Cowboys camp preview: Too many distractions?
By Eric Karabell
ESPN.com
Dallas Cowboys fans aren't happy. Not only did the NFC's top seed fail to win a playoff game after starting the season 12-1, but it was a team in the same division that won at their place before upending the unbeaten Patriots in the Super Bowl. That was supposed to be the Cowboys! As a result, Jerry Jones spent money like he was a sailor on a weekend pass, committing more than $70 million on everyone from Terrell Owens to Zach Thomas to Adam Jones.
The first thing the Cowboys did was blame Julius Jones for all the team's problems. OK, so that might be some exaggeration, but not much. Julius Jones is a Seahawk now, and Arkansas' Felix Jones was the first-round draft pick. The Cowboys feel like that's an instant upgrade. Of course, Marion Barber has seemingly been capable of carrying the offensive load by himself for two years, so it will be interesting to see if this actually happens or not.
This team is always in the news in the first place, but taking on the tantalizing Pacman Jones -- oh, excuse me, he's calling himself Adam now -- has overshadowed the news coming from the wide receiver position, only some of it relevant. Owens signed a new four-year contract, was placed in the NFL's reasonable cause drug program because he missed a drug test and received an excused absence from minicamp to deal with personal matters. All that seemed minor in comparison to fellow starter Terry Glenn, who doesn't want to sign an injury settlement waiver in case his knee is a problem again. And what about Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson, are they or aren't they still an item? I can't keep track. It's like fourth on the list of tabloid-type stories for this team.
Ultimately, the challenge this team faces is thriving not for much of the regular season but down the stretch. In each of the past two seasons, the Cowboys lost two of their final three games and a winnable playoff game. Training camp is going to be a media circus, but it always is. Ultimately it's not likely to affect the fantasy values of too many players.
What to look for in camp
Key position battles: Tony Romo is one of the top four quarterbacks in most fantasy drafts, and his top running back and wide receiver will also be in demand in the first or second round. The Glenn situation will likely play out in camp, and either knee problems or contract issues could make Patrick Crayton a starter and an enticing No. 4 or 5 fantasy receiver. One day Glenn demands his release, the next he wants to stay. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect much either way, as he's trying to return from microfracture surgery and is iffy. It shouldn't affect Owens one bit, though, so no matter who he plays with, except a big season possibly worthy of the No. 2 wide receiver in fantasy, after Randy Moss.
Fitting in: Felix Jones was the third running back drafted, and it might have come as a surprise to Barber, but all the Cowboys expect this Jones to do is help on third downs and maybe return some kicks. Barber should pick up more carries than the past two seasons. Adam Jones, meanwhile, isn't guaranteed to have his suspension lifted, let alone become a fantasy option anytime soon, but keep an eye on this situation. The Dallas defense is one of the better ones for fantasy, and IDP owners will be interested in DeMarcus Ware and Roy Williams, but Adam Jones could be enticing as well -- if NFL commish Roger Goodell reinstates him.
On the line: A solid offensive line should have no trouble protecting Romo or opening holes for Barber, as left tackle Flozell Adams, a free agent brought back for more than $40 million, and right guard Leonard Davis are mammoth veterans and Pro Bowl quality. Center Andre Gurode is underrated. This is a team strength and, unlike others on the squad, stays out of the news.
The bottom line
While Marion Barber would seem deserving of a starting role and most of the carries, it's also possible the Cowboys have other plans, and rookie Felix Jones could play a larger role than even Julius Jones had. Barber has a brand new seven-year deal, so it would seem unlikely. With so much occuring off the field surrounding the Cowboys, this would be the one situation that could play havoc with fantasy owners, so keep an eye out, even if it's a skeptical one.
ESPN.com
Dallas Cowboys fans aren't happy. Not only did the NFC's top seed fail to win a playoff game after starting the season 12-1, but it was a team in the same division that won at their place before upending the unbeaten Patriots in the Super Bowl. That was supposed to be the Cowboys! As a result, Jerry Jones spent money like he was a sailor on a weekend pass, committing more than $70 million on everyone from Terrell Owens to Zach Thomas to Adam Jones.
The first thing the Cowboys did was blame Julius Jones for all the team's problems. OK, so that might be some exaggeration, but not much. Julius Jones is a Seahawk now, and Arkansas' Felix Jones was the first-round draft pick. The Cowboys feel like that's an instant upgrade. Of course, Marion Barber has seemingly been capable of carrying the offensive load by himself for two years, so it will be interesting to see if this actually happens or not.
This team is always in the news in the first place, but taking on the tantalizing Pacman Jones -- oh, excuse me, he's calling himself Adam now -- has overshadowed the news coming from the wide receiver position, only some of it relevant. Owens signed a new four-year contract, was placed in the NFL's reasonable cause drug program because he missed a drug test and received an excused absence from minicamp to deal with personal matters. All that seemed minor in comparison to fellow starter Terry Glenn, who doesn't want to sign an injury settlement waiver in case his knee is a problem again. And what about Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson, are they or aren't they still an item? I can't keep track. It's like fourth on the list of tabloid-type stories for this team.
Ultimately, the challenge this team faces is thriving not for much of the regular season but down the stretch. In each of the past two seasons, the Cowboys lost two of their final three games and a winnable playoff game. Training camp is going to be a media circus, but it always is. Ultimately it's not likely to affect the fantasy values of too many players.
What to look for in camp
Key position battles: Tony Romo is one of the top four quarterbacks in most fantasy drafts, and his top running back and wide receiver will also be in demand in the first or second round. The Glenn situation will likely play out in camp, and either knee problems or contract issues could make Patrick Crayton a starter and an enticing No. 4 or 5 fantasy receiver. One day Glenn demands his release, the next he wants to stay. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect much either way, as he's trying to return from microfracture surgery and is iffy. It shouldn't affect Owens one bit, though, so no matter who he plays with, except a big season possibly worthy of the No. 2 wide receiver in fantasy, after Randy Moss.
Fitting in: Felix Jones was the third running back drafted, and it might have come as a surprise to Barber, but all the Cowboys expect this Jones to do is help on third downs and maybe return some kicks. Barber should pick up more carries than the past two seasons. Adam Jones, meanwhile, isn't guaranteed to have his suspension lifted, let alone become a fantasy option anytime soon, but keep an eye on this situation. The Dallas defense is one of the better ones for fantasy, and IDP owners will be interested in DeMarcus Ware and Roy Williams, but Adam Jones could be enticing as well -- if NFL commish Roger Goodell reinstates him.
On the line: A solid offensive line should have no trouble protecting Romo or opening holes for Barber, as left tackle Flozell Adams, a free agent brought back for more than $40 million, and right guard Leonard Davis are mammoth veterans and Pro Bowl quality. Center Andre Gurode is underrated. This is a team strength and, unlike others on the squad, stays out of the news.
The bottom line
While Marion Barber would seem deserving of a starting role and most of the carries, it's also possible the Cowboys have other plans, and rookie Felix Jones could play a larger role than even Julius Jones had. Barber has a brand new seven-year deal, so it would seem unlikely. With so much occuring off the field surrounding the Cowboys, this would be the one situation that could play havoc with fantasy owners, so keep an eye out, even if it's a skeptical one.
posted by The Gryphon at 3:51 PM
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