Biggest Threats: Carolina Panthers

Here we are again in the second installment of the series. Last time we added the New York Giants as an obvious threat. Next, in week three the Cowboys will be home against the Carolina Panthers. Though the buzz hasn’t been surrounding Carolina, they are still a dangerous team.

Key Offseason Additions:

Cowboys Panthers Football

None.

Key Offseason Subtractions:

FB Nick Goings

WR DJ Hackett

CB Ken Lucas

Key Draft Picks:

DE Everette Brown, Florida State: Brown is a speedy guy with great size, he should compliment Peppers nicely.

S/CB Sherrod Martin, Troy: Martin is a speedy guy with great range and versatility. Won’t start but should be in on nickel packages.

Projected Top Performers

(courtesy ESPN 2009 Projections)

DeAngelo Williams 267 car 1325 yards 11 Td

Steve Smith 90 rec 1390 yards 9 TD

Jonathan Stewart 196 car 936 yards 9 TD

Continue reading →

Keeping Them Cowboys Mediots Honest

If it’s about the Cowboy’s and is published in a public forum, chances are, my eyes don’t miss it. Regardless of my opinion of the writer, which varies from one media outlet to the next, I give each article a fair shake, not so much as a result of them being deserving, but by virtue of my ardent insatiable Cowboy information addiction. In my daily dose, I must weather quite a bit of negative speculation; which I’m okay with for the most part, considering that in many cases in the past it has been deserved. But sometimes the media’s opinion will take a quote and completely twist it around to make the news more interesting and more marketable. I further believe they do this because it creates an opening for them to write more articles on the same subject either posting a retraction or to further prove their assertion, with, in the end, helps them meet whatever quota their bosses demand of them.

Last year, this issue, in my mind, was an epidemic, which led to Jerry Jones finally imposing a mandate that gagged the whole of the organization from speaking to the media during the early part of the off-season; Jerry being the only exception to the rule. I, personally, applauded this move. The media, obviously, was pretty upset about it. But when you take words out of the owner’s mouth such as, “I was told he was healthy enough to play” said in regards to Marion Barber, and turn it into “Jerry Jones calls Marion Barber a wuss,” you have to know there will be consequences.

Nevertheless, it’s a new year, and the mediots are at it again. With it sprung in my head an idea: There should be some forum that makes an effort at keeping these particular media members honest. Just as they notoriously paraphrase the various gum-bumping of members of the Cowboys organization, so shall I do what I can to paint the picture that was originally intended by the benefactor of said quote.

The latest quote receiving negative attention is Jerry Jones assertion that he believes the Cowboy’s team will play to the level of the new stadium; that these player’s will feel a slight push towards winning surrounded by a structure that could only be described as elite compared to it’s peers Texas Stadium and the Cotton Bowl, as well any other stadium ever built in the world. While the following doesn’t exactly twist Jerry’s word’s, it is worthy of correction.

In Jean-Jacques Taylor blog entry “Jerry Jones has lost his mind,” he contends that the stadium will have absolutely no effect on the players or the outcome in the game.

Jerry Jones is a marketing genius, but he has lost his mind if he thinks Cowboys Stadium will make a single bit of difference in the team’s performance this year.

It won’t.

Just like the emotion of the final game at Texas Stadium didn’t help the Cowboys beat Baltimore last December. And just like the raucous crowd the night “The Triplets” were inducted into the Ring of Honor didn’t help the Cowboys beat the hated Redskins.

I suppose it’s fairly easy to take this out of context; not much reaching is necessary to do so. And, granted, the last thing I want anybody within the organization vocalizing is lofty expectations, such as the Cowboy’s being Super Bowl bound in 2009. But I think what Jerry was trying to relate to the media is that this team is going to fight to make us forget 44 to 6, 9 and 7, and 12 years without a play off win. And this stadium, built with the teams storied history and prior dynasties in mind, is going to motivate them all the more to ensure their play reflects the excellence that their predecessor’s demanded of themselves.

Furthermore, the interior of Cowboy’s stadium creates an atmosphere ripe for a fanatic frenzy. As you walk from your car to your seat, having been inundated with Cowboy’s lore and past glory, I would imagine you won’t be able to resist screaming at the top of your lungs as the Cowboy’s take the field, move the ball, and destroy the opposing team’s various ball carriers and signal callers. JJT seems to believe that the price of the ticket will ultimately create a golf crowd, highlighted by the occasional clinking of glasses, as the fans toast various well-performed plays, considering his quote:

Actually, Jerry should be concerned that there will be so many corporate butts in the stands that it’ll be a quieter venue Texas Stadium, known for being a wine-and-cheese crowd.

