Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: May 2009

Position Outlook: Wide Receiver

austin-craytonWell we already know what has been going on with the Roy Williams and the constant talk of his “inconsistency” which has yet to be tested. I believe that you are safe to bet that he will remain the number 1 receiver. However, there will be strong competition throughout the summer. Miles Austin is as confident as ever thanks to Jerry Jones and Patrick Crayton is looking to lock the 2 Spot. Also, Sam Hurd has been looking great lately and has the strength and speed combination that receivers use to dominate. Here is a look at each guys production last year and 2009 Outlook.

Roy Williams- 19 rec 198 yds 10.4 yards per catch with 1 touchdown- At 6-3 211 lbs, Williams has the makings of a “Possession” type receiver. He has demonstrated his ability with the lions and had a understandingly difficult time producing last season in a new system. He’s been working hard this off season with QB Tony Romo and has last some weight to become more explosive. He should be playing with a chip on his shoulder and I believe he’ll silence his critics.

Miles Austin- 13 rec 278 yards 21.4 yards per catch with 3 touchdowns- At 6-3 216lbs, Miles has become a rising star in Dallas. The 24 year old matches good size with blazing speed. His 21.4 yard average is a sign of his big play ability. He has the potential to be an elite receiver if used correctly. I believe he is comparable to a Wes Welker and will have a similar season as Welker did a few years ago. Expect Austin to start but be put in the slot in certain formations.

Patrick Crayton- 39 rec 550 yards 14.1 yards per catch with 4 touchdowns- Crayton has hit the big 3-0 and is starting to show his age. He is fairly inconsistent with his catches but has allowed himself to be clutch in some situations. At 6 ft and 204 lbs, Crayton is a typical slot receiver and has not produced when given prime shots at becoming a star type receiver. With his prime a year or so behind him I expect him to plateau, but will still possess the ability to play well in slot situations.

Sam Hurd- Injured last season, in 2007 he posted 19 rec 314 yards 16.5 yards per catch and 1 touchdown- Sam Hurd is coming off a down season. He is a warrior, he has heart, and he has passion. Not to mention he had a pretty good mentor in Owens. He will be the quiet type but will impress all that takes the time to watch him. At 6-2 205 lbs he is a strong and quick receiver who will be able to produce if given the chance. If he can beat out Crayton for the number 3 spot he’ll be a gem.

My Depth Chart Prediction:
1. Roy Williams
2. Miles Austin
3. Patrick Crayton
4. Sam Hurd

Ellis to Seek Trade, or Find Release

ellisjuneNews came out of Jerry Jones’ mouth today, according to Matt Mosley of Espn and Dallascowboys.com, that saying “It’s likely Greg will play somewhere else next season”. Ellis and his agent have been given permission to inquire about trades throughout the league. Both sides said it’s mutual and that they should “leave it like it is” meaning that the cowboys aren’t rushed in the release of Greg Ellis.

In a 10 year career with the Cowboys, Ellis has acquired 365 tackles and 77 sacks. It’s been his complaining that most would attribute to the decision to go seperate ways. Along with the emergence of 3rd year linebacker Anthony Spencer and the draft which brought the Cowboys plenty of youth and linebacking depth. You have to believe that this is the final step in revamping a locker room that was burdened with complaints and drama which severly hindered team chemistry.

Anthony Spencer has 70 tackles and 4.5 sacks in limited play over the last 2 seasons.

Stanback Setback

isaiah-stanbackAn update out of camp came out today with team owner Jerry Jones saying that Isaiah Stanback has undergone surgery to remove a lateral meniscus tear in his knee–This happening after ending the 2007 and 2008 season with different shoulder surgeries. It is starting to become apparent that Stanback may not be as durable and possess as much untapped talent that Cowboys personnel originally had anticipated.

Jerry Jones has placed an incredibly large emphasis on the grooming and analysis of younger receivers and the desire to not look at any veterans. Still we are looking at Miles Austin to play a huge role, along with the fairly sure hands of Sam Hurd who has shown he is a strong receiver. You are likely to see Danny Amendola receive another chance along with a prime opportunity for seventh round draft pick Manuel Johnson.

Throughout his career Isaiah Stanback has been given opportunities that it just seems as though he can’t take advantage of. As much as I feel for the talented ex- Quarterback, it’s probably time the team starts looking a different direction. How do you all feel about the situation?

Roy Williams

roy-williams-onehanded-grab-lionsRoy Williams has been the whipping boy almost since the day he arrived in Dallas. Whether that was from fans who did not like the move, or from sports writers who immediately planted the “How can T.O. and Roy coexist” seed. Some of the grief that Roy has taken has been unwarranted, but even I (Longhorn homer) must admit that some of it is of his own doing.

