Dallas Cowboys Off Season News

[eagle eye]

Dallas has been known to show patience to allow a player to develop but this Matt Johnson thing is taking patience to the extreme. Johnson was drafted out of Eastern Washington where he finished his career in the top ten in several Big Sky Conference records. But, since he's gotten to Dallas he hasn't played a game yet in 2 full seasons. He has suffered a plethora of muscle pulls and a broken foot/ankle that derailed him last year. Here's a link to DC.com that talks about this very subject. I sure hope 2 things; 1-he can get healthy enough to get on, and stay on, the field and 2-that he's been worth the wait.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-NickEatman/Despite-Injury-History-Johnson-Still-Has-Opportunity/4795729c-e3a3-4f83-88d2-058321fe4781

 

In an interview 2nd year center Travis Frederick said he feels more comfortable this year over his rookie season and he's using his experience to get better as a player and he can help fellow 1st round draft choice Zack Martin make the transition to the pros easier. Nice.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DavidHelman/Frederick-Prepared-To-Ramp-Up-Role-In-Year-Two/e5a22975-9afe-40db-b5c3-93719bf19207

 

One the other side of the ball the feel good story of George Selvie who came to Dallas as a result of a tidal wave of injuries to the D-line last season. A guy who was on his couch one week and the next beginning his best year of the his 3 year career for the Cowboys. Nice story from DC.com's Rowan Kavner.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-RowanKavner/Selvie-Recalls-Long-Road-To-Dallas-Still-Not-Satisfied/77bfaea8-ff0a-46e4-adf3-98eb87d89495

 

One last item and it's not football related. George Strait played in the Death Star, or Jerry World or however you prefer to refer to the Cowboys AT&T Stadium on Sunday setting a new attendance record of an indoor concert in North America. George Strait must be like 96 years old but he can still pack the house in Texas. Just joking George!

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/Attendance-Records-Shattered-After-George-Strait-Concert/dc672b36-176a-4454-b816-0bacc5019f6b

[eagle eye]

A couple of notes to pass along.

 

> The 3rd week of OTAs concluded yesterday. Besides the loss of Sean Lee on day one of OTAs the sessions were reported as productive with 1st year players Travis Frederick, Gavin Escobar and Terrance Williams making big strides over last season. Demarcus Lawrence and Lance Dunbar were also players that turned some heads as well.

 

> OTAs for this season are over now. Next week from June 17 to 19 the Cowboys will have a manditory mini camp and that will be it until Dallas packs up and heads to Oxnard, California for training camp on July 24th through August 15th.

 

> Sean Lee underwent successful ACL surgery yesterday morning according to Jason Garrett in an interview yesterday. There is no time table for Lee's return but recovery time for ACL surgery is around 12 months. Dallas could save Lee's season and save a roster spot by putting him on PUP. That gives Dallas up to nine weeks to decide if they want to put Lee on the active roster in case they make the playoffs and his rehab is ahead of schedule. I highly doubt it but you never know.

 

 

[eagle eye]

Dallas has come to terms on the contract for 1st round pick Zack Martin. Terms of the deal were not released but E J Manual was the 16th pick in last year's draft and he got around $8.8 mm for a 4 year deal. Martin's deal is for 4 years. This makes 8 of the 9 draft picks that are signed. The only one to not agree to terms yet is DE Demarcus Lawrence. There is no word on what the hold up is but I expect he'll be under contract soon enough. With the rookie salary cap and the slotting of the new player's salaries money isn't a sticking point. It's likely there some language in the Cowboys offer that is the sticking point. After manditory mini camp this week the Cowboys and Lawrence will have a month to work it out before training camp begins.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys started their only mandatory mini camp this off season today and despite the word "mandatory" Kyle Orton was still a no-show. Now, Orton is scheduled to make $3.2 mm give or take this season but that figure is going to $70K less with the fine he will surely incur for his absence. If Orton decides to retire, which is what has been inferred for a while now, Orton stands to lose another $3.4 mm if Dallas decides to sue Orton for the remaining signing bonus he was given when he signed his contract last season. If you're counting, that's 6.6 mm dollars Orton is just throwing away. Some still think he's trolling for more money but after the Cowboys got screwed by Jay Ratliff even Jerry Jones may want to stick it to Orton.

 

One of Dallas' seventh round draft picks is finally able to attend practice. Unlike Orton's self imposed absence Terrence Mitchell, a cornerback from Oregon, has had to finish his schooling before he could begin his career as a Cowboy. Now school's out and Mitchell is making his debut at mini camp. Teammates have been in contact with Mitchell and they have been able to help out, at least as much as they could with him being way up in the Pacific Northwest.

