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Underdog · 07-24-2008, 07:23 PM

2008 Camp Preview
Cowboys Arrive in Oxnard Thursday for Start of Camp

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OXNARD, Calif. - The Cowboys arrive in sunny California Thursday afternoon for the beginning of yet another training camp.

While it wasn't too long ago that the team was dusting itself off after a stunning playoff loss to the Giants back in January, a new season is now upon us. Last year's team remains virtually intact, and there are a handful of new faces that bring some hope this Dallas squad will have what it takes to get over the hump and win its first playoff game since 1996. Obviously, the goals are much higher than that, with the Cowboys being tagged as one of the favorites to at least make the Super Bowl, if not bring home the trophy. But the whole journey starts at training camp, where the team returns to Oxnard for the fourth time in five years. With the first practice slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT) on Friday afternoon at the Oxnard River Ridge Sports Complex, here's a quick summary of each position as the Cowboys prepare for the start of the 2008 season:

Quarterback
Over the past few seasons there has always seemed to be questions concerning the quarterback position for the Cowboys. Two years ago it was how long would it take for Tony Romo to supplant Drew Bledsoe. Last year it was how long it would take Jerry Jones to sign Romo to a long-term deal. Both answers came somewhere in the middle of the season.

But this year the only major uncertainty regarding Romo pertains to his personal life. Not only has Romo established himself as the quarterback of the future, he also has made a mark on the record books, setting Cowboys' single-season bests last year in completions (335), passing yards (4,211) and touchdowns (36). With only 24 starts under his belt, Romo already has made two Pro Bowls and is closer to having his name being comfortably mentioned with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Behind Romo is an experienced Brad Johnson, who enters his 17th season in the NFL. Last year, Johnson only played mop-up duty in the fourth quarter and held for field goals and extra points. If the Cowboys decide to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, Richard Bartel is the likely choice. Although Bartel spent last year on the practice squad, he has impressed the coaching staff with his improvement this offseason.

Running Back
Back in early March, running back was a position of concern. Then suddenly it became a strength.

Although he has never had a 1,000-yard season and has started only three career games, the Cowboys re-signed Marion Barber to a long-term contract, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid running backs. But his running style and nose for the goal line - 24 touchdowns the past two seasons - made him a player the Cowboys had to keep.

In the draft, they took Arkansas' Felix Jones in the first round to complement Barber's running style. Jones is electrifying in the open field and should help in kickoff returns, where he was a two-time All-American. Fourth-round pick Tashard Choice is built like Barber and has a similar running style. The Georgia Tech standout could warrant some playing time right away.

Also, watch out for Alonzo Coleman, a smaller, but quick tailback who spent all of last year on the practice squad. The Cowboys would like to see what he can do, although it won't be easy to find carries for him, even in the preseason.

The Cowboys let Julius Jones sign with Seattle in free agency and did not attempt to re-sign Tyson Thompson.

Wide Receiver
While there are plenty of question marks about the No. 2 receiver and just how everything else will shake out at the bottom of this position, at least there is no doubt about the team's top pass catcher. Terrell Owens is back and although he'll be 35 at the end of the season, he's showing no signs of slowing down. He set a club record for touchdown catches in a season with 15 last year. And with a new four-year, $34 million contract, the Cowboys are counting on him to again be Romo's go-to receiver.

The Terry Glenn situation has yet to be resolved. The Cowboys are hoping he will return from a knee injury that caused him to miss 15 games last year, but it appears the club is treating Glenn as a bonus. If he plays, it's another speed threat on the outside. If not, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd likely will be called upon to pick up the slack. Also, Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback will provide some speed. The Cowboys didn't draft a receiver this year, but they have some promising rookie free agents, including Texas Tech star Danny Amendola, Mark Bradford from Stanford and Daniel Polk, a college quarterback trying to make the switch to receiver.

Tight End
This position provides an impressive combination of youth, athleticism and a superstar. The latter is Jason Witten, who at age 26 already has four Pro Bowls and is closing in on nearly all of the club's tight-end records.

Witten is coming off the best season of his career, as he led the Cowboys with 96 receptions totaling 1,145 yards - both career highs.

The Cowboys traded Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick in 2006, to Miami just before the draft and virtually replaced him with Martellus Bennett, their second-round pick this year from Texas A&M. Bennett, who also played college basketball, has the size the Cowboys are wanting at 6-6, 260. He likely will have to battle Tony Curtis for playing time behind Witten. Curtis had a productive season in a limited role, catching three passes for three touchdowns last year.