Since his days at Odessa Permian High School, Roy Williams has been the #1 guy, he knows no other way. “The Legend” as he was known in Odessa, was a two sport star. When he was not playing Football he was on the track team. In 2000 at the State Track meet he entered 3 events. He won the long jump competition with a jump of 25’6″. He placed 2nd in the high jump with a jump of 6’10″. Then followed that up with a 3rd place finish in the 100 meter, with a time of 10.38

When the school year ended in 2000, Roy left Odessa and headed south, to Austin and the University of Texas. From the moment he stepped onto campus he was expected to be the savior of Texas football. He did not disappoint, making a name for yourself in Austin is not easy (if you have never been there maybe this will help, their slogan is “Keep Austin Weird”) and better yet making a name for yourself amongst the football community is even tougher.

Roy however was able to do these things as well as help the Longhorns turn the program around, and get them back in the national spotlight. He did all of these things not by just showing up! No he put in the work, and led his team by example, not by talk!

In 2004 he was 7th pick in the NFL draft selected by the Detroit Lions. Roy’s work habits went to Detroit with him. Unfortunately for him he was surrounded by a terrible team, and management. Amidst all of that he still managed to become a Pro Bowl selection in 2006.

Last year Jerry Jones pulled the trigger on a deal to bring the talented Wide Receiver to the Cowboys. Upon his arrival in Dallas, we the fans asked him to step right in and be an all world receiver and to do this with Brad Johnson throwing him the ball!

Now as far as I could tell not only was there not a receiver on the Cowboys roster that had any success once Johnson took over, but there was not a receiver in the league that could have had any success. Yet those were the expectations for Roy. A funny thing happened though, the guy never complained! As a matter of fact the only remarks he ever made were things like “I need to do a better job” and “We are working to get better”. Meanwhile the teams #1 was saying “get me the ball” or “When I have the ball good things happen”.

We all need to remember that when Roy was brought here, he was not brought here to be the #1, not last year anyway. So if we look at that situation and keep that in mind, can you imagine what it must have been like to finally be able to leave the losing organization you had been with, and then walk in the door of your dream job only to find that organization in as big disarray as the last.

Players arguing with other players, secret meetings, and the whole world attempting to lay at least some of the blame on your shoulders. Yet this was the situation he was thrusted into, welcome to the Dallas Cowboys.

Since the moment he walked in the door his skills, heart, and desire have been questioned. Not just from the fans, but from former players, Hall of Famers.

Roy could have done a better job of displaying his leadership qualities, but I can understand why he did not. One thing that stands out in my mind was something he said at the end of the season while being interviewed on the Mike and Mike in the morning show; “I was shocked at the way they practice here, I am used to running out every play in practice. Like if I have a blocking assignment, In Detroit we blocked until the whistle blew. So that is what I was doing here in the beginning but I noticed I was the only one doing it, so I stopped.” That it where he failed last year, by trying to fit in and not create more issues, he allowed his teammates, and himself to be mediocre!

While I do not know Roy Williams personally I do know one thing about the guy, he is ANGRY! Right about now. I believe Roy has a chip on his shoulder, and has something to prove. He is not a guy that is just going to let people talk smack about him, without some sort of retaliation. The only way he knows how to retaliate is by proving everyone wrong.

For those of you that do not believe this I cannot change your mind, nor will I try. All I can say is, watch and see!

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

tony-romoWell, Things are underway again as OTA’s kick off and questions begin to mount. There are a few pessimists out there so I wanted to qualm that right here and now. Some of the common complaints that I’ve heard often are “The Cowboys have no heart”, “We won’t be going anywhere this season”, “Our Defense Doesn’t Show up”, and “We’ll never win another championship under Romo”. If you’re a reader who is guilty of these accusations, or just a reader who is tired and wants to find solace in agreement, I’m here to give answers!

“The Cowboys have no heart” – This is probably the number 1 complaint that drives me insane. If you look at the Cowboys of yesteryear I could see how you come to that conclusion but this is a team of veterans who have consistently displayed heart for this organization. At the end of the season the defense showed that their heart can carry them when the offense isn’t clicking, though it was slightly inconsistent, I was impressed at the potential of some of our rising stars.

“We won’t be going anywhere this season” – Wrong, wrong, wrong and Oh… did I mention? WRONG! The Cowboys don’t have a “easy” schedule but they have plenty of winnable games. You have to imagine that they are AT LEAST going to split the NFC East, and I firmly believe that they have a good shot against the NFC South. Add in Denver and a slightly awkward thanksgiving game against Oakland things are looking up! Not to mention we’re looking at a far more focused team this season.

“Our defense doesn’t show up” – Ok if you’re guilty of saying this, slap yourself in the face, don’t hesitate, you need to rattle the loose brain cells back in to place. Lets just run down this seasons roster Olshansky, Ratliff, Spears, Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick, Brooking, James, Ware, Ellis/Spencer, Hamlin, Sensabaugh. Are you serious?!?! If you have any knowledge of football at all you’ll see that the talents and skills possessed by those players are incredible. I fully expect to see a fast defense that will produce turnovers and a dominating number of sacks.