Yeah, okay. If you say so, Jean.

Those “corporate butts” at the end of the day are still human, and chances are they are still fans, and therefore are not immune to getting drawn into the hype that just sitting in that stadium must create. Also, I would further predict that the ability to see every detail of the game in high definition via that 60 yard long big screen will help fuel the excitement. Make no mistake, the media may need to yell their questions at the top of their lungs in the wake of a football game, as they question the ringing ears of players from both sides of the field.

But, hey, that’s just me speculating from a positive angle. As the season progresses, I’m sure the media will afford me plenty of opportunities to offer up a corrected translation of what was actually said vs. their misguided misinformation.

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Preview: Part I

Cowboys assistant coach Dave Campo NFL fans across the nation are gearing up for what has become a summer tradition for many. NFL training camps are just two weeks away from starting on college campuses and practice fields in a neighborhood near you.

While I, like many, can hardly contain myself with excitement that we are approaching a new NFL season, many NFL clubs have questions that still remain unanswered.

Will Brett Favre come out of retirement again? How will Tom Brady’s knee hold up throughout the season? Can Eli Manning survive without Plaxico Burress? Are the Dallas Cowboys better without Terrell Owens?

The 2008 Dallas Cowboys were nothing short of a disappointment. Injuries dashed hopes of any type of Super Bowl run early in the season when Tony Romo broke his pinky finger and Marion Barber bruised every possible body part.

Owens was made the scapegoat for an underachieving offense as his numbers struggled without Romo calling the signals.

Rookie sensation Felix Jones was amazing before injuring his hamstring, hampering a potent one-two punch anchored by Barber.

But this season will be different for the boys from Valley Ranch.

Owens was released to go roam in Buffalo, safety Roy Williams couldn’t cover the deep ball, so he was allowed to walk as well, and stalwart linebacker Zach Thomas proclaimed after the season that he wouldn’t be back.

Not only are the Cowboys a different team, but they have a different look as well.

This season Romo is the unquestioned leader of an offense that has the potential to rank first in every statistical category.

Romo no longer has the shadow of Owens—or Jessica Simpson, for that matter—hanging over his shoulder in the locker room or in the media.

Jason Witten and second-year man Martellus Bennett are poised to become a potent receiving tandem as the Cowboys look to feature more two-tight end sets than in past seasons.

So what should fans watch for and expect from the Cowboys in training camp and preseason?

1. Can Roy Williams replace the production of Terrell Owens?

The quick answer is no. If you look at the stats for both players, Williams has only logged one 1,000-yard season in his short six-year career, and his career high in touchdowns is eight.

Compare that with Terrell and, Williams cannot hold a candle to his production.

However, Terrell has always had the presence of a great or at least good quarterback behind center. In San Francisco, he had Steve Young and Jeff Garcia. In Philadelphia he had Donovan McNabb, and in Dallas he caught passes from Romo.

Williams ran down the field for Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna. I felt for you in Detroit, Roy, so there really is no comparison.

No excuses for Williams this season about splitting catches or not knowing the system. He has had an entire offseason to prepare himself and to get acclimated to Romo’s passing tendencies.

I’m expecting at least an 1,100-yard season with eight touchdowns and 75-plus catches from Williams. Owens was able to do it when he stalked Texas stadium, so why can’t you?

2. With the departure of Greg Ellis, Chris Canty, and Zach Thomas, will the Cowboys miss their production?

Greg Ellis could still be a Cowboy—well, at least in theory—if he had accepted his role as a 33-year-old defensive end. He didn’t, so now he’s off to Oakland.

Zach Thomas was great last season for the Cowboys, logging 94 tackles and one sack. He was paired with Bradie James in the middle, and they both enjoyed great statistical seasons.

Statistically, Chris Canty only had three sacks and 37 tackles, but he used that leverage and bolted for the Giants and more money, which I can’t blame him for

But he was vital on the line for the Cowboys last year and had his best games against the Cowboys’ biggest foe in the beast.

The New York Giants.

So how does a team replace a combined 167 tackles and 12 sacks?

Youth is one answer. Anthony Spencer is finally getting his chance to start, as he will replace Ellis on the line and standing up. Spencer matched Ellis’ output in tackles with 34 but came up empty on sacks and interceptions.

Also, Spencer is only 25 years old and has three years of NFL service on his joints and muscles.

I don’t believe that the team will miss Ellis as much as Thomas or Canty. Ellis is on the downside of his career and only had maybe two good seasons left in him.

Thomas is just as seasoned as Ellis but seems to have more of an upside than Greg.

I’m sure team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Wade Phillips are not looking forward to seeing Canty twice a year now that he’s in New York.

