2008 Cowboys Off-season Thread - Page 28 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

ty · 08-27-2008, 12:27 PM

Goodell loves cliffhangers. Reinstate mah boy Pac already!

alby · 08-27-2008, 12:29 PM

Goodell =

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 12:36 PM

How long has the HBO special been on featuring the Cowboys? I just noticed it last week, I thought it was pretty interesting.

Underdog · 08-27-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

How long has the HBO special been on featuring the Cowboys? I just noticed it last week, I thought it was pretty interesting.

The entire pre-season, basically (3-4 episodes?)

ty · 08-27-2008, 12:38 PM

^ 3 weeks already, tonight will be the 4th episode.

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 12:41 PM

AH ok, thanks guys. Yeah I was going to check out the one tonight.

alby · 08-27-2008, 12:41 PM

pretty interesting??

ty · 08-27-2008, 12:42 PM

^ Best thing to happen to HBO since the Sopranos.

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alby

pretty interesting??

Yeah, like I said I just noticed it was a series and going on. I didn't know if it would be really cheesy (under expectations) or if it would be a real good in-depth look at the team and behind the scenes stuff. That's why I was impressed and pleased with it, b/c I thought it would be lame but it's very cool.

ty · 08-27-2008, 12:51 PM

BG, nothing dealing with THE Dallas Cowboys is ever lame. We're not talking about other inferior sports franchises in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area...we're talking about the most valuable sports franchise in the world here! ;]

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 01:10 PM

haha, i'm slowly learning that. Football hasn't been my thing up until about 12-18 months ago, just been a casual fan. But now that I am able to watch football a lot more now I'm obviously more and more interested.

Underdog · 08-27-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

haha, i'm slowly learning that. Football hasn't been my thing up until about 12-18 months ago, just been a casual fan. But now that I am able to watch football a lot more now I'm obviously more and more interested.

Getcha popcorn ready...

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 01:19 PM

Oh I'm ready for it, haha. It's my first full season with the big screen HD tv...I'm ready to go!

That's one of the funniest pictures you can find, I've seen it tons of times, but thanks for putting it up again. Great picture.

ty · 08-27-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGMaverick9

haha, i'm slowly learning that. Football hasn't been my thing up until about 12-18 months ago, just been a casual fan. But now that I am able to watch football a lot more now I'm obviously more and more interested.

What did you do on Thanksgiving???

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 03:44 PM

Eat and talk...lol. We watched it but it was in the background. Now it's always going to be on. I'm always watching the NFL Network now, lol.

alby · 08-27-2008, 03:50 PM

Late bloomer

BGMaverick9 · 08-27-2008, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alby

Late bloomer

At least I bloomed...right?

mkat · 08-27-2008, 08:30 PM

so keith davis has been cut by miami....we gotta get him back don't ya think? the dude pretty much WAS our special teams.

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 11:20 AM

Might Keith Davis Want To Return?

www.dallascowboys.com

In what seems like a highly-surprising move, the Miami Dolphins released former Cowboys safety and special teams captain Keith Davis on Wednesday for so far unspecified reasons.

The Dolphins signed the unrestricted free agent Davis to a two-year, $3.5 million deal at the start of free agency and the deal included a $500,000 signing bonus. The Cowboys were interested in possibly resigning Davis, but the five-year veteran decided he wanted a chance to go somewhere he could compete for a starting job.

Not sure if Davis is interested in returning, but with all the trouble the Cowboys have experienced so far in preseason with coverage units on special teams, they’d at least have to be interested in him. Stay tuned.

DirkFTW · 08-28-2008, 11:35 AM

I heard this on the radio last night and cheered. (I also opened my computer to add him to my fantasy team, and then realized I can't pick up defensive players.)

Bring him back!

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 12:33 PM

Final Exam
'Down The Line' Guys Will Have Their Chance

IRVING, Texas - Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said it best: The players on the bubble of making the team's 53-man roster will have the opportunity to prove their worth tonight against the Minnesota Vikings.

What they make of it is entirely up to them.

"If you want to be an NFL football player, this is your chance," Phillips said, as close to a fist-pounding statement as the coach has made since arriving here over 18 months ago. "You get ready to play and you go out there and play, and show us you can play and help our team."

That's the challenge Phillips made this week to some of the "down the line" guys on the roster challenging for a job. That goes for you, Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson, a couple of receivers competing for what may just be one spot.

And you Erik Walden - are you more valuable than Justin Rogers as an outside linebacker? With the injury to Anthony Spencer, the team may only get to keep the one of you who can help most Sept. 7 in Cleveland.

