2008 Cowboys Off-season Thread

[jthig32]

I bet the thought is they want Bollinger to be third string, and Simms and Harrington probably think they can find backup jobs.

[Underdog]

Tweaking The Roster
Davis Agrees To Terms; Practice Squad In Place

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IRVING, Texas - The Saturday following the final preseason game is always the big cut-down day. But in no way does it signal the end of roster moves.

This year was no exception as the Cowboys have agreed to terms with safety Keith Davis, who was recently cut by the Dolphins. The veteran has spent five years with the Cowboys, including the last four before he signed a free-agent deal with Miami in the off-season.

But injuries just before camp kept him out of practice and ultimately made him expendable for the Dolphins. However, Davis should immediately help the Cowboys on special teams, which has struggled somewhat on the coverage units in the preseason.

However, Davis is not expected to officially sign with the Cowboys until next week, possibly as late as Tuesday or Wednesday. That should give the club plenty of time to find room for Davis on the 53-man roster.

Making a move at defensive back seems likely, not only considering Davis plays safety and could add some depth at the position, but the Cowboys currently have 11 players in the secondary, including seven cornerbacks.

The Cowboys also went heavy on the offensive linemen, keeping 11 on the roster.

But Sunday was a busy afternoon for the Cowboys as well as the club formed its eight-man practice squad.

Wide receivers Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson both cleared waivers and were signed to the practice squad, along with fullback Julius Crosslin, defensive end Marcus Dixon, linebacker Tearrius George, tight end Rodney Hannah and running back Alonzo Coleman.

All of those players were among the 21 cuts the Cowboys made on Saturday as all NFL teams were forced to trim the rosters down to 53 players.

The Cowboys were hoping to retain rookie linebacker Erik Walden, a sixth-round pick from Middle Tennessee State. However, Walden was claimed by the Chiefs and will join Kansas City's 53-man roster.

By the end of the weekend, the Cowboys had filled officially seven of the eight practice-squad spots. It also appears that quarterback Richard Bartel will be added to the practice squad before Monday's practice.

However, Bartel's future with the Cowboys is rather unclear.

That's because the club is looking into signing a third quarterback to the active roster behind starter Tony Romo and veteran backup Brad Johnson.

Although Chris Simms, who was cut by the Buccaneers on Saturday, has been linked to the Cowboys, it appears they have their eyes set on another veteran signal caller.

Brooks Bollinger, who played against the Cowboys last Thursday and was cut by the Vikings, could join the Cowboys next week, possibly after Week 1 of the regular season. Vested veterans, (five years of NFL experience) on an active roster on the first Tuesday of the regular season have a guaranteed contract all season long.

That is why teams will usually wait to sign some veterans until after the first week of the regular season and that seems to be the case with Bollinger.

Although things can certainly change between now and then and if history tells us anything, they likely will.

Since the Cowboys' 21 roster cuts on Saturday and signing veteran guard Larry Allen and moving him to a Reserved/Retired list, here's a list of the Cowboys' roster moves for the rest of the weekend:

Agreed To Terms:
Keith Davis

Signed To Practice Squad:
Danny Amendola
Alonzo Coleman
Tearrius George
Rodney Hannah
Mike Jefferson
Marcus Dixon
Julius Crosslin

[Underdog]

Cowboys Sign 7 To Practice Squad; QB News


The Cowboys have agreed to terms with safety Keith Davis, who will likely sign by early next week, meaning the club will need to free up a spot on the 53-man roster.

But on Sunday, the club formed its practice squad. Both wide receivers – Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson – have cleared waivers and joined the squad.

The Cowboys also re-signed, running back Alonzo Coleman, fullback Julius Crosslin, defensive end Marcus Dixon and tight end Rodney Hannah.

However, the Cowboys have lost sixth-round pick Erik Walden, who was claimed off waivers by the Chiefs. Walden, an outside linebacker from Middle Tennessee State, was believed to be one of the final players the Cowboys cut to get down to 53 on Saturday. The Cowboys were hoping to get Walden back on the practice squad.

So with that empty spot, the Cowboys will now keep Tearrius George, who had a huge game in the preseason finale against Minnesota with a pair of sacks.

As for quarterback Richard Bartel, the Cowboys might keep him in their short-term plans on the practice squad. But it sounds as if the club is looking at signing a veteran quarterback, possibly a week into the season. While Chris Simms' name has been linked to the Cowboys and was waived by Tampa Bay Saturday, it looks like they have more interest in recently-cut veteran Brooks Bollinger, whom the Vikings released on Saturday.

[Dirkenstien]

Dangit, Lelie signed a one year deal with the Raiders. I was hoping we could bring that guy aboard as our 3rd receiver and see what he has.

[alby]

I hope we don't sign or trade for anybody (unless it's for a big time WR), to allow Miles, Hurd, and Stanback to continue with their developments. Austin looks like the real deal.

[dalmations202]

Right now, I am hoping that they keep Bartel, and after 4 years (ie Romo) that he is a legit QB who could come in and take over for Romo if needed. If Romo has 5 years, Bartel could be this teams Danny White for a few years (good enough to start, but playing behind a legend).

I am hoping that Dallas goes and gets a big time WR (preference Roy Williams).

I don't know what else Dallas could be looking for though. Everywhere else is just strong. Maybe an inside LB that is stronger at the point of attack, to replace James/Thomas eventually. Burnett might be one, but I question Carpenter being the other.

The line is strong on both sides, the db's aren't going to get much better no matter what you do. TEs are tops, QB very good, RB's excellent.

I see no reason for not being on championship runs for the next few years. They may not win it, but they should be at least close, barring injury.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by dalmations202

I see no reason for not being on championship runs for the next few years. They may not win it, but they should be at least close, barring injury.

I'd have no problem being the Colts for the next few years...

[jthig32]

Phllips said in his PC today that Stanback looks good to go for Sunday and will be the #3 receiver. I'm actually really excited to see if he has anything.

[Flacolaco]

Against the Browns secondary, I'm sure he will.

[Underdog]

Options Limited
Cowboys Hoping Stanback Can Play As No. 3 Receiver

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IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have five wide receivers on their active roster.

