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The Valley Ranch Review: Tashard Choice Runs Camp for Kids; Dallas Pro Scout Leaves for Cleveland

Tashard Choice Youth Camp Media Coverage (via TChoice23)

Tashard Choice coached up some 300 kids he invited to attend his football camp at Sam Houston High School in Arlington. Choice couldn’t do it all by his lonesome, though. He had help from backfield buds Marion Barber and Felix Jones.

Miles Austin talked to The Sporting News about the team dedication he senses from quarterback Tony Romo.

“He’s taking more of a leadership role, and you can see how excited he is,” Austin told SportingNews.com. “He’d already been doing that — he’s a tremendous competitor — but he’s trying to be even more of that kind of asset to our team.

“You can tell. It goes without words. It’s a feeling you get.”

The article goes on to discuss three reasons why Romo will either improve or regress.

If he improves, TSN says that it will be because 1) T.O. is gone, 2) Roy Williams will return to being a productive receiver, and 3) an explosive running game.

If he regresses, they say it will be because 1) T.O. is gone, 2) the O-line needs a bounce-back season, and 3) the team lacks depth at positions other than tailback.

Where will you be looking to draft Romo on your fantasy football weekend? David Kendrick at The San Antonio Express-News ranks the  Top 30 QBs, with Romo coming in at #7. He also sticks Romo in his Question Marks section.

Tony Romo, Cowboys: While Edwards gets the T.O. bump, Romo must adjust to life after Owens. He may be happier now, but expect his stats to suffer this season.

More VRR after the jump.

 

The Cowboys’ pro scout Keith O’Quinn is leaving the team to take over as the Cleveland Browns’ director of pro scouting. O’Quinn has been a part of Dallas’ scouting department for the past three seasons.

O’Quinn would spend numerous hours in the scouting department evaluating film of pro players, assistant college and pro scouting director Tom Ciskowski and assistant director of pro scouting Judd Garrett. Q’Quinn’s departure means Will McClay, the former Desperados head coach, is the only other pro scout on the staff.

Mark Eckel lists Anthony Spencer as one of his players “who should step forward in ‘09″.

Former Wade Phillips protégé Brian Stewart will join the staff of the Philadelphia Eagles sometime next week. The details of his role are still undetermined.

Stewart’s official role as not been announced, though it’s likely he could take over at secondary for Sean McDermott, who has assumed Jim Johnson’s responsibilities as defensive coordinator. Johnson has taken an indefinite leave of absence as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

Hat tip to DaveTroll for the FanShot.

Former Dallas defensive end Chris Canty is making a home with the New York Giants and is excited to be part of their highly talented defense.

He is working at both tackle and end, but is expected to play primarily at tackle, where Fred Robbins and Cofield both have had off-season knee surgery.

“Obviously, there’s an opportunity to be part of a tremendous team, a tremendous defense and particularly the … When you have those kind of guys on defensive line,” Canty said. ” your front, you give yourself an opportunity to be successful. They really can’t key in on one particular player. So that was something that was definitely attractive for me.”

And as for leaving the Cowboys to join their NFC East rival:

“It wasn’t particularly hard [to leave],” Canty said. “I did enjoy playing with that group of guys down there. It’s a great group of guys on that defense. Business is business, and you’ve got to be where they want you. Dallas pretty much said, by their non-action, that they didn’t want me there anymore. That’s fine. I understand it’s a business.

“I’m just excited to be a part of the Giants. It’s a football team that really wanted me to come up here and be a part of it.”

During last weekend’s 32nd annual Babe Zaharias/Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza golf tournament, Wade Phillips shared his personal account of what happened the day of the practice facility collapse.

The Cowboys coach talked about being in the middle of the field, seeing things on the roof starting to sway, the realization it was coming down and everybody running as fast as they could to try and get out. Phillips, who didn’t make it to the door in time, said his biggest fear soon became electrocution because of all the water on the ground from the raging storm. Fortunately breaker switches were tripped when the structure came down.

Let’s play “What-if?” for a moment. What if…one of the guys from Michael Irvin’s show makes the squad? Do you think he can be a contributor on the field? On this week’s episode of 4^th and Long, Jerry Jones suggests that there could be a chance of that happening (spoiler alert!).

“I know they can come in and make a difference in us winning a championship and having a great team.”

Jones is talking about the 10 remaining wannabe Cowboys free agents. And then he mentions the success of past free agents Mark Tuinei and Tony Romo.

Finally, Jones tells Irvin, “You guys could really be something special for the future success of the Dallas Cowboys.”

If you plan on attending a game at the new Cowboys Stadium, check out the team website’s interactive map. It not only gives ticket prices, but also provides you a virtual view of the stadium from your selected section.

 

Me, Jerry Jones and the Ice Cold Beer

I met Jerry Jones in WalMart last night and introduced myself as one of the BTB bloggers. He said he reads it daily, recognized my name and said that I looked much thinner in person. (Obviously referring to my avatar.)

To my surprise he invited me to his house in Highland Park and he and I sat around watching past issues of ‘The Man Show’ on Tivo and drinking really cold beer. As you might expect, the talk turned to the Cowboys and I think because he had consumed several beers Jerry held his head in his hands and said, “Jim, you are clearly one of the brightest guys on BTB and you have no ulterior motives to steer me wrong. I’m frustrated about this team, I thought we were so close in 2007 and then we tanked in 2008. I decided to clean house and rebuild from within. What advice would you give me? Give me three gems of wisdom to get us to the Super Bowl and I swear I will follow your advice.”

I was stunned but without hesitation I said, “Jerry, you are a great owner, but you should hire an outside guy as a GM. I thought you were on the right track with Dan Reeves. Call them a consultant or a GM or whatever, but get a guy with a long term view on how to build a team.  Hire someone who has experience in building an organization, not just a team”

Jerry was mumbling something about Dan Reeves and a time card but I went on with my advice.  ”Jerry, the second gem I would offer up is that you should implement a long term strategy towards success, using the Patriots as a model. They have consistently been winners over the last few years, and yet I always seem to see them picking early and often in the draft. They lose players but have backups ready to step in and perform. That should be your strategy too.”

