A Call for Help: Greg Ellis Wants out of Oakland

In a stunning interview with former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis stated that hybrid defensive end DeMarcus Ware would attempt to remove himself from ballgames just to get Ellis onto the field.

Ellis was released by the Cowboys earlier this season and subsequently picked up by the Raiders. Ellis still seems a little bitter over his disposal from “America ’s team,” even going so far as to state that the team is not ready to win a Super Bowl.

Since Ellis has played his entire career for the Cowboys, I’m pretty comfortable stating his best years are behind him. Ellis is 33 years old and has 12 years of NFL wear and tear on his 6’6″ frame.

He made his first Pro Bowl in 2007 after coming back from a career threatening achilles injury and logging 12.5 sacks.

Last season Greg only totaled eight sacks, had no forced fumbles, and only recorded 36 tackles. Granted that was partly due to a reduction in playing time, but Ellis is getting close to NFL retirement age.

In defense of the Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware was dangerously close to breaking the league sack record last season. I think it’s safe to say that any player that comes that close to logging 23 sacks in a single season isn’t coming out of the game.

Maybe Greg is a little bitter because he has been sent to the NFL graveyard; a retirement home of sorts for players who can’t stay away.

Ellis has become part of an elite club of players that decided to give Oaktown a try and will soon find out why Al Davis built his cave in such a town. Randy Moss is the exception to the rule Greg; he somehow was able to except the claws of the falcon.

There will be no 110 tackle, 3 interception, and 15 sack season for Greg. He will not revive a dying franchise out in Oakland in an effort to get back at Jerry for letting him go.

Greg, this isn’t how things are done homie. We all understand that you have an affinity for Dallas, which is the team that decided to bring you into the NFL. But don’t go out like this.

Don’t drive the bus that you are throwing the coaches under. Greg, we appreciate your service out in Dallas. You gave us twelve wonderful seasons, some playing injured.

But is this really how you want to be remembered. As a bitter old man who had to be thrown out of the party because he drank too much and couldn’t hold his liquor?

Greg thanks again for being a good soldier. But please refrain from throwing eggs at the front door and rolling our trees with toilet tissue.

 -JH

Death On Site: Losing Generational Superstars

I’m sure that isn’t the first article regarding the death of former NFL quarterback, and it most definitely will not be the last.

 

News broke last week that Steve McNair and a female accomplish were found dead in his downtown Nashville condo, succumbing from multiple gunshot wounds.

 

McNair is best known for his days with the Tennessee Titans. He famously led the team to one of the greatest Super Bowls in NFL history as the Titans came up one yard short of sending the game into overtime against the Rams.

 

“Air” McNair retired from the NFL last season as his body just couldn’t take the physical beating any longer. He spent his first 11 NFL seasons with the Titans and his last two with the Baltimore Ravens.

 

McNair was the perfect example of the quintessential NFL athlete. He was tough, aggressive, played injured, hungry, and had a natural passion for the game.

 

He was simply a warrior.

 

As stated by many, he will be sorely missed.

 

McNair’s death just seems to be the latest in a long list of entertainment losses.

First there was the passing of famed Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon, then the death of “Charlie’s Angel” star Farrah Fawcett, followed by the unexpected passing of the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, infomercial giant Billy Mays, film star Karl Malden, and now Steve McNair.

 

For my generation, this is our first time having to deal with the sudden loss of a generational icon.

 

Michael Jackson might have been 50 years old at the time of his passing, but he wrote the soundtrack to the lives of many.

 

From singing with his brothers about the “ABC’s” to stopping a budding gang war using dance moves in “Beat it,” Jackson’s death represented the demise of a part of our culture and our childhood.

 

Jackson is recognized as the most charitable entertainer in history by the Guinness Book of World Records, giving more than $300 million dollars to various charities.

 

Famed infomercial giant Billy Mays was the same age of Jackson when he passed away. Mays gained recognition for his “subtle” ways of selling products, such as Oxyclean, Orangeclean, and Kaboom!

 

Mays popularity grew to new heights as he was recruited by ESPN to perform a commercial advertising their alternate media Web site, ESPN360. Mays died of heart disease a few days after Michael Jackson.

 

Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, one becomes accustomed to hearing Jackson’s songs and seeing posters of Farrah Fawcett.

 

In the ’90s, Steve McNair become the new “face” of African-Americans quarterbacks, especially after he led the Titans to their first ever Super Bowl appearance.