 

During today's practice when the Cowboys were doing some 7-on-7 drills Tony Romo was not supposed to be taking any snaps as he is banned from competitive team drills. Romo has been relegated to individual drills as a precaution as he is working his way back into a regular routine following off season back surgery. This didn't stop a determined Romo from trying though. Romo switched Jersey's with fellow QB Caleb Haney he actually broke the huddle to take his first live snap. He was foiled when Jason Garrett noticed Haney looked a little different and as he looked closer he saw Romo wearing an unfamiliar #10 jersey. Garrett stopped the play before it got started and shooed Romo back to the area of the practice field he was supposed to be. After getting his #9 back first. Romo stated last week that if he had to he could play. He says he feels great and is ready to go but Garrett is steadfast in sticking with the timetable laid out for Romo's return. When training camp begins the end of next month Romo is supposed to be full go, but right now--not so much.

 

Shades of Bill Parcels. When the Cowboys came out for practice today the offensive and defensive linemen all were wearing specially made knee braces. Garrett was asked about how they felt about wearing the braces and Garrett admitted they weren't all that happy. Especially the defensive linemen who are always trying to shed any excess weight they can. Garrett said the braces were from off season discussions by the coaching staff but you know that the shadow of Bill Parcels still looms over Valley Ranch and knee braces for all linemen was one of the main demands Parcels had. It may not have helped Sean Lee but you kinda have to wonder what if........ Garrett even sounded a little Parcels-ish when he said, "This has been going on for years. Sometimes you have to protect them from themselves.”

 

Here's some thoughts on today's practice from DC.com's Bryan Broaddus.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-BryanBroaddus/Scout’s-Eye-Carter-Looking-More-Comfortable-In-Nickel-/beedda30-0e41-4d74-bae6-a171f90fe046

[eagle eye]

In an earlier post about the signing of 1st round pick Zack Johnson I mentioned that DeMarcus Lawrence was the only draftee not yet signed. I also mentioned that Dallas had a month to get a deal done before training camp. Well, the Cowboys used just a couple of days to get Lawrence signed. The Cowboys web site didn't mention any details of the deal other than it's for four years. So there is one less thing to worry about. Now Lawrence has to just live up to the expectations the Cowboys and their fans surely will have for a guy who Dallas traded away their 3rd round pick to the Redskins to get the right to move up and pick him. There is going to be some big hopes this kid can replace a Cowboys legend---the OTHER DeMarcus---and live up to what Dallas sacrificed to get him. I think there is more pressure on Lawrence than on 1st round pick Zack Martin. Martin falls into an already rebuilt unit that performed much better last season than in recent memory. Martin is a sort of under the radar pick, especially after he was absolved from blame for Sean Lee blowing out his knee 3 weeks ago. Martin's impact could be extreme if the guard position is so much better than last season which would result in bigger numbers for both Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray. On paper you have to feel that Dallas' offense is going to be a force to be reckoned with so it's a win-win situation for Martin.

Lawrence, on the other hand, has a lot of pressure on him. Right or wrong he could be looked at as the key to turning around the worst defense in Cowboys history. If he can't pressure the opposing QB and become a force to be respected the pick Dallas made and the trade Dallas made to get him will be considered a bust. Nevermind that it may take a year or two before he becomes that type of player. I believe there is a target on his back, especially from Dallas fans, for him to succeed RIGHT NOW. Fair or unfair that's how it's going to be. For a playoff and Super Bowl starved fan base you can bet your sweet bippy Lawrence needs to be the new defensive messiah or the crowd will not be happy.

[eagle eye]

Dallas fans and the so-called experts are too and the conclusion they seem to be coming to is that the Cowboys will be lucky to win 5 games in 2014. It just looks like the rest of the division got better and unless you have a big imagination it didn't look like Dallas did much to improve their team. Then, on the first hour of the first practice of OTA's Dallas lost the heart and soul of their defense when Sean Lee suffered a torn ACL ending his season before it had a chance to begin. God, maybe the 'Boys will only win 3 games! Hold on. Stay in control. And let Mickey Spagnola give you a bit of hope. Not, just the hope homers have before any games are played but, a real reason to believe Dallas can get over the 8-8 hump on the backs of their very talented offense. Yes, offense. Not only does Dallas have an offense that deserves more than a little respect but if Dallas defense has improved from the number 32 ranked defense to say, the 16th then how well can Dallas do. If you buy into Mickey's article then we have reason to hope not based on pipe dreams.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/Spagnola-Going-On-The-Offensive-Again/8b3da289-4f37-425f-a243-7e0ba64ef9cc

 

BTW the Cowboys have the next month to rest, relax and prepare for training camp which begins on July 24th with the Cowboys loading up and leaving for Oxnard, CA on July 22nd.

