back Jacques Reeves is an average player, and the Cowboys will look to upgrade his spot, too, through the draft and/or free agency.
Safety: Dallas also will look to get a deal done with safety Ken Hamlin, who was excellent this season, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. The Cowboys want to lock him up long term because the coaches like the way he handles all of the alignments in the secondary.
ELLIS THE COMEBACK PLAYER
Greg Ellis, named Comeback Player of the Year, averaged nearly a sack a game. Ellis, who had 12 1/2 sacks in 13 games, missed the first three games recovering from a ruptured Achilles' tendon suffered in November 2006.
Ellis lacks great burst or strength but is a master technician and does an excellent job of using hand techniques to free himself from blockers. He also uses a multiple pass-rush moves, which means he can setup offensive linemen in the first quarter for a move he'll use in the fourth quarter.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Stephen Bowen has made himself a valuable member of the Cowboys' defensive line rotation. He is solid against the run but also has proved to be an adept pass rusher. He plays with good pad level and has a good burst at the snap.
Bowen had to fight in training camp just to make the team. He'll spend this offseason working on technique and getting stronger, so he can have more of a role next season.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:10 AM
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