Cowboys Team Report
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Defensive coordinator Brian Stewart recently met with safety Roy Williams to make sure they're both on the same page as the Cowboys enter the backstretch of their offseason program. Stewart was concerned by a comment Greg Ellis made regarding Williams. Ellis said Williams told him that he wasn't comfortable in the defensive scheme.
A couple of weeks ago, Williams said on a local radio program that sometimes he wished the ball wasn't thrown in his direction, when he was in man-to-man coverage. Williams said his words were taken out of context. That said, Stewart said he had a productive meeting with Williams, although he declined to get into specifics, and said he expects the safety to have a good year. . . .
Owner Jerry Jones said he won't be surprised if running back Marion Barber and safety Ken Hamlin don't attend the club's organized-team-activity workouts, which begin this week.
Barber and Hamlin each made the Pro Bowl last season, and each has been tendered a contract. Neither, however, has signed the deal. Barber wants a long-term deal that will pay him between $30 and $40 million.
Talks between Barber's representation and the organization have been amicable, but there hasn't been much progress made. Hamlin, who also wants a long-term deal, has been franchised, which means he will earn about $4 million next year. The Cowboys still expect both players to be in Oxnard, Calif., for the start of training camp.
LINEBACKER ANALYSIS: Outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware (14 sacks) and Greg Ellis (12.5 sacks) give the Cowboys one of the league's best pass-rushing duos because one of them almost always gets one-on-one blocking, which they are both adept at beating. Anthony Spencer, a first-round pick last year, should get a chance to contribute significantly this year.
Inside linebacker Bradie James is coming off an average season, but the Cowboys expect him to be much better this year, especially since he is one of the vocal leaders on defense. Dallas also signed former Dolphin Zach Thomas to provide leadership and play-making ability.
Backups Kevin Burnett and Bobby Carpenter, a first-round pick two years ago, should have an opportunity in training camp to prove they deserve more playing time. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Ware, Ellis.
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Defensive coordinator Brian Stewart recently met with safety Roy Williams to make sure they're both on the same page as the Cowboys enter the backstretch of their offseason program. Stewart was concerned by a comment Greg Ellis made regarding Williams. Ellis said Williams told him that he wasn't comfortable in the defensive scheme.
A couple of weeks ago, Williams said on a local radio program that sometimes he wished the ball wasn't thrown in his direction, when he was in man-to-man coverage. Williams said his words were taken out of context. That said, Stewart said he had a productive meeting with Williams, although he declined to get into specifics, and said he expects the safety to have a good year. . . .
Owner Jerry Jones said he won't be surprised if running back Marion Barber and safety Ken Hamlin don't attend the club's organized-team-activity workouts, which begin this week.
Barber and Hamlin each made the Pro Bowl last season, and each has been tendered a contract. Neither, however, has signed the deal. Barber wants a long-term deal that will pay him between $30 and $40 million.
Talks between Barber's representation and the organization have been amicable, but there hasn't been much progress made. Hamlin, who also wants a long-term deal, has been franchised, which means he will earn about $4 million next year. The Cowboys still expect both players to be in Oxnard, Calif., for the start of training camp.
LINEBACKER ANALYSIS: Outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware (14 sacks) and Greg Ellis (12.5 sacks) give the Cowboys one of the league's best pass-rushing duos because one of them almost always gets one-on-one blocking, which they are both adept at beating. Anthony Spencer, a first-round pick last year, should get a chance to contribute significantly this year.
Inside linebacker Bradie James is coming off an average season, but the Cowboys expect him to be much better this year, especially since he is one of the vocal leaders on defense. Dallas also signed former Dolphin Zach Thomas to provide leadership and play-making ability.
Backups Kevin Burnett and Bobby Carpenter, a first-round pick two years ago, should have an opportunity in training camp to prove they deserve more playing time. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: Ware, Ellis.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:01 PM
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