Dallas Cowboys: Filling The Gaps

Seeing a silver and blue clad player chasing an opponent in a different colored jersey has been a common sight for Dallas fans for the past few seasons. These players attempting to catch up were commonly found in the secondary, and the Cowboys have done little to improve this glaring weakness.

This offseason Dallas management released Roy Williams, Mr. Blown Coverage, but little else has been done to improve the struggling secondary.

Many fans hoped that Dallas would use early draft picks to help the secondary, but with Dallas not having a single pick on the first day, Cowboy fans can only hope for a hidden gem in DeAngelo Smith, Stephen Hodge, or Mike Mickens.

Is there any hope in a free agent signing?

This season’s defensive free agent pool is a little thin, but the Cowboys could look to CB Ty Law or SS Lawyer Milloy to upgrade the ailing secondary.

The position battles at CB and SS will be especially interesting during summer camp.

Outside of the secondary, look for battles along the defensive line to replace Chris Canty and Tank Johnson. Dallas did acquire two defensive ends in the fourth round of the draft, but replacing Canty will be a difficult task. Whether or not these young players can make an impact will be a deciding factor in the effectiveness of the Dallas D-Line.

On the other side of the ball, the departure of Terrell Owens will, obviously, impact the wide receiving corps for the Cowboys.

With their last pick, Dallas acquired Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson. His production was consistent in his last season at OU, but it is hard to imagine him challenging for a starting role over the likes of Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, and Sam Hurd.

Every receiver on the Cowboy roster will be challenged this offseason to become the go-to guy for the Dallas offense.

The production of each receiver will, likely, be put under a microscope next season. Whether or not they can still produce, despite the loss of T.O. will be a point of contention for the Dallas Cowboys.

If free agency is an option, there are a number of quality receivers who are eligible this offseason.

Plaxico Burress could make an immediate impact, but the Cowboys just cut loose a major distraction. They don’t need another one.

Amani Toomer is another Giant who could fill T.O.’s shoes. This would be unlikely due to the Giants being in the same division.

Marvin Harrison could be a great fit in Dallas. He has been one of the league’s best receivers (when healthy) for the past decade. While his career is likely on the decline, he could be brought in, not only to be a consistent weapon, but also as a mentor for the young receivers on the roster.

Each of these receivers, however, comes with a hefty price tag, which will be the deciding factor on whether on not they could in up in Big D.

The limited number of picks in the past draft doesn’t lend itself to many “emerging stars” on this year’s roster, however, past acquisitions will be expected to step up and make an impact this season.

The success, or failure, of the Dallas Cowboys’ season hinges on whether or not these players are able to take the next step.

 

(With the help of DallasCowboys.com, NFL.com, and Yahoo.com)

Tony Romo Mock Interview Questions

Mock preseason interview questions for Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo.

Greg Evans: Mr. Romo, what expectations do you have for yourself and your team this season?

Tony Romo: <Answer>

GE: Some of your critics say that you fall apart in the last half of the season; what do you say to those critics?

TR: <Answer>

GE: How do you see your team’s offense differing after the changes that have taken place this offseason?

TR: <Answer>

GE: The NFC East is widely considered to be one of the NFL’s top divisions. Do you think playing in such a tough division is an advantage for your team when it comes to outside the division?

TR: <Answer>

GE: For something completely different, considering that you missed the cut for the U.S. Open, which would be a better accomplishment? Winning the U.S. Open or winning the Super Bowl?

TR: <Answer>

GE: Do you see any advantages or disadvantages to games played on Thursdays?

TR: <Answer>

GE: To follow that, do think that teams who play on Thursdays deserve a bye week either before or after that game?

TR: <Answer>

GE: Thank you for your time, Mr. Romo.

How the Departure of T.O. Will Change the Face of the Dallas Cowboys

It will come as little surprise to Dallas Cowboys fans to hear that their team’s offense is going to be different this year. The departure of the talented, albeit team-killing, Terrell Owens will bring a new look to a stale Dallas team.

