Long Term Planning = Short Term Silence?

Even if Parcells does not win a Super Bowl during the remaining years in his tenure, clearly he is setting the table for the “coach-to-follow” to win a few. But the question is begged:

Can the ’Boys win a SB in 2005 or 2006?

OFFENSE: Yes, this is Super Bowl quality. The only glaring weakness in right tackle.
DEFENSE: Perhaps this is Super Bowl quality, if the secondary surprises and really steps up to the plate. The line seems solid, any way you slice it. I am not sold on the LBs. I am not sold on the secondary, aside from Williams. The youngsters in the “back seven/eight” need to produce.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Big question mark.

This roster, as of today, gets to the playoffs. No doubt. The degree of success remains to be seen. I am excited!!!! My gut feeling is good.

Eric,

There is no way that this offense if Superbowl quality. Bledsoe is on the waining years of his career and for the Boy’s offense to be SB bound he has to get rid of the ball quickly and cut down on the mistakes and interceptions. Something that he hasn’t shown to be able to do. Perhaps, Bill can change that but nobody else has and that includes some very good coaches.

The only way that this O is SB bound is if Henson really improves and does a Tom Brady. Then maybe and even then we are probably 1 star receiver away.

Kevin

I guess it’s a matter of seeing the glass half full or hall empty. You and I are both guessing….just in opposite directions.

But a great QB is not needed to win a SB anymore. Recall Dilfer and Johnson in recent years.

Well heck this offense is better than the Ravens’ offense in 2000. Look Parcells won the Super Bowl with his second string QB in 1990, and those Giants teams of the 80s were never really known for their offense. The Cowboys have a couple of guys that can make big plays on offense. This offense also has the flexablity to go after matchups they desire, but in the end its how the O-line comes together. Give Bledsoe time and he can hurt you. We already know if Julius gets a hole to run through he is an explosive player. Another thing to remember, Parcells never relied on speed to stretch the defense. He often uses a teams’ agression towards the line of scrimmage against them to hurt them. If there is one thing this team lacks its a WR that can catch the ball in front of a defense, and run past them. But that’s not a nessessity to win a Super Bowl.

Even if it can be argued whether this current roster is of SB quality….

Let’s fast forward to April 2006, and envision a draft that nets a load of offensive talent similar to the defenseive group we got this weekend. Say, a stellar WR and OT. Then we are most definitely in business for a SB.

This is just a really good time for Dallas. The sense of stagnation and mediocrity and incompetence that permeated the post-Jimmy era has evaporated entirely.

Eric. I think you’re underestimating Copper and Crayton. We didn’t see enough of them last year to make a solid judgement on them, but there were certainly some plays where they were pretty good (Washington, last second TD about 35 Yards from Vinny….ring the bell?). And those only have to be used if Keyshan, Glenn or Morgan get hurt. I dont think we have a hole at receiver now, I think we will have it in 2 years for sure.

The only thing that really worries me about this team besides the stupid injuries that always seem to hunt us, is that last year we had a big hole in a corner and thought we could get away with it, and I think we are doing the same mistake this year at Free Safety. I really hope it is true that all those linemen can get the QB fast enough not be concerned about the secondary.

BP said in a press conference that Bledsoe did great in Buffalo once the running game got going. I believe that Drew is capable of going to the big game and winning it. He’s a hell of a lot better than Dilfer.

Lets look at a team Bill took to the Super Bowl

New England

QB Bledsoe……….Dallas Bledsoe

RB Martin………….Dallas Jones

TE Coates………….Dallas Witten

WR Glenn and Troy Brown………….WR Glenn & Johnson(SB with TB) and a bunch of wanna bes…….but hey they got potential…..

Larry Allen, Adams, Johnson, Rivera 2 Pro Bowlers on the LINE? Parcells called adams potentially the best player at his position? yet to prove it but hey? Now Rogers needs to step up, and Peterman Gurode and Perhaps Pettiti look like reliable backups…….

LBs McGinest Slade Brushci……….Dallas Ware, Nguyen, Burnett, James, Thornton, Singleton, Shanle ok some are unprovend and some have yet to prove much……..but these guys got a lot of upside potential…….

Secondary
Milloy and Law Dallas Newman, Williams, Henry and a big fat who knows at FS……..however if Newman is BACK and Henry is for real this secondary will be ok and improve with 2nd year Reeves, Jones, Thornton, Frazier

We are a playoff team. We may need one more draft and a FA or Two to be a Super Bowl winner………but this is a playoff bound squad. Give these rookies a year under their belt………and lets say that only half of em are half of what their expectations are and we are still a playoff team. Lots of Parity in this league………another Draft might need us some more help in the Secondary if nobody steps up on our squad and some help at WR………and yeah Henson either makes the cut or gets cut……but give Bledsoe a pocket and he is a Pro Bowl QB…….

Manuel, what is the situation at FS as you see it?

for some reason i don’t think henson is the answer either. i do agree that our glaring need is at ORT. if the defense can shape up, and the draft proves to be a good one. then and only then will we go to the playoffs. i won’t even talk of the superbowl until we are in the playoffs and i see what other teams are in, and what are the injuries that have accured during the season for not only our team, but for other teams as well.