“We’ll never win another championship under Romo” – Just so it’s known, Romo isn’t the only person with this “curse” See Peyton Manning (4 seasons without a playoff win). Romo is a fully capable Quarterback, who delivers maximum yardage with maximum mobility for a combination that can be risky but produces explosiveness. He has already produced more 300 yd passing games then Troy Aikman, and is well on his way to another great season with a dominating running game behind him and a few talented to receivers in Roy, Jason, Miles, Crayton, and Bennett. The truth is that you’re all judging without checking history, and quite frankly… I don’t see you leading teams to the Super Bowl.

As OTA’s develop we’ll be able to see where the season is pointing but I do really think that the true fans have nothing to worry about. Stay optimistic and Stay dedicated. The boy’s will deliver this year.

Dallas Cowboys Defense Getting Stronger

Will the Dallas defense expand its attack this year? In one sense it is hard to believe that the NFL’s leading sack team could become more of a force this year than last. However do not be surprised if that is not exactly what happens.NFL/

How could a team that lost a starting corner, Defensive End, and Inside Linebacker be better without those three guys? Pretty easy actually! And it has less to do with their replacements than you might think.
 
During the 2009 off season the Cowboys have upgraded in several areas, they have accomplished this through both free agency, and in the draft. While the outcome of all these moves has yet to be determined, on paper this defensive unit has gotten better. Continue reading →

Epidemic Strikes Cowboys

I would like to start off by giving you all a warning; if you are not a true Cowboys fan you may want to find another article to read! To those that decide to stay and read I would also like to give you a formal up front apology, as I may hurt some of your feelings.

For many years now Cowboy fans everywhere have been subjected to a highly contagious disease called, M.D.M. (Media Diarrhea of the Mouth). This is a world wide epidemic these days. This disease spreads rapidly; in fact it is so contagious that it is transmitted through your television and radio’s.

cowboysfan2The real problem with this disease is that as of today there are no known cures, and those infected become moronic blowhards! It is highly advised to everyone that if you hear or see highly moronic activities that you immediately change the channel! Be very aware of your surroundings, the individuals infected with this disease could be someone you would least suspect!

The NFL off season seems to cause major flare ups with those infected, and this year is no different. So far this offseason the Dallas Cowboys have been ridiculed for releasing T.O. as well as for signing him in the first place, how does this make sense? People have also said over the course of the last 3 to 4 years, “Stop going after Big names and get people that can play!” yet when they decide to follow that method, they are blasted for a poor draft! (I think it was one of their better drafts in a long time).

Now I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but you are not entitled (at this blog anyway) to change your opinion to fit what those with M.D.M. have.

There are many of you out there that claim to be Cowboy fans, the only problem with you is that you are only a fan when the team is 13-3 and the rest of the world is proclaiming them “The greatest team ever”! It is these “fans” that concern me the most, for you have already been infected, and are spreading this disgusting disease all over the place!

There are so many of you out there that you have even infected our most prized possessions. Many true fans still feel a connection to some of the great 90′s players like, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, and Troy Aikman. I too was one of those, fortunately for me though I recognized symptoms of M.D.M. and feel the need to quarantine myself after listening to any of them talk! Why can’t you all just shut up!

Apparently the new “IN” thing is to spend as much time possible ripping the team, its players, coaches, and management. Everyday it seems there is a new article or another talking head filling the news stands, and air waves with ridiculous story after story. Some of this team’s players are even being ridiculed for what they do or not do on their off time, why? Can you imagine having people question your abilities for the simple fact that you play golf? And do not even come at me with this he (Tony Romo) is the quarterback of “Americas Team”, he should be at Valley Ranch working crap! That is absolute bull and will not fly with me.

This story is very amusing to me for the simple fact that no more than 3 weeks ago we were hearing about how “Tony and Roy(make sure to read the comments) have been at Valley Ranch everyday working with each other” but as soon as the guy picks up a golf club, instantly he becomes some sort of degenerate that does not care about his football team.

As soon as the infected people begin to talk this nonsense, low and behold a giant percentage of Cowboys fandom starts chiming in. It is these times that you can really see how many people have been infected with this horrible disease!

This disease is NOT like heart disease, it is not passed down from step father to son (don’t you just love Roger Clemens), and you can still take steroids without fear while being infected!

So tell me would you rather have big names with marginal output, or no names that will fight and claw for everything they get? If you want a team full of fighters, I can tell you with the changes made this off season, this team is well on their way to being a hardcore group of fighters.

For some of you neither way will be good enough, but for me this is the type of team I love and want!