Dallas Cowboys OffSeason Thread

[Underdog]

Rumor: Cowboys interested in Ravens' Lewis?

link

Word around the NFL is that the Dallas Cowboys are very interested in obtaining Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis if he becomes a free agent. The speculation is that the Cowboys are willing to give Lewis a three-year deal worth between $27 and $30 million, with $25 million guaranteed.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones believes his team is in the serious hunt for a Super Bowl title next season, and that Lewis could help solve some of the team's problems inside the locker room.

The Ravens are expected to begin negotiations with Lewis, who is in the last year of his contract, as soon as the season is over.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Underdog

The speculation is that the Cowboys are willing to give Lewis a three-year deal worth between $27 and $30 million, with $25 million guaranteed.

I've also read a few rumors about a Lewis-for-Owens swap, since Jerry Jones is offering Lewis the same exact contract that T.O. has...

I say pull the trigger if there's a possibility...


It's addition by subtraction - we have too many weapons to flesh out any kind of identity in our offense, and despite what you saw last season, Roy Williams is a better raw receiver than Terrell Owens at this point in their respective careers... This would also allow the Cowboys to shed some of the "circus factor" that hindered them last season, regardless of whether T.O. was even half the cancer that ESPN made him out to be...

Plus, this still allows Owens to play for a contender and gives Flacco another veteran offensive weapon next to Mason (something they sorely lacked in the playoffs...)

Oh, and we get Ray Lewis out of the deal (who might be getting older, but he's still younger than T.O. - not to mention that his leadership & defensive abilities are a major reason why Baltimore even got to whiff the playoffs...)

[alexamenos]

Ray Lewis is a badass who makes more noise on the field than off. So what if he's been indicted for murder???

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by alexamenos

Ray Lewis is a badass who makes more noise on the field than off. So what if he's been indicted for murder???

This team could use more killer instinct...

[alexamenos]

lol...no doubt they need it and ray lewis can bring it.

[Underdog]

Oh, I forgot to mention the most important factor of a Lewis-for-Owens swap - it would allow us to unload T.O. without taking a $9mil cap hit by letting him walk (if Jerry feels like we need to unload him...)

[u2sarajevo]

I think the most important thing Ray Lewis would bring is much needed leadership.

[DirkFTW]

Wow. In light of this article, I think it still may not be enough.

Sources: Dallas Cowboys often tardy, undisciplined in '08

11:11 AM CST on Tuesday, January 20, 2009

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News

MOBILE, Ala. – As they gather here for Senior Bowl scouting assignments this week trying improve their product on the field, the Cowboys officials also face significant issues off the field.

Multiple sources close to the team paint a picture of turmoil inside the locker room far greater than originally thought, and the organization is determined to solve the problems. Sources say there were many issues this season that call into question team discipline, commitment and accountability.

Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Monday night he would not discuss certain aspects of the team, including the status of wide receiver Terrell Owens, the coaching staff – specifically offensive coordinator Jason Garrett – and recently cut cornerback Adam Jones.

Jones did say he will talk about other issues regarding the organization Tuesday. Coach Wade Phillips wasn't available for comment Monday night. He declined to talk to reporters earlier in the day.

One of the key off-season disciplinary issues the team must address is tardiness.

The team charter left late for road games five times this season because players were late to the airport according to three sources. The total represented more than half of the eight regular season away games. Sources declined to name the late players. The Philadelphia trip was delayed by more than an hour.

The punishments left little incentive for promptness. Fines for being late or missing meetings and injury treatment sessions were far lower under Phillips than they were under former coach Bill Parcells.

Under Parcells, players were fined $5,000 for being late to meetings, and as much as $12,000 for missing an injury treatment session.

This season, players were fined $100 for being late to meetings or missing a treatment. During training camp, linebacker Anthony Spencer was featured on HBO's Hard Knocks after being fined $100 for missing a treatment session. But sources said Spencer was not alone in missing such treatments.

Owens was a repeat offender in being late for team meetings, sources said. With the Cowboys needing to defeat Philadelphia to reach the playoffs in the season finale, Owens was late for a Dec. 23 meeting, citing traffic problems two days before Christmas. Owens declined comment on his tardiness.

Meetings would sometimes start 10 to 15 minutes later than scheduled, those sources said.

Phillips may not be completely to blame for the smaller fines. A source said Phillips asked Jones to raise the fine total but was rebuffed by the owner.

Jones acknowledged some players are late for meetings. However, he said sometimes a player is late because he has to meet his media responsibilities or had a legitimate excuse.

Compounding those disciplinary issues, was a growing problem of relationships between players and coaches. Sources said players lost respect for defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, who came across more as a player than a coach and made what they termed questionable play-calling.

