JJT: COWBOYS Q&A: odds the Cowboys are actually looking at Randy Moss?
by Jean-Jacaques TAYLOR
Q: What are the odds the Cowboys are actually looking at Randy Moss?
Kevin Hawkey, Kalamazoo
TAYLOR: Zero. I don't think Randy Moss wants to play with T.O., and it would create a circus atmosphere that is not conducive to winning. Besides, I don't know that you can create the cap room needed to sign Moss and get everything else the Cowboys want done in the off-season.
• • •
Q: Jerry Jones stated that he believes Terry Glenn will be back for the 2008 season. What are your thoughts on that?
Marc DiGiamberardino, Mt. Laurel, NJ
TAYLOR: There's nothing wrong with bringing Glenn to training camp and giving him an opportunity to see if he's healthy enough to play at a high level. If he is, then give him the money he deserves. If not, then you have to bid him farewell. When healthy, Glenn can still be a weapon because he has rare speed.
• • •
Q: I agree with most of the fan and reporter comments I've seen thus far that say signing Zach Thomas was a mistake. However, it's also clear that Wade Phillips depends on veteran players to provide leadership on and off the field. Should we give Jones and Phillips the benefit of the doubt and look at the Thomas signing in that light – as an attempt to bolster the team's leadership and maturity?
Jarret Cummings, Durham, N.C.
TAYLOR: When I think about it, that has to be the primary reason why the Cowboys signed him. Obviously, he can still contribute as a player, but I think you're right. The Cowboys are hoping he can provide some leadership in a locker room that sorely needs it. Too many players had a sense of accomplishment last season before they really achieved anything. Perhaps, Thomas can help that.
• • •
Q: Do you think Bobby Carpenter and Roy Williams feel miscast in the Cowboys defense? They both strike me as 4-3 linebackers, but I wonder if either of them feels that way too.
Dorian Jung
TAYLOR: No. That's too easy of a copout. Carpenter needs to be a more physical player, which means delivering a blow instead of always receiving them. Williams needs to find the edge he lost. He use to play with a violent, angry style and he no longer seems to play that way. If he can find it, he can be a dominant player again.
• • •
Q: Flozell Adams shortcomings were quite evident during the playoff loss to the Giants. I would let him go and trade up to get Michigan's Jake Long, the best offensive tackle to emerge from college since Tony Boselli.
Roger T. Horrell, Denton
TAYLOR: Fine. Now, how do you suggest the Cowboys get Long, a top-five pick? The cost to get him starts with both of the Cowboys' first-round picks and, maybe, their second-round pick. Is Long worth all of that? I don't think so.
• • •
Q: What do you think of Julius Jones as a starter?
Keith Tuttle, Baltimore
TAYLOR: Like a lot of players, Julius needs to find the right system. He's better in an offense that uses a lot of three-receiver looks, so he can pick a hole and go. He will be a solid NFL runner, though it's doubtful he'll become the star I thought he could be after his rookie year.
• • •
Q: What happened to Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup at San Diego?
Jack Nance, Rockwall
TAYLOR: He's a free agent, but I don't think he has any interest in sharing the load. If that's the case, he could stay in San Diego. He wants an opportunity to play and be the man. I can't blame him.
• • •
Q: The problem with your story about McFadden not being worth the money is that NO position is worth it, so who do you take?
Robert W. Burnett
TAYLOR: I think you've missed the point. Some positions – quarterback and running back – historically have a much higher bust rate at the top of the draft than others. There are no guarantees, but offensive and defensive linemen, in general, don't have as high a bust rate as quarterbacks and runners do. If you're playing percentages, I'd stay away from the running backs and quarterbacks high in the draft. That's all.
• • •
Q: What would be the effect on the salary cap if the Cowboys released or traded S Roy Williams? I'd much rather see Ken Hamlin line up at strong safety and let Patrick Watkins have another go at free safety. Is there any chance they release or trade Roy?
John Choi, Vancouver
TAYLOR: Roy is not going anywhere this year. You're going to have to deal with him. I think he'll have a good year because in his own way he's admitted there's a problem that needs to be addressed.
• • •
Q: Don't you believe Thomas' passion for the game and intensity much less his experience could be helpful to our young team?
Kevin Wetzel, Greencastle, Pa.
TAYLOR: I believe Thomas plays with a lot of passion and intensity, but this is a young man's game. It's hard for me to believe a 34-year-old, undersized linebacker coming off a season shortened by a concussion can be a difference-maker. Thomas has made a career of proving folks like me wrong. We'll see if he can do it again.
