Dallas Cowboys Team Report
Posted: June 1, 2008
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys have told WR Terry Glenn that he will not be allowed to practice in the offseason unless he signs a waiver that frees the club of some of its financial obligation to him should he further injure his right knee. The waiver would pay Glenn $500,000, far less than the $1.4 million he is scheduled to make this season. Glenn has not signed the waiver; he says his knee feels good and that he's ready to participate in OTAs. The Cowboys say they want to ensure that Glenn is ready for the season. . . .
OLB Greg Ellis is unhappy the team has reduced his practice time during OTAs in favor of second-year DE/LB Anthony Spencer. Ellis, who had 12.5 sacks last year and made the Pro Bowl for the first time, has long believed the club is trying to phase him out. The Cowboys deny this and say Ellis is still a starter; they want to try to different player combinations in the offseason to see what works best. They also want to save Ellis' body from wear and tear while giving Spencer more opportunities to learn so he can be more of a factor this season.
SCOUTING REPORT: Third-year WR Sam Hurd has always impressed the Cowboys with his playmaking ability. He is a good leaper and has good hands, both of which compensate for his overall lack of speed. He shields defenders with his body well. Hurd needs to improve his route running, and he needs to concentrate better so he can catch easy passes as well as he catches tough ones. He has been good on kick and punt coverage, which will give him an edge for a fourth or fifth receiver spot as will his ability to block in the running game.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Chris Canty is ready to emerge as a star after a terrific 2007 season. He is solid against the run and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage, and he has improved considerably as a pass rusher. Marcus Spears has been OK as a starter; he'll need to work hard in camp to keep the spot. Stephen Bowen was a pleasant surprise as a pass rusher last year, and Jason Hatcher could have a breakout season if he stays healthy. Hatcher is the best pure pass rusher of the group. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.
Jean-Jacques Taylor
For Sporting News
PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Cowboys have told WR Terry Glenn that he will not be allowed to practice in the offseason unless he signs a waiver that frees the club of some of its financial obligation to him should he further injure his right knee. The waiver would pay Glenn $500,000, far less than the $1.4 million he is scheduled to make this season. Glenn has not signed the waiver; he says his knee feels good and that he's ready to participate in OTAs. The Cowboys say they want to ensure that Glenn is ready for the season. . . .
OLB Greg Ellis is unhappy the team has reduced his practice time during OTAs in favor of second-year DE/LB Anthony Spencer. Ellis, who had 12.5 sacks last year and made the Pro Bowl for the first time, has long believed the club is trying to phase him out. The Cowboys deny this and say Ellis is still a starter; they want to try to different player combinations in the offseason to see what works best. They also want to save Ellis' body from wear and tear while giving Spencer more opportunities to learn so he can be more of a factor this season.
SCOUTING REPORT: Third-year WR Sam Hurd has always impressed the Cowboys with his playmaking ability. He is a good leaper and has good hands, both of which compensate for his overall lack of speed. He shields defenders with his body well. Hurd needs to improve his route running, and he needs to concentrate better so he can catch easy passes as well as he catches tough ones. He has been good on kick and punt coverage, which will give him an edge for a fourth or fifth receiver spot as will his ability to block in the running game.
DEFENSIVE ENDS ANALYSIS: Chris Canty is ready to emerge as a star after a terrific 2007 season. He is solid against the run and can make plays behind the line of scrimmage, and he has improved considerably as a pass rusher. Marcus Spears has been OK as a starter; he'll need to work hard in camp to keep the spot. Stephen Bowen was a pleasant surprise as a pass rusher last year, and Jason Hatcher could have a breakout season if he stays healthy. Hatcher is the best pure pass rusher of the group. Grade: B-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.
posted by The Gryphon at 1:15 PM
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