He can be a monster on the line, as evidenced by his two-sack game against the Giants early last season.

Thomas is the type of player that you want and need in your locker room just because of the experience and leadership he brings. Maybe this season Thomas would have had a calming effect on a volatile locker room that has been tamed by Jerry’s son Stephen.

Stay tuned for Part II…

Reading between the lines…

Rather you follow the Dallas Morning News online or Ft. Worth Star online, the recent Jerry Jones quote given in opening up training camp remains the same: “My conversations with him,” Jones said, “have been more about making sure that he articulates to the staff and to coach [Wade Phillips] and everybody involved, that he really gives them the input that helps him be the best he can be, make the plays he’s most comfortable with, doing those kinds of things.”

At face value, I think we all agree that it is important that open lines of conversation remain between the players, coaches and staff. While I won’t do the research on this, I feel pretty confident in asserting that throughout the history of football there has never been a team that was successful, and yet did not maintain open dialogue within the team. That having been said, I cannot help but question Jerry Jones motivation in having that conversation with Romo. Could it be maybe Romo comment’s such as “we were exposed” following the 44 to 6 rout at the hands of the Eagles? Perhaps what Jerry was really telling Romo, and he likely extended a similar statement to the remainder of the Dallas team, is keep the issues in house. If you have a problem, the media is not going to solve it. In fact, in the media’s hand’s that issue will morph into a much bigger issue, as it makes whatever walls that prevented you from telling the person responsible for the issue in the first place all the more insurmountable.

Among the many positives that Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips have already noted from their offseason changes, such as a faster defense, improvement’s in Special Team’s, and more confidence in the backup QB John Kitna, I think we can find further renewed hope in how they are addressing the drama that plagued the majority of the 2008 season.

Q&A with Dallas Cowboys SS Gerald Sensabaugh

When we started this blog we had one goal in mind, to be the best fan blog out there. Well we forgot some details in that original goal and have since been shown a few new things we needed to work towards. Needless to say it became apparent that we had to write about something on here that would keep you all interested.

So we brought you an interview with a rather unlikely candidate – Mickey Spagnola, the www.DallasCowboys.com writer. We got some good feedback and it was fun to do, but our real goal with that was to get the fire started, and today the flames have risen once again.

Some of you know him and others only know of him. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2005 draft after he recorded a record vertical jump of 46’6 at the combine. He then started all 16 games his rookie season with the Jaguars.

He’s coming off of his best year in Jacksonville where he amassed 55 tackles, a team leading 4 interceptions, and 8 passes deflected while playing in all 16 games, starting 13. He’s the new starting Strong Safety in Dallas and has already shown us that he can cover man to man like Roy Williams only dreamed of doing.

I’m happy to present to you #43 Gerald Sensabaugh!

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DCNation: In the off season you had an opportunity to sign a long term deal elsewhere, why did you decide to opt for a one year deal with the Cowboys?

Gerald: The numbers weren’t where I wanted them to be. So I figured I would take one last shot and see what I can get after another 1 year deal. I also wanted to go to a larger market team and experience football with some tradition behind it.

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DCNation: We know that the main goal every year is to win the Super Bowl, but can this team realistically do that? Why?

Gerald: Yes, this team has the talent and personnel to do so. There are many explosive players on the offensive side of the ball, so expect lots of points. On the defensive side, we have the opportunity to be one of the best defenses this year in the league. So if you combine the two, I say we have a legit shot at winning the Superbowl.

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DCNation: The past couple of years this Cowboys team has had plenty of talent to get deep into the playoffs, lack of execution has been the Achilles heel to this team. Every year the fans of the Cowboys hear “how things will be different” from the same players, so many fans have grown weary of their talk. So far in your first year with the Cowboys, what can you tell us about this team – what makes you think that you can contend this year?

Gerald: We will be major contenders this year. Going through OTA’s this team got a lot better from last year. Through training camp we are going to fine tune the chemistry and we will be set to go.

—

DCNation: Based on what you’ve seen so far, what do you think about the cornerback situation that’s brewing? Scandrick has shown serious talent, but Jenkins was drafted higher and also brings some good coverage skills. Your thoughts?

Gerald: I’m very exited about the two young corners. No matter who starts, they both will be major contributors to this defense.

—

DCNation: The 2008 Dallas Cowboys Defense was a strong unit, but I think the coaches and fans believe that this years defense could be one of the best in the entire NFL. It is my perception that the biggest reason for these thoughts is because of you. What do you feel is the greatest asset you’re bringing to this team?

Gerald: I feel that I bring the ability to cover at the strong safety position. I have had my share of both run stuffing and covering but I believe the need here in Dallas is to cover more. I am still expecting to make a impact on the run game also.

