The Safety Dance

Alright! So it looks like Alan Ball has proven himself to all those non-believers out there. Everybody who thought that the Safety position was going to be our weak point on our top ranked defense. Which is something that I didn’t understand to begin with. When Ken Hamlin was out for 6 games in 2009, Alan Ball came in and the defense never skipped a beat. The thing is about Ball is that he’s not outstanding, but he’s not horrible. He does exactly what is needed of him to make our defense very effective. The man even put on 20 more pounds so he would be able to better fit his role as a starting Free Safety. His only weakness coming in was his ability to tackle, and he proved people wrong again with an open field tackle on Darren Sproles during last weeks game in San Diego. Ball is a speedy secondary player who is getting smarter, at his position, as the years go by. Not to mention, that he could take over as a 4th or 5th cornerback if things get really hectic.

Now! Let’s change the subject to the other side of the field…the Strong Safety position. This position is looking very profitable for the Cowboys as two of their undrafted rookies are stepping up at the position and on special teams. It seems that wherever the ball is you are sure to find Danny McCray or Barry Church.

Danny McCray proved himself noticable during the Hall of Fame game where he seemed very aware of all that was thrown his way. He even managed to get a interception.

Barry Church, as we all know, stepped in for injured Gerald Sensabaugh who hurt his shoulder early in the game and will be out 2-4 weeks. Church claims to have been nervous whenever his name was called to go out unto the field. First play for the rookie that day was him matching up again Antonio Gates. Which by any means would be an intimidating situation for any football player to be in. As the game went on he was practically involved in every play. Church’s most notable play was his 80-yard fumble return that was unfortunately stopped by a desperate Phillip Rivers weaving around Anthony Spencer’s tackle.

It’s very evident that these two undrafted rookies are a big to talk about during the preseason. I am forgetting one very important rookie that also has been working hard to live up to his hype. There’s another rookie that is bringing a lot of excitement to Cowboy fans other than Dez. His name is hard to remember (…or forget…) Akwasi Owusu-Ansah(say that 10 times fast)…or just AOA. He’s not an undrafted rookie but a 4th round pick, that not too many saw coming at that time. I know that Akwasi (I just go by his first name…it’s easiest for me to remember and pronounce) showed that he was a viable asset to special teams. So far he has shown that he can tackle and run back punt and kick returns. Akwasi has excellent vision to go along with his elusive speed. Forget anything about him coming from a small school in Pennsylvania (Indiana)…but so did Romo and Austin, looked what happened to them. AOA showed tha the was able to be what all they scouted him for, and this was just his first preseason game. All of his run backs looked very smooth and professional, except for the one fumble that he had on kick return, that was luckily covered up by the other rookie Safety Danny McCray (I guess they watch each others back). I guess, you’re come with a few sharp edges that need to be smoothed and filed if you are a rookie, so the fumble can be over looked. Especially, since he came back late in the game with a 45-yard punt return that was called back cause of a illegal blocking call(B.S. as Cowboy fans would call it).

These guys know how to play and they are more than willing to put in all the work that is needed to make this team and to contribute in whatever way possible.

I know that Mike Hamlin will be filling in for Gerald Sensabaugh against Houston this coming Saturday. A lot of Cowboys fans want to see more of either one of those rookies, but Mike Hamlin is still above them on the roster.

The down-side about all of this is Patrick Watkins chances of continuing to keep his roster position. Watkins is still fighting a sore knee that will not make his opportunity to stay on the team any better. Number 25 has experience of 10-games from his 4 year career, but his contract is too big. Why spend money on a veteran who has had his chance to really be a starter and not let one of these younger guys, play for less money, and have just as good ability as the veteran(right now) with potential for a brighter future? I know that Watkins has shown himself to very valuable on special teams…but so have these rookies.

Ball! you made the team. Sensabaugh! you too..but you need to watch yourself. These guys are looking hungery and wanting to prove a point. They are wanting to work hard and get this Dallas Cowboys team back to the glory they are use to having.

I personally think that Watkins has seen his days as a Dallas Cowboy and need to find work on another organization.

