Gryphon on the Dallas Cowboys

Jones hints Barber will be Cowboys' No. 1 RB

2010-05-26T06:28:00.001-04:00

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?sec...FL&eid=5220082

Jerry Jones indicates that there's no reason Marion Barber shouldn't be the Cowboys' starting running back.

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones, who has publicly questioned whether Marion Barber would be better returning to a reserve role, indicated Tuesday that he sees no reason for the running back's role to change.Jones had previously stated the concern that using Barber as a starter might limit his effectiveness at the end of games. Jones said in March that the Cowboys were considering making Felix Jones the starter.

However, Jones strongly hinted Tuesday that Barber's starting job is secure.
"I know this: He looks quicker," Jones said at the NFL owners' meetings. "I think that is going to make him even more effective. He's just in great shape. He looks as good out here just in these initial practices as I've seen him look in his career. You could easily go from there and look at what his role might be, and it'd certainly be on par with anything he's done."

Barber became a starter after signing a seven-year, $45 million contract before the 2008 season. The Cowboys drafted Felix Jones and Tashard Choice that year to complement Barber, who earned a Pro Bowl trip as a reserve by rushing for a career-high 975 yards the previous season.

Barber's productivity has dropped since he became a starter. He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry and rushed for a total of 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons, when he was nagged by a variety of injuries. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and rushed for a total of 24 touchdowns the previous two seasons.

"I think the real question is, should he be finishing rather than beginning?" Jerry Jones said on KRLD-FM in December. "In his Pro Bowl year, where he had his best year, [Barber was] finishing the game. If you recall, Julius Jones started the game. We injected the quickness of his speed there early.
"That would be the issue. It's not a question of starting as much as it is, when do you use Barber at his best? There are a lot of people, prominent people who know Barber well, who feel like he would be better served used to finish the game than really used a lot at the start."

Felix Jones, the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2008, has been a dynamic playmaker with durability issues during his first two NFL seasons. Jones averaged 6.5 yards per carry but missed 12 games due to hamstring, toe and knee injuries.

He provided the Cowboys evidence down the stretch of the 2009 season that he can handle a heavier workload. He had double-digit carries in the final six games, including the postseason. That run was highlighted by his 16-carry, 148-yard, one-touchdown performance in the playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys relied on Jones because Barber was dealing with quadriceps, thumb and knee injuries.

Barber still got the biggest share of the carries over the course of the season despite having the worst average among the team's running backs. He led the Cowboys with 932 yards on 214 carries. Jones rushed for 685 yards on 116 carries, and Choice rushed for 349 yards on 64 carries.

"We're in really good shape there," Jerry Jones said. "We've just got to plan on before it's over using three backs. I think it will bear out that way."

Tim MacMahon covers the Cowboys for ESPNDallas.com You can follow him on Twitter or leave a question for his weekly mailbag.

Roy Williams on Dez Bryant: 'The dude is scary; a man amongst boys'

2010-05-25T18:41:00.000-04:00

by David Moore
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com

Some have dismissed Roy Williams as delusional with his comments this off-season.

He's not. The spirit of what Williams has to say is often taken the wrong way by those who are not there when he makes the comments. He's not full of bluster. He's thoughtful. He also rejects the notion that his contract gives him an edge when it comes to the battle for a starting receiver spot.

"It is a fair competition for the spot,'' Williams said. "My thing is, if you're good enough, come get it.

"I've been working really hard this off-season. Obviously, something I've been doing these past two years hasn't been working so I took it another step further and it's working pretty good this year.

"I hope it can translate on the field. But if it doesn't, No. 88 is going to be right there. He's that good. He's going to be right there regardless. I've got to stay on my game.''

But Williams isn't finished when it comes to talking about No. 88, Dez Bryant.

"The dude is scary,'' Williams said. "The dude is good and he doesn't even know it yet. Once the light bulb goes on he will probably be the best in the league.

"He's a man among boys. He's got big hands. Real big hands. When he shakes my hand, his fingers come up to my elbows.''

A Look Back at the 2005 NFL Draft

2010-05-25T18:34:00.001-04:00

temple3.wordpress.com

Back in April, the NFL concluded the 2010 draft. This year’s draft was punctuated by the prime time debut of Round 1 at New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall. The draft was extended over a three day period and received wide acclaim from fans and media, alike.

It is too early to say who the winners are for the 2010 draft. Some draft picks never make it out of camp; some never fulfill the promise of their rookie contract. Still others exceed the greatest expectations. It has been widely stated that the average career of an NFL player is 4-5 years. Given that, let’s take a look at the 2005 NFL Draft.

The Rules of the Game

There are as many ways to evaluate the success of a draft class as there are to evaluate players. What matters most? Years as a starter, Pro Bowl selections, All Pro selections, team wins, championships, value at selected position, value over next selection? There are a lot of criteria to consider.

I’ll leave that final determination to you. For my own purposes, I admit using a subjective mix of all of those criteria. Here is a link for you to make your own decision.

Top Dog of the 2005 NFL Draft

1. Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys used two first round selections to grab DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. Ware has become a dominant defensive force in the league. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and been named All-Pro three times. He is arguably the best player at his position in the entire NFL. Ware, to the Cowboys credit, was taken just before Chargers LB Shawne Merriman.

DeMarcus Ware: 2005 Draft Cream of the Crop

Spears has been solid as a 300 pound defensive end in the Cowboys 3-4 alignment, but the other crown jewel of this draft was selected in the 7th round. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff was named All-Pro this past season and has blossomed into an elite anchor for the Cowboys. Ratliff is solid against the run and excels on passing downs. He collapses the pocket and creates havoc in the middle.

The selections of Ware and Ratliff alone would probably suffice to put the Cowboys on top, but Dallas also picked up linebacker Kevin Burnett in the 2nd round, and Marion Barber and Chris Canty in the 4th round. Canty was an excellent performer on the defensive line for Dallas during the 2008 season and garnered interest from many teams around the league when his rookie deal expired. Last year, Canty underperformed for the New York Giants, but can be expected to bounce back in a more aggressive scheme. Marion Barber leads the all members of the 2005 draft class (Cadillac Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Frank Gore, Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson, Darren Sproles) with 43 rushing touchdowns.

This draft class produced 4 All-Pro selections, 7 Pro Bowl nods, and a solid core of reliable players that allowed the Cowboys defense to improve from 27th in points allowed in 2004 to 2nd in points allowed in 2009. This is a high impact draft. If the Cowboys talent on offense can match that of the defense, Dallas may get a chance to play the final game of the season at home in 2010.

Notables from the 2005 Draft

Perhaps the most memorable thing for me about this draft is the number of teams that missed on first round selections. Alex Smith (#1) has been a bust in San Francisco. He has shown signs that he may emerge, but the question marks surrounding his performance linger. Braylon Edwards (#3) washed out in Cleveland, as did Cedric Benson in Chicago (#4). Cadillac Williams (#5) has been an exceptional player in Tampa Bay (2005 Rookie of the Year), but he has suffered some of the most excrutiating injuries in the history of the game. The Titans selected Adam Jones at #6; the Jaguars selected Troy Williamson at #7; and, the Detroit Lions picked USC’s Mike Williams at #10. Only picks #8 (Antrel Rolle, Arizona) and #9 (Carlos Rogers, Auburn) emerged from this minefield. The Dolphins top pick, Ronnie Brown (#2, and one of four Auburn players selected in Round 1), has also battled health issues.

The first round wasn’t all bad. Aaron Rodgers was selected by the Packers. Heath Miller went to the Steelers. Marlin Jackson was picked by the Colts. The Atlanta Falcons chose Roddy White.

Contenders

The Cowboys were not alone in drafting well in 2005. Here is a short list of teams that drafted well and their selections:

New York Giants (4 picks): Corey Webster, Justin Tuck, Brandon Jacobs.

San Diego Chargers: Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson, Darren Sproles.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Heath Miller, Bryant McFadden, Chris Kemeotu.

Bryant continues to improve

2010-05-25T18:30:00.001-04:00

CBS Sportsline.com

Time Story Bryant continues to improve : The Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys rookie WR Dez Bryant continues to make strides with each offseason workout.

Austin doesn't plan to hold out

2010-05-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

CBS Sportsline.com

Time Story Austin doesn't plan to hold out : The Dallas Morning News reports Monday that Cowboys WR Miles Austin continues to focus on the field and not about earning a contract extension

Super Talk, Meet Your Conscience

2010-05-25T18:25:00.001-04:00

by donpotts21

During this part of the offseason, NFL storylines are few and far between. OTA’s are underway, and we are about eight or nine weeks until the start of training camp. Therefore, many times reporters, bloggers and the media world will reach to get their headlines. In Dallas, the focus has been on Dez Bryant and Roy Williams on the field. Off the field? Well, there has been some Super chatter. You are beginning to hear mur-mur’s of the Cowboys possibly playing in the Superbowl at their home stadium – a feat that has never occurred in Superbowl history. Radio hosts and former players are voicing their opinions on this very topic. The most recent headline came from Cowboy great, Roger Staubach:

“I didn’t want to jinx them about the Super Bowl being here, but that would be fun,” Staubach said. “That would be extra special. And it could happen.”

He continued …

“This is a really, really good football team and they have the capability,” Staubach said. “There are probably five or six teams in the NFL that can win it all. This is one of them. They can do it.

“It’s a matter of giving that little extra and fighting, and I think they have that attitude, too. The way it transpired at the end of the year in the Minnesota game was rough, but they really were a team at the end of the year, and I think they’re even better this year.”

Staubach, a Cowboy legend, just put a hex on the whole damn thing! So I figure for the Cowboys best interest I will slow things down a bit, relax and take a look at five possible hindrances to the teams Super aspirations.

1 – Offensive Line Depth

The Cowboys head into the season with questions on their offensive line. Doug Free is replacing the recently unemployed Flozell Adams. Free is young and athletic, but also still raw. He will have his struggles this year your delusional if you think otherwise. What happens if any starter on the line gets injured for any substantial period of time? The depth within this group seems weak, and that is a major liability.

2 – Who Is Going To Play The Middle?

Ken Hamlin got cut. Great. He was terrible. Now, the team is replacing him with either Alan Ball (?) or ironically Michael Hamlin. Since the team cut ties with Big Bro Hamlin, they have been raving about the potential of both Ball and Lil Bro.

Myself. I am not a fan of Ball. In the games he started he did absolutely nothing to impress me. I saw a player who recorded zero turnovers playing a position in which that’s all your judged on.

I cannot make an honest assessment of Lil Bro Hamlin because he’s been injured. All I know is that the Cowboys like his potential and think he will be a starter in the NFL. Me personally … not too crazy about the bloodline.

3 - Road Woes

The Cowboys have traditionally under Wade Phillips been a team that struggled in big road games. Last year’s playoff game in Minnesota as the most recent example. Now for the Cowboys to reach the Superbowl you would think they probably will have to play at least one road playoff game. I say that because Minnesota and New Orleans have a much easier path for home field advantage than the Cowboys. A great year in the difficult NFC East is 12-4 and that rarely is best in the conference. Therefore, assuming the Cowboys get in the playoffs and get a decent seed (neither are sure things), then they will once again have to go on the road and play in a hostile environment. What makes you believe they will emerge victorious? Which brings me to point four …

4 – The Cowboys Lack Playoff Caliber Coaching

With all due respect to Coach Phillips and his staff, they are not one of the league’s best. I think Phillips is a stellar defensive coach, but in big games the defense has struggled some. On the offensive side, I am not enamored with Jason Garrett. His offensive gameplans will be flawless one week and head-scratching another. He called a terrible game in last year’s playoff loss at Minnesota, and I do not trust him calling a Conference Championship on the road. For the Cowboys to play in the Superbowl, they have to get home-field advantage throughout. And finally …

5 – History (Pressure)

There is a reason no one has ever played a Superbowl at home. It is not easy. You can have all the talent in the world but you also need a good amount of luck and good fortune. A major injury, a tipped ball or a bad call can ruin a game and/or season. Also, if the Cowboys do make the playoffs, then the pressure really mounts. Imagine if the Cowboys completed the task of reaching the Superbowl, then lost at home to the Jets? History will not be kind to the franchise if that scenario plays out.

I understand many of my readers will wonder who @#$! in my cereal this morning. I still haven’t caught the person, but if you have any ideas email me. But seriously, I do not wanna feed the hype machine. We have to realize that the Cowboys have flaws just like every other team. Do they look good on paper? Yes. Would I be surprised if they don’t make the playoffs? Yes. Is this there best chance to reach the Superbowl in over a decade? Probably. As a fan, there is a lot to be excited for this season. And if they happen to reach and win the Superbowl, it will be a historic season. But until then, as the famous Pulp Fiction quote goes “Let’s not start sucking each other’s d*ck’s just yet.” Thanks for reading. Stay Tuned!

ESPN Dallas: Staubach: Cowboys have Super Bowl potential

2010-05-24T16:12:00.001-04:00

By Tim MacMahon

IRVING, Texas – Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach expressed optimism Monday that his former team can become the first to play a Super Bowl in its own stadium.

That was after Staubach, the North Texas Super Bowl committee chairman, briefly addressed the Dallas Cowboys after their organized team activity workout.

“I didn’t want to jinx them about the Super Bowl being here, but that would be fun,” Staubach said. “That would be extra special. And it could happen.”

Staubach discussed the importance of pulling together, telling the players how the 1971 Cowboys recovered from a drama-filled 4-3 start to earn the first of the franchise’s five Super Bowl championships. Staubach believes these Cowboys have the potential to add to that total after ending a 13-season playoff win drought last year.

“This is a really, really good football team and they have the capability,” Staubach said. “There are probably five or six teams in the NFL that can win it all. This is one of them. They can do it.

“It’s a matter of giving that little extra and fighting, and I think they have that attitude, too. The way it transpired at the end of the year in the Minnesota game was rough, but they really were a team at the end of the year, and I think they’re even better this year.”

Staubach raved about all the Cowboys’ offensive weapons, comparing it to the best units he quarterbacked during the 1970s. But his optimism begins with Tony Romo.

“I’m a big Tony Romo fan,” Staubach said. “You’ve got that feeling. There’s a few quarterbacks that when they hit the field, you know something good is going to happen. When Troy was here, I knew it. I just felt it. I feel the same way about Tony. When he’s on that field, good things are going to happen.”

Vegas Football Odds Favor Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East in 2010

2010-05-24T14:58:00.000-04:00

by Ryan Nox

1. Dallas Cowboys (+120 odds to win NFC East in 2010-11 season)

2009 Record: 11-5 (1st)

Dallas will be seeking its third division title in the last four years this season. The Cowboys captured the 2009 NFC East crown with a dominant effort against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17. Dallas mirrored that performance the following week against Philly to gain its first playoff win since 1996. In 2009, the Cowboys were second in the league in total offense but were just 14th in scoring offense. Dallas is hoping that rookie wideout Dez Bryant will aid the Cowboys in the red zone in 2010. On defense, the Cowboys were second in the NFL in scoring defense a year ago. However, the unit struggled in the divisional playoffs against Minnesota. With the exception of the opener at Washington, the Cowboys won’t face a team away from home that had a losing record in 2009.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (+250 odds to win NFC East in 2010-11 season)

2009 Record: 11-5 (2nd)

It’s the end of an era in Philly. After leading the Eagles to five conference championship games in the last decade, quarterback Donovan McNabb is in a different locale in the NFC East. With only two career starts under his belt, fourth-year QB Kevin Kolb is now the starting signal-caller for Philadelphia. The Eagles have ranked sixth or higher in the NFL in scoring offense in three of the last four seasons. The running game will also be without a longtime standout. Brain Westbrook, who led the squad in rushing for six straight seasons from 2003-08, is no longer an Eagle. After ranking fourth in the NFL in scoring defense in 2008, the Eagles fell to 19th in this category in 2009. With only two games against 2009 playoff teams in its first 12 contests, Philadelphia has a chance to enter the final quarter of the year in good shape.

3. New York Giants (+250 odds to win NFC East in 2010-11 season)

2009 Record: 8-8 (3rd)

New York cruised to a 5-0 start in 2009 but stumbled to a .500 squad by the end of the year. The Giants were outscored 85-16 in the final two games of the 2009 campaign. The collapse of the defense was the main problem. The unit that shined during the 2007 postseason run was 30th in the league in scoring defense a year ago. The Giants signed All-Pro safety Antrel Rolle during the offseason to boost the secondary. Up front, rookie defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul should help the pass rush. The offense finished eighth in the NFL in scoring and total offense a year ago. Young wideout Steve Smith emerged to grab 107 catches in 2009. The road slate is daunting for New York in the 2010 NFL betting season. Five of its first seven away outings are against 2009 playoff squads.

4. Washington Redskins (+700 odds to win NFC East in 2010-11 season)

2009 Record: 4-12 (4th)

The arrivals of McNabb and new head coach Mike Shanahan have brought some cautious optimism to Washington. However, a mediocre group of receivers and some aging running backs could make it a challenge for McNabb in his debut season for the Redskins. A defense that has finished in the top 10 in total defense in eight of the last ten seasons is in a lot better shape. The Redskins could be in an early hole based on its schedule. Of its first six games, four are against 2009 playoff clubs.

Ten Things I Think I Think: Dallas Cowboys Edition

2010-05-24T14:25:00.000-04:00

Written by theMBIIIeffect
AUTHOR: thelandryhat

I have to give credit to SI’s Peter King for coming up with this great concept for an article. I disagree with him rating us as the 10th-best team in the NFL–picking us after the Dolphins and the Panthers is bordering on lunacy–but I have to give him credit on this idea of writing about things he thinks he thinks about the NFL.

I’ll be focusing on the Cowboys, of course.

1. The Cowboys have to have one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL: The Cowboys get the new-look Redskins the first week of the season and won’t have any tape on Donovan McNabb. The Redskins were awful last year but it’s the NFL and upsets happen. After that it gets worse: at Houston in the third week won’t be a walk in the park, an early bye week followed by 13 more games including at Minnesota, at Green Bay, home against New Orleans then away to Arizona and Philly to finish the year.

2. If the Cowboys make it to the playoffs, they’ll make a run: This is the upside to playing this hard a schedule. The Cowboys will probably play more playoff teams during the year than teams that will have their golf clubs out after week 17. They’re going to be playing playoff football all year and they’ll be better for it.

3. Dez Bryant will start one game before week 8: The guy is too good to keep off the field. Cornerback Mike Jenkins said that Bryant has the potential to be the best wide receiver on the team. Roy Williams certainly has to see Bryant in his rearview mirror and all the comments he’s making about the work he’s putting in this summer suggests that he knows he’ll have to perform to keep his job.

4. The Cowboys won’t sign another safety: Any dreamers thinking that the Cowboys will work out some kind of trade for O.J. Atogwe ought to wake up now. It’s not going to happen. That’s ok, though, because Alan Ball and Mike Hamlin will be able to handle one of the safety spots. If it were up to me, I’d have Gerald Sensabaugh at free safety and let Hamlin play strong safety. I think Sensabaugh has better range and Hamlin is a better tackler (not in a Roy Williams way–the guy can cover pretty well).

5. The Cowboys will create more turnovers than they did last year: The Cowboys defense was one of the best defenses in the league last year if you don’t use turnovers to judge defenses–so the Cowboys just had a pretty good defense last year. Only 21 turnovers in 16 games last year won’t cut it, especially with DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer rushing off the edges.

6. Anthony Spencer will have 10 sacks this year: This guy is figuring out the NFL and he had six sacks last year. He’s got 10.5 for his career and he’ll nearly double that total this year as he’s getting better and better.

7. The Rams will come out ahead in the Bobby Carpenter-Alex Barron trade: Barron has to beat out Doug Free or Marc Columbo or hope for one of them to get hurt in order to see the field–I’m not buying that there’s really an open competition for the left tackle spot. Carpenter will get to start over in a defensive scheme he’s more comfortable with. Am I saying it was a bad trade for us? No. We weren’t going to be using Carpenter after taking Sean Lee in this year’s draft and we needed the depth at offensive tackle. It was a smart move for both parties, but the Rams will see an immediate impact from Carpenter.

8. Mike Jenkins will become one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL this year: Jenkins is a big, physical corner that can keep up with quick receivers while still being able to fight with larger receivers. If he can put up some better stats and intercept a few more passes, he’ll be on the Pro Bowl roster from the start and will be considered within the top six or seven corners in the game.

9. Tony Romo will throw at least five more interceptions but ten more touchdowns than last year: Adding Bryant and having an other year with Martellus Bennett will surely help in the red zone. Bryant isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver, but he fights for jump balls in the end zone. He also has better hands than most of the other Cowboys receivers–I’m not sure he has better hands than Miles Austin but I think he does. I also think Romo will be behind in a few games this year and he’ll probably force a few, but that’s ok. These things happen.

10. The Cowboys won’t be playing in this year’s Super Bowl: I don’t think they’re quite there yet. They’re a strong team and have to be considered amongst the best in the NFC. They just aren’t Super Bowl winners yet I don’t think. The pressure is on the Cowboys this year because the Super Bowl is being played in Arlington. I think they need one more year. I’d love to be wrong here, but that’s what I think.

…I think.

Alan Ball leading candidate to start at free safety

2010-05-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

Dallas Cowboys FS Alan Ball is the leading candidate to start at free safety this season, according to Carlos Mendez, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, however, there is some concern as to how well he can tackle at the position. "His tackling and stuff, in the ballgames, because of his size, is really the only drawback on him," head coach Wade Phillips said. "I think he's going to be a really good free safety-type guy. Our free safety wasn't involved in a lot of the tackling, anyway."

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz0os8j2CE0

Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) NFL Films

2010-05-24T14:07:00.001-04:00

Steve Sabol looks at the similarities between Tony Romo and Brett Favre. © nfl.com

http://www.mirosport.net/2010/uncategorized/14231/tony-romo-dallas-cowboys-nfl-films/

Cowboys have NFL's best all-time winning percentage

2010-05-24T13:41:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! Buzz
Gerry Fraley

We were asleep at the switch and failed to note a significant moment during last season.

The Dallas Cowboys passed Miami and now have the top all-time winning percentage in the NFL.

The Cowboys are 434-314-6 for a .580 winning percentage. Miami is 387-281-4 for a .579 percentage. Chicago is third at 693-507-42 for a .577 winning percentage.

Among teams that have been in existence for more than a decace, that rules out the expansion Houston Texans, Tampa Bay has the lowest winning percentage. The Bucs need a 115-game winning streak to reach .500. They are 208-323-1 for a .392 winning percentage.

Rumor - Crayton to Miami

2010-05-24T13:36:00.001-04:00

Rumor - Crayton to Miami
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/23/1643335/miami-dolphins-merling-out-to.html

We hear the Dolphins were contacted to gauge their interest in Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton but were noncommittal. Crayton, who was given permission to seek a trade and has a history with this Dolphins regime, ranked eighth in the NFL in yards per catch and ninth in punt returns in '09. Acquiring him would make sense if one of Miami's top four receivers has a significant injury this summer and if Dallas accepts little in return or cuts him from a deal worth $2 million in 2010.

Tight end Jason Witten on quarterback Tony Romo

2010-05-23T20:15:00.001-04:00

Cowboys Team Report

“I have said it all along he is the hardest worker I have seen he is here every day. He has the will to win and good things will follow.”

Dallas Cowboys Offseason Preview

2010-05-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

www.footballfanspot.com
Written For Football Fans
By a Football Fan

Last season: 11-5

Draft:

#24 WR Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)

This is a great pick by the Cowboys and a great move up. Bryant gives their offense another potent weapon across from Miles Austin and sends a huge wake up call to Roy Williams. If the Cowboys can get Roy Williams going, with Bryant, Austin, and Jason Witten in the receiving corps, plus Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice at running back and Tony Romo playing quarterback, in terms of pure offensive weapons, this team may lead the league. That doesn’t necessarily translate to a Super Bowl, but it certainly helps.

Grade: A

#55 MLB Sean Lee (Penn State)

Lee has first round talent, but a questionable bill of health. If his knee holds up, he’s well worth this selection as a young middle linebacker successor for Keith Brooking and a solid character and leadership guy. However, it was also a bit of a risk.

Grade: B

#126 S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (IUPUI)

AOA is certainly a great playmaker, who can pick off a bunch of passes and do good things with the ball in his hands and he’s a dynamic kick returner, but I have a some doubts about his ability in coverage, even as a safety. Plus, he’s never, from what I know, played a lot of safety before at the collegiate level. However, this is a great value pick and makes a lot of sense even if he just ends up as a nickel corner and a return man.

Grade: A-

#179 OT Sam Young (Notre Dame)

Sam Young fits what they look for in an offensive lineman and may be their right tackle of the future, but he has major issues in pass protection and possibly could hurt the Cowboys next year if they try to use him too much. Other than that, this is a great value and a great pick for the future.

Grade: A-

#196 CB Jamar Wall (Texas Tech)

I guess this is a good indication of where they plan to use AOA. Wall is a moderate reach and fills a bit of a need, you never know how much longer Terrence Newman has in the tank, but the Cowboys already had 3 solid cornerbacks, 4 if they have to move AOA to cornerback, so this was not a great pick.

Grade: C+

#234 3-4 DE Sean Lissemore (William & Mary)

Another player who was not one of the 400-450 players I had heard of from this draft class, so the decision to take him was a bit questionable, plus he is only 6-2 and doesn’t appear to have the height to play end in a 3-4. Plus, 3-4 end wasn’t much of a need.

Grade: D

Overall:

The Cowboys didn’t have a lot of picks to begin with, and they had even less after that Dez Bryant trade, but that being said, that Dez Bryant trade was brilliant and makes the Cowboys an extremely dangerous offensive team and when you combine that with their strong pass rush on defense, you can make some good things happen. Assuming they don’t revert to their December choking ways, this team has to be the favorite to win the tough NFC East and a Super Bowl contender. They made every one of their picks count, for the most part and acquired a ton of talent and upside in this draft. They could have gotten 3 future starters in this draft, and AOA is a solid future nickelback and kick returner, and has some upside at safety. Their picks dropped off a bit at the end, in terms of my grades, but those were late round picks anyway and, who knows, maybe I’ll be wrong about one or both of them. The only complaint I have about their draft, is that I don’t think they did enough to get depth on the offensive line, especially with Flozell Adams being cut. That was their biggest need coming into this draft, in my opinion, and they only used one pick there. They could have used one or two of their late round picks on a guard and/or center. However, with the talent they got out of this draft, it’s hard to give them a bad grade.

Grade: A-

Key undrafted free agents

CB Bryan McCann (SMU)

3-4 DE Lorenzo Washington (Alabama)

RB Lonyae Miller (Fresno State)

QB Matt Nichols (Eastern Washington)

OT Mike Tepper (California)

TE Scott Sicko (New Hampshire)

WR Terrell Hudgins (Elon)

S Barry Church (Toledo)

WR Verran Tucker (California)

Positions of need:

Offensive Tackle:

The Cowboys need depth all along their offensive line. Their lack of depth was shown in the playoffs when Tony Romo was sacked 6 times by the Vikings after the Cowboys suffered a few injuries up front. Also, everyone on their offensive line is over 30 so young depth is clearly necessary. Offensive tackle just happens to be the most important offensive line position. The Cowboys like bigger offensive linemen so guys like Anthony Davis in the first and Vlad Ducasse and Kyle Calloway in the 2nd could be targeted.

Drafted Sam Young (#179), Traded for Alex Barron

Middle Linebacker:

Keith Brooking had a good year, but he will turn 35 next season. Next to him in the middle of their 3-4 defense, Bradie James could also be upgraded immediately. Sean Weatherspoon and Brandon Spikes could be options in the first round.

Drafted Sean Lee (#55)

Offensive Guard:

Again, depth is needed all over their offensive line. The Cowboys reportedly love Mike Iupati and likely will take him at 27 if he’s available. He would be an immediate upgrade over Kyle Kosier at left guard.

Nose Tackle:

Jay Ratliff is a great player, but his skill set would be better utilized at 3-4 defensive end rather than nose tackle. If they get a true nose tackle, either Terrence Cody in the first or Cam Thomas in the 2nd, they can move Ratliff to end and it will make their entire defense that much better. Add a big nose tackle like Cody to the middle of their defense and it opens up more space for what was already one of the best pass rushes in the league.

Safety:

Ken Hamlin could be upgraded and depth overall is needed at the position.

Drafted Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (#126)

Wide Receiver:

Patrick Crayton could be upgraded in the slot and I am not sure how much longer they want to give Roy Williams before they admit he was a bad trade and start someone else over him. Getting a young receiver this year could solve both of those issues.

Drafted Dez Bryant (#24)

Free agents:

WR Miles Austin (restricted)- tendered (1st, 3rd)

WR Sam Hurd (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

OT Flozell Adams

OT Pat McQuistan (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

G Montrae Holland- 2 years

G Cory Procter (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

C Duke Preston (restricted)

3-4 DE Marcus Spears (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.2 million

3-4 DE Stephen Bowen (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

3-4 DE Jason Hatcher (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

NT Junior Siavii (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.2 million

RLB Steve Octavien (restricted)- resigned

S Ken Hamlin

S Gerald Sensabaugh (restricted)- tendered (2nd)

S Pat Watkins (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.1 million

S Alan Ball (exclusive rights)- resigned

K Shaun Suisham (restricted)

Offseason moves:

Cowboys acquire OT Alex Barron from Rams for OLB Bobby Carpenter

Cowboys announce retirement of C Duke Preston

Cowboys re-sign G Montrae Holland

Cowboys re-sign S Alan Ball

Cowboys re-sign WR Sam Hurd

Cowboys re-sign S Pat Watkins

Cowboys re-sign 3-4 DE Stephen Bowen

Cowboys re-sign 3-4 DE Jason Hatcher

Cowboys re-sign NT Junior Siavii

Cowboys re-sign OT Pat McQuistan

Cowboys re-sign 3-4 DE Marcus Spears

Cowboys re-sign RLB Steve Octavien
Cowboys cut S Ken Hamlin

Cowboys cut OT Flozell Adams

Cowboys re-sign G Cory Procter

Cowboys tender S Alan Ball

Cowboys tender RLB Steve Octavien

Cowboys tender WR Miles Austin

Cowboys tender S Gerald Sensabaugh

Cowboys tender 3-4 DE Marcus Spears

Cowboys tender 3-4 DE Jason Hatcher

Cowboys tender OT Pat McQuistan

Cowboys tender NT Junior Siavii

Cowboys tender S Pat Watkins

Cowboys tender G Cory Procter

Cowboys tender WR Sam Hurd

Cowboys tender 3-4 DE Stephen Bowen

Who Can Cure the Cowboys' Field Goal Woes?