 

The big questions in my mind will be;

1. Will Demarcus Lawrence live up to expectations as he tries to become the replacement for that other DeMarcus. A lot is riding on it. But, Dallas has better players along the D-line starting with free agent signee Henry Melton who played for DC Rod Marinelli in Chicago. Melton, BTW, went to a pro bowl under Marinelli. 2012 3rd round draft pick Tyrone Crawford is coming back from a lost 2013 season due to a torn Achilles. The Cowboys are very excited with what they have seen in the past month's practices. Then there are the other free agents Dallas signed, Jeremy Mincey and Terrell McClain to bolster the interior line positions. Then you have returnees, George Selvie and Ben Bass and Nick Hayden. All this means the talent depth on the D-line has been improved significantly which should make Lawrence's job a little easier.

2. Who will be the guy in the mike linebacker spotlight trying to replace Sean Lee. Going into training camp the guy with the first shot at it will be veteran Justin Durant. Durant was the backup mike LB last year and he actually made one start before an injury ended his season. DeVonte Holloman stepped in after Durant went down and by the end of the season he had shown a little something for Dallas to be happy with. Then there's 4th round pick Anthony Hitchens who was drafted to be Sean Lee's backup.

3. What can Dallas do to bolster the safety position? JJ Wilcox was okay but didn't set the world on fire with his play. Barry Church has taken charge of one safety position but Watt didn't definitively answer the question that has been asked since Darren Woodson retired. Who is going to play safety? Wilcox could get better but there's an undrafted free agent signed in 2013 that is wowing coaches with his athleticism. Hamilton was thrown to the wolves last year along with several other DBs who had been pushed into service due to a plethora of injuries to Dallas DBs in the Detroit game. As Cowboys fans painfully remember, the Cowboys allowed the Lions to march right down and score the game winning TD with seconds left in the game to steal what should have been a Cowboys win. Hamilton was one of the goats in that collapse but he's back and he's no rookie and he's been looking good in practices. Or will Eastern Washington's Matt Johnson finally be able to stay on the field a justify all the patience the Cowboys have had with their 2012 4th round draft pick. After all, Johnson has not taken a single snap in a regular season game in the past two years. In the few practices he's participated in he must have shown the coaches something special for them to keep him on the roster for so long with zero to show for it.

 

That's it. One month and one day the long grind of the 2014 season will begin. Damn, it's going to seed like a million years!

 

 

[eagle eye]

Not being there to see what the Cowboys players do pre-game or pre-practice during their warmups I certainly can't speak to any deficiencies in their prep work. DC.com writers have intimated on pod casts that there seemed to be a lackluster attitude about their stretching. This is very disconcerting since Dallas is one team notorious for multiple hamstring injuries. Some want to point the finger at Dallas' strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik but this seems a little lame considering he has 6 Super Bowl rings. Three were with the Cowboys during the ninties and the other 3 were with the Patriots during their Super Bowl run in the 2000's and he obviously had a hand in those team's preparation. You could envision the players out shooting the breeze and feeling like stretching is a waste of time. They see evidence of the need to stretch but young guys will be young guys and, after all, they are invincible. Bad stuff only happens to somebody else. In the case of a lot of guys who get pulled hamstrings it never seems to heal. See Miles Austin and Matt Johnson. You get to feeling better but the first time you land awkwardly or your foot slides in a way you don't expect--wham--that old twinge in the back of your leg rears its extremely ugly head. A pulled hammy is actually a slight tear and it takes time to heal and unlike a broken bone which often heals stronger than before the break a muscle doesn't do that. The muscle tissue is damaged and more often than not it is never the same again. Either way Dallas isn't the only team with hamstring issues but they're the only ones I care about. If lazy stretching habits are a problem it would seem like the first and easiest fix. It wouldn't stop hammy injuries all together but it could slow them down a lot and having your best players on the field is the ultimate goal isn't it?

