Dallas Cowboys Nation

Monthly Archives: May 2010

Jason Witten At Dick’s Sporting Goods Next Weekend

Hey Cowboys fans. Got an update about a coming event that Jason Witten will be attending for those of us in the DFW area. He’ll be at the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Dallas from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, June 5th, 2010.

He’ll be hosting a promotional event for Gatorade, G Series Pro “Signing Day.” The address is:

Dick’s Sporting Goods
8030 Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

At the event, fans will be able to:

• Have a professional photograph taken with Jason Witten
• Receive an autographed photo (while supplies last)
• Sample the new G Series Pro products
• Access Gatorade’s online Professional Training System for elite athletes
• Enter the “Train Like A Pro” sweepstakes – winner will receive a week of professional style training at a world class facility

Don’t miss out on this chance for a meet and greet with Pro Bowl Tight End Jason Witten.

Healthy Competition

I have a good feeling about this year!… We are going all the way!… We’re looking good with everything we did in the off season!… This year is different! These are things that every NFL fan says about their favorite team. Of course, there are an exception to that rule with a few teams that never seem to enjoy real success. Let me tell you why I am feeling good about the Dallas Cowboys in the upcoming 2010 season…competition.

Jerry has adopted a way of handling this team that has been a rule of previous successors of the Dallas Cowboys. For perfect example, take Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson. These two leaders, of grown men, knew how to motivate their team while remaining loyal and making this a business. Just like how any other business is ran, if you don’t do your job there will be somebody that is more than willing to take your position. If it means to get on a professional football team… then that is a definite! But to play for America’s Team!… the Dallas Cowboys, comes a real sense of honor. To know what has been a symbol of a successful sports franchise for years is what has become every player (who takes their craft seriously) dreams come true. Even if you have rooted for another team your entire childhood, to play for the silver and blue really means something.

Competition should always bring the best out of us. Competition doesn’t necessarily mean cutting the throat of the man, behind you or, in front of you in order to get ahead. It means everyday showing up with your ‘A-Game’. Despite how you feel that day or what’s going on in your life, you know how to get the best out of yourself in whatever you do. That also means getting the best out of yourself with the people that you work with…you push each other. Lots of times you end up rooting for that person that you are also competing against. Mainly for the love and dedication that you have for each other…and in this case, that star.

I love the way that Jerry and Wade handle this team after handfuls of follies Jerry had dealt over the years. Dishing out millions of dollars for big time players that just don’t seem to mount up to high standards when their pockets get really full. Perfect example of this has been Terrell Owens. Money doesn’t always talk, but B.S. definitely walked. A lot has been learned from the few short years that T.O. has given to this organization. T.O. got paid big money and felt like he needed to prove himself, so he played at the top of his game. He had that motivation, that sense to prove himself, that fire under his rear. Once he got paid again and knew that he was “set” to be a Dallas Cowboy for life, his true colors spilt out.

Now for the subject of Roy Williams, that is something that I just don’t feel like touching right now…I believe I have already said enough.

To get to my point…we need to have depth at all positions and we have it this year. We have veterans competing with veterans; rookies drooling over the chance to learn from a vets and possibly take over a vets spot; and rookies needing to prove themselves with all the talk that has surrounded them.

There are some exceptions to the rule this year. Tony Romo has proven himself this year as a true elite QB. Now that we have a ‘QB friendly’ system, he has shown himself to know how to be the leader and to successfully march the team down the field. Demarcus Ware has proven himself to be a constant elite player on defense. After starting off slow last season, he came through strong in the end and remained a definite force. But, it is always nice to have that guy behind him wanting to get in and show what he’s got. To show that he’s got the stuff it takes. That’s what makes a team solid. To know that when Ware comes out of the game that there will be a Jason Williams, Victor Butler, Stephen Hodges, or  Brandon Williams waiting behind for their chances to contribute to the team. The competition is what makes the Dallas Cowboys a whole, to function to it’s max potential.

Sean Lee will be on the backs of the feet of Brady James and Keith Brooking this year. Not saying that either one of these veteran starters will be replaced, but Sean Lee will be there to learn and to show that he can play at that level. I am particularly happy with our Wide Receiving corp this year! Our original starter will be Miles Austin and Roy Williams. There will be plenty of competition for both of these starter to make sure to always bring their ‘A-Game’. We have Kevin Ogletree who wants to prove that he can handle more snaps this year after his successful rookie showing. Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley feel like they could replace either Patrick Crayton and/or Sam Hurd for a slot on that bottom of that roster. Let’s not forget our favorite topic of the year…our first round draft pick. Along with everything I mentioned with our Receiving corp….we can throw Dez Bryant right into the mix of everything.