He was nodding his head in a positive manner and started to take notes. I went on with my third gem. “Finally Jerry, I have heard people ask the question about are the Cowboys making a run for the playoffs now or is this a rebuilding year? Why does it have to be either or? Why can’t we always be running towards the playoffs AND rebuilding where we need to rebuild. They shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. I like the moves you made this year”

He looked at me with a strange look in his eye and started kicking my shin saying, “Why are you calling me Jerry?”

I apologized and said, “OK, I’ll call you Mr. Jones, but you asked me for my advice, I was……”

My wife kicked me in the shin again saying, “I’m not Mr. Jones either you knucklehead, wake up!”

OK, so it was all a dream, Jerry probably doesn’t buy his beer at Wally World either. But what if I really was having a few cold ones with Jerry? What do you think of my advice? Would you offer something different?

Cowboys Offense: Can We Please Get the Screen Going?

With the NFL being the copycat league that it is, it is rare to see a storied franchise continue to deny a widely successful trend. The Cowboys have denied it so long, it’s not even a trend anymore. Over the year’s we’ve watched our rivals do it. The Packers have done it with great success. The 49ers of the late 80’s and 90’s beat us over the head with it. Though they backed off a bit last season, the Philadelphia Eagles have historically punished us with it. Forgive my youth, but my Cowboy fandom spans about 19 years and 6 head coaches. What I’m trying to figure out is over that time span, through all of those changes, why haven’t the Cowboys ever truly made the screen a part of their regular offense?

There are a few theories on why the Cowboys have never been much of a screen team. If you don’t mind, I’m going to pipe-bomb both of those hypotheses right now.

Theory 1: The Cowboys have traditionally had big offensive lines who may not move well in space. - Nice try. It is true that the Cowboys have always liked their offensive linemen with a little extra beef. The Cowboys were tied for having the heaviest offensive line in the league last year with an average weight of 330.2 lbs. per man amongst the opening day starting five. Do you know who the Cowboys were tied with? That’s right, the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the NFL’s best screen teams over the last decade. Big offensive lines are a good thing in the screen game. Yes the big guys are going have to move, but if you are some light-in-the-shorts defensive back (let’s say DeAngelo Hall just for fun), is there any more disheartening sight than Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo and maybe a fullback barreling down on you with a full head of steam? Yeah, I’m not signing up for that.

Theory 2: The Cowboys haven’t had those types of backs. - Wrong again silly wabbit. While Emmitt Smith wasn’t leaving vapor trails in the Texas Stadium atmosphere, he was a fine receiver out of the backfield, and did everything well. When the Cowboys drafted Michael Wiley out of Ohio State in 2000, I was sure that one of his main purposes would be catching screens out of the backfield. Still, not much of a screen game. While Chris Warren’s build did not lend itself to pass receiving, he too was a fine receiver. Warren had success with the screen in his days with Seattle before coming to Dallas.

Okay, so let’s say we didn’t have the backs then. Well, we have ‘em now. With Felix Jones in the fold, you would have to think that Jason Garrett and company have a screen or two cooked up. Jones has good hands and is one of the most electrifying open field runners in the game. Jones would be an absolute nightmare on screens. Don’t forget Marion Barber in the screen game either. Barber is an excellent receiver, and would be a tough guy for defensive backs to get down in space. If you really want to get creative, it would be nice to see an occasional backdoor screen to Martellus Bennett. If you are a defender, that’s another guy you don’t want to see coming your way in the open field.

Romo-Friendly. That’s pretty much like a mission statement around Valley Ranch these days. Down the stretch in recent years, we’ve seen opposing defensive coordinators blitz every warm body they can find at Tony Romo. In last year’s season finale in Philadelphia, I’m pretty sure I saw the Eagles assistant trainer and water boy run a twist, freeing up the gate attendant to make the sack from the blindside. Nothing slows down a blitz like a well timed, well executed screen pass. You can’t just pin your ears back like some kind of rabid dog when you are saddled with the fear of having Tony Romo loft a floater just over your outstretched arms, into the waiting hands of Felix Jones.

Well, the team certainly seems to have the personnel in place. After seeing him call an option-right on 3^rd and 2 against Baltimore, I no longer have any doubts about Jason Garrett’s creativity. A great warrior learns from his adversaries. Wouldn’t it be nice to impale the Eagles with their own sword? Maybe, just maybe, this is the year. Can a brutha get a screen?!

The Valley Ranch Review: Jason Garrett’s Firepower; Miles Austin, Felix Jones, and Martellus Bennett

If the offense needs some pizzazz this season, the Cowboys will be looking at three guys to provide it, Miles Austin, Felix Jones, and Martellus Bennett. Both Austin and Jones were hobbled last year by injuries. Bennett’s game should improve greatly with another year of experience under his belt.

Austin’s unique blend of size (6′3″, 218) and speed offer the team more potential than his 18 NFL catches. With Terrell Owens having moved on to Buffalo, Austin has a wide open opportunity to take over as the team’s most dangerous deep threat. We have seen him return kickoffs and stretch the field against Green Bay, but can he develop into a constant contributor? This is the year the Cowboys really need him to break out.

“The guy can play,” Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman said. “Physically the guy is a beast. I’ve liked him since he came out of Monmouth when I was with the Titans. I wanted the Titans to draft him - you could see the potential even then. He was raw, but you can see it’s coming. He’s bigger. He’s stronger. His route running has improved. I really think he’s ready to break out.”

[snip]

“He has all the ability in the world. He did have to overcome being from a smaller school and a lot of things to learn as well,” Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. “I think he’s learned those things, and I think he’ll do well for us.”

Austin has shown something every year, or enough for the Jets to invite him for a visit as they considered making the restricted free agent an offer this off-season. The Jets would have had to send the Cowboys a second-round draft pick if they signed Austin, and they decided against it.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Austin said. “I really didn’t know if I was going to be a Jet, but I’m happy to stay here.”

More VRR after the jump, including what Garrett’s offense should have in store for Felix and Marty B.

Felix Jones’ eagerness isn’t just about getting back on the field. He’s just glad to be working again with his teammates, as he says in this DMN video.

“I’ve been gone from football for at least eight months. I feel like it’s longer, though. I’m happy to get back out here and run again and be healthy.”

[snip]

“It’s a team effort. I couldn’t do this by myself. Without the other ten guys on the field, I’m nobody; I can’t do anything.”