Two of them have been ruled out for this game.

Another receiver, who has not caught a pass in a regular-season game since his freshman year in college, has returned to practice after missing a week and is expected to play with a protective shoulder harness.

That leaves the two starting receivers, both of which missed games in the second half of last season with high-ankle sprains.

Should the Cowboys be worried about the wide receiver position as they head into Sunday's season opener in Cleveland?

Maybe so, especially with Miles Austin (sprained MCL) and Sam Hurd (high ankle sprain) ruled out for the first game.

And the Cowboys did make their own decision on Saturday to release Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson, who both cleared waivers and are on the team's eight-man practice squad.

But there is some good news.

It starts with the fact that the two healthiest receivers are indeed the starters, and one of them happens to be six-time Pro Bowler Terrell Owens. The other, Patrick Crayton, is coming off a career season, catching 50 passes for 697 yards and seven touchdowns in 2007.

But you always need some depth, especially at wide receiver. The Cowboys are just fortunate that Isaiah Stanback, who opted not to have season-ending shoulder surgery last week, should be ready to play Sunday against the Browns.

Stanback, wearing a harness on his left shoulder, practiced Monday with the team and is expected to be the Cowboys' No. 3 receiver on the roster.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips sounded rather encouraged by Stanback's practice Monday.

"He caught the ball over his head, made a couple of real good catches," Phillips said. "(He) caught a curl route, caught the ball and ran with it, caught a couple of deep balls. One way over his head, one time. It looks good that he'll play and he'll be able to play as a third receiver for us. As long as no hitches come the rest of the week. But I thought he looked good in practice."

And it's about time the Cowboys had some good news at wide receiver.

They lost their third, fourth and fifth receivers to injury in each of the final preseason games.

Austin suffered his knee injury in the second game, while covering a kickoff in Denver. Ironically, the kickoff occurred following Austin hauling in a long pass from Brad Johnson and then a touchdown pass. He is expected to miss the first two regular-season games, if not longer.

The following week, Stanback had a double-whammy, re-injuring his shoulder while returning a kickoff that he fumbled away against the Texans. Stanback had a similar injury last year and required surgery at the end of the season.

However, he chose not to have the same procedure this year and is hoping to play through the pain.

And then in the final preseason game, the Cowboys kept nearly every starter out of the game and planned on playing Hurd only a handful of snaps. But while being tackled after a 35-yard gain off a reverse run, Hurd suffered the high-ankle sprain.

The Cowboys ruled him out of Sunday's game in Cleveland, but there is a chance he could be ready to play for the Sept. 15 game against Philadelphia, the home opener at Texas Stadium.

But the Cowboys are just trying to get through the first week.

Phillips said on Monday the club hasn't completely made a decision regarding how many receivers will be active on Sunday, and hasn't ruled out taking four.

"We hadn't finalized what our final 45 for the game will be," Phillips said, referring to the 45-player game-day active list. "Normally you take four receivers. We do have some tight ends that, especially (Jason) Witten, can play in the slot for you. It gives you some more versatility. Felix Jones gives us some too. But it's a decision I have to come to maybe take a fourth receiver to the game."

Phillips later said that the fourth receiver would come from the practice squad, moving up either Amendola or Jefferson.

"It'd be hard to bring in anyone on Wednesday who doesn't know the system," Phillips said. "You can't really see if they can play. I think it'll be one of our guys, if we did that."

But doing that would mean the Cowboys would have to create yet another roster spot, something that will likely happen by Wednesday when they re-sign veteran safety and special teams standout Keith Davis.

It's likely the Cowboys will have to make a cut at either defensive back or the offensive line. Both positions currently have 11 players on the 53-man roster.

So adding a fourth receiver such as Amendola or Jefferson might be rather difficult. The Cowboys will certainly hope to make do in the meantime.

So far, the team has yet to reveal the offensive package that features both Marion Barber and Felix Jones in the backfield together. The Cowboys worked on that in practice some, but never showed it in a preseason game.

Also, rookie Martellus Bennett could get some snaps, alongside Witten, in the offense.

And don't rule out a defensive player possibly getting some work on offense. Cornerback Terence Newman has played a few snaps on the other side of the ball, but his groin injury that has kept him out for the last month will probably hinder that move. However, the Cowboys said back in the summer that Adam Jones might get a few touches on offense.

But if that is the case, Phillips was in no mood to show the card.

"It's a little early and we don't want to give out any secrets," Phillips said. "So I'd say right now we don't expect him to play much receiver."

But at this point, with the Cowboys running out of options, nothing should seem too farfetched.

[alby]

It's going to be a tough game, Cleveland was 7-1 at home last year. But, the Boys will pull it out... 31-21.

[alby]

America's Team

http://www.the506.com/nflmaps/2008-01-FOX2.html

[MavsX]

whats the deal with adam jones' suspension? is roger gonna let him play or what?

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by MavsX

whats the deal with adam jones' suspension? is roger gonna let him play or what?

Where have you been? He was reinstated several days ago.

[Underdog]

Guarding The Line
Procter To Start Sunday; Holland Getting Ready

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IRVING, Texas - While the Cowboys acquired veteran Montrae Holland to potentially replace injured left guard Kyle Kosier, it looks like the club will have to go with another option, at least for a week.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said utility lineman Cory Procter would start at left guard in Sunday's season opener at Cleveland. He played center in last Thursday's preseason finale, while Pat McQuistan started at left guard and went three quarters against the Vikings. The Cowboys liked Joe Berger's work, but felt he was more of a right guard.

"I felt the other guys did well, but Cory seemed like the best fit," Phillips said. "He did well also, at guard and center. He's played there before and we have a lot of confidence in him."

Phillips said McQuistan played well against Minnesota, but was more comfortable at tackle, and had not played enough guard. The coach seemed to say Holland has a chance to take over for Procter in replacing Kosier, saying of Holland, "I think he'll be able to help us this year, maybe in the next few weeks."

"He's a bigger guy," Phillips said. "Procter I think is a good player and I think he'll do well for us, but Holland's a little more of an anchor - a bigger guy, he's 325 (pounds), and pretty strong guy. And that's why we got him, we think he can help us."