At a host of other spots the Cowboys are still piecing together the depth chart, perhaps weighing the virtues of whether a six receiver or a fifth safety is more valuable on special teams. Or whether a third quarterback is a luxury the team can afford. That's a cue for Richard Bartel, the Tarleton State passer who spent all of 2007 on the Cowboys' eight-man practice squad. He'll take all the snaps Thursday.

Phillips said there are still four or five roster spots up for grabs. While it doesn't all come down to this game, the preseason finale is weighted heavily since it's the most extended chance for playing time that most of the bubble guys have had. Typically the preseason finale is when teams sit a lot of their veterans. The Vikings don't plan to play any of their starters.

Last season the Cowboys played just a handful, and ever so briefly at that. On a team like this, where talent is stockpiled and former first-round picks serve as one-down-a-series role players, the chances for an unheralded rookie free agent to flash his skills are sometimes few and far between. Until Thursday's 7 p.m. kickoff, that is.

"I want to have those guys walk out of here and say, 'Hey I had the opportunity,' because that's what I'm telling them. 'You've got your opportunity to make this football team,'" Phillips said. "When you do that and then don't let them play, I don't think it's fair. And it's not fair to our team either, because some of them can play."

Each NFL team must trim its roster from 75 to 53 by Saturday afternoon, so coaches will spend most of Friday evaluating players one last time and debating who should be kept. Phillips has contended all training camp his team is so deep it will be forced to cut several guys who will play elsewhere in 2008.

That was the case a year ago. The team waived four players who signed with other teams before the first game, cornerback Aaron Glenn (Jacksonville), quarterback Matt Moore (Carolina), receiver Jerheme Urban (Arizona) and fullback Lousaka Polite (Chicago).

The Cowboys would probably like to have back at least one of those cuts, Moore, which goes to show how hard some of the decisions that teams are forced to make at the deadline can be. The players realize even if they don't make the Cowboys roster, there's still hope they can land somewhere else.

Take Bartel, who grew up in Texas. He said he certainly doesn't want to leave now. And then there's Amendola, another Texas native looking to catch on in the wake of injuries at his position to the likes of Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback.

"Anytime you lose a good receiver, it's a bummer," Amendola said Monday, choking back the 'but.' "It's going to give me another opportunity to make some plays and hopefully earn a spot on the team. That's all I can really play for now is just another shot to hopefully show these coaches what I can do. With some injuries we have at the receiver position, I'm going to get a little bit more reps this week. I'm looking forward to it."

Phillips divided the work this week between the guys assured of their roster spot and those not so comfortable. While the starters worked on Cleveland in practice, the young guys rehearsed for Minnesota. Since the Vikings are rolling out the bottom of their roster as well, Phillips said the teaching wasn't a full dress rehearsal, but instead focused on what to look for in certain situations. And then there's been the advice from seasoned veterans.

Receiver Terrell Owens, who has never had to fight for a roster spot in his professional life, had some words of encouragement for the youngsters at his position, including a guy like Todd Lowber, who may just be competing for a spot on the practice squad.

"Just be assignment sharp and be mentally in the game until you get in there," Owens said. "Just try to transfer everything you learned in training camp and practice leading up to this game, paying attention to detail, knowing what the coverages are you're going to be faced with, the techniques of defensive backs and just go out there and play strong and aggressive.

"And have fun."

Which may be easier said than done for some guys who realize their chance at NFL fame and fortune is rather slim. Take safety Dowayne Davis, a rookie from Syracuse. Coaches have praised his ability to get to the ball and some of his special teams work, but with the injuries the team has suffered recently, the odds the Cowboys keep a fifth safety look dismal.

"In this situation, this is a business, and you never really know," Davis said. "You try not to think about it, but you know it's a possibility - you know it's more a probability than a possibility. But you try to leave it in the hands of other people because you can't control what you can't control. You've got to accept certain things in life that you cannot change."

One of the best ways to gauge which players are ahead will be to watch who gets most of the reps on special teams Thursday, since that would be their avenue to being active for games on Sundays. For Walden, who plays behind a proven star in DeMarcus Ware, the bright lights are on every time the Cowboys get ready to kick.

A lunch-pail mentality will come in handy, because it'll be a long game tonight for a lot of the guys with their necks on the line.

"I'm expecting to play the whole game, all the special teams and on defense," Walden said. "It's going to be tough, but I'm going to get through it. Even making the team, with who I'm playing behind, (Ware's) going to play 98 percent of the plays, so it's just about knowing what's best with your role. Yeah, I'll play special teams."

Owens said he's relishing the week off to rest his legs, but knows everyone isn't so fortunate.

"I know from a receivers standpoint, coach has told the receivers to kind of get themselves in a little bit better shape and do a little extra running because they're going to be playing a little bit more," he said. "Some of the guys are playing special teams, so they've got their work cut out for them."

