Last night the Dallas Cowboys allotted more time for the first teams to show their stuff.  It turns out it they needed a lot more than just the first 2 quarters.   We’ll take some time to highlight the Good, Bad, and Ugly of last nights game.

The Good:

- Sean Lee displayed good speed and recognition in his play last night.    That’s a good sign for someone who was injury prone during his collegiate career.  Lee is very similar to Brooking and if he continues to progress the way he is, it’ll be a very good career he’ll have in Dallas.

- Martellus Bennett finally showed some fight in him.  After a disappointing season and dramatic offseason, Martellus Bennett came into the game amassing 40 yards off of two catches.  Bennett has been under a lot of scrutiny for his lack of motivation but if this is a sign of things to come it’ll be good news for a struggling offense.

- Miles Austin was able to snag a perfectly thrown back shoulder fade by Tony Romo.   You can expect this to happen frequently this season.  This too was a sign that Miles wasn’t a one hit wonder.

The Bad:

- For a team who is looking to hoist a dominant running game, Felix, Tashard, and Marion have looked less than stellar.  Behind a quality offensive line you’d expect to see something out of this trio of running backs that are projected to be game changers.

- Kevin Ogletree.  For a guy who is being given a lot of opportunities to produce, he isn’t.  The Cowboys really think a lot of this guy and throughout practice and game situations he’s been mediocre at best.

The Ugly

The Offense– particularly the play of Tony Romo.  Now I can say this, I think Tony Romo will be a top 5 quarterback this season.  However, he needs to start producing.  I know his play has been limited but he looked rusty and that’s not something that is encouraging entering a season with great expectations.

Notes:

Injuries to Sensabaugh and Brooking seem to be a non issue but will be held out for precautionary reasons.

Akwasi looked good for his pro debut.  Quick with good burst needs to work on fluidity in movement and decisions.

Cletis Gordon is fighting hard for a spot on this roster and I think he just might make one.  He has been incredibly consistent when he has to make plays on the ball.

Popularity: 4%

The Dallas Cowboys will start this season striving for something that has never been done: attempting to win a home super bowl.  Playing in a Super Bowl at home is, in itself, an incredibly unheard of feat.  That being said a dynamic offense synced with a superb defense will be the identity of this Dallas Cowboys team against some difficult foes.  So we’ll take a look at the schedule and predict how this season will unfold.

Week 1 – @ Washington

The Cowboys open the season in a rivalry game that offers a lot of new faces in new places.  Mike Shanahan will lead Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins onto the field.  In a battle that will seem lopsided the Cowboys Offense will overpower the Skins D.

Outcome: Dallas 31 – Wash 17

Week 2 – CHICAGO

The Cowboys open in Dallas against a rebuilding Chicago team.  Jay Cutler will be under a fire storm and Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are going to torch Chicago’s passing D in a big way.  Expect Ware to get multiple sacks against Cutler who looks like a statue in the pocket sometimes.

Outcome: Dallas 24 – Chicago 10

Week 3 – @ Houston

Houston is a sleeper for sure this year.  They offer a tough matchup in the passing game.  Owen Daniel and Andre Johnson provide Schaub legitimate targets that can get things rolling.  The Houston D is also potent enough to considered a threat.  However, the lack of a running game makes the passing attack an easier gameplan and the Boys win a close one.

Outcome: Dallas 27 – Houston 24

Week 5 – TENNESSEE

Another week with a lopsided offense.  Dallas should be able to focus on CJ2K and Vince Young and dominate the young team.  The Titans D allowed the 20^th highest points per game last year and I expect the high scoring Cowboys to exploit that.

Outcome: Dallas 35 – Tennessee 16

Week 6 – @ Minnesota

There are two scenarios here, none of them good.  Farve returns and dices the Cowboys Secondary.  Favre doesn’t return and Jared Allen dices up the Cowboys new left tackle.  Take your pick.  There is upside, the game is a lot closer if Favre stays home.