For now, though, the job is Procter's. The Montana product did not play a snap his first two years in the league, most of which he spent with the Cowboys. He played in all 16 games last year year, mostly on special teams, but started the final two at center for the injured Andre Gurode.

Holland, whom the Cowboys received in a trade with Denver, said he doesn't expect to be ready to play at all Sunday, so it would be a surprise if he were even on the 45-man active roster. Phillips did say he was on the fast track to learning the offense.

"It's the mental part of it you have to get down," Holland said. "You have to be able to communicate on the line. So I don't know about this week."

Holland said his playing weight and conditioning is not a problem. While he reportedly was nearly 20 pounds over his 325-pound playing weight when he arrived at Denver's training camp about a month ago, Holland said he is in playing shape now.

"I'm good . . . I'm at playing weight already," Holland said. "That's not the issue."

In fact, while the Broncos had him working on his conditioning for nearly two weeks of training camp before he returned to practice, Holland said he should easily fit in with this big offensive line, including the likes of Leonard Davis, Andre Gurode, Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo.

"I'm a big guy. This line is big and strong," Holland said. "Yeah, you look around, I feel like a midget. But it's a perfect opportunity for me. This team could go all the way. You're going to do everything you can to help the team. This team is very talented."

And Holland said he figures the Cowboys will be a much better fit to his playing style than in Denver, where he started all 16 games last season. Fortunately for Holland, his previous four years with the Saints should help him adjust to the Cowboys' line and blocking schemes.

"I've been in an offense similar to this when I was in New Orleans," he said. "I can try to relate back to that. It's nothing like what Denver was. That was all zone (blocking). And the terminology is different. But I can get familiar with it."

One thing Holland is already familiar with is the Texas heat, having grown up in nearby Jefferson, Texas, just east of Dallas.

"My whole family has been Cowboys fans since day one," he said. "Me coming back is a big deal to them. I always wanted to play for them. I thought they were going to draft me when I was coming out of Florida State but it didn't work out. But now I've got my chance to come here. So I'm going to make the most of it."

Even if that process doesn't start this week.

[MavsX]

Originally Posted by jthig32

Where have you been? He was reinstated several days ago.

where have i been? don't ask........ driving a 26 foot moving truck with my dad across the country on I-70

sweet. i hadn't heard. Now lets hope he can keep it that way. go 'boys

[Dtownsfinest]

What's the scoop on Holland? We traded a 5th rounder for him correct? Seems like he should be a pretty good OL for the price. I can never complain about getting a OL from the Bronco's though.

[ty]

Finally, a picture of Pacman's suit.

[Male30Dan]

Ty,

My eyes owe you a bitch slap for making them view that vomit-inducing junk he is wearing.

[Dtownsfinest]

Damn...So we cut Oglesby? All that talk about him having the best camp out of all our corners was pure bull?

[jthig32]

Wow, that surprises me. He looked a lot better than Ball.

He'll have several options out there, probably to be a third or fourth corner.

[alby]

Personally, I think Holland was brought in to eventually take over Kosier's spot (either the end of this year or by next year).

[dalmations202]

Originally Posted by alby

Personally, I think Holland was brought in to eventually take over Kosier's spot (either the end of this year or by next year).

Agreed --

Kosier - finesse Denver type lineman.
Holland -- Houck type anchor.

In fact, Big Bill is probably the biggest reason for the athletic type linemen they have in Free, Marten, McQuistan -- who may never make it in a Houck type offensive line.

[dirno2000]

Originally Posted by dalmations202

Agreed --

Kosier - finesse Denver type lineman.
Holland -- Houck type anchor.

In fact, Big Bill is probably the biggest reason for the athletic type linemen they have in Free, Marten, McQuistan -- who may never make it in a Houck type offensive line.

Bill didn't draft Free or Marten.

[dalmations202]

Originally Posted by dirno2000

Bill didn't draft Free or Marten.

Good catch.

[mkat]

Originally Posted by dirno2000

Bill didn't draft Free or Marten.

no, but all the guys now in Miami's front office were here last year. So in essence, he did draft them. Even though I think Bill bought into the "bubble butt" lineman theory more than he did the zone blocking Denver-type linemen. Kinda like how he believed in having big guys on defense, and a bit of why Zach Thomas is here instead of still in Miami.

[Underdog]

Welcome Back Keith Davis
Special Teams Star Back Where He Belongs

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IRVING, Texas - We've heard it for years now and it's usually said together in one sentence.

"Offense, Defense ... and ... special teams."

That's right, we all know about the three important phases of football. How the kicking game isn't overlooked anymore and how coaches put just as much stock in that aspect of football as the offense and defense.

And we all know that's not really true.

It's easy to say it, but let's be honest, the special teams are always overlooked to some degree. You almost have to.

Teams figure out their rosters with the offense and defense and usually what is left over has to play on special teams. It's very rare to find a player or two, other than kickers, punters and snappers, who you will keep just for special teams.

Keith Davis is that player.

And that's why the Cowboys should be ecstatic, thrilled, pumped, psyched - you name it - that they got him back. Lucky or not, K.D. is back with the Cowboys. And he will make a difference.

Davis will officially sign his contract with Dallas before Wednesday's practice, making this his third stint with the club in a five-year span. The club made room on its 53-man roster by releasing cornerback Evan Oglesby, who had one of the best training camps of any player.

It's unfortunate to see someone come out of nowhere basically like Oglesby did and have such a good camp, only to see him get cut just a few days before the start of the season. But if the Cowboys are truly in the business of improving their football team, then someone simply had to go.

Someone had to go if you can get a player like Keith Davis.

This one makes sense on a whole lot of levels. It has to make sense, because it didn't make sense to me back in April when he signed with Miami in the first place. I said it back then, and to anyone who would listen for the last few months. Letting Keith Davis get away was the worst move the Cowboys made in this off-season.

And I firmly believed it would haunt them.

Now let's be honest. Letting him go wasn't completely the Cowboys' fault.

They wanted him back. But Davis wanted to be a starter, and so when he went to Miami, he barely even called the Cowboys to let them know he had already signed a deal.