2010-05-23T16:07:00.000-04:00

by Aaron Novinger
www.bloggingtheboys.com/

One of the weakest positions on the Cowboys' 2009 squad was at placekicker. A bad case of the yips forced Dallas to say good-bye to former Pro Bowl kicker Nick Folk in December. And then the same ills affected his replacement, Shaun Suisham. The team neglected to re-sign him after the season's end.

The Browns recently waived former Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin and signed Suisham. Another kicker of name to come out of college this year was Texas' Hunter Lawrence, who signed with the Buccaneers after the draft.

Dallas had their chance to draft either one of those guys in April, but seems content with David Buehler. His progress has been steady, and he has been learning what he can from kicking coach Chris Boniol to be a more fundamentally sound placekicker.

Buehler described his own talent as "raw," since he didn't start kicking until his senior year in high school and didn't have a kicking coach at the University of Southern California. Even without individual instruction, Buehler was fairly successful at USC. He made 78.8 percent of his field goals during two seasons as a starter, and was an All-Pac 10 first-team choice in 2008.

King Felix's legs

2010-05-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

by Adam Levitan
http://blogs.rotoworld.com

We no longer have to cautiously speculate about Felix Jones’ potential ascension to the top of the Cowboys’ depth chart. It’s official -- Felix is the man.

Now there’s really only one question: Can he stay healthy?

We know what Jones can do when he’s on the field. An explosive runner at the point of attack, Jones is a big play waiting to happen. Over his two-year career, he’s averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He’s entering his prime for a running back at age 23. And to top it off, Jones didn’t suffer a decline in his per-touch numbers last season (including playoffs) when he was leaned on heavier:

2009 GAMES WITH 15 TOUCHES OR MORE (4)
* 14.7 carries for 91.5 yards, 6.20 YPC; 2.0 catches, 16.2 yards; 0.5 touchdowns per game

2009 GAMES WITH 14 TOUCHES OR LESS (12)
* 7.2 carries for 41.6 yards, 6.16 YPC; 1.2 catches, 8.8 yards; 0.1 touchdowns per game

The problem is that Jones has been injury prone -- a trait that will only be exacerbated by an increased workload. He’s just one of those guys that every time he goes down you cringe and wait to see if he gets back up (maybe that’s just me).

Jones bruised his calf in Week 3 of his rookie year, 2008. He then missed two weeks with a strained hamstring in October. His season ended prematurely on injured reserve after tearing a ligament in his toe. Last season, he missed two weeks with a sprained PCL.

The injury risk is real. But so is Jones’ upside. He’s running behind a massive offensive line on a team that should be among the league leaders in offensive yardage per game. Yeah, Marion Barber is going to stick as the goal-line guy and Tashard Choice will be the main third-down back. But Jones can do enough with 14-17 touches that he’ll be a high risk, high reward pick for owners willing to gamble on his health.

USA Today: Dallas Cowboys Team Report

2010-05-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

When Roy Williams was guaranteed a starting job in February by team owner Jerry Jones, it was assumed that Williams was getting a free pass and wasn't being held accountable.
At the time, Jones knew that Williams was getting beat up far and wide by fans and the media for a subpar season so he didn't need to beat him up anymore.

He was trying to support him.

Still, Jones rendered any questions of a free pass for Williams moot when he picked Dez Bryant in the first round of the NFL draft.

If there were any concerns about Williams being properly motivated to get his act together, there are none now.

Williams said he is ready for any and all challenges.

"I'm in it to win it. If somebody can pull in here and take my spot, they've got to be a baaaad man," Williams said with emphasis. "It's mine to lose, I guess you can say. I'm not going to do that. The competition level is going to be high."

Williams backed up his words during the first week of OTAs. He is in great shape. He was making great coaches and showing an improved chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo.

"He is in good shape, he's running good routes, he's doing good things," Romo said.

Said cornerback Mike Jenkins: "Roy came out on fire. That's the best I've seen Roy since he got here. He looked like a No. 1 receiver."

Dropped passes and a lack of production were part of Williams disappointing 2009 season. He understands why the fans are down on him. He has resolved to change that.

"I promise you I won't lead the league in drops. I know that," Williams said. "People are off my bandwagon, which I don't mind. I'd be off my bandwagon, too."

Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has certainly taken notice.

"His weight's really good, he looks quick and explosive, he's going to get the ball," Garrett said. "Like with everybody, it's a process that you're always trying to improve each and every day and it goes to your approach. And his approach has been outstanding."

Mosley: Inside the ropes with Tony Romo

2010-05-23T09:24:00.001-04:00

By Matt Mosley

As some of you know, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo made it through the first round of qualifying for the U.S. Open, which will be played next month at Pebble Beach. Karen Crouse of the New York Times says that only three professional athletes from other major sports have competed in the U.S. Open: John Brodie, a 49ers quarterback in the 1960s; Sammy Byrd, a Yankees outfielder in the 1930s; and Bill Ezinicki, who finished his N.H.L. career with the Rangers in 1955.

Brodie actually had some success on the Senior Tour in the early 90s and it wouldn't surprise me if Romo tried to do the same -- 20 years from now. For the time being, he'll focus on the Cowboys' upcoming organized team activities this week. On Friday, though, he was following his 16-year-old pal Jordan Spieth as he made the cut at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas.

I know there are a few Cowboys fans and even some reporters who wonder if Romo spends too much time on the course in the offseason. But as long as he doesn't miss any football workouts, I don't see why it's a problem. And you can rest assured that owner Jerry Jones loves seeing Romo show up on "SportsCenter" for his golf exploits.

And if Romo happens to qualify for the U.S. Open, I'm sure he'll turn to the NFC East blog for some tips. I played the course with him in 2005 when the Cowboys made a West Coast trip to play the 49ers and Raiders. I've conveniently misplaced the scoreboard, but I believe Romo shot a 74, punter Mat McBriar carded an 85, Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News had a 93 and a birdie on No. 8 helped me avoid triple digits.

By the way, Drew Bledsoe canceled on us at the last minute, which may or may not have led to his demise with the Cowboys. For more on my round with Romo, stay tuned to the Golf Channel.

Grading the ‘Boys, Part VIII: Defensive Line

2010-05-23T09:18:00.003-04:00

http://dallascowboystimes.com

We were going to analyze the film and statistics of the outside linebackers for this installation of “Grading the ‘Boys,” but the recent trade rumors surrounding Marcus Spears pushed us to do the defensive line instead. We wanted to determine how effective Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher were in 2009, giving us a better sense of why Dallas may have been interested in unloading Spears.

Grading defensive linemen is difficult due to the variety of roles that each player can fill. The statistics among players at other positions are generally comparable due to the equality of their on-field duties. For example, whether the Cowboys have Alan Ball or Michael Hamlin in the game at free safety, their duties will likely be the same.

The rotation that is employed amongst defensive linemen, however, creates more situational roles for each player. Defensive ends Igor Olshanksy and Marcus Spears, for example, are on the field a lot more during run downs than pass downs. Thus, their statistics are not necessarily 100 percent compatible with those of Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen.

To combat this potential problem, we will weight each player’s overall grade to more properly reflect their personal contributions and duties. The run and pass defense grades for both nose tackles (Jay Ratliff and Junior Siavii) will be weighted equally in determining their final grades. For defensive ends Spears and Olshansky, it will be 3:2 run-to-pass, and for Hatcher and Bowen it will be 3:2 pass-to-run.

As always, the charts below display the best statistics within a particular group circled in blue, and the worst in red.

Grades

Nose Tackles

Jay Ratliff
Run Defense: B+

We really don’t need statistics to tell us how dominant of a player Jay Ratliff can be on the football field. Due to the nature of the position, nose tackles generally have a tough time racking up statistics. Their primary goal is to eat up blocks and allow the linebackers to make plays.

Ratliff is so dominant, though, that he is able to overcome these limitations. He is very “undersized” for a nose tackle, but uses his speed and athleticism to gain an advantage on blockers. Pass-rushers gain glory through acquiring sacks, but Ratliff is just as solid against the run.

Pass Defense: B+

As you can see, Ratliff’s sack rate of .82 percent was the highest of any Cowboys’ defensive lineman in 2009 (including the ends). We know he would like to improve upon both that number and his total quarterback hits and pressures, but he is no longer an unknown commodity. Opposing coordinators game-plan for him, meaning his statistics are even more impressive when you take into account the constant double-teams he faces.

Note: If you are wondering why Ratliff didn’t receive an “A” in either category, it is because he committed eight penalties. Expect that number to decrease in 2010.

Junior Siavii
Run Defense: C+

Siavii’s snaps were certainly limited in 2009 (just 184 all season). Still, he was able to tally 12 tackles, or one on 6.52 percent of all plays. That is the best number of any Cowboys’ lineman, but it is important to remember that Siavii’s limited snaps mean he is always fresh and at full energy.

Pass Defense: D

Siavii really struggled against the pass last season. He was unable to record any sacks or quarterback hits, and just two quarterback pressures. The Cowboys could really be in trouble if Jay Ratliff gets injured for a significant period of time. The major drop-off from Ratliff to Siavii was probably a factor in the Cowboys drafting DE/DT Sean Lissemore.

Snaps: Spears-535, Bowen-478, Olshansky-648, Hatcher-386
Defensive Ends

Marcus Spears
Run Defense: B

Soon after drafting Spears, it was apparent that his forte is stuffing the run. His run defense is far superior to his pass-rushing ability, leaving some to label him as a ‘bust.’ It is the ability to stop the run, though, that allows guys like Demarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer to tee off on quarterbacks and rack up the sacks.

Spears’ tackle rate of 4.11 percent is solid, and he committed zero penalties all season.

Pass Defense: C-

Spears is out of the game in a lot of pass-rushing situations, so we would expect his pass defense numbers to be a bit down. Still, we would love to see him pressure the quarterback on more than 1.87 percent of all plays.

Stephen Bowen
Run Defense: C

Before watching the film, we thought Bowen was more stout against the run than what we ended up seeing. Bowen recorded just 13 tackles all year (only Hatcher’s tackle percentage was worse).

Pass Defense: B-

Bowen’s pass-rushing skills surprised us. His sack and quarterback hit percentages led all defensive ends, and he wasn’t far behind in quarterback pressures. He is a better rusher than Spears–perhaps one of the reasons the Cowboys were interested in trading Spears.

Igor Olshansky
Run Defense: A-

Olshansky was brought into Dallas to stop the run, and he did just that in 2009. He quietly was one of the Cowboys’ better free agent acquisitions in recent years. His 33 tackles are outstanding for a defensive end. We can count on one hand the number of times Olshansky got beat at the point-of-attack, meaning he often paved the way for the linebackers to make plays (in addition to his own).

Pass Defense: C-

There is no doubt that Olshansky is a run-stuffing specialist. His .62 quarterback hit percentage was the worst among defensive ends. Still, Olshansky isn’t on the field during passing situations, meaning whatever he lacks in pass-rushing skills he makes up for in his ability to stop the run.

Jason Hatcher
Run Defense: C-

We were quite disappointed with Hatcher’s 2009 performance against the run. Hatcher’s seven total tackles was worst among defensive ends and his 1.81 tackle percentage was by far the worst among all defensive linemen. Hatcher is a talented player, so we would expect these numbers to improve in 2010.

Pass Defense: B

We always say that quarterback pressures are more indicative of a pass-rusher’s success than sacks (as evidenced by Spencer’s long sack drought). Hatcher recorded only one sack last season, but he led the entire defensive line in quarterback pressures and quarterback pressure percentage. Simple regression to the mean tells us that if Hatcher gets 17 quarterback pressures again in 2010, he will undoubtedly acquire more than one sack.

Final Defensive Line Grades

1. Jay Ratliff B+ (87.0)

2. Igor Olshansky B (85.0)

T3. Jason Hatcher B- (80.2)

T3. Marcus Spears B- (80.2)

5. Stephen Bowen C+ (79.8)

6. Junior Siavii C- (71.0)

Overall, the Cowboys’ defensive line is adequate but not stellar. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff is an All-Pro player and nearly stoppable inside. With the attention he draws, you would hope the results of the defensive ends would be a bit better than what we observe.

Having said that, it is important for people to realize that 3-4 defensive ends are never going to put up big numbers. They are the offensive guards and centers of the defense–they are quite important, yet gain little respect.

The Cowboys addressed the defensive end spot in the seventh round with Sean Lissemore out of William & Mary. He is a high-motor guy who members within the organization are describing as “Ratliff-like.” If that is even close to being true, the Cowboys found a gem.

Lissemore should be able to contribute at all the defensive line spots. He could eventually become the primary backup to Ratliff inside.

With Spears, Bowen, and Hatcher all restricted free agents, expect defensive end to top the Cowboys’ list of needs for the 2011 draft.

Five Reasons the Dallas Cowboys Will Keep WR Patrick Crayton

2010-05-23T09:09:00.001-04:00

by Daniel Wolf
http://bleacherreport.com

Ever since the Dallas Cowboys drafted wide receiver Dez Bryant in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, the writing was instantly on the wall for backup Patrick Crayton.

Or is it?

Crayton's name has been mentioned in many trade rumors, especially with the Cleveland Browns, who are rumored to be still searching for a veteran receiver to mentor their young receiver group.

Owner Jerry Jones has said that he will not trade anyone, but you can never believe want an NFL executive says when it comes to anything regarding the roster nowadays.

The following are five reasons that I believe will keep Crayton wearing the stars on his helmet for the 2010 season.

(1) Roy Williams' Performance is Not Certain

Ever since Williams came to the Cowboys (for way too much in what the Cowboys had to give up to get him) he has been less than spectacular.

Even though Williams and Miles Austin will most likely start off 2010 as the starters, Bryant may push Williams out of the starter role, which is all bad for Williams' future and he could become expendable.

In this possible scenario, Crayton's value is increased since he is more reliable than Williams as a slot receiver.

(2) Crayton is a Solid Slot Receiver

Crayton is one of the more effective slot receivers in the NFL and he even managed to amass more receiving yards than Williams and one less catch than Williams too.

When third down comes around, quarterback Tony Romo knows he can count on Crayton's sure hands to move the chains.

(3) Crayton is Affordable to Keep on the Roster

Prior to the 2008 season, Crayton signed a four-year deal worth up to $14 million with $6 million guaranteed.

At the halfway point in his contract, Crayton does not break the bank, even though there is no salary cap in 2010, but he is not getting paid top dollar so it makes sense to keep him around since players will and do get injured during the long NFL season.

(4) Crayton is Under Contract

Speaking of contract, Crayton is still under one, and that means the Cowboys do not have to do anything at all.

If Crayton wants to hold out, then he will only hurt his own future stock since he is already 31 years old and the job offers will become less and less as he gets older.

(5) Crayton Has Too Much Value as a Punt Returner Too

Obviously, running back Felix Jones could return punts since he already returns kicks, but rumors are saying that Jones may actually be on the top of the running back depth chart for 2010 and if this is the case, his other duties will lessen.

This makes Crayton valuable since he returned two punts for touchdowns in 2009 and the Cowboys need that playmaking talent to help position the offense with good field position and give them an edge in the return game, since he is a threat to take one to the house.

Final Thoughts

Crayton's versatility and ability to be very effective from the slot position makes in a very valuable commodity to the Cowboys.

Plus, if a team like the Browns really wanted Crayton, then they would have already made an offer for the veteran.

There is also the issue that Jerry Jones may want too much for Caryton which is understandable.

I think Crayton stays, but his future beyond 2010 all lies on the performance of Williams this year.

If Williams tanks, he goes and Crayton stays, but if Williams has a solid campaign then vice-versa.

Odds to Win the 2011 Super Bowl: Dallas Cowboys

2010-05-23T08:58:00.001-04:00

by BigpoppaThaShowstoppa

The Dallas Cowboys' 12 to 1 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl show that they're clearly considered major contenders, However, they'll need to make strides this season to avoid feeling major heat from their fans and front office.

Dallas didn't acquire much fresh talent in the offseason aside from drafting Dez Bryant, who may or may not be ready to contribute at the NFL level. But they'll still score plenty with Tony Romo under center and breakout star Miles Austin, not to mention reliable Jason Witten, catching passes. Felix Jones may get a chance to start on his own, though it's tough to say if his smallish build can handle that assignment.

Thanks to their offense and solid pass rush, the Cowboys should be in the NFC playoff mix again.

RB competition in Dallas is a luxury battle

2010-05-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Cowboys have plenty of options with Jones, Barber and Choice.
by Matt Bowen
www.nationalfootballpost.com

One position down in Dallas to keep an eye on throughout OTAs and into the first couple of weeks of training camp is the running back position. A loaded backfield with plenty of options. How many teams in this league would want to have a position battle with this depth?

We all know that owner Jerry Jones is a big fan of Felix Jones, and why not? One of the more explosive offensive talents in this league and a perfect fit for the screen and Lead Draw packages of Jason Garrett’s offense down in Dallas.

But, that shouldn’t take away from what Marion Barber can do when he does get his pads square to the line of scrimmage. I still see him as the ideal running back for any scheme that requires the RB to take the ball deep in the backfield, hit the hole and break a tackle. The guy just runs, well, angry when I see him play. I want that in my running back. The numbers were down in ’09? OK, but this is a guy who still gave the ‘Boys close to four and a half yards per carry last season—and close to 1,000-yards on the ground.

And, let’s not forget about Tashard Choice. The former Georgia Tech RB was the main reason I thought Dallas would at least dangle Barber’s name out there in trade discussions before the draft, because he does run hard and can act as a second option to Jones. A solid young back.

We have grown accustomed to seeing two-man rotations in the backfields of NFL clubs over the past couple of years. In Dallas, it is a three-man rotation, but there still needs to be that one guy, someone we can at least call the “feature back,” when this offense and QB Tony Romo need a play.

Jones told David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, “Right now, my job is to get better and make my team better, prepare myself for this upcoming season.''

A professional response when asked about the competition for the starting gig, and what we should expect a player to say in late May.

I agree it is way to early to even speculate on this position battle, but it is one to think about as summer rolls on and the when these players get into pads come August. And, it is just another reason to like Dallas heading into 2010. You need depth at the running back position to make a long post season run--something I expect the Cowboys to do.

Brooking Likes What He Sees In Sean Lee

2010-05-21T19:49:00.001-04:00

Posted by jellis at 5/20/2010 8:35 PM CDT

Before getting directions home from Cowboys Stadium on Thursday, linebacker Keith Brooking dished on a player who has been compared to him often over the last month, a guy who's even newer in town, Sean Lee.

The rookie's size, passion for the game and smarts are reminiscient of Brooking's, something Wade Phillips couldn't help but acknowledge on draft weekend.

Brooking sees it too.

"I've been around him for a few days and I see that he's a very intense player," Brooking said. "He plays the game 100 miles an hour, and that's the way it's supposed to be played. He's very talented. He's an intelligent football player, I think he's picked up the defense fairly easily considering what they've thrown at him in this three-day period.

"He has a lot of room for improvement, but I see that he has a lot of potential as well. When you have that potential and his work ethic, there's a pretty good chance he's going to be a heck of a player in this league."

Brooking, who is missing OTAs after knee surgery, said he's making himself available to help young inside linebackers Lee and Jason Williams in the meantime.

The Dallas Cowboys: Best Players of the 2000's

2010-05-20T20:18:00.000-04:00

A Decade of Dallas Cowboys
by Bryan Mckinley
www.associatedcontent.com

For the Dallas Cowboys, the only thing that matters is championships. In the 2000's, the Cowboys haven't won any of three playoff games, yet alone a championship. With 2009 winding down, they have a good shot of getting one last chance at success this decade. If recent past history is any indicator, the Cowboys will find a way to fall apart when the pressure is on. During the past ten seasons, the Cowboys might have fallen short of their goals, but they don't lack serious talent. Out of all the players that wore a Dallas Cowboys jersey, these are the best five of the 2000's. (Only accomplishments and stats while playing for the Dallas Cowboys from 2000-2009 were considered.)

1. Demarcus Ware - Ware has only been a Dallas Cowboy for five years, yet he is the best Dallas Cowboys player of the past decade. In those five seasons, he accumulated 64.5 sacks and 23 forced fumbles. If you were to start building a defense and you could pick any player in the NFL to build around, Demarcus Ware would be a pretty good choice.

2. Jason Witten - The second best Dallas Cowboys player from the past decade is their reliable tight end. Witten has played his whole career with the 'Boys, hauling in over 500 catches, for over 5,700 yards and 26 touchdowns in seven seasons. He seems to be just coming into his prime as he has had at least 80 receptions in the past three seasons. If Witten remains a Cowboy for the rest of his career, he will leave all former Dallas Cowboys' tight ends in the dust. He is already considered by many to be the best Dallas Cowboys tight end of all-time; a few more years are only going to make that set in stone.

3. Tony Romo - Unfortunately Tony Romo sometimes seems to be mentioned more for what he has done wrong or hasn't done, than for the stellar seasons he has had for the Cowboys. Sure Romo has struggled in December, has yet to lead the Cowboys to a post season victory and made an all-time memorable flub as a kick holder in a wild card playoff game, but none of that stuff takes away what he has accomplished. Romo has been with the Cowboys since 2005 and has been their starting quarterback for the past four seasons. In those four seasons, he has passed for over 14,000 yards and 104 touchdowns. He also has a 95.6 QB rating which is the second best among quarterbacks that have played at least three seasons this past decade!

4. Greg Ellis - Ellis had been with the Dallas Cowboys from 1998- 2009. From the years 2000-2009, the consistent defensive end racked up 66.5 sacks.

5. Terence Newman - Newman has been a shutdown cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys ever since they drafted him in 2003. In his seven seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, he has over 400 tackles and 22 interceptions.

Giants' main competitors have taken steps to address problems

2010-05-20T19:53:00.001-04:00

by Vinnie Iyer
a writer for Sporting News

In contrast to the Giants, who are trying to rediscover their M.O. and mojo alike, the NFC East's other three teams seemingly already have tangible answers to pressing issues:

Dallas Cowboys
Last year's problem: Protecting Tony Romo. Romo's uncanny mobility and quick release helped limit his sacks to 34 in the regular season, but the last image was of him being dropped six times in the playoff loss at Minnesota.

This year's solution: The offensive line as a whole isn't much of a concern. It's a terrific run-blocking unit; it just needed a more regular dose of athleticism. Releasing left tackle Flozell Adams, 35, and replacing him with Doug Free, 26, is the key move.

Philadelphia Eagles
Last year's problem: Giving up big plays. There's no doubt with young stars such as LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek, Philadelphia has a great big-play offense. Unfortunately, occasional lapses from their linebackers and secondary led to yielding backbreaking long passes and runs.

This year's solution: With the first four of their 13 draft picks, the Eagles selected two defensive ends, a cornerback and a safety, intent on upgrading both their pass rush and coverage. The healthy return of middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, their best rangy tackler, also will help.

Washington Redskins
Last year's problem: Moving the ball and scoring. Washington ranked 22nd in yardage and 26th in scoring in 2009. The offensive line might've been the worst in the league, allowing 46 sacks and averaging only 3.9 yards per carry.

T. Choice: Dez good, but Sean Lee is very impressive!

2010-05-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

http://twitter.com/tchoice23

Tashard Choice has been tweeting, and Wed night when asked: "Who's been the biggest surprise so far?"

Choice: "a lot of rookies are good dez looked good but I'm really impressed with sean the lb"

Grading Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo's 2009 Performance

2010-05-19T18:27:00.000-04:00

by Jonathan Bales
Written on May 19, 2010
http://bleacherreport.com

Thus far, we have dissected the ‘09 play of the Cowboys players at every position other than quarterback.

We saved the best for last.

Grading quarterback is much different than doing so for the other positions in that statistics, while plentiful for the position, are less indicative of a quarterback’s success than for other players. The primary responsibility of a quarterback is to lead his team to victory, no matter what it takes. Some quarterbacks put up huge numbers, but simply are not winners.

Tony Romo is not one of those quarterbacks. Yes, he has the ability to put up flashy stats, but he is also a tremendous leader. While that statement is far from a consensus opinion, particularly among ill-informed fans, we whole-heartedly believe it to be the case. If you doubt the commitment of Romo to the Dallas Cowboys, read here.

Nonetheless, we have compiled a wide range of statistics and analysis on Romo’s play in 2009. Some of these numbers are taken from previous articles, and some are unique. These numbers (representing on-field play), though, will only make up half of our final grade for Romo. The other half will consist of leadership and intangibles.

Grades -Tony Romo

On-field Play: A

There is really no doubting that Tony Romo is an immensely talented quarterback. In 2009, he threw for 4,483 yards and 26 touchdowns. More importantly, however, he threw only nine interceptions all season, including just six over the final 14 games. Romo also fumbled just six times less than any other season of his career. This ability to protect the football was the primary reason for the success of the Cowboys last season.

Below are a few notes regarding Romo’s success in various situations last season.

Romo was surprisingly off-target the most when throwing to the right side of the field (23.3%), compared to the middle (18.2%) and left (21.5%).

Despite this, Romo had higher passer rating when throwing to the right side of the field as compared to the middle or left (shown in the chart below).

In the no-huddle offense, Romo averaged just 5.77 yards-per-attempt (excluding spikes)–far worse than his 8.15 overall yards-per-attempt.

Romo is generally successful in making audibles, particularly when he read blitz, averaging 1.9 “extra” yards-per-rush and 1.5 “extra” yards-per-pass.

Romo is much more efficient with Jason Witten in a route, averaging 9.4 yards-per-attempt when in those situations, compared to just 7.4 when Witten stays in to block.

Romo is only slightly more effective on play-action passes compared to regular drop-backs (8.3 yards-per-attempt compared to 8.1). He is 3.23 times as likely to throw a screen pass following play-action as he is to do so on a straight drop-back.

Leadership/ Intangibles: A-

Again, Romo is a very good leader. While not an extremely vocal player, he lets his play speak for itself. He is also perhaps the team’s hardest-working player. When that label goes to your team’s biggest superstar, you know the path is set for the rest of the players to follow.

Overall Grade: A (94.0)

Romo will never be able to fully escape criticism–that simply comes with the territory of playing quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. However, to those watching carefully, it is apparent that the Cowboys have secured one of the league’s top signal-callers.

Without Romo, where would the Cowboys be? Sometimes it is difficult to realize how special someone is until you lose them. Michael Irvin perhaps put it best when he said:

Can we get Drew Bledsoe back out here (for) just a week so you guys can really fall back in love with Tony? Let’s put Drew Bledsoe back out here, because sometimes when you have a pretty girl for awhile, you forget how pretty she is. But when you throw the ugly girl next to her, you say, ‘No, I’m really doing well.’ Maybe we need to bring Drew out so we know we’re really doing well.

Irvin is right. Let’s not let Romo’s consistency tarnish our love for what we brings to the table year in and year out. To further jog your memory on what it is like to have an “ugly girl” at quarterback, take a look at the list of Cowboys’ starting quarterbacks between Troy Aikman and Romo.

Quincy Carter
Anthony Wright
Ryan Leaf
Clint Stoerner
Chad Hutchinson
Vinny Testaverde
Drew Henson
Drew Bledsoe
Brad Johnson

Anyone else think Tony Romo is a little more “beautiful” right about now?

Seven Training Camp Battles For The Dallas Cowboys Offense

2010-05-19T18:15:00.001-04:00

by One.Cool.Customer
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com

In his press conference after the first day of OTAs Coach Wade Phillips formulated what may be the theme of this year's training camp activities:

"Competition makes you better. The real good guys compete all the time, and they're competing with themselves trying to get better. The Tony Romos of the world, those kind of guys. There won't be anybody coming in and beating him out, but he’s competing all the time to try to get better."

For all others, training camp means other guys competing for your job, according to Coach Phillips.

"Some guys are more motivated by somebody else being there. You'd like them all to be self-starters [and be] guys that compete to get better all the time, but it doesn’t always happen. So if you have competition at any position it certainly helps."

Competition is the name of the game for Cowboys Training camp, but the players may end up battling more than just other players. Here are some of the training camp battles on offense to look forward to:

1. Wide Receivers vs. The Depth Chart

Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Roy Williams are locks and Kevin Ogletree has a good shot, but all bets are off as to who goes where on the depth chart.

Let's assume the Cowboys keep only five wide receivers. Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd have both asked to be traded. Hurd could be let go. Crayton may still have a great deal of value for the team, but it looks unlikely that he can overcome his wounded pride. That leaves one spot on the depth chart for any of the following players:

Manuel Johnson and Jesse Holley have had a year on the practice squad to hone their craft, and did that so well that the coaching staff awarded them the game balls after a victory over Philadelphia. Apparently, the coaches credit their work as a key factor in the team limiting DeSean "sting they ass" Jackson to three catches for 47 yards.

Titus Ryan was brought in primarily as a return guy but his speed has coaches turning their heads so fast they might develop whiplash before TC even starts.