—

DCNation: Is there another player, former or current, that you have tried to pattern your play after? Why?

Gerald: Donovan Darius because he was a physical player that was know for big hits, and always being around the football. And Deon Grant because of his ball skills and coverage ability. Those are the two that I learned from as a youngster and I tried to pattern my game with both of theirs combined.

—

DCNation: It’s no secret that the Cowboys have struggled in recent years at the Strong Safety position. From both the perspective of your new teammates and your own estimations, what do you feel is your biggest goal for 2009 to bolster the Strong Safety position in Dallas?

Gerald: Covering Man to Man. To make a bigger difference in the passing game.

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DCNation: Many fans in the NFL view the safety position as a guy who can really lower the boom on opposing players. The Dallas Cowboys recently had a safety who was known for that, but was not very good to say the least in coverage. Does your play favor coverage over hitting? Or do you feel you are a balanced Safety?

Gerald: I feel that I am balanced. In my prior years I had to do both.

—

DCNation: Dave Campo has had defensive success in Dallas before, and as well in Jacksonville. Having seen him in action in both places, what do you think he brings to a team that might be otherwise missing?

Gerald: He brings a positive, fair, competitive environment that players like. He’s a coach that gets the best out of his players.

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DCNation: It is obvious that you were brought in to be the starter, but do you still feel like you need to prove that you are the man in training camp?

Gerald: Yes, I always have to prove something. Here in Dallas there is a lot of competition. We have guys that can play safety and corner. This secondary is real athletic. Everybody here can play.

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DCNation: Of the scheduled opponents for 2009, which team concerns you the most as a safety?

Gerald: I really don’t have any concerns but I do respect all teams equally. Every team brings a different attack to the table so you must prepare as best as you can for all of them.

—

DCNation: Can you give us a little insight about the work ethic and demeanor of your new Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator?

Gerald: Coach Phillips is going to make sure that we work hard and get things right. He is less tolerant of errors (especially mental errors), I can tell those get under his skin.

—

DCNation: Playing in the AFC South you were able to test your abilities against one of the greatest QB’s of this era, Peyton Manning. Was there anything you learned from your time against him that you feel will help you be a top tier Safety in this league?

Gerald: Reading QB’s and not going for fakes. He’s the pump king and does it every play. He makes the safety play honest and is hard to get a tip on.

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DCNation: There has been a lot of talk about some incidents in your past, are those things behind you now? And is there anything you would like to let the fans in Dallas know about you to clear up any questions they may have?

Gerald: The whole past is behind me and I’m looking forward to winning the super bowl with the Cowboys. That is my main focus.

—

You can find out more about Gerald by going to his website – www.GeraldSensabaugh.net – he has a blog there that he not only updates rather often, but he actually participates in comments on his blog. Truly a class act and we welcome him to Dallas.

We want to thank Gerald Sensabaugh not only for speaking with us, but for taking the time to do so from San Antonio as training camp starts. We also look forward to more interviews with Gerald throughout the season.

Robert Brewster to Miss Camp and More

RobertBrewster_050109_300 News came out today that the Dallas Cowboys 3rd round pick Robert Brewster will miss all of training camp and likely more. At this point the Cowboys are simply hoping that he’ll be able to play this year, though they are still evaluating whether he’ll be placed on Injured Reserve or the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.

He suffered a tear to his pectoral muscle during post-minicamp workouts – he was lifting weights when it happened. Currently walking around with his arm in a sling, the news of his injury is troublesome for the Cowboys.

Many of you might think he’s only a rookie, and that he wouldn’t have contributed that much anyway, but you need to consider that he added valuable depth at right tackle behind Marc Colombo.

If he is placed on Injured reserve, he would be ineligible to play again until the 2010 season. If he should be placed on the PUP list instead, he would not count against the 53-man roster and would have about 10 weeks to try to recover before the Cowboys would have to either play him or place him on IR.

Here’s hoping from one fan to another that this isn’t the beginning of another very long and injury plagued season for the Cowboys.

Why DeMarcus Ware Is Better Than Shawne Merriman

ESPN.com NFC East blogger Matt Mosley said in an entry yesterday that the Cowboys made the right decision in drafting Ware over Merriman.

Of course being a Cowboys fan I agree with his assessment, but the only way to truly find out is to simply break down the numbers.

Shawne Merriman, better known as “Lights Out,” was drafted by the Chargers out of Maryland 5 years ago. So far he has amassed an impressive total of 39.5 sacks, his career high coming in 2006 when he notched 17.