Two years, $3.5 million. That wasn't too much more than what the Cowboys were willing to pay. They just couldn't guarantee a chance to start. As it turned out, neither could the Dolphins.

But for some reason, he thought he would get that chance. Maybe he figured reuniting with the likes of Big Bill, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano's new staff, which includes Davis' former secondary coach Todd Bowles, the Dolphins' new defensive coordinator, would give him an inside track to a coveted starting job he's been eyeing for years.

Didn't happen. Davis got hurt just before camp, which is the worst time for any player to get injured, especially if they're trying to prove themselves worthy of being a starter.

Davis then fell behind Miami safeties Yeremiah Bell and Courtney Bryan on the depth chart. Knowing Davis for a few years now, and having conversations about his frustrations of not being a starter, it's safe to assume that Davis wasn't too happy about not getting to start in Miami. For whatever reason, the Dolphins decided to cut ties with Davis here last week, despite giving him a two-year, $3.5 million contract in the off-season.

The Cowboys were ready to pounce.

Call it redemption. Call it necessity. Call it an early Christmas present. Either way, Keith Davis fell right into the Cowboys' lap and it couldn't have come at a better time.

We all saw the team struggle on special teams here in the preseason. Even the most optimistic of coaches, Wade Phillips, admitted the coverage units have been rocky to say the least.

Now that will happen some in the preseason, obviously. Your starters aren't playing much, meaning the backups, who normally fill out your special teams, are having to play on offense and defense. And therefore, special teams is often just patched together with the remaining healthy bodies.

But if you can afford a spot or two on your roster for an ace, you have to do it. They don't come along every year. Sometimes, they just develop into that role.

Bill Bates had it. So did Kenny Gant. I don't want to leave out Jim Schwantz, who wasn't a big name like the previous two, but he did make the Pro Bowl in 1996 by recording a team-record 32 tackles on special teams.

Those guys were special teams warriors.

Put Davis right in there with all of those guys, if not higher.

To run down on those kickoffs and punts, you have to be a little bit crazy. Check.

You've got to be tough as nails, or . . . bullets maybe. Check again.

Davis provides all of that, and a little more. He's got a sense of swagger and attitude that separates the good players from extraordinary.

Last year was a prime example of that. In the third game, the Cowboys went to Chicago and all week long we heard the rumblings that they might not kick to Bears return specialist Devin Hester.

That was the big story all week. Will they or won't they kick to Hester.

So opening kickoff comes and kicker Nick Folk was told to do some sort of pooch kick that was supposed to get to another Bears player around the 25- or 30-yard line. Instead, Folk shanked the kick into the Cowboys' bench, giving the Bears the ball on their own 40. So much for that idea.

And Davis balked. He went straight to special teams coach Bruce Read and all but begged him to kick it deep. He promised Read the coverage team would stop him.

And they did, holding Hester to just 85 yards on five returns, including a fumble, which was caused by none other than Davis.

Here in the last few weeks, Wade Phillips even sourced that game as an example that his team's coverage units could be effective. What he was forgetting to mention was that Davis was a big part of that.

Maybe deep down he knew Davis would be back. Or maybe he was just sticking up for his guys. It doesn't matter now. Davis is now one of the guys here again.

That's the way it should've been all along.




Cowboys Meeting With Veteran QB Brooks Bollinger

The Cowboys brought in sixth-year quarterback Brooks Bollinger to meet with coaches Tuesday.

The team was reportedly interested in the former Viking and Jet after last week's preseason finale against Minnesota, Bollinger's final action in a Vikings uniform. Bollinger was cut by the Vikings Saturday, losing the battle for the third quarterback job to Southern Cal rookie John David Booty.

Against the Cowboys, Bollinger was 6-for-18 passing for 62 yards.

If the Cowboys decide to sign Bollinger, the move likely wouldn't come until at least next week. Veterans with five years of NFL experience who are on a team's 53-man roster for the first game will have their salaries guaranteed.

If signed, Bollinger would likely be the third option at quarterback behind Tony Romo and Brad Johnson. The team elected to keep just two passers on the roster to start the season, cutting first-year player Richard Bartel, who has since signed on with the team's practice squad.

Signing Bollinger would likely spell the end of Bartel's practice squad stint, since third-string quarterbacks typically run the scout team in practice. The Cowboys haven't had three quarterbacks on the roster since the 2005 season, when they had Drew Bledsoe, Romo and Drew Henson.

A Rose Bowl-winning quarterback out of Wisconsin, Bollinger played three years with the Jets, starting nine games, all in 2005. He was 150-of-266 passing that year, throwing for 1,558 yards, with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He was sacked 32 times that year, and had a quarterback rating of 72.9.

Bollinger played in Minnesota the last two seasons. He played in seven games as a Viking but started just one, in Green Bay Nov. 11, 2007. He was 46-of-68 passing with the team, throwing for 537 yards, one touchdown and one interception, good for a passer rating of 88.0.

[Underdog]

Davis Excited About Return; Feeling Wanted Again


For Keith Davis, it's almost like the last five months never even took place.

Here are the Cowboys, about to play their first game of the regular season. And Davis is ready to be one of the anchors of the special teams units.

He's back with his teammates again and he's even got his old number, too.

So when Davis runs down, wearing his No. 29 jersey, on that first kickoff Sunday against Cleveland (3:15 p.m., CDT) in the season opener, it'll be like he never even went to the Miami Dolphins this off-season.

"It's almost like I never left," said Davis, who officially signed his contract with the Cowboys on Wednesday morning and said he will play this week against the Browns. "I was only in Miami for a few months and now I'm back. Everything happens for a reason."

And when asked the specific reason why he's no longer with the Dolphins, who released him last week, Davis kept it simple.

"I just didn't fit into their scheme and their plans," Davis said. "It didn't work out. No hard feelings whatsoever. I wish them all the best."

Davis said he signed with the Dolphins because he truly believed he would get the chance to start at safety, something that didn't seem possible in Dallas. But as it turned out, he never got that opportunity in Miami.