As for Defense, I already mentioned how our Linebackers will be full to the rim with guys wanting to get in and show their stuff. Some already have and will be sure to always show why they are the newly developed starter (e.g. Anthony Spencer). Now we have competition in the secondary position, with not just the safety position, but also the cornerback position. Just when Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins, and Orlando Scandrick start feeling comfortable at the spots the earned last year…Along comes Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and Jamar Wall. AOA can play safety and corner, and if he can make the special teams squad he could surely look to be a quality back up and future starter. Alan Ball and Mike Hamlin are looking to be the main competitors for is looking like the Free Safety starting position, but you never know if any of these young cornerbacks could handle that position. You know how Wade likes having guys on his team who can play more than one position. Now with Gerald Sensabaugh looking like he’s not going to play unless he has a contract before the season starts, that just gives other “hungrier” players a chance to show themselves on the pro football stage.  Then we have our Offensive Line who now has made the Doug Free situation a little bit lighter. With the addition of Alex Barron(in the Bobby Carpenter trade to the Rams), this years sixth round pick Sam Young ,and now, last years third rounder Robert Brewster is getting healthier from a torn pec before the season began last year. Free will need to show why Tony Sparano felt highly about this young prospect. Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will be competing with Marcus Spears for Defensive End time. I think everyone is getting my point here!

Now there are good ways to handle adversity with competition. Take Marcus Spears who sees that he is getting under paid but is still willing to go out there and to do whatever he can to progress and to make this team better.

There are bad ways to handle adversity with competition. Take Gerald Sensabaugh, whom won’t play this year unless he has a contract (longer than one year). Patrick Crayton, who isn’t showing up to OTA’s, which is allowing these other WR’s to go out and strut their stuff.

All in all everybody is in it for the team effort…if their not then they are shown the easiest exit out of the Ranch.

We need to keep our players hungry!…that’s exactly what Jimmy Johnson did with the Cowboys in the early 90′s..he kept them wanting more. He made sure that he found talent and that the talent worked hard. Their reward?…wins…”W”s…a championship…many championships! Even spotlight time for their personal achievements. No matter if you just played Special Teams( e.g. Kenneth “The Shark” Grant and Bill Bates). Who can beat that?

Tom Landry did that with his players, with Craig Morton and Roger Staubach sharing time at QB..some times each coming out every other play. Or Preston Pearson with Tony Dorsett. After a while Pearson, knew that he just needed to become a role player and let the young star rookie take the lead. Meanwhile, Pearson gave a whole ‘nother depth to that ’77 championship team.

I could go on and on. I could talk about the Running Back situation, on who should start and who should be our third down back, etc. Jason Witten has Martellus Bennett and John Phillips, to have him staying ahead of the game. Even the kicker Dave Buehler can’t just walk in and assume the starting roll as kicking field goals. Practically, every position has someone who could came in from behind and take over the starting roll…that’s what makes us special.

Now you could be reading this and think, “What about Romo, Ratliff, Witten or Ware?Haven’t these guys already proven themselves at a, sometimes, All-Pro level??…don’t these guys have a solid spot?” Well, of course, they do! They achieved it in their own way, by showing up every day to lead this team. Look at Aikman, Irvin, and Emmitt…they had solid spots, because they carried the team. I would love to say that there are solid spots on this team, but you never know…? I don’t see any rings on Wade’s Dallas Cowboys….just yet! Let ‘em duke it out with each other in the hot weather this offseason….then duke it out with the rest of the NFL to show everyone what they are made of, and what their teammates have pushed each other to become…future Super Bowl Champions!

Voice of the Nation 5/24: Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Safeties, and Predictions

OTA’s are well underway and you start to wonder what will be made of the big headlines.  From Miles Austin to Gerald Sensabaugh to Dez Bryant, there are still many questions.  Yet, somehow, we still feel confident enough to label this Cowboys team as “Super.”  Is that right? Can we deem them so successful when there is so much haze?

Well fear no more… I am here to help you understand some of the questions you’ve asked and some that you want to ask.


Ed Folker asked “Will The Cowboys Trade for or Make a Deal for a Seasoned Safety?? Pref. The guy from The Rams!”

Ed, that’s a good question and a popular one at that.  It is very unlikely that the Cowboys even consider this option.  Alan Ball and Mike Hamlin have shown good potential and have grown considerable as professionals.  On the other side, if Sensabaugh decides to do something shocking, I still like what Akwasi brings.  Though they are all raw, it’s better then spending a large sum of money on a new contract for someone like Otagwe.