The situation as I see it is that there is nobody in our team than can take care of that spot. Woodson was as good as a leader as he was as a player. You cant replace that player with Hunter, Dixon, or a 5th round pick. Either most of the articles from experts are right, saying that 3 good players in our 2dary and a good front 7 is the real replacement fro Woodson, or we are in trouble again.

I personally think Bledsoe is a muich better option this year than Henson. Brady’s case is very rare, we have to be realistic here.

i still think bp will get hunter to play FS. however, i am not going to rule out bp won’t try to bring in someone like ty law. i still think if law will change over to a FS, and only if he will take a SS pay. i think he ends up with a star on his next helmet. and there might be a decent ROT still out there in free agency. not to mention all the cut that go down in june. there bound to be someone that is better than what we have now.

Louisville Eric,

Let’s look at the secondary as a hole. Henry and Newman starting CBs, with Hunter, Thorton, Frazier, Reeves, and Jones behind them. Roy is Roy, and now Beriault is a suitable back up to him. Then there is Scot, Finley, and Davis. The Cowboys have a group of 9 players, right now, to find a starting FS. I’m sure with other teams there will be cuts, and maybe more options will arise. With Frazier, Thorton, and Hunter- one should emerge as the nickle corner, one could also emerge as the front runner to start at FS, or maybe it will be Beriault. I’ll be satisfied with Williams, Newman, Henry, and Beriault as our starting secondary, with Thorton, Hunter and Frazier coming in on nickle situations. There are some decent players in this secondary, even off the bench. This defense is pretty solid in traditional sets, but has a bunch of flexability. Its been my opinion to have more of a good tackler than a cover guy at FS, but that opinion is not shared amongst the other Cowboy fans, as they prefer a good cover guy. So my guy would be Beriault, I’d like to keep the offense in front of the safeties and let them take good angles to the ball, and bring a very physical presence to the defensive back field.

our schedule…….like our draft……will be ok due to our stellar season last year.

if we can play our division tough……..beat DC twice……split with the eagles and steal two from the giants…….we make the playoffs……..that is a loft goal but these days compete in the division and you make the playoffs…….

personally i think the Redskins moved sideways losing more in FA than they gained in the draft

Giants with Webster and Tuck might have improved…….Strahan is aging

Eagles……..had a good draft but not sure anybody but the RB gets a lot of snaps………..

Cowboys………massive improvements along the LINE……..great FA pickups in Ferguson, Henry and Rivera………Bledsoe improvement over Carter or Vinny……….

Best Coach in Football………I think our special teams will be better this year with Bierault a Bill Bates type of Tackler and either Dantzler or even Newman or the rookie returning…….Cundiff resigned he is fine for a K…….

Rumor on Henson is the guy is working his but off. He is kind of in that Cornered stage that BP says of guys like Clarett. Henson either does the work……….or he is selling insurance. In college this kid had Tom Brady on the bench……..out of football not a cap heavy guy……..i mean the worse thing if he does not make it is the 3rd round pick we gave up for him……….that is it…..meanwhile maybe he surprises us all and beats out Bledsoe or replaces him later in the year……Bledsoe Brady…..Simms Hostetler……..Bill will play the best QB on the team…..who in the NFL draft would you take over Henson………..Kyle Orton went in the 4th? Marcus Spears or Aaron Rodger? The list of failures by Tedford……….Aikili, Harrington, Dilfer, and possibly the best of the bunch Carr………Rodgers might be ok…..but he is a bigger risk than Marcus Spears or Ware………

David Garrad will be on the block next year…….the guy from UVA backing up Vick and the whole situation in San Diego will produce a few other FA QBs or trades……..Leinhart will go in the draft next year……….Marcus Vick? maybe……….we will see what kind of season he has at Tech…….but he has 4.28 40 and as strong an arm as Michael……..i look around i see some pretty good qbs in Indy, Philly, Minn, GB to retire Soon, Eli is unproven…….and cost 2 first rounders…….my guess is Norm Chow will trade the farm for Tenn to get Leinhart……otherwise they would have gotten a QB this year…………McNair already considering retirment…….

Rothlesberger? Guy came to the best team he could have, a great running game and a good defense and a good coach. He did a great job, for a rookie. But we saw him, and we should have beat him……..thanks Vinny……….he is good and can be great………but the Steelers would have been playoff bound with Maddox at QB.

There are not a whole lot of good qbs out there. I would love to have one. Who knows maybe Chris Simms is cut by TB and Bill decides to give Phils kid a shot……..or we find some no name that is bagging groceries today………..but looking around the College ranks I find QBs at William & Mary DivIAA that are going to get the same shot as Jason White……..and any other FA qb………I mean Quincy Carter could throw the deep ball…….had mobility in the pocket……..and turns out to be a pot head and was never very accurate with his shorter throws. I saw him overthrow RBs and TEs…….regularly. Then he guns it downfield for a 50 yard strike……he was not doing th work to be an NFL qb.