But that seems to be okay for a lot of guys straddling the borderline, since they know it will be their last shot to show what they can do. Apparently the intensity level has been raised during practice this week, three days worth of cramming for the cumulative final.

"It was good spirits," Phillips said of practice. "Especially the guys who are quote 'down the line' guys, I think they were in good spirits.

"They've had all training camp and three preseason games and practices up until now that they should be at a point where they can do some things in a game that we're looking for. That's what they need to show."

u2sarajevo · 08-28-2008, 12:42 PM

Pacman to be reinstated - this according to a Ticket text message I just got. will look for online announcement

Flacolaco · 08-28-2008, 12:45 PM

Was there any doubt...

u2sarajevo · 08-28-2008, 12:47 PM

Sources: Cowboys told Pacman will be reinstated for opener

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has informed the Dallas Cowboys that cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been fully reinstated, making him eligible to play in the regular-season opener in Cleveland, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder.

Pacman Jones

Jones
The NFL was expected to make a formal announcement later Thursday.

Earlier this month, Jones said he had sent a letter to Goodell asking to be allowed to play this season.

Jones received partial reinstatement to the NFL on June 2 from Goodell and as part of his reinstatement was permitted to participate in organized team activities as well as training camp and preseason games.

While that decision gave Jones the chance to earn his way back into the league, Goodell didn't guarantee he would be reinstated.

Jones was suspended in April 2007 following an accumulation of arrests and legal problems, including his connection to a shooting at a Las Vegas strip club. He's been arrested six times and involved in 12 incidents requiring police intervention since being drafted in the first round by Tennessee in 2005.

Police said Jones "instigated" a brawl inside the club by showering strippers on stage with dollar bills from a large plastic trash bag.

Jones was charged with two felony counts of coercion stemming from allegations that he threatened to kill club employees and scuffled with a bar bouncer. He was never charged in the shooting.

Jones missed all of last season under the player conduct policy and could miss all or part of the 2008 season if he has another incident.

Since being traded to the Cowboys, Jones has tried to surround himself with a better support group. He's befriended former Cowboys Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders. Jones has also become friends with several of his new teammates, including Tank Johnson, whom the Cowboys helped return from a similar suspension last season.

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 12:53 PM

chumdawg · 08-28-2008, 01:04 PM

Make it rain!

Flacolaco · 08-28-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Police said Jones "instigated" a brawl inside the club by showering strippers on stage with dollar bills from a large plastic trash bag.

Old pac man was more fun.

LonghornDub · 08-28-2008, 01:55 PM

I'm having trouble ascertaining how Pacman making it rain on some strippers "instigated a brawl."

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornDub

I'm having trouble ascertaining how Pacman making it rain on some strippers "instigated a brawl."

It was $81,000 worth of rain...

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 02:37 PM

'Pac' In Business
NFL Announces Reinstatement For Adam Jones

link

IRVING, Texas - It's finally official: Adam "Pacman" Jones has been reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and officially will be on the Dallas Cowboys' opening 53-man roster and eligible to play in the Sept. 7 season opener in Cleveland.

Goodell made that announcement Thursday afternoon, just hours prior to the Cowboys' preseason finale, 7 p.m. (CDT) Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings at Texas Stadium. The announcement ended the suspense for Jones, the Cowboys and even Tennessee, too, which still has a vested interest in the previously-suspended cornerback being eligible to play in all 16 games this season.

Jones, who was shown sending off a letter to Goodell during a recent episode of "Hard Knocks," was obviously relieved to get informed about his reinstatement.

"This is another step in the process," Jones said. "I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I understand my responsibilities to the Dallas Cowboys and the National Football League.

"Right now I just want to keep working hard so I can accomplish the goals that I have set for myself both on and off the field."

The Cowboys, as an organization, have worked diligently with Jones to give him every chance of meeting all the stipulations Goodell wanted him to follow ever since being suspended in April of 2007 for repeated violations of the league's newly-instituted personal conduct guidelines for players.

Plus, Jones likely had added incentive to adhere to these stipulations since being suspended without pay has caused him some financial hardships, having to sell one of his houses in the Nashville, Tenn., area and having another foreclosed upon.

All along, the Cowboys were counting on hearing something from the commissioner before Sept. 1, as Goodell outlined during a summer visit to Dallas for a speaking engagement at a luncheon. And with the NFL's final cuts coming down at 3 p.m. (CDT) Saturday, it only made sense Goodell's ruling was imminent.

"Adam has worked hard to get to this point, but he also knows that there is still a lot of work ahead of him," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said.

"He is fully aware of the opportunity that he has been given, and he knows that this is an ongoing process."