WR Roy Williams also backed Jones’ team sentiments by praising the talent in the Dallas backfield, and admitting how important the running game will be to the offense this season.

“We got three good backs; they can do it all. You got a guy that can just punish you in the game like he did in Washington last year. You got a guy who can play any position on the football field in Felix Jones. And you got a guy in Tashard Choice, who’s got a lot of heart and runs hard and showed what he could do last year.”

[snip]

“If you want to win in this league, you got to be able to run the football. I know that sounds funny coming from a wide receiver, but you gotta be able to run the ball.”

Martellus Bennett has prepared himself this offseason for an increased role in the Dallas offense. In the OTAs, Josh Ellis felt that the quarterbacks looked Bennett’s way more than last year, and that offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, employed more sets where the tight ends were split out wide. Ellis also said that Bennett is “stronger and more physical”. The 6′7″ TE also feels that the coaching staff has much more in store for him this season.

“I’ve been working on my game a whole lot, so I think they’re going to use me that much more,” Bennett said. ”There’s definitely a lot more stuff on the offense (for me).

“Just learning the basics of the offense last year was the main thing I had to do. I think they feel like I’ve been in it a year so they can do more with me this year. Some of it was in last year, but not as much as there is now. It’s just I think they think I’m a better player than I was last year, smarter and all that.”

Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, demands preparation and execution from his players, as well as from himself. This year, Garrett will have to tweak the offense to incorporate a wide variety of talented players.

This off-season has been about implementing Williams’ strengths into Garrett’s system after he caught just 19 passes in 10 games after his trade from Detroit. It is also about working running backs Barber, Jones and Tashard Choice into some kind of rotation.

This off-season, players have noticed a more demanding Garrett in the meeting room and on the field. At the two organized team activities open to the media, Garrett has preached tempo and perfection. If a play isn’t executed perfectly, Garrett has the players run it again.

The former Cowboys quarterback has moved on from the disappointments of last season, preferring to focus on what’s ahead.

“I’ve had some great conversations with people recently who are at the pinnacle of their careers in football and otherwise, and they all tell you the same thing ­ don’t believe it when it’s good and don’t believe it when it’s bad,” Garrett said. “You have some things that you believe in as a person, as an organization, as a coach, as whatever you are, and you act on those things and you try to limit the distractions and you go forward.”

To the Madden Nation: Here are some of the player rankings for the 2010 version. EA ranked Witten as the #2 tight end in the game with a “97″ overall; and, Romo rounds out the Top10 QBs–tied with Jay Cutler and Carson Palmer–for an “87″ overall rating.

During this lull in Cowboy Country, it is a good time to make that Top50 Cowboys list. Terry (in continuation of TCBinNYC’s post) has a FanPost where BTBers can rank the all-time Cowboy greats.

If you need some help getting started, the mothership is just getting into its Top40s on its list.

Also, tonight on NFLNetwork (8pm EST), the all-time Cowboys will be featured on the appropriately named show, Top 10.

Pete Prisco listed the NFL’s meanest players with Atlanta Falcons guard Harvey Dahl topping the list. Dahl began his pro career with a brief stint in the Cowboys’ ‘05 training camp. Right tackle Marc Colombo (a runner-up) was the only Dallas player to make the list.

TheSportingNews brought together a panel of 19 former Cowboys for a Q&A on their thoughts on Romo, Jerry Jones, the general direction of the team, which player they’d most like to play with, and whether or not they checked out the cheerleaders during a game. It’s a fun article, featuring Tony Dorsett, Darren Woodson, Brock Marion and Lee Roy Jordan–to name a few. Here’s a preview:

What current Cowboy would you most want as your teammate?

THEY SAID IT

“Jason Witten reminds me of the type of players who were my teammates in the ’90s. Tough, high-character guys like Jay Novacek, Darren Woodson and Tony Tolbert.”
— Daryl Johnston

“DeMarcus Ware is a great player and a quiet leader.”
— Darren Woodson

“Marion Barber — tough and a team player.” — Ron Widby

“None of ‘em.”
— John Dutton

 

The Cowboys signed three players, including ex-Cowboy WR Mike Jefferson. The signings included…

The Cowboys signed three players, including ex-Cowboy WR Mike Jefferson.

The signings included 26-year-old wide receiver Mike Jefferson, who was on the Cowboys’ 53-man roster for the season opener last year, but didn’t dress.

Also signed by the Cowboys on Thursday were tight end Scott Chandler and defensive end Derreck Robinson. Chandler, a 6-7, 265-pounder from Iowa who was San Diego’s fourth-round pick (No. 129 overall) in 2007…

Robinson, who also played his college ball for the Hawkeyes, was out of football in 2008. The 6-5, 294 pound end has experience in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme, having played under the Cowboys coach in San Diego from 2005-06

Cowboys Hybrid Rookies In Transition Phase

With veteran outside linebacker Greg Ellis now out of the picture, DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer will bookend the Cowboy defense. Ellis’ departure means that in 2009 the Cowboys will always be one injury away from having to throw a rookie into the fire. Making the switch from college defensive end to NFL linebacker, rookies Brandon Williams and Victor Butler have a difficult transition ahead. However, recent history shows us that amongst converted ends, there have been more hits than misses, and few have been able to contribute right away.

I took a look at the last 5 NFL drafts. I charted every college defensive end selected to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. While I found a few guys who have to this point made virtually zero impact, I found a comparable number of success stories as well. This list is not all-inclusive, but a collection of highlights and lowlights.

2008: Obviously the jury is still out on anyone drafted in 2008, but it is fair to say that none of the converted ends made an impact in their inaugural season. Most famously there was New York Jets 1st round pick Vernon Gholston, who struggled to get on the field and was at times a healthy scratch. The Steelers took UCLA’s Bruce Davis in the 3^rd, and New England took Cincinnati’s Angelo Craig in the 7^th. Neither player logged a stat in 2008.

2007: Cowboys’ 1^st rounder Anthony Spencer fought nagging injuries, but had a decent rookie season. Spencer logged 36 total tackles and 3 sacks in limited action. Spencer probably could have been a full-time starter if needed, but filled in pretty well in a secondary role. Pittsburgh Steeler Lamarr Woodley had a similar rookie campaign. In a secondary role as a rookie, Woodley managed 4 sacks, before blossoming into a star in his second season. Woodley may or may not qualify for this conversation, being that he played both defensive end and linebacker at the University of Michigan.