The Dallas offense ran through T.O. for the last three seasons. Yes, his last season in Dallas was filled with controversy and Jason Witten had more catches, but Owens was the reason that every other receiver could be open. Love him, or hate him, Terrell Owens was Dallas’s big play threat.

Who will step up and take his place on the field?

The most obvious choice is former University of Texas standout, Roy Williams. He seems to have the strength and speed to be the Cowboys “go to” receiver, but his numbers have steadily dropped off the past couple seasons.

Jason Witten seemed to be Tony Romo’s man-crush last season, but a tight end cannot and should not be a team’s featured receiver. The TE is the team’s safety blanket—an easy first down—not the big play maker.

After Owens and Witten, the receiver with the most yards last season was Patrick Crayton with 550, which was over 400 fewer yards than Witten had, and 500 fewer than Owens. He is a solid number two receiver, but he is not the deep play threat the Cowboys need.

After all this, you would hope that Dallas would draft a possible replacement in the draft, right?

Nope, Dallas didn’t even have a pick on the first day and the only WR they got was Oklahoma wide-out, Manuel Johnson.

Johnson’s numbers were solid at OU, but he was severely limited by an arm injury last season. Unfortunately for Dallas, Johnson probably doesn’t have the size or speed to be their home run threat.

What does that mean for a Dallas team hoping to return to the playoffs?

For the first time since he stepped on the field, Tony Romo must step out of the spotlight.

Romo was crowned “The Next Troy Aikman” by many Cowboy fans, but without a big play threat Romo needs to become a better decision-maker.

Owens had the incredible ability to catch a ball in triple coverage, and that talent saved Romo numerous times. As much as many fans hate the phrase, Romo must learn to “manage the game.” He needs to keep up his rhythm with Jason Witten for emergency situations, but the Dallas offense will focus on its running game.

The Cowboy running backs are headlined by the bruising Marion Barber and the lightning-fast Felix Jones.

Jones was averaging 8.9 yard per carry before he went down with an injury last season, and his presence will be much appreciated next season. After Jones went down, Tashard Choice stepped up to the backup role and averaged a more than respectable 5.1 yard per carry.

Marion Barber will continue to be the featured back of the Cowboy offense. He may not get many yards per carry, but he will fight for every yard he gets. The power that he brings to this team helps wear down opposing defenses so that Jones and Choice can break free.

If the Cowboys can find a deep threat to go with their solid running backs, expect to see Dallas playing deep into January.

 

*Stats from CBSsports.com and DallasCowboys.com

Why I Will Forever Follow the Dallas Cowboys

Three names sum up my first experiences with the Dallas Cowboys: Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. These three football legends introduced me to a sport that I cannot get away from.

I still remember watching Super Bowl XXVII, when the Cowboys blasted the Buffalo Bills 52-17. My mom decked me out in a Cowboys shirt and hat. With each touchdown Dallas scored, I became a little more of a fan.

The next year was more of the same. I convinced my mom to buy me a couple of Dallas Cowboys buttons to put on my shirt, and I wore them with pride. While Super Bowl XXVIII wasn’t the offensive spectacle that the last one was, it helped show me the payoffs of being a loyal fan. Those moments with my mom are moments that I will always cherish, and they happened because of the team in silver and blue.

While many of you will cry band wagon fan, let me tell you, I have continued to cheer for the Cowboys. I sat and watched as Super Bowl quality teams turned into 5-11 teams. Each year, I hoped that it would be the one where my boys turned it around.

When Bill Parcels was announced as the next head coach, I felt the old pride come back. Parcels was a coach who was known for turning around poor teams. He would bring Dallas back. I watched Parcels try to turn around my team, but he could never get over the hump.

While Parcels may not have turned the corner for the Cowboys, he did lay a foundation for Wade Phillips. Now Dallas is gathering a new group of potential superstars. Where there was once Troy Aikman, now we have Tony Romo. Emmitt Smith has been replaced by the two-headed monster of Marion Barber and Felix Jones. Michael Irvin is the only former headliner to have a solid replacement.

