Roy Williams Welcomes Dez Bryant With Open Arms, Sorta…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Running Game: Dallas’ Key To Victory

The Cowboys passing offense can be the best in the NFL. With a receiving core of Miles Austin who had 81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns in only 9 starts, and Roy Williams who had seven touchdowns and is looking for a bounce back year; Dez Bryant the Cowboys first round pick is turning heads at camp.

Most feel he can be a big time player right away.

All pro Jason Witten, who is coming off another pro bowl season, will look to keep adding to his hall of fame resume. Throwing to that group will be pro bowl quarterback Tony Romo, coming off one of his best seasons.

Saying all that, the most important part of the Cowboys offense is the running game.

The Cowboys have a three headed monster at running back with Felix Jones, Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice. All of them have their own role on offense and can make plays. The problem is Jason Garrett loves to focus on the passing game with all of those weapons.

How can you blame him? It’s hard not to call a passing play every down with that type of talent on the edge. However, if you want to win games the Cowboys are going to have to run the ball. When you look back at 2009 you can see that when the Cowboys run the ball, they win more often than not.

Not only that but when Jason Garrett gets too pass heavy they lose.

Last season the Cowboys never won a game when Tony Romo threw more than 36 passes. In five 2009 Cowboys losses, Tony Romo threw and average of 40 times. The Cowboys lose when they throw too much. On the other hand, nine of the Cowboys wins this past season they ran the ball more than 25 times. And vs. the Raiders they had 24. The Cowboys don’t have to run the ball well all the time they just have to make sure they try. Last season when they played the Giants in December they ran the ball only nine times in the second half. On one possession they had three running plays and that drive ended in a touchdown.

It is great to have weapons on the outside, however, the statistics show that if the Cowboys want to win games they need to run the ball and not just air it out.

2009 Season Stats

Week 1-6				Weeks 7-13				Weeks 13-17
Team	Run	Pass		Team	Run	Pass		Team	Run	Pass
Bucs	20	27	W	Seahawks	29	36	W	Saints	31	34	W
Giants	29	29	L	Eagles	23	24	W	Eagles	29	34	W
Panthers	32	33	W	Raiders	24	29	W	Eagles	33	35	W
Broncos	25	42	L	Redskins	30	27	W	Vikings	24	35	L
Chiefs	26	34	W	Packers	42	39	L
Falcons	28	29	W	Giants	21	55	L

Voice of the Nation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Are we grooming a new Quarterback yet?

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

Dallas Cowboys Mini Camp Recap

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

We’re Safe

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

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

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

Inside Track

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

My Favorite Character

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

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

Sick Indecision

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

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

First Day of Camp: All Eyes on Dez Bryant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dallas Cowboys Draft Dez Bryant, Sean Lee in Value Draft

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

Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin Released

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!

Brain Injuries in The NFL

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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Mock Draft 2.0 Rounds 1-3: Bruce Campbell, Myron Rolle Break Through

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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