That was also the same year that Merriman tested positive for steroids and missed four games, dashing any hopes of breaking the all time sack record.

Delving deeper into Merriman’s stats, in 2007 he had an imposing six sacks in the month of December. If you can recall, that’s the year that the Chargers went to the AFC Championship to face the Patriots.

Shawne had an ok showing in the playoffs that season where he totaled 13 tackles and one sack. However he did have a game or two where he had four or five tackles where he wasn’t really noticeable.

Within the AFC, Merriman does his best work against the Kansas City Chiefs where he sacked their main signal caller four times and had 16 tackles in 2007.

Shawne missed all of last season with a knee injury, which will probably take him at least a season and a half to fully recover from. Will his sack totals decrease due to lack of burst off the line?

Shawne has never had over 70 tackles in a season, so will his tackle total suffer as well?

At first look it seems as if the Chargers were right in their choice. Merriman has a motor that never quits and gives 110% on the field.

However there is a cloud of deceit around his true abilities. Did the steroids contribute to the 17 sacks or was it just pure strength and skill?

Moving on to DeMarcus Ware.

He was drafted the same year as Merriman out of Troy in southeast Alabama.

Ware had his best statistical output last year as he had 20 sacks, 84 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles. He also had 84 tackles in 2004 coupled with 14 sacks.

Ware has more career sacks than Shawne with 53. But to Ware’s advantage, Merriman was injured all of last season.

DeMarcus seems to do his best work against the Giants of New York. Last season he had 12 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

Ware also remains consistent as the game progresses. Like Merriman he has 6 sacks in the fourth quarter, but Ware has more tackles than Shawne during the final period amassing 17.

Another situational stat shows that Ware has 3 sacks on 3^rd and long, forcing the team opposing into an obvious 4^th and long situation.

Merriman on the other hand had no sacks and only 1 tackle on 3^rd and long in 2007.

Comparing these two players is like appraising the abilities of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The thing about Jordan and Johnson is that there is one player that is better than the other. You know the one with 6 championship rings?

Well, that’s kind of like Ware and Merriman without any rings between the two.

Over and above Ware just seems to be the better overall player. He tackles, shows up in crucial situations, and had 20 sacks through an injury riddled season.

Both players will prove to be great by the end of their career. But at this moment in time, who would you choose? The player with the knee injury or the guy with 20 sacks?

-JH

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Biggest Threats: New York Giants

This marks the beginning of a highly controversial and highly opinionated series. We have deeply analyzed the 2009 Dallas Cowboys Schedule and will target those teams that have the potential of giving us problems. Today we start with those crazy New York Football Giants.

The Giants will immediately come to town in Week 2, as the Cowboys open the new stadium. Here is the outlook:

Key Offseason Additions:

DE Chris Canty from Dallas.

OLB Michael Boley from Atlanta.

DT Rock Bernard from Seattle.

DB C.C. Brown from Houston.

Key Offseason Subtractions:

RB Derrick Ward

WR Plaxico Burress

CB R.W. McQuarters

CB Sam Madison

S Sammy Knight

Key Draft Picks:

WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina- Nicks is a potential game-breaker, whose known for making spectacular catches

OLB Clint Sintim- A great linebacker with good size, should start opposite Boley. Continue reading →

Bryan’s Brain: Jim Johnson, Vick, Owen Daniels, and the Superbowl

- First order of business, Michael Vick. Tired of it yet? Here is my deal. The dude did something that was completely disgusting, I agree. However, he did his time. He doesn’t deserve the extra headaches. Give the dude a chance, if he messes up again then let him have it. When did football go from being a game about strong smash mouth football, to a game about public affairs and fan acceptance. Get the hell out of here with that weak crap. Football is Football, that why we love it, you want glamour and fame? Watch basketball.

- According to multiple sources, Owen Daniel is lobbying to be the highest paid tight end in the league. Seriously? You’re not even a top 3 tight end in this league my friend. Why don’t’ you quit your crying, you don’t hear Jason Witten crying about his contract!

- On a more serious note, we all know that the Cowboys/Eagles rivalry has only intensified over the years. However, my most sincere prayers and wishes go with the family of Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Johnson, who has been a defensive mastermind within the NFL with his baffling blitz packages. Best luck to him, his family, his replacement Sean McDermott, and the Eagles organization who has been a class act in supporting Coach Johnson and his family.

- Lastly, I was reading an article on Foxsports.com about training camp battles for Super Bowl contenders and much to my surprise the Cowboys were not listed. It is here I realized a lot of football “experts” have sincere doubts about Dallas. If you’re buying into this crap, stop! The Cowboys are a good team, in a whirlwind of a division. Expect the unexpected this year!