[eagle eye]

For being a slow time in the NFL world I guess it affords the opportunity to touch on subjects that during the hectic time of an NFL season you don't have the time or inclination to write about. Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine writer Jeff Sullivan has done just that--touch on a subject not normally broached. It's about head coach Jason Garrett to some extent and about his dad Jim but it's more about the bond between father and son. Whether or not you like Garrett as the Cowboys head coach this is a really nice story.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-JeffSullivan/Sullivan-Garrett-And-His-Father-Have-Special-Bond/dc39b60a-1ff3-464e-a7a5-5e21eb36a1fe

[eagle eye]

You certainly can't accuse the Cowboys of being a stagnant organization. Today, the Cowboys agreed to terms on a contract for 7 year veteran guard Uche Kwaneri. Kwaneri was drafted in the 5th round of the 2007 draft by Jacksonville and he's started all but 4 games, all missed in 2009. Kwaneri will vie for a spot on the roster with Ronald Leary, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Zach Martin and 4 others. The fact he is a veteran and very durable he should have no problem making the roster. The reason he became available was he was a salary cap casualty in Jacksonville. Kwaneri has yet to actually sign the contract but it should just be a formality. Kwaneri is from Texas, the Dallas area to be exact. He graduated from Naaman Forest High in Garland. Kwaneri was a teammate of DE Anthony Spencer at Purdue so he has some legit Texas and Cowboys ties.

[eagle eye]

In his weekly Friday article Mickey Spagnola tackles a hodgepodge of items including the Kyle Orton deal, the O-line and salary cap stuff. As for Orton, from a numbers perspective it would benefit both him and the Cowboys if he just plays this season. From a money standpoint it would seem it would be just plain stupid not to play in 2014. Orton doesn't strike me a being stupid. It would mean the Cowboys would be carrying 3 QBs this year because Brandon Weeden seems to have earned a roster spot.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/Spagnola-On-A-Need-To-Know-Basis/66cdb20e-59fe-4128-bacc-6901c111628a

 

Here's a video link to several Dallas Cowboys reading tweets to them. The segment is called, "Mean Tweets", so you can imagine they are not tweets praising them.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/

 

Dez Bryant was named the 25th best player in NFL.com top 100 players list. Here's a video of recapping Dez.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/Top_100_Players_of_2014_Dez_Bryant/85577731-56bd-4440-9e8a-08e799390788

[eagle eye]

A couple of items today I found on Bleecher Report.

 

1. Tony Romo has not played golf since February of 2013 which pre-dates his surgery to remove a cyst from his upper back. For those who follow Romo and Cowboys this is a big deal. What's even more of a big deal he doesn't plan to play in the weeks leading up to training camp to protect his back from any unnecessary stress since he had back surgery in January for a herniated disc. For all those who felt Romo playing golf was a distraction to playing football---stick your tongue out between your lips and blow. That is my response to you.

 

2. Jonathan Bales from B/R gives his prediction of 5 players who will make the final roster and 5 players to not make the final roster.

Players Bales feels will make the roster;

1. WR Chris Boyd

2. S Matt Johnson

3. FB JC Copeland

4. S Ahmad Dixon (I disagree because from what I've been able to find out he just can't cover and the Cowboys need more than a special teams ace.

5. WR L'Damian Washington (this is the guy you want to root for considering his background story. A real feel good story even if he only makes the practice squad.)

 

Players who get the boot;

1. P Cody Mandell

2. TE Jordan Najvar

3. S Jakar Hamilton (DallasCowboys.com's reporters have been touting Hamilton's athletic ability so I disagree with this pick.)

4. RB Joseph Randall (With the signing of Ryan Williams it looked like Randall could be the odd man out.)

5. CB BW Webb (Interesting -- I have to think about this one)

 

Finally, CBS sports writer Gregg Doyle has written an article destroying new Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry over the way he handled the hiring of new head coach Jason Kidd. Apparently, there is a whole black cloud over the circumstances of Kidd's hire. Doyle compares Lasry with Jerry Jones saying, " ....both believe they are smarter than everyone else.". Doyle continued, "Look at Jerry Jones, another self made billionaire who bought America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys, and installed himself as general manager and is stuck with a fool running his team into eternal mediocrity." That seems a little harsh but it is twinged with some truth. The fact is Jerry was involved in turning the Cowboys into a Super Bowl team in the ninties and he spent ten years trying to prove he could do without Jimmy Johnson after he and Johnson had a major falling out after the 1993 season. Jerry was the fool running his business trying to spite Johnson but with the hiring of Bill Parcels he acknowledged he needed a strong coach instead of a puppet and with the hiring of Jason Garrett he got another strong willed coach who has made the overall roster of the Cowboys better. When Garrett took over there were more holes in the Cowboys roster than a home made boat and zero cap space to work with. in the three and a half years since the Cowboys roster has gotten considerably better and with an improvement in the defense the Cowboys could be right where they want to be--in the playoffs and from there to the ultimate goal of the Super Bowl. I don't think Dallas will go to the Super Bowl this season but I think it's entirely possible for them to make the playoffs. Another good draft and who knows what could happen in 2015. So, I find the bile of Gregg Doyle's article to be out of line, mainly because Jerry hasn't made deals considered shady by comparison to Marc Lasry.