 

Seeing these larger the life figures pass on to the other side isn’t something that we are used to, at least not my generation. My parents lost JFK, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, RFK, Elvis, John Lennon, and more.

 

Watching the reaction to the death of Michael Jackson, we aren’t handling it so well. There have been seven reported suicides because of his passing and more than 1.6 million people have requested tickets to his memorial service in Los Angeles.

 

While Steve McNair’s death will not receive as much attention as Jackson’s, it does not take away from the importance.

 

McNair was only the second black quarterback ever to start in a Super Bowl and was close to winning the Heisman Trophy while attending Alcorn State in Mississippi.

Judging by time and history, this will not the first time we’ll have to deal with losing such large and iconic figures in our time. I just hope that we are equipped to deal with tragedy when the time comes.

 

But then again, who truly is?

 

Marion the Barbarian: Barber Is a Warrior in the Fourth Quarter

The NFL has always been a league defined by toughness.

 

To name a few, there’s Jack Youngblood playing in the 1980 NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XIV with a broken leg, Emmitt Smith rushing for 168 yards against the Giants with a separated shoulder, and Ronnie lot electing to cut his pinky finger off after it failed to heal properly.

 

Before his career is over, Marion Barber will be one of the toughest NFL players to ever play the game. Okay, that may be a little much. But he doesn’t have the nickname “Marion the Barbarian” because he enjoys gladiator movies.

 

Last year, the Dallas Cowboys suffered due to Marion’s absence. The team was able to supplement for a while with rookie Tashard Choice, but the ‘Boys were never the same after Barber went down with an injury.

 

This season is make-it-or-break-it for the ‘Boys of Valley Ranch. Romo is entering his third full season as quarterback and Marion Barber has help in the backfield with Tashard and Felix Jones.

 

The team cannot pin any offensive shortcomings on Terrell Owens anymore.

 

So, while Tony Romo receives the credit and the criticism for wins and losses, the team will only go as far as the Barbarian will take them.

 

In analyzing Barber’s stats from 2007 and 2008, he tailed off a little in the fourth quarter last season due to injury.

 

However, unlike most backs, Barber sustains his production throughout the game.  

 

In the fourth quarter last season, Marion had 53 rushing attempts and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Compare that to 2007 when he was healthy, and Barber averaged a strong 4.9 yards per carry on 83 attempts.

 

Couple Barber’s production with the speed and versatility of Choice and Jones, and the Cowboys could very well have the best offensive backfield in the league next season.

 

That’s if they can all stay on the field and healthy.

 

With the offensive firepower the Cowboys have stockpiled in Witten, Jones, Barber, Choice, Romo, and Roy Williams, there is no excuse for failure this season.

 

The Cowboys also have a brand new stadium that has seats that will need to be filled, so the fans’ expectations for the team isn’t as high as team owner Jerry Jones.

 

If Tony Romo acts as the blood that flows through the Cowboys system, Marion Barber is the teams pulse. Without a pulse, you’re dead.

 

Daunting Winter: Cowboys Need To Show and Prove in December

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Dating back more than 10 years ago, the Cowboys were the toast of the NFL. Three championships in four seasons and surefire Hall of Famers on both sides of the ball led the team to glory.

That was before the concussions, drugs, neck injuries, diamonds, and trash, and well, you get the picture.

The Cowboys have not posted a winning record in the months of December and January since 1996. In fact, the team has gone winless in December and January in two of the 13 seasons since ’96.

For some reason the ‘Boys collapse down the stretch and can’t hold on to any type of momentum.

So, allow me to examine last season’s December and January production and then I’ll give my reason why they must…show and prove.

The Cowboys posted a record of 1-3 in December 2008, losing games to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Steelers, division-rival Eagles, and the Ravens of Baltimore.

In two of the four games, the Cowboys threw a couple of the games away. Remember the Ravens game when McGahee and McClain ran as if the police were chasing them?

What about the game against the Steelers when Romo and Witten had a “mis-read?”

All winnable games for the team from Valley Ranch, they just allowed victory to “slip” through their fingers.

When the Cowboys were in their hey-day, they posted winning records down the stretch. The last time the team won a playoff game was 1996. Their record in December you ask? 2-1.

It’s almost un-thinkable to believe that a team as talented as the ‘Boys can fail so miserably in the final months of the season.

A couple of years ago when the Giants pounced on the Cowboys in that famous playoff game at Texas Stadium, the G-men were able to show and prove why they belonged, harassing Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to the point where he started to yell at his offensive line.

Still need further reasoning as to why the Cowboys need to win in December?