Offensive Line
The Cowboys had three offensive linemen starting in the Pro Bowl last season, but still looming large is how the line struggled against the Giants' heavy pass rush in the playoff loss. Left tackle Flozell Adams was re-signed to a six-year deal and likely will end his career in Dallas. Marc Colombo will anchor the right side once again, while Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, who made his first Pro Bowl appearance last year, are returning to handle the guard spots. Andre Gurode made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and should start to get some national attention as one of the NFL's best centers.

The question marks come after the starting five. The Cowboys drafted three offensive tackles - Pat McQuistan, James Marten and Doug Free - in the last three seasons and someone from that group needs to emerge. Cory Procter and Joe Berger have the inside track for the backup spots at guard and center, respectively.

The Cowboys also added some depth in the offseason, signing Cory Lekkerkerker, who played under new line coach Hudson Houck in both San Diego and Miami. The club also signed offensive tackle Ryan Gibbons and guard Adam Stenavich. All three players have minimal playing experience in regular-season games.

Defensive Line
The Cowboys didn't make many changes to this position in the offseason. Defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears should resume their starting duties, although Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will again push for playing time.

With a full offseason conditioning program for the first time in two years, Tank Johnson says he's in the best shape of his life. He will provide some beef inside at defensive tackle, but don't expect him to replace Jay Ratliff as the starter. Ratliff not only held his own inside, but also provided a steady rush from the tackle spot, posting three sacks and 15 quarterback pressures.

One player who could make some noise is Junior Siavii, a two-year veteran who has the size (6-5, 330) to clog the middle of the line.

Linebacker
There aren't many new faces here, but one who is expected to make a big difference this year is Zach Thomas. The Pampa, Texas, native and former Texas Tech star spent the last 12 years with the Dolphins, racking up seven Pro Bowls along the way. Thomas will pair up with Bradie James as the starters inside, now that Akin Ayodele has been traded to the Dolphins. The Cowboys have quality depth in Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett, a pair of high draft picks who will likely help in the dime package and special teams.

Burnett is entering the final year of his original contract he signed as a second-round pick in 2005. While he has endured more surgeries (five) than games started (two), Burnett proved last year he could contribute nicely on the dime package. In a so-called "contract year," it will be interesting to see just what kind of performance Burnett can show, despite limited playing time.

On the outside, DeMarcus Ware has established himself as one of the NFL's best football players, more than just a great defensive player or pass rusher. He improved his sack totals in each of the last three seasons and finished second in the NFL last year with 14 sacks.

Greg Ellis had the best season of his career last year on the opposite side, registering 12.5 sacks to earn his first Pro Bowl selection and the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award after recovering from a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury in 2006.

Secondary
All eyes will be on Adam Jones, who was traded from Tennessee back in late April. The cornerback has never been short on talent, but his off-the-field issues, which led to a one-year suspension from the NFL, are reason for concern.

The good news for the Cowboys is that Jones is part of a talented secondary that includes fellow first-round picks Terence Newman, safety Roy Williams and rookie Mike Jenkins, the 25th overall pick in this year's draft.

Newman and Anthony Henry should man the starting spots at cornerback, while Jenkins and Jones will provide plenty of depth. Also watch out for Alan Ball, Evan Oglesby and fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick at cornerback.

At safety, Ken Hamlin and Williams made the Pro Bowl last season. Although Hamlin recently signed a new six-year, $39 million contract, he has missed a lot of the offseason workouts because of a contract holdout. That has paved the way for Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown to receive plenty of practice reps.

Special Teams
The Cowboys have two of the NFL's best kickers in punter Mat McBriar and kicker Nick Folk. Both young players made the Pro Bowl in the last two years. Folk surprised everyone with a trip to Hawaii last year as a rookie after making 26-of-31 field goal attempts, none more memorable than his 53-yarder to beat Buffalo in the final seconds of the Week Five game.

McBriar didn't return to the Pro Bowl, where he played after the 2006 season, but he didn't have a huge drop off either, averaging 47.1 yards per punt last year.

The return game should be interesting, with Felix Jones able to help on kickoffs. And, Adam Jones has four career punt returns for touchdowns in just two seasons.

The coverage units will certainly miss Keith Davis, the special teams captain for two years who signed with the Dolphins as a free agent.