[eagle eye]

Just when you think the Cowboys are taking a break until training camp up jumps a deal like today's. The Cowboys traded a 2015 6th round pick for the rights to LB Rolando McClain and a 7th round draft pick with the Baltimore Ravens. McClain is a very talented player who has been hampered by off field issues, suspensions and arrests have marred what could have been a good career to date. Cowboys fans may remember it was the hit by McClain in the 2012 preseason while he was with Oakland that lacerated Jason Witten's spleen. Google McClain and you will see a biography of a talented and flawed young man but Dallas puts a lot of faith in their personnel support department led by Calvin Hill. After a tumultuous time in Oakland he went to Baltimore in 2013 but soon after he signed his contract he retired. He expressed a desire to play in 2014 but he again decided to retire. McClain was considered the best linebacker in the country entering the 2010 draft after his Alabama Crimson Tide won the NCAA National Championship at the end of the 2009 season. The Raiders drafted McClain with the 8th pick in the draft but he never really assimilated with the Raiders. The fact that McClain is only 24 years old and has three years of wear and tear on his body and the fact he should be well rested after being out of football the past year should be good news for the Sean Lee-less Cowboys. Trouble is, can Dallas convince McClain to un-retire? That's where the salesman in Jerry Jones can come in handy. Jerry could sell a winter coat to an Egyptian but he may not be able to sell the Cowboys to an emotionally unstable young man. Anyway, it's basically a free look at a player who could be the answer to the question of who will replace Sean Lee. Lee, BTW was put on injured reserve to make room for McClain officially ending Lee's 2014 season.

[eagle eye]

I posted that Dallas had signed former top 10 draft pick Rolando McClain the linebacker who was part of the Alabama National Champs of 2009. The link below is a scouting report from DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus that really says if he is motivated he will be a great asset. Can position coach Matt Eberflus get him going? Can Calvin Hill and the player assistance dept help McClain the way they have helped players like Dez Bryant? What if he turns into a stud? Where does that leave Sean Lee in 2015? Anyway, Dallas needs a force in the middle and hopefully, McClain IS a stud. Lord knows the Cowboys defense needs one.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-BryanBroaddusBlog/Scouting-Report-New-LB-McClain-Plays-With-Power/ddc86fef-3320-49de-9cae-a967affee9b9

[eagle eye]

On DallasCowboys.com a series has been started called "20 Questions" answering that many questions that the staff writers feel needs answering as the Cowboys go into training camp. In the Links below the Cowboys staff writers, Nick Eatman, Rowan Kavner, David Helman and Bryan Broaddus give their version of the answers to the questions.

 

20) Can the Cowboys afford to lose Kyle Orton?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/20-Questions-Can-Cowboys-Afford-To-Lose-Kyle-Orton-/cebaec59-c1f1-4156-8e47-78f8c9bda1cd

 

My own opinion is split. If Orton just comes back because it would cost him too much money not to I would have a concern about his motivation. But, if the business side of the deal is settled and he comes back all in I would prefer him to be the backup. But, if he's pissed about his deal or his heart isn't into the game and he really doesn't care about playing I'm good with Brandon Weeden being the backup. By all accounts he has worked his ass off in OTAs and mini camp and deserves a shot to revive his career. I think if Orton ends up being the backup I really think the Cowboys will carry 3 QBs because Dallas has liked Weeden since his Okla State days.

 

19) What 7th round pick has the best shot (to make the team)?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/20-Questions-What-7th-Round-Pick-Has-The-Best-Shot/0907e6d4-a0b6-4c65-b015-f8775de21f08

 

I have no opinion on this because I have not been able to watch the players this spring and as the DC.com writers each have picked a different player they like. Dallas had 5 7th round picks, DE Ben Gardner from Stanford, S Ahmad Dixon from Baylor, DT Ken Bishop from Northern Illinois, LB Will Smith from Texas Tech and CB Terrence Mitchell from Oregon and the one left out was Ahmad Dixon. All spring the writers have written about Dixon's limitations as a safety and the only real shot he has to make the team as a special teams specialist. Personally, I don't see that happening. As bad as Dallas needs a safety to line up along side Barry Church I don't see Dixon is the answer to that question, all things considered.

[eagle eye]

Here are two more of the 20 questions DC.com's writers feel needs answering as the Cowboys head towards training camp later this month.