"It doesn't always happen like you think it will," Davis said. "That's okay. I just figured, if I'm going to be a special teams guy . . . if that's my role, then I'd rather be here in Dallas."

Davis said he's already gotten an idea of the special-teams situation this year with the Cowboys, who have struggled in the preseason covering kickoffs and punts.

"I've already watched the preseason film, most of the games to see what we have to work with," Davis said. "From my standpoint, I've been in the fire. I know how important the phase of the game is. It's every bit as important as offense and defense and I'm trying to help the guys understand that.

So despite missing a few months here this summer, Davis said he expects to resume his roles, not only as a special tams player, but a leader, too.

"Yeah, no question. Everywhere I've viewed myself as a leader and this is no different. It may not be something that happens overnight," Davis said. The more I play with these guys, I'll understand what I'm working with. And I think we can be every bit as good as we've always been. We're going to get this thing fixed." Davis said the best part of returning to the Cowboys isn't just the chance to "win a Super Bowl," although that doesn't hurt. But he said the reception he's felt from his teammates, coaches and even the Cowboys' football staff has been overwhelming.

"It really makes you appreciate where you come from. It felt good to see that pretty much everyone here really missed me and was happy that I was back," Davis said. "It always feels good to be wanted. I always wanted to play for the Cowboys. Even throughout the ordeal that happened in the off-season, I still wanted to be in Dallas. It was an opportunity I thought I had to do more. But it didn't work out. I'm back here and I'm excited."

And he's not alone. Cowboys safety Roy Williams said he was ecstatic when he found out Davis was returning.

"I'm so glad we brought him back. KD has an arrogance and a cockiness about him. It's contagious," Williams said. "A lot of players gravitate to him. It's a good thing. He's going to bring a swagger back to the field that hopefully the young guys will feed off of that."




Shoulder Harness Not Slowing Down Stanback

Cowboys receiver Isaiah Stanback says his protective shoulder harness causes some minor physical limitations. Apparently, it didn't prevent him from having what head coach Wade Phillips called "maybe one of his best days" on Wednesday.

"We might ought to put a harness on him all the time," Phillips joked.

Stanback's return from an Aug. 22 shoulder subluxation gives Phillips a necessary third active receiver for Sunday's regular-season opener at Cleveland. Miles Austin (sprained MCL) and Sam Hurd (high ankle sprain) will miss at least Week 1, and the team chose to place first-year receivers Mike Jefferson and Danny Amendola on the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster.

There's a good chance the Cowboys will fetch a fourth receiver, most likely Jefferson, before Sunday, which will require a roster cut at another position. Stanback provides at least one reserve behind starters Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton.

Stanback said he will wear the harness all season long in an attempt to delay shoulder surgery until after the season. He played through a similar shoulder injury for the final eight weeks of the 2007 season, but only appeared at receiver Thanksgiving Day against the Jets.

"It's going to be all year," Stanback said. "The shoulder's not stable and it's not going to be until they go in there and take care of it."

Stanback said the harness restricts his movement "enough to the point where you notice it, but it's not going to hinder you from doing what you need to do." In Wednesday's practice, Phillips said the second-year wideout caught passes over his head and with one arm.

Stanback said he's been assured by doctors that he's not risking further injury by playing, though there's a chance the shoulder could pop out of place again at some point during the season.

That's fine with the former college quarterback, who realizes he must stay on the field to continue making his now two-year transition to NFL wideout.

"I've dealt with pain plenty of times," Stanback said. "There was a game back in college where I played with a pulled hip flexor and a hernia. I could barely even walk, but I was going to play."




Felix Jones Says He's Feeling Nervous

Sure, it's the first game of the season, and he's playing at a new level, but first-round running back Felix Jones sure talked a lot about the butterflies already creeping into his stomach before Sunday's opener in Cleveland.

"I've got some nerves, but once I get tackled, somebody gets me, it gets the jitters out. I'll be ready after my first tackle. I have nerves every game, if you don't, something's kind of wrong. But this is the first game of the season, so I have a lot of nervousness I need to get out."

With the way Jones shined in the preseason, where the game never seemed too big, it's almost surprising to hear him talk about his nerves. Then again, it's not like he's quivering into a ball. Linebacker Zach Thomas said earlier in the day that some of his worst games came when he wasn't feeling the stomach quake beforehand.

"I've always been nervous before games," Jones said. "It's just what a player goes through. It's just getting into the game, is really what it is."

[ty]

My cable is getting set up on Saturday morning...just in time for da Boys!

[Flacolaco]

Felix Jones Says He's Feeling Nervous

That's because he's on my fantasy team.

[Underdog]

Chance For Redemption
Crayton Itching To Start New Season After '07 Finish

link


IRVING, Texas - Every season of his career, he's gotten better.

Last year, he set personal-highs in receptions with 50, easily topping the 36 he caught the year before.

But as he enters Sunday's regular season as the Cowboys' No. 2 wide receiver, Patrick Crayton said he isn't focused on the half-hundred balls he caught in 2007, but rather on two specific incomplete passes from last year's playoff loss to the Giants.

Those two passes that weren't caught have driven Crayton all off-season.

"It's still eating at me," Crayton said of last year's loss. "I won't get a chance to get rid of that feeling . . . it will start in Cleveland. It will be a process until we get to our destination."

The destination is the Super Bowl, of course.

And the reason the Cowboys didn't make it there last year, despite a 13-3 regular-season record and home-field advantage in the playoffs, was because they couldn't get past the Giants, the eventual winner.

Crayton knows he was involved in at least one of the pivotal plays down the stretch.

The usually sure-handed receiver had a key drop on the final play of the third quarter that would've given the Cowboys a first down and extended a drive. Instead, the Cowboys were forced to punt, which was returned 25 yards, leading to the Giants' eventual go-ahead and game-winning score.

"It's unfortunate that it happens like that," Crayton said. "But there's nothing you can do. You just have to learn from it and get better."

Crayton also knows he was blamed for an incomplete pass on the Cowboys' final drive against the Giants in which he hesitated before darting up the field, allowing Tony Romo's pass to sail over his head with less than a minute to play.