We have been spoiled by the likes of Staubach, and Aikman. I mean Troy was as accurate a passer as the league has ever seen. He could rifle it with the best of em, was pure pocket passer, and had nice touch. Although Emmit gave him a lot of yards and he never racked up the 300+ games like Marino and Young……..he was clutch with the long ball and reading the defense. It maybe 20 years before we see guys like Marino, Elway, Aikman, Montana, Young, Kelly, Favre…….probably never again during the same time……..Tom Brady? Brady might still be a backup and Bledsoe wearing 3 Super Bowl rings if Bledsoe does not tear his pectoral……and does anybody else remember Brady got hurt in the plaoffs and Drew won the game?

for all his TDs Petyon has as many Super Bowl rings as Boomer Esiason and Dan Marino……..but at least they made it to the dance. They are fast approaching Cap Casualties due to the money they pay WRs, QB and RB……..i think Dallas Fans are familiar with such casualties.

In the age of Free Agency and Salary Cap……….if you dont have the Franchise QB build a hech of defense and good running game…….and Drew Bledsoe is a good QB………and Drew Henson looks like as much potential as any QB in the draft……..including Alex Smith……

Amen to the thesis of this post. Parcells will leave the Cowboys much better than when he arrived. Regardless of how we do this season, its nice to know that we have a solid nucleus of young guys on both sides of the ball from the last three drafts. SB might not be in our future this year or next, but this team will be a contender for the next five or six years with these young players, as a fan that is something to be immensely thankful for.

if you can pick out something that came out good of last year with all the injuries; it is the fact that a lot of rookies got to play. all of the corners that got to play. maybe they have a better understanding of what the nfl is all about. maybe one of them can step up and play the out side and let one of the better corner play the slot. or hunter play fs/slot receiver.

and the same thing goes for the receiver. i like what crayton showed last year. and copper was decent (not real good, but deceent) last year as well. with a little teaching from our receivers now. i think we will be ok this year.

On a totally different topic: Why is there is no website, anywhere on the Internet, that lists the Cowboys career leaders in each of the major statistical categories?

up-to-date, through last season

do some resource and make one up for us. maybe with all the fans. someone can help. i will try.

ask mick on dallascowboys.com maybe he will reply to you and give you an answer.

I like Louisville Eric’s optimism about our offense. But does anyone else remember that early in the year, BP was pretty aggressive about going for it on 4th and short — I seem to remember that we failed miserably every time. We could not move the pile even 2 inches.

Can JJ and the addition of Rivera help us covert on some of those?
This is an important barometer b/c converting a 4th and short play is almost always a crucial moment that goes directly toward winning or losing.

Let’s also remember Allen will be another year older. Can he still get it done?

yes copper i think jj with the addition of riveria will get it done. now don’t forget that we also get campbell back from his injury too. he is a big blocker in the goal line situation. and don’t forget that marcus spears was a te at LSU before he was a DE. why not put him on the line as well.

speaking of goal line offenses. i would take out witten and add marcus spears. we get dan campbell back on the other side. use demarcus ware as the blocking fb. then run a draw with jj. or just run it down their throats. now that is a lot of beef up front. if we can’t get at least a yard out of that. well, we deserve to be 6-10 again. but i don’t think that is going to happen.

Louisville Eric

I’m not exactly sure what you’re looking for in a listing of career leaders and assume you’ve tried the Cowboys website. If not, their History page lists stats per year dating back to 1960 and you can sort by team, offense, defense, special teams and scoring. Check it:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/history.cfm

Or try this one: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/

Are these even close?

Of course try this one to: http://www.theboys.com/records.asp

there is a history thing on dallas cowboys

NFL.com has all the hall of Famers #s which should increase next year……..Aikman nad Irvin…….Hard to believe Emmit played so much longer than QB and WR……..amazing…….I hope Emmit gets up with Julius and says if you want to last 13 years at RB this is what you do every day………I know Julius listened to Richie Anderson when he was hurt…….

Guys the Defense will be a lot better not only because of the Draft, which I think Rocked other than no big CB to play FS……….but great picks………Canty could be a bust or the Steal of the Draft…….worth the risk………..but Julius Jones and Jason Witten are First Down Guys……..those two will sustain long drives……..8 and 9 and 10 play long clock eating drives that keep all our Defense on the Sideline and their Offense on the sideline……….I think we make the playoffs last year if JJ does not hurt his shoulder. We were a different team with him on the field………..and we had NO CORNER or an FS…….so we got Henry and the rookie committee improves we are going to be better.

Most Offensive lineman………take a few years to develop. It is rare and we have had a few Erik Williams, Larry Allen…….but go look at Big Nate Newton……….the guy was in the league 3 years as an FA and practice squad guy with Joe Gibbs Redskins before he came to dallas……and become a stud on the Offensive line………..Atlanta and Denver…….two of the best O lines in the NFL……..use low draft picks and develop their guys……..over years………no pressure to play right away……….

Pettiti if given time and makes weight looks like an NFL Tackle. He shut down Dwight Freeney in College something a heck of a lot of NFL guys failed to do. Rogers, Petereman, Tucker, Gurode………I wished we kept Lehr…….but hey these guys all are fairly young……….obviously Allen is aging but has had bettter seasons under Parcells than he did for Campo and Rivera will make our line better………..ask the Green Bay RBs or Brett Farve………..I am not as pessimistic about our Offensive Line……..I think these guys will develop……..

I think we make the playoffs this year, I think we can win the Division……..yeah I know the Eagles look good but hey they been good for a while now………they are due to get beat………a young cowboys team took on Buddy Ryan and Randall Cunningham……….a perennial powerhouse in the NFC East and we dashed their Super Bowl hopes……..Washington will suck again………and Giants will be somewhat better with Buress, to Eli but we can beat the Giants.