Verran Tucker, Terrell Hudgins and Rashaun Greer are all UDFAs who will give it everything they've got to make the roster.

2. The O-Line vs. Hudson Houck

Romo cannot be allowed to fight for his life because the O-Line isn’t holding up. The Cowboys have all these shiny toys on offense, but to use them, the line needs to protect the quarterback. Houck needs to get at least one more solid season out of the four returning veteran starters, decide on a left tackle, sort out the backup situation and determine who is best suited for the 45-man roster on gameday.

Houck said on the offensive line makeup in 2010:
"I'm kind of excited about it. I think this is great thing to watch. This is fun. This is about competing. This is about team play. This is about somebody stepping up and taking a job. I'm really excited. I hope you guys are too."
3. Cowboys vs. Penalties

The Cowboys tied for third with Philadelphia and Baltimore in the NFL with 115 penalties last season, three penalties behind league leaders Green Bay, and ranked fifth in penalty yards. And if you think that releasing Flozell Adams will solve the penalty issue, then think again, because the issue is much more systemic.

No other team has a longer active streak of being in the league top 10 in penalty yards than the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are the only team to finish in the top ten for four consecutive seasons (2006-2009), and are also the only team with a four year active streak of 800 or more penalty yards. Runners up with active streaks of three consecutive seasons: the Packers and the Raiders.

4. Dez Bryant vs 1st Round Expectations

The last two wide receivers the Cowboys selected in the first round were Michael Irvin in 1988 and Alvin Harper in 1991. And if that doesn't set the bar high enough for Dez Bryant, why not give him the number 88 jersey as well? Way to manage fan expectations, Mr. Jones.

5. Stephen McGee vs. The Clipboard

So far, McGee did a bang-up job as a clipboard holder, but he wants and needs to show more in 2010. McGee did see action as the scout-team QB, and his spot looks pretty safe for 2010 behind John Kitna, who by the way didn't get any younger last year. But McGee needs to show that he has progressed to where he at least is an adequate backup or he might not make into his third season in Dallas. Matt Nichols' chances of making the roster are slim at best.

6. TE vs FB vs. H-Back vs. Offensive Shemes

With the success of the 2 TE set last season, a resurrection of the H-back position (possibly at the expense of the fullback) may not be completely out of the question, and no, H-Back is not a halfback. H-Back is a hybrid position, a cross between a tight end and fullback. The H-back can line up in the backfield or on the line or be sent in motion, and some might argue that Bennett last year was more successful as a H-back than as a pass-catching TE, but that’s a whole different subject.

The Cowboys are already stacked at TE with Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and John Phillips, yet saw fit to invite not one but three more TEs to camp in Scott Sicko, Nick Tow-Arnett and Chris Gronkowski.

A lot of tight ends are either finesse, pass-receiver types of tight ends or they're blockers. All three Cowboys UDFAs do both pretty well and would fit the mold of a fullback/H-back/tight end hybrid.

Here’s a quote from Scott Sicko directly:

Q: Do you think you could play both a "move" tight end like an H-back as well as an in-line tight end? What about fullback?

Sicko: I don’t really like to put labels on myself like that. The only reason for that is because it doesn’t matter to me. I would just like to be part of a team. I will be more than happy at any of those positions and which ever one I am at, I will give it my best effort to perform well.
Depending on how training camp shakes out, there might be one additional spot available for a fourth tight end. Strangely enough, this most likely hinges on whether David Buehler can be successful as a place kicker, thus opening up one additional roster spot.

7. David Buehler vs The Uprights

Right now the coaching staff is favoring David Buehler to take over field goal duties, and potentially free up a roster spot. In his last season at USC, Buehler made 9 of 13 field goal attempts for a FG percentage of 69%. Not great, but definitely an improvement of the combined 64.5% of Nick Folk and Shaun Suisham. The Cowboys have hired Chris Boniol to help him, but have so far also retained Connor Hughes. Just in case.

What are the battles you'll be keeping an eye on in OTAs and training camp, and why?

Potential Landing Spots for Patrick Crayton

2010-05-19T18:06:00.001-04:00

AUTHOR: thelandryhat
By: Joe D.

This will read like a love song to Patrick Crayton. Crayton has been a consumate professional during his tenure with Dallas. While he may have opened his mouth at times, I never objected to his statements. Crayton was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2004. He has been remarkably productive for a late round pick, especially since he has been demoted at every opportunity.

Crayton has limited value in regards to trade value. It’s not outside the rhealm of possibility, however. He has a managable contract, and can play a variety of positions, from punt returner, slot receiver, and #2 WR. A team won’t trade for him since he will probably be cut (barring injury to the other WR’s on the staff). Why pay for something that you can otherwise get free.

Crayton isn’t the fastest, biggest, tallest, nor most talented player on the field (unless he’s coaching pee-wee football). He has good hands, and runs solid routes. He doesn’t give up on plays (regardless of the counter argument that he gave up on the route against the Giants in the playoffs). He is a solid veteran who has several years of productivity remaining.

Crayton is not participating in organized team activities. This is a benefit for him as he will avoid injury. It’s a benefit to the Cowboys who will be able to funnel additional repetitions to younger players. Some may view Crayton as throwing a tantrum, but this is as far from the truth as possible.

Ideally for Crayton, he will land with a competitive team in need of depth at the WR position. Barring injury to starting players, I actually see him landing with a team with young WR’s where Crayton will act as a mentor while providing production on the field. The following are potential landing spots for Crayton based upon the above criteria.

Bengals: Cincy added Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant. The Bengals have been a repository for former Cowboys. With the two WR’s that were added, Crayton would certainly be a stabilizing force. At least he would be eligible to play throughout the entire year. I doubt Cincy is an option.

Browns: The Browns have Cribbs as their return man. While the Browns have purged their talent (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow) recently, they have drafted several young players, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, etc. This wouldn’t be a perfect fit for Crayton, but I certainly could see him being productive for several years while mentoring the Browns young talent. Robiskie is the son of former Redskins Head Coach, Terry Robiskie. He is fundamentally sound, but lacked production. I think this would be an ideal landing for Crayton. The quarterback situation in Cleveland is less than desirable. Crayton is a veteran WR, 31 years old, and he may not have enough time left in his career to wait for Colt McCoy to become a competent QB.

Steelers: The Steelers fans hate the Cowboys and their fans. Those who are ignorant of this fact and root for the Steelers are excused. Now that you know, you have to decide on the Cowboys or the Steelers. You can’t be fans of both teams (you hear that Sean Lee, Lee’s family and my brother). Otherwise, the Steelers have shipped out a Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes, and Limas Sweed suffered an achilles injury. Certainly the Steelers now have a void. They presently have ten WR’s on their roster, so it is not an imperative that they add additional talent. Crayton would certainly prefer moving to a championship caliber team, but I doubt the the Steelers have a significant interest in Crayton.

Texans: The Texans only have 7 listed WR’s, though Dorin Dickerson is a TE. Considering that, they only have 6 WR’s, of which Andre Johnson is the only feared WR. Jacoby Jones is a talented speedster that has minimal production over the past three years. He may be on the verge of a breakout like Miles Austin had last year, but this may be a good landing spot for Crayton. Houston is close to Dallas (if he elected to commute), and they have a good QB.

Jaguars: The Jaguars have several no name WR’s (as they cut Torry Holt). The Jags best WR, Mike Sims-Walker, was equally as productive as Crayton in 2009. I think Crayton would be a good addition to the Jags roster, though I believe the Jags are more interested in developing their young talent like Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard. If they wanted a veteran presence on the team, they would have kept Holt who had a sub-par year.

Bills: Terrell Owens found refuge in Buffalo last year. Crayton won’t be as lucky. The Bills don’t have a dynamic passing game, and he would be buried on the play progression. Running game would be pre-dominant, then
the first look to Evans, then Reed, and then the QB is sacked.

Dolphins: Both Parcells and Sparano are familiar with Crayton. The Dolphins traded for Brandon Marshall and
Davone Bess had a breakout season (76 receptions, 758 yards). There may be room for Crayton as a slot WR, but I think the Dolphins would consider bring Crayton in if they were competing for a Super Bowl. I think they are a few years away from competing at a high level.

Patriots: Crayton would be an upgrade over Julian Edelman as a slot WR. Wes Welker will be rehabbing for much of the season from his knee injury. While Crayton wouldn’t be expensive, I don’t see the Patriots paying three players for one position on the team. Most may see depth, though I think the Patriots see redundancy. As a side note, I was pleased that Isaiah Stanback only had 3 receptions last year with the Patriots. That’s not sour grapes towards Stanback, but it would have killed me a little if this was a repeat of Jimmy Smith.

Raiders: The Raiders would be well served to have someone on their team who can find the holes in zone coverage and can catch the ball. I hear Crayton runs a 4.5 forty time, which is about .2 seconds too long for the Raiders.

Bears: Crayton would be a welcome addition to a team with questionable talent at the WR position. Knox is a speedster; Hester is productive; but two of their top three receivers were a TE and RB. If Favre doesn’t return to the Vikings, the division will be up for grabs, and Chicago could compete with for the division.

Panthers: The Panthers have a mix of youth and veterans to mentor the former. Crayton will not be singing Sweet Caroline, unless he goes to a Pitt game.

Buccaneers: The Bucs drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. With Antonio Bryant not being signed, their
remaining WRing crew totaled 47 receptions. Crayton would be a welcome addition the Buc’s QB, Josh Freeman. One questions for the Bucs, why would you take a WR who quit on his team in the 3rd round. He may have been the most talented player to come out of Buffalo in a long time, but isn’t that like being the prettiest leper?

Redskins: If the Redskins were to sign both Crayton and Terrell Owens, they would certainly look for revenge against the organization who choose ROY WILLIAMS over both of them. The Redskins have young WR’s (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas), but they aren’t feared. They have old WR’s (Joey Galloway, Santana Moss), but they aren’t feared. Crayton would certainly receive some playing time considering that group. I could see Crayton in a Redskin uniform, though it would break my heart just a bit. I feel no pity for McNabb, but I almost hope (almost), that he has at least one target besides Cooley who will catch the ball.

Rams: Crayton would be a solid #2 WR across from Donnie Avery. Danny Amendola (43 receptions, 326 yards) would stay in the slot. This would be a god awful situation for Crayton considering a rookie QB and a losing franchise.

And the least likely option is:

Cowboys: Presently on the Cowboys roster are Miles Austin (who has a history of injuries), Roy Williams (who has a history of underachieving), Dez Bryant (who has no history at the pro-level), Sam Hurd (top special teamer with limited offensive production), Kevin Ogletree (impressive 2nd year player with quickness and body control), Jesse Holley (Larry Fitzgerald hair twin), Manuel Johnson (7th round selection and practice squad member in 2009), and Ryan Titus (undrafted free agent in 2007). With the Cowboys having Super Bowl aspirations, parading Roy Williams and Jesse Holley in a division match-up late in the season does not sound appealing at all. Ogletree can play the slot if called upon. He is quick and fast and has developed a rapport with Romo in a short period of time. Depth is not a problem for the Cowboys, so it is unlikely Crayton will be retained.

Interview with Anthony Spencer!

2010-05-18T19:33:00.001-04:00

By Gage • May 18, 2010
http://sportsjabber.net/2010/05/18/i...thony-spencer/

In 2007, the Dallas Cowboys used the 26th pick in the draft on defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid Anthony Spencer out of Purdue. With that came a player with a huge upside and all the talent in the world. This past year, he flashed what every Dallas fan had been hoping for. With 3 years under his belt, Spencer looks forward to dominating along with fellow outside linebacker Demarcus Ware, to give opposing quarterbacks fits.

In his rookie year, Spencer started 6 of the 16 games he played and acquired 3 sacks in his limited time. Along with the 3 sacks, he forced 2 fumbles and accumulated 36 tackles. In his second year, he suffered a bit of a setback with injuries as he played in just 12 games, getting 34 tackles and just 1.5 sacks. He was still able to show flashes of his playmaking ability.

All that came out in his 3rd and most recent season. He tallied 67 tackles with 6 sacks, 7 passes defended, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles. He also led all linebackers with 26 quarterback hits. There’s definitely a lot to look forward to next season as a Dallas Cowboy fan. Two solid pass rushers playing across from each other, one of them being, arguably, the best, the other steadily improving.

Anthony Spencer took some time to answer some questions from the fans and here’s what he had to say.

Quote:
Brandon Williams: You showed increasing flashes of superior sacking capability in 2009. What steps are you taking to be more consistent in that area and get to the next level?

Anthony Spencer: The only way that I see to be more consistent, is to be consistent in everything I do during the season. With workouts, practice, and film watching. It paid off for me at the end of the season.

BW: What aspects of the 3-4 do you like the best and/or dislike?

AS: I love the 3-4 defense because it gives outside linebackers lots of opportunities to make plays in the running and passing game.

BW: What made you elevate your play while playing against the Eagles?

AS: LOL. I guess I would have to say because that’s when it was down to the wire we need those games to get in the playoffs and then to move on to the next round.

BW: Would you like to see more corner/inside blitzes in the 2010 season to really give your opponents some heat, or do you think the blitz/coverage balance that Wade Phillips implemented last season served the defense well?

AS: I believe that Wade is a great coach and he knows his defense every well and will come up with some new types of blitzes to implement during the season because he does every year.

BW: After your surge at the end of last season, is it likely that you and Demarcus will tone down on switching at the line pre-snap now that offenses respect both of you? Or is this tactic mainly a confusion ploy as opposed to creating mismatches?

AS: I don’t believe that we will stop switching sides. That’s just our position, he plays the weak side and I play the strong.

BW: You excelled at run support all season, and hit the quarterback more than any other defensive player in the NFL. One question I have is how does your coverage skills compare to these other abilities in your opinion? I know you and Demarcus aren’t in coverage frequently so it was difficult for me to keep up with this aspect of your game. For a 3-4 OLB is coverage something that you even spend much time on in practice?

AS: Coverage is something we spend a fair amount of time on. I am in coverage more then Ware is because of the fact that I line up on the TE side and a lot of the time the backs come out of the back field to the strong side. I would say that my coverage skills are not perfect and it is a work in progress just like the rest of my game.

BW: Since we just finished up the Draft season… what was your draft experience like? What was your first thought when you got that phone call from Jerry?

AS: My draft experience was not too crazy. At the time I would have been happy to go anywhere, just to get that phone call was going to be enough for me. When it did ring, I was just excited for the opportunity to come to Dallas and play. I knew that Dallas was a well liked team, but I had no idea that the fans were the best fans anywhere. I found that out pretty quick when I got to training camp and the stadium was filled with people like there was a game going on.

BW: What is it like to play in the Palace in Dallas?

AS: Like I said to the last question, we have the best fans with the best stadium in the world. It is hard to compare with anything else. It’s definitely a must see in your life time.

BW: You play in what can be considered the toughest division in all of football, which of your division opponents do you love to play and why?

AS: I love playing against them all because there is so much rivalry between the teams and all the games matter so much if you want to make to the playoffs.

BW: What is it like playing with Demarcus Ware, and how has he helped you with your game?

AS: D. Ware is one of, if not the best pass rusher in the game right now. And I learn from him almost everyday we are on the field, from hand placement to where to step. There are so many little things that go into pass rushing, it’s hard not to take notes when watching him.

BW: You had more QB hits than any other player in the NFL, what can you do differently this year to get to the QB a half step quicker and pick up more sacks?

AS: Just start the way I finished last year, with being consistent in everything that I’m doing that relates to the game.

BW: You’ve played both DE and OLB and have proven to be able to play both very effectively. Which position do you enjoy playing more?

AS: I would have to say outside because I get to stand up and you can see the game much better. The way certain plays develop and you can get a good jump on things.

BW: Why are you such a ******?

AS: LOL. Lots of patience, listening, and hard work is the recipe.

BW: What can we expect from Anthony Spencer and the Dallas Cowboys this season?

AS: There is no staying the same in life. You’re either getting better or worse. The Cowboys and I are committed to getting better so that’s all I can really promise, is that we will be better than last year.

I want to thank Anthony for this awesome interview. He’s a great player and a great guy. I wish him the best of luck!
__________________
for more updates visit http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/

Cowboys Unconcerned About Romo’s Blind Side

2010-05-18T18:57:00.001-04:00

Source: Sporting News

Cowboys fans worry that new LT Doug Free(notes) isn’t up to the job of protecting QB Tony Romo’s(notes) blind side. Free, who started seven games at right tackle in ’09, is no lock to win the job but it is his job to lose. The Cowboys did trade for underperforming Alex Barron(notes), who started 74 games in St. Louis, to provide some camp competition.

"I think they just think it’s too good to be true," owner/G.M. Jerry Jones told the Dallas Morning News. "There wasn’t any dropoff when he stepped in for (Marc) Colombo. He changed our mind about him last season."

When Free, 26, took over for injured LT Flozell Adams(notes) in the playoffs, he was abused by Vikings All-Pro DE Jared Allen(notes). In all fairness, Free hadn’t had much practice at the position and was facing one of the NFL’s two best defensive ends.

"Fans don’t seem to care who’s at left tackle unless he’s a first-round pick," line coach Hudson Houck told the Morning News, "but Doug has everything you want in a tackle. He has good feet, he’s athletic, his arm length is 34 or 35 (inches), which is fine, and he’s a good run blocker and pass blocker."

A Vision Of The Future At Defensive End?

2010-05-18T18:12:00.001-04:00

Posted by jellis at 5/17/2010 5:57 PM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Marcus Spears had an excused absence from Organized Team Activities on Monday, meaning backups Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen got extra work.

With more opportunities, the Cowboys could see either player as a starter. Jerry Jones issued that opinion back in February at the Scouting Combine, and both players received more valuable tenders than Spears on the eve of free agency.

When Spears returns on Tuesday as he's slated to do, he would presumably go back to the first team. Spears has said the Cowboys haven't had any dialogue about a long-term contract with his representation, the team maybe hesistant to sign him when they believe there are two potential first-teamers playing right behind him in Hatcher and Bowen.

"Both of them have been role players for us, but I think they can be more than that," Wade Phillips said. "They both have starter ability. Both of them can rush the passer, and I think that's a key. Any defensive lineman that can rush the passer is a bonus. They're getting better and better at that, and I think that's helped them and will help us."

Phillips identified Hatcher as the stronger run defender, though he said Bowen is good in his own way. The ability to hold up against the ground game would make Hatcher the more likely starter if the Cowboys ever had to make a decision.

Bowen tied Jay Ratliff for the third-most quarterback pressures on the team last year with 33, trailing only DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer.

Cowboys' version of spread offense

2010-05-18T17:40:00.002-04:00

Source: www.saintsnews.net

The beauty of a Super Bowl title, other than the shiny trophy, parade, adulation, endorsement opportunities, etc., is watching other teams scurry to emulate what you do best.

New Orleans is the NFL's gold standard when it comes to offense. The Saints spread the ball around in a democratic style that few teams can match.

The offense that comes closest belongs to the Cowboys. The same Cowboys who added receiver Dez Bryant and will incorporate the rookie into an offense that ranked No. 2 in the league last season.

Your move, Jason Garrett.

"I think Jason is very fortunate as a coordinator, we're very fortunate as a team, to have the options we have offensively," owner Jerry Jones said.

Bryant. Miles Austin. Roy Williams. Jason Witten. Martellus Bennett. Felix Jones. Marion Barber. Tashard Choice. These are the primary movers and shakers in the Cowboys' scheme.

Quarterback Tony Romo gets these players the ball. Garrett's charge is to determine how each of these weapons is used and how big a role they will play.

That begins to unfold at organized team activities this week at Valley Ranch.

"You're always going to feel like there is more meat on the bone for everybody," Garrett said. "Our tight end catches over 90 balls a year. Miles Austin stepped in and caught over 80 balls for more than 1,300 yards. The runners combined for over 2,000 yards, all of that stuff.

"In each of those cases, you could say, 'Hey, we can get that guy the ball more, that guy can be more productive.' Well, there are only so many plays in a game, there are only so many times the ball can get distributed to different guys. Everyone understands that, and our team has a great sense of unselfishness when it comes to that.

"Certainly, we want to get everyone as involved as possible," Garrett continued. "We want everybody to be as productive as possible, but that's not real life."

Real life is that Austin made the most of his opportunities, so he got 81 receptions while Williams got 38. Real life is Witten runs better routes, so he catches 94 balls while Bennett gets 15. Real life is that Choice is the third wheel in the ground game.

But that was last season. Romo will tell you the Cowboys offense doesn't pick up where it left off. It starts over. Each player has the opportunity to change his role.

But here's the key: Garrett can't make it about any individual. It must be framed in the context of the overall offense.

There is one noticeable difference in how the Saints and Cowboys distributed the ball last season. New Orleans had seven players catch at least 35 passes. Marques Colston led the team with 70.

Only four players caught at least 35 passes for the Cowboys. But the top of the scale was pushed out much further with Witten at 94.

As this offense evolves and incorporates Bryant, as Bennett carves a bigger role, you would anticipate the Cowboys' pattern would compress and look more like the Saints.

But that gets into ratios, and Garrett isn't a fan.

"I just think you've got to be careful saying this is what we want all of the ratios to be," Garrett said. "It's hard to do that before the season starts. A lot of that stuff evolves."

New Orleans was the only team to rank ahead of the Cowboys in total offense. The Saints and Cowboys were the only teams to rank in the top 10 in both rushing and passing.

The Cowboys rushed for 150 or more yards six times last season and threw for at least 300 yards eight times. The Cowboys led the league in plays of 10 or more yards and were second in plays of 20 or more yards with 75. Only Pittsburgh (77) had more.

All this, and the Cowboys ranked No. 14 in scoring. A Saints team that averaged only 4.4 yards a game more than the Cowboys averaged 9.3 points a game more.

The Cowboys were explosive when it came to moving the ball, but not explosive when it came to scoring. That's where Bryant and a more efficient red zone offense can help.

"An area we need to continue to emphasize is finishing those individual plays, turning those plays into touchdowns," Garrett said.

This is one area where the Cowboys want to be more like the Saints. They are already there in terms of balance and scheme.

"Now, can you say beforehand this is what it's all going to look like at the end?" Garrett asked. "I don't know that you can say that.

"But the big picture, the broad-stroke ideas are that we want to have that kind of balance and distribution."

Dez Bryant > Roy Williams. Shhhh, Don't Tell Roy.

2010-05-18T17:27:00.000-04:00

By Richie Whitt,
Dallas Observer.com

It took all of three plays - without pads, mind you - to see the full Dez Bryant package.

As last season officially melted into this season, the Dallas Cowboys held OTAs (Organized Team Activities) out at Valley Ranch. Their rookie receiver, as expected, dazzled. A burst of escape off the line of scrimmage. Sharp, yet subtle, breaks on routes. And hands - big, aggressive hands that attacked, and snared, the ball at its apex. Bryant has "it."

In other words, he's everything Roy Williams isn't.

Who knows? Maybe this is the fire that will spark Williams. He, too, caught everything thrown his way on Monday.

Cornerback Mike Jenkins' assessment of the two:

On Roy: "He came out on fire. He looked like a No. 1 receiver."

On Dez: "I agree with the pick. He's going to push Miles. He's going to push Roy."

Williams maintains it's going to take "a bad man" to take his starting job. Or, maybe just one who can produce more than 38 catches, 7 touchdowns and 8 drops.

Maybe someone named Dez Bryant.

Your full Cowboys' off-season schedule is just a jump, clip and save away ...

ORGANIZED TEAM ACTIVITIES (OTAs) - May 17-19/ May 24-26/ June 1-3/ June 8-10.

MANDATORY MINICAMP - June 11-13

TRAINING CAMP - San Antonio: July 24-Aug. 6/ Valley Ranch Aug. 7-13/ Oxnard, Calif.: Aug. 14-27

Felix Jones leads the Cowboys' three-head backfield into the 2010 season

2010-05-17T20:00:00.001-04:00

DALLAS COWBOYS
Running Back Report Preview
http://blogs.rotoworld.com

Team Analysis: Marion Barber suffered through a second-straight injury-marred season, allowing Felix Jones to emerge behind a 178-yard breakout game against the Eagles in the playoffs. Beat writers have unanimously declared that the more explosive Jones is now the favorite to lead the backfield in carries in 2010, with the more physical Barber possibly moving into the long-discussed "closer" role. Hanging around as perhaps the finest No. 3 back in the league, Tashard Choice could also work his way into third-down duties. This has all the making of a three-headed monster, limiting the fantasy value of all three even in one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league. Jones is a risk/reward RB2, Barber more of a flex option, and a Choice a RB4 with injury upside.

Future: Depending on who you believe, Barber may or may not have been on the trading block this offseason. While it's unlikely that the contending Cowboys would pare their backfield depth, it is clear that Barber is no longer as esteemed as Jones in Dallas. Jones has arguably as much big-play ability as any back in the NFL, but there are legitimate concerns that he'll never be a "carry the load" type. His dynasty league upside is capped by durability and workload concerns. Choice has shown in small sample sizes that he can be just as effective as Barber, if not more so. Barber is due $4.25M in 2011 and $5.75M in 2012 while Choice will earn a meager $550K in 2011 before hitting restricted free agency in 2012. It wouldn't be surprising to see Choice outlast Barber as Jones' tag-team partner.

Top 10 Receivers of the NFC East

2010-05-17T19:11:00.000-04:00

Source: http://pathtothedraft.com/?p=2077

10. Devin Thomas, Redskins
Devin was able to work his way into the starting role of the Washington Redskins last season and finished the season with 10 starts under his belt. Against the Superbowl Champion Saints, Thomas had 7 catches for over 100 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns. Look for Thomas to become a household name in 2010.

9. Roy Williams, Cowboys
As the Cowboys selected Dez Bryant in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, Roy Williams became the 3rd best receiver on the Cowboys roster behind both Bryant and Miles Austin. Williams has not found his way in Wade Phillips system yet, but will hope to get back on track this season. If he does not however, his days in Dallas will be over.

8. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles
Maclin had a decent 2009 season with flashes of greatness as a speedy deep threat. As he continues to learn the game, look for Maclin to breakout this season and help youngster QB Kevin Kolb establish a career.

7. Hakeem Nicks, Giants
Hakeem came in as a rookie last season and translated perfectly into the Giants’ offensive scheme. Nicks averaged 16.8 yards per catch, averaging more than 2 yards more than any other Giants’ receiver.

6. Mario Manningham, Giants
Manningham is speed. As this youngster continues to become a student of the game, he continues to improve as one of the NFC East’s best receivers. The Giants have a great spread scheme in which he, Hakeem Nicks, and Steve Smith provide solid targets for Superbowl Champion QB, Eli Manning.

5. Santana Moss, Redskins
Year in and year out Santana Moss puts up great numbers. As his performance begins to decline due to age, look for this veteran to have one last solid season as he’ll be receiving from the best QB he’s ever had the opportunity to receive from, Donovan McNabb.

4. Dez Bryant, Cowboys
Coach Wade Phillips is saying that this may be the most extraordinary talent he has coached in his 33 years in the NFL. Bryant impressed in the Cowboys’ rookie mini-camp, but will need to get in better shape if he wants to become one of the best young receivers in the league.

3. DeSean Jackson, Eagles
DeSean is a deep threat in every sense of that saying. Jackson exploded onto the seen a couple years back and continues to cause havoc for his opponents. Averaging 18.6 yards a catch, look for DeSean to continue his reign of dominance.

2. Steve Smith, Giants
Because Steve Smith is not a flashy receiver, you may not feel that he is among the top 3 receivers in the NFC East. Let’s take a look at his numbers though. Steve Smith caught 107 passes for 1220 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. He started in all 16 games and averaged more than 76 yards a game. When it comes down to it, Steve Smith is the most consistent receiver on this list.

1. Miles Austin, Cowboys
Can you say break-out season? Wow, what a treat it was to see Miles explode onto the scene last season. If I told you that he only started in 9 games, could you believe that he hauled in 81 balls for 1,320 yards? Imagine if he started the other 7 games… Miles Austin will enter the 2010 season as the best receiver in the NFC East and one of the best receivers in the NFL.

DMN Blog: Dez Bryant, Roy Williams catch Mike Jenkins' eye at Cowboys OTA

2010-05-17T18:53:00.001-04:00

by Todd Archer

When you need to really know what a wide receiver has, you go to the cornerbacks. Mike Jenkins came away impressed with first-round pick Dez Bryant and Roy Williams on Monday.

"He's going to be a big-time wide receiver," Jenkins said.

On a deep ball during one-on-one drills, Bryant out-leaped Jenkins for a Tony Romo pass down the sideline, showing right away that he can not only make plays in the rookie mini-camp but also against the veterans, too.

But Jenkins also had big praise for Williams, who had a juggling catch on a Romo deep ball in seven-on-seven drills that even had owner and GM Jerry Jones asking the media if we saw the nice grab.

"Roy came out on fire today," Jenkins said. "That's the best I've seen Roy since he got here. He looked like a No. 1 receiver. "

Dez Bryant in awe of Tony Romo, kind of

2010-05-17T18:52:00.001-04:00

Todd Archer / Reporter

Dez Bryant made a good first impression in his first full-workout with the Cowboys during Monday's OTA at Valley Ranch. On one of the first passes he caught from Tony Romo in one-on-one drills, he out-jumped Mike Jenkins for the reception.

Later, Romo discussed a play with Bryant during a short break.

"And I really didn't care about the play," Bryant said. "I was excited just because he was talking to me. It made me feel good."

Knowing where Romo's career started it's funny to hear a first-round pick like Bryant be in awe of the quarterback. And don't take the first part of the quote too literally if you're going to parse his words.

But that aforementioned catch caught Romo's attention, too.