However, changing the route in the middle of the play requires perfect timing. Without dodging the criticism, Crayton said he doesn't worry about that play. Although it could've given the Cowboys the lead, he knows miscommunication is common in the wild scramble of a two-minute offense.

But nonetheless, Crayton has heard the criticism. From the plays in last year's Giants game to simply not being flashy enough, for some reason Crayton doesn't seem to satisfy the fans, the media, and maybe even more than that.

He knows the Cowboys had some minor interest in acquiring a big-name receiver such as Roy Williams, Anquan Boldin or even Chad Johnson in the off-season. But none of those receivers were ever seriously on the trading block and nothing materialized.

Plus, he knows the Cowboys have confidence in his ability. If they didn't, they would've drafted a receiver in one of the seven rounds this past April. They would've added some kind of veteran receiver, if not overpaid for one of the aforementioned receivers.

And they might not have parted ways with Terry Glenn just before the start of camp. In fact, Cowboys' owner and general manager Jerry Jones said this past summer that having Glenn might have even halted the progress of Crayton last year.

So he knows the Cowboys have his back. As for the rest of his critics, mainly the ones pushing for the club to sign another receiver, he shrugs it off.

"You laugh at it, really," Crayton said. "If they're not in this organization, tell me how you know what we need? You use it a little bit. But really, if it's being said around the league, if another player says that, then maybe you look at that. But not a TV analyst or something.

"You're judged by your peers in this league. Your game is judged by what you do against competition and the best players in the world. That's how you're put in your stacking order."

But while it seems Crayton doesn't focus on any negativity from the media, he certainly hasn't given them much material here in training camp. From a consistency standpoint, Crayton was a solid rock during camp and the preseason games, and his teammates believe he's ready to make that next step here in 2007.

"We've always looked at Patrick as a big part of what we're doing," tight end Jason Witten said. "Patrick goes in as the No. 2 receiver every week. I think he's gained a lot of respect, not just from the staff, but the players. I think he knows his role. And he's been up for every challenge they've put in his face."

Among Crayton's current challenges is to stay healthy. Aside from the team's two starters, Crayton and Terrell Owens, the Cowboys have been jolted by injuries at receiver during the preseason.

As a result, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin will not play Sunday in Cleveland, leaving the Cowboys with just Isaiah Stanback as the third receiver, and even he is banged up, having to wear a harness on his shoulder.

The Cowboys will likely sign a receiver from the practice squad, presumably Mike Jefferson, before they take off for Cleveland on Saturday.

"We're hurting right now, but we just have to get through it," Crayton said. "We have confidence in the young guys to step up. We're going to run our same offense and execute the same plays.

"We could sit here and give excuses that we're down two guys. But that's not the case. We'll never sit here and give excuses. Someone has to step up and keep it going. You can't worry about things you can't control."

That's a lesson he has figured out this off-season.




Phillips Undecided On Newman's Status For Opener

Although Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman has participated in every practice since returning 10 days ago from a slight groin tear, head coach Wade Phillips said he's remaining "cautious" with Newman and hasn't fully decided whether he'll be active for Sunday's regular-season opener at Cleveland.

"No, I won't definitely say he'll play. It looks good for him right now," Phillips said Thursday. "But we'll see where he is tomorrow."

Phillips said he continued limiting Newman's workload this week because he didn't feel the Pro Bowl corner was "completely back yet" from the injury he suffered on July 28, the fourth day of training camp in Oxnard, Calif.

Newman missed all four preseason games but returned to practice last week leading up to the finale against Minnesota. If he doesn't play or is limited Sunday, fully-reinstated Adam Jones would start at left corner and rookie Orlando Scandrick would move into the slot in nickel packages.

Phillips exercised similar caution with Newman last season upon his return from knee tendinitis and a partially torn plantar fascia. Newman missed the first two games, worked strictly in the nickel the following week and moved back into a starting role in Week Four when Anthony Henry sprained his ankle.

The Cowboys had less confidence in their corner depth then. This year, Phillips has more options with Jones, Scandrick and first-round pick Mike Jenkins.

"Last year, we played (Newman) only a few plays in the game - only in nickel," Phillips said. "Then the next game we played him a little bit more. It could be that situation. Or it might be that he plays the whole game. I don't have a feel for it yet. We'll see how he did after today's practice and if we're going to limit him some tomorrow or not. That's where we are."




Davis Voted Captain One Day After Return

Every now and then during training camp and preseason, a Cowboys player would mention they missed Keith Davis' production and leadership on special teams.

The players showed just how much Thursday, electing Davis their special teams captain by an "overwhelming" margin one day after he re-signed with Cowboys, according to head coach Wade Phillips.

"It's credibility," Phillips said. "Guys were around him last year, and I think those were the people that voted for him. But it was almost everybody."

Davis, who held the same title in Dallas last season, signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins back in March. When Miami released him last week, the Cowboys didn't hesitate to pursue his services.

Phillips decided to name multiple offensive captains (quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten, wide receiver Terrell Owens, running back Marion Barber) and defensive captains (linebacker Greg Ellis, safety Ken Hamlin, linebacker Bradie James) because the voting was so close. The captains will rotate the pre-game coin toss duties throughout the season.

"We always say we'll have one captain or two," Phillips said. "But this is what the team voted, so that's what we're doing."




Zach's Back

Having missed only 13 games in his first 11 NFL seasons, linebacker Zach Thomas isn't accustomed to being a "cheerleader." But an early-season concussion and migraines stemming from an October car accident forced him to miss 11 games last year.

Thomas will make his regular-season return Sunday with a different team and the same approach - block out the critics that question his durability and just make tackles.

"It's understandable that I'm going to have that label," said Thomas, the Cowboys' starting weak inside linebacker. "I missed 11 games last year. Even when I get up slow sometimes they might think it. I'm fine with that. It's about going the whole year."

Thomas said he draws motivation from free safety Ken Hamlin, who suffered a serious head injury in 2005, but returned healthy and earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season after initially signing a one-year deal with Dallas.

As he enters his 13th season, Thomas works around the clock to maintain a mental edge. He said he schedules a weekly 90-minute session inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a recuperative method made famous by teammate Terrell Owens.