In my opinion Drew Bledsoe was pretty good last year. He did not have the weapons there we have. Maybe an equal RB but that is about it. The Dallas Defense fooled around with 3-4 last year……..and Ferguson knows it so does Spears from LSU………James should improve, he played ok but was out of position sometimes and we saw a dropoff from a tough guy like Coakley. Anyway………I say Julius Jones gets 25 carries and 5 receptions every game………that equals 150+ yards. Witten, Glenn and Johnson give us another 250+ potential………and Lee or Barber or Bickerstaff get a few touches………and we got ourselves a pretty good offense. I mean if we had any RB other than Eddie George we get better yards……..wish that guy had been Emmit…….but that is the Fault of FA and Cap that the NFL should fix………a guy say 10 years in the league they should make some kind of exception so a team can keep him……..

Julius Jones is going to rush for 1600 yards this year maybe MORE. I think he can have some 250+ games where he just breaks a couple of those long ones. Kind of reminds me of TD when he goes outside he can get up and go. The last time we had a guy do that it was Emmit Smith…..and it was a while ago. That wears down the defense and keeps McNabb and TO on the sideline. Plus he has pass catching and screen ability and showed he can block…….he is going to play every down except when getting a breather from BP.

Spears and Ware are immediate Starters and differnece makers. Burnett is at least as good as James or Thornton maybe better. I think those guys calling for a Trade Ellis, better let Greg have his pro bowl 15 sack season first……he will benfit from this draft………do not be surprised to see Glover at DE in a 4 man front a time or two either…….i think you will see more rotation……..and perhaps 3-4 on 3rd down………..this is the first time he has a player on the other side and another force in the middle in Ferguson………

I will admit our Defense that was so good was more speed and finesse than strength. But now we have the roster to go big and strong, or quick and strong……..Ware benches as much as SPEARS……..he is a hoss……..i agree with those that say other teams are never going to know what we use………a 4-3 a 3-4………a Safety Blitz……with Roy Williams coming at you……….I remember Coakley, Nguyen and Roy putting a lot of pressure on the QB 2 years ago…….2 of those guys are still here……….

Bring it……….McNabb aint going to outrun Ware or Burnett……one thing I really like about the film on Ware is him finishing QBs…….once he got a hand on em they went down……..and he chased more than a few down…..

If we could sign Ty Law and move him to FS it would be beautiful. I know alot of people don’t like him, but 2 years ago he was the best corner in the league. He led the Patriots defense until he got hurt. Think of this 7 man blitz ( the type that Zimmer loved to do 2 years ago ), Ellis, Glover, Spears, Ware, Burnett, James, and Roy. Few teams would be able to stop that. Then in coverage you have Dat, Law, Henry and Newman. Our defense is easily top 2 in the league then, and the type that could bring us far in the playoffs if we play up to our potential. Look at the previous SB winners, none have high scoring offenses. Bledsoe will surpise people because Julius will rush for 1500+ yards this season. He’s going to have a monster year, as is Witten.

I’ll admit i was a little peaved when we didnt select Derrick Johnson, but from what I’ve been hearing from Ware, he seems to be the real deal.. Spears I know is good.. not sure what to think of Burnett at this point, but I hope he turns out to be awesome.. now all we need to do is draft A.J. Hawk next year!!

Well i’m definately liking our new and improved defense, I believe Brimmer is still a free-agent still, perhaps we can go after him… and guys lets not forget June 2nd, its most likely Parcells might pick up a released veteren, and did anyone see the Rams select Alex Barron? I wonder what this could mean for Kyle Turley, probably signalling a realease soon, no way they keep 3 quality tackles..

I also think Julius is gonna have a breakout year… if he can be as good or even better than last year than we’re in for a GREAT surprise.. I still think we lack that speedster in the slot.. hopefully Glenn is that guy still.. combined with a vastly improved Witten, and well Keyshawn is STILL Keyshawn, i think we might be playoff bound this year.. I think we’re 1 or 2 really good drafts away from being a Superbowl team again… cant wait!!

By the way, did anyone see that Madden commercial during the Draft.. looks SICK…

Yeah if Morgan could step up this year and be a #2 reciever we would be licking our chops. Glenn could move into the slot where he is best fitted. Julius averaged 27 carries and 115 yards a game last year when healthy. Those are monster numbers.

Anyone have Kiper’s grading of the Boys? I know he gave us an A.

Moh,

Some meidiots had Burnett as a better LB than DJ. A lot of people said DJ got too much hype and he did fall over most projections……..so if Burnett is the real deal……..I think Ware and Spears are first day starters. Ware’s strength numbers are SICK, he benches and squats more than Spears……….he sure has the stats of a Haley, McGinest or dare i cannot say it………..Ok Nobody was as big and bad as LT, he was just a freak……not too many LBs that threw around Lineman the way he could……

Quincy Morgan was hurt hamstring i think. I still think we got the losing side of that swap, but hey Antonio was a head case. You make a good point though i still think Glenn would be out there if we only had 2 recievers but yeah if Q is better ………or Copper/ Crayton. I liked what I saw out of Copper. Bill must think they are ok, and not too worried about it.