"The thing about it is it's easy if you just stood back there and threw the ball," Romo said. "But there's people around you so sometimes you have to avoid a hand to throw a ball. Sometimes you have to throw through a window. Sometimes you can't see, so you're guessing [where] the ball's going to be. The receivers have to have the ability adjust if you're going to play at a high level. That's part of playing the position."

While Romo liked what he saw from Bryant in their first work together, he said there is a long way to go.

"It's a process and it's about improving," Romo said. "And young guys it sometimes takes a little bit to get adjusted to press [coverage], different things in the NFL, route adjustments. I'll be interested to see all that as it gets forward, we're just starting the process now."

These NFL rookies could make quick impact

2010-05-17T18:47:00.000-04:00

Dennis Dillon
Tuesday, May. 11, 2010 - 4:07 p.m. ET

It's not easy for a rookie to turn heads at his first minicamp. Contact isn't allowed, and there are only so many things he can do in a T-shirt and shorts.

Nonetheless, these 11 draft picks were among the rookies who made good first impressions during their NFL indoctrinations.

In his first practice, he showed some fatigue. In his final practice, he twisted his ankle. In between, Bryant displayed outstanding hands and athletic ability. He caught just about every pass thrown his way and made at least a couple of spectacular receptions in every practice.

"Dez Bryant is an absolute talent," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips gushed. "You don't get to be around that many players who come in and look that good that early. In 33 years, I can say that there haven't been that many that have come in and looked that talented in the first three-day period as he has."

Could This Be the Year for Romo?

2010-05-17T18:43:00.001-04:00

By Steve Hunt
FoxSportsSouthwest.com

The start of Cowboys training camp is still a few months away, but the NFL being in the off-season doesn’t preclude fans from talking about America’s Team. With Dallas hosting the 2010 Super Bowl, one storyline that will be discussed ad nauseam is the possibility of the Cowboys becoming the first team in NFL history to host the Super Bowl. Last year’s team went 11-5, shook off the stigma of not being able to win in December and won the franchise’s first playoff game since 1996, a drought that began just one year after they won their last Super Bowl.

And if the ‘Boys are to make it to the NFL’s biggest stage this year, many pin their hopes squarely on the shoulders of one Tony Romo. Sure, that’s a lot of expectation to heap on one man’s shoulders but such is the life when you quarterback the most high-profile team in pro football if not the entire sports world. And when predecessors like Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach led the Cowboys to championship glory before you, it’s only logical that fans and media alike expect Romo to follow suit. This could very well be the year he does so for a number of reasons:

Better Decision Making

Last year, Romo threw just nine interceptions, a career low for the 30-year-old signal caller. In fact, of NFL starters who played all 16 games, his nine picks were the third-lowest in the league behind just Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre of Minnesota, both of whom were intercepted seven times in 2009. Romo also had just one game with multiple INTs last fall, the Week Two loss to the Giants, where he threw three picks and the Cowboys were still in position to win. In 2009, he had 10 games where he threw no interceptions, including in the first-round playoff win over Philadelphia. That’s another career high.

Just looking at the numbers, Romo’s numbers have been trending upward since 2007, his first full season as a starter. In ’07, he had two multiple-interception games, including a five-pick performance on Monday night at Buffalo with just three games with no interceptions. The following year, he had three games with multiple picks and three with no picks. However, those numbers changed considerably last year. He still shows the gunslinger mentality at times but has clearly learned to pick his spots to just sling it around.

The Current Receiving Corps

There’s no doubt that Miles Austin’s breakout season last fall, where he caught 81 balls for 1,320 yards to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl was a surprise to some. However, it wasn’t a complete shock to his teammates, who had seen flashes from the Garden State native since the Cowboys had signed him as a free agent in 2006. Some naysayers might state that last year was a fluke for Austin and that this year, he will come back down to earth but Romo and Austin have a good understanding of one another and what each will do in certain situations. Look for that connection to strengthen even further this year.

While much has been made about what a disappointment Roy Williams has been since he arrived in Dallas, maybe the drafting of Dez Bryant might be just what could light a fire under the ex-Longhorn to step things up. Maybe Williams can realize that having some competition isn’t a bad thing and can step in and become the receiver everyone expected him to be when the Cowboys traded for him in 2008. However, Bryant might just surpass Williams on the depth chart and become the clear No. 2 behind Austin.

And the departure of Patrick Crayton could likely lead to more playing time for Kevin Ogletree. As a rookie, the Virginia product caught seven passes for 96 yards but with Crayton and Sam Hurd likely leaving town, that should open up some more playing time for the ex-Cavalier.

The tight end situation remains pretty solid. Jason Witten continues to be old reliable and comes off a season where he led the team with 94 catches and was second in receiving yards with 1,030 yards. Witten will remain a big component of the passing aspect of this offense but what can we expect from Martellus Bennett this year? Not a ton of balls were thrown Marty B’s way last year but he did manage 15 catches for 159 yards. However, late in the year, some felt like rookie John Phillips had already surpassed him. Maybe a little competition will make Bennett shine this year while Phillips could continue to improve after a solid rookie campaign.

Romo will again have three solid targets out of the backfield in running backs Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. There has been talk of Jones becoming the No. 1 back and Barber going to second on the depth chart, but no matter who gets the bulk of work, all three of these guys are solid pass catchers. Barber was the top receiver last year with 26 catches for 221 yards but Jones wasn’t far behind with 19 grabs for 119 yards. Continued improvement in their receiving makes this group collectively even more formidable out of the backfield.

Familiar Faces Up Front

Of course, the departure of five-time Pro Bowler Flozell Adams leaves a big void at left tackle but his likely replacement, Doug Free, looks up to the task. Free filled in nicely at right tackle last fall after Mark Columbo suffered a broken leg and impressed the Cowboy coaches so much that right after the team released Adams in early April, they didn’t hesitate in naming Free as his replacement. That statement was a big vote of confidence and says a lot in exactly how much the Dallas brass values Free and what they feel he can do as a full-time starter.

Besides Adams, the rest of the line returns intact. Kyle Kosier is back at left guard and should once again be a dependable blocker. At center, mainstay Andre Gurode, a four-time Pro Bowler heads into his ninth season of anchoring the middle of the Cowboy o-line. On the right side, Leonard Davis returns at right guard with Columbo, who returned for the playoffs, joining him at right tackle.

While there isn’t much depth on the Cowboy o-line and an injury to a starter or two could make it tough, that is also the case around the league. Few teams have much depth up front thanks to the salary cap. Dallas did look to shore up their depth by signing guard Montrae Holland to a multiple-year extension but Holland hasn’t played a ton since arriving in August 2008. He has appeared in a total of seven games, including three starts in ’08.

Tackle Pat McQuistan and center Cory Procter also remain in the mix. McQuistan has played mostly on special teams in his four seasons with the Cowboys. Procter filled in for Kosier at left guard and made 11 starts in his place in 2008. Another name to consider is second-year tackle Robert Brewster, who was a third-round pick in 2009 but missed the entire season due to a torn pectoral muscle. It will be interesting to see how much he can contribute in 2010.

On the Same Page

Like Romo, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has often been maligned during his first few years in Big D. However, it’s pretty hard to deny the numbers. Since Garrett became the coordinator, the Dallas offense has become one of the most prolific units in the NFL. Last year’s offense averaged 399.4 yards per game, which was second in the league and the unit ranked sixth in passing and seventh in rushing. Their 22.6 points per game was only 14th best, which clearly leaves some room for improvement. However, since Garrett and Romo have now been working together for several years, this is clearly a partnership where the two feel very comfortable with one another and a pairing where the Cowboy QB feels his coordinator is in his corner and vice versa. If Bryant is as good as many think he can be as a rookie, then this could be another record-setting year for the Cowboy offense.

What Lack of Focus?

The old saying goes that winning is good for the soul and also that it cures all. Well, after the Cowboys won in December and finally ended their epic playoff victory draught by dispatching the Eagles, we didn’t hear much talk about Romo’s alleged lack of focus any more, did we? Everyone remembers that talk, especially after the Cowboys lost in the first round of the 2007 playoffs to the Giants after Romo and some teammates took an off-weekend trip to Mexico.

And then after the blowout loss to the Eagles to end the ’08 campaign, a year that ended without a trip to the playoffs, there was considerable backlash when Romo opted to keep the loss in proper perspective. His statement about if losing a playoff game was the worst thing to ever happen to him, then life wasn’t so bad might not have set well with some people but it still didn’t mean he didn’t care.

Being the Cowboy QB means you’re in a high-profile position and also means every move, whether it’s on or off the field, will be strongly scrutinized. Romo has handled himself pretty well in this respect and now appears to be taking all of this in stride. More than anything, this guy wants to win a Super Bowl. In the past, he’s taken heat because many said he wasn’t a vocal leader but in 2009, Romo showed he wasn’t afraid to get on a teammate and said that he felt like he’d finally earned the right to do so.

After throwing 14 picks in 2008, he resolved last spring to not make so many mistakes in 2009. He did exactly that, cutting his interceptions down to just nine. If his commitment to making himself better doesn’t show focus, then what else can one call it?

It looks like Jon Kitna will remain Romo’s backup for 2010. About all Kitna did last fall was hold a clipboard, which if that trend continues this season bodes well for the Cowboys chances. Fourth-round pick Stephen McGee was the No. 3 QB but didn’t really get a chance to show much. This spring shapes up as a pretty important time for the former Aggie as many will look to him to possibly prove if he is an NFL quarterback and if he can possibly challenge Kitna for the backup role in just his second professional season.

While Romo might get a lot of heat when the Cowboys lose, which is sometimes undeserved, he also gets a great deal of credit when they win. Such is the life of being the starting quarterback for America’s Team. In his first three full seasons as starter, Romo has improved each and every year, giving Cowboy fans a great amount of hope that 2010 just might be the year he makes that leap to championship quarterback. What a story that would be considering how far the undrafted free agent has come since arriving in Big D.

Gholson: New 'Poke needs a kick start

2010-05-16T07:36:00.000-04:00

By Nick Gholson

As I was doing some research on the newest Dallas Cowboy this past week, I ran across this comment from a St. Louis writer who had watched him play the past four season with the Rams.

The guy said he viewed Alex Barron “as a penalty-prone lazy stump of a player who isn’t worth his grain in salt.”

So I sought out a second opinion.

Charlie Carr, the athletic director at Midwestern State, was the senior associate athletic director at Florida State when Barron played for the Seminoles.

“He’s a great athlete. He has great feet. He moves well. He had some of the same abilities as Walter Jones, the guy he replaced,” Carr said, comparing him to the former Florida State offensive tackle who went on to become a four-time first team All-Pro selection with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Midwestern AD followed that up with a big “BUT” — with one “t,” not two.

“BUT he was not an aggressive kind of guy. He never played up to his potential,” Carr said.

Then I threw in my own “but.”

“But Alex Barron was a consensus first team All-American and an Outland Trophy finalist at Florida State,” I reminded him.

“He’s got all the tools, but his motor just doesn’t go as quick as you want it to,” Carr explained. “And when you get to that next level, you have to step it up.”

The Rams obviously couldn’t rev his motor. They traded their first-round draft pick of 2005 to the Cowboys for linebacker Bobby Carpenter, Dallas’ first-round pick of 2006.

Barron, a 6-7, 302-pounder, was the 19th player taken in the 2005 draft — one spot before the Cowboys took Marcus Spears.

Carpenter, out of Ohio State, went 18th a year later, one spot before the Chargers took All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie, also from Florida State.

Carpenter was a Bill Parcells choice. His dad, Rob Carpenter, had played for Parcells when he coached the Giants.

Nobody in Dallas will miss Carpenter, who just never could fit into the 3-4 defense that Parcells himself installed.

Ditto for Barron in St. Louis.

Even though he started 74 of 76 games (72 more starts than Carpenter), the Rams were fed up with the most penalized player in the NFL.

Barron should fit right in with the Cowboys.

He’s coming to a team that already has a few “first-and-15” plays in its playbook.

Adams was Dallas’ starting offensive left tackle in 178 games over the past 12 years.

Yet he is best known for all the false start penalties with his number on them.

Adams was whistled 53 times the last four years.

Only one player heard more whistles. Barron drew 73 penalties.

Hopefully, the change of scenery will be good for both Barron and Carpenter.

The Cowboys have penciled in Doug Free to take Adams’ place. They traded for Barron to get depth.

Anything else will be a bonus.

In today’s world, character is more of an issue than ever before.

Too many good players turn out to be bad guys.

So what about this newest Cowboy?

Are there any character flaws we need to know about?

“Not a wink,” Carr said. “He’s a great kid, a great person.”

Now if someone in Dallas can just figure out how to get that motor of his running.

Former Cowboys Weigh-in: Is this finally the big year in Big D?

2010-05-15T19:44:00.001-04:00

by Steve Greenberg
Source: www.sportingnews.com

Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright speaks for many a former Super Bowl champion when he says: "I may not be a saint, but I'm a Dallas Cowboy. Even when the performances are not there, I pull for the Cowboys. Always will until the day I go home."

Panelist Connection
Gil Brandt = VP of player personnel from 1960-88
Tony Casillas = DT, 1991-93, 1996-97
Walt Garrison = 1-time Pro Bowl RB, 1966-74
Cliff Harris = 6-time Pro Bowl S, 1970-79
Tony Hill = 3-time Pro Bowl WR, 1977-86
Daryl Johnston = 2-time Pro Bowl FB, 1989-99
Lee Roy Jordan = 5-time Pro Bowl LB, 1963-76
Leon Lett = 2-time Pro Bowl DT, 1991-2000
Drew Pearson = 3-time Pro Bowl WR, 1973-83
Dan Reeves = RB, 1965-72
Rayfield Wright = Hall of Fame OT, 1967-79

Although America's Team has been a popular pick to win the Super Bowl each season since quarterback/holder Tony Romo bobbled away what looked like a sure playoff win after the 2006 season, the performances just haven't been there. Not in 2007, when the 13-win Cowboys and their NFL record 13 Pro Bowlers coughed up a Texas-sized hairball in the divisional playoffs against the Giants. Not in '08, when Dallas was the league's most disappointing team. Not even in '09, when the Cowboys won their first playoff game in 13 years — only to suffer a monstrous defeat to the Vikings that may have set the organization back a ways.

But these are the Cowboys — talented, star-laden and always too impressive on paper to overlook. Go ahead, call 'em contenders.

What has kept the Cowboys from capitalizing? There certainly are some popular theories, five of which we examine here. Only it's not really we who are analyzing the team's crimes against itself. For that, we called upon a jury of 11 Cowboys champions from Super Bowls 6, 12, 27, 28 and 30.

If the members of the jury are a little biased, well, you'll have to forgive them.

1. Cowboys QB Tony Romo can't win the big game
Guilty (0 votes)

Wright: "But I'll say this. When Tony first began to play (in 2006), he was Tony. And as the years progressed on him, I think he got more into trying to perform in the system a certain way — and he stopped being Tony. I think he's starting to bring those two sides together now, and he just needs to keep going with that."

Harris: "He's talented enough to perform under pressure in the big game, but I don't think adjusting on the field during games is a strength of the organization or of Romo. There are other less talented quarterbacks who are able to do that. Under the right circumstances, though, Romo can get there."

Not Guilty (11 votes)

Casillas: "The criticism is a little unfair. He's maturing as a quarterback. I think he has turned the corner."

Jordan: "Tony Romo can win the big one, but the game plan has to be better. I'm not sure the offensive coordinator (Jason Garrett) is doing the best job in the world to have the team prepared."

Brandt: "He has won some big games. I just think he doesn't have the experience to do it the way that Roger Staubach did it or the experience and talent to do it the way Troy Aikman did it. But he's pretty good."

Reeves: "He definitely has the ability to do that. The Cowboys just have to improve the supporting cast. I just felt bad for Romo in the playoffs last year because he had no chance."

2. Wade Phillips is the wrong coach for the job
Guilty (0 votes)

Jordan: "I don't think (owner) Jerry Jones is going to let him be the coach because Jerry is in charge and Jerry won't let him have enough discipline to control the team. Jerry has his hand on all the control parts and takes away from Wade's ability to have the discipline you have to have to win the Super Bowl."

Pearson: "Sometimes he seems to be a little soft with the players, giving them too much rope—not like Tom Landry or Jimmy Johnson, who were both disciplinarians and very vocal about it. But I'm starting to believe he can get the job done."

Not Guilty (11 votes)

Johnston: "I think he takes a lot of unfair criticism. He got the monkey off his back by winning a playoff game. That's a big thing from a mental standpoint."

Garrison: "I think Wade is the ideal coach. There's probably nobody smarter than him when it comes to the 3-4 defense."

Reeves: "I have tremendous respect for him. I think what he did last year was phenomenal. It's a very pressurized league, and especially with that owner."

Hill: "I believe Wade Phillips will have a championship in the next two years ."

3. The Cowboys have three good running backs, but they're screwing up by not featuring one of them
Guilty (5 votes)

Hill: "Felix Jones reminds me of Tony Dorsett. He needs to be the featured back."

Reeves: "Having been a running back myself, it's very difficult to get into a rhythm when you're going in and out. As a coach, I always had a hard time knowing when to put the other guy in. I do think you need one guy you rely on."

Pearson: "The Cowboys need to make a decision. In my opinion, it should be Felix Jones because of his speed and what he can do with the football. To me, with his body (6-0, 222), Marion Barber could play fullback."

Not Guilty (6 votes)

Lett: "Emmitt Smith successfully carried the ball in an era when it was common to see a single back carry the load. I'm not sure if there will ever be another Emmitt Smith. These days, guys are getting banged up too often. The league has evolved. … I certainly think the Cowboys should stick to the approach they have now."

Johnston: "It's been tough for me to buy into this new formula, but I have because guys now are bigger, stronger, faster. The collisions are just more violent."

Garrison: "It's according to what works. When we went to the Super Bowl, we had three running backs — Calvin Hill, Duane Thomas and I — and thank God we did because I got hurt."

4. The offensive line can't hold up against top playoff competition
Guilty (4 votes)

Wright: "When I watch a game, I don't watch the ball—I watch the offensive line. A lot of their techniques lead to mistakes when they're facing a top team. The Cowboys, since their inception, have had great athletes, and the Cowboys today have great athletes. It's up to the athletes to perform. I think the offensive line needs to make a commitment to the game."

Jordan: "We probably need two or three young players to start rebuilding this offensive line because they are getting on a downward spiral—and this is going to be an ugly thing when it really starts."

Casillas: "It's my biggest concern heading into the season."

Garrison: "I'm going to abstain (from voting). But, yes, they have struggled at some key times. They just lost Flozell Adams, and he was kind of a mainstay. We'll see about Free. Maybe they're not good enough."

Not Guilty (6 votes)

Lett: "The offensive line has played well, especially in the running game. They have some big guys up front who do a great job."

Pearson: "No. 1, they're experienced. No. 2 is their size—they're just huge. Just to get around them is going to take time. What kills the Cowboys in pass situations isn't defensive ends and linemen —it's when they blitz."

Brandt: "They're not a top five offensive line, but they are above average."
5. The secondary can't hold up without the benefit of a dominant pass rush
Guilty (2 votes)

Harris says: "You saw they got rid of Ken Hamlin. That's an indication the secondary needs improvement. From what I've seen, it looks like there can be improvement . Some of the players out there need to step their game up, but I think they can."

Casillas: " Mike Jenkins is going to be a great player. Terence Newman, to me, has become somewhat of a liability. If he's going for the big play, it seems nine times out of 10 he isn't getting the breakup or the pick off that. "

Garrison: "I'm going to abstain—again— because any pro quarterback will beat you if he has time. But I have seen (receivers) open."

Not Guilty (8 votes)

Johnston: "I think they're in a unique position to have one of the better secondaries, if Newman is at the top of his game and with the competition between Scandrick and Jenkins."

Wright: "If you go back and look at the big plays, what kind of a pass rush was there on those plays? You've got to look at all aspects of the game. You have to remember that professional football is a team sport, not an individual sport. The personnel is there."

Is Dez Bryant at Punt Returner a Good Idea?

2010-05-15T19:21:00.001-04:00

Source: http://dallascowboystimes.com

Head coach Wade Phillips recently declared rookie Dez Bryant the favorite to win the punt return duties for the Cowboys in 2010. We have already heard from a few of you on this subject, so we wanted put forth our thoughts on the issue.

While the majority of the people with whom we have spoken dislike the notion of Bryant back deep fielding punts, we definitely think it is the correct move. Bryant is a dynamic returner who can change the entire landscape of a game in the blink of an eye. . . at least he did so in college.

If he can prove he has that same sort of explosiveness in the NFL, then employing him on punt returns is a no-brainer.

A lot of people are of the mindset that it is too risky to use a player who is (or in all likelihood will be) a major component of either the offense or defense on returns.

While returners do get exposed to a higher probablity of big hits, the importance of both punt and kick returners is so great that the potential rewards outweigh the risks. We see both spots as nearly important as starting positions on offense and defense. Sure, a return man won’t see nearly the same number of snaps as, say, a running back, but each time he touches the ball the possibility for a “home run” is available.

Further, it is important to remember that sometimes overall value is not as important as value differential. For example, let’s assume Team X’s running back has a hypothetical value of 100 and their return man has a value of 50. Now we will assume Team Y’s running back has a hypothetical value of 90 and their return man has a value of 20.

Despite the fact that Team X’s return man is not as “valuable” as their running back in terms of overall points, the punt returner is more valuable in respect to his ability to help Team X beat Team Y.

Remember, football is a zero-sum game, meaning the success of Team X equates to the failure of Team Y. The running back for Team X may be a stud, but the differential value he creates is limited by the low standard deviation among the talent of running backs. In other words (and words that are more understandable), it is harder for a running back to be that much better than the other running backs around the league. The majority of practice time in the NFL is devoted to offense and defense. While “game speed” can never be fully duplicated in practice, it is much more difficult to properly simulate a game-level NFL return than an offensive play.

Thus, returning punts and kicks is more about natural ability than practice–meaning the standard deviation of talent among NFL returners is much greater than at other positions. The difference between the league’s best punt returners and the league’s worst punt returners is much larger than the same difference among running backs. This is what we mean when we say ‘value differential.’

Now, does Bryant hold a great enough ’value differential’ to be a lock as punt returner? Should he maintain the role if he eventually becomes the Cowboys’ #1 wide receiver? Only time will tell, but we think Bryant’s explosiveness and play-making ability could be great enough to justify him remaining the return man despite his offensive role.

Now, should he become a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver in a short time, the risk/reward for his stay at punt returner should be re-examined. But let’s not forget, Bryant is only a rookie–he has played in exactly as many NFL games as all of us at Dallas Cowboys Times.

So we say give Bryant a shot at punt returner (and even kick returner for that matter). The potential reward far outweighs the risk. Also remember the Cowboys drafted another fairly dynamic returner in Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. AOA can be groomed behind Bryant (don’t forget AOA is unable to practice until training camp due to a shoulder injury). Eventually, Owusu-Ansah will take over as the primary return man.

Let’s hope so, anyway, as that would likely mean Bryant’s offensive production increased to the point where the team could no longer justify utilizing him as a returner.

Running Game: Dallas’ Key To Victory

2010-05-15T19:16:00.001-04:00

Posted by brglowacki
http://dallascowboysnation.com

The Cowboys passing offense can be the best in the NFL. With a receiving core of Miles Austin who had 81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns in only 9 starts, and Roy Williams who had seven touchdowns and is looking for a bounce back year; Dez Bryant the Cowboys first round pick is turning heads at camp.

Most feel he can be a big time player right away.

All pro Jason Witten, who is coming off another pro bowl season, will look to keep adding to his hall of fame resume. Throwing to that group will be pro bowl quarterback Tony Romo, coming off one of his best seasons.

Saying all that, the most important part of the Cowboys offense is the running game.

The Cowboys have a three headed monster at running back with Felix Jones, Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice. All of them have their own role on offense and can make plays. The problem is Jason Garrett loves to focus on the passing game with all of those weapons.

How can you blame him? It’s hard not to call a passing play every down with that type of talent on the edge. However, if you want to win games the Cowboys are going to have to run the ball. When you look back at 2009 you can see that when the Cowboys run the ball, they win more often than not.

Not only that but when Jason Garrett gets too pass heavy they lose.

Last season the Cowboys never won a game when Tony Romo threw more than 36 passes. In five 2009 Cowboys losses, Tony Romo threw and average of 40 times. The Cowboys lose when they throw too much. On the other hand, nine of the Cowboys wins this past season they ran the ball more than 25 times. And vs. the Raiders they had 24. The Cowboys don’t have to run the ball well all the time they just have to make sure they try. Last season when they played the Giants in December they ran the ball only nine times in the second half. On one possession they had three running plays and that drive ended in a touchdown.

It is great to have weapons on the outside, however, the statistics show that if the Cowboys want to win games they need to run the ball and not just air it out.

Player Notes: Dez Bryant, WR

2010-05-15T08:27:00.001-04:00

Source: www.rototimes.com

Rookie wideout Dez Bryant is expected to serve as the Cowboys' primary punt returner in 2010, according to Josh Ellis of DallasCowboys.com.

Our View: Provided he stays healthy through training camp, he should find himself fielding punts, in addition to starting at wide receiver, in Week 1.

Oxnard welcomes back Dallas Cowboys

2010-05-15T08:17:00.001-04:00

By Scott Hadly

During his team’s final training camp practice in Oxnard two years ago, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his desire to bring his team back to Oxnard for training camp some day.

Jones’ dream became reality on Friday when the Cowboys officially announced that they will spend two weeks of their 2010 training camp in Oxnard.

The team will open training camp on July 24 in San Antonio, and work out at the Alamodome through Aug. 6.

They will then play two exhibition games, the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, after which they will go to Dallas to train for a few days before Aug. 12 contest against the Oakland Raiders at Cowboys Stadium.

The team will travel to Oxnard on Aug. 13 and hold its first practice at the fields at River Ridge on Aug. 14.

The team will spend two weeks in Oxnard, playing a preseason game at San Diego in the middle of their California stay. They will break camp on Aug. 27. “We are very excited about this training camp schedule,” Jones said. “Spending two weeks in both San Antonio and Southern California gives us the opportunity to reach out to the very strong fan followings that the organization enjoys in two traditional training camp homes for the Cowboys.

“We have always received tremendous receptions and hospitality from the fans and community leaders in both San Antonio and Oxnard.”

Oxnard General Services Superintendent Michael Henderson said the city is thrilled to be hosting the Cowboys for the sixth time.

“It’s as exciting this time around, as it was the first time they came,” Henderson said. “It’s such a popular thing not just for the residents of Oxnard, who are very excited about it, but for most of the people in Southern California.

“Coming out and seeing the Cowboys is a real treat for fans.”

Because the team will only train here for two weeks, fans will only have one weekend where they can take in a practice.

That figures to make the first two days very popular dates for fans to target.

“We really have to be geared up to have a lot of people come in and see practice that weekend,” Henderson said. “Since it’s the only weekend, we could draw close to 20,000 people.”

In 2008, the first day of camp drew close to 18,000 fans.

“We were jam packed, but it was fun to have that many people coming to see them.”

The Cowboys reached out to the city in early February about the possibility of returning this year, and that began a dialogue between the two parties that culminated with Friday’s announcement.

Rich Dalrymple, director of public relations for the Cowboys, said exposure to the Los Angeles media market has always been a great benefit to the organization, both from a visibility standpoint and the fact there is a tremendous population base in Southern California to get interested in the team.

“Having a split camp is a little unique, but we have never minded doing things a little differently,” Dalrymple said. “We think this split camp is best of both worlds.

“It breaks up into two halves a training camp that would be a week longer than normal (because they have an extra exhibition game). We are confident the change of venue and scenery will help break up the monotony of the training camp process.”

Kyle Kanny, superintendent at River Ridge Golf Course, has been preparing the River Ridge fields since the Oakland Raiders trained there in the 1980s.

While there were years where Kanny admits he and is staff struggled to get the fields in order, this year has been a lot easier.

That’s because after the Cowboys left in 2008, Kanny rolled the dice by killing off all the cold weather grass on the field and allowing the warmer weather Bermuda grass to take control.

“It’s done that nicely, and now the field is 95 percent hybrid Bermuda which will provide a much better surface (than previous years),” Kanny said.

“The last time they were here I was apprehensive about how the fields would handle the situation, but this year I am not. The fields will present nicely, and provide a superior playing surface.”

When the Cowboys initially contacted the city about returning, Henderson said the team talked about the possibility of making it a multi-year deal, but as of right now, they have only committed to this year.

If that changes, Henderson said the city would welcome hosting the team in future years.

“It’s a very comfortable situation on both sides,” Henderson said. “They have same people we have dealt with in the past and it’s the same on our end.

“We all know what we need to do to get things ready for them. We’re looking forward to having them back.”

Desire strong for Cowboys WR Austin

2010-05-15T08:14:00.000-04:00

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com

When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant in the first round, it seemingly was meant as a wake-up call for Roy Williams and a message to guys like Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree.

Sometimes we forget about Miles Austin.

Last year, Austin exploded onto the scene with 81 catches for 1,320 yards -- an average of 82.5 yards per game, which tied for third in the NFL. His 11 touchdowns tied for fourth. He was second with 21 catches of 20 or more yards.

He even was named to the Pro Bowl.

But the business of the NFL prevented Austin from getting to the open market. He remains a restricted free agent, and the Cowboys placed a first- and third-round tender on him, worth $3.168 million. Austin still hasn't signed that tender, and he hasn't given an indication of when he will.

The Cowboys and Austin's agent, David Dunn, have exchanged some numbers on a possible new contract, but not enough for anybody to get the pens out.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the talks, as limited as they've been, have not been tense. Everybody is happy.