Now, my opinion isn’t law or concrete.  There are some smaller name safeties out there that the cowboys could look at.  I also like Barry Church the undrafted rookie.

I think Jerry is looking in house though.

Brent Cochran — “If Wade doesn’t make the playoffs will JJ give him the AX!?”

I personally don’t think so.  Mostly because next year is so uncertain, the coaching search would be very difficult.  However, many refer to Jason Garrett as the coach of the future, and he very well could be.  If Wade has a horrible season and by horrible I mean less then .500, than Jerry will consider the “Axe” but like I said this is the class of the NFC East, if they go worse than .500 then there are bigger problems.

Chris Synnott — “Will the cowboys put dez in the slot because I think it would create tough match up problems for defenses? “

Although I see where you’re seeing the mismatches, I believe Dez Bryant offers something even better.  Dez Bryant is surely a number 2 potential receiver TODAY and a number 1 in a few years.  This means that you can move Roy to 1 Dez to 2 and put Miles in the slot at times to create some very big mismatches.

Don’t confuse what I’m saying though; Miles is the number 1 receiver.  I am merely talking about shotgun and singleback sets where a slot receiver is used.  This would make things pretty interesting.

DCN—What will the Cowboys Do about Sensabaugh and Austin?

Expect Sensabaugh to get a deal first, I don’t say that because he deserves on but because he is the most willing to test free agency.  However, because of Sensabaughs eagerness he wont get the deal he probably deserves.  His pay will define mediocrity but will be more then the 1 year deal he doesn’t want.

On the other hand, Austin, if he can remain humble and patient, will receive a 5-7 year deal from the well paying Dallas Cowboys.  All he needs to do is have 2 solid games.  Im not talking 150 yard games, I’m talking maybe 70-100 yards with 1+ Td’s.  Not very hard, by week 7 Austin is locked up.

DCN—When will Dez supplant Roy?

Don’t get too excited, Roy will be number 2 at the beginning of the season.  If he can prove that he’s ready to finally play, then he’ll stay there.  Now Jerry didn’t move up for no reason so expect Dez to get his share, if he performs well, you’ll see Roy see decreased snaps.

DCN—How will the Cowboys do this year?

In the next week ill do a season prediction (last year I was only off 1 game, so I pretty much rock) but believe me when I say the Cowboys will win the NFC East this year.

DCN—Can we expect a Super Bowl?

I don’t think we can expect anything.  Expect them to contend, ill let you know when I feel that they are “Super” quality though.

Roy Williams Welcomes Dez Bryant With Open Arms, Sorta…

As I was watching NFL Network a few days ago, they showed an interview reporters had with Roy Williams before a tournament at Cowboys Golf Club. This is Roy’s first public appearance to talk about the Dallas Cowboys 2010 season. The reporters wanted to know how Roy was going to prepare for the upcoming season and, Cowboys fans favorite topic…our first round draft pick.

” I know people are thinking that he is going come in and take my spot (with his signature nervous smile. Like he just dropped another one of Romo’s balls that hit him right in the hands. Hoping that he can make things right with the the leader of the team. Going back into the huddle as the camera is zoomed into his unshielded facemask) and all that mess and you know it’s not all about that,” Roy comments about Dez Bryant’s immediate impact on the team and being a threat to take his number 1 receiver spot. Roy continues, “I don’t think it’s gonna happen anyways”. He then tries to smooth over his bold statement by including ,”I embrace the challenge and what not, but I just think he’s gonna come in and help this football team win 3 more ball games”. Yeah…of course, he was brought in to make us win more games and eventually win us a Super Bowl! Way to go out on a limb Roy!…drafting a receiver first round was to fill a void that you still haven’t been able to do on your own since receiving your 5 year, $45 million contract. Jerry Jones got Dez Bryant for that reason and more. Roy needs to start reading the writing on the walls, or at least admit to it. It’s time for a major upgrade Roy, and earn your money!

I just don’t understand how he still seems to not have chemistry with Tony Romo. Romo has no problems getting the ball out to anyone else on the team. But, practically, every ball that is thrown to Number 11′s way is out of reach some how…some way. Let’s include all that time that was spent in the offseason trying to get a rhythm with the routes. It just boggles my mind! Roy Williams is a 2006 Pro Bowl Wide Receiver and he has, less than, half the stats as what Miles Austin and Jason Witten, with Miles only starting 12 games.