Q: What are the odds the Cowboys are actually looking at Randy Moss?
Kevin Hawkey, Kalamazoo
TAYLOR: Zero. I don't think Randy Moss wants to play with T.O., and it would create a circus atmosphere that is not conducive to winning. Besides, I don't know that you can create the cap room needed to sign Moss and get everything else the Cowboys want done in the off-season.
• • •
Q: Jerry Jones stated that he believes Terry Glenn will be back for the 2008 season. What are your thoughts on that?
Marc DiGiamberardino, Mt. Laurel, NJ
TAYLOR: There's nothing wrong with bringing Glenn to training camp and giving him an opportunity to see if he's healthy enough to play at a high level. If he is, then give him the money he deserves. If not, then you have to bid him farewell. When healthy, Glenn can still be a weapon because he has rare speed.
• • •
Q: I agree with most of the fan and reporter comments I've seen thus far that say signing Zach Thomas was a mistake. However, it's also clear that Wade Phillips depends on veteran players to provide leadership on and off the field. Should we give Jones and Phillips the benefit of the doubt and look at the Thomas signing in that light – as an attempt to bolster the team's leadership and maturity?
Jarret Cummings, Durham, N.C.
TAYLOR: When I think about it, that has to be the primary reason why the Cowboys signed him. Obviously, he can still contribute as a player, but I think you're right. The Cowboys are hoping he can provide some leadership in a locker room that sorely needs it. Too many players had a sense of accomplishment last season before they really achieved anything. Perhaps, Thomas can help that.
• • •
Q: Do you think Bobby Carpenter and Roy Williams feel miscast in the Cowboys defense? They both strike me as 4-3 linebackers, but I wonder if either of them feels that way too.
Dorian Jung
TAYLOR: No. That's too easy of a copout. Carpenter needs to be a more physical player, which means delivering a blow instead of always receiving them. Williams needs to find the edge he lost. He use to play with a violent, angry style and he no longer seems to play that way. If he can find it, he can be a dominant player again.
• • •
Q: Flozell Adams shortcomings were quite evident during the playoff loss to the Giants. I would let him go and trade up to get Michigan's Jake Long, the best offensive tackle to emerge from college since Tony Boselli.
Roger T. Horrell, Denton
TAYLOR: Fine. Now, how do you suggest the Cowboys get Long, a top-five pick? The cost to get him starts with both of the Cowboys' first-round picks and, maybe, their second-round pick. Is Long worth all of that? I don't think so.
• • •
Q: What do you think of Julius Jones as a starter?
Keith Tuttle, Baltimore
TAYLOR: Like a lot of players, Julius needs to find the right system. He's better in an offense that uses a lot of three-receiver looks, so he can pick a hole and go. He will be a solid NFL runner, though it's doubtful he'll become the star I thought he could be after his rookie year.
• • •
Q: What happened to Michael Turner, LaDainian Tomlinson's backup at San Diego?
Jack Nance, Rockwall
TAYLOR: He's a free agent, but I don't think he has any interest in sharing the load. If that's the case, he could stay in San Diego. He wants an opportunity to play and be the man. I can't blame him.
• • •
Q: The problem with your story about McFadden not being worth the money is that NO position is worth it, so who do you take?
Robert W. Burnett
TAYLOR: I think you've missed the point. Some positions – quarterback and running back – historically have a much higher bust rate at the top of the draft than others. There are no guarantees, but offensive and defensive linemen, in general, don't have as high a bust rate as quarterbacks and runners do. If you're playing percentages, I'd stay away from the running backs and quarterbacks high in the draft. That's all.
• • •
Q: What would be the effect on the salary cap if the Cowboys released or traded S Roy Williams? I'd much rather see Ken Hamlin line up at strong safety and let Patrick Watkins have another go at free safety. Is there any chance they release or trade Roy?
John Choi, Vancouver
TAYLOR: Roy is not going anywhere this year. You're going to have to deal with him. I think he'll have a good year because in his own way he's admitted there's a problem that needs to be addressed.
• • •
Q: Don't you believe Thomas' passion for the game and intensity much less his experience could be helpful to our young team?
Kevin Wetzel, Greencastle, Pa.
TAYLOR: I believe Thomas plays with a lot of passion and intensity, but this is a young man's game. It's hard for me to believe a 34-year-old, undersized linebacker coming off a season shortened by a concussion can be a difference-maker. Thomas has made a career of proving folks like me wrong. We'll see if he can do it again.
posted by The Gryphon at 4:52 PM
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