Outcome Dallas: 17 – Minnesota 28

Week 7 – N.Y. GIANTS

Cowboys come off a loss in Minnesota by facing bitter rival New York.  The Cowboys are lucky in this game as New York can’t get it’s running game established through a tough showing through the Dallas D.  The Cowboys are able to use there running game to establish control and win a big statement game.

Outcome: Dallas 27 – New York 21

Week 8 – JACKSONVILLE

An easier game in the schedule, the Cowboys handle the inconsistent David Garrard with ease.  This is a field day for a very talented Cowboys team and it’s over before the third quarter sees it’s halfway mark.

Outcome: Dallas 38 – 13

Week 9 – @ Green Bay

Dallas meets a equally talented team in the frozen tundra.  Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings offer the Cowboys a chance to see what it feels like to be diced by a tremendous passing offense and Ryan Grant offers a good “Don’t forget me” aspect of the game.  This one is a battle however, once that Mason Crosby decides on a frigid day.

Outcome: Dallas 24 – Green Bay 27

Week 10 – @ N.Y. Giants

Cowboys wont get caught again this time and face the first losing streak of the season with 2.  Its hard to sweep the Giants and this time they’re a little more prepared.

Outcome: Dallas 21 – New York 28

Week 11 – DETROIT

The hard fighting Detroit Lions come to Dallas to get massacred.  Detroit never gives up and Matt Stafford will surely be a force at quarterback in a few years but this time the Boys run them to hard on both sides of the ball and end this one quickly.

Outcome: Dallas 31 – Detroit 17

Week 12 – NEW ORLEANS

Last year the Cowboys walked into the superdome against an undefeated team.  They won and the Saints are looking to exact revenge.  Unfortunately, the Cowboys Defense puts in one of the strongest showings of the season and force 3 turnovers.

Outcome: Dallas 32 – New Orleans 27

Week 13 – @ Indianapolis

How many people run into Indianapolis and defeat Peyton Manning and the Colts?  Answer: Not many.  The Cowboys don’t’ get to do what other teams have before and lose to the offensive genius known as Peyton.

Outcome: Dallas 24 – IND 28

Week 14 – PHILADELPHIA

Last year is fresh on the Eagles mind and Kevin Kolb is starting to come into his own.  However, Jenkins seems to have DeSean Jackson’s number and the Cowboys shut down a team that lives by the pass.  On the other end of the ball Dez Bryant has taken over the # 2 spot by now and will dice up the weak Philly Secondary.

Outcome: Dallas 27 – Philly 17

Week 15 – WASHINGTON

The Cowboys sweep the Redskins who at this time are relying way too heavily on McNabb and are deeply in need of a quality running game.

Outcome: Dallas 21 – Wash 14

Week 16 – @ Arizona

The Cardinals are a mess at QB at this point the cards are thinking about next year and have inserted Anderson in as Leinharts replacement.  Things aren’t looking good for the once impressive Arizona Cardinals as they face the upper class of the NFC.  Marion Barber and Felix Jones take a lot of pressure off of Romo and the group as they coast to a low scoring, clock controlled game.

Outcome: Dallas 24 – Ari 9

Week 17 – @ Philadelphia

The Cowboys clinched the playoffs last week against Arizona and take this game to rest some starters.  Since the NFC East is a few games back of the Boys, the Cowboys take this time to see what their depth looks like and plan ahead for a playoff game as the number 3 seed.

Outcome: Dallas 14 – Philly 24

Overall Season Outcome:

DAL 11-5; 3^rd Seed NFC

Popularity: 6%

Everyone knows the old cliche that “defense wins championships”. Obviously you still need to score to win but a great defense can certainly make up for a not so good offense.

Luckily the Cowboys going into the 2010 season have arguably the most talented offense in the NFL. They will move the ball and they will score points, but the defense will be the key to a home played Super Bowl or not.

Now it’s hard to say that the defense could use improvement considering in 2009 they were the NFC’s fourth best overall defense, first in scoring, third against the rush and fifth in sacks.

The one glaring improvement is turnovers. They ranked 26th overall in the NFL in interceptions and having a total of 11 picks will not get it done in 2010. This team needs to create more turnovers period. Wade Phillips has been having the team work in the offseason on doing just that.