2006: First round selection Kamerion Wimbley rewarded the Browns with an admirable rookie season. As a first-year player in 2006, Wimbley tallied 62 tackles and 11 sacks, garnering some consideration for defensive rookie of the year honors. The 49ers Manny Lawson however (1^st rounder as well), has been on the opposite end of the spectrum. The ultra-athletic Lawson did give the 49ers 12 starts in 2006, but recorded only 2.5 sacks. Lawson has struggled with injuries, and to this point has just 5.5 career sacks to his credit. Lawson’s teammate Parys Haralson has been slightly better from a production standpoint, despite being a 5^th round selection.

2005: Jackpot!!! With back to back 1^st round selections, the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers selected Troy’s DeMarcus Ware, and Maryland’s Shawne Merriman respectively. Both had stellar rookie seasons, and quickly ascended to ranks of the league’s best at the position. 2005’s class of hybrids was not without it’s misses. Transitioning back into a 3-4 at the time, the Baltimore Ravens invested a second round pick in Oklahoma’s Dan Cody. Cody was ravaged early by the injury bug, and has to this point been a non-factor.

2004: The only real hybrid keeper from this class was San Diego 4^th rounder Shaun Phillips. Phillips was a standout situational player as a rookie, and became a starter late in year two. Phillips has since become a nice bookend to teammate Shawne Merriman.

Brandon Williams and Victor Butler face a daunting yet achievable task. In a perfect, injury-free world the pair would be used only on a situational basis. But if the injury plague strikes again as it did last season, these guys may see some live bullets whether they are ready or not. The Cowboys have to prepare the pair of rookies as if they are starters, as they will likely be one injury away from being just that. There is certainly a learning curve involved with making the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker. Like any position, some guys handle the adjustment better than others. Let’s hope that at least one of these guys is a fast learner.

The Valley Ranch Review: Ware and Spencer Speak on the Greg Ellis situation; All Romo Said Was "He"

DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer comment on Cowboys moving Greg Ellis. (via NewsDFW)

Hat tip to DCFanatic for the video link.

With the Cowboys ready for life after Greg Ellis, fellow linebacker DeMarcus Ware talked about Ellis‘ leadership and the business aspect of pro football.

“He was a mentor to me when I first came in and also we became really good friends,” said defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who led the NFL with 20 sacks last year. “Now we’re sort of like brothers. We did everything that we could to sort of help the team. But now he’s going probably somewhere else to benefit that team, and I’ve got to do what I need to do to help this team out.”

Ware stands as a potential beneficiary of any Ellis move. The Cowboys are trying to sign their best pass rusher to a long-term contract. He doesn’t feel any guilt over that.

“You’ve got to help your team out, but also protect yourself,” Ware said. “I don’t feel good about it. But at the end of the day, it’s a business.”

Anthony Spencer sounds ready for his new role.

“For me,” Spencer said, “it is [the beginning].”

[snip]

“I’ve worked hard for it, so it feels good right now,” Spencer said. “I’m just trying to get better.”

As for who is backing up whom.

(Brandon) Williams served as Spencer’s backup at strongside outside linebacker Tuesday. Per NFL rules, (Victor) Butler is not allowed to practice yet, but (LBs coach Reggie) Herring said Butler likely will begin his career as Ware’s backup at weakside outside linebacker, with veteran Justin Rogers moving to strongside outside linebacker.

But Butler and Williams are expected to work at both positions, Herring said.

More VRR after the jump.

Tim McMahon is already at it with his 53-man roster prediction. Watching the OTAs inspired him to throw 11 of the 12 draftees on the team (sorry Manuel Johnson). He’s also got Junior Siavii being the only backup to Jay Ratliff, and neither Pat Watkins nor Courtney Brown making the cut.

The Sporting News ranks Ken Hamlin as the #11 safety in the league. Here’s what they say about “The Hammer”.

11. Ken Hamlin, Cowboys. He has great range and can track down a lot of balls playing center field. He is at his best jumping routes in zone coverage but can also match up with tight ends and wideouts in the slot.

Check out regaberto’s FanShots for some other Cowboys rankings from TSN.

Tra Battle didn’t last but a day after being released by Dallas on Wednesday. The Detroit Lions have already claimed the safety off waivers.

When will the media stop asking T.O. about his relationship with Tony Romo? Evidently, Romo failed to mention Owens by name last week. Are you kidding me? Here’s what the new Buffalo Bill had to say:

Dude, I could care less,” Owens said with a laugh following the Buffalo Bills voluntary minicamp practice Wednesday. “I mean, he doesn’t mention my name, that’s fine. What about it?”

Owens spoke in response to a question regarding Romo, who declined to refer to the receiver by name after the Cowboys practiced last week for the first time since Dallas released Owens in March. Though Romo didn’t say anything negative, the quarterback referred to Owens with nothing more personal than “he.”

Yesterday, the ceremonial ribbon was cut at the new Cowboys Stadium.

Jerry Jones and other members of the Dallas Cowboys leadership team gathered for the ceremony, along with city officials, to christen the stadium.

Those in attendance were able to watch the glass retractable end zone doors open — an event that allowed participants to feel the full effect of sitting inside the state-of-the-art stadium.

Click here for a handheld video of the stadium’s opening. Click here for DC.com’s 30-minute version, or DMN’s condensed minute and a half version, here.

Former Dallas special teams coach and current SpikeTV star, Joe Avezzano, recently did a Q & A with The Oregonian. Anybody know Coach Joe’s record as head coach of the Oregon State Beavers, some 25 years ago? How about 6-47-2!

Romo may be more of an avid golfer, but my money is on Wade Phillips to outdrive his starting quarterback. The head coach not only helped raise money for the Babe Zaharias Foundation this past weekend; he also pulled a John Daly.

Phillips, despite having picked up his golf clubs only a couple of times this year, also authored one of the most impressive shots in the tournament. His drive on the 300-yard, par 4, 5th hole wound up 10-feet past the cup. Voigtman (his partner) rolled in the putt for an eagle 2.

Cowboys ‘09: Leadership By Committee?