However, if a player does not sign by June 1, the original club can extend the qualifying offer and thereby retain exclusive rights to the player.

If the original qualifying offer is greater than 110 percent of the player's 2009 base salary (Austin made $1.545 million last year) and the player does not sign that contract by June 15, the team can reduce the tender to 110 percent of the offer and continue to retain exclusive rights to the player.

If the player does not sign by Week 10, he cannot play in 2010.

Austin wants to be here long-term. However, if the Cowboys don't want him, he will not stop working out.

"Yeah, if that can work out," Austin said about signing long-term. "Like I said, I'm not the one that's in charge of it. Those guys are. Obviously, I want to be here, but they have to make the effort. If I could sign something right now, I would. But they are the ones that have to do that."

The Cowboys want Austin here, and all of this is posturing. Austin didn't show up for close to two weeks after voluntary workouts had started. To get Austin back to Valley Ranch for those workouts, Dunn and the Cowboys agreed to guarantee the tender offer if Austin gets hurt and has to miss the 2010 season.

Quarterback Tony Romo made a call to Austin to get him back. Austin told Hall of Famer Michael Irvin he was only going to stay away for a week and that he wasn't upset at the organization.

The bottom line for Austin: duplicate what he did last season.

It'll be much harder to do that since teams will focus on him more. Yes, the Cowboys have added Bryant, who was praised for his efforts during rookie minicamp. But he's still a rookie.

Williams is tinkering with his game, deciding to change how he comes in and out of breaks by crouching more, to make it harder for defenders to shove him around.

Austin also is trying to improve. He wants to get better in his route running, wants to catch the ball better and learn how to recognize coverages. He also wants to maintain his strong chemistry with Romo.

"To be honest, they can bring in the top receivers in the league and it's not going to change my work ethic or drive," Austin said. "I'm doing my job, and that's all I can focus on. When they bring other people in, it's awesome.

"Hopefully, [Bryant's] great. I've seen his minicamp tape. He looks awesome. He looks great. It's great for the Cowboys and great for me.

"I'm trying to win a championship, that's all I'm focused on."

Jason Garrett says Martellus Bennett has developed well

2010-05-14T19:56:00.001-04:00

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:37:08 -0400

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said he believes TE Martellus Bennett's development over the last two seasons has gone every well, reports David Moore, of The Dallas Morning News. "His development over the course of these first two seasons have been outstanding. His contributions as a blocker have been significant. He's grown from a technical standpoint as well as an emotional standpoint about how to play in a game. Certainly, we'd like him to emerge (as a receiver) a little bit more. A little bit of that is a confidence level in the passing game, getting comfortable with what we're doing and being able to take what he's doing in practice to the game," Garrett said.

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz0nx2iEyJy

Chat replay: David Moore answers your Cowboys questions

2010-05-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

Source: SportsDayDFW.com

David Moore, Cowboys beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered questions about the team Thursday. Mobile users can enjoy the experience on our Cowboys blog.

11:07 David Moore: Sorry for the delay. Just got out of a meeting to talk about the stories we're going to do leading up to Emmitt Smith's Hall of Fame induction. Let's go.

11:07 [Comment From Manny: ]
Here's my two cents: FS position doesn't impact games unless you have a total stud. Having a mediocre one doesn't hurt you as long as you have 3 good corners, and we do. I think the bigger issue on the Cowboys D, is the lack of defensive line depth if Ratliff, Ware, or Spencer get hurt. 1) do you agree this is a bigger issue 2) are there any FAs we may add for depth (Greg Ellis?)

11:13 David Moore: I see your two cents and raise it two more. The Cowboys were a top defense last season while getting minimal impact from the free safety position. Would they have been a dominant defense if the free safety position had produced some turnovers?
The Cowboys need to receive some benefit from all of the pressure they put on the quarterback beyond sacks. They need to come up with more turnovers to take the next step as a defense. The safety position is the logical place for that to come.
That being said, you're right. The Cowboys are in good shape with their three corners. But I'd argue their depth in the front seven is better than you think.

11:13 [Comment From jason: ]
What is up with T New. Is he in good shape and health?

11:14 David Moore: Saw him on the golf course yesterday. He was hitting the ball good. But that's probably not what you wanted to know.
His health is good. The bigger test will be how he feels toward the end of training camp.

11:14 [Comment From Johnny: ]
Do you think the cowboys will pick up the saftey O.J Atogwe after June 1st?

11:15 David Moore: If Alan Ball and Michael Hamlin don't look good in the OTAs and mini-camp, the Cowboys will likely give Atogwe a more serious look. The Cowboys like him but feel the price to land him right now would be a bit high. But don't rule it out.

11:15 [Comment From kathy cook/upstate ny: ]
how do you feel the cowboys will do this season with there tough schedule do you think they will go to the super bowl in their stadium?

11:17 David Moore: If the Cowboys go to the Super Bowl this season, they will be the first club to play in their own stadium. Since it's never happened before, I'll side with history on this one and say no, the Cowboys won't make it to the Super Bowl.
Still, I believe this team will make the playoffs again, even with their difficult schedule, and go at least as far as they did last season.

11:17 [Comment From Tevin, Pompno Beach, FL: ]
Now since the cowboys have deepened their left tackle position, what about them trading partick crayton for a saftet.?Not that patrick SHOULD go bu its just that their is a limited need at reciver right now since Jerry Jones like Kevin Ogeltree, and drafing Dez Bryant.

11:19 David Moore: That's a thought. But Crayton is viewed as a third receiver around the league. What level of safety would that bring in return?
Still, the Bobby Carpenter for Alex Barron trade made sense for the Cowboys becasue it gave them an security blanket in the offensive line. It's not out of the question the Cowboys could do the same at safety by using Crayton, but you wouldn't be able to acquire a player you could point to and say he will come in and start over Ball.

11:20 [Comment From Eddie: ]
With Roy W.'s comments about not losing his starting role, is Dez Bryant enough to motivate him to retain his position?

11:21 David Moore: I believe Roy Williams was motivated to succeed last season. He just didn't develop a rapport with quarterback Tony Romo that would allow that to happen.
To me, questions revolving around Williams have nothing to do with motivation. They have to do with the ability to connect with Romo.
He will go into this camp as a starter and it's my belief he will start the season. Check back in late October or early November to see if that's still the case.

11:21 [Comment From Jrs Boys: ]
Do you think Patrick Crayton is a liable kick returner and wide receiver?

11:24 David Moore: I think Crayton is a good receiver and a solid kick returner. I think he would be an asset for any team. The question the Cowboys must answer is this: in keeping Crayton, do they take reps and opportunities away from Dez Bryant and Kevin Ogletree to develop. Bryant is more talented than Crayton. If you believe Ogletree is as talented as Crayton at the moment and is ready to contribute, then you would lean toward moving Crayton. If you don't think Ogletree is ready, you keep Crayton to protect yourself in case one of the starters goes down for an extended period.

11:24 [Comment From david lane: ]
hey david got a comment on 3rd. round draft choice jason williams getting the oppertunity to fill carpenters nickel role.he ran a 4.52 40, and was a big time playmaker in college.will he really get a fair chance to win the position or are they just to enamored with jean lee?

11:26 David Moore: He will get a fair chance. The Cowboys are enamored with Lee _ good choice of words, by the way _ but they are also intrigued by Williams. He is the fastest player on the defense outside of the cornerbacks. Wade Phillips spoke yesterday about how good he's looked in the off-season conditioning program.
It wasn't just Lee's arrival that made Carpenter expendable. The competition for that nickel linebacker role will be waged between Williams and Lee.

11:26 [Comment From ralph elkins: ]
i know roy is a texas player and has all the tools,but he better get his stuff together because there is a new sheriff in town dez,and i beleive he has is stuff together ,because if he dont he better get use to watching the game from the sidlines what do you think

11:27 David Moore: I think you just said what the majority of Cowboys fans feel.

11:27 [Comment From Guest: ]
Has this yrs training camp schedule been posted yet?

11:29 David Moore: No. But Phillips did say yesterday that the first day of practice in camp will be July 24. That means the team will report to San Antonio on July 23. The club will move to Oxnard after a pre-season home game against Oakland on August 12 and likely break camp on August 27 a day before their pre-season game in Houston.
That's all unofficial, but it's hard to see it breaking down any other way.

11:29 [Comment From Guest: ]
David - Whats the cahnces of Patrick Crayton being on th eopening day roster - also what do you think we could get for him on the trade market?

11:31 David Moore: If there are no injuries to the receiving corp, I don't believe that Crayton will be on the opening day roster. If he is traded, the Cowboys will likely receive a late round pick in the 2011 draft.

11:31 [Comment From ct: ]
do you really believe roy williams will get any better in 2010? are the cowboys still looking for a FS?

11:32 David Moore: I believe Williams is committed to getting better and the Cowboys are committed to getting him more involved. But if it doesn't click early in the season, it won't happen because there are too many other places for Tony Romo to look.
As for free safety, I would say they are keeping their eyes peeled but are not actively looking.

11:32 [Comment From Guest: ]
Dear David--What is the word around Valley Ranch about Patrick Crayton? I find it disappointing that he seems to be bailing out because of the drafting of Dez Bryant. We'd all be a lot more impressed if he used this as motivation to work more instead of less. Your thoughts?

11:34 David Moore: No one I've talked to appears to be upset by Crayton's stance.
Crayton's agent will tell you he's not bailing because the club drafted Bryant. Fred Lyles said he began receiving calls heading into the draft that the Cowboys were shopping Crayton around. When Lyles asked the club if that was the case, they confirmed it was happening. At that point, Lyles asked if he could help facilitate a deal.

11:35 [Comment From Concrete & Water: ]
Everyone's seems excited about the addition of Dez Bryant. So I want to know, how you would rank the receiving corps against the other teams in the NFC East?

11:36 David Moore: If Dez Bryant is the player many people believe him to be, I'd argue that the trio of Miles Austin, Bryant and Roy Williams is the best in the division.

11:36 [Comment From P1 Steven: ]
Is the Dex drafting motivation for Roy?

11:37 David Moore: Again, I don't think Williams lacks for motivation. But the selection of Bryant certainly sends the signal that if Williams isn't more productive, his days here are numbered.

11:37 [Comment From Guest: ]
Do you think that the cowboys might look at bringing Ken Hamlin in as a backup?

11:38 David Moore: I don't see that happening.

11:38 [Comment From P1 Steven: ]
The Cowboys have two players on their o-line that were highly drafted underperforming lineman before they came to Dallas. (Columbo -due to injuries & Davis -Due to possible work ethic & a crappy team) Any hope for Barron?

11:40 David Moore: Sure. The two players you mentioned, especially Davis, are good examples. Good players on bad teams can often be dragged down by the lack of talent around them. I know a lot of people will focus on the number of penalties Barron accrued in St. Louis and should, but he also has a lot of starts in his NFL career. Don't dismiss that number.

11:41 [Comment From Matt: ]
Who do you think is going to the the biggest training camp surprise this year?

11:42 David Moore: I would lean toward someone from last year's rookie class who didn't get much of a chance to contribute due to injuires or other factors, maybe a Jason Williams or Michael Hamlin.

11:42 [Comment From Sid: ]
Hey David, shouldn't Mark Cuban enlist the Jerry's help in putting the full court press on Lebron? I know the NFL & NBA don't always play nice, but Mark & Jerry seem to get along, and whens the last time Jerry didn't get his man?

11:44 David Moore: Good point. Jerry' Jones has had a lot more success luring high profile free agents to Dallas than Mark Cuban has through the years. I would say Jones could also offer LeBron a tight end spot, but the Cowboys are in pretty good shape at that position.

11:44 [Comment From peyro: ]
Surely the Cowboys can't be comfortable with our current kicking situation. Do you see them bringing someone with experience in during training camp? Who is out there available?

11:44 David Moore: No one will be brought in to start camp. The Cowboys are committed to seeing if David Buehler can get the job done. If camp wears on and it's obvious that won't happen, then I think you'll see them bring someone in. But not before.

11:45 [Comment From Jonathan: ]
How big of a thorn in the Cowboys side will the Saftey Position be for the Boys this coming Season

11:46 David Moore: I don't see it as a thorn in the side. Gerald Sensabaugh is a very good player and should produce more turnovers if he doesn't have to play with a broken hand. But at the moment, I wouldn't call free safety an impact position.

11:46 [Comment From Gary J: ]
Is there a possibility that after next season we lose Miles Austin leaving us with Bryant and Williams as our two starting WR's?

11:47 David Moore: No. The Cowboys aren't going to let Miles Austin get away. Out of that group, Williams is the most likely to go if he doesn't show more production.

11:47 [Comment From Concrete & Water: ]
Any chance that the Cowboys atleast try Orlando Scandrick out at safety? I know he's small but he's a willing tackler and good in coverage. He's better than any of our safeties and don't you think the Cowboys should try and get the best players you have on the field.

11:47 David Moore: That's not in their thinking at this point.

11:48 [Comment From JASON from Wichita, Ks: ]
HI David. Currently scheduleing a family trip to san antonio around the time of cowboys training camp. Would appreciate it if you could tell me what to expect as far as dates, ticket prices? Thanks!

11:49 David Moore: The first day of camp in San Antonio will be Saturday, July 24 and the team will be there until they leave for the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 7. Tickets and parking don't cost much, but I don't have those numbers off the top of my head.

11:50 [Comment From djt1: ]
I've been beating this drum for month's. I believe you buy low and sell high and never will Austin's stock be higher. He still doesn't have a deal. Do you think Jerry has a surprise trade in store? I know he wants the SB as bad as I do.

11:50 David Moore: Who would you want in return for Austin and does that make the team appreciably better? I don't see it happening.

11:51 [Comment From Guest: ]
Shouldn't we be concerned about the short yardage running game? It was terrible at times last year and Flo was arguably our best run blocker. Free is not know for his power, Gurode wasn't getting leverage, and Garrett's running toss sweeps with Barber to avoid powering up the middle. Not good.

11:51 David Moore: That has been a point of emphasis for the Cowboys in the off-season. They know they must get better in the red zone.

11:51 [Comment From jerry: ]
Our final problem seems to be one of attitude, at least for key playoff games. We have to prepare in a superior way to our competition. In other words, our game prep sucks in crunch time, we are out coached to begin with and out coached at half time... across the board, are we doomed to make the play-offs and not close the deal!

11:54 David Moore: What you describe is not a problem of attitude, it's a coaching problem. I don't share your pessimism about getting out-coached all of the time. Andy Reid and his staff certainly didn't outcoach the Cowboys last season.
Coaching is important, but the key ingredient is talent and performing under pressure. The Cowboys took a step forward in that last season. It's time for them to take another step this season.

11:54 [Comment From Enrique: ]
Who would you say poses a bigger threat this year, Philly , Skins, Giants to dallas' chances of winning the division?

11:55 David Moore: At the moment, I'd list the challengers in this order: Giants, Eagles, Redskins.

11:55 [Comment From Jim: ]
Do any of the UDFAs have a chance to make the team or the practice squad, in your opinion? Thanks.

11:58 David Moore: Sure. The Cowboys have a history of finding a place for undrafted free agent rookies and developing them. It's a little early to jump into this with any authority, but Toledo safety Barry Church, SMU cornerback Bryan McCann, LSU safety Danny McCray, California offensive lineman Mike Tepper and New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko did some nice things in the rookie camp. I'd be surprised if a player or two from that group didn't make their way onto the 53-man roster or practice squad.

11:59 [Comment From Sid: ]
Is Jerry concerned that Miles will have a sophmore slump to his breakout year or something? Why aren' t they paying him? Seems like he's going to command Fitzgerald type money if he does it again this season.

11:59 David Moore: He's not concerned with a sophomore slump, but if you're paying big money, don't you want more than one year of outstanding production before you commit to a long term deal? That's what makes these negotiations so difficult.

12:00 [Comment From Craig: ]
What do you think Hudson Houck can do with the crop of linemen he has now? Do you think he can turn Barron, Young, etc. into the level of player that he managed to turn Davis into?

12:00 David Moore: Jerry Jones will tell you he can. Jones mentioned again yesterday that he considers Houck one of the best offensive line coaches in the league, and pointed out that he is the highest paid.

12:01 [Comment From Dan: ]
When do you think Corner will start to become a consern. Newman is getting up there. Do we look at this next year or later down the road?

12:02 David Moore: I'd argue corner is always a concern in the NFL. Teams use so many three and four wide receiver sets today, having one corner go down to injury for an extended period can compromise your defense.
The Cowboys have two good, young corners in Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick, so that eases the concern. But you're right. By the end of this season, the need for them to add another quality corner will be heightened given Newman's age.

12:03 [Comment From cee jay: ]
David, what in your opinion do the Boys need to do to create more turnovers on defense? Whoever starts out of Ball or Hamlin, I just don't see neither of them being "ball hawks" at the safety position.

12:05 David Moore: This has been a point of emphasis for the last two seasons and virtually no progress has been made. It's getting to the stage where you have to say this group doesn't have the personnel necessary to create turnovers.
Unless Ball, Hamlin or rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah comes through to help, the only way to produce more turnovers would be to change personnel. But ask yourself this: the Cowboys are a very good defense agaisnt the run and the pass. Do they risk upsetting that balance and leaving themselves vulnerable by putting too much of an emphasis on turnvovers.
This may just be their defensive identity.

12:05 [Comment From A ****le: ]
David, Why would Jerry say that he is done making moves for OL? Shouldn't you always be looking to upgrade at every postion on the field? Also how well do you think Holland and Barron will be as backups?

12:06 David Moore: Jones likes the starters and feels they have proven depth. Holland and Barron do have more starts under their belt than many backup offensive linemen in the league, so that does ease some concerns.

12:07 [Comment From footballman1: ]
Even if Felix starts over Barber and Barber goes back to the "closer" role, does Choice get more carries/touches this yr or about the same as last yr?

12:07 David Moore: About the same as last year. I don't see how he can carve out many more in this offense unless someone is hurt.

12:07 [Comment From billy: ]
will ogletree get a fair shake at a role in offense this year? Or is the money tied up on the others going to secure their spots?

12:08 David Moore: Ogletree will get a chance to contribute. Phillips said the other day that the receiver has really come on strong in his off-season work the last week or so.

12:08 [Comment From E BRIEDEN: ]
CAN THE COWBOYS WIN THE SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR

12:08 David Moore: Can they? Yes.
Will they? I'd still say the odds are against them.

12:09 David Moore: On that cheery note, our chat for today has drawn to a close. I wanted to thank everyone for taking part and we'll do it again soon.

Walking Tall: Cowboys Star Charlotte Jones Anderson

2010-05-14T19:36:00.000-04:00

Source: www.the33tv.com

ARLINGTON - There is one Dallas Cowboys star who wears high heels.

Her name is Charlotte Jones Anderson. Every day is game day for Charlotte who is in charge of one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the world. She says her strategy is simple.

"Don't mess it up," she says. "You know, try to do all that you can to make it bigger and better and we think we've been pretty successful so far."

As a woman in the man's world of the NFL, Charlotte says there have been challenges along the way. But, she says she got some practice with that at an early age.

"It was quite a benefit to grow up in a house full of brothers only," Charlotte laughs. "So, I was kind of used to being the only girl."

We're seeing more of that girl front and center with her dad, Jerry Jones. It seems as if Charlotte is being called upon for more major decisions with the franchise.

But, this is not her first rodeo. In 1997, Charlotte launched the Thanksgiving Day half-time extravaganza for the Cowboys that kicks off the Salvation Army Kettle Drive every year.

"We have had quite a star studded cast over the last few years and you know from Beyonce to Randy Travis to Reba McEntire, Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood," Charlotte says.

Players also praise Charlotte's play calling off the field.

"Well, I think she's kind of the rock behind a lot of what this team does," says Dallas Cowboys fullback Jason Witten.

Charlotte is also the driving force behind the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.

"They're truly are our goodwill ambassadors," says Charlotte. "It is a chance for us to take an entity within the Cowboys and go beyond where we normally go to go overseas, do USO tours and to really spread our brand and our smiles and our warmth to people that can't come into this building or city to see us."

But, Charlotte's baby is the new Cowboys Stadium.

"We just wanted to make sure that is was something people had not experienced before and really felt refined," says Charlotte.

She had her hand in the design of the new stadium from the seats to the ceiling. But, one of the things she is most excited about is the world class art.

"I think you really get a sense of being able to use the massive spaces that are here for something unique as a piece of art is pretty revolutionary," she says.

As Charlotte builds her legacy at the new stadium, she still has a soft spot in her heart for the old one. She says it was hard watching the implosion of the old Texas Stadium.

"I was overwhelmed about how much it would hurt," Charlotte says. "It's where I grew up, it's where my kids were born and they grew up and I think I've spent more time in that building than I have anywhere else in my life.

Despite the bright lights and big stages in the world of the Dallas Cowboys, Charlotte says she is a wife and a mother of three who has a full-time job at home.

"Whatever hat or tiara we get to wear at work it is quickly knocked off your head as soon as you walk in that door at home," Charlotte says. "Because, those are where the real needs are, those are where the major challenges are that you still have to be able to balance with what you do during the day. It is always a struggle. That superwoman theory just does not exist. It's a challenge every day."

But, a challenge is something this cowboy never shies away from.

Brooking Out Until Training Camp

2010-05-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

From NationalFootballPost.com

Keith Brooking will not be ready to go when the Dallas Cowboys open OTA’s next week at Valley Ranch as the veteran inside linebacker recently had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

It’s also possible Brooking will be sidelined from the team’s minicamp next month, according to Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News. The expectation is that he will be ready for the start of training camp.

Brooking has a remarkable durability streak going as he has not missed a game since 2000. In his absence, second-round pick Sean Lee, the Penn State product, and Jason Williams, a third-round pick last year from Western Illinois, will get more work. More opportunities to evaluate the young players is probably a good thing.

NFL fantasy hot stove report: Fantasy outlooks for Rookie WRs

2010-05-14T08:18:00.001-04:00

By Mike Gilbert
RotoExperts.com
Special to SI.com

For more fantasy analysis, check out RotoExperts.com.

Let's get something out of the way up front: rookie wide receivers stink. Every few years, a super-freak like Randy Moss comes along to put up decent fantasy numbers, but that is as rare as a bathed Frenchman. Rookie wideouts mostly ride the pine, and blow routes and drop passes when they do hit the field. No matter the pedigree, they're maddeningly consistent in their inability to contribute to your fantasy squad. Certain players are still worth taking a shot on though, because through a combination of perceived talent level and situation, they can break out. Let's take a look at this year's rookie crop to see if we can find a few contributors.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver: The good news is that Brandon Marshall is gone, and there are plenty of catches available for somebody in Denver. The bad news for Thomas in the short term is that he doesn't understand how to be a pro wide receiver, so he won't be the one making those catches. The system he played in at Georgia Tech was a run-option offense in which he didn't run a normal route tree. The system was effective to that point that Thomas was often so ridiculously wide open that he averaged 25.1 yards per catch. Running normal routes and setting up defensive backs are things he's going to have to learn, which will take time. While he has great size and decent long speed, he's not particularly quick. He'll rely on his huge frame to muscle open on short routes and maybe in the red zone. While he might be a good player down the road, he's just too green now to warrant a draft pick in anything other than deep leagues.

Dez Bryant, Dallas: He's got the skills to be an exceptional player, but the situation he enters in Dallas is tricky. They have a solid running game, and very good pass-catchers, Miles Austin and Jason Witten. Roy Williams is also still hanging around and still has some skills. What I'm saying is that Bryant is strictly a bonus for the Cowboys. That might be good from the long-term standpoint of his career development, but it doesn't portend particularly good receiving numbers for 2010. There's lots of potential for success with Bryant, but don't go crazy for him in re-draft leagues. Remember, his reputation is mainly based on a stellar sophomore season, as he was suspended for the season after only three games as a junior and then left school early. The bust potential is quite high. Take a flyer on him later on, but his ceiling for this season is WR3, and that's being generous. Don't get suckered in by the media buzz around him; focus on the player and the situation.

Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay: Here's another guy who needs some time to learn after leaving school early and coming from a goofy offensive system. Regardless of what he needs to learn, though, the Buccaneers will shove him into the lineup right away. They best returning WR they have is Michael Clayton, who had 34 catches in a starting role. Benn has the size and skills to be a contributor in Tampa Bay's short passing game, and it's quite possible he could rack up a good number of catches. He'll likely be light on the yards and touchdowns, though.

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay: Williams is another rookie wideout who could start. I won't re-hash his various incidents of knuckleheaded behavior; suffice to say he's as stable as Courtney Love driving a Yugo through downtown Baghdad. But when he's on the field, he's a very good football player. Williams can be a mid-to-deep level threat and an excellent complement to Benn's skill set. Unless you're in a really deep league, there are way too many red flags to draft him. However, I'm betting he makes a decent mid-season pickup. It also wouldn't surprise me if he goes mental and quits football. Mr. Williams, sir, you are a true freak. If you ever want to fill in for me in this space, I'd be honored.

Golden Tate, Seattle: Tate is the most pro-ready WR coming out this year, and one of the most likely to make some fantasy noise. He's polished as a route runner, and he'll have some excellent teachers in Seattle. For the sake of argument, we'll assume that Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy and upright. The problem is T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Tate and Housh have similar styles, and will fight for the same short to mid range opportunities. Considering his track record, I'd consider it advantage: Housh. That's not to say that Tate can't carve out his own space in that offense, but he'll still be a second or third option. It's not totally insane to think he'll post about 50-60 catches for 750 yards, putting him at about Jeremy Maclin's contribution as a rookie last year. Expect to use Tate as a WR3 at some point in the season.

Brandon LaFell, Carolina: Upside, thy name is LaFell. He is inconsistent, but when he's on, it's hard to stop him. LaFell comes into a team perfect for his skills, and there is almost no one between him and a starting job opposite Steve Smith. The knock on him is that he doesn't work hard, but expect Smith to beat that out of him. The Panthers have been searching for a partner for Smith seemingly forever, and if LaFell steps up, there should be plenty of catches for him. Carolina's offense is certainly more effective with Matt Moore under center than it was with Jake Delhomme. LaFell will have good value if he wins a starting gig.

Emmanuel Sanders, Pittsburgh: Limas Sweed is done for 2010 after an Achilles tear, and the Steelers are pretty thin at WR. Enter Sanders, a sleeper with big-time potential. If he can slip into the lineup as Pittsburgh's No. 3 WR, he can definitely make a contribution to your lineup after Ben Roethlisberger's return. He's a small, fast guy with deep ball skills similar to those of Mike Wallace. Remember, Wallace had 756 receiving yards and six TDs last year as Pittsburgh's slot man. With Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon starting the first four to six games at quarterback, there won't be opportunities for Sanders to make an impact early enough to warrant a draft pick. However, keep him on your list of potential mid-season replacements.

Mardy Gilyard, St. Louis: With all the uncertainty and ineptitude in the St. Louis offense, Gilyard definitely falls in the "sleeper" category. Their leading receiver last year was Donnie Avery, who posted a scintillating 47 catches for 589 yards and five TDs. Of course, the play at QB was horrible, and Sam Bradford would have to be on the bench to do much worse than last year's cast of jokers. It's inevitable that the QB play will improve. Brandon Gibson and Laurent Robinson each had a few decent moments last year, but neither staked a permanent claim to a starting job. Gilyard could eventually bring some mid-season value to your roster as a WR3.

2010/2011 NFL Playoff Predictions; Super Bowl 45 Picks

2010-05-13T17:59:00.000-04:00

Written by Michael Luchies
http://www.associatedcontent.com

Playoff Predictions & Seeds- See Divisional Predictions for in depth breakdown of season and how each team got here.

NFC East- Dallas Cowboys (#4)

NFC North- Green Bay Packers (#2)

NFC South- New Orleans Saints (#1)

NFC West- San Francisco 49ers (#3)

Wild Card: Seattle Seahawks (#5)

Wild Card: Philadelphia Eagles (#6)

Left Out: Farveless Vikings (9-7). If Favre returns, they will win the NFC North, and Packers will take the Wild card spot away from the Eagles or Seahawks.