07-24-2008, 07:23 PM	#15
Underdog Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 41.21.1 Posts: 36,143	daily fluff 2008 Camp Preview Cowboys Arrive in Oxnard Thursday for Start of Camp link OXNARD, Calif. - The Cowboys arrive in sunny California Thursday afternoon for the beginning of yet another training camp. While it wasn't too long ago that the team was dusting itself off after a stunning playoff loss to the Giants back in January, a new season is now upon us. Last year's team remains virtually intact, and there are a handful of new faces that bring some hope this Dallas squad will have what it takes to get over the hump and win its first playoff game since 1996. Obviously, the goals are much higher than that, with the Cowboys being tagged as one of the favorites to at least make the Super Bowl, if not bring home the trophy. But the whole journey starts at training camp, where the team returns to Oxnard for the fourth time in five years. With the first practice slated for 2:30 p.m. (PDT) on Friday afternoon at the Oxnard River Ridge Sports Complex, here's a quick summary of each position as the Cowboys prepare for the start of the 2008 season: Quarterback Over the past few seasons there has always seemed to be questions concerning the quarterback position for the Cowboys. Two years ago it was how long would it take for Tony Romo to supplant Drew Bledsoe. Last year it was how long it would take Jerry Jones to sign Romo to a long-term deal. Both answers came somewhere in the middle of the season. But this year the only major uncertainty regarding Romo pertains to his personal life. Not only has Romo established himself as the quarterback of the future, he also has made a mark on the record books, setting Cowboys' single-season bests last year in completions (335), passing yards (4,211) and touchdowns (36). With only 24 starts under his belt, Romo already has made two Pro Bowls and is closer to having his name being comfortably mentioned with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Behind Romo is an experienced Brad Johnson, who enters his 17th season in the NFL. Last year, Johnson only played mop-up duty in the fourth quarter and held for field goals and extra points. If the Cowboys decide to keep three quarterbacks on the roster, Richard Bartel is the likely choice. Although Bartel spent last year on the practice squad, he has impressed the coaching staff with his improvement this offseason. Running Back Back in early March, running back was a position of concern. Then suddenly it became a strength. Although he has never had a 1,000-yard season and has started only three career games, the Cowboys re-signed Marion Barber to a long-term contract, making him one of the NFL's highest-paid running backs. But his running style and nose for the goal line - 24 touchdowns the past two seasons - made him a player the Cowboys had to keep. In the draft, they took Arkansas' Felix Jones in the first round to complement Barber's running style. Jones is electrifying in the open field and should help in kickoff returns, where he was a two-time All-American. Fourth-round pick Tashard Choice is built like Barber and has a similar running style. The Georgia Tech standout could warrant some playing time right away. Also, watch out for Alonzo Coleman, a smaller, but quick tailback who spent all of last year on the practice squad. The Cowboys would like to see what he can do, although it won't be easy to find carries for him, even in the preseason. The Cowboys let Julius Jones sign with Seattle in free agency and did not attempt to re-sign Tyson Thompson. Wide Receiver While there are plenty of question marks about the No. 2 receiver and just how everything else will shake out at the bottom of this position, at least there is no doubt about the team's top pass catcher. Terrell Owens is back and although he'll be 35 at the end of the season, he's showing no signs of slowing down. He set a club record for touchdown catches in a season with 15 last year. And with a new four-year, $34 million contract, the Cowboys are counting on him to again be Romo's go-to receiver. The Terry Glenn situation has yet to be resolved. The Cowboys are hoping he will return from a knee injury that caused him to miss 15 games last year, but it appears the club is treating Glenn as a bonus. If he plays, it's another speed threat on the outside. If not, Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd likely will be called upon to pick up the slack. Also, Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback will provide some speed. The Cowboys didn't draft a receiver this year, but they have some promising rookie free agents, including Texas Tech star Danny Amendola, Mark Bradford from Stanford and Daniel Polk, a college quarterback trying to make the switch to receiver. Tight End This position provides an impressive combination of youth, athleticism and a superstar. The latter is Jason Witten, who at age 26 already has four Pro Bowls and is closing in on nearly all of the club's tight-end records. Witten is coming off the best season of his career, as he led the Cowboys with 96 receptions totaling 1,145 yards - both career highs. The Cowboys traded Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick in 2006, to Miami just before the draft and virtually replaced him with Martellus Bennett, their second-round pick this year from Texas A&M. Bennett, who also played college basketball, has the size the Cowboys are wanting at 6-6, 260. He likely will have to battle Tony Curtis for playing time behind Witten. Curtis had a productive