Another source expressed concern that Phillips treated the offensive and defensive players differently, favoring the defense. It's not unusal, however, for a defensive-oriented coach such as Phillips to spend more time with one unit.

According to five sources, several offensive players lost respect for Garrett for his failure to corral quarterback Tony Romo in practice. Romo, sources said, often forced throws in practice and often did not treat practice work consistently.

The quarterback's practice habits were so bad, sources said, that they affected the way he played in games and could have factored into the offense's problems.

Sources said Owens was upset that Romo directed more passes at tight end and close friend Jason Witten as opposed to the other receivers who he deemed open. Owens has declined to discuss that issue.

The relationship between Garrett and his offensive players will be an important issue for the unit to work out. Garrett was unsuccessful in his bid to land recent head coaching jobs in Denver, Detroit and St. Louis.

Specifically, the relationship between the mercurial Owens and Garrett is in question. Other receivers respect Owens and often share his sentiments.

When asked about his relationship with Owens, Garrett said Monday, "I have a lot of respect for him, certainly as a player, we'll just leave it at that, OK?"

Wide receiver Patrick Crayton said last week during an interview on ESPN that Owens' relationship with the coaching staff was a concern.

"By the end of the season, I would say maybe a little rocky," Crayton said, "A little rocky because I think sometimes when you sit down and you have man-to-man talks, I know Terrell is one of those guys who is not going to bite his tongue, and if you're not going to be straightforward with him, there's not going to be a respect there."

Romo, according to a source, was also personally offended when Garrett was critical of his play late in the season.

How Garrett deals with these communication issues is a concern going forward. Even Phillips, who rarely publicly singles out players for miscues, noted a late-season interception thrown by Romo was careless.

"We're going to talk about working hard and continuing to go forward with our team, and we have a great opportunity this off-season," Garrett said of the communication failures. "Guys are going to come back and we'll have a tremendous resolve about us trying to get better and work hard in the off-season."

[DirkFTW]

where did this double-post come from??

[u2sarajevo]

How do you really think about it?

[DirkFTW]

I guess I'm leaning towards a coaching change that can whip these people into shape. Maybe Ray Lewis can also be our "Office Linebacker" for meetings and practice.

[BGMaverick9]

I don't think we'll actually be able to get Lewis...but if we could, you have to go for it.

[DirkFTW]

Dallas Cowboys Will Use Michael Irvin Reality Show to Fill Roster. Seriously.

The best humor is truthful and writes itself.

So, in the latest Dallas Cowboys circus news, Michael Irvin will be hosting a reality TV show this offseason that picks the last spot in Cowboys training camp. The producers behind the show "The Biggest Loser" are developing it.

No details have been released on what they will make contestants do. I was going to speculate as to whether a criminal record was required, but things have been so embarrassing for Dallas fans of late, I feel like that is piling on.

I guess Jerry Jones figured that last year's HBO show, "Hard Knocks" -- which followed the team during training camp -- wasn't distracting enough. No, they need to turn their camp into a bigger joke. Given that this is *reality* programming, they will be getting Heartbreaking Story Guy, and Flashy Personality Guy, and Bad Attitude Guy, etc. all competing for that final spot. Making It Rain Guy likely won't make the cut, however.

This must be reason number 5,345,598 why Bill Parcells had to get away from the Cowboys. A winning team needs a coach with clear authority and disciplined players with leadership skills. Dallas has neither. Nobody respects the coaches, and try naming any leader on this Cowboys team. This team is swimming in chaos and ridiculousness and will continue to be as long Jerry Jones continues to put marketing and his ego above putting a quality product on the field.

In the history of the league, plenty of good players have come from the bottom of training camp rosters. It's hard to imagine that the reality show process is the best way to take up one of those 80 spots.

Back in the day, whether you loved or hated the Cowboys, you respected their accomplishments. Lately, the Cowboy news has devolved into a daily "Kick Me" sign for their fanbase. But I guess in Jerrah's world, any news is good news.

All that being said, I am totally rooting for FanHouse's Matt Snyder to make the team.

I guess that's one way to go...

[ty]

^ Will Plax be in it?

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

I guess that's one way to go...

And now we know why Pacman thought he would be back on the Cowboys next season...

[jthig32]

I can't believe this is a serious thing.

How embarassing.

[chumdawg]

I think it's pretty cool, actually. We aren't talking about the 53-man final roster. We're talking about spot #80 in traning camp. I would be willing to bet that even if you watch every Cowboys preseason game and read the training camp news, I could find ten names from last year's training camp that you know next to nothing about. And who's to say they are going to bring a bunch of fat, balding guys to the show? I'm sure the contestants will be legitimate football players, and that the winner will be just as warm a body as whoever else would have filled that last spot.