Roy replies to the upcoming competition of this years best receiver in the draft, Dez Bryant, with “I’m just gonna go through this like I’m the man…like I’ve always been and it’s never gonna change”. Really? Do you really need to make that statement Roy? This isn’t a game of opinions and ‘he said, she said’ stuff. This is a game of stats. Obviously, Number 11′s stats don’t add up to being “the man”. It’s plain and simple. Why would he say something like that? You never hear Michael Irvin or Emmitt Smith needing to claim to the media that they are ‘the man’, when competition for their position is a factor. This is a situation where it’s not a spoken matter. This is something that should just be known. It should be something that is known throughout your team, your fans, media, and even people who don’t follow closely to the Dallas Cowboys, but know the NFL.

Another thing that bothers me about that comment is that Roy should be truly embracing his new teammate. He should be completely hopeful for the team and where it is headed. Most importantly, he needs to be a veteran leader to Dez Bryant. Someone, whom Dez will be looking toward to give him a little guidance on the field when times get rough for the rookie. Dez can’t always count on Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin for everything. There is a time when someone just needs to step up and show the rookie ‘the ropes’. So, I guess this ends up being placed on Miles Austin’s shoulders. Well….why not? Miles worked his way from the bottom of the roster to the absolute top. Who else would we want to show our, ‘up and coming’ star, rookie wide receiver how to work hard and making something big of himself. Who else to give Dez a little push ‘here, but not there’ kind of attitude?…especially while they are on the field.

So what is our “Number 1″ Receiver’s job for the offseason? Wade Phillips wants for Roy not to be so upright whenever he is coming off his routes. “It’s just little certain things they want me to do, and I’m willing to try and do them to be a better player” Roy states to the media. I don’t mean to nit pick but, when does Master Yoda come into the picture and tell Roy “try you must not! you either do or you don’t”? He just needs to step up and be that leading receiver on the field, without any questions. I know that he has his own particular way of running routes, but clearly it’s not working right now. I know that the stat of 8 dropped balls is all that’s going to be talked about with this upcoming season, from start to finish. It’s not the 8 drops exactly…but in a ways it is. Any person who truly knows football that… Some times,…(just sometimes!…notice sarcasm)receivers don’t run their routes correctly and it’s not the QB’s fault. Look at T.O. and the interceptions that he caused Romo before he was given the axe by Jerry.

Look! Seriously! I didn’t write this article just to bash Roy Williams like the rest of Dallas Cowboys fans have been. I am all for improvement and doing everything in a very positive manner, but I am just being realistic here with his comments. I am just trying to articulate the frustration that has come from dedicated Dallas Cowboys fans for the past year and a half. They want their moneys worth out of him. I am sure Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Wade Phillips, Ray Sherman, Jason Garrett, and Tony Romo do too…especially when it’s 3rd and long and we need a ‘go to’ receiver when Witten and Austin have been overused.

Roy said of his highly criticized dropped balls. “I would bet anybody in this world I won’t come anywhere close to what I had last year,” he also said, “It won’t even be half. You want to take that bet? I won’t even come close. I promise you. I promise you, you, you, you and you and every fan out there. I won’t even come close.” I truly hope so. I truly hope that Roy doesn’t gets that nervous energy out of him before the season starts…cause this is probably going to be this seasons main topic. Welcome to the Dalls Cowboys Roy!…as if you need a reintroduction to the constant pressure of being a wide receiver for America’s Team. I know that Dez has the passion and the talent, let’s see what happens next.

Don’t be intimidated Roy! Just do your job and please, please, please earn your money!…that’s the nicest any Dallas Cowboys fan will ever be concerning everything  that’s gone on since mid-2008…don’t ever get use to it.

Running Game: Dallas’ Key To Victory

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.

2009 Season Stats

Week 1-6


Weeks 7-13


Weeks 13-17
Team Run Pass
Team Run Pass
Team Run Pass
Bucs 20 27 W
Seahawks 29 36 W
Saints 31 34 W
Giants 29 29 L
Eagles 23 24 W
Eagles 29 34 W
Panthers 32 33 W
Raiders
24 29 W
Eagles 33 35 W
Broncos 25 42 L
Redskins 30 27 W
Vikings 24 35 L
Chiefs
26 34 W
Packers 42 39 L




Falcons 28 29 W
Giants 21 55 L




Voice of the Nation

Q: Why Don’t we just trade Roy Williams for a draft pick or 2?

Unfortunately there is just nothing we can do at this point.  We owe Roy a substantial amount of money this year and no team is looking at him as a “must have guy”.   What does this mean?  It means that the value of Roy Williams is minimal right now, plus he’s the best option at least for the rest of this year.   Any future moves will depend on the development of Ogletree and Bryant.

Q: What is the update on Crayton and or Hurd being traded?

The latest reports say this:  Hurd has been participating in work outs and his dynamic special teams ability and potential as a receiver makes him attractive to keep around.