Much has been made about the issue of leadership as it pertains to the Dallas Cowboys. Let me first say that I am happy that the team did not go the “rent-a-leader” route and bring in a guy like Ray Lewis. I believe that leaders are grown organically from within, and that players may not be very receptive to a hired hand who has never bled with them. I also don’t think that a leader necessarily has to be an in-your-face type of guy. A leader may jump a teammate at times, but in my opinion leadership is more about being a “come on, we can do this” type of guy. Leadership is as much about getting your teammates settled down as it is about riling them up.

With that said, who is in line to take on a leadership role this year in Big D?

NFL Network’s Warren Sapp has tabbed DeMarcus Ware as the player who needs to step forward as a leader. Sapp has been critical of Ware (and any other player he fears may be better than him) in the past, but Ware himself has said that he plans to assert himself in a more vocal capacity going forward. Still, Ware may not have the makeup to be that type of leader. Ware strikes me as more of a lead-by-example type of guy, and a fine one at that. Ware’s relentless non-stop play is remarkable, and that type of energy has to be infectious on the defensive side of the ball. DeMarcus Ware is not a rah-rah type of guy, but in my eyes he is already a leader.

Who said that leadership has to come from a singular voice? It seems that this team has a group of leaders at different positions. Rookies Michael Hamlin and DeAngelo Smith have both named Ken Hamlin as the player whom they will shadow and try to emulate. Keith Brooking, with all of his accolades, experience, and football knowledge (particularly his familiarity with Wade Phillps’ system) just seems to be the type of guy who would be easy to follow. In recent weeks even Jay Ratliff has begun to speak up. Much like Ware, Ratliff’s play commands respect.

Everyone seems to want to see Tony Romo grabbing wide receivers by the facemask and screaming down their throats. I don’t think that Tony Romo is that kind of guy, nor do I think that he needs to be. Everyone knows who the boss is in the huddle, and as long as it stays that way, things should be fine. If there is a group to be worried about on the offensive side of the ball it would have to be the receivers. Over the last three seasons the Cowboys’ receiving corps has looked up to Terrell Owens in an almost unhealthy, God-like manner. Owens was a model of an ideal work ethic, and his presence had the other guys practicing harder and even eating better. The wide receivers may no longer have another player to look up to, but I doubt WR coach Ray Sherman plans on letting any of these guys drag their feet.

 

At the end of the day, the Dallas Cowboys only need one leader, and that man’s name is Wade Phillips. It is refreshing to hear that Wade is putting an emphasis on paying attention to detail going forward. It all starts at the head, and everyone in the locker room needs to know that Coach Phillips is in charge. More importantly the players have to trust him, and believe in what he is doing. I’m not buying into this idea of a tougher, harder Wade Phillips, but a more assertive, detail-particular Wade Phillips may be all this team needs to finally turn the corner.

Cowboys ‘09: Leadership By Committee?

Much has been made about the issue of leadership as it pertains to the Dallas Cowboys. Let me first say that I am happy that the team did not go the “rent-a-leader” route and bring in a guy like Ray Lewis. I believe that leaders are grown organically from within, and that players may not be very receptive to a hired hand who has never bled with them. I also don’t think that a leader necessarily has to be an in-your-face type of guy. A leader may jump a teammate at times, but in my opinion leadership is more about being a “come on, we can do this” type of guy. Leadership is as much about getting your teammates settled down as it is about riling them up.

With that said, who is in line to take on a leadership role this year in Big D?

NFL Network’s Warren Sapp has tabbed DeMarcus Ware as the player who needs to step forward as a leader. Sapp has been critical of Ware (and any other player he fears may be better than him) in the past, but Ware himself has said that he plans to assert himself in a more vocal capacity going forward. Still, Ware may not have the makeup to be that type of leader. Ware strikes me as more of a lead-by-example type of guy, and a fine one at that. Ware’s relentless non-stop play is remarkable, and that type of energy has to be infectious on the defensive side of the ball. DeMarcus Ware is not a rah-rah type of guy, but in my eyes he is already a leader.

Who said that leadership has to come from a singular voice? It seems that this team has a group of leaders at different positions. Rookies Michael Hamlin and DeAngelo Smith have both named Ken Hamlin as the player whom they will shadow and try to emulate. Keith Brooking, with all of his accolades, experience, and football knowledge (particularly his familiarity with Wade Phillps’ system) just seems to be the type of guy who would be easy to follow. In recent weeks even Jay Ratliff has begun to speak up. Much like Ware, Ratliff’s play commands respect.

Everyone seems to want to see Tony Romo grabbing wide receivers by the facemask and screaming down their throats. I don’t think that Tony Romo is that kind of guy, nor do I think that he needs to be. Everyone knows who the boss is in the huddle, and as long as it stays that way, things should be fine. If there is a group to be worried about on the offensive side of the ball it would have to be the receivers. Over the last three seasons the Cowboys’ receiving corps has looked up to Terrell Owens in an almost unhealthy, God-like manner. Owens was a model of an ideal work ethic, and his presence had the other guys practicing harder and even eating better. The wide receivers may no longer have another player to look up to, but I doubt WR coach Ray Sherman plans on letting any of these guys drag their feet.

 

At the end of the day, the Dallas Cowboys only need one leader, and that man’s name is Wade Phillips. It is refreshing to hear that Wade is putting an emphasis on paying attention to detail going forward. It all starts at the head, and everyone in the locker room needs to know that Coach Phillips is in charge. More importantly the players have to trust him, and believe in what he is doing. I’m not buying into this idea of a tougher, harder Wade Phillips, but a more assertive, detail-particular Wade Phillips may be all this team needs to finally turn the corner.

Romo-friendly: What does that mean?

Back in February, just days after silencing the organization, Jerry Jones was the first to use the term Romo-friendly.

“I think being as Romo-friendly as our team can be. Romo friendly means let’s utilize his skills to the fullest and make sure everything we do maximizes his abilities.”

I interpreted Romo-friendly as meaning the Cowboys would run a more simplified offense, with emphasis on the running game and high percentage passes. This would help Tony cut down on his improvisation and minimize his turnovers. This type offense should also take pressure off Romo and hopefully make it easier for him to make better decisions. That was my interpretation. Perhaps I was oversimplifying things.