The Cowboys are also suppose to start playing more press coverage which will allow more opprtunities for interceptions. Can you imagine how much more potent this offense would be with a shortened field?

So what is the best way to create more turnovers? The simplist way is the pass rush. Now again it’s hard to argue especially considering this team had one of the NFL’s best pass rush the last half of the 2009 season.

DeMarcus Ware is the NFL’s best rusher. Fans of other teams can argue this until they are blue in the face but he gets it done. The emergence last season of Anthony Spencer was the key to the pass rush becoming what it was. We all know Jat Ratliff puts pressure on the quarterback which is unbelievable for a nose tackle, but Spencer made the difference. If he continues to improve as predicted the Cowboys will have the best pass rushing outside linebacking tandem in the NFL. That alone will create more turnovers.

Fans and the Cowboys themselves are hoping that Alan Ball can emerge as a good cover safety. Along with the pass rush I think if Ball can be the player most are predicting than that too will create more interceptions. The safety position has been a sore spot far too long. Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman are good cover corners with Jenkins expected to be even better this season. Gerald Sensabaugh is not a great player but he is more than adequate at his safety position. I really think if Ball emerges this team will without a doubt have more than 11 interceptions and will be a top five defense in the NFL.

Popularity: 3%

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.

Popularity: 4%

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.

Popularity: 20%

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!

Popularity: 3%

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.

Popularity: 9%

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

Popularity: 6%

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”

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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.

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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.

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Hey guys, It’s good to back in the swing of things after experiencing quite a lull in the offseason.  As most of you know the Cowboys made quite an array of value picks in this past weekends draft.  Many of you aren’t thrilled or are just unaware of where the picks came from so I thought we’d visit each pick, grade it, and let you guys get a better feel of your new Cowboys.

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State: Dez Bryant is a Top 10 talent who fell down to the Cowboys due to over hyped off the field issues.  Make no mistake about it, Bryant is a superstar in the making and will give the Cowboys the most productive receiving corps in the NFL.

Career Stats: 147 receptions, 2425 yards 29 touchdowns

Grade: A+

Sean Lee, Inside Linebacker, Penn State: Sean Lee is yet another first round talent that dropped due to an injury the season before.  Lee is instinctive; he dissects plays marvelously and is comparable to Keith Brooking.  Lee gives extreme value to a position that would have soon become a need.  Expect great things about of Lee for years to come, he’s your franchise ILB.

Career Stats: 324 Tackles, 3 FF, 3 INTs

Grade: A-

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Free Safety, Indiana (PA): This is probably the pick you’re most curious about.  I’m a Pennsylvania native, so obviously this pick means a lot to me.  Akwasi is a versatile, speedy, raw athlete that will be able to evolve into a play making free safety.  It will take a year or two but Akwasi has all the potential and intangibles to be Pro Bowl safety.  Especially known for  his coverage ability.

Grade: A-

Sam Young, Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame: Another intriguing prospect, great arm length and skill set, but will more then likely be a career back up with starting potential.  I don’t foresee him being the future at any position but I do see him being a capable pack up who can start effectively in case of an injury.

Grade: B

Sean Lissemore, Defensive Tackle, William and Mary: Comparable to Jay Ratliff according to Dallas Cowboys stats; He obviously isn’t going to start.  However, I do believe he will be an upgrade in the position and will allow for a more versatile and explosive defensive line in 4 down lineman sets.

Career Stats: 174 tackles 13.5 sacks

Grade: C+

Undrafted Rookies to Watch:

Will Barker, OT, Virginia

Phil Costa, G, Maryland

Chris Gronkowski, FB, Arizona

Matt Nichols, QB, Eastern Washington

Lonyae Miller, RB, Fresno State

Chet Teofilo, G, California

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In a pretty shocking move, the Dallas Cowboys released starting Safety Ken Hamlin and Left Tackle Flozell Adams.  This move isn’t the shock as we’ve all expected it to take place, the shock lies in the timing.  I foresaw the move taking place but I expected the draft to go by first.  It looks like the Cowboys know exactly what they want and they’re ready to keep this young talented team, exactly that, a YOUNG talented team.