We might see Peerless Price get cut in June…..as well as some othre FS, S, CBs, and WRs. Boys should still have some cap space….to sign one more piece if Bill thinks so.

Ty Law would be great……great player……but he has to basically have an injury that keeps everybody else away and no interest and come play for Bill for almost free compared to what he is asking……….a lot of ifs…..but if he did…….you could see Law and Bledsoe go after lil Bill in a showdown at the super bowl. Would love it!!!! I would almost expect Law to sign somewhere next year for one year big money and then if he were cut it might fall to us……..and then to FS……..but if he is healthy he is the starting CB on any team in the NFL.

Boy what a difference 2 years makes! No glaring needs. A young core of players matched with a bunch of veterans that know how to win. So what we don’t have a pro bowl RT or FS. Look at our own Super Bowl success in the 90s, we had a bunch of roll players. K-mart come to mind anyone? Kelvin Martin was my favorite player at one point, he did all the little things that never show up on the stats sheet. Or how about Larry Brown? The list goes on … Thomas Everrett, James Washington, etc. Even Jimmy Jones, Darren Woodson, and Jim Jeffcoat were roll players in 1992. Right now with Ferguson, Glover, and Spears manning the middle of the defensive front and then Johnson, Allen, and Riveria on the offensive side Dallas is strong at the point of attack on both sides of the ball …. and that’s the common thread to the Super Bowl teams of the 90s … that and the depth there in the middle.

Derrick johnson is a sideline to sideline linebacker, and he runs around blockers too much, can get away with that in college, but not the pros.He doesn’t rap up all that well either, trys to get the big hit far too much.

I hope some of these young WRs can do what Kelvin Martin did. He always seemed to be clutch whenever Irvin or Novacek was covered well.

He made some big plays for us. You definitely need role players like that.

I think Beirault can be reminiscent of some of the great Special Teamers….Bill Bates and Kenny Gant……..

The teams interested in Law though have started filling needs. The Steelers and Jets were the teams interested in Law, tho the Pats offered him a deal. I know he won’t resign with NE, and the Jets and Steelers took CB’s with their second picks. Parcells not only coached Law but also drafted him, and maybe he will bargain with JJ to play along side Roy Williams. He could help the whole secondary develop better coverage skills. Woodson taught Roy how to play the line and tackle better, and if they get Law to help him in coverage, he will easily be the best S in football. Plus you know how Bill loves leadership, and Law is one of the best.

Dallas signed WR Jamaica Rector.

When Burnett tackles he hits the hips and waist area, and wraps well. Everything I had seen of DJ was he was a lot like Deion and tackled RBs feet, he just didn’t throw his body out there as much. Also, I had thought Thomas Davis (a safety) attacked a block much better than DJ. In the NFL he can’t run around blocks and make plays that he did in college.

Thanks Don.

Rector is 5-10 and 185lbs. From what I read a good return guy with excellent hands. He has “escapability” as he runs well after the catch, and projects well as a slot receiver in the pros.

Lou,

I would like nothing better than to see Ty Law in our Secondary. Imagine him teaching up youngsters Newman and Henry.

PLaying CB, FS or Nickel……..he would definitely help. I wanted Antrel Rolle, no way he is better than Ty Law YET. Maybe if he does the work.

I agree there is some Parcells history there, but I think his stock has to drop lower than it is…………but all those other teams that drafted rookie CBs are thinking the same thing you and I are. Ty Law vs. Rookie……..healthy Ty Law vs. any corner in the league? Law has the hardware sign him up. One thing to consider though is he did not play much last year………wonder how he would have done with the new rules in the playoffs………we won’t know. But he is good enough to adapt to anything……….

It could happen, but comparing him to guys like Woodson or Deion that came in to play at Baltimore or returned…………Ty Law’s stock is still a lot higher than Woodsons was. Deion let’s not even go there he got tired of spending Jerry and Dan Snyders money and wanted some from Art Modell………..

If the price were right, I have no doubt Bill and Jerry would love to have Law, maybe that conversation has already taken place since we did not seem the least bit interested in FS or CB during draft day. Maybe.

I agree and about 2 months ago www.kffl.com reported that Ty Law’s agent had set up a meeting between him and Parcells to talk about his foot and possibly moving to FS. I never heard anything about it after, but would really like for us to at least make a run at him if the price is right. Give me Spears and Law over Darren Howard anyday. ( the money and pick that would have gone to the Saints and Howard’s long term deal )

This is an impressive excerpt of Rector’s profile form NFL.com:

WR/Return Specialist from Northwest Missouri State

"Few players in college football made as many big plays, gained so much yardage or found the end zone as much as Rector did during his four-year career at Northwest Missouri State. "

Don S., Where did you read or hear that he was signed?

Lou,

I read that too, but I still think the Steelers are in play. Law probably wants to play corner this year. I’m sure he’s open to moving to FS at some point, a la Rod Woodson, but good corners get that way by having big egos and short memories. I’m sure his ego tells him he’s still the best CB in the game.

If it comes down to money, I think the Cowboys could swing it. They had the ammunition to get Howard and sign him to big money, but held off and got a haul of talented, cheap youngsters.

He ran a 4.48 40 according to nfl draft countdown.