As with every Dallas fan, I have high expectations when every season starts. This season will be no different.

*Stats from DallasCowboys.com

NFL Draft 2009: What You Need to Know

With the 2009 NFL Draft less than two days away, here is a helpful guide of things you need to know:

– In the first round, each team has ten minutes to announce their pick. In the second round, each team has seven minutes. After the second round, each team has five minutes to announce their pick. If the pick isn’t announced within that time frame, the team is considered “tardy” and the next team is allowed to announce their pick (football.about.com).

– The draft order is determined by the previous season’s win/loss record, with the team with the worst record getting first pick. This season, playoff teams will pick according to how they did in the post-season. For example, the Pittsburgh Steelers will get the 32nd pick because they won the Super Bowl, despite Tennessee having the league’s best regular season record.

– Teams are allowed to trade their picks before or after they have used the pick. The best example of this is the 2004 Draft, where the Chargers traded first overall pick Eli Manning for Giants’ No. 4 pick Philip Rivers. This is not limited to newly drafted players.

 

What does your team need? What don’t they need?

Detroit Lions: The Lions, obviously, need improvement in every aspect of their team. They were at or near the bottom of the league in every statistical category. Their first pick will likely deal with their need for a QB. Hopefully, their later round picks will address their weak offensive and defensive lines.

St. Louis Rams: Look for the Rams to address their needs at offensive line. You can have a boat load of skill players, but if they have no one to block for them, they will never reach the endzone (see the Rams’ 31st rank in points scored). In successive rounds, watch for the Rams to look at their defensive needs.

Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City addressed one of its biggest needs with free agency by acquiring QB Matt Cassell. The Chiefs were one of the worst teams defensively last season, and any help they can get at any defensive position will benefit them. Look for this draft to be spent helping a defense that has historically been the weak link.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks will likely look for an understudy for QB Matt Hassleback in the first round. This draft will probably be spent improving the Seahawks’ offense, despite their defense being in dire need also.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns will probably look to address their needs at WR in the first round. After the first round, their focus will probably shift to defense.

Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer needs offensive line help, so Cincinnati will probably look to improve their line in the first round. Don’t be surprised, though, if they go after a receiver. Who knows how much longer Ocho-Cinco will be a Bengal?

 

Oakland Raiders: Two seasons ago, the Raiders did the right thing in drafting JaMarcus Russell. Last season they had a steal with Darren McFadden. Now, they need to keep those guys from getting clobbered. Look for the Raiders to pick up an offensive lineman in the first round and continue to focus on offense throughout the draft.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville was in the lower middle of the pack in most statistical categories, so any improvement they can get should help move either of those units to the next level. The defense will probably be a focus this draft, with the glaring problem being the defensive line.

Green Bay Packers: When Brett Favre “retired” last season, Packer fans thought their team was doomed, but Aaron Rodgers led the offense very well in his first year. Look for Green Bay to pick up an offensive lineman to help out Rodgers in the first round. Their focus will then shift to improving a below-average defense.

 

San Francisco 49ers: While I may sound like a broken record, the 49ers will probably address their offensive line woes this draft. Their offense ranked near the bottom of the league, and this draft should be used to improve that unit.

 

Buffalo Bills: As with Jacksonville, the Bills were in the lower middle of the pack in most statistical categories. Look for them to improve their defense, especially after acquiring Terrell Owens. The later rounds should have them looking for a team counselor to help with team chemistry…

 

Denver Broncos: I still don’t know what the Broncos were doing when they got rid of Jay Cutler. He was a great QB and was worth more than what they got from Chicago. The Broncos will probably address defensive needs. If the skill players around whoever becomes the Broncos QB are deemed satisfactory, this should be a defensively minded draft for Denver.

 

Washington Redskins: Washington has lost a lot of its impressive defense to free agency this offseason, so look for their first round to fill the gaps left by those players. Later rounds will probably see the team improve a less-than-stellar offensive unit.