On the other side, Crayton wants to stay a Cowboy but he hasn’t shown up for any workouts and he is the most likely to be traded or released.  I expect one or the other to happen before training camp.

Q: What other players looked hot/cold during mini-camp?

According to reports Scott Sicko, Barry Church, and Danny McCray all looked great.  Also Sean Lee impresses the coaching staff.

Q: Are there any potential starters or possibly another star amongst undrafted rookies?

I just don’t see it this year.  Sicko is impressive but we have way to much depth there.  The best shot would be among the young safeties but even that is a long shot.

Q: Are we grooming a new Quarterback yet?

Stephen McGee right now is our “Future  I expect that to change though over time.  He has a good arm but I’m just not sure he’s a viable option as a starting quarterback in this league.  However, as of this minute he is our “Quarterback of the Future”

Dallas Cowboys Mini Camp Recap

Rookie minicamp has concluded and we’ve been able to come with some pretty good analysis from what we have here in our rookies.

We’re Safe

A lot of us fans have expressed concern over the safety position this offseason with the departure of Ken Hamlin.  However, calm your nerves.  Akwasi has been incredibly involved in learning all the mental aspects of the games and the feeling is that he is going to be in a position to get good playing time.

On top of that, both undrafted safeties impressed this week.   Danny McCray and Barry Church were consistently making plays during drills this week which seemed to earn them the trust of the coaching staff.  Does that mean they will both make the time? Time will tell, my guy says only one of those two will stick but we’re extremely thin in the position.  Both seem to be quality players who, over time, might be able to develop.

My money is on Akwasi though, I think he will turn into a starter in the league in about a year.  Also, lets not forget about Alan Ball he’s a viable option and could play consistently enough to get us through.

Inside Track

When the Cowboys drafted Sean Lee, fans were confused and angry, experts were applauding.  It seems like there is a reason experts are well… experts.  Sean Lee has, at this point, looked very good; he understands the terminology and successfully reads plays. The consensus is that Lee will be the first Cowboy rookie to see substantial playing time.

My Favorite Character

The Cowboys drafted Wide Receiver Dez Bryant and media critics were concerned.  Not because of his talent but because of his character that was considered to be pretty horrid.  Well Dez Bryant is a character, just not a bad one.  His interviews were polite and articulate.  He sounded genuinely grateful and excited to be a part of this Cowboys team.

Despite some physical issues, he contorted his body to make some impressive plays and pushed himself past the point of exhaustion to prove that he can work hard.  I am impressed at what he’s done and look forward to what he will evolve into; which will be a dynamic Pro-Bowl receiver.

Sick Indecision

Scott Sicko of New Hampshire originally decided to pursue football after not being drafted, only to reverse that decision after thoughts of his future and a 6 figure + salary came to mind.

Since coming to Dallas he has positioned himself to make at least the practice squad.  He has transformed from a pass catching tight end to a versatile football player.  Willing to take on any job if it means making the team.  Hats off to you Scott despite your rocky beginning.

First Day of Camp: All Eyes on Dez Bryant

The Cowboys started the 2010 season today with their first mini camp. Although there were 24 rookies participating, all eyes were on first round pick Dez Bryant. During the practice Dez showed the talent that made the Cowboys move up to pick him by making a few great catches.

This was Bryant’s first practice since he was suspended by the NCAA and he was glad to be back, “It feels good; it feels great.”

However, conditioning is a problem. Bryant was seen gasping for air and receivers coach Ray Sherman yelled at him, “Got to get in shape.” Overall Bryant looked good out there and says he will keep getting better.

“As the days go on,” Bryant explained,  “you will see a lot of progression.“

Second round pick Sean Lee is just happy to be on a team and playing football.

“It’s great to see all the rookies here. I think we’re going to build a little bit of camaraderie. I think it’s good, all of us being here, so we can get more comfortable and used to things as a group.” Sean Lee is going to play a big role for the Cowboys this season at linebacker and needs to learn the calls quick.

Some players, like Sam Young, are just happy to be a Cowboy and know how special it is. “The first thing you see when you come in is all those Super Bowls, and different things that make the Cowboys a special organization.“

The Cowboys first day of mini camp is over and the rookies are looking to improve for tomorrows practice.

The only negative around Cowboys camp right now is the Dez Bryant/Jeff Ireland questioning. After the first practice reporters were asking Bryant if his dad was a “pimp” and tried to get a reaction out of him. Bryant just wanted to talk about football and wanted to leave that problem in the past. Let’s hope the media stops talking about Dez Bryant’s mother too so he can focus on the playbook and getting in shape.