AFC East- New York Jets (#1)

AFC North- Baltimore Ravens (#4)

AFC South- Indianapolis Colts (#2)

AFC West- San Diego Chargers (#3)

Wild Card: New England Patriots (#5)

Wild Card: Houston Texans (#6)

Left Out: Titans, Bengals

NFC Wild Card Round:
Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle has a better season than expected under Pete Carroll but won't be able to get past the Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs. Cowboys offense is too strong for the Seahawks to deal with.
Prediction: Dallas wins 35-17

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles come in as a very strong Wild Card team even with an inexperienced quarterback leading an impressive offense. The Eagles have too much speed on offense and too many weapons. I like the Eagles to take down the 49ers.
Prediction: Eagles win 28-14

AFC Wild Card Round:
San Diego Chargers vs. Houston Texans
The Chargers end another fantastic regular season with a failed post season after losing this match up to the Texans. The Texans get to their first ever playoff appearance with a very tough defense and improved offense with a much needed boost to their rushing attack (drafting Ben Tate). Schaub picks apart the Chargers secondary to lead the Texans to victory.
Prediction: Texans win 31-21

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
Another great showdown between the Ravens and Patriots in the playoffs. The Ravens will be able to limit the Patriots ability to run and force Brady to make tough passes, which he is capable of, but against the Ravens secondary it will be tough to be effective. The Ravens now have a complete team, and can withstand the Patriots attack. Ray Rice takes over late, Ravens win.
Prediction: Ravens win 27-24

NFC Divisional Round:
New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
If only I could fast forward to see Kolb's progression through the upcoming year this prediction might have gone in a different direction. The Saints behind Drew Brees are near unstoppable, and although the Eagles may have the one NFL offense that can keep up with them, unless Kolb plays like a top 5 quarterback, they will be toast. I expect a shootout with the Saints coming out on top.
Prediction: Saints 45-35

Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
What a great game at Lambeau Field! The Packers against Cowboys with a shot at the NFC Championship game on the line. I would take Aaron Rodgers and his receivers slightly over Romo with his. Although I think Dallas has a better offense if all are healthy, Rodgers is clearly the better quarterback. I'll take the Packers at home in a close and snowy battle.
Prediction: Packers 20-17

AFC Divisional Round:
New York Jets vs. Houston Texans
The Texans get a playoff wakeup call when they battle the New York Jets who have been in this situation before. The Jets shut down the Texans passing attack and make Houston rely on their inconsistent backfield. The Jets won't need to score much, and they might not be able to against the Texans defense that is possibly the best in the AFC behind the Jets and Ravens. Jets win a tight one.
Prediction: Jets 17-10

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
The classic battle of good versus evil, offense versus defense. The Colts lead by Manning will clash with Ray Lewis and the Ravens once again. When two teams are as good as the Colts and the Ravens, the game usually comes down to the best player on the field, and in this case it is Peyton Manning.
Prediction: Colts 27-17

NFC Championship:
New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers
The defending Super Bowl Champions will face off against the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers will look to redeem himself after missing an opportunity to close out the Cardinals last year in the playoffs. Although both offenses will shine, the determining battle will happen on defense. The upper hand on defense has to go to the Packers, although the Saints are returning Sharper and several others that had a good enough year in 2009/2010 to make it all the way. Aaron Rodgers gets the Packers to the promised land with a late pass to Jennings.
Prediction: Packers 38-35

AFC Championship:
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts
There are not many defenses that can shut down Peyton Manning, but the Jets may just be good enough to disrupt his game. Revis, Cromartie, and Kyle Wilson will be too much for the Colts receiving staff to overcome. Manning will still get his 250+ yards and two touchdowns, but I like the Jets offense just a little bit more than last year with better receivers and a more experienced Sanchez. The running game for the Jets without Jones and Faneca will be key, but I think they can manage. I like the Jets to beat the Colts in the AFC Championship.
Prediction: Jets 31-24

Super Bowl:
New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers
Just two years ago the notion that Super Bowl 45 would host the Jets and Packers would draw laughs around the league. The Packers are the more balanced team, but the Jets have the better defense and secondary. The Packers will need to mix things up on offense to keep the defense guessing. I don't like Grant catching many passes out of the backfield or running screens, but Green Bay has solid weapons in Driver, Jennings, Finley, and others. The Jets will put a lot of pressure on Shonn Greene to carry the ball and Ladanian Tomlinson to help spread out the Packers defense. When it comes down to it, I like the Jets to pull off the Super Bowl victory behind the strength of their defense and supporting cast around Sanchez.
Prediction: Jets win 24-20

Four Downs: NFC East

2010-05-13T17:49:00.000-04:00

by Sean McCormick
Source: www.footballoutsiders.com

Dallas Cowboys
Biggest Post-Draft Need: Offensive Tackle

Going into the draft, the Cowboys had three clear areas of need -- to find a starting free safety, to add youth and depth along the offensive line, and to make up for the fact that they passed on Randy Moss. OK, that last one wasn't so obvious, but that's the need that Jerry Jones addressed when he traded up to select troubled Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant and immediately gave him the prized 88 jersey previously worn by stars like Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin (not to mention Moss when he was at Marshall). Bryant was one of the six or seven most talented players in the draft and was clearly a better player than any lineman or safety available, so the pick made sense from a talent standpoint. The Cowboys were able to find a safety prospect with cornerback cover skills when they nabbed Division II product Akwasi Owusu-Ansah in the fourth round, but he probably won't be ready to contribute much this season as he adjusts to the speed of the pro game. They also added Notre Dame tackle Sam Young in the sixth round, but he projects as strictly a right tackle prospect and doesn't provide much cushion should Doug Free struggle on the left side. So while the Cowboys addressed their primary areas of need, it's unclear if they did so effectively.

Important Undrafted Free Agents
The most notable signing is New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko, who made headlines by turning down five separate contract offers from NFL teams, only to change his mind quietly two days later and sign with the Cowboys. Dallas signed a couple of offensive linemen in Cal's Mike Tepper and Virginia's Will Barker to act as camp bodies, but each player has a shot at pushing his way into the equation considering the weak depth on the roster. Barker was a four-year starter at Virginia, a program that has been churning out solid pro linemen of late, and at 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, he has terrific size.

New York Giants
Biggest Post-Draft Need: Offensive Line Depth

Rolando McClain will not be the next middle linebacker for the New York Giants. Neither will Sean Weatherspoon, nor Sean Lee, nor any other high-profile inside linebacking prospect. Instead, the Giants continued their longstanding adherence to George Young's Planet Theory by taking big, strong, fast defensive linemen with their first two selections and waiting until round four to address their biggest hole with Nebraska's Phillip Dillard, one of the more underrated prospects in the draft. Dillard had enough coverage ability to stay on the field in Nebraska's nickel and dime packages, and he could work his way into the middle linebacker competition in a hurry.

With early and mid-round picks devoted to defensive end, defensive tackle, safety and middle linebacker, there weren't picks left over for another unit that quietly underperformed last year -- the offensive line. The coaches would like to see William Beatty win the left tackle job, which would allow them to kick David Diehl inside to left guard and push Rich Seubert into a reserve role. Even if all that works out, there might be trouble on the right side, where longtime stalwart Kareem McKenzie missed four games with injuries and may be showing signs of slowing down. Right now the only backup is the unfortunately named Guy Whimper, but he is more of a career reserve than a potential successor.

Important Undrafted Free Agents
Local product Tim Brown played his college ball at Rutgers and will now try to latch on at the bottom of a very crowded depth chart. At 5-foot-6, Brown is badly undersized, but he showed an ability to run a wide variety of routes and could latch on as a true slot receiver. After abstaining from Big Ten players all draft weekend, the team indulged its fondness for the conference by inking a pair of Ohio State Buckeyes in tight end Jake Ballard and center Jim Cordle, as well as Penn State guard Dennis Landolt.

Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest Post-Draft Need: Cornerback

Perhaps no team has been as aggressively forward-thinking with its roster management this decade as Philadelphia. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles routinely cut or trade players a year too soon rather than waiting for them to decline or to become too expensive to justify their production. So it was no surprise to see the team ship Sheldon Brown to Cleveland despite his still being a productive player. But with Philadelphia's trouble dealing with No. 2 receivers last year -- their 9.0% DVOA was 24th in the league -- and with only Joselio Hanson and Ellis Hobbs as potential replacements, it was surprising to see Philadelphia neglect to address the cornerback position via the draft. Despite spending a whopping nine of their 11 draft picks on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles only selected one corner, Kentucky's Trevard Lindley , whom they took with the 105th pick. Several of Lindley 's scouting reports suggest that he struggles to stay with quicker receivers in man coverage, which is never a good quality in a pressure defense. His suspect tackling makes him a particularly risky complement to the already contact-adverse Asante Samuel. Lindley is unlikely to do more than play in dime packages as a rookie, and cornerback depth could become a pressing issue if one of the starters goes down.

Important Undrafted Free Agents
North Carolina State's Jerraill McCuller is a little lanky for a right tackle, but he looks mobile and aggressive on film. Kevin Jurovic started his career at San Jose State at safety before moving to receiver to take advantage of his soft hands, but he probably lacks the athleticism to be anything more than a special-teamer. Wide receiver Pat Simonds played his college ball at tiny Colgate, but at 6-foot-5, he has the height to contribute as a red-zone specialist. (Unfortunately, he doesn't have the weight to switch to tight end.)

Washington Redskins
Biggest Post-Draft Need: Wide Receiver

Washington has had a very successful offseason, trading for a quality veteran quarterback in Donovan McNabb and acquiring a sorely needed left tackle in Oklahoma's Trent Williams to provide backside protection. They've thrown together a collection of washed-up, big-name running backs in the hopes that someone will squeeze out a last productive season. What they did not do is address the need at wide receiver. There were many reasons why Washington ranked 28th in passing DVOA last year, but at least one of them was the failure of the 2008 draft class of Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to develop into frontline starters. Thomas was particularly disappointing, catching only 53 percent of the passes that went his way. Thomas and Kelly do have the size that Mike Shanahan prizes, and perhaps they will play better for him than they did for Jim Zorn. Then again, the recent signing of Joey Galloway suggests that the team doesn't like what it has and simply didn't have enough draft choices to do something about it.

Important Undrafted Free Agents
Keiland Williams was a five-star recruit for LSU who had a disappointing career, and while early Football Outsiders research suggested it was a good idea to target SEC tailbacks in the back end of the draft, the recent glut of underachievers pumped out of Baton Rouge (Joseph Addai, LaBrandon Toefield) takes a bit of shine off the theory. Williams does have a lot of raw speed, but he will need to stop bouncing everything outside if he wants to be the next Shanahan wonder back. Competing with Williams for the role will be Troy's Maurice Greer and Tony Nelson of UMass.

2010 NFL on FOX schedule officially released

2010-05-13T07:08:00.001-04:00

from Fox Sports
Updated May 12, 2010 7:58 PM ET
NFL ON FOX STARTS SUPER BOWL SEASON ON SEPT. 12th

When's my club playing?
Plan your fall and winter weekends with our team-by-team schedule page.
Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints Featured 11 Times Including Thanksgiving Day Showdown with the Dallas Cowboys

McNabb Returns to Philadelphia as a Redskin on Sunday, Oct. 3

Giants Christen New Stadium Against Panthers as Part of Week 1 Doubleheader

Season Culminates with the Exclusive Presentation of Super Bowl XLV from State-of-the-Art Cowboys Stadium

The 17th season of the NFL on FOX premieres Sunday, Sept. 12 with doubleheader coverage of six games including the regular season debut of New York football’s epicenter when Eli Manning and the Giants christen their new facility against John Fox’s Carolina Panthers. Week 1 doubleheader action of FOX’s Super Bowl Season is anchored by a clash between last season’s NFC Wild Card winners when Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers travel to the City of Brotherly Love to face the Philadelphia Eagles at the Linc in the late afternoon.

At present, FOX Sports is scheduled to broadcast 106 regular-season games, including nine doubleheader Sundays and the traditional Thanksgiving Day game this year featuring an exciting rematch between the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, the Cowboys put an end to New Orleans’ quest of an undefeated season in Week 15.

NFL fans will have Sunday, Oct. 3 circled on their calendars when FOX Sports presents Donovan McNabb’s highly-anticipated return to Philadelphia wearing a division rival’s uniform when Mike Shanahan’s Washington Redskins clash with Andy Reid’s Eagles to anchor FOX’s Week 4 doubleheader coverage.

Best games
Here are the top games to watch for the upcoming season.
Viewers can look forward to many exciting matchups on the NFL on FOX schedule including Sunday, Oct. 17 when the NFC North Champion Minnesota Vikings host the Cowboys as Dallas looks to avenge their Division Playoff thrashing. Other key dates include Sunday, Oct. 31 as Adrian Peterson and the Vikings march into Foxboro to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 14 when the Cowboys get their first taste of the Giants’ new home-field and Tony Romo and the Cowboys visit Peyton Manning and the Colts in Indianapolis on Sunday, Dec. 5. Week 17 (Sunday, Jan. 2) features at least seven divisional showdowns that could prove pivotal to the NFC playoff picture as part of FOX’s doubleheader coverage including Dallas at Philadelphia, Giants at Washington, Chicago at Green Bay and Tampa Bay at New Orleans.

Each week, coverage begins with FOX NFL SUNDAY (12-1 p.m. ET/9-10 a.m. PT), America’s most-watched pregame show for 16-straight seasons. Terry Bradshaw, last year’s Emmy-Award winner for Outstanding Studio Analyst, and Curt Menefee return as co-host alongside Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan, insider Jay Glazer and comedian Frank Caliendo. Since its premiere in September 1994, FOX NFL SUNDAY has won 20 Emmy Awards for its production and personalities, including four for Outstanding Studio Show.

The 2009 NFL season was one for the record books for FOX Sports. The regular season averaged 19.1 million viewers, surpassing the previous NFL on FOX record of 18.2 million set in 1995 by almost one million viewers. NFL on FOX NATIONAL GAMES had a remarkable 2009 season, averaging an enormous 15.5/28 and over 26.2 million viewers, both new NFL on FOX records. FOX Sports once again out-rated all other NFL rightsholders including the league’s prime-time over-the-air package and the NFC package on FOX out-rated the AFC package for the 15th straight season.

All NFL on FOX games are produced and broadcast in state-of-the-art HD beginning with three preseason broadcasts in August straight through coverage of the NFC’s postseason including Super Bowl XLV in Texas.

The 2010 NFL on FOX season includes 54 games featuring last season’s NFC playoff teams, including 11 games featuring the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints while the NFC North Champion Minnesota Vikings play 10 games on FOX. The New York Giants, along with the Philadelphia Eagles, appear 10 times apiece while their division rival Dallas Cowboys are scheduled for nine games.

Once the playoff teams are determined, the NFL on FOX presents exclusive live postseason coverage, including an NFC Wild Card Game on Sunday, Jan. 9, the NFC Divisional Playoffs, Saturday, Jan. 15 and Sunday, Jan. 16, the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, Jan. 23, the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl from Honolulu on Sunday, Jan 30 and SUPER BOWL XLV on Sunday, Feb. 6 from state-of -the-art Cowboys Stadium.

Get the scoop
Check out the main storylines from the new NFL schedule.
The NFL on FOX’s 17th season of coverage begins with three prime-time preseason contests including back-to-back nights of NFL action under the lights. On Thursday, Aug. 19 (8 p.m. ET) Tom Brady and the AFC East-winning New England Patriots visit the Georgia Dome to take on Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and the exciting Atlanta Falcons. On Friday, Aug. 20, (8 p.m. ET) Andy Reid and his Philadelphia Eagles travel to Cincinnati to take on Chad Ochocinco and the Bengals, who last season dominated the AFC North. FOX Sports’ last preseason broadcast comes Sunday, Aug. 29 (8 p.m. ET) at INVESCO Field in Denver when the most decorated franchise in the NFL, the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers square-off against the Denver Broncos, who could find themselves in the midst of a quarterback controversy between last season’s starter Kyle Orton and off-season acquisition Brady Quinn.

David Hill and Ed Goren are the Executive Producers of the NFL on FOX. Bill Brown is Senior Producer and George Greenberg is Creative Director. Scott Ackerson is the Coordinating Producer of FOX NFL SUNDAY.

Following is a complete list of games on the 2010 NFL on FOX regular and postseason broadcast schedules.

The 2010 NFL on FOX schedule (all times are ET)

Week 1, Sept. 12

1 p.m. ET
Carolina at NY Giants
Detroit at Chicago
Atlanta at Pittsburgh

4:15 p.m.
Green Bay at Philadelphia
San Francisco at Seattle
Arizona at St. Louis

Week 2, Sept. 19

1 p.m.
Chicago at Dallas
Philadelphia at Detroit
Arizona at Atlanta
Tampa Bay at Carolina

4:05 p.m.
Seattle at Denver
St. Louis at Oakland

Week 3, Sept. 26

1 p.m.
Detroit at Minnesota
Atlanta at New Orleans
Dallas at Houston
San Francisco at Kansas City

4:05 p.m.
Philadelphia at Jacksonville
Washington at St. Louis

Week 4, Oct. 3

1 p.m.
Detroit at Green Bay
San Francisco at Atlanta
Carolina at New Orleans
Seattle at St. Louis

4:15 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia
Arizona at San Diego

Week 5, Oct. 10

1 p.m.
Green Bay at Washington
St. Louis at Detroit
Chicago at Carolina
Tampa Bay at Cincinnati
Atlanta at Cleveland
NY Giants at Houston

4:05 p.m.
New Orleans at Arizona

Week 6, Oct. 17

1 p.m.
Detroit at NY Giants
Atlanta at Philadelphia
Seattle at Chicago
New Orleans at Tampa Bay

4:15 p.m.
Dallas at Minnesota

Week 7, Oct. 24

1 p.m.
Washington at Chicago
San Francisco at Carolina
St. Louis at Tampa Bay
Philadelphia at Tennessee

4:05 p.m.
Arizona at Seattle

Week 8, Oct. 31

1 p.m.
Washington at Detroit
Carolina at St. Louis
Green Bay at NY Jets

4:15 p.m.
Minnesota at New England
Tampa Bay at Arizona
Seattle at Oakland

Week 9, Nov. 7

1 p.m.
Chicago at Buffalo (Toronto)
Arizona at Minnesota
Tampa Bay at Atlanta
New Orleans at Carolina

4:05 p.m.
NY Giants at Seattle

Week 10, Nov. 14

1 p.m.
Minnesota at Chicago
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Detroit at Buffalo

4:15 p.m.
Dallas at NY Giants
Seattle at Arizona
St. Louis at San Francisco

Week 11, Nov. 21

1 p.m.
Detroit at Dallas
Green Bay at Minnesota
Washington at Tennessee
Arizona at Kansas City

4:05 p.m.
Atlanta at St. Louis
Tampa Bay at San Francisco
Seattle at New Orleans

Week 12, Nov. 28

Thanksgiving
4:15 p.m.
New Orleans at Dallas

Sunday
1 p.m.
Minnesota at Washington
Philadelphia at Chicago
Green Bay at Atlanta
Tampa Bay at Baltimore
Carolina at Cleveland

4:15 p.m.
St. Louis at Denver

Week 13, Dec. 5

1 p.m.
Washington at NY Giants
Chicago at Detroit
San Francisco at Green Bay
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
New Orleans at Cincinnati

4:15 p.m.
Dallas at Indianapolis
St. Louis at Arizona
Carolina at Seattle

Week 14, Dec. 12

1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Washington
Green Bay at Detroit
NY Giants at Minnesota
Atlanta at Carolina

4:05 p.m.
St. Louis at New Orleans
Seattle at San Francisco

Week 15, Dec. 19

1 p.m.
Washington at Dallas
Philadelphia at NY Giants
Arizona at Carolina
Detroit at Tampa Bay
New Orleans at Baltimore

4:05 p.m.
Atlanta at Seattle

Week 16, Dec. 26

1 p.m.
Minnesota at Philadelphia
Seattle at Tampa Bay
San Francisco at St. Louis
Detroit at Miami
Washington at Jacksonville

4:15 p.m.
NY Giants at Green Bay

Week 17, Jan. 2, 2011

1 p.m.
Dallas at Philadelphia
NY Giants at Washington
Minnesota at Detroit
Chicago at Green Bay
Carolina at Atlanta
Tampa Bay at New Orleans

4:15 p.m.
Arizona at San Francisco
St. Louis at Seattle
__________________
for more updates visit http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/

Cowboys' Jerry Jones 'no longer concerned about the offensive line at all'

2010-05-12T22:12:00.001-04:00

From wire reports

GRAPEVINE, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo isn't worrying about life without five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams protecting his blind side.

Romo says he has to trust the people around him. He says he's preparing for next season thinking that with Doug Free, newly acquired Alex Barron and other linemen, the Cowboys should be able to keep doing what they've done in the past and even grow offensively.

Dallas cut Adams last month.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday that he's "no longer concerned about the offensive line at all." Barron was traded from St. Louis and unrestricted free agent Montrae Holland was signed to a two-year contract.

Cowboys' Romo expects Free, others to protect him

2010-05-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

Source: www.9and10news.com

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo isn't worrying about life without five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams protecting his blind side.

Romo says he has to trust the people around him. He says he's preparing for next season thinking that with Doug Free, newly acquired Alex Barron and other linemen the Cowboys should be able to keep doing what they've done in the past and even grow offensively.

Dallas cut Adams last month.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday that he's "no longer concerned about the offensive line at all." Barron was traded from St. Louis and unrestricted free agent Montrae Holland was signed to a two-year contract.

McCann Draws Praise From Cowboys Coaches After Mini-Camp

2010-05-12T18:53:00.001-04:00

Story courtesy of PonyFans.com

Immediately after the final practice of last weekend's Dallas Cowboys rookie mini-camp, the media swarmed head coach Wade Phillips on the field at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The throng peppered Phillips with questions about the team's draft picks, primarily wide receiver Dez Bryant.

After he had gone through the draftees, however, Phillips was asked which of the undrafted free agents stood out to him over the three-day camp. The first one he mentioned was SMU graduate Bryan McCann.

"I thought McCann looked really good," Phillips said. "He's a smart guy and he's got great speed. I thought he picked some things up really quick. He was a little sore (Saturday and Sunday), but he looked pretty good."

McCann hardly had time to ease into camp while soaking up the emotions that go along with becoming a professional player.

"It was pretty exciting the first time I put that jersey on, but that excitement wore off pretty fast," McCann said. "When we got there, we went right into meetings.

"It was cool seeing my name on a nameplate above the locker, but like I said, it wore off pretty fast. We had meetings and then we hit the practice field, and we had to hit the ground running."

Run he did. At the very beginning of the Cowboys' "live" drills between wide receivers and defensive backs, McCann found himself staring into the face of top draft pick Dez Bryant. McCann was in far better physical condition than Bryant, who hadn't played a game or even practiced since a suspension that started in September, so the fact that he ran stride-for-stride with the first-round pick from Oklahoma State was no surprise. What did open some eyes was the way McCann went up in the air against the bigger, stronger Bryant and ripped a few passes out of his hands.

"I was happy with the way I performed out there," McCann said. "There's a lot I've got to learn, but I think I did pretty well.

While Bryant's obvious skills were eye-catching, McCann and the other rookies didn't have time to stop and admire his new teammate.

"After every time you went (through drills), you had two or three coaches coming at you with corrections, trying to make you better player."

McCann wasn't the only one who was impressed.

"The coaches said they were impressed," McCann said. "(Secondary) Coach (Dave) Campo told me I looked like I belonged out there. I've still got to win the veterans over, though."

Many young players report that one of the hardest adjustments when going from college to the NFL is learning the terminology utilized by their new teams. By playing at SMU, McCann said he had a headstart on some of his teammates.

"I'd been lucky to play at SMU, because the system (the Cowboys) use is similar to what Coach (Tom) Mason (SMU's defensive coordinator) runs," McCann said. "It's not exactly the same, of course, but a lot of the code words (the Cowboys) use mean the same things they did in our defense at SMU. A lot of the terms are similar. I've still got a lot to learn, but that did help make some of it easier to remember."

It's one thing to understand a system; it's another thing altogether to merge that knowledge with the raw physical skills and talent needed to face off against a high-profile player like Bryant.

"I went in to camp with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder," McCann said. "I have to play that way, until I accomplish something, and I haven't accomplished anything yet.

"I told my dad that I think I can compete with anyone they drafted. He said that's fine, but they drafted these guys ahead of you, so that means they think those guys are better than you. You can't compete with those guys -- you have to be better than those guys."

McCann took his father's advice, in part because it reflected the confidence he said is vital for any player at his position, especially when he is defending an über-talented receiver like Bryant.

"The mindset of a cornerback has to be they're the best player on the field, regardless of who is in front of him," McCann said. "It it's not, you're beat before the play even starts. So when I'm guarding Dez, I'm trying to show -- even as an undrafted free agent -- what I can do for the coaches.

"I was proud of what I did out there, and I think they thought I did well, too."

After the mini-camp, McCann planned to work out with Bryant, but a family emergency took him home to Oklahoma for a few days. Now he's back in Dallas, training and getting ready for the Cowboys' first OTA (Organized Team Activity), at which point he'll take the field with the veteran players for the first time.

Many players contend that the NFL game -- even in practice -- is significantly faster than what they experienced in college, but McCann said he had been training at high speed since shortly after helping to lead the Mustangs to a rout of Nevada in the Hawaii Bowl in SMU's first bowl appearance in 25 years.

"Everybody keeps saying how much faster it is, but keep in mind, I've been training for the last six months with Emmanuel (Sanders, SMU's record-setting wide receiver who was drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chasing these guys is like chasing him -- they've all got speed, they can stop on a dime, they push off. So that's what I'm learning -- how to get in there and push back, to lean on the guy, to tug on his elbow to get him off his route but without getting a flag thrown."

Before the mini-camp, McCann signed a three-year contract with the Cowboys that is contingent upon him making the team. To earn that contract, he said his focus is on learning his new assignments on defense and special teams (he fielded both kickoffs and punts during mini-camp), and proving that, as Campo and other coaches told him, he belongs.

"I wouldn't say it's stressful, and I'm not really on-edge, but there's always some uncertainty," McCann said. "But Coach Campo told me I looked like I belong out there. (Safeties) Coach (Brett) Maxie said he liked the way I did some things.

"If I can continue to do that, continue to show I have the heart for football and a nose for the ball, then I'll be OK -- I'll know I can compete at this level."

Dallas Cowboys need Matt Stover or Adam Vinatieri

2010-05-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

Dallas Cowboys Examiner
by Dan Telvock

I believe teams with good field goal kickers are generally better than team that do not have a good field goal kicker.

Right now, the Dallas Cowboys don't have a field goal kicker with as much experience and success as free agent kicker Matt Stover.

Right now, David Buehler is the guy who has the starting slot. He hasn't kicked field goals for a living in years.

Stover isn't kicking 50-yard bombs anymore, but he is serviceable from 47 yards out, which is all the Cowboys need. He made nine of 11 field goals last season in 10 games with the Colts. For the past two seasons, Stover has made 81.8 percent of his field goal kicks.

Adam Vinatieri, who Stover beats in accuracy, is another guy the Cowboys could try to get.

Who Todd Archer says might be vulnerable in Indianapolis because of his age, price and roster flexibility. Archer says that Vinatieri would have to make far less than the $2 million he is owed by the Colts, a possible hindrance for him. What is special about Vinatieri is he is still able to kick from 50 yards. He also has booted numerous field goals that won games, including a Super Bowl. Vinatieri may go down as one of the best, if not the best, clutch kickers in the NFL.

Either Stover or Vinatieri would be immediately placed with a Super Bowl-caliber team if they came to Dallas. That's not a hindrance; that's a dream.

A disaster awaits the Cowboys if team executives continue to ignore the fact that a good field goal kicker is necessary to make a run for the Super Bowl.

Home Super Bowl Presents Additional Challenge For Dallas

2010-05-10T17:50:00.000-04:00

BY Scott Crisp
NBC DFW

It's widely accepted as fact that the 2008 Dallas Cowboys suffered as the result of lofty expectations, a seeming sense of entitlement. Whether or not that's true, if you believed that the team was setting itself up for failure, for whatever reason, you were far from disappointed.

Super Bowl-bound, they were not; hell, they didn't even make the playoffs, which, considering their generally accepted preseason status as odds-on favorites to win the NFC, was kind of unimaginable. In 2010, the expectations are back to some degree, and it doesn't help that Super Bowl XLV will be played at JerryWorld in Arlington.

External circumstances, as Dallas has learned so painfully, can present a challenge all their own; it's for that reason that Jay Ratliff and the Cowboys are fighting to focus on the old cliche of "taking it one day at a time."

“We are thinking about winning one game at a time, exactly," said Ratliff on a recent interview with the Ticket, per the Dallas Morning News. "You start looking at a Super Bowl, you lose a few games, and the next thing you know you’re hoping somebody else loses so you can try and get in the playoffs. We don’t want that to happen. . .

"We all dream about it, but we know what we need to do to get there. I want to tell you. You can’t ignore it. I mean, you can’t forget about it. Every single day you’re reminded of it. I mean, if you’re at home, you’re reminded of it. Somebody calls you on the phone, ‘Oh, man, you know, the Super Bowl’s in Dallas. Man, you gotta get it this year.’"

Ratliff acknowledges that it will be a challenge, but knows well--as, we imagine, most of the Cowboys do--that nothing in the NFL comes for granted.

"That’s called ‘learning from your mistakes,’" Ratliff said. "That shows the maturity of our team. We know where it went wrong; we know what happened wrong, and this year, we know we did well and want to try and build on that, and just really minimize all our mistakes.”

Cowboys, Rams swap former first-round draft picks

2010-05-10T17:39:00.001-04:00

By Associated Press
3:17 PM CDT, May 10, 2010

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Cowboys and Rams have swapped underachieving former first-round picks, with offensive tackle Alex Barron going to Dallas and linebacker Bobby Carpenter headed for St. Louis.

Carpenter made only two starts in four seasons for the Cowboys, one in the regular season and one in the playoffs, and was a backup inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense last season. The Rams have a 4-3 defense and the 250-pound Carpenter could start.

Barron was the 19th pick of the 2005 draft and has made 74 starts for St. Louis but has been at least a mild disappointment. The Rams drafted Rodger Saffold of Indiana to open the second round of this year's draft and could start him at one tackle opposite Jason Smith, the second overall pick of last year's draft.

The trade was finalized Monday.

Commentary: Cowboys get talent in out-of-way places

2010-05-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

Three of draft picks this year were from smaller colleges.
Source: http://www.statesman.com

IRVING — Akwasi Owusu-Ansah played football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The school is in Indiana, Pa., which proclaims itself the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World."

Unless you are driving in from Homer City, all roads do not lead to Indiana, Pa. But the Dallas Cowboys' scouting staff made it to Indiana and found a player.

"If you can play, they're going to find you," Owusu-Ansah said. "That's happened in my situation."

It's the same with Sean Lissemore, a hyper-active defensive lineman from William & Mary. The Cowboys took Lissemore in the seventh round of the NFL draft, three rounds after selecting Owusu-Ansah, a safety. For good measure, the Cowboys made an extra effort to sign New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko as an undrafted free agent.

In doing all of that, the Cowboys returned to their drafting roots.