 

18) How can DeMarco Murray Prove He's a Long-Term Option?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/20-Questions-How-Can-Murray-Prove-He’s-Long-Term-Option-/4002d8b1-b102-4a66-ac96-af0ff8963dc2

 

17) What Non-Pro Bowl Player Will Help The Cowboys The Most?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/20-Questions-Which-Non-Pro--Bowler-Helps-The-Offense-Most/0dc04b8e-f528-40dd-b0e7-3e2effd411aa

 

You may be surprised at the players the writers think will make and impact this coming season! Can you think of a better player, or players?

[eagle eye]

The "20 Questions" series continues with questions 15 and 16.

 

16) Does Zack Martin man the Cowboys O-line dominant?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/20-Questions-Does-Martin-Make-This-O-Line-Dominant/c5fd5881-158a-4a10-877a-9752669cebcc

 

Personally, I think dominant isn't the word I'd use. For the foreseeable futue the linchpins of the line will be Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and now Martin. All are first round picks and should anchor the Cowboys line for the next ten years barring injury. Frederick should be much better in his second year while Smith has made his first pro bowl last year. Martin will need, at very least, this season to learn the NFL game and a full off season to get stronger, NFL stronger, to be on the road to where he will be. It's pretty much consensus that Martin will be better than either Mackenzy Bernadeau and Ron Leary but will he? This year? And who's to say Martin doesn't end up taking Doug Free's spot at right tackle since this is Free's last year under contract? They will still be looking a Bernadeau and Leary at guard. I'm not just thinking 2014 but I'm looking long term. Dominant? No, better, Martin or not, for sure.

 

15) Which player will be the surprise training camp standout?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/15-Which-Player-Will-Be-The-Surprise-Camp-Standout/23c19022-9603-40ed-bf2c-86c3beb355d6

 

Mr's Eatman, Kavner, Broaddus and Helman each selected a different player and a couple of their picks may surprise a little bit. Obviously, I have been able to watch the OTA's and mini camp practices but these guys have. I know who I'd like to be standouts starting with Morris Claiborne. Mo has been hampered by injuries since before he even took the field for the Cowboys and he needs to start living up to his first round pick status. I'd love to see Lance Dunbar excel. Apparently, new offensive coach Scott Linehan likes him and has compared him to Reggie Bush who Linehan had in Detroit. Trouble is Dunbar who got his first extended playing time against Oakland on Thanksgiving and didn't last the whole game before he was injured and lost for the rest of the season. Stay healthy Lance! The most obvious choice is for DeMarcus Lawrence to shine. He was the guy Dallas targeted in the draft to be the pass rusher who strikes fear in opposing QBs. Hopefully, he even more badass than even the Cowboys expected. One last guy I might pick is new MLB Rolando McClain. Talent and potential are not the issues. Can he get, and keep, his head on straight is the issue. I would love it if McClain plays so well the headline in 2015 is "Can Sean Lee Win His Job Back?".

[eagle eye]

I can't believe I'm giving lip service to any kind of commentary by the NFL Channel but this is just the last straw. A female host with Willie McGinnest and Jamie Dukes discuss and interview with Dez Bryant in which Dez says he's not concerned with the talent on the team more than he focuses EACH YEAR on building a good chemistry within the team. Makes sense right. There's a little, or a lot, of turnover on rosters each year and you've heard it said time and again that every year is a new team that comes to training camp. Dukes especially twisted Dez's words to mean Dez thinks there is a chemistry problem on the Cowboys. He goes on to say that the fact Dallas has hired several former head coaches to be assistants contributes to the chemistry problem because they are all trying to be chiefs each sending different messages to the team. SAY WHAT? The segment with Dez's comments begins the piece and you can see for yourself that what Dez said and how the NFLC people chose to interpret it is totally different. Excuse my language but this the kind of unmitigated bullshit the NFL Channel constantly spews in regard to the Cowboys. Just sitting here writing about it made me throw up in my mouth a little. See for yourself. If this isn't a classic example of yellow journalism I don't know what is. Excuse me I have to rinse out my mouth.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/Do-The-Cowboys-Have-A-Chemistry-Problem-/89996df8-0ee0-4d59-ae13-9335e5ebb67b

[eagle eye]

Here are the next two questions address by the DC.com writers.

 

14) Where does the defense start to replace DeMarcus Ware?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/14-Where-Does-This-Defense-Start-To-Replace-Ware/005270b8-63b6-4df9-a75f-1ab8debc53fe

 

Is the question about replacing the awesome DeMarcus Ware or the injured DeMarcus Ware of the last two years? If it's the latter that shouldn't be too hard to do but if it's the former Dallas may be a while replacing THAT Ware. I'm sure the hope is DeMarcus Lawrence will be that guy but there a lot of players who can man a nice rotation of fresh players. The DC.com writer make nice points on this subject.