"I feel clear - I don't know if it's because you're getting more oxygen. I needed that when I was in school," Thomas joked.




Learning Curve

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips maintained he hasn't finalized his 45-man game-day roster, but newly-acquired guard Montrae Holland said the coaching staff informed him that he would back up both guard spots against the Browns.

Holland, who arrived last Friday in a trade with Denver, said he's quickly picking up the Cowboys' offensive system, which differs greatly from the Broncos' zone-blocking scheme. Cory Procter will start at left guard Sunday in place of Kyle Kosier (foot).

Holland began his career with the Saints and said the Cowboys' scheme has some similarities.

"Some of the terminology I can remember from New Orleans," Holland. "Denver is totally different. We only had a couple plays.

"It's coming fast for me. The coaches are doing a great job preparing us."




Short Shots

Cowboys guard Kyle Kosier (foot), linebacker Anthony Spencer (knee) and wide receivers Miles Austin (knee) and Sam Hurd (ankle) did not practice again on Thursday. None are expected to play in Sunday's opener. Head coach Wade Phillips said Kevin Burnett (knee) practiced again without limitation and should be ready to play . . . Phillips said offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will go by feel in determining how many touches rookie running back Felix Jones gets Sunday. He did reiterate that Jones and cornerback Adam Jones would return kickoffs.

[ty]

2 days.

[Ninkobei]

urrg, if Newman is out who do we have to cover Braylon Edwards? all is lost!

..oh, right I guess we could use pacman.

[alby]

This is why our pass rush needs to play up to potential.

[dalmations202]

Marten cut? to make room for Jefferson.

[jthig32]

Was just a matter of time for Marten.

[alby]

Bust. Terrible pick.

[BGMaverick9]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

That's because he's on my fantasy team.

It's a lot of pressure isn't it? lol

[Underdog]

Newman Now Considered 50-50 For The Opener


IRVING, Texas - Cowboys Pro Bowl corner Terence Newman has gone from returning to practice two weeks ago and appearing ready to assume his starting position on the left side to "questionable" just two days before the season opener.

Newman, apparently limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of the slight groin tear he suffered the first week of training camp, has been listed on Friday's official NFL injury report as "questionable," meaning he is no better than 50-50 to play in Sunday's season opener in Cleveland.

Chances are the Cowboys will make a game-day decision on Newman, who did not play in any of the team's four preseason games and again was listed as "limited" in practice on Friday.

"We'll see how he is," Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said on Friday. "We'll start determining how much or if he plays."

The Cowboys might decide to ease Newman back onto the field by playing him solely on nickel downs, as they did last year when he initially returned from the slight tear to his plantar fascia. If that happens, or if the Cowboys decide to make Newman one of the eight inactives for the game, Adam "Pacman" Jones will start at left cornerback. Jones has not played in an NFL regular-season game since Dec. 31, 2006, missing the 2007 season after being suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violation of the league's personal conduct policy.

Newman's potential absence will be far-reaching. If he doesn't play, that would mean the Cowboys would be going with two rookies on their dime defense. As it is, with Newman playing and moving into the slot, first-round draft choice Mike Jenkins takes over at left corner with Pacman Jones playing right corner. But if he doesn't play, and the Cowboys go to their dime with starting right corner Anthony Henry now also moving into the slot over the tight end, that would mean Pacman Jones shifting to right corner, Jenkins coming in at left corner and rookie Orlando Scandrick taking over in the slot, as he also would if the Cowboys bring in just one extra defensive back in Newman's absence.

The Cowboys seemingly feel good about Jones being ready to play, but would have liked the luxury of easing Jenkins and Scandrick onto the field in the season opener.

Newman practiced all last week and on Monday without any setbacks. And while he was listed as fully participating on Wednesday, he popped up on the "limited participation" list on Thursday, sending out an alarm, although Phillips said he wasn't properly listed on the participation chart Wednesday.

The timing of this potential setback is not good since Cleveland presents a problem in the passing game with tight end Kellen Winslow, who the Browns will utilize in their standard offense like a wide receiver, sometimes lining him up wide and sometimes in the slot. There is a chance the Cowboys will match up a cornerback on Winslow instead of a safety, possibly meaning they'll dip further into their cornerback depth to handle the wide receivers. And no one needs to remind the Cowboys that Cleveland's top receiver, Braylon Edwards, caught 16 touchdown passes last year.

The Cowboys also listed wide receiver Isaiah Stanback as questionable for Sunday's game, but he appears to be on the right side of the 50-50 proposition, Phillips sounding pretty confident the second-year receiver would serve as the team's third wideout in the game.

If the Cowboys decide they need a fourth receiver active Sunday for insurance, they likely will sign Mike Jefferson off the practice squad in time for the team's 2 p.m. charter flight departure to Cleveland.

*******

The Cleveland Browns are not without their own injury problems. Already they've been without third receiver Joe Jurevicius, placed on PUP, and noted pass-rusher Antwan Peek had season-ending surgery on Thursday to repair a torn patella tendon.

Then on Friday, the Browns listed six players as questionable, including starting running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), starting guard Rex Hadnot (knee), his backup Ryan Tucker (hip), starting safety Brodney Pool (concussion), kicker returner/receiver Joshua Cribbs (ankle) and backup linebacker Beau Bell. Pool, Hadnot and Tucker did not practice on Friday while Cribbs, Jones, Bell and Lewis did on a limited basis.




Cowboys Add 4th WR

As expected all week, the Cowboys officially added a fourth wide receiver to the 53-man roster Saturday morning, signing first-year pro Mike Jefferson, who will travel with the club today to Cleveland.

In doing so, the Cowboys released offensive lineman James Marten, a third-round pick in 2007. While it's rather early to be giving up on a second-round pick, Marten just never showed much consistency and was nowhere close to pushing for a starting job this year.

Now the Cowboys will likely try to retain Marten on the practice squad, if clears waivers. But being a first-day pick last year, Marten might draw some interest from other teams, especially with his versatility to play both tackle and guard.