The Cowboys sent a fourth-round draft choice this year to Tennessee for the then-suspended Adam Jones' rights, and have agreed to also send a sixth-round pick next year to the Titans if Jones is eligible to play in all 16 games this year. But if Jones should miss even one game during the 2008 season for NFL disciplinary reasons, and that would have included this year's opener if his suspension had not been lifted for the Cleveland game, the Titans will have to return a fifth-round pick to the Cowboys in 2009.

Most of all, though, the Cowboys can now go about making their plans for the 2008 seasons, knowing Adam Jones will be available to play. For now, Jones likely will be returning punts and coming in on the nickel defense at right cornerback when starter Anthony Henry moves inside into the slot over the tight end. There also is a possibility, with injuries to Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback, of Jones starting off the season returning kickoffs. Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, previously hesitant to insert Adam Jones or Felix Jones on kickoff returns for fear of injury to two prominent players, says he is rethinking his options with his top two return men likely missing the Cleveland game.

BGMaverick9 · 08-28-2008, 02:39 PM

Since Miami seems to be tied to the hip with Dallas, at least over the course of the offseason...that means Davis would go from JV up to Varsity?

ty · 08-28-2008, 04:02 PM

I'M BACK BABY.

ty · 08-28-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Adam Jones at Hooters
Just talked to Adam Jones who said he was excited about getting a second chance in the NFL after commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated him this afternoon.

Jones was at Hooters eating a chicken sandwich when he got off the phone with league and team officials regarding his suspension.

...a step up from strip-clubs...the man has obviously changed!

DirkFTW · 08-28-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ty

...a step up from strip-clubs...the man has obviously changed!

Hooters is a family establishment with kids-eat-free Tuesdays! RE-HAB-ILITATED!

alby · 08-28-2008, 05:02 PM

If we somehow pick up Keith Davis.. this may be our best off-season in the last decade.

ty · 08-28-2008, 05:05 PM

^ ...if we win a SB, it will be the best EVER.

BGMaverick9 · 08-28-2008, 05:28 PM

watching Hard Knocks last night...the funniest thing was Crayton coming late to the meeting right out of the shower. TO's face was pretty classic.

Dtownsfinest · 08-28-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Underdog

Might Keith Davis Want To Return?

www.dallascowboys.com

In what seems like a highly-surprising move, the Miami Dolphins released former Cowboys safety and special teams captain Keith Davis on Wednesday for so far unspecified reasons.

The Dolphins signed the unrestricted free agent Davis to a two-year, $3.5 million deal at the start of free agency and the deal included a $500,000 signing bonus. The Cowboys were interested in possibly resigning Davis, but the five-year veteran decided he wanted a chance to go somewhere he could compete for a starting job.

Not sure if Davis is interested in returning, but with all the trouble the Cowboys have experienced so far in preseason with coverage units on special teams, they’d at least have to be interested in him. Stay tuned.

How did he get cut from the.......Miami Dolphins? They signed him to a 2 year deal as well. What kinda since does that make? Seems wierd. Is he hurt?

jthig32 · 08-28-2008, 06:42 PM

According to a blog on ESPN.com, he asked for his release once it became clear that he was not going to start.

Underdog · 08-28-2008, 08:28 PM

Insurance Policy
Cowboys Trade For Broncos Guard Montrae Holland

link

IRVING, Texas - While the Cowboys are supposed to work three different left guards in tonight's game with the Vikings, it hasn't stopped them from going outside the club to find a possible replacement to injured left guard Kyle Kosier.

The Cowboys have completed a trade with the Broncos to acquire veteran guard Montrae Holland for an undisclosed draft pick.

Holland, a five-year veteran, spent four seasons in New Orleans before joining the Broncos last year. He has 46 career starts, including all 16 games in 2007 for Denver.

Apparently, in that week practicing against the Broncos, the Cowboys were evaluating more than just their own players.

And while that doesn't close the door for candidates such as Pat McQuistan, who is expected to start against the Vikings, or Joe Berger or Cory Procter, the Cowboys seem to be covering all the bases.

Kosier suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot in last week's preseason game against Houston, putting him in a hard cast and out of action for 4-6 weeks.

McQuistan has worked with the first-team offense this week in place of Kosier. Head coach Wade Phillips said he planned on using Berger and Procter at left guard in the preseason finale against Minnesota as well.

Despite starting 16 games for the Broncos last year, Holland reportedly showed up to training camp this summer much heavier than last year's playing weight of 325 pounds. He spent the first two weeks of camp working on his conditioning on an adjacent practice field before getting back into the mix for the week the Cowboys practiced against Denver.

Holland was a fourth-round pick of the Saints in 2003 after a decorative career at Florida State, in which he started three seasons for the Seminoles.