 

13) Which encore performance from 2013 will be the hardest to match?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/13-Which-Encore-Of-2013-Will-Be-Hardest-To-Match/5e29b278-9beb-4778-b407-c82baa848067

 

The DC.com staff writers have just a couple of guys in their analysis which is, I'm sure, a coincidence. You may not agree but I'll bet you could be surprised by their picks. To me you have to wonder if DeMarco Murray can equal or top his 2013, 1000+ yards rushing. You would think of the players who had good seasons last year Murray would be the MOST likely to equal last year's output. But 2013 was one of Murray's healthiest seasons and he still missed two games. Murray will have to stay healthy and on the field to better last season and it hasn't been his history.

[eagle eye]

The next "20 Questions for today are;

 

12) Which D-Lineman has Selvie-like staying power?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/12-Which-D-Lineman-Has-A-Selvie-Like-Breakthrough/5f6b0dca-26ae-46b4-84e5-a03202bcfda6

 

I haven't read the answers to this question but I would ask, does Selvie have Selvie-like staying power? He did okay for Dallas last year and he put up his best career numbers it wasn't like he was blowing people away with how good he is. He will still have to compete for his job. Who's to say if Tyrone Crawford, Ben Bass and a couple of others who were out due to injuries or free agent signings like Henry Melton and Terrell McClain or a draft pick like Ben Gardiner or an UFA Davin Coleman.

 

11) Is this the year Morris Claiborne lives up to the hype?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/11-Is-This-The-Year-Claiborne-Lives-Up-To-The-Hype-/4b9b34ee-03f7-4f17-9984-4ca8fafe8c06

 

For me as a fan, I hope that Claiborne is finally healthy and can stay on the field. During OTAs the DC.com writers commented how he looks like he bulked up and seemed stronger. If he plays 16 games and is healthy he should take his starting CB job back from Orlando Scandrick. I believe his poor play has everything to do with his poor health. If Claiborne, Scandrick and Carr stay healthy we should be good at CB.

[eagle eye]

We've worked our way down to the top ten questions heading into training camp the DC.com writers attempt to answer. Food for thought and a way to kill the time waiting for training camp to begin.

 

10) What changes should we expect with Scott Linehan now calling the plays?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/10-What-Changes-With-Scott-Linehan-As-Play-Caller--/be0b9a17-4e5c-47ef-99b1-065850ab28d0

 

The main hope will be that Linehan does a better job featuring Dez who seemed to disappear at times last year. Hopefully, Linehan won't forget about the run game which former play called Bill Callahan did all to often last year. Also, Dallas threatened to use Lance Dunbar more extensively last seaon but the Callahan led offense didn't feature Dunbar until Thanksgiving against Oakland and he suffered an injury and was lost for the season. Linehan has compared Dunbar to Reggie Bush who he had in Detroit and Bush enjoyed a bit of a comeback year under Linehan. The running backs should benefit because the way Linehan has used his backs in Detroit they got a lot of touches. Joique Bell and Bush got a lot of work under Linehan.

 

9) Can this offense carry another bad defensive effort?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/9-Can-This-Offense-Carry-Another-Bad-Defensive-Effort/3fc13bbc-1a43-4ff4-93ad-29b3af24af07

 

I agree with DC.com's Nick Eatman in that I think the Cowboys offense is fully capable of carrying the team. If Dallas had opened up their offense the way they did against Denver I think they would have won a couple of games they lost. I had a lot of problems with Bill Callahan's play calling last year and I'm really glad Jason Garrett got somebody who he trusts to call plays. Not that he didn't trust Callahan, Garrett just has a history with Linehan and they are very like-minded when it comes to play calling. Dallas will definitely throw the ball but they may go downfield more than they did last year. The Cowboys drove me crazy throwing 1 yard outs that were defensed almost immediately. The other thing is, I just don't see Dallas having the #32 ranked defense again this year. Barring injury they have a real shot at being much better.

[eagle eye]

The Top 20 Questions is down to #'s 8 and 7 so let's get started.

 

8. Who is most likely to make his first Pro Bowl?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/8-Whos-Most-Likely-To-Make-His-First-Pro-Bowl/a6944cc6-4878-4bd3-8fd5-aed00c39f85e

 

All four writers for DallasCowboys.com chose a different player and all four players certainly have a real possibility of being the next first time Pro Bowler. I can't decide who I think could make it and there is a player or two who could sneak into the mix too.