Well how about this one: Championship teams do not falter down the stretch. The Steelers, Giants, Patriots, and Colts all were able to pull it together to make historic Super Bowl runs. Now it’s time for the Cowboys to show and prove they are capable of doing the same.

Pacman Jones on His Way Back to Dallas?

In a report today by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and featured on ESPN.com, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is entertaining the idea of bring back embattled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.

According to Jerry, “Pacman” graded as the best cornerback for the ‘Boys last season. Granted Terrance Newman was injured for most of the season, the Cowboys had a liability at safety in Roy Williams, and the team’s entire defensive backfield was at a disadvantage due to so many injuries.

Jerry made sure to add that bringing Adam back was a long shot, but still a possibility. Jones said that he now believes that the fight between Adam and his bodyguard was indeed the bodyguard’s fault. Jerry also added that he has no worries about Adam’s off the field problems.

While the Cowboys could use a little more help in the secondary department, I’m not sure if Pacman is the right option for a team that’s worried about chemistry in the locker room.

No matter how many times Jerry denies it, he released Terrell Owens because of his temperament and how he meshed with Tony Romo and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

I’m not sure if bringing Pacman Jones back to a team that’s looking for comradery is the right thing to do. But then again, we are dealing with Jerry Jones.

The new Cowboys stadium opened this past week and with the nation’s current economic situation, Jones needs to sell tickets and PSA’s. I’m not sure if Adam will serve as Jones’ cash cow, but he will definitely bring attention to the Boys of Valley Ranch.

So with the possible return of Adam “Pacman” Jones, that would most definitely put Jerry back on top of league owners who carry a side show disguised as a football team. Terrell Owens and Roy Williams are gone, Michael Irvin is running a reality show for players looking for a shot at playing for the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones is the proud new owner of the largest jumbotron in America.

With all that being said, the Cowboys could probably use Adam as a nickel back. Terrance Newman is often injured, Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins still have not proven themselves, and the rookies are … well… rookies.

Jones missed a golden opportunity to bring a couple of veteran cornerbacks onto the team, like a Chris McAllister, that could serve as a mentor for Scandrick and Mike Jenkins.

Pacman Jones may add depth to a team that desperately needs it in the secondary, but he will also add un-needed attention to a team that’s lacking focus.

Grading the Dallas Cowboys’ 2009 Draft

Day one of the NFL Draft was not one to be had by the men of Irving, Texas.

In trading away their first round pick last year with the Detroit Lions for WR Roy Williams, and getting rid of their second round pick as well, the team failed to make much noise on day one.

So much for day two being “Jerry’s day.”

The team’s first pick in the draft would be at No. 69, and there was still an immense amount of talent left on the board.

First pick of the draft for the Dallas Cowboys was LB Jason Williams out of Western Illinois University.

I think this was a great pick for the Boys as the team let Kevin Barnett go in free agency.

The Cowboys led the league in sacks last year, and Williams is a great pass rusher off the edge.

This pick receives a B+ grade from me.

I do think the team should have addressed their concerns in the secondary before drafting a linebacker, and by giving up their second round pick, they lost a little ground.

But I can’t go that far against the grain when the team was able to pick up such a great player in this round.

The second pick of the draft for the Cowboys was OT Robert Brewster out of Ball State University.

The Cowboys again used this pick wisely in addressing a need on the offensive line. In my previous analysis of the Boys draft needs, I stated that there was a lack of depth on the offensive line.

This pick receives a B from me.

The fourth quarter of the playoff game against the New York Giants, that took place a couple of years ago, should still haunt the team as a day the offensive line fell apart.

According to NFL.com, Brewster is likely to move inside to guard.

The third pick of the draft for the Cowboys was QB Stephen McGee out of Texas A&M.

In watching post draft analysis, a few talking heads lauded this pick because of what happened with the Cowboys last season at quarterback.

For me, this is a bit of a wasted pick.

The Cowboys already picked up another QB in John Kitna during a trade with the Lions early this offseason.

McGee is a project at best.

Why waste a draft pick on a player that needs serious development and is at best your third string quarterback?

Again, we could have addressed a need at corner, offensive line, or safety with this pick.

Drafting McGee receives a D- grade from me.

The fourth pick of the draft for the Cowboy was DE Victor Butler out of Oregon State University.

Apparently, Butler was surely a pick for the special teams. This is not surprising as most teams build their special teams through later rounds in the draft.

Butler only started one year in college, but had an outstanding pro day, which caught the eyes of many teams in the NFL.