Make the jump for more…

Todd Archer of the DMN reported that Jones issued the gag order (2/22/09) because JJ was angry that ‘sources’ had reported a debate between himself and Stephen Jones on TO’s future and a subsequent visit to Jerry’s home by certain players to discuss personnel. Jones felt the reports were inaccurate and gagged everyone but himself.

Assuming the Archer report has validity, isn’t it also safe to assume that the offensive leader (Romo) of the team was one of the players visiting Jerry Jones’ Highland Park home to discuss personnel? The next week, after Jones’ made the Romo-friendly remark, TO was cut. Did Romo want TO gone? Was this Tony’s initial step toward team leadership? I thought he and TO were tight.

I guess I’m naïve. At the end of 2007 I remember a tearful Owens defending Romo on TV. Later there was Witten, TO and Romo clowning around together after a game, making fun of the media reports of bad chemistry. I heard the reports that first Witten was the ‘source’ who was anti-TO and I was relieved when that rumor morphed into Brad Johnson as the ‘rat’. Romo was never mentioned in negative terms until recently.

The current story has TO twittering that Romo and Garrett were the ones behind his release. Based on the Archer report I think there may be something to that. Apparently  Romo-friendly also means that this is Tony’s team and if you want to play here, you better get along with Romo. It’s his team now. That’s a good thing for Tony, if the Cowboys do well.

When you consider the two playoff losses, his multimillion-dollar contract and perhaps his influence in having TO removed from the team -  the pressure is on him to win now. The team has built around Tony Romo. If the offense doesn’t hit on all cylinders this year the only thing in Texas that will be Romo-friendly will be Jessica Simpson.

The Valley Ranch Review: Anthony Spencer Takes First Team Reps at OTAs

With Jerry Jones pretty much announcing that Greg Ellis won’t be a Cowboy this year, the door is open for former first-rounder Anthony Spencer to take over the other outside linebacker spot, opposite Demarcus Ware. Head coach Wade Phillips, who will be spending alot more time in this season’s defensive meetings, sounds sold on Spencer’s ability to man the position.

“Anthony Spencer can play,” Wade Phillips said. “All you have to do is watch the tape. When we go through film after the season, go through the tape after the season, we go through every play and most of our highlight stuff from that position was him. In some cases, you’d say, ‘Hey, that’s DeMarcus. No, it’s not, that’s Anthony.’ I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”

[snip]

Spencer has established himself as a force against the run. Phillips raved about Spencer’s ability to beat run-blocking tight ends, saying Spencer was one of the best OLBs he’s coached in that regard.

DC.com’s Rob Phillips looks at rookie OLBs, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams, as reasons the Cowboys will be moving on from Ellis.

Having directed the 3-4 defense for decades, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips knows an outside linebacker when he sees one, and he thinks Butler (6-2, 248) and Williams (6-2, 252) have the right combination of size and athleticism. Williams led the Big 12 with 13 sacks last year while Butler’s 12 ranked second in the Pac-10.

Butler will return to practice once Oregon State holds its graduation ceremony in June. Once he’s back, he’s looking forward to learning and competing with Williams for playing time.

Depending on Ellis’ future, both rookies might have more opportunity than originally thought.

“When you get two great competitors together you’re going to push and push each other to work harder,” Butler said. “And I think that’s where DeMarcus and his counterpart come in because you’ve got two good guys out there working every day in practice. That’s how you’re able to put up 20 sacks because you’ve got a guy next to you that’s going to make you work.”

More VRR after the jump, including OTA highlights and an interview with Coach Joe DeCamillis.

The Cowboys are already fine-tuning their practice roster. The team released both S Tra Battle and DT Casey Tyler today.

Here are some highlights from Timmy Mac’s observation of today’s practice. Read his full account here.

- Tony Romo to Roy Williams was at first, cold; then hot.

- Bobby Carpenter worked on the first-team nickel D. Also, the line on these nickel and dime packages showcased Ware and Jay Ratliff at the ends with Stephen Bowen at the tackle.

- Courtney Brown is back at CB.

- MB3 threw a HB touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton.

- Sam Hurd did not practice (left quad). Coach Phillips said he will hold Hurd out of practice for the rest of the week.

And some quick hits from Josh Ellis.

- Orlando Scandrick split first-team reps with Mike Jenkins, at the spot opposite Terence Newman.

- Although hurt, Sam Hurd stayed after practice to hold for FGs.

- Several of Romo’s passes were “wobbly”.

- Joe DeCamillis was at practice again, and told Jerry Jones how impressed he was with a few unnamed rookies.

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis told his harrowing story of the training facility collapse to Atlanta’s 790 the Zone.

Guys started to get out the doors that they were close to - I happened to be close to the door on the east side… Which unfortunately, was not the great thing, ’cause what happened was the structure ended up falling on to us.”

[snip]

“The scariest part was the tarp was on top of us.  So, you thought you were really gonna suffocate.  I knew my back was hurt, but you thought you were gonna suffocate when you were sitting there because there was like six inches of water on the ground, and there was a big ol’ tarp that was on top of you.

[snip]

And, I’m sitting there with my back and I’m thinking, ‘Geez, you wuss, you gotta get up, man.’  So, somehow (laughs), I ended up walking inside to my office… And, I called Dana, my wife, and I said, ‘Are you all right?’  And, she said, ‘Yeah.  I’m all right.  It’s bad weather but what’s the matter?’  And, I said, ‘Well, you’re gonna see something on the TV, the dome just fell on me but I’m okay (laughs).”

SI ranks Big D’s running game at #3 in the league, just one behind the Giants (doh!).

Hat tip to aussie_cowboy for the FanShot.

Here are some photos of OTA Week One from DC.com’s multimedia center. Go #4!

The Valley Ranch Review: Anthony Spencer Takes First Team Reps at OTAs

With Jerry Jones pretty much announcing that Greg Ellis won’t be a Cowboy this year, the door is open for former first-rounder Anthony Spencer to take over the other outside linebacker spot, opposite Demarcus Ware. Head coach Wade Phillips, who will be spending alot more time in this season’s defensive meetings, sounds sold on Spencer’s ability to man the position.

“Anthony Spencer can play,” Wade Phillips said. “All you have to do is watch the tape. When we go through film after the season, go through the tape after the season, we go through every play and most of our highlight stuff from that position was him. In some cases, you’d say, ‘Hey, that’s DeMarcus. No, it’s not, that’s Anthony.’ I think he’s going to be a really good player for us.”