Through smarts and plain, old shoe leather, the Cowboys for decades went off the beaten track to find and draft talented players. The first player to fit this definition was defensive tackle Jethro Pugh out of Elizabeth (N.C.) City State in the 1964 draft. The list, which includes Hall of Fame offensive tackle Rayfield Wright and numerous Pro Bowlers, grew from there.

The current administration embraces the same philosophy.

"You scout the skill of the player, not the school," said Tom Ciskowski, the Cowboys' director of pro and college scouting.

Even if that puts the Cowboys in a minority.

The NFL draft can be a paint-by-numbers exercise. Go to the big-time schools and pick their players. It's not hard to find a player at Oklahoma, or Texas, or Florida. It's safe.

Of the 255 players taken in last month's draft, 196 came from the six BCS conferences and Notre Dame. Another 36 hailed from the other Football Bowl Subdivision conferences.

The other 23 picks came from out-of-the-way spots. Division I Football Championship Subdivision-level schools produced 18 picks, including Lissemore. Division II had five players chosen, including Owusu-Ansah. Division III and the NAIA were blanked.

Jacksonville built its draft around players from the lower levels, selecting four FCS players. The Cowboys, Arizona, Buffalo and Tennessee were the only other clubs with lower-level picks, taking two players each.

"When you see somebody that has some good size and good speed such as Akwasi, that starts mitigating the school size," Cowboys owner-general manager Jerry Jones said.

There is a risk in this for the Cowboys. They had only six picks in this year's draft. That means they devoted 33 percent of their picks to players whose level of competition last season ranged from Kutztown (Pa.) State (Owusu-Ansah) to Villanova (Lissemore). It's a big, big jump from there to the NFL.

The Cowboys know that and factor level of competition into the evaluations for all draft-eligible players. For the Cowboys, Owusu-Ansah and Lissemore graded out high enough to be drafted.

Now, they have to show it on the field. With only six picks, the Cowboys cannot afford to miss.

"They've been the big fish in a small pond," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "They're going to have to step it up to get to the next level, but I think they have the ability to do that."

The Cowboys' grand plan calls for Lissemore to serve as an understudy and learn from the veteran linemen. Owusu-Ansah, limited while he recovers from surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder, could have a more immediate impact as a returner. The Cowboys project him as a free safety in the making.

Owusu-Ansah and Lissemore fit the profiles of NFL players who spring from unexpected places.

Both were late bloomers physically. Owusu-Ansah, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, had the extra disadvantage of not picking up the game until eighth grade.

Both are intelligent. Both are relentless. Both carry the memory of being snubbed by the big-boy schools coming out of high school. Lissemore still has letters from schools such as Michigan offering the possibility of a walk-on tryout.

"Williams & Mary defeated Virginia," said Lissemore, referring to last season's victory against a BCS school. "I think that alone shows the comparison of talent and athleticism between the two leagues."

It's more personal to Owusu-Ansah, who grew up in the shadow of the Ohio State campus. He felt the sting of rejection each time his beloved Buckeyes played.

"That chip on my shoulder is probably going to last until I'm done playing football," he said. "I can play with the big boys. That's probably the biggest question. Can you play with the big boys? I absolutely believe I can."

College pedigrees are forgotten now. The Cowboys learned long ago that it pays to be an equal-opportunity employer.

2010 NFC East Division Predictions; NFL Picks

2010-05-08T09:10:00.001-04:00

Michael Luchies
www.associatedcontent.com

Dallas Cowboys 10-6
The Eagles gave away their chance at a division title with the trade of Donovan McNabb. The Cowboys have the opportunity to capitalize and take the division crown. The Cowboys have a scary receiving core that is capable of giving Romo career numbers in Dez Bryant can show his abilities that he has displayed at Oklahoma State. Rookie linebacker Sean Lee should give the Boys' defense a lift, although they should have helped out Romo by picking an offensive lineman. I do not like all of the Cowboys moves, and think they have a lot of room to improve, but with all of the shaking up in the NFC East, I like them to win the division.

Philadelphia Eagles 9-7
The Eagles had a chance to do something great in 2010, and threw it down the drain. I am a fan of Kolb and the potential quarterback that he might become. The problem is that the Eagles have the talent in place to make a serious playoff run and a push to make the Superbowl and do not have the time to go through growing pains with an inexperienced quarterback. Kolb has showed promise, but career stats of 12 games with a 60.8% completion rate and 4 touchdowns to 7 interceptions is not enough evidence to hand him the keys to a brand new Ferrari after just acquiring a drivers license. The Eagles are way too good to dip under .500, and will most likely still be a playoff team, just not a contender to make a Super Bowl run.

New York Giants 8-8
The Giants look like a very common team in 2010. Good offensive talent and an average defense (15th ranked pass defense, 14th rushing defense) are not good enough to make the playoffs this year in the NFC. Eli and the Giants receiving core will put up points, but if Jacobs can't stay healthy you can "forgettaboutit". The Giants haven't improved enough over the offseason to contend, but I won't be surprised if they end up 9-7 and just make the playoffs.

Washington Redskins 6-10
Despite all of the newly found hype for the Redskins, I am skeptical of McNabb turning around all of the problems that the Redskins have into strengths. The Redskins had a marginal draft with only one pick in the first three rounds. Trent Williams is a very good addition to a struggling offensive line that desperately needs his services. The Redskins simply have two many holes on both sides of the ball to make the playoffs, that and an angry Haynesworth who may refuse to play or demand a trade.

Cowboys-Rams trade moving forward

2010-05-08T09:08:00.001-04:00

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com

The proposed trade of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter for St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Alex Barron is moving forward, with the players scheduled to take physicals Sunday, a source said Friday.

In addition to the physicals, there are contract details that need to be worked out before the trade could be completed. Barron has yet to sign his restricted free-agent tender offer of $2.62 million. Carpenter, in the last year of his contract, has an incentive clause worth up to $1.895 million that the Rams might want to renegotiate.

On Thursday, ESPNDallas.com reported that the teams were negotiating the swap of first-round picks who failed to live up to expectations.

Carpenter has been unable to earn a starting job with the Cowboys since being drafted in 2006. The Cowboys picked up his potential replacement in Penn State linebacker Sean Lee in the second round last month.

Barron, a first-rounder in 2005, was called for an NFL-high five holding penalties last year and has allowed 33 sacks in his career.

The Cowboys have a need for offensive line depth after promoting Doug Free to the starting left tackle position to replace veteran Flozell Adams, who was waived.

Lions and Vikings and Bears, Oh My! A Look into the Dallas Cowboys' 2010 NFL Schedule

2010-04-29T21:58:00.001-04:00

BY Joseph Gaccione

So the 2010 NFL schedules were recently released, and oh boy, are my Dallas Cowboys in trouble. Or are they? It certainly is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you have the Cowboys coming off an impressive 2009 season. With their second division title win in 3 years and FINALLY a playoff win after a 12 year dry spell; not to mention Tony Romo stepping up and proving he is a quarterback capable of limiting his mistakes, the team finally showed signs of maturity and balance.

On the other hand, you have different fingers.

Just kidding.

But seriously, the other hand is holding a grenade.

The Cowboys face a BRUTAL schedule, with our difficulty percentage at .543, according to Yahoo Sports; this is the third toughest schedule for 2010. We have to play BOTH Super Bowl opponents, the New Orleans Saints (Thanksgiving) and the Indianapolis Colts within 11 days of each other. Plus, there's the rest of the AFC South as well as the always tough NFC North. Moreover, there is an underlying pressure on the Cowboys (as there usually is) to make it to the Super Bowl this year, because the game will be played at the new Dallas Stadium (The Dallas Palace). So with that, let's go through all 17 weeks briefly.

*Note: This is being written a day before the draft, so trade/draft pick implications will NOT be taken into effect here.

Presenting the 2010 Schedule, brought to you by:

Blogging the Boys

Week 1 @ Washington Redskins

-nothing like a division rival to start off the year. It will be interesting to see how Shanahan and McNabb have truly changed this team, specifically the offense, within a few months. Regardless, it's still Washington, and they always play the Cowboys tough.

Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears.

-Tough defensive game. Thankfully, it's not in Chicago, and it's not in December. Look for Julius Peppers hassling Romo, while Cutler tries to pick apart our secondary.

Week 3 @ Houston Texans

-The TEXAS BOWL! This should be a good game, offensively at least. Matt Schaub and his favorite target Andre Johnson will be tough to stop, but their run game should be containable.

Week 4 BYE

Week 5 vs. Tennessee Titans
-All about stopping Chris Johnson. Vince Young might throw some surprises, but I think the Titans will wear down our defensive line, or at least plan to. Shouldn't be too tough of a game.

WEEK 6 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

-the second most anticipated game. The Revenge Bowl. The Vikings embarrassed the Cowboys in the Divisional Round of the playoffs 34-3, and for the most part, they played well (defensively), while offensively (Favre), they were douche bags. While I'm disappointed we have to go to Minnesota again to play them, the chance to beat them is insatiable. Hopefully, if Favre comes back, he gets sacked at least 8 times and breaks his arm. Tough game all around. One week after Chris Johnson, we have to look out for Adrian Peterson.

Week 7 vs. NY Giants

-I'd like to see us beat the Giants at least once this year. Last year, we let them beat us twice, but this time at home, I see us coming out of the gate and laying a smackdown.

Week 8 vs Jacksonville: The "Eh" game

-probably my least favorite matchup of the season, mostly because the Jaguars don't seem much of a threat. Then again, they could be the hot team this season, so this game may be bigger, but as of now, I'm not concerned.

Week 9 @ Green Bay

-With Aaron Rodgers leading the Packers, this should be a good game. Green Bay beat us last year 17-7 in a really boring game, where the Dallas offense didn't show up. Here's hoping this time they do.

Week 10 @ NY Giants

-Around this time, these games will have playoff implications, so depending on where everyone else, this could be a huge game. It's automatically a "good" game, since Dallas and NY are involved. I'm going to guess this determines who takes control of NFC East at this point in time.

Week 11 vs. Detroit

-Though I'm not worried about Detroit, stranger things have happened. I like Jim Schwartz, and I think the Lions are on the right track to rebuilding. Who knows what team will show up? Remember, the Cowboys aren't always an automatic lock against bad teams (See: Dallas at KC last year)

WEEK 12 VS. NEW ORLEANS
-The most anticipated game for me. A rematch of last year's great game that not only ended the Saints undefeated season, but also revived the Cowboys season. Plus, it's on Thanksgiving, so assuming everyone stays healthy by this time, this could be the makings of a classic game. My apologies to Detroit fans who have to wait for their team to get pounded by New England this year.

Week 13 @ Indianapolis

-two Super Bowl teams within 11 days...Ugh. Colts are always a great team, and who knows if they've already clinched division/home-field by this point. They're still dangerous, but remember a few years ago in 2006, when the Colts won the Super Bowl. They were undefeated at one point, but guess who ended that streak? The Cowboys. The third most anticipated game easily. Manning Vs. Romo will be worth watching.

Week 14 vs. Philadelphia

-Now we're into December, and while the month does not have the same stigma it usually has, it's still a tough road to the playoffs, starting with the Colts, and continuing with the Eagles. Trading McNabb was a shocker, so we'll see how this guy Kolb does. But like our other rivals, they'll play us tough no matter what. NFC East implications galore.

Week 15 @ Arizona.

-Arizona lost a few good men this offseason, so it will be interesting to see what kind of team they become.

Week 16 vs. Washington

-I doubt Washington will be in the hunt to lead the division, but they could hurt OUR chances for winning by playing the role of spoiler.

Week 17 @ Philadelphia

-It comes down to this. Again. For the third straight year. The Road to the Postseason goes through the Eagles. In 2008, they smacked us around 44-6 and took our spot. The year after, we satisfyingly took our revenge, shutting them out 24-0, then beating them 34-14 in the playoffs :). This year, who knows? But it will most definitely decide one way or the other who wins the NFC East. Should be a good finish. Hopefully for the Cowboys.

Sources:

MJD, The Schedule giveth (to arizona) and taketh away (from houston), Yahoo Sports (hyperlink)

Dave Halprin, Dallas Cowboys 2010 Schedule, Blogging the Boys (2nd hyperlink)

Jay Ratliff chats with The Scores Report

2010-04-29T21:39:00.000-04:00

Posted by Anthony Stalter (04/29/2010 @ 9:00 am)
http://www.scoresreport.com

Defensive lineman Jay Ratliff came into the NFL as a seventh round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 and all he’s done since then is become a two-time Pro Bowl selection in each of the last two seasons. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection in 2009 after racking up 40 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles.

We recently got the opportunity to chat with Jay about the Cowboys’ draft, how the ‘Boys can build off the success they had last season and what his thoughts were on the Donovan McNabb trade.

After you check out the interview, be sure to visit Jay’s official website, JAYRAT.com, for the chance to win a trip to see the Cowboys play in 2010. Two lucky winners will have the opportunity to see the ‘Boys take on the Titans at Cowboys Stadium, or the Giants at the new Meadowlands Stadium. The package will include airfare, hotel room, tickets to the game, as well as an opportunity to meet Jay before the game at the live airing of the DallasCowboys.com Radio Show.

The Scores Report: Hi, this is Anthony.

Jay Ratliff: Hey, this is Jay Ratliff.

TSR: Hey Jay, how you doing?

JR: Good, how about yourself?

TSR: Good, real good. Did you get a chance to watch the draft this past weekend?

JR: I only watched the first round to see who we took and that was it.

TSR: How did you feel about the selection of Dez Bryant?

JR: I was surprised by that, but I think he’ll be a good addition to the team and provide an extra spark for the offense, if you will. It should be interesting.

TSR: Are you surprised that the ‘Boys didn’t go with a defensive player?

JR: Not really. Obviously they felt comfortable with what we have on the defensive side of the ball and decided to go in the direction they did.

TSR: You were a seventh round pick that has gone on to be a very productive player in the NFL, which includes two Pro Bowl appearances. But things don’t always work out that way for late round picks, so what would be your advice for a player that was selected in the seventh round – or someone that wasn’t drafted at all? How do they make an impact right away?

JR: I would tell them the same thing that was told to me and that is: It’s not where you start, it’s where you end up. Use it as motivation to show other people why they should have picked you and go from there. I took that and that’s what I’m trying to do. I still think about that to this day.

TSR: Why do rookies tend to struggle with the defensive line position when they first come into the league?

JR: I don’t know if I would say that rookies tend to struggle with the defensive line. The thing is, if you have a veteran O-line that works well together, or if you have an O-lineman that has been in the game for a while and they know all the tricks of the trade, someone like Kevin Mawae, he’s going to dominate a rookie. The only way you can really learn and get better is through experience and reps. That’s why rookies may struggle, because they don’t get opportunities right away.

TSR: I know you’re a competitive guy and someone who likes to challenge himself against any and all offensive linemen, but what O-lineman is the best in the league? Who gives the best challenge?

JR: Man, there are a lot of good ones in the NFL so it’s hard to point out just one. You can look at almost every team and find a good one. I know we have two of them on our team in Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis. Those are two guys that are great players and I know there are more great offensive linemen out there. It’s hard to pick out just one.

TSR: Tough question, I’m sure. Now, I know you had some minor surgeries recently on both of your elbows. Is everything healing up?

JR: Yeah, everything is healing up good but I’m just trying to get my strength back up. It still kind of hurts to press a little bit, but as far as my range of motion and everything goes, it’s great – it’s better than it’s been in years. So, I’m excited about that.

TSR: Are you going to be healthy enough to participate in all of the offseason workouts and camps?

JR: I’m not sure. I haven’t done a whole lot of football activities yet, so I don’t really know how healthy I’ll be for everything. We’ll just have to see.

TSR: You guys finally got the playoff monkey off your backs last year, so to speak. What’s the one thing that the Cowboys must do to get to the NFC Championship Game and then of course, the Super Bowl?

JR: There’s a very simple answer for that: We have to win games. We have to win every week and be in control of our own destiny. We don’t want to get in a situation where we’re hoping for other teams to lose or anything like that. We have everything we need to succeed and now it’s just a matter of getting it done. That’s all there is to it.

TSR: Do you have individual goals that you set for yourself or do you just let the season play itself out?

JR: Yeah, I do – for sure. But I never talk about them or place them ahead of the team’s goals. There is one goal that I set every year that I haven’t gotten yet and it’s not just to win the Super Bowl either. (Laughs) So, we’ll just see what happens.

TSR: (Laughs) Well, I won’t press you to share the goal. You guys seem to have all the pieces in place to make a deep run and now that Donovan McNabb is in Washington, the dynamics have changed a bit in the NFC East. Do you pay attention to other teams offeseasons and kind of measure them up to the Cowboys’?

JR: I feel like we have a chance every year and I’m not just saying that because I’m on the team. I really believe we have a chance and every year I’ve been on the team I’ve felt that way. All the changes that happen with other teams, with McNabb being in Washington now, I mean, those NFC East battles are always going to be tough no matter what. You know when you go into a NFC East game that you’re going to have to play four quarters. With that in mind, we just have to win games because nothing else really matters.

TSR: And what were you thoughts on the Donovan McNabb trade? Were you surprised that the Eagles dealt him, especially within in the division?

JR: I was, but we all know the business side of the game. I’m pretty sure that he’ll be a great addition to that team and provide great leadership. But that’s not to take anything away from Jason Campbell, who is also a really good friend of mine. We’ll just see what happens because he gives the Redskins a dangerous piece and something that we’ll certainly have to account for.

TSR: I’m sure there are a lot of fans and even some players that have always wondered what it’s like to play for the Dallas Cowboys. What is it like to not only play for the ‘Boys, but also Jerry Jones?

JR: It’s almost overwhelming at times. (Laughs) I mean, you talk to other teams and other players and their experience is nothing like this. Every where you go in the nation and even in the world…I’ve been out of the country and the first thing some people say is, “Go Cowboys!” So, you really have to have a good head on your shoulders and stay focused. I think the Jones’s really go all out to make this team accessible and make sure the fans can talk to us and you know, get to know us and get to see us. They also make sure that we’re comfortable and we all have what we need, so it’s the greatest organization to play for and it’s truly a blessing.

TSR: Do you enjoy playing for a defensive-minded coach like Wade Phillips?

JR: Oh, yeah. Wade is definitely a hands-on kind of coach that puts his trust in his players and trusts the guys around him. When you have a coach like that, you don’t want to betray his trust. He’s built a family atmosphere here; that’s the first thing he said when he came in. He didn’t want us to just be a team – he wanted us to be a family and that’s what he’s built. You got a glimpse of that last year and now we’re just looking to build off that.

TSR: Well Jay, I won’t keep you any longer. I wish you nothing but the best and I appreciate your sitting down to chat with us.

JR: All right, no problem.

TSR: Take care.

Thursday Beastlines: Bryant the next Moss?

2010-04-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

By ESPN.com staff
Dallas Cowboys

First-round draft pick Dez Bryant should be starting "very soon" at wide receiver for the Cowboys, says Rick Gosselin. Gosselin also does a Q&A with the Dallas Morning News and says the Cowboys will only go as far as Tony Romo can take them.

Chick Ludwig of Cinncinati.com thinks Bryant will be the next Randy Moss.

Now that he's been selected, Bryant can finally focus on football, writes Randy Galloway of the Star-Telegram.

Wade Phillips Talks About Cowboys' Six Draft Picks

2010-04-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

from Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine

Following Saturday's 7th and final round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips spoke with reporters at Valley Ranch to review the team's 6 draft selections: (1st rd) WR Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State; (2nd rd) LB Sean Lee of Penn State; (4th rd) DB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah of IUP; (6th rd) OT Sam Young of Notre Dame; (6th rd) CB Jamar Wall of Texas Tech; and (7th rd) DL Sean Lissmore of William & Mary. Here are Phillips' comments:

“Akwasi (4th rd pick) is from a smaller college, but a great athlete, which we feel is a good upside. And I think everybody knows some of the guys we drafted, we had in here, but that‘s the way you find out about them. I think he can transfer to the next level pretty easily as far as intelligence and certainly athletically, so we feel good about that. And Sam Young started every game for Notre Dame for four years and I don’t think he was out any. He set some kind of record for them (Notre Dame) for number of starts and just like Jerry said, he blocks his guy. I think production on an offensive line is when his guy doesn’t make the play, whether it’s pass protection or running. Jamar Wall is a tough, athletic guy that fits our mold as far as defensive backs. And Sean Lissemore is another smaller school guy. He runs a 4.9 at 300 pounds and has a high motor. I’m not saying he is Jay Ratliff, but that’s what you look for in this area if you can find a defensive lineman that has a high motor and athletic skill, so we feel good about all of these guys.”

*On what 6th round pick, offensive tackle Sam Young of Notre Dame, needs to work on:

“I think in every offensive lineman, taking the next step is a combination of things. He actually does a lot of things well, which is the key with him.”

*On 7th round pick Sean Lissemore being a nose tackle or a defensive end:

“He can play both, and Ratliff can actually play both. If you can get the attributes like Jay’s or any of the top guys we have, then that’s what you’re looking for.”

*On how Lissemore will fit in:

“He’s a real smart kid so I think he can learn those pretty easily. But we will probably start him at end first and work him inside. But nose guard is actually easier to learn.”

*On the picks’ combination of size and speed:

“I think you always are upgrading your team in certain ways. Some of it is character, what kind of person they are. And speed is a factor. Not just speed, but also guys that can play football. There are guys that can run fast, but you can’t just take the fastest guy, that isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. You are looking for speed but also football skills.”

*On special teams:

“We are always wary of that too. The emphasis we had on special teams last year highly improved our football team.”

*On Akwasi playing safety next season:

“He’s such a good athlete, and he can really play corner. I think he could play either one. He is 207 pounds and he is over 6 feet tall. He was a big fish in a small pond. He was a lot better than the guys on his college team, but that’s what you want him to do. Those kinds of players have to be dominant and he showed it on his kick returns and things like that. He is going to have to step up to the next level but I think he has all of the skills to do that.”

*On Dez and Akwasi returning punts:

“They certainly could do that. I think they will be eager to do that. We will see, that’s way ahead of where we are, but Dez has done both in Big 12 football. And he has been one of the top ones doing that, so I think you can say for sure that he could do that. And we will have to see with Akwasi because his competition wasn’t as good, but his numbers were outstanding.”

*On being disappointed with the return game last season:

“Not necessarily, we just saw an opportunity. Any time you can get better in any area, and any time you can get quality football players who you think can be top notch, you want to do that. I think you can see that we went that direction, and it will play out well for us."

On Sam Young playing right or left tackle:

“He played right at Notre Dame, but he also started at left in ’07. So he has done both. Right now, we will start him out at right tackle, because that’s what he has played the past few years. But once he gets here, we will get a better feel.”

*On the cornerback and safety situation:

“When you play Alan Ball, you aren’t surprised by anything he does well. He has played well for us every time he has played. We have tried to get him in somewhere a lot of the time, we moved him to safety because we thought he was that kind of guy. And he actually played well at safety, especially at pass defense. We know his size and all that, but he is a tough guy and I wouldn’t count him out just yet. I always support my players so we talk about these things and try to upgrade at any position and increase the competition at every position, and the players know that.”

*On second-year QB Stephen McGee not being able to participate in rookie minicamp:

“Yes, that’s correct. When the draft is over, we will sign a free agent quarterback.”

On former Cowboys kicker, now hired by the Cowboys as a kicking consultant, Chris Boniol helping out:

“He doesn’t come every day, he comes in the days Buehler is kicking. He has taken Buehler to Cowboys Stadium, and they have worked together here. Boniol is working with Connor also, but Connor is hurt. He comes in, works with Buehler, and goes over the whole process. Boniol will continue to come in through training camp, and then we will see where we are. We are trying to get him (Buehler) to be the kicker, and I think that’s what we should try to do. If it’s not working out, there are veteran kickers out there, and they could come in late. We have all seen that. So if we have to go to something like that, we will. But I think we are headed in the right direction. We are looking at some competition. We have a young guy and we also have a great guy who kicked in college. But I think he just needs to get his rhythm down where its smooth all of the time. But he will be able to do it because he is a pressure guy. He is a football player, and we know he is mentally and physically tough.”

Cowboys take DT Sean Lissemore with the 234th pick

2010-04-24T16:26:00.001-04:00

Source: http://www.gbnreport.com

Sean Lissemore, DT, William&Mary, 6-3.5, 298, 4.75 ... It may be a bit of an oxymoron to describe an emerging 3-4 defensive lineman, most of whom are pretty big guys, as sleepers, but one worth a mention is D1A William & Mary DT Sean Lissemore. An unusually large number of NFL personnel people went to the school's pro day earlier this month mostly with the intention of checking out tweener DE Adrian Tracy, but couldn't help but notice Lissemore, a near 300-pounder with uncommon quickness and athleticism for such a big man. Indeed, Lissemore reportedly ran the 40 in close to 4.70 seconds, while recording times of 4.55 in the short shuttle and 7.60 in the three-cone drill, both of which would have been among the top ten for defensive linemen at the combine. In fact, Lissemore is a good athlete who was actually a sprinter in hig school as well as a state-ranked wrestler. Lissemore is coming off a solid season at William & Mary where he had 66 tackles including 6.5 sacks and 7.5 other tackles for loss; and just to show his athleticism he also picked off a couple of passes and blocked a kick. And the NFL is starting to notice as he has received a number of invitations to visit pro teams in the coming weeks including Arizona, Atlanta, Seattle and Jacksonville, as well as both the Giants and Jets. Lissemore is also getting attention as both a 4-3 DT, as well as 3-4 DE where his size and athleticsm would make a very nice match.

With the 196th pick the Cowboys take CB Jamar Wall from Texas Tech

2010-04-24T15:32:00.004-04:00

Notes from NFL Draft Scout...

One of the more underrated players at his position...Wall's stocky build, athleticism, aggressive play and sure tackling make him a potential starting zone corner in the NFL and worthwhile Saturday draft pick.

Read & React: Reads the body language and routes of receivers. Gets too aggressive, biting on pump fakes and double moves, but rarely is fooled twice. Attacks running plays to his side. Gets to other receivers when a teammate loses track of them.

Man Coverage: Coverage skills made opponents wary of throwing at Wall. Usually plays off in press-bail coverage, but he has the long arms and strong arms to be physical with receivers coming off the line. Good backpedal -- stays low and quick. Capable of sticking to his man in coverage on any route. Will be out-muscled downfield by larger receivers. Offenses try to take advantage of his lack of height in the red zone, but he has the vertical to compete against taller receivers.

Zone Coverage: Was left on an island in Tech's defense, but displays headiness and good change-of-direction ability to close on underneath routes.

Closing/Recovery: Reacts to the ball in the air, takes the correct angle when attacking the receiver to separate the ball from its target or secure the tackle. Good recovery speed after biting on double moves, but will resort to bumping receivers instead of trusting his speed.

Run Support: Usually positioned off the line, but does not tackle like a converted running back. Closes on the run quickly and wraps up consistently. Uses long arms and strength to stay clear or rip off most receiver blocks, but forces action inside if he can't disengage.

Tackling: Likes to hit, puts ballcarriers on the ground with a strong shoulder. Generally solid tackling in space, does not need to resort to cut tackling to bring down backs or receivers. Misses tackles occasionally when trying to make a hit. Should be an outstanding special teams gunner because of his speed and aggressiveness.

Intangibles: Does not back down from a challenge. Teammates respect his hard work and coaches trust him to be in the right spot and make the big play. Ran for 477 yards on 20 kickoff returns in 2008 and could get a chance there in training camp because of his strong running style.

Cowboys pick OL Sam Young from Notre Dame at 179

2010-04-24T15:28:00.002-04:00

Source: NFL.com

Pick Analysis: The Cowboys grab an offensive tackle that has the potential to be a quality right tackle. Sam Young tested well in workouts, but he was inconsistent throughout his career, and fails to play to his athleticism. However, his upside makes him worthy of the selection at this point.

Young was a blue chip prospect, out of Florida, that became an instant starter his freshman year and has been a mainstay on the offensive line for the Irish. He is a massive blocker with long arms that can simply engulf opponents once he gets his hands on them. He lacks top initial quickness and can be beaten off the edge by explosive edge rushers. While he has started at both left tackle and on the right side he is best suited to be a right tackle in the NFL.

Cowboys select Akwasi Owusu-Ansah with the 126 pick

2010-04-24T11:43:00.001-04:00

by Mike Mayock
NFL Network

Back to back small-school kids, I love it. Ansah is one of my favorite developmental prospects in the draft from IUP. He's a 6-1, 207 pound corner that run a sub-4.4 40 at the Ohio St. Pro Day. He may be raw, but he will provide immediate help on the Cowboys' special teams. He had 7 return TDs and can be a gunner and a jammer as well. If he struggles on the corner, he's big enough and physical enough to play free safety, and I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't the plan for the Cowboys.

Penn State LB Lee answers Cowboys' call

2010-04-24T09:48:00.001-04:00

By John Grupp, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, April 24, 2010

When his hometown Steelers didn't call with their second-round pick Friday night, former Penn State linebacker Sean Lee took a break from the draft party at his family's Upper St. Clair house.

"I went outside after the Steelers' pick," Lee said. "I didn't think any of the next teams had any need (for a linebacker) and I would have to wait a little bit."

Then the phone rang. Lee answered.

"It was Jerry Jones," Lee said. "He said: 'You're going to be a Dallas Cowboy.' I nearly passed out."

The Cowboys picked Lee in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Lee, a 6-foot-2, 236-pounder, went with the 55th overall pick and was the second inside linebacker taken in the draft, behind only Alabama's Rolando McClain (No. 8 overall).

