Cowboys Team Report
by Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys have had internal discussions about acquiring troubled Titans CB Pacman Jones, who is serving a suspension for violating the NFL's player conduct policy. The Cowboys need a third cornerback, and Jones would certainly qualify as an upgrade; he has the talent to compete for a starting job. He would also provide a significant boost as a kick and punt returner. However, Jones has not been told when his suspension will be lifted. He has asked commissioner Roger Goodell to make a decision in late April, but there's no guarantee he will adhere to that timetable. Jones, who has been given permission by the Titans to work out a trade, has said he would like to play for the Cowboys. ...
The team's decision to cut FB Oliver Hoyte, who was hampered by a neck injury for much of last season, is an indication of how much it likes Deon Anderson, a sixth-round pick in 2007. Hoyte, a converted linebacker, began the 2007 season as the starter but never became the physical difference-maker the team had hoped he would be. Anderson did a much better job with blocking angles and being physical at the point of attack. He also showed surprisingly good hands and became a good checkdown option for QB Tony Romo.
SCOUTING REPORT: Miles Austin showed he could be a pretty good kick returner last season; now the Cowboys need the speedster to make strides as a receiver. Austin, who's entering his third season, has showed the ability to run by defenders on deep routes. He drew two pass interference penalties, each of at least 40 yards, in the Cowboys' regular-season win over the Packers. Austin needs to focus on improving his hands, which are adequate, and become a better route runner. If he is able to be used on routes that take him over the middle of the field, it will keep Austin from being so one-dimensional and improve his chances of beating cornerbacks deep.
OFFSEASON PROGRAM: March 31. This will be one of the most important offseasons in years for the Cowboys, following their postseason collapse against the Giants. The Cowboys have played their worst football in December the past few seasons, an indication they aren't as strong at the end of the season as they are at the beginning. That's not an indictment of strength coach Joe Juraszek, who recently received a new contract, but it's still an issue that must be addressed.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys have had internal discussions about acquiring troubled Titans CB Pacman Jones, who is serving a suspension for violating the NFL's player conduct policy. The Cowboys need a third cornerback, and Jones would certainly qualify as an upgrade; he has the talent to compete for a starting job. He would also provide a significant boost as a kick and punt returner. However, Jones has not been told when his suspension will be lifted. He has asked commissioner Roger Goodell to make a decision in late April, but there's no guarantee he will adhere to that timetable. Jones, who has been given permission by the Titans to work out a trade, has said he would like to play for the Cowboys. ...
The team's decision to cut FB Oliver Hoyte, who was hampered by a neck injury for much of last season, is an indication of how much it likes Deon Anderson, a sixth-round pick in 2007. Hoyte, a converted linebacker, began the 2007 season as the starter but never became the physical difference-maker the team had hoped he would be. Anderson did a much better job with blocking angles and being physical at the point of attack. He also showed surprisingly good hands and became a good checkdown option for QB Tony Romo.
SCOUTING REPORT: Miles Austin showed he could be a pretty good kick returner last season; now the Cowboys need the speedster to make strides as a receiver. Austin, who's entering his third season, has showed the ability to run by defenders on deep routes. He drew two pass interference penalties, each of at least 40 yards, in the Cowboys' regular-season win over the Packers. Austin needs to focus on improving his hands, which are adequate, and become a better route runner. If he is able to be used on routes that take him over the middle of the field, it will keep Austin from being so one-dimensional and improve his chances of beating cornerbacks deep.
OFFSEASON PROGRAM: March 31. This will be one of the most important offseasons in years for the Cowboys, following their postseason collapse against the Giants. The Cowboys have played their worst football in December the past few seasons, an indication they aren't as strong at the end of the season as they are at the beginning. That's not an indictment of strength coach Joe Juraszek, who recently received a new contract, but it's still an issue that must be addressed.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:03 PM
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