There are drawbacks though, you will not find immediate success in the successors of the position.  Doug Free who is projected to start in Flo’s place will undoubtedly let Tony Romo get slammed quite a bit, while Mike Hamlin or whoever mixes in, will let big plays happen.

In foresight I see this being a beneficial move for the future.  However, if your expecting results this season, you’re going to be disappointed.  I am waiting comments from Jerry, Wade, and the coaching staff, as well as other players and updated news.  As we figure stuff out, we’ll let you know!

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I’ve been watching and reading about the NFL and its interest to help reduce brain injuries. Some of the things I’ve heard about, such as eliminating the 3-point stance for linemen, are just ridiculous to the game of football, but I do understand why it’s an issue to be concerned about. Below is an article on the subject submitted to me by Chelsea Travers of CareMeridian, let’s give it a read.

Sports and TBI II

Athletics are a great way to stay active. Millions of people each day take part in different activities that allow them to compete and stay healthy. However, some contact sports, like football, can cause serious damage and life long injuries like a Traumatic Brain Injury. A TBI can permanently alter someone’s life by changing their personality, creating physical ailments and may even require long-term rehabilitation from special care facilities like CareMeridian. These injuries are too common when participating in sports, but if the right precautions are taken prevention is possible.

According to the Brain Injury Resource Center, an estimated 300,000 sports related brain injuries occur each year. While the majority of these injuries appear minor many involve concussions. A concussion may seem mild initially, but can result in significant damage over a long period of time if untreated. Concussions are head injuries that are caused from blows to the head that cause the brain to shake violently within the skull. This can cause the brain to bruise, bleed, and/or tear. Concussions occur in every sport, but in football this injury is especially common and often times ignored.

It has been reported that the NFL has a concussion rate of 61%, which is one of the highest percentages for professional sports. This is why recently the NFL has established medical summits that bring in medical professionals to study concussions and head injuries. By inviting scientists and doctors to these summits the NFL is allowing awareness to be presented to both management and players. This will hopefully both curb concussions and prevent the long term damage that can result from a brain injury.

The article is very clear and to the point ~ football causes brain injuries at a pretty alarming rate of occurrence. It’s not rocket science. Men + banging heads = brain injuries like concussions.

Where I jump off the bus is the NFL trying to reshape the game of football to reduce head and brain trauma. These guys, football players, all know the risks heading into it. Yet when something happens, some freakish accident that severely injures a player, possibly ending his career and many aspects of his normal life to that point in time, the affected player always tries to act like a victim.

The fact is that football is a physical and dangerous game. That’s something I learned as a young boy because of knee issues that weren’t caused by playing. My knee problems did make me overly aware of the risk of injuring my knee(s) further, and so I chose to not play football. These guys all have the same choice, but it’s up to the players to make the choice, not the NFL. It certainly isn’t up to the fans and other spectators. But that’s just my view on it.

What’s your view on concussions and other brain injuries in football? Sound off in the comments below after throwing in your vote on the poll.

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The combine has concluded and we can all agree that it doesn’t really hurt a players stock, it’s more of a helper.  I have spent some time evaluating the Cowboys and the prospects and have completely altered my stance on this NFL draft since my last mock-up.

I’d like to give you guys my revised picks for the first 3 rounds and see what you think, so here we go:

Round 1: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Campbell is an absolute freak:  6-3, 315 lbs of pure muscle.  His skills are a little raw but his potential is limitless.  If the Cowboys can nab him and get him a good mentor on the offensive line to work on his mechanics and game knowledge, Campbell will become a perennial Pro-Bowler.

Round 2: Myron Rolle, S, FSU

Myron Rolle is a special case.  Something that appeals to me is his character.  Rolle isn’t the cocky athlete who boasts in his ability.  Instead, he is a brilliant man who has a bright future outside of football.  Well, despite his incredible potential as a man in this world, he decided to play football first.  That decision will land him a role as a franchise caliber player in the Blue and Silver for years.  His game isn’t quite at the level of a Thomas or Berry, but his intellect, game knowledge, and rare athletic ability make him an attractive player for any team.

