Odd’s are Garrett Loses Interim Tag; Tough Work Awaits

We all know this story by now; we’re stoked about what Jason Garrett is doing for this Dallas Cowboys Football team in his first 3 weeks. He has delivered on unexpected levels. Most believe that he will retain the job and have the “interim” tag removed. Once that happens, once Garrett finds himself being the Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys he’ll have some work to accomplish, it wont be easy and it may mean butting heads with Jerry, but if these moves are made… We’re looking at a Fisher/Titans type coaching era with better results.

Here are the players or moves that need to be assessed:

Don’t only commit to the running game, commit to a running back

Garrett’s first move should be telling Marion Barber that his ride as the starting running back of America’s team has come to an end. Then he needs to call in Felix Jones and let him know that he is not an every down running back. Garrett needs to recognize that Jones is a flashy player with big play ability. However, Jones is most dangerous when he’s not fatigued. In 2010 all his numbers have declined, he has 0 touchdowns after 111 carries and is averaging 4 yards per carry. (1 ypc less than last year)

Tashard Choice is waiting patiently and needs to get a fair evaluation. Choice has been productive when given the opportunity and Garrett needs to find out if he’s an every down type back. If not, Garrett needs to tell Jerry it’s time to locate someone that can carry the load and would allow Jones to come in and make the big plays we fell in love with.

Find Tony’s Replacement

Look, I’m not one of those fans that’s calling for Romo’s head. Tony is our QB and will be for the next 3 years or so but the bottom line is that he’s over 30 years old. His shoulder injury could be more damaging then expected and the Cowboys contingency plan of Jon Kitna is unstable. Stephen McGee is the prospective QB on the depth chart but his progression and development has been slow, and though he shows the arm strength, he doesn’t see the game fast enough to make all the reads.

With a deep draft class and some young talent waiting in the wings that may never get a chance (Matt Flynn, GB) you have to figure out where your future lies. Ryan Mallet is an Arkansas product (as I’ve pointed out on our FB page if you follow us “Dallas Cowboys Nation) and could potentially be a viable option for the Cowboys to ride the 3-year development plan. Regardless, a plan needs to be decided upon.

For Gosh Sake, Will Someone Tell Martellus He’s No HOF’er?

Garrett is the head coach and he needs to act like one. That means not being everyone’s friend. (sorry wade) One player that needs to be reigned in is Martellus Bennett whose on-the-field play is as horrible and unbearable as his tweets. All we hear is how much potential Bennett has, however, we all have potential and unless that shows up on the field I’d rather have John Phillips any day. If Bennett is worth anything in the market I’d put him on the block.

Another Player who fits this mold is Roy Williams. Trust me Jason, you don’t have time for this crap.

Restore the Cowboys to a Classy, Smash mouth, High-Energy team.

Look we all hate the Steelers, if you’re a Cowboys Fan you know that the Steelers are as hated a foe as the Eagles. However, the Steelers have built a respected franchise that displays class with dominating play.

Jason this is your largest task. Your job will require you to 1) be an inspirational, energetic disciplinarian 2) Find the Ray Lewis of your team, by that I mean the vocal leader who can hype up his teammates whether your winning by 10 or losing by 20 3) create a team that fits your philosophy and not a philosophy that fits Jerry’s team.

It’s really not difficult, Garrett needs to continue making tough practices along with making policies that the players are forced to aligned with. Working hard produces victory and once you start winning, the fun comes. Sounds different then we’re used to huh? Well I got news for you; this isn’t you and me on thanksgiving playing the turkey bowl. This is a group of men making a living, when I go to work I work hard for my paycheck and I would expect the same out of them and Jason should too.

This may be hard to fathom but if anyone has earned Jerry’s utmost trust its Garrett. Don’t’ be jaded Jerry wanted Garrett on his staff since early 2000’s and he’ll keep him around no matter what. Garrett is our best chance at developing a team that can win a Super Bowl. All he needs to do is be himself and follow my 4 step plan to success.

Cowboys Beat Saints? Unlikely, Yet Reasons for Hope.

Who dat say dey gonna beat them saints? Not the Cowboys. Sorry guys, the Cowboys team you’ve watched the last two weeks is much improved that’s true. However, It’s a long shot the Cowboys beat the defending Super Bowl Champions on Thursday.

We can’t rely on Kitna doing another 30-yard scramble. We can’t rely on Bryan McCann defying odds and once again changing a game. We certainly can’t rely on Marion Barber to be efficient with his carries, and I’m fairly certain we can’t rely on Alan Ball and the Dallas Secondary to shut down this Saints passing attack.

So if we can’t rely on any of those things what hope do we have?

My hope is there every Sunday and this is why it’s been restored:

Jason Garrett has gone from interim head coach to head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the matter of two weeks. Not because he won 2 games but because of the presence he brings to the organization. For the first time in 10 years (besides Parcells) we have a disciplinarian who understands the steps that need to be taken to have a disciplined football team who can execute on and off the field.

You may or may not like Jason Garrett but you’re going to have to learn to accept him as this teams coach. I fully expect that Jerry will continue his continuity theme and keep Garrett not just for next year but I think we can expect to see a 5-7 year tenure unless he completely tanks out.

The second reason for hope? How about the rookie Dez Bryant? With Kitna in, Bryant will always be a red-zone nightmare. Those two have developed an obvious rapport that’s allowing Dez Bryant to grow into a legitimate NFL receiver.

Suddenly, comparisons of Dez to Michael Irvin don’t’ sound so crazy. Dez has really started showing up, in his last game he has 3 touchdowns and in his last six games he has 6. It might now show it on the depth chart but the Cowboys have two number 1 wide receivers and one of them is not named Roy.

Dez Bryants talents as a receiver hardly justify the comparisons to Irvin. It’s the presence he brings, the fact that no matter where Dez Bryant is he needs to be accounted for because he’s a playmaker waiting for his chance.

So hope? There is some. Hope lies solely in the presence of two the emerging Cowboys personalities. We’re 3-7 so we’ve got nothing to lose, how about the Boys give us a good Turkey Day?

Turnovers Will Be Key To Defense’s Success

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.

Jason Witten At Dick’s Sporting Goods Next Weekend

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

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

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

At the event, fans will be able to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think Jerry is looking in house though.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DCN—When will Dez supplant Roy?

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

DCN—How will the Cowboys do this year?

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

DCN—Can we expect a Super Bowl?

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

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.

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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