I would also like to mention that if things get bad with injuries that Ball could step into the 4th or 5th cornerback position…Oh! I already did mention that. Well…so can Akwasi Owusu-Ansuh. I say we keep 5 Safetys for this season. I say we keep this, position that all these football “expert” “analyst” want to say will be our weakest point on defense, to be one of our strong points. My personal picks would be Ball, Sensabaugh, AOA, Church, and McCray. Each contributing in their own special way to make the Safety position a thing for ESPN and NFL Network “expert” and “analyst” to praise.

We got the talent! Just execute!…and Stay focused!

This team can go far!…or not far at all..when it comes to traveling, that is…. in February. I think we got it…how about you Dallas Cowboys Nation?

Dallas Cowboys 2009 Offensive Team Stats…where do we go from here?

Ok guys! I know that this article might be a little bit late but I figured if I could put last seasons performance in numbers that it would give a clearer vision of where we need to be headed for the 2010 season. I am going to break this down as simple as I can, with highlighting certain areas that I think we all know have been issues.

Offense

2nd in Total Yards per Game- In first place…Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints with 403.8.

14th in Points Scored with 361- This clearly doesn’t match up with our 2nd overall ranking of Yds/Game. To me this shows that we still need a lot of improvement in the Red Zone, which I am sure a lot of Cowboys fans already know. I believe we need to find more plays for Jason Witten to get open in the end zone being he only had 1 TD last year. I also think Martellus Bennett needs to step up more to also fill that role. I do like that fact that the Cowboys have been working more on the “back-shoulder” throw that has been given us our first TD of the preseason to Miles Austin.

6th in Pass Yards per Game with 267.9/ 7th in Rush Yards per Game with 4.8 (2,103 Total Yards)- These are clearly numbers that the Cowboys should be proud of. With a 6th ranking in pass and 7th in rushing, in the same season, shows that Dallas has a great overall offense. They are very balanced and with players looking to be bigger key role players this year. We should look towards a dominating season if Felix Jones and Dez Bryant become that X-Factor that Dallas Cowboys need in order to go over the top.

3rd in Total Penalties with 115/8th in Penalty Yards with 892- For all those people out there that thought Flozell Adams should of not been released should take notice to this. I know that he doesn’t account for ALL of the penalties, but how many times do you yell at the television cringing everytime there is a false start call being made?…KNOWING that it’s Flozell before the ref even has a chance to announce it. Dallas needs to remain more focused and not let stupid mental mistakes keep occuring that keep us from getting into the end zone.

15th in QB Sacks Allowed with 34/16th in QB Hits Allowed with 78- I will give credit to Flozell did a heck of a job, after the ball was snapped, to protect our franchise QB. Now that he is gone Doug Free has not been a “?” anymore. I know that he was the talk of the off-season but has already shown himself to not be that big of an issue during the preseason. Now if we can just keep our O-Line healthy and also keep a secure roster depth at that position, then we should be ok. Not to mention that a lot has been talked about Leonard Davis needing to be as good of a pass blocker as he is a rush blocker.

6th in Time of Possession per Game with 32.17- This is a good stat just need to it as it is.

14th in 3rd Down Percentage with 41%- This stat is NOT so good. Dallas Cowboys were 82/202 for the season in 3rd Down success/attempts. I think that this falls on Roy Williams whom Romo has tried time and time again to go to and build his confidence. We all know the Roy Williams situation, but maybe with Dez Bryant coming in, things could all change.

I think that the Cowboys are doing well on addressing the offensive problems that occurred last season. I know that preseason isn’t looking that great, but it’s PRESEASON! Jason Garrett is clearly not showing all of his cards before the games really count. But truthfully, Dallas Cowboys Nation would like to see better execution in their plays.

My next article will focus more on their defensive struggles and what they need to do to get over the hump there. I know that a lot of rookies from last year will step up this season to really contribute when the dominating starters can’t be in. Plus, I know that we ended the season great, defensively, with a couple of shut outs…but we still need to work on those things that will give our offense a better chance of scoring….turnovers. Luckily, our defense is looking like they are leaving where they left off last year, just only better. I am looking forward to a lot of excitement this year on both sides of the ball…especially if the defense steps up even more.