Round 3: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Spikes has been highly regarded all season throughout collegiate football as a middle linebacker.  Unfortunately, his workout in Indianapolis was less than impressive.  Like I said before though, I don’t really care.  I’ve seen this kid play and he is ruthless.  His size and play recognition make him a great run stopping threat and could really benefit from sitting behind Brooking for a year.  If Spikes is off the board expect Sean Lee to be taken instead.

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The combine has begun and so will we here at DCN.   With draft prospects becoming more and more known the Cowboys have shown great interest in a few players.  However, you guys have shown interest in a few players too.  A player that you guys have talked about is WR Jordan Shipley from Texas and today he is the target of our Prospect Profile.

Jordan Shipley (6-0, 195lbs)

Wr/Texas

Shipley is a speedy experienced receiver.  His time in the game has allowed him to study the game and understand complex defensive formations and assignments.

Why the Take Him: Shipley is a Texas player so naturally people would love to see him in the Blue and Silver.  Beyond that Shipley is an explosive player with great speed and ability.  He could add depth to a mediocre receiving unit as well as fill in as a slot receiver.  He is an attractive pick if he’s available in the third round.

Why they don’t: You know, there is just not that many weaknesses in this kid.  I believe he’s a talented player being easily forgotten in a draft with some great receivers.

Final Word: Shipley is a versatile player who could make plays in different position.  He is also known for making big plays when they needed them.  However, you’re looking at placing him next to Ogletree and I’m not sure you want to stop the development of Ogletree quite yet.

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It looks like a bad year to be a veteran running back in the NFL. First the Chargers release 9 year vet LaDainian Tomlinson and now the Eagles have delivered a shiny new axe to Brian Westbrook.

I must say that L.T. leaving San Diego is a story that’s been in the making for a while now. It was just this time last year when the rumor mill was swirling with the pending decision to keep or cut him. It’s the first of his nine seasons to finish the year with under 1,100 yards rushing.

Though the general consensus is that his release was due to monetary constraints. It doesn’t hurt that Darren Sproles was technically backing Tomlinson up either.

Brian Westbrook, however, has come on as a franchise runner in Philly so I doubt anyone expected that he’d be released.

Westbrook did have some issues over a concussion that helped put a spotlight on the late and great movement toward player safety and giving concussed players ample time to heal before checking back into the game. He missed a few games and ended the year well short of his best season yardage with only 274 yards on the ground.

Personally, I’m surprised enough by the Eagles’ move that I’d now think twice before saying with any degree of confidence that Andy Reid or Donovan McNabb wouldn’t be released. Westbrook may not have been the top rusher in Philadelphia the past two years, but he wasn’t considered expendable either.

Nick Folk is going Green
Looks like that trip to New York for tryouts wasn’t a wasted effort after all for the former Cowboys kicker. The Jets have signed him to a one year deal, opting to go with a rebounding Folk over veteran place kicker Jay Feely.

Maybe Folk can turn things around before they get any worse for him.

Don’t forget, I want your reactions to Tomlinson and Westbrook being released, and Folk’s future with the J – E – T – S.

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As I’ve stated many times, my projected first round pick for the Cowboys is Idaho guard Mike Iupati, however, that’s merely an opinion.  Someone once said to me “Opinions are like buttholes, everyone’s got one and most of them stink.”  So another popular opinion among experts has the Dallas Cowboys taking Safety Taylor Mays of USC.  So I thought we’d start our series of Player Profiles here and analyze this pick.

Taylor Mays (6-3, 220, Safety-USC)

Why they take him: Mays is an extremely rangy safety.  He clocks a 4.45 40-yard dash and is an incredible physical specimen.  His play has showcased some terrific abilities from jumping to movement.  He has proven to be durable and have terrific work ethic while always keeping the team first which would match the new Cowboys locker room style to a tee.  His ability to play the run is also attractive.

Why they don’t: Mays is your typical Roy Williams cliché.  Despite his upside he has been inconsistent making questionable decisions and plays.  Often caught going for the big hit instead of the safe tackle, Mays can easily become a liability at the next level.  Many experts believe that he will have an issue playing man coverage with receivers due to his technique.