[snip]

Spencer has established himself as a force against the run. Phillips raved about Spencer’s ability to beat run-blocking tight ends, saying Spencer was one of the best OLBs he’s coached in that regard.

DC.com’s Rob Phillips looks at rookie OLBs, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams, as reasons the Cowboys will be moving on from Ellis.

Having directed the 3-4 defense for decades, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips knows an outside linebacker when he sees one, and he thinks Butler (6-2, 248) and Williams (6-2, 252) have the right combination of size and athleticism. Williams led the Big 12 with 13 sacks last year while Butler’s 12 ranked second in the Pac-10.

Butler will return to practice once Oregon State holds its graduation ceremony in June. Once he’s back, he’s looking forward to learning and competing with Williams for playing time.

Depending on Ellis’ future, both rookies might have more opportunity than originally thought.

“When you get two great competitors together you’re going to push and push each other to work harder,” Butler said. “And I think that’s where DeMarcus and his counterpart come in because you’ve got two good guys out there working every day in practice. That’s how you’re able to put up 20 sacks because you’ve got a guy next to you that’s going to make you work.”

More VRR after the jump, including OTA highlights and an interview with Coach Joe DeCamillis.

The Cowboys are already fine-tuning their practice roster. The team released both S Tra Battle and DT Casey Tyler today.

Here are some highlights from Timmy Mac’s observation of today’s practice. Read his full account here.

- Tony Romo to Roy Williams was at first, cold; then hot.

- Bobby Carpenter worked on the first-team nickel D. Also, the line on these nickel and dime packages showcased Ware and Jay Ratliff at the ends with Stephen Bowen at the tackle.

- Courtney Brown is back at CB.

- MB3 threw a HB touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton.

- Sam Hurd did not practice (left quad). Coach Phillips said he will hold Hurd out of practice for the rest of the week.

And some quick hits from Josh Ellis.

- Orlando Scandrick split first-team reps with Mike Jenkins, at the spot opposite Terence Newman.

- Although hurt, Sam Hurd stayed after practice to hold for FGs.

- Several of Romo’s passes were “wobbly”.

- Joe DeCamillis was at practice again, and told Jerry Jones how impressed he was with a few unnamed rookies.

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis told his harrowing story of the training facility collapse to Atlanta’s 790 the Zone.

Guys started to get out the doors that they were close to - I happened to be close to the door on the east side… Which unfortunately, was not the great thing, ’cause what happened was the structure ended up falling on to us.”

[snip]

“The scariest part was the tarp was on top of us.  So, you thought you were really gonna suffocate.  I knew my back was hurt, but you thought you were gonna suffocate when you were sitting there because there was like six inches of water on the ground, and there was a big ol’ tarp that was on top of you.

[snip]

And, I’m sitting there with my back and I’m thinking, ‘Geez, you wuss, you gotta get up, man.’  So, somehow (laughs), I ended up walking inside to my office… And, I called Dana, my wife, and I said, ‘Are you all right?’  And, she said, ‘Yeah.  I’m all right.  It’s bad weather but what’s the matter?’  And, I said, ‘Well, you’re gonna see something on the TV, the dome just fell on me but I’m okay (laughs).”

SI ranks Big D’s running game at #3 in the league, just one behind the Giants (doh!).

Hat tip to aussie_cowboy for the FanShot.

Here are some photos of OTA Week One from DC.com’s multimedia center. Go #4!

Wade’s World! Wade’s World!

Party time?  Excellent?

The answers to those questions — for Wade and for us — are months away.  In the meantime, it’s amazing to see how much he’s turned over the defense in just two years.  Like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips was mostly content to play with the hand dealt him his inaugural year. Yes, the Cowboys selected Anthony Spencer in the first round, but he was a hedge against a slow rehab by Greg Ellis, who had torn an Achilles tendon in the Tuna’s final go-round. 

Wade went 13-3 with Bill’s guys, and went one-and-out in  the playoffs when the backup corner depth let him down.  Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones couldn’t hold up against the Patriots and Giants of the world and Anthony Henry wasn’t getting any younger.  To no one’s surprise, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick got early attention in last year’s draft.

What may have surprised some is how big a second helping of defensive back seven help Wade and the scouts took this year:  three of Dallas’ first five picks were for linebackers.  Then, four of the next six picks went on secondary players, though Stephen Hodge will likely be groomed to take Kevin Burnett’s nickel linebacker role, if top pick Jason Williams doesn’t  beat Hodge to it.

This means that before Wade Anno Tre even begins, the heart of Bill’s last ‘06 defensive back seven has either departed or is on very thin ice.  Consider:

In the secondary, only Terence Newman is assured a starting spot.  And only Pat Watkins remains from the backups, though the odds are not in Watkins’ favor, with Orlando Scandrick getting some consideration for nickel safety and rookie DeAngelo Smith sure to get his shot.  If Watkins gets cut, only one Parcells guy will remain on a unit that usually carries nine players.

Still, from ‘06:  Terence Newman

Out:  Anthony Henry, Keith Davis, Roy Williams, Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, Aaron Glenn, Abram Elam

Maybe:  Pat Watkins

At linebacker, Demarcus Ware and Bradie James are keepers from the Parcells era.  As with the secondary, everybody else is either gone, or on a rent-don’t-buy edict.

Still, from ‘06:  Demarcus Ware, Bradie James

Out:  Akin Ayodele, Greg Ellis, Al Singleton, Kevin Burnett, Ryan Fowler

Maybes:  Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers

Carpenter is the Watkins of linebackers.  He’ll get first crack at filling Burnett’s shoes, but he may be little more than a placeholder if Jason Williams or Hodge can develop quickly.  Rogers wasn’t on the ‘06 team, arriving as a waiver claim after the final ‘07 cutdowns, but he’s another Bruce Read Era special teams maybe;  he’s made the team with his kick coverage skills, but can’t get on the field in regular defensive packages.  That spells trouble in a year when Dallas drafted heavily for special teams.

The bottom line is a grim one if you’re a member of the Parcells-Ireland Academy.  Linebackers and secondary players get seventeen to eighteen spots on a roster.  This year, we’re going to see five Tuna guys at most and as few as three in those two corps.