When you think about it, it's not necessarily much different from Dallas Day, where they bring in local players for a tryout. I think they do that at least in part to stimulate interest and support from the local community. Every once in a while you get a Tyson Thompson, but usually those guys never make it to camp.

And of course, there's that Philadelphia Eagles story about the local tryout they held and that one guy actually ended up making the team and having an impact. In that respect, this sort of thing is not entirely unprecedented.

[jthig32]

It's another example of this franchise (Jerry specifically) being more interested in exposure and marketing than winning. This team was riddled with distractions this year, and something like this is NOT the way to try and change that next season.

[u2sarajevo]

It seems to me that as the level of frustration against the Cowboys performance on the field rises the perception of Jerry falls. Or maybe it's just a faction of people that are just anti Jerry? Like the people that are anti Cuban? They are (mostly) quiet until they are handed an opportunity to attack.

I haven't heard the Jerry is more interested in ______ than winning argument in along time. I guess it's gonna be back until we get more than 9 wins again (or maybe actually win a playoff game).

[alby]

its all about accountability, when leaders like Romo and TO just do whatever they want... it's just hard to not negatively follow by example.

[jthig32]

Originally Posted by u2sarajevo

It seems to me that as the level of frustration against the Cowboys performance on the field rises the perception of Jerry falls. Or maybe it's just a faction of people that are just anti Jerry? Like the people that are anti Cuban? They are (mostly) quiet until they are handed an opportunity to attack.

I haven't heard the Jerry is more interested in ______ than winning argument in along time. I guess it's gonna be back until we get more than 9 wins again (or maybe actually win a playoff game).

My perception of Jery doesn't change based on the performance of the team. I think he's a detriment to the organization because of his undermining of all coaches not named Bill or Jimmy.

Surely you can't be on board with this?

[dirno2000]

Originally Posted by jthig32

It's another example of this franchise (Jerry specifically) being more interested in exposure and marketing than winning. This team was riddled with distractions this year, and something like this is NOT the way to try and change that next season.

I don't see this as a distraction. The competition will take place before camp starts and Mike has his own people to run everything. The team isn't diverting resources to make this happen and like Chum said all the winner gets is a camp invite. I have a friend whose brother didn't play high school football, much less college yet he managed to get a camp invite in the mid 90's largely because he befriended Irvin at a local gym.

[DirkFTW]

I think Jerry saw the movie Invincible and was really moved.

[Underdog]

Terrell Owens gets own reality show on VH1

link

DALLAS (AP) - Terrell Owens hopes to score with a new cable reality show.

The Dallas Cowboys' controversial wide receiver will star in his own show on VH1 this summer, giving fans a look into his life off the field.

VH1 announced Monday that the series takes place in the offseason, and T.O.'s best friends and publicists - Monique Jackson and Kita Williams - will help him re-examine his personal life. The two will work as "matchmakers and therapists" for Owens.

Owens, who caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, was prominently featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" that tracked the Cowboys in training camp last year.

[92bDad]

Forget the hype...ignore the media...it's time to go old school and keep all stories behind closed doors.

I'm sick of the Media...from Sports to Politics, they nearly ALL have some type of agenda or spin, all geared to generating readers, listeners, watchers and in turn have market share to sell more advertising.

Just as some would enjoy a stretch where I am NO LONGER POSTING, I would love a stretch where we no longer have these opinionated stories being sold as NEWS.

Just imagine, the old school way, where you enjoy the offseason as a fan...watching basketball, hockey, baseball...going fishing, camping...focused on your own 9-5 job...then come July/August...we the fans start getting caught up on the Cowboys...

We get to go through our own Fan Training Camp and experience the hope that a new season brings. WithOUT the Offseason baggage of doom and gloom that the 24/7 coverage of the Cowboys can bring.

I'm tired of controversy coverage...I'm almost ready to see the old adage...if you don't have something good to say, then don't say anything at all.

Hey, I could take my own advice.

It's all good...Cowboys, Stars, Mavericks, Rangers, Republicans...life is good and things are looking up!!!

[Underdog]

Early Signs Of Change
But Still No Official Word On Dan Reeves

link


IRVING, Texas - When Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips promised there would be changes in 2009, he certainly meant for those to be the most visible once the team began training camp and, of course, the regular season.

But even here in the first month of the off-season, noticeable changes are already taking shape, especially on the coaching staff.