Just a thought: Parcells was reported to promise Maurice Clarrett that Dallas would take him with their 4th round selection if he were there. Is there any chance there is some kind of secret arrangement with Ty Law? I mean not addressing safety in the draft? Law is still unsigned? Probably playing for a team with a chance to win, that he will make a difference, may be inticing to Ty, not to mention the allure Parcells has with his former players. If Law came to big D to play, winning a Super Bowl with Parcells and Bledsoe (two more guys Bellichick stabbed in the back) would be the sweetest revenge!

In the press conference, Jerry was asked about that so called promise and Jerry that their was no such statement made about taking Clarett in the fourth round or any round for that matter.

Star,

I am not sure where Don S found the signing but I found some at the ranch report.

http://cowboys.scout.com/?refid=1

So far:
Brett Visintainer K
Jon Condo long snapper
Sam Wilder OT
Mike Goolsby ILB
Jamaica Rector WR
Thomas Johnson DT
Roger Cooper OLB
Reggie Harrell WR
Dominique Price

Monday 2:34

As far as Law goes, he cant even pass a physical at this point and were not going to pay him big money to play safety.
Our free safety will be the kid from Ball state,justin beriault. This kid is a four year starter in a conference that love to throw the ball, so he cant be all that bad with Quarterbacks like pennington,rosthesberger and leftwich coming out of there.He’s a smart player.

Eric, you said a mouthful. I am just now hearing about the Ty Law deal, and if you are right then we are sitting so, so pretty. Our offense is workable, and it might really be great if Julius runs as well as he showed last year. Our OL needs to clear the way better, I think, but JuJo makes the difference, and with a hopfully rejuvenated Terry Glenn, and more of the promise showed by Patrick Crayton, suddenly we are a force that will cram it down the Eagles throats to start with, then take our show to New England to show Bill’s padawan learner why he is the master! Ha ha ha ha!

Thamks J_Man

You’re Jon from the “Undrafted..” thread right?
If so, I was thinking about asking you about VA too. I’m in Richmond.

Actually I’m not Jon. I’m Jamie from Centreville VA. JMU grad

super bowl? anything is possible look at the panthers 2 years ago, falcons a few yesars ago, theres always a team that surprises the nfl and wins, why not us? super bowl qb’s? brady ok hes damn good but dilfer good yah but hes not as good as bledsoe now, jake delhomne? yah hes good but not as good as bledsoe, the point is to win a super bowl it isnt the qb, that doesnt hurt but its more defense and running the ball, look at the patriots yah they can throw the ball, but in the super bowl dillon had a huge game, there defense made plays when they had to not let the eagles answer every score by the pats. if this defense is top 7-10 and are running game stays the way it was at the end of the season all we need is bledsoe not to make mistakes and we will be fine. super bowl idk. no matter how good a draft we had we still have to beat the eagles first…

Goolsby is an excellent speacial team cover guy. Was to N.D. what Kennith Gant was to Dallas in the early 90s. A catalyst on special teams. No doubt about that!! He could find his way into the LB rotation, but he’d probably be far down on that list. I’ll make the bet, this kid makes the team. … Jeez the NFL has got to start thinking about expanding the roster limitations … just for Parcells.

here is kipers garde for us

Dallas Cowboys: A
One of the best hauls for any team thanks to a significant upgrade on the defensive front seven. Demarcus Ware is a terrific attack linebacker, end Marcus Spears is a great fit in a 3-4 scheme and linebacker Kevin Burnett is a solid, steady player. Running back Marion Barber III is bigger than current Dallas back Julius Jones and is a nice complement. Safety Justin Beriault was a steal in the sixth round and defensive tackle Jay Ratliff is versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or 4-3, depending on what the team needs.

and heres the redskins haha

Washington Redskins: C
The Redskins had a lot of picks but still ended up with an average draft. Cornerback Carlos Rogers fills a big need but taking quarterback Jason Campbell with their second first-round pick is a head-scratcher. Campbell is a very good player and a very solid pro prospect thanks to his extreme accuracy, but coach Joe Gibbs wants to win right now and Campbell doesn’t help him do that. Linebacker Robert McCune has a lot of ability and Manuel White is an OK running back, but the rest of the picks are average at best.

Hey we were all talking about Spears playing TE on goal line situations. What about having Woody D. back? Also Ratliff played TE in high school too. Oh not to mention Patrick Crayton played just about every position in college including QB. …. I’ll tell you there will be a heck of a lot of compitition in Oxnard this year!! Gotta earn your spot on this team!!

LETS GO COWBOYS!!!!

Almost forgot about Woody. Man, I hope this guy finds a way to play on this team because he is exciting. And Crayton intrigues me in the same way. This team is loaded with talent, now the coaches need to extract it in time for the season opener.

You said it, GO COWBOYS!

Starstruck

Jon here…..I am down in Hampton Roads.

I think Beirault was a steal as a SS but not a FS. I think he projects as a Special Team Nightmare for the oponents.

What I read said if you get behind him it is 6 points for a WR……..we already got that at FS…….and as Bill pointed out the many TD passes we gave up.

My hope is our current corners can fill Nickel, FS and God Forbid an injury to Newman or Henry. I think you are going to see a difference T New this year. A guy that is playing the first 5 yards with a Jam, he is big enough and strong enough……..which is why Law is successful and Rolle will be too. That is where Pac Man will struggle……Rogers will be ok…….PacMan has great ball skills though so he might make up for it…….still I want an FS that can cover and let Roy play up front and bring the wood.