I give this pick a C+ grade because the team addressed a need on special teams, but still went away from team needs.

The sixth pick of the draft for the Cowboys was CB DeAngelo Smith out of University of Cincinnati.

Finally in the 5th round the team starts to address needs. 

I give this pick a B+ grade simply because the team needs help in the secondary.

Smith is very aggressive and has great awareness, but according to NFL.com, Smith may be moved to safety. This is a pick that could pay off well for the Boys as Smith has nice size standing at 5’11”.

The seventh pick of the draft for the Cowboys was FS Michael Hamlin out of Clemson University.

This pick seems familiar because of Hamlin’s similarities to former Cowboys’ safety Roy Williams.

I give this pick a B because it adds depth to the secondary, and Hamlin is a headhunter.

Hamlin has a nice build, standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 214 pounds.

His only drawback is his speed as he’s not a burner.

The Cowboys selected three times in the fifth round and chose two players that will add depth to their secondary.

Their last pick out of the fifth round you ask?

A kicker from USC.

The team already has one of the best kickers in the league in Nick Folk, so this is not a pick of value

The team did choose another corner, which brought their total up to four for the day.

However, with the release of WR Terrell Owens, the team only selected one wide receiver and that was with their seventh round selection.

Overall, I give the Cowboys a C+ for the decisions on the second day of the draft.

Throwing a pick away on a kicker and not selecting a wide receiver sooner was not in the best interest of the team.

Only one offensive lineman and choosing yet another tight end makes it seem as if Jerry is a little too high on his current team.

I guess we will find out come training camp.

-JH

Why I Would Want Jason Campbell over Jay Cutler

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As reported on ESPN, Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder attempted to trade for former Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. I imagine the trade fell through because neither side could agree on compensation; more than likely draft picks.

But what surprises me about this move isn’t the fact that the Redskins wanted to trade for another quarterback, it’s that they wanted to trade for Cutler. Jay’s record as starting quarterback for his former team was a paltry 17-20. Campbell’s record as a starter for the Redskins you ask? 16-20.

So if we judge the two signal callers by their records, they are both equal. But Jay Cutler is perceived to have more upside than Campbell because is arm is stronger and he’s a better quarterback. 

Not judging by the record.

Campbell seems to be the type of quarterback that may need another year or two to develop.

Not because he doesn’t have the skill or the capacity to become great, but because the Redskins can’t seem to make up their minds on offensive coordinators, let alone head coaches.

So here are my reasons for wanting Campbell over Cutler.

1. Jason Campbell has had over 5 offensive coordinators; college and pro.

Campbell has the ability to adapt. During his college career, Campbell never had the same offensive coordinator for longer than a season. Granted he had the Cadillac behind him as well as Ronnie Brown, but he still was able to perform at a high level year after year.

Cutler was in Denver with a decent offense and a terrible defense and ranked ahead of Drew

Brees in the category of passing yards in the fourth quarter. But that still did not translate to wins. Campbell has a hurt running attack, an inconsistent wide receiving core, and rookie head coach to boot.

I’d take Campbell

2. Jay Cutler has the makings of Jeff George

Remember how strong Jeff George’s arm was when he was in the league? Remember how many passing yards he would rack up at one time? Remember how many teams he played for? I’ve heard Skip Bayless drown himself in love for Jay Cutler over and over even going so far as to call him Brett Favre Jr…While I have lost respect for Brett over the years, he was never one to complain (until late in his career).

The 1^st instance of trouble in Denver, Cutler wanted out. Is this what the Bears have to look forward if the head coach changes soon? Look, I understand we have players like Terrell Owens and Jared Allen; but Cutler doesn’t seem to have the mental toughness to become a great leader.

This brings me to my last point…

3. Jay Cutler is not mentally tough

Five or more offensive coordinators, scrutiny over if he can actually play quarterback, and the death of a close friend seem to have hardened Campbell; but not in a bad way. He knows what it takes to win and he has been though enough to have his skin thickened.

While I am more familiar with the career of Campbell than Cutler; Jay doesn’t seem like the type of guy that takes bad news well. He also seems to have the arrogance of a star quarterback without the statistics to match. Stating that your arm is stronger than John Elway is fine, but your Super Bowl trophy case is collecting dust in the meantime. 

Maybe Jay needs to focus on his play on the field and let go of the off the field distractions.

Jay Cutler may become the next Jeff George or Brett Favre, but if keeps heading down his current path, we may only know him for his mouth rather than his strong arm.

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