New Orleans Saints: While the Saints had one of the most productive offenses last season, it was all through their passing game. The Saints should try to improve their running back corps in the first round and look into improving their defense in later rounds.

 

Houston Texans: Houston has taken huge strides in the past few years, and most of that is due to smart picks in the draft. Look for them to improve a secondary that gave up far too many big plays last season. Later rounds will probably be used to complement a much-improved offensive unit.

 

San Diego Chargers: San Diego needs better production out of its defense, and it should use this draft to improve it. Depending on how the LT situation is progressing, they might need to pick up a sleeper running back in later rounds.

 

New York Jets: With the “final” retirement of Brett Favre, the Jets need to address a hole at QB. Later rounds should be used to fill in weak points of both units.

 

Denver Broncos: (Pick from the Chicago Bears) Let’s call this the Cutler compensation pick. With their second first round pick, the Broncos should look to the defensive line and take the best available player at that position.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay has gone through some radical changes this offseason, including, but not limited to, the firing of John Gruden. The Bucs will probably look to improve their defense in the first round, but will look for offensive players with later picks.

 

Detroit Lions: (Pick from Dallas Cowboys) We all know that the Lions need all the help they can get. With their second selection they should go after a linebacker in hopes of improving their terrible, at best, defense.

 

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles need another offensive threat, and look for them to address that need at the TE position. Later rounds should see them bringing in more complementary offensive players.

 

Minnesota Vikings: How do you improve the play of one of the nation’s best running backs, Adrian Peterson? You give him someone to run behind. With one of the deepest offensive line drafts in recent memory, look for the Vikings to bring a big man to block for Peterson.

New England Patriots: With Tom Brady hopefully returning from injury next season, the Patriots need to help their aging defense. Look for them to help out their linebackers in the first round and improve both units later on.

Atlanta Falcons: To anyone who predicted Matt Ryan being the stud he turned into, you are psychic. The Falcons should try to improve their secondary in the first round and get Matt Ryan some offensive pieces with later picks.

 

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins had an incredible resurgence in 2008. Any improvement on either line will be a big help for Miami. Later picks should be used to improve their defense.

 

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens’ offense needs help, preferably from a WR. Later rounds should be used to bring the defense back to what it once was.

 

Indianapolis Colts: Ever since Edgerrin James left for Arizona, the Colts’ running game has been mediocre at best. Indianapolis should improve it in the first round and address defensive needs later on.

 

Buffalo Bills: (From Eagles, through Panthers) Yes, how the Bills got this pick is confusing, but their pick shouldn’t be. Continuing the offensive lineman trend, Buffalo will pick up one. Buffalo should improve their defense in later rounds.

New York Giants: With Plaxico Burress in legal limbo, the Giants need a big time threat at WR and the first round should relieve them of that need. Later rounds should be used to address holes in the defense.

Tennessee Titans: How do you improve on a perfect regular season? You draft the offensive threat that this team didn’t have last season. The Titan defense was dominant the whole season, and this draft needs to address their lacking offense.

 

Arizona Cardinals: Where did these guys come from? Edgerrin James hasn’t pulled his weight since he put on a Cardinal uniform, and this draft should have the Cardinals addressing this need. In later rounds, Arizona should address a defense that was below average.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers: World champions. Once you reach the top, how do you improve? You pick up a receiver who can, hopefully, help bring the offense to the level of the defense. Later rounds should be used to complement the dominant defense.

 

Teams without first round picks:

 

Dallas Cowboys: Their first pick, which comes in the second round, will probably be from the leftovers of the deep offensive lineman class. In later picks, the Cowboys need to address the need for another deep threat and issues at safety.

Chicago Bears: The acquisition of Jay Cutler was great for Chicago, but now he needs someone to throw to. Their first pick, which comes in the second round, should bring in a receiver. Later picks will probably include a running back and improvements to the defense.

 

*stats from NFL.com

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