Ok…….here is my take……..we got a lot better up front………we all seem to agree. Now if we got two corners……..and I think we do………Henry and Newman that can play the first five yards and SMACK a reciver……you got that much less time for the qb to get the ball off……..and we bring the SACKs back to big D. However, CBs and the Nickel playing that way………will require a FS that can Motor to the ball when a CB misses the jam…….it happens. I hope Hunter will get his head on straight and realize that playing in Dallas is his best shot at an NFL career. He could do a lot worse. I think part of the problem is all the praise they keep throwing at Hunter………remember the HBO training camp…….so far he started at CB like 4 games………SHOW ME SOME passes defended……..some INTs and Mr. Hunter……..Jerry will SHOW YOU THE MONEY!!!!! Even at FS!!!!

Yeah I loved Dantzler and hated giving him up. He was a good returner and has alot of playmaking ability. Hunter’s agent said he wont play FS. We need a FS to take less pressure off of Henry and Newman. We are going to pressure the QB like crazy next season. All I know is with a FS like Law in the mix we have the NFC if we play to our potential. Ware and Spears will be in the backfield getting McNabb while Henry and Law absolutly shutdown TO. Newman will be great on the other side, and Roy will be able to play the line. Our defense will be insane next year.

cool, “metropolis” VA representin’… sorry for the confusion.

Cowboys fans in this market are a special brand.

Thank god that Lacewell is gone. What a bonehead. I coulda sworn he delivered my pizza on draft day.

Jon,

Another thing about the coverage in the 3-4, the LBs often jump into passing lanes, especially within the first 5-10 yards. So that should take away some of the pressure on Henry and Newman, cause they can wheel them into the inside and have help there. For example, an OLB might jump into the lane of a quick slant route, and that may be the QBs hot read. The QB will read that his receiver has beat Henry/Newman to the inside route, but the OLB will be waiting to take it to the house.

EVERYONE,

i just read on foxsports.com that michael munoz has decided to QUIT football after not being drafted. that is horrible for someone like him. you cant just give up after not being drafted. that should give you something to prove like ratliff and that OT that we got said(sorry i cant remember his name)

anyway just wanted to say that…and i read like evry post from this column and the “undrafted” one and you all have great insight thanks for everything this is AN AWESOME SITE!!!

I like Beriault at FS, just keep the offense in front of him. I mean 130+ tackles is a lot about taking proper angles, and making good jumps. If he can do that to a ball carrier, he should be able to make the adjustment with the ball in the air, if he can read the QB well. Don’t get me wrong, maybe I won’t play him 100% of the time, but get him some reps there and bring a real physical presence to our defensive back field. We had great success in the 90s with sitting back in zones and making good breaks on throws. A luxury the pressure with the front seven brings.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/8416158

go there, its from nfl.com and its about the undrafted guys back awhile ago when the ’boys tried some guys and they had great years in the NFL

go to ESPN’s webpage and check out the poll at the bottom of the page….

dallas is ahead in the poll regarding who had the best draft….

plus there were like 29000 votes and were way ahead!!!

i am just so thankful that we didn’t get merriman or johnson. i was watching tape on the maryland and virginia game, and heath miller was tearing merriman a new hole. i have also watched the Arkansas and Texas games where Matt Jones toyed with johnson, and made him look real bad. now sure they made some plays, but not for the hype that they where receiving. i was worried about getting goes two.

but good luck kc with johnson, and chargers with merriman

i think we done a great job on the draft to. if our front 7 can make a good push, and not let the qb eat his lunch back there but eat him for lunch. that makes our secondary that much better. i would still love to have law that there teaching our youngster who to play and what to watch out for.

Did you see that Merriman was PO’d that Dallas said they would draft him at 11 if he were available. He’s got a big chip on his shoulder.

When did Larry Lacewell take over as the man for drafts? How important was he during Jimmy Johnson’s days?

i think we done a great job on the draft to. if our front 7 can make a good push, and not let the qb eat his lunch back there but eat him for lunch. that makes our secondary that much better. i would still love to have law that there teaching our youngster who to play and what to watch out for.

sorry for the second post. i guess i thought it was so good i had to say it twice!!!! hahaha

i am not sure how to vote on the draft grade.

brock marion cmon thatd be cool seeing him with the silver star again….

I had that feeling that Merriman was the smoke screen. He never impressed me much. But I was a little shocked that a small school kid was the guy. Spears was always the key, although in the last few days leading up to the draft I was a believer that getting Spears and an edge rusher was almost impossible. I thought Dallas would go with the best 4-3 end, which in my opinion was Erasmus James. But had that feeling that if Dallas would get both, Spears would be the guy to have to fall, because the teams right behind Dallas were looking more for speed guys. Dallas is going to put up more smoke screens too in the future. I think Philly moved into position in front of the Cowboys twice in the last two years to grab players Dallas was targeting. Andrews last year, and Considine this year. Not to mention the Jets traded away two 1st rounders to move ahead of Dallas two years ago to select Robertson. Now Merriman can get mad all he wants, but did he tell any other team what Dallas had promised? Its all a chess game … Dallas didn’t tell Ware that he is their guy, in fear that a team would find out and jump in front of them and nab him. On the flip side, they told Merriman that he is their guy, hoping that any jumpers would go get him. … In any event Dallas played their cards perfectly. They took a calculated risk by letting Spears fall, and bluffed on Merriman. If he fell like Aaron Rogers did, then maybe a little animosity, but jeez he fell one spot, to a team that made the playoffs last year, has a good young core there, and heck he’ll play in southern California. Shawne, there are a lot of nice looking women in those parts. Anyhow .. GET OVER IT!!