Final Word: Mays is a tremendous talent and may be hard to pass up.  However, he is just not what this team needs.  This team needs a safety that won’t be a liability in pass coverage and will be reliable when backs or receivers threaten that last line of defense.  Mays has many strengths but his weaknesses ruin Cowboys compatibility. If they do take him, I’d be surprised if the relationship lasted longer than his rookie contract.

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Of all the things to happen, why’d Deon Anderson have to land himself a gun related charge? Seriously, as if Plaxico Burress didn’t make that point crystal clear for the league.

To me it seems like there are just too many dynamics in play to try to figure out what will happen with him should he be convicted, and even if he’s not. I say too many because one of the key dynamics is the amount of change in Jerry Jones regarding his players and personal conduct.

We all remember the 90′s—it was ugly as far as personal conduct.

But then Adam “Pacman” Jones was able to test and tread the waters before eventually sinking at the hands of Jerry Jones. And who can forget Terrell Owens, given that anyone believes the decision to release him last year was even slightly about team chemistry and “The Player’s” attitude.

Jerry has possibly demonstrated a change in his own policies for dealing with players who cause and get into trouble. I use possibly because while things were really heating up with Pacman and T.O., Anthony Spencer got into some trouble and barely received a slap on the wrist.

So what will Jerry do with Deon, regardless of if he is eventually convicted or not? It’s hard to say.

T.O. had become more of a problem than a producer, and Pacman could never stay out of trouble long enough to start producing in Dallas. But Spencer was viewed as the next starting OLB ready for the soon-after release of Greg Ellis.

Deon Anderson had one catch for five yards in 2009. That’s it. That was all of his involvement.

It seems to me that the axe would fall swiftly if it even looked like he was facing jail time. But a guy that touches the ball only once in a whole season plus two playoff games should be very worried no matter what.

So you guys tell me what you think, should he be cut and under what circumstances? Answer in the comments.

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Earlier this year former Dallas linebacker turned Dallas assistant head coach and assistant linebackers coach Dat Nguyen announced that he was not interested in returning to the Cowboys in 2010. Reasons cited took focus around the notion that Nguyen felt there wasn’t room for the kind of advancement he wanted in the near future.

He has since returned to Texas A&M as the linebackers coach.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys officially hired Bobby King to replace Nguyen today. From the DMN Cowboys Blog:

“Bobby King, a defensive line coach at West Texas A&M the past two seasons, has been added to the staff as a defensive assistant. Before his latest coaching stint with the Buffaloes, King worked defensive tackles at Baylor in 2006 and ’07. He was a teammate of Cowboys quality control coach Wes Phillips at UT El Paso and also worked on staffs with Phillips at West Texas A&M (’05) and Baylor (’06).” – Feb. 17, David Moore

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After leading the league in 2009 with 10 missed field goal attempts at the three-quarter mark, Dallas’ star kicker Nick Folk was cut in search of consistency on the three-point-tries.

Dallas went on to sign Shaun Suisham who has flopped so far and Folk went to the unemployment lines.

Some of us Dallas fans struggled with the decision to release Folk. Some said he still hadn’t gotten right after his preseason hip surgery and others simply maintained that he needed time to work through a tough spell in his young career. Neither has yet to be settled as anything more than mere speculation.

As of today, though, the clock starts ticking down to the moment when we’ll all know if Folk was a two-year man or just in need of some refocusing.

According to Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk.com, Nick Folk is headed to New York for tryouts with both the New York Jets and New York Giants. The Giants still have a guy under contract while the Jets’ only kicker is an unrestricted free agent. Read the full article at PFT: Nick Folk Has Two Tryouts Coming Up

Apparently few have forgotten what Folk has done when at his best and seem to be willing to give him a shot. We’ll have to keep an eye out to see what happens.

Anyone think Dallas could/should/would resign Folk before the 2010 season starts? Give your answers in the comments.

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Hey Cowboys Nation, I’m here to treat you with my first 2010 mock draft.  I’ve done a decent amount of research and watching and have established, what I believe is a solid draft for the Dallas Cowboys.  Of course, this can all change as we watch the combine and pro days in the weeks ahead.