It’s not helping Patrick Crayton to be out right now

I know that Patrick Crayton is feeling pretty upset right now, but this really isn’t the way to go by handling it. There are several other ways to express your feelings about your football ability on a certain team. Being absent to OTA’s and mini-camps is not helping his side of the argument. You can’t just kick and scream to get your way in the NFL. I learned that at an early age when Mom or Dad got tired of any temper tantrum I would provoke in public with my rear meeting the palm of their hand. Now as for a grown man, that’s a different story. I would really like to understand everything that is going on with this. Is there some sort of hidden story going on at the Ranch, or does he really feel that Jerry Jones is out to ruin his career and… his life?

To me, none of this mounts up to making sense. I know that Crayton has voiced his opinion before about issues that Cowboys fans feel should of just slid by…but why such a big voice about this? I just assumed that he understood that he has a job and it’s to show up to camp and catch footballs with his teammates.

I am very grateful for everything Crayton has done for this team over the years. I know that he has gotten the ‘shaft’ on many occasions. Fortunately every time he has shown up to prove himself the following week, and on through the rest of the season. It just seems very simple to me that all Crayton needs to do is show up to camp and do what he has always done..proven himself. That’s what every player does every day of being in the NFL. Tony Romo needs to always prove that he is good enough of a Quarterback to lead the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory. DeMarcus Ware needs to prove that his 20 sack season wasn’t a fluke. Roy Williams needs to prove that he can play just as good at Dallas as what he did in Detroit. Miles Austin needs to prove that he can keep on performing the way he did last year after his break out game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Keith Brooking needs to prove that he can still play at a high caliber after 13 years in the league. Sean Lee needs to prove that he can play with the pros after teams passing on him in the draft cause of his ACL tear. The list continually never ends.

Now, my opinion on handling such a situation would be to not focus on talking… but to focus on playing hard on the field, working hard off the field, and improving my ability as an NFL receiver every day. He is clearly putting his focus in the wrong direction. With him being out right now, that is allowing a lot of younger guys to step in and get a better chance at taking 84′s spot. These are young and hungery guys who dive into any slightly open crack of an opportunity. Those guys who are with the team right now are focused! Let me repeat myself..they are FOCUSED! Focused on their individual play and the playing ability of the team as a whole. They are focused on their job and the ultimate goal. They are not focused on talking with the media about how they feel they need to fit into an organization. Talking to the media is just something that is a requirement that many guys don’t always feel like doing. The media shouldn’t be an outlet for your frustrations.

There was a reason why Jerry, Stephen and Wade decided to clean house before last year… because there was too much controversy going on…way too much. Even the constant comments from Greg Ellis were getting old, and look at what happened to him after a 1 year stint in Oakland. Patrick Crayton is a big key to this team. Patrick and Tony have a chemistry that takes years to develop. Crayton isn’t a superstar on this team but he gives us everything that is still vital to winning a championship. He is a very good third receiver to be placed in the slot. He had a couple of excellent touchdown runs on punt returns too. He is that guy who we all know can fill in a second or even first receiver role any time someone gets hurt.

Maybe Patrick is wanting to show to people that he is worth the money that Jerry spent on him a few years back. Maybe that is the issue…? I know that I am trying to psychologically analyze this whole ordeal. Something just doesn’ t aggrevates me about this whole situation. It seems like the Dallas Cowboys are looking very positive right now… I just don’t understand what the whole uprise of feeling betrayed by Jerry is all about.

Whatever it is it needs to get sorted out and Dallas needs to get back to their main focus. That’s being a team and everyone finding a way to contribute to the ultimate goal. We all love you Crayton!… for everything that you have done for this team. You have gotten yourself through many criticisms that typically come with being a Dallas Cowboy, but don’t let things end like this. I feel that Patrick Crayton is a tremendous commodity to this organization and needs to get back on the field and do all those positive things that he knows how to do. If not then I guess we will be talking about how good (or bad) the Cowboys will play in 2010 without Number 84 on the team. That guy who gives Tony Romo assurance on catching balls during drastic situations. Someone who knows the ends and outs of this offense. Let’s get back to playing football…and proving ourselves as a team.

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!

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.