Although the Cowboys have yet to officially announce the hiring of Dan Reeves, it does appear the veteran head coach will have a role with the organization this season. Reeves, 65, who has twice coached with Phillips in Denver and Atlanta, has been at Valley Ranch this week. It was reported last week that Reeves and the Cowboys were discussing a role on staff as a possible consultant.

The Cowboys are expected to announce not only his hire, but outline Reeves' duties with the club as early as this week.

One of the changes Phillips said could occur this season involved his leniency with the players. One report that surfaced last week was that Reeves' primary role with the Cowboys would be to instill more discipline within the team, making the players more accountable for their actions, both on and off the field.

The fact that Reeves interviewed for the 49ers offensive coordinator position two weeks ago suggests the veteran coach intends on taking a hands-on approach. After the interview, Reeves apparently informed San Francisco officials that he would be joining the Cowboys' staff.

Reeves certainly has an offensive background, starting back to his playing days with the Cowboys as a running back from 1965-72. But it didn't take long to figure out that coaching was in Reeves' blood. He even joined the staff as a player/coach in 1970 and held that role for three seasons.

Reeves later rejoined the Cowboys' coaching staff in various roles, beginning in 1974 as the special teams coach, and then served as offensive coordinator and coached the quarterbacks and receivers from 1976-80.

He took over as Denver's head coach in 1981 and held the job for 12 years before he was eventually replaced by Phillips, who had joined him as the defensive coordinator in 1989. Reeves served as head coach for the Giants (1993-96) and then Atlanta from 1997-2003, although he was dismissed from his duties before the end of that season. Phillips again replaced Reeves as head coach on an interim basis.

As a head coach, Reeves has led four teams to the Super Bowl, although he was winless in those games. With John Elway running the ship in Denver, the Broncos came up empty three times in the big game during the 1980s. As head coach of Atlanta, Reeves guided the Falcons to a 14-2 record in 1998 and a dramatic upset of the Vikings en route to the Super Bowl. Ironically enough, the Elway-led Broncos knocked off the Falcons in the Super Bowl that year, leaving Reeves 0-4 in the championship game.

As of late, Reeves has definitely been following the game, working as a color radio analyst on Westwood One and has also co-hosted football shows on Sirius radio.

If hired by the Cowboys, Reeves would not only reunite with Phillips, but also his son-in-law Joe DeCamillis, who was recently hired by the Cowboys to replace Bruce Reed. DeCamillis has 20 years of NFL experience as a special teams coach, and has worked for Reeves in Denver, New York and Atlanta.

Other vacancies on staff include the Cowboys' defensive coordinator position. The spot became available when the Cowboys dismissed Brian Stewart from the post on Jan. 23. While Phillips took over the defensive calls midway through last season, it is possible the Cowboys would not hire an outside coach to replace Stewart.

If Phillips doesn't find another coach who is familiar with his 3-4 defense, he could always promote from within the staff, meaning assistants such as Todd Grantham, Dave Campo and Reggie Herring would be likely candidates. Both Grantham and Campo have been defensive coordinators in the NFL and Herring has held the title at several places at the collegiate level.

With free agency to begin Feb. 27, expect even more changes involving players. Although owner Jerry Jones has said he doesn't anticipate the Cowboys being too aggressive in free agency, he will have to make some decisions on some of his own unrestricted free agents, including Chris Canty, Kevin Burnett, Keith Davis, Zach Thomas and Tank Johnson.

Phillips said there would be changes. Already we've seen a few and are expecting several more to come.

[jthig32]

Reeves has already quit.

Epic fail.

[alby]

don't let the door hit you on your way out!

[Underdog]

Returning Toe Form
RB Jones Not Far From A Full Recovery

link

IRVING, Texas - As of mid-February, running back Felix Jones admits he's not as fast as he has been.

But he's not far off.

In fact, Jones said Tuesday that he expects to not only participate in next month's off-season workouts, but doesn't see any reason why he won't be able to practice with the team during the OTA (Organized Team Activity) practices in May or even the mini-camp in June.

"I'm getting ready - rehabbing, doing fine. I'm ready for the off-season workouts," Jones said. "It's coming along great. I don't have any problems with (the toe). I'll be ready for the off-season workouts."

After an electrifying start to his rookie season in 2008, which included touchdowns in his first three games, Jones suffered a hamstring injury against Arizona in Week 6. While Jones initially expected to practice the following Wednesday, it was discovered that the running back had a partially torn hamstring that would force him out for more than a month.

However, just when it appeared Jones was ready to get back into action, the Cowboys found that he needed season-ending toe surgery to repair a torn ligament beneath his left great toe. The surgery, performed in Charlotte, N.C. on Nov. 22, put him in a walking boot for the rest of the season.