Anybody want to guess that Dallas won’t go hard for defensive linemen next year, whether Wade returns or not?  Four Parcells guys are still around, but three, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, know they need to crank it up a notch or two or the scouts will come for their jobs too. 

Wade’s World! Wade’s World!

Party time?  Excellent?

The answers to those questions — for Wade and for us — are months away.  In the meantime, it’s amazing to see how much he’s turned over the defense in just two years.  Like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips was mostly content to play with the hand dealt him his inaugural year. Yes, the Cowboys selected Anthony Spencer in the first round, but he was a hedge against a slow rehab by Greg Ellis, who had torn an Achilles tendon in the Tuna’s final go-round. 

Wade went 13-3 with Bill’s guys, and went one-and-out in  the playoffs when the backup corner depth let him down.  Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones couldn’t hold up against the Patriots and Giants of the world and Anthony Henry wasn’t getting any younger.  To no one’s surprise, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick got early attention in last year’s draft.

What may have surprised some is how big a second helping of defensive back seven help Wade and the scouts took this year:  three of Dallas’ first five picks were for linebackers.  Then, four of the next six picks went on secondary players, though Stephen Hodge will likely be groomed to take Kevin Burnett’s nickel linebacker role, if top pick Jason Williams doesn’t  beat Hodge to it.

This means that before Wade Anno Tre even begins, the heart of Bill’s last ‘06 defensive back seven has either departed or is on very thin ice.  Consider:

In the secondary, only Terence Newman is assured a starting spot.  And only Pat Watkins remains from the backups, though the odds are not in Watkins’ favor, with Orlando Scandrick getting some consideration for nickel safety and rookie DeAngelo Smith sure to get his shot.  If Watkins gets cut, only one Parcells guy will remain on a unit that usually carries nine players.

Still, from ‘06:  Terence Newman

Out:  Anthony Henry, Keith Davis, Roy Williams, Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, Aaron Glenn, Abram Elam

Maybe:  Pat Watkins

At linebacker, Demarcus Ware and Bradie James are keepers from the Parcells era.  As with the secondary, everybody else is either gone, or on a rent-don’t-buy edict.

Still, from ‘06:  Demarcus Ware, Bradie James

Out:  Akin Ayodele, Greg Ellis, Al Singleton, Kevin Burnett, Ryan Fowler

Maybes:  Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers

Carpenter is the Watkins of linebackers.  He’ll get first crack at filling Burnett’s shoes, but he may be little more than a placeholder if Jason Williams or Hodge can develop quickly.  Rogers wasn’t on the ‘06 team, arriving as a waiver claim after the final ‘07 cutdowns, but he’s another Bruce Read Era special teams maybe;  he’s made the team with his kick coverage skills, but can’t get on the field in regular defensive packages.  That spells trouble in a year when Dallas drafted heavily for special teams.

The bottom line is a grim one if you’re a member of the Parcells-Ireland Academy.  Linebackers and secondary players get seventeen to eighteen spots on a roster.  This year, we’re going to see five Tuna guys at most and as few as three in those two corps.

Anybody want to guess that Dallas won’t go hard for defensive linemen next year, whether Wade returns or not?  Four Parcells guys are still around, but three, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, know they need to crank it up a notch or two or the scouts will come for their jobs too. 

Wade’s World! Wade’s World!

Party time?  Excellent?

The answers to those questions — for Wade and for us — are months away.  In the meantime, it’s amazing to see how much he’s turned over the defense in just two years.  Like Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips was mostly content to play with the hand dealt him his inaugural year. Yes, the Cowboys selected Anthony Spencer in the first round, but he was a hedge against a slow rehab by Greg Ellis, who had torn an Achilles tender in the Tuna’s final go-round. 

Wade went 13-3 with Bill’s guys, and went one-and-out when the backup corner depth let him down.  Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones couldn’t hold up against the Patriots and Giants of the world and Anthony Henry wasn’t getting any younger.  To no one’s surprise, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick got early attention.

What may have surprised some is how big a second helping of defensive back seven help Wade and the scouts took this year:  three of Dallas’ first five picks were for linebackers.  Then, four of the next six picks went on secondary players, though Donald Hodge will likely be groomed to take Kevin Burnett’s nickel linebacker role, if top pick Jason Williams doesn’t  beat Hodge to it.

This means that before Wade Anno Tre even begins, the heart of Bill’s last ‘06 defensive back seven has either departed or is on very thin ice.  Consider:

 

In the secondary, only Terence Newman is assured a starting spot.  And only Pat Watkins remains from the backups, though the odds are not in Watkins favor, with Orlando Scandrick getting some consideration for nickel safety and rookie DeAngelo Smith getting his shot.  If Watkins gets cut, only one Parcells guy will remain on a unit that usually carries nine players.

Still, from ‘06:  Terence Newman

Out:  Anthony Henry, Keith Davis, Roy Williams, Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, Aaron Glenn, Abram Elam

Maybe:  Pat Watkins

At linebacker, Demarcus Ware and Bradie James are keepers from the Parcells era.  As with the secondary, everybody else is either gone, or on  rent-don’t-buy edict.

Still, from ‘06:  Demarcus Ware, Bradie James

Out:  Akin Ayodele, Greg Ellis, Al Singleton, Kevin Burnett, Ryan Fowler

Maybes:  Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers

Carpenter is the Watkins of linebackers.  He’ll get first crack at filling Burnett’s shoes, but he may be little more than a placeholder if Jason Williams or Hodge can develop quickly.  Rogers wasn’t on the ‘06 team, arriving as a waiver claim after the final ‘07 cutdowns, but he’s another Bruce Read Era special teams maybe;  he’s made the team with his kick coverage skills, but can’t get on the field in regular defensive packages.  That spells trouble in a year when Dallas drafted heavily for special teams.

The bottom line is a grim one if you’re a member of the Parcells-Ireland Academy.  Linebackers and secondary players get seventeen to eighteen spots on a roster.  This year, we’re going to see five Tuna guys at most and as few as three in those two corps.

Anybody want to guess that Dallas won’t go hard for defensive linemen next year, whether Wade returns or not?  Four Parcells guys are still around, but three, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, know they need to crank it up a notch or two or the scouts will come for their jobs too. 

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