 

7. Do the Cowboys have the depth to overcome injuries?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-1/7-Do-The-Cowboys-Have-The-Depth-To-Overcome-Injuries/187d7e74-a5d6-41b9-9752-3edcccfae397

 

I'm writing my take before I read the article so I'm not biased in any way. I think Dallas has improved their depth. They may be a little thin at backup on the O-line but even that position is in better shape. The biggest question is on defense and maybe the more relevent question is, do they have enough quality starters? The D-line has nothing but question marks at pretty much every position except DT Henry Melton and Safety Barry Church. There is a lot depth on the D-line but the players the Cowboys are most depending on are rookies or guys coming off injuries. The linebacker position is a huge question mark with unanswered questions about Bruce Carter and who the hell will play the Mike LB spot. The battle for the other safety position next to Church is primarily going to be between JJ Wilcox, Jakar Hamilton and Matt Johnson and Johnson hasn't even been on the field in his two years with the Cowboys. Cornerback is the only position you can even feel halfway good about but the depth is pretty thin there. Needless to say Dallas cannot field a decent defense if they suffer the injuries they have the past two years and if there is there will be a lot of pressure put on the Cowboys offense.

 

 

[eagle eye]

The 20 Questions continues today with question numbers 6 and 5. They are very interesting questions indeed.

 

6) Who starts at left guard when the season begins?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/20-Questions-Who-Wins-Starting-Left-Guard-Job-/9699f801-7311-4d87-abdc-986e3505d7c9

 

There seems to be only two choices here, incumbent left guard Ronald Leary and last year's starting right guard Mackenzy Bernadeau. I think it's pretty much a given that the Cowboys will expect 1st round pick Zack Martin to man the right guard position mainly because 1st round picks are expected to play right away. So with that thinking in mind let's flip a coin and odds are you have a 50-50 chance to be right. Will Leary start to maintain the continuity of the line with only one change from last season? Or will Bernadeau, who many consider the better player, take the job away from Leary? Or will Leary keep his job because Bernadeau is more versatile and can back up at guard and center which could save a game day roster spot? There's a consensus from the DC.com writers and that consensus is there is not a consensus. This is one training camp battle that will be very interesting to keep an eye on.

 

5) Who fills in for Sean Lee at middle linebacker?

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-DallasCowboysReport/5-Who-Fills-In-For-Sean-Lee-At-Middle-Linebacker-Spot/63ab7e73-fee4-4cde-9257-3b61c047da0a

 

This may be the most important question to get answered in training camp. I agree with Bryan Broaddus that the competition will be between newly signed Rolando McClain, veteran Justin Durant and 2014 4th round draft pick Anthony Hitchens. The wild card is McClain. If he comes to training camp in shape and ready to play he should win the spot based strictly on talent. Durant and Hitchens will get their shots and, along with the battle for left guard should be the top two questions Dallas needs to answer.

 

The latest and greatest new about backup and disgruntled QB Kyle Orton is this---the Cowboys will waive Orton with the official announcement expected to be tomorrow. For a little more detailed explanation of the salary cap implications and more check out the link to the DC.com article below.

 

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/article-NickEatman/Cowboys-Expected-To-Officially-Waive-QB-Kyle-Orton/a221a6b2-15d3-4fe3-8736-7207b98bffbf

 

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys made rumor official today by waiving QB Kyle Orton. Orton had been indicating on the down-low that he might retire from football and other people thought it was a play to renegociate his contract and others thought he might just be crazy to walk away from about $7mm over the next two years. But, after talks with Orton's management the Cowboys brain trust must have decided to cut bait on him. By releasing him Orton will not have to repay the pro rated portion of his signing bonus but Dallas won't have to pay Orton's salary either. After all is said and done the Cowboys will pick up about $2mm on their available salary cap. The biggest hurt to Dallas will be the loss of a quality backup QB, that is a big loss. What people are saying is the backup is now going to be Brandon Weeden but Caleb Hanie is the real vet of the 3 QBs behind Tony Romo. Hanie has NFL starting experience and there's no reason to write Hanie off. I think Weeden will be on the team but he may not be a shoe-in at backup.

[eagle eye]

With the release of QB Kyle Orton yesterday the Cowboys had a roster spot open and apparently the hole in their roster was too stressful not to address. So, today they announced the signing of TE Dallas Walker who was an undrafted free agent after the 2012 draft. He didn't play in 2012 but he was signed by San Diego in April of 2013. He was released by the Chargers in August and went unclaimed by NFL teams. He did play arena football for the Georgia Rampage indoor football team which was in the Ultimate Indoor Football League. The guy is has nice size at 6'6" and 235+ lbs and Dallas doesn't have a true blocking TE on the roster. It's basically a free look at a guy who is liable to be little more than guy to give the TE position a little depth for training camp.

 

Speaking of training camp, we are exactly one week away from the start. Getting excited yet?

 

[LU4LIFE]

I am