As for Lacewell to Jones: You can lead a horse to water, but Lacewell couldn’t necessarily make him drink. I’m of the opinion that Jerry misspent the time between Jimmy and Bill determined to prove that he was The Man wearing the badge in town and that he knew all he needed to know about team building. Lacewell probably held little sway in that relationship. When Jerry finally figured out which man he actually was, he hired Bill. And I think Mr. Parcells carries more clout than did Mr. Lacewell.

To his credit, Jerry Jones has worked quickly to make amends where he has faltered in regards to the Cowboys. And after all, he acted only in part by ego, the rest was to the glory of that blue star.

Eric,

Yeah I know…….3-4 was designed to counter the West Coast short passes…….that SF was using on first down. While Landry never did figure out why Bill Walsh would throw on first down……..BP was looking for ways to stop it. It looks like we got the personnel to play either……

I think we can find an FS between now……..our team………FAs……….and June Cuts……..Pete Hunter is late round pick from Virginia Union………he aint Sean Taylor……….shut up and play where Zimmer puts you on the field………..which if he don’t shut up or tell his freakin agent to shut up……..is going to be in NFLE……..where he can play corner……..for half as much…….

Star,

Yeah who knows about Jerry……..I mean I never bought Switzer and Gailey as anything but baby sitters. Campo is great D Coordinator but looked like Mr. Magoo over there……..plus on the HBO special whats his name that O coordinator was kissing Jerrys but every time he was so was Dave. Heck Switzer was so drunk he did not even know he was the coach. After the game he would thank Jerry for the Great seats. Finally Jerry figured it out and showed his buddy the door.

Bill Parcells like Jimmy does not sugar coat NOTHING!!!! He also knows football talent and how to win. Jerry did a great thing biting the bullet, it takes a big man to admit when he is wrong. I hope we keep BP as a GM or Draft Advisor at Least…….Bill will never fully retire…….he loves Football too much………hell he probably divorced his wife to come back to Coaching…….

Eric,

I think Spears is a better DE in either Defense than James.

James had bad injury. Also kind of quit halfway through season for some reason. He was impressive when he played. VERY IMPRESSIVE, but he was not 307 lbs………Spears i thought we might have to go with him at 11……..and risk Merriman or Ware or a later tweener like Tuck or Roth…….I cannot believe we got Ware and Spears. There arent that many 300 lbs to play DE or DT in the NFL…….out of college…….and athletic…….i hear from somewhere he failed a drug test in college…..but never could find out where i read that……..which I think is true but could have been bs………either way this kid Spears looks high quality.

Reading about Ware’s workouts…….and watching Heath Miller(who is very good maybe another Witten but a 1st rounder) smash Merriman one on one into the end zone for a rushing touchdown by the RB……….uh……that never happened to LT…….the guy BP is comparing Ware too.

It amazes me how little each of you know about the game of football.

and that’s the truth folks…

wow, if people dont know football give your 2 cents….

Jon,

Agreed Spears is the better DE, but not a better pass rusher than James. Spears is more of the book end like Ellis. James more like Simeon Rice. Predraft, and heck even now, I didn’t get a good look at Ware in any sort of long highlight reel. You know I loved the idea to get a OLB/DE tweener along with Spears, but right before the draft I thought Dallas would get the best speed pass rusher first (which they ended up doing, but my guess was James). Then I thought there was a small chance of getting Spears at 20, but looking at it realistically, the chance of that was slim to none in my mind. So I thought that taking the best player available would be the best thing to do at 20. (Clayton seemed logical) …. In any even you’re right I should have wrote “best pass rushing DE in the 4-3”.

Jon,

The 3-4 was not developed to stop the West Coast offense as you say. It’s been around since the 40’s.

They are both good football players. I asked a friend of mine who is a Badger fan and flies out for a few home games every year. He was not overly high on him. He said when he played there was no one better, but either better blockers or he took plays off. He wondered if he lost some fire after the illegal contact and injury to another player. Obviously the NFL did not think so, he has great potential. Anyway he was not as high on James as UVA fans (who i know more living in VA were on Canty) now obviosly Canty had some health questions………so did James. I like the picks. Canty would had a one heck of a year a few years back……..and could be a DE in either alignment. Spears with his size could even rotate in occassionally at DT..in a 4-3……depending on how the starters and subs break down.

Who knew Parcells was going after Burnett, Canty and Ratliff also later too………he put a lot of meat along that front 7….after the 1 2 punch of Ware and Spears. Spears definitely the big guy BP prefers. I liked what I saw of him in the Bowl games. He made some plays………even a TD if I remember right. I was surprised to see Spears still there.

But hey after all the bad drafts we have had, maybe lady luck was shining down on us after all. Add a guy like Glenn or who nows maybe we get Law by the Season Kickoff…….and we are going to be bad on the Defensive side.