Other players with local ties who were selected on Friday night's second and third round were Arizona tight end and former Woodland Hills star Rob Gronkowski, who went to the New England Patriots in the second round (42nd overall); and Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman, who went to San Francisco in the third round (91st overall).

Three picks after the Steelers used their second-round pick to take linebacker Jason Worilds of Virginia Tech, Lee realized his life-long dream of being drafted. Lee, who visited Dallas before the draft, will report to rookie minicamp in the next week or so.

Lee overcame a torn anterior cruciate ligament that cost him his entire 2008 season to become a defensive captain with coach Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions. He will play inside linebacker for the Cowboys, who run a 3-4 defense.

"I really felt like I went where I was supposed to go," he said. "I was meant to play there. I think I can take my game to the next level. The draft process is hyped a lot. Now you have to play football and work hard every day, and that's what I plan to do."

Lee watched the draft with about 75 friends and family in Upper St. Clair.

"Obviously, I grew up a Steelers fan," he said. "Now I'm trying to convert some people in the South Hills."

Lee recorded 325 tackles with 29.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 17 pass breakups and three interceptions at Penn State.

Gronkowski, who played at Woodland Hills for one season (2006) after moving from the Buffalo area, sat out all last season with a back injury but still leaves Arizona as the school's all-time leader among tight ends with 75 receptions for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons.

"I'm so fired up," Gronkowski told NFL Network moments after being drafted. "This is a great organization."

He could give Tom Brady the pass-catching tight end he has lacked in recent years. Ben Watson, a former first-round pick, caught only 29 passes last season and is no longer with the team.

Cowboys select Sean Lee No. 55 overall

2010-04-23T20:03:00.001-04:00

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:45:58 -0400

The Dallas Cowboys have selected Penn State LB Sean Lee with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl#ixzz0lyHbYIk6

Bryant To Wear No. 88 With Cowboys

2010-04-23T19:21:00.000-04:00

Source: http://www.ktul.com
By Kevin King

Tulsa - The Dallas Cowboys are already out with a jersey for their top draft pick, former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.

On the team's online store, visitors can now purchase Bryant's jersey. He'll apparently wear number 88, the same worn by other Cowboy greats Michael Irvin and Drew Pearson.

Bryant was taken by the Cowboys with the 24th overall pick in Thursday's first round.

Bryant was considered the best receiver in this year's draft, even though his 2009 season was cut short after an NCAA suspension.

Those off the field issues seemed to worry many teams, including the Denver Broncos, who traded down twice and still went with another wideout with the 22nd pick.

In three games in 2009, Bryant caught 17 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns and hauled in 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 scores as a sophomore while also scoring twice on punt returns.

In Dallas he will join a receiving corps loaded with talent in Roy Williams, Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton.

OSU's Bryant drafted 24th by Dallas

2010-04-22T22:24:00.000-04:00

By MATT BAKER World Sports Writer
Published: 4/22/2010 9:04 PM
Last Modified: 4/22/2010 9:04 PM

After a long wait, former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant remains a Cowboy.
The Dallas Cowboys traded up to take Bryant with the No. 24 pick in tonight's NFL Draft.
Bryant entered the night as one of the biggest unknowns in the draft because of his sky-high potential but questionable character. Mock drafts projected Bryant going from anywhere from the top 10 to the final picks of the first round.
The 6-foot-2 All-American caught a school-record 19 touchdown passes as a sophomore in 2008, and his 1,480 receiving yards were second most in Cowboys history. He was also a dangerous punt returner, scoring twice on special teams plays en route to being named the Big 12's special teams player of the year.
As a junior in 2009, Bryant had four touchdown catches in the first three games and scored on an 82-yard punt return against Houston.
But his season was cut short when the NCAA suspended him for the final 10 games of the year for lying about his involvement with former NFL star Deion Sanders. During the pre-draft process, questions surfaced regarding his maturity, tardiness to practices and a report that he brought the wrong cleats to his pro day workout.
Bryant was a Parade All-American out of Lufkin (Texas) High School and one of the nation's top recruits before coming to OSU.
Bryant was the second OSU player picked in the first round, behind offensive tackle Russell Okung (No. 6 to Seattle).

The Dallas Cowboys grabbed Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft

2010-04-22T22:17:00.000-04:00

Source: http://www.rototimes.com/nfl/team/DAL/notes

Our View: This is a great pick for the Cowboys. Bryant only played in three games last season due to a suspension, but his 2008 numbers were as staggering as his highlight reel. He's a fantastic deep threat and should have good chemistry with a quarterback like Tony Romo. He can help the Cowboys passing game right away.

Cowboys 2010 Schedule

2010-04-20T19:31:00.001-04:00

1 Sep 12 DAL @ WAS FedEx Field 8:20 PM Tickets

2 Sep 19 CHI @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

3 Sep 26 DAL @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

4 Bye
5 Oct 10 TEN @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets

6 Oct 17 DAL @ MIN Mall of America Field 4:15 PM Tickets

7 Oct 25 NYG @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 8:30 PM Tickets

8 Oct 31 JAC @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

9 Nov 07 DAL @ GB Lambeau Field 8:20 PM Tickets

10 Nov 14 DAL @ NYG New Meadowlands Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets

11 Nov 21 DET @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

12 Nov 25 NO @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets

13 Dec 05 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets

14 Dec 12 PHI @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 8:20 PM Tickets

15 Dec 19 WAS @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

16 Dec 25 DAL @ ARI University of Phoenix Stadium 7:30 PM Tickets

17 Jan 02 DAL @ PHI Lincoln Financial Field 1:00 PM Tickets

Romo not concerned about Miles Austin

2010-04-12T18:58:00.000-04:00

By Calvin Watkins
ESPN Dallas/Ft Worth

Quarterback Tony Romo did a Friday afternoon radio interview with Galloway & Co. (103.3 FM) and said he's not worried about wide receiver Miles Austin not showing up to the voluntary workouts the last two weeks.

Romo, who is close with Austin, said he spoke to the wide receiver a few days ago.

"Miles will be back and around," Romo said. "It's like anything, it's all part of the business side of things that happens once and a while."

The business side is what has some worried about Austin, who reached the Pro Bowl last season, in his first full-time gig in the NFL.

Austin became a restricted free agent once the NFL owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement. If the owners hadn't done that, Austin would have become an unrestricted free agent.

With Austin restricted, the Cowboys placed a first-and-third round tender offer on him, which nets him a contract of $3.168 million for the 2010 season.

It's somewhat surprising that Austin isn't at Valley Ranch with his teammates. But several other players, who are restricted, safety Gerald Sensabaugh among them, have not showed up at the voluntary workouts.

However, before he signed his tender deal, defensive end Marcus Spears did work out with the team. David Dunn, Austin's agent, said last month, he's held a preliminary talk with the Cowboys regarding a new contract.

The Cowboys have all the leverage here because they don't have to pay Austin anything more than the tender contract. If Austin produces during the regular season, like he did in 2009, the Cowboys most likely will take care of him financially.

Dallas did the same thing with Romo.

If Austin bypasses the mandatory workouts which start after the NFL Draft, then you have to wonder where his head is.

Romo has confidence that Austin will return to Valley Ranch when it's the proper time.

"He does a lot of good things," Romo said of Austin. "He knows what it takes to play at a high level year-in-and-year out."

2010 Cowboys-Only Mock Draft: Version 4.0, Post-Adams and Hamlin

2010-04-03T20:27:00.001-04:00

http://dallascowboystimes.com

In our analysis of the ramifications of releasing Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, we noted that Hamlin’s departure indirectly affects the Cowboys’ cornerback depth. FS/CB Alan Ball will likely move to free safety full-time, leaving Dallas with just three viable options at cornerback.

So what happens if one of the Cowboys’ top-rated cornerbacks slides to their selection? Would they have the bravado to pick him despite recently losing two starters at key positions?

In this Mock Draft Version 4.0, we will take a look at the path Dallas may take should they pull the trigger on a sliding cornerback.

Round 1

Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Wilson would represent great value with the 27th pick, but he doesn’t fit an immediate need for Dallas. Yes, the cornerback position is extremely thin, but the top three guys (particularly Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman) are exceptional.

Wilson could compete for nickel duties in 2010 and aid the Cowboys significantly in the return game. Will that be enough to justify his selection?

Round 2

Vladimir Ducasse, OG/OT, UMass

We have a slight man-crush on Ducasse. Big, athletic, and versatile, Ducasse has enormous upside–even more so than a lot of first-rounders.

The problem with Ducasse is that he is so raw that it may take some time for him to develop. Could he have an impact in 2010? Probably not as large of one as you might expect from a second-rounder.

Round 3

Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas

The main issue with selecting Wilson in the first round surfaces itself here. Stuckey is a project and not someone who can be counted on for immediate help in the secondary. By drafting a lineman in the second round, the Cowboys would ultimately be forced to start either ball or (Michael) Hamlin at FS.

Round 4

Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame

We really believe Dallas could select a multitude of linemen this year. With Ducasse able to play either tackle or guard (we think he is a tackle), the Cowboys are free to select an offensive lineman who plays basically any position in the later rounds. Young or Miami’s Jason Fox could be options here.

Round 6

Clifton Geathers, DT/DE, South Carolina

We have been pushing the need for a versatile DT/DE of late, even projecting the Cowboys to select Penn State’s Jared Odrick in recent mock drafts. However, selecting Wilson in the first round pigeon-holes Dallas into drafting an offensive lineman and safety in rounds two and three, so the DT/DE hybrid spot cannot be addressed until the later rounds.

Round 7

John Conner, FB, Kentucky

Conner may not last this long, but he is perhaps the top fullback prospect in this class. With Deon Anderson’s future up in the air and John Phillips unable to convert to fullback full-time, Conner makes a lot of sense for Dallas.

Analysis

Overall, this mock draft seems a bit weaker than our previous ones. Sure, the Cowboys obtain a player of great value in Boise State CB Kyle Wilson, but at what cost? Can this team really afford to go into the 2010 season with Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, and Darrell Stuckey as the choices at free safety?

Ultimately, if Dallas does not make a move for a free safety or left tackle prior to the Draft, we fear their options could become quite narrow.

Cowboys bid adieu to Adams

2010-04-03T20:09:00.001-04:00

NFL notes: Dallas releases five-time Pro Bowl tackle; Hamlin cut, too

Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/03/1133752/cowboys-bid-adieu-to-adams.html#ixzz0k5Mtk8bP

Cowboys release preseason schedule

2010-03-31T19:59:00.001-04:00

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
chill@star-telegram.com

IRVING — The Dallas Cowboys announced their full preseason schedule on Wednesday with the possible highlight being the return of Bill Parcells.

Parcells, the former Cowboys coach and now the president of football operations in Miami, will bring his Dolphins to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington to close the preseason at a still determined date and time.

As reported earlier, the Cowboys will kick off the 2010 NFL preseason by facing the Cincinnati Bengals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Sunday, August 8 at 7 p.m.

Dallas will then host the Oakland Raiders at Cowboys Stadium before moving training camp to Oxnard, Ca. after spending the first two weeks in San Antonio.

The third preseason game will be against the Chargers in San Diego. After breaking training camp in Oxnard the Cowboys will then travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the battle for the Governor’s Cup on August 28. The game will be nationally televised game on CBS at 7:00 p.m.

Dallas will close out the preseason at Cowboys Stadium against Miami.

Dallas Cowboys preseason schedule

Sunday, Aug. 8=vs. Cincinnati @ Canton (NBC National)=7 p.m.

Week 1=vs. Oakland (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

Week 2=@ San Diego (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

Saturday, Aug. 28=@ Houston (CBS National)=7 p.m.

Week 4=vs. Miami (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

The State of the Cowboys Union

2010-03-30T06:48:00.002-04:00

March 29th, 2010
by donpotts21

As April creeps upon us, we will start seeing teams hold their voluntary offseason workouts. The Cowboys program begins today, which is run by strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek and will span two weeks. The buzz around the workouts will be who decides not to attend. Calvin Watkins from ESPNDALLAS thinks restricted free agents Marcus Spears, Gerald Sensabaugh and Miles Austin will all attend. I think that might be wishful thinking. I can see both Spears and Sensabaugh being no-shows.

Considering the state of the other teams in the NFC East, the lack of news worthy material surfacing in Valley Ranch has to bring calmness to Cowboys fans. For the first time since I can remember, the Cowboys are not creating headlines in the offseason. I understand that the offseason is still in its beginning stages, but I get the sense that the Cowboys are a team who understands the 2010/11 season can be a special one.

Could Cowboys trade Barber?

2010-03-30T06:43:00.000-04:00

3/28/2010 8:49:27 PM

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports via Twitter that he is hearing a former Pro Bowl running back could be dealt to another team within his division before or during the draft. Could be Marion Barber.

Robinson says his initial thought was Clinton Portis, but his trade value just isn't very strong. But factors around Barber (contract, split carries, etc.) make sense.

Recently, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Fla., that the club has thought about starting Felix Jones rather than Marion Barber.

While it isn't hard to believe that the Cowboys would consider trading Barber, it's doubtful they would want to trade him within their own division.

Cowboys' WR options

2010-03-21T08:38:00.001-04:00

by Calvin Watkins

We've already told you about the Cowboys' potential pursuit of Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall and former Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant. But who else could the 'Boys be targeting if they choose to address the wideout position with their first round pick (no. 27 overall)?

ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer said in the Cowboys' "On the Clock" segment that the player they "need to get" is Texas' Jordan Shipley, who Mel Kiper, Jr. points out will almost certainly be available at no. 27.

Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com lists Illinois' Arrelious Benn, Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas and South Florida's Carlton Mitchell as players the Cowboys might be interested in. But, as Watkins notes, the Cowboys haven't drafted a receiver in the first round in almost 20 years, so none of these options is a slam dunk:

Calvin Watkins

"Jerry Jones doesn't like to do it for financial reasons, we understand that. Why kick out big money to a wide receiver when you can't get a return on it until three or maybe four years down the line?"

University of Kentucky FB John Conner to meet with Cowboys

2010-03-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

Joe Fortenbaugh, of the National Football Post, reports the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to meet with University of Kentucky FB John Conner Wednesday, March 31, according to a source.

Lee scheduled to work out for several teams

2010-03-21T08:16:00.000-04:00

Bob Flounders, of The Patriot-News, reports Penn State LB Sean Lee has private workouts scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

The Big Question: Safety for the Cowboys?

2010-03-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

By Matt Mosley

Should the Cowboys replace Ken Hamlin at safety?

Ken Hamlin has recorded just one interception in the past two seasons.It's hard to believe it has already come to this point with Hamlin, but it has. He played himself into a lucrative contract extension with a Pro Bowl season in '07. Now, he appears to be the only weak link on the Cowboys' defense. Quite simply, he doesn't make enough plays to warrant the money (six years, $38 million). And the Cowboys also have to make up their minds about Gerald Sensabaugh, a restricted free agent with a second-round tender. There are a lot of teams needing a safety (see the Eagles), but I think Jerry Jones will likely match an offer unless it's for ridiculous money. He's not going to let Sensabaugh join an NFC East rival.

I'm hearing that the Cowboys believe that safeties Nate Allen (South Florida) and Taylor Mays (USC) aren't that far apart in terms of talent. It seems like Allen has a lot more range from what I've seen, but starting a rookie at safety is a risky proposition. I think a better option might be Oshiomogho Atogwe of the St. Louis Rams. He's a restricted free agent who received the lowest-possible tender. The 29-year-old Atogwe is coming off a right shoulder injury, but he's been much more productive than Hamlin since '06 with 18 interceptions and 14 forced fumbles. Over that same period of time, Hamlin has nine interceptions and two forced fumbles.

When I talk to secondary coaches, they tell me that safety is the toughest position for a rookie to learn in the NFL. The Cowboys know what it's like to play without a reliable starting safety and it's not something they want to revisit. If you can't get a significant upgrade over Hamlin, you might be better off giving him one more season.

NFL Free Agency Rumor: Jared Gaither on the Move, 49ers Leading Candidate?

2010-03-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

by Matt Miselis
http://bleacherreport.com

The Baltimore Ravens were arguably the biggest winner in what was a very active day in this NFL offseason.

After years of lacking a go-to receiver, one was found in Anquan Boldin to go alongside young quarterback Joe Flacco.

After landing the big receiver they wanted, the Ravens' front office will shift their attention to re-signing Derrick Mason to complete this receiver upgrade.

However, new rumors have emerged regarding Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither, who was tagged with a first-round tender.

According to espn.com and NFL Network, the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cowboys have contacted the Ravens on a possible trade.

The 49ers have emerged as the leading candidate, offering their 17th overall pick. However, the Ravens certainly know the 49ers have the 13th overall selection, and may force the 49ers to give Gaither a large contract, along with giving up their top selection.

What could this mean? A few possible options. Would the Ravens consider trading up to get Dez Bryant, or cornerback Joe Haden?

Or would they go offensive or defensive line?

It is uncertain whether or not the Ravens will retain the young tackle, who has made a name for himself after being drafted pretty low by Baltimore.

If Gaither does leave, Michael Oher would shift to the left side, while the right tackle may be up for competition.

For the 49ers' sake, this would be one good deal. They get a young, proven left tackle whom they were likely to draft with either of their first-round selections.

With the Cardinals going through a lot of changes this off-season, this may not be an opportunity San Francisco can not pass up.

Expect to here more news on this story within the next 24 hours.

Cowboys face competition for Holland — 11:48 a.m.

2010-03-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

by Ed Thompson
Scout.com

The Dallas Cowboys are showing some interest in re-signing offensive lineman Montrae Holland, but the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in the mix, according to an NFL source.

The eighth-year veteran, who is an unrestricted free agent, was traded to the Cowboys from the Denver Broncos back in 2008 for a fifth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. Since joining the Cowboys, he has started in just two games and appeared in seven as a reserve after being a 16-game starter for the Broncos in 2007, so a fresh start with another team might benefit the -6-foot-2, 326-pound lineman.

A fourth-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Holland has appeared in 75 games and started 48, including all 16 during the 2007 season with the Broncos.

Sensabaugh has visits lined up — 3:30 p.m.

2010-03-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

by Ed Thompson
Scout.com

The Dallas Cowboys’ second-round tender offer to restricted free agent Gerald Sensabaugh may not have been high enough to discourage other teams from attempting to sign the talented young safety to an offer sheet.

An NFL source has told Scout.com that the sixth-year safety, who finished fourth on the team in tackles in 2009, has three visits in the planning stage with teams that have an immediate need for starter-quality talent at the position.

Sensabaugh was originally a fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2005 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Jaguars, he signed with the Cowboys prior to the 2009 season. He’s started 39 games, including 15 for Dallas last year, and has appeared in 65.

RUMOR: Cowboys showing interest in RFA FS Antoine Bethea (Colts)

2010-03-05T18:34:00.002-05:00

Antoine Bethea-DB- Colts Mar. 5 - 3:41 pm et

Scout.com reports that the Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys are showing interest in restricted free agent FS Antoine Bethea.

The Colts gave Bethea a first-round tender, making the cost prohibitive for Washington in particular if it planned to sign him to an offer sheet. The sides could potentially work out a deal for less than the round-one compensation level, but Indianapolis certainly won't give up Bethea on the cheap.

Source: scout.com
Related: Cowboys, Giants, Redskins

Jones: "We Weren't Close Enough"

2010-03-02T07:56:00.001-05:00

By Scott Crisp

When the Dallas Cowboys were unceremoniously whipped out of playoff contention by the Minnesota Vikings in January, ending a promising late run by the team, Jerry Jones wasn't pleased; and he wants his players to know it.

Speaking to reporters in Indianapolis, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jones hinted that the 34-3 beat-down might precipitate some change in Dallas.

"After the Minnesota game, we weren't close enough and good enough for anybody to get comfortable about where we are," Jones said, per the Dallas Morning News. "If that thing had been taken away from us at the last second or we had played at a high level there, but we didn't. We've got to do something to change that.

"Again, we feel good about the system we're in right now and have got some guys under contract. But it wouldn't surprise me to have 10 or 11 new faces on our team."

Whether this dramatic figure will materialize on the roster, or if the comments were merely a sort of management tool, is unclear; what is exceedingly clear is Jones' message: a first round playoff win is simply not enough to keep him happy. And since Jones signs the checks in Valley Ranch, this should stand as cause for concern on the part of players.

"I want some people nervous," Jones said. "I want our players nervous."

Interestingly, Jones would go on to all but guarantee Roy Williams a starting job next season. We'll explore this achievement in the field of contradiction a little later.

Jones' "Get Tough" Plan Doesn't Extend To Roy Williams

2010-03-02T07:55:00.001-05:00

By Scott Crisp

Many fans were full of rare praise for Jerry Jones over the weekend, when, aboard his (probably palatial) bus at the Combine in Indy, the owner delivered a screed against complacency. "I want our players to be nervous," Jones said. Like most fans and observers, we liked the din of the remarks. A first round playoff win isn't enough--not in Dallas, and certainly not after a 34-3 whipping in the second round--and Jerry seemed to have a firm grasp on the sort of climate that would precipitate further success.

It is a climate of furious internal competition, where essentially no one can take their role for granted; it is a climate of perpetual evolution beginning this off-season, after which, Jones says, he wouldn't be surprised to see "10 or 11" new faces in Dallas; it is a climate, apparently, that doesn't apply to Roy Williams.

When asked if the impending "changes" might affect Roy Williams' role as a starter, Jones said, "a big no."

"I'm optimistic about Roy Williams," Jones said, per the Dallas Morning News. "We've got to do some things to help Roy, to help his game. We've got to do some things with the way we get him the ball to enhance his game. We're going to do that."

What's remarkable is not that this statement is contradictory of Wade Phillips' remarks last week--Wade said, "We are going to play the best player, no matter what," in response to a question about Williams on Friday--but that it seems painfully contradictory of his own, earlier statement.

So, judging by the two differing remarks, we can gather this: If you are a Dallas Cowboy, you'll have to earn your playing time in 2010; that is, unless Mr. Jones overpaid for you, in which case you'll be suited up and starting, as said owner crosses his fingers and hopes against hope that he'll see some sort of return on his ill-advised investment.

Now if only we could fit that onto a motivational poster.

Cowboys Considering Partial Return To Oxnard

2010-03-02T07:51:00.001-05:00

BY Scott Crisp

According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys are considering moving at least a portion of training camp to Oxnard, California this summer.

When Dallas held camp in Oxnard in 2008 due to a scheduling conflict with the Alamodome in San Antonio--documented dutifully by HBO for Hard Knocks--owner Jerry Jones said he wouldn't mind splitting time between California and Texas in the future. According to reports, talks have begun between the team and the city, though they remain in the preliminary stages.

A full-time move is not an option due to Dallas's contract with the Alamodome, a five-year deal which doesn't expire until 2011. But a split-camp is a possibility.

"I got a message from our city manager who said the Cowboys called and were interested in coming back for a 14-day stint," said Andres Herrera, an Oxnard city councilman, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We are very excited about the prospects of having them back. We prospered by their presence. It was a great boost to our regional economy. We are looking forward to more extended discussions."

No changes: Cowboys trio to stay intact

2010-02-26T18:36:00.001-05:00

by Josh Harvey / WFAA.com Sports
Posted on February 26, 2010 at 3:31 PM

******

If Cowboy fans thought that they would see a trade involving one of their running backs this off-season, it appears that it's not going to happen.

"I can tell you right now I don't see it a whole lot different than last year," said Cowboys Executive vice president Stephen Jones to ESPNDallas at the NFL scouting combine. "All of these guys have gotten opportunities to help us win games. That will continue to be the case."

There had been rumors that the San Diego Chargers offered cornerback Antonio Cromartie for Tashard Choice, but Jones dismissed the rumors.

One player in the backfield still in limbo is fullback Deon Anderson. Anderson was arrested last month for deadly conduct.

"I don't know what our time line on that is,'' said Jones, to the Dallas Morning News. "He will obvioulsy be part of our discussion as we head toward the start of the league year.''

Cowboys and Bengals to play Hall of Fame Game

2010-02-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals will open up the NFL's 2010 preseason when the teams play in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on August 8, the league announced on Wednesday.

Cincinnati is making its first appearance in the contest since 1988, when it topped the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas last played the game in 1999, and were edged by the Browns in overtime.

Both teams won their respective divisions in 2009.

The game will follow the inductions of the 2010 Hall of Fame Class that includes Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little and John Randle enshrined as the 2010 Hall of Fame class.

Tennessee topped Buffalo by a 21-18 score in the 2009 game, which kicked off the 50th anniversary celebrations of the American Football League.

Mock drafts predict Cowboys will take tackle or safety

2010-02-16T19:04:00.000-05:00

11:01 AM CST on Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Compiled from Staff Reports
DallasNews.com

The NFL draft is April 22-24, but it's never too early to start thinking what the Cowboys might be looking for in the first round. Dallas owns the No. 27 pick.

Dallas Morning News writer Todd Archer says the Cowboys' three needs are offensive line, safety, wide receiver.

Hopefully, Jerry Jones and Co. have learned not to draft receivers in the first round (cough: Detroit Lions).

Drafting offensive line help might make the most sense. Left tackle Flozell Adams will be entering his 13th season if he comes back. Left guard Kyle Kosier will be in the final year of his contract. The backups are unrestricted or restricted free agents. Finding a tackle for the future is never a bad bet.

But many drafts also like Earl Thomas at a free safety spot. Some highlights of recent mock drafts' picks for the Cowboys first-rounder:

Draftcountdown.com– FS Earl Thomas (Texas): At first glance the Cowboys don't appear to have many major, glaring holes on their depth chart. This is especially true after the emergence of Miles Austin at wide receiver. However, the safety position has been a problem in Dallas for years now and it sounds like they intend to make bringing in an upgrade a priority this off-season. Not only did the Cowboys rank 20th in the league in pass defense but they were also 26th in interceptions so a playmaker like Earl Thomas of Texas would be a welcomed addition. The Longhorns usually do a good job of keeping their underclassmen in school but Thomas was coming off such an impressive redshirt sophomore campaign that he just couldn't resist the lure of the pros. Thomas doesn't have great size but he is very athletic and rangy with a nose for the ball and a real playmaking streak. After the appalling performance of their offensive line in a playoff loss to Minnesota, the Cowboys could definitely be in the market for a blocker such as Idaho's Mike Iupati here as well. A five-technique defensive end like Jared Odrick of Penn State could also be an option, especially since Marcus Spears is going to be a free agent next year. As a darkhorse don't completely rule out a wide receiver either. Roy Williams' struggles have been well documented so no one knows what his future holds and there should be some great pass catchers on the board to choose from late in round one.

SI.com(Don Banks) – G-OT Mike Iupati (Idaho): The Cowboys offensive line needs help in light of its playoff-game meltdown at Minnesota, and Iupati is a prospect who really helped himself with his showing in this week's Senior Bowl practices. He has good feet and plays with a mean streak. Another intriguing possibility that can't be overlooked for Dallas is if USC safety Taylor Mays tumbles to No. 27. But the offensive line should take priority.

Profootballweekly.com – FS Earl Thomas (Texas): The inability to cover the deep middle exposed the Cowboys' defense against the Vikings in the playoffs, and Thomas' range and playmaking ability on the back half could complete the defense.

FoxSports.com(Peter Schrager) – OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland): Though not confirmed by the AP, I'm fairly sure Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo's jockstraps are still lying around the Metrodome 50-yard line. Neither player is getting any younger and the Dallas offensive line needs some reinforcements. Doug Free's shown glimpses, but there's got to be more. Some of the things I've read have Campbell as high as a Top 10 pick. I was never that impressed with him at Maryland, but think the Cowboys would be pleased to see him sitting there at 27. And I'm putting this out there now – can we call him Bruce "Evil Dead" Campbell? Or Bruce "Old Spice commercials" Campbell? One of the best actors of the past 20 years deserves to be mentioned somehow after each and every pancake block by this kid.

CBSSports (Ron Rang) – G-OT Mike Iupati (Idaho):The Cowboys haven't spent a first-round pick on the offensive line since 1989, but may elect to do so with valued backups Montrae Holland and Cory Procter potentially entering free agency. Iupati struggled with his footwork during the Senior Bowl, itself, but his combination of size, strength and foot quickness made him one of the best players on the field during the week of practices. Iupati could step right in for Dallas at guard. Some believe he'll eventually slide out to left tackle.

CBSSports (Chad Reuter) – OLB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri): Veteran Keith Brooking brought some intensity to the Cowboys defense, and Weatherspoon is a similar player with better athleticism. The former Tiger's performance in the Senior Bowl may have earned him a spot in the first round.

Scouts Inc. (Todd McShay) – S Nate Allen (South Florida): Allen is far from a first-round lock, but the Cowboys need to improve their athleticism at safety, and Allen has the right combination of speed and fluidity in coverage to help fix the problem.

nfldraftblitz.com – FS Earl Thomas (Texas): The 'Boys often expect their safeties to run with receivers in tight man-to-man coverage and this could be the best safety in this class at achieving that. Another possibility here is Bruce Campbell, but we'll stick with the best player on our board.

KFFL.com – G-OT Mike Iupati (Idaho): Upgrades Kyle Kosier's spot. Can play OT if needed – a mauler that fits in with the rest of DAL's lumbering OL.

Jimmy Johnson: Dallas Cowboys are in Super Bowl picture

2010-02-15T19:14:00.001-05:00

By ANTHONY ANDRO / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson believes the team has a shot to play in the Super Bowl it will be hosting next year.

"They made progress," Johnson said. "I don't think they're that far away. They are in the mix when you pick the better teams for next year."

Johnson, a football analyst for Fox who was at the Daytona 500, thinks the Cowboys still need game-breaking threats, including a quality wide receiver opposite Miles Austin.

"With Roy Williams, the jury is still out. But I'm beginning to believe maybe he's not the guy," he said.