But the Cowboys just had to get another receiver to the game to join Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton and Isaiah Stanback. The club is without Sam Hurd (ankle) and Miles Austin (knee), who were both injured in the preseason. Even Stanback isn't 100 percent, but has practiced all week with a harness on his left shoulder.

The Cowboys opted to cut Marten over a defensive back, although the Cowboys have 11 players in the secondary.

But there are some health issues there as well, led by cornerback Terence Newman, who apparently re-aggravated a groin injury this week and his status for Sunday's game remains questionable. Newman has been limited in practice this week and head coach Wade Phillips said he will likely decide whether to play or start Newman just before game time on Sunday.

If Newman can't play at all, Adam Jones will start at left cornerback and rookie Orlando Scandrick would likely be the slot corner in the dime package.




Third QB Around The Corner

Apparently the Cowboys definitely are serious about signing a veteran quarterback as their third guy, and that could take place as early as Monday of next week.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, during his weekly segment Friday on Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket in Dallas, said there was a high possibility of signing that third quarterback on Monday, the day after the team's opener in Cleveland.

And it would appear the Cowboys' guy is either sixth-year veteran Brooks Bollinger, who came in for a visit on Tuesday, or possibly Chris Simms, the former University of Texas quarterback released by Tampa Bay on the final cuts and still an available free agent.

When asked if he could sign that third quarterback as early as Monday, Jones said, "Yes."

When asked if he's looked at Simms, Jones succinctly said, "Yes."

And when asked if we should assume it's not Simms, Jones said, "You shouldn't," not wanting to tip his hand which way the team might go.

The Cowboys have been looking for a third quarterback with a minimum amount of NFL experience, and Bollinger, a sixth-round pick of the New York Jets in 2003, has played in 19 games, starting 10 - nine during the 2005 season with the Jets and one last year with the Vikings.

Simms has not played for 1½ years, not since suffering a damaged spleen three games into the 2006 season. Simms also has played in 19 NFL games, starting 15 for Tampa Bay.

"We ideally would like to have a veteran who has a chance to move in for Brad Johnson at some point in the future, the future (meaning) not necessarily this year" Jones said on The Ticket. "There may be the chance to pick up the veteran we like."

Currently, the Cowboys' third quarterback is Richard Bartel, on the practice squad for a second consecutive season. Chances are the Cowboys would release Bartel off the practice squad if they sign a third quarterback to the 53-man roster.




Now Cutting To 45

The Cowboys pretty easily cut their roster from 75 to 53 last Saturday, and come 2:15 p.m. (CDT) Sunday they must have whittled that down to the 45-man, game-day roster for the opener in Cleveland.

The first four players should be easy, since they all are definitely out with injuries: Kyle Kosher (foot), Miles Austin (knee), Sam Hurd (ankle) and Anthony Spencer (knee).

The next two, maybe three, depending on if there are any last minute roster moves, should be somewhat predictable, since the team currently has 11 offensive lineman on the 53-man roster and the Cowboys normally keep just seven offensive linemen active: Doug Free and Montrae Holland or Joe Berger, and then possibly James Marten if he is still on the roster would be the two or three. The Cowboys were contemplating moving wide receiver Mike Jefferson to the 53-man roster to give them a fourth wide receiver for the game. If they did that, likely on Saturday, the Cowboys seemingly would release Marten or possibly Alan Ball, who also could be inactive for the game.

Ball currently is considered the sixth corner on the squad. Another possibility could be safety Courtney Brown now that the Cowboys signed Keith Davis as a special teams player, which gives them five safeties on the squad.




Return Alternatives

This is not the way the Cowboys had this planned out, but it looks like first-round draft choice Felix Jones and the recently-reinstated Adam "Pacman" Jones will be mostly responsible for returning kicks for the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Cowboys were looking at several alternatives at punt return, but seemingly after Pacman returned that one in the Denver preseason game, Phillips decided he was his guy. And apparently he is, Phillips saying Pacman is his punt returner for the opener. During his two-year career with Tennessee, Pacman returned 63 punts for 712 yards, averaging 11.2 a return and scoring four touchdowns - three his second season in 2006 before getting suspended for the 2007 season.

Phillips continues to say he will use Pacman and Felix Jones for kickoff returns with Austin out with a sprained ACL and Stanback needed as the third receiver even though he will play with a supportive shoulder harness.

"Could be either or both," Phillips said.

Chances are it will be Felix Jones, with rookie Orlando Scandrick lining up deep as the predominant blocking back. Felix Jones at Arkansas returned 62 kickoffs for 1,749 yards, a 28.2-yard average. He also returned four kickoffs for touchdowns in three years.




More Jerry

There were two more statements the Cowboys owner made of great interest while on The Ticket Friday morning.

When asked about his biggest concern heading into a season filled with such promise, Jones had this to say:

"We need to keep Romo healthy. He's a serious talent and that's an understatement. We have a supporting cast that can make do in certain situations, finish games, maybe a game, but over the long haul, we need a healthy Tony."

No arguments there.

And, Jones also brought up his concerns at wide receiver with Stanback trying to play at less than 100 percent and Austin out at least another week, possibly as many as three. And just know Jones was making a point about the type of wide receiver who would make him feel better, not necessarily talking about a specific player.

"Not that Anquan Boldin isn't an outstanding receiver, but we need speed on the other side . . . what we need opposite Terrell Owens is serious speed," said Jones, explaining why the Cowboys miss Austin and a totally healthy Stanback.

Jones also didn't deny searching for one of those receivers once he realized early on the chances of having Terry Glenn back for this season weren't very good. He even said he's been accused of a lot of things, "but not being creative isn't one of them." He meant he kicked all the reasonable tires looking for that experienced speed receiver.

"It's possible to get a wide receiver with speed if you're willing to trade DeMarcus Ware, OK," Jones said. "That's doable on draft day.

"But there's no free lunch around here."

[ty]

Julius Jones will begin Seattle Seahawks career on bench

Julius Jones, who is rather miffed at the Cowboys coaches about being benched for the playoffs last year, thought he'd be a starter in Seattle. That won't be the case this week.

Maurice Morris, who isn't exactly in Marion Barber's class, will start for the Seahawks against the Bills on Sunday.

Long live Felix Jones!