Over the next few weeks I will be looking at each of these choices in depth, and will also provide news, combine, and prospect updates in the days leading to the draft.  So enjoy this, share your insight, and stay tuned as Dallas Cowboys Nation begins to lead you through this offseason.

G/T Mike Iupati

Why They Take Him: Mike Iupati has been a favorite of the Cowboys Scouts.  Impressive at the senior bowl, Iupati has all the intangibles that the Cowboys love on the line.  He is powerful, fast, and knowledgeable.  If Iupati is available, which I believe he will be, He will prove over time to be a steal at 27.

How He Fits: Iupati would make an immediate impact on this team.  With Flo on his way out and Kosier finishing up his contact we are in need of offensive lineman.

Read the rest of this entry »

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What a year for kickers in Dallas. First we start off thinking that we’re golden, set to go.

We got the newbie David Buehler ready to handling the kick offs and Pro Bowl strong-leg Nick Folk coming back as the place kicker. The worst things we had to worry about were injuries or maybe the rookie fluffing out, in which case Folk would just go back to kicking short kick offs again.

Nobody expected Folk to struggle the way he did.

Connor Hughes was one of the guys who tried out with Folks replacement, Shaun Suisham late in the year. He’s basically got nothing by way of experience having played a year for Philly in the AFL, plus two training camps, one with Pittsburgh and the other with New Orleans.

It would seem that his lack of experience is exactly why he wasn’t retained to finish out the year. Instead we resigned Shaun Suisham shortly after the Redskins cut him for missing a couple of field goals. Actually he missed a couple of tries against the then unbeaten Saints, and they had a shot to win it late too. Suisham easily got the blame for that loss.

So now, after being resigned to the team, Hughes is saying that he out-performed all of the other kickers who tried out during the year, and only lost out because of his lack of playing time.

He did go 5 for 5 in exhibition games with the Steelers and Saints, though most were under 30 yards.

The possible Cinderella story Hughes hopes that now he can come in and do a good job for the Cowboys. Maybe he can shore up a kicking game that has been lacking consistency, aside from a great year with folk, for more than a decade.

As for Suisham, this was a return to Dallas for him, and he didn’t do so well. He’ll be most remembered for missing two field goals, chip shots at that, against the Vikings to stunt momentum in the Divisional round of the playoffs.

So long Suisham…I’m tired of spelling your name.

Read the full story on DMN – Cowboys Kicker: I Outperformed Shaun Suisham in December

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Ok Cowboy’s fans and NFL fans alike.  Lets get this show going.  The NBA allstar game has cleared out of Cowboys Stadium, Valentines Day is over, and the franchise deadline looms.  All this means one thing… Our small vacation is over and coverage is back full swing.

Lets get started.  The Cowboys have a decision to make in the upcoming days.  Do we Franchise Miles Austin?  While the argument could be compelling, do you really want to give your most productive receiver and young star an opportunity to look elsewhere?

Miles Austin didn’t really do much this season just posted a mere 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Not really too exciting when thinking about how many cowboys receivers have posted better stats.  Wait you mean he’s had one of the top seasons out of all the cowboys receivers ever?  He posted more touchdowns this season then Irvin ever did?

Yup…

Miles Austin is more then a franchise tag, he is a long term franchise receiver.  Someone for Romo to grow with and make waves with.  I expect Jerry to ink Miles long term, but we’ll keep you updated.

Draft Watch

As many of you know I am a huge fan of Mike Iupati.  I have projected this Dallas Cowboys to pick Iupati at the 27^th pick and apparently I am not alone.  MyNFLdraft a draft specialized NFL website has also projected Iupati to fall into the Cowboys laps.  After a brilliant display at the Senior Bowl Iupati would be exactly what the Cowboys are looking for in an offensive lineman.  Keep an eye on him during the Combine in the next couple weeks.

As I’ve said before, the break here for us DCN bloggers is over and it’s time to attack this offseason full force, so stay tuned for player biographies, analysis, and news breaks.

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