season in a limited role, catching three passes for three touchdowns last year. Offensive Line The Cowboys had three offensive linemen starting in the Pro Bowl last season, but still looming large is how the line struggled against the Giants' heavy pass rush in the playoff loss. Left tackle Flozell Adams was re-signed to a six-year deal and likely will end his career in Dallas. Marc Colombo will anchor the right side once again, while Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, who made his first Pro Bowl appearance last year, are returning to handle the guard spots. Andre Gurode made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons and should start to get some national attention as one of the NFL's best centers. The question marks come after the starting five. The Cowboys drafted three offensive tackles - Pat McQuistan, James Marten and Doug Free - in the last three seasons and someone from that group needs to emerge. Cory Procter and Joe Berger have the inside track for the backup spots at guard and center, respectively. The Cowboys also added some depth in the offseason, signing Cory Lekkerkerker, who played under new line coach Hudson Houck in both San Diego and Miami. The club also signed offensive tackle Ryan Gibbons and guard Adam Stenavich. All three players have minimal playing experience in regular-season games. Defensive Line The Cowboys didn't make many changes to this position in the offseason. Defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears should resume their starting duties, although Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen will again push for playing time. With a full offseason conditioning program for the first time in two years, Tank Johnson says he's in the best shape of his life. He will provide some beef inside at defensive tackle, but don't expect him to replace Jay Ratliff as the starter. Ratliff not only held his own inside, but also provided a steady rush from the tackle spot, posting three sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. One player who could make some noise is Junior Siavii, a two-year veteran who has the size (6-5, 330) to clog the middle of the line. Linebacker There aren't many new faces here, but one who is expected to make a big difference this year is Zach Thomas. The Pampa, Texas, native and former Texas Tech star spent the last 12 years with the Dolphins, racking up seven Pro Bowls along the way. Thomas will pair up with Bradie James as the starters inside, now that Akin Ayodele has been traded to the Dolphins. The Cowboys have quality depth in Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett, a pair of high draft picks who will likely help in the dime package and special teams. Burnett is entering the final year of his original contract he signed as a second-round pick in 2005. While he has endured more surgeries (five) than games started (two), Burnett proved last year he could contribute nicely on the dime package. In a so-called "contract year," it will be interesting to see just what kind of performance Burnett can show, despite limited playing time. On the outside, DeMarcus Ware has established himself as one of the NFL's best football players, more than just a great defensive player or pass rusher. He improved his sack totals in each of the last three seasons and finished second in the NFL last year with 14 sacks. Greg Ellis had the best season of his career last year on the opposite side, registering 12.5 sacks to earn his first Pro Bowl selection and the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award after recovering from a season-ending Achilles' tendon injury in 2006. Secondary All eyes will be on Adam Jones, who was traded from Tennessee back in late April. The cornerback has never been short on talent, but his off-the-field issues, which led to a one-year suspension from the NFL, are reason for concern. The good news for the Cowboys is that Jones is part of a talented secondary that includes fellow first-round picks Terence Newman, safety Roy Williams and rookie Mike Jenkins, the 25th overall pick in this year's draft. Newman and Anthony Henry should man the starting spots at cornerback, while Jenkins and Jones will provide plenty of depth. Also watch out for Alan Ball, Evan Oglesby and fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick at cornerback. At safety, Ken Hamlin and Williams made the Pro Bowl last season. Although Hamlin recently signed a new six-year, $39 million contract, he has missed a lot of the offseason workouts because of a contract holdout. That has paved the way for Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown to receive plenty of practice reps. Special Teams The Cowboys have two of the NFL's best kickers in punter Mat McBriar and kicker Nick Folk. Both young players made the Pro Bowl in the last two years. Folk surprised everyone with a trip to Hawaii last year as a rookie after making 26-of-31 field goal attempts, none more memorable than his 53-yarder to beat Buffalo in the final seconds of the Week Five game. McBriar didn't return to the Pro Bowl, where he played after the 2006 season, but he didn't have a huge drop off either, averaging 47.1 yards per punt last year. The return game should be interesting, with Felix Jones able to help on kickoffs. And, Adam Jones has four career punt returns for touchdowns in just two seasons. The coverage units will certainly miss Keith Davis, the special teams captain for two years who signed with the Dolphins as a free agent. __________________ These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.