"It was really frustrating not to play with my teammates," said Jones, who averaged 8.9 yards on his 30 carries, scoring three touchdowns. "I thought I would be able to play through the injuries, but the doctors wanted me to have the surgery. It's not easy to watch the guys, but I understand. I'll be ready to go this year."

Cowboys head trainer Jim Maurer said Jones, like nearly all of the players, will be able to participate in the off-season workouts. Although some of the players, including Jones, will work on a limited basis, depending on the nature of the injury. Maurer said the Cowboys will likely limit Jones' lower-body work, at least early on, to prevent any type of setback in his daily rehab.

Jones said recovering from the toe injury is his only current concern.

"The hammy is fine," Jones said of his initial injury. "It's just my toe, really. But that's coming along fine. I've had the boot off for a couple of weeks now. I'm working pretty hard to get back."

And just how hard is that?

"Man, I'm up here every day," Jones said with his usual ear-to-ear smile. "I've been in the training room every day. That's what it takes to get back. I want to be better than last year. So you have to work hard."

Offensive coordinator Jason Garret has seen Jones so much at Valley Ranch lately that he even offered some friendly advice to the speedy back.

"Coach Garrett told me to find a place to sleep up here, because I've been up here every day," said Jones, who added that his recent talks with the offensive coordinator haven't progressed to a greater role in the offense just yet.

"Right now, he tells me to get my foot right and get better," Jones said. "Right now, they're worried about my health. But I'm sure we'll talk about that at some point."

Last season, Jones wasn't regularly involved on offense, particularly in the first Redskins game when he didn't receive a single offensive touch with no carries or receptions. The Cowboys did come back the following week and gave Jones a bigger role in the game plan against the Bengals, where he had nine carries for 96 yards and a touchdown - a 33-yard sweep around the corner.

That was one of a few big plays from Jones, who scored on a 98-yard kickoff return against Philadelphia and a 60-yard run against the Packers. Both plays occurred on the national stage.

But despite missing game because of an injury for the first time since his junior season in high school, Jones isn't worried about if he'll return to speed, just when.

"No, I have no doubts at all," Jones said. "I've been working hard every day. I'm just anxious to get out there again. I learned a lot this year. I'm looking forward to taking it all in and having a better year next year. I just want to be healthy."

[BGMaverick9]

I'm gonna owe you rep again.

Thanks for putting these articles up. I'm so into basketball now that it's hard to keep track of what's going on!

Thanks buddy.

[left texas]

Fact or Fiction?
Clancy Pendergast next Cowboy defensive coordinator?

[ty]

Report: Four teams on Peppers' list


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Julius Peppers still wants out of Carolina, but he'll only agree to be traded to four teams, further complicating the Panthers' efforts to get compensation for the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end.
On the eve of the deadline to place the franchise tag on Peppers, a person close to the player said Wednesday that the impending free agent wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys or three other unnamed teams, two of them in the NFC...

I would love him in Dallas...F me if he goes to Philly or NY...

[dalmations202]

I still don't think talent is/was the issue with the Cowboys. So I don't know how much a Peppers can help.

[TheMaverick]

I can foresee both Peppers and Boldin going to Philly.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by TheMaverick

I can foresee both Peppers and Boldin going to Philly.

I hope you're a crappy psychic...

[TheMaverick]

I just want to be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen

Let's hope they both go to the AFC and we pick up Ray Lewis to be the leader on this team and call it an offseason. Same exact roster, just swap Zach Thomas for Ray Lewis. Maybe sign a couple of the veteran CB's that are getting dropped left and right.

[chumdawg]

I thought Peppers was d-o-n-e.

[ty]

Originally Posted by TheMaverick

I can foresee both Peppers and Boldin going to Philly.

That would be a championship team.

Ugh...need to take a shower now for saying that.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

I thought Peppers was d-o-n-e.

He's done being crappy if anything. Last year he had his comeback season. Not sure if he's going to be good again this season but teams are probably wetting their pants even thinking about a possible defense with Ware and Peppers on it. I wonder how he would fair in a 3-4 defense though. Seems like you need bigger end's rather than the tall basketball player built guys like Peppers.

[MX425]

Originally Posted by TheMaverick

I just want to be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen

Let's hope they both go to the AFC and we pick up Ray Lewis to be the leader on this team and call it an offseason. Same exact roster, just swap Zach Thomas for Ray Lewis. Maybe sign a couple of the veteran CB's that are getting dropped left and right.

Really. You want the exact roster we had this year? I think TO has to go. How do you work a receiver like Roy Williams in when you have TO crying over touches.

But I do want Ray Lewis, regardless if he stabbed a guy then snitched and had the charges dropped.