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The VRR: Cowboys (1-2) @ Vikings (3-0)

With the Cowboys resting their starters against Minnesota in tonight's preseason finale, does that mean we will get to see David Buehler kick some field goals?

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

With the Cowboys resting their starters against Minnesota in tonight's preseason finale, does that mean we will get to see David Buehler kick some field goals?

One more preseason game to go. One more game, and we will see the final 53. Tomorrow, by 5 p.m. the Cowboys will have to trim the roster by 22 players. Tonight's game will be it for the so-called "bubble" players to either burst out and show their worthiness, or float away into the clouds called "potential".

The Houston Chronicle names some of the hopefuls, who may still need to make their mark.

Several draft picks are in danger of being cut, including linebacker Stephen Hodge, receiver Manuel Johnson, cornerback Mike Mickens and tight end John Phillips. It also could be now or never for receiver Isaiah Stanback, who is trying to hold off an inspired challenge from undrafted rookie Kevin Ogletree.

The Star-T is thinking it's either/or between Doug Free and Pat McQuistan.

Tackles Doug Free and Pat McQuistan are in their third and fourth years, respectively, with Dallas. The team still doesn’t know if they can hold up if counted on. It’s time for them to show a pulse with extended playing time. If not, at least one might have played his last game in Dallas.

More Valley Ranch Review after the jump.

Star-divide

Coach Phillips wants to see a sense of urgency from his players in tonight's game.

“I think this game will tell us a lot,” Phillips said. “This is a game that will tell us if they can play under pressure. It's on them to play well. “Some guys play under pressure well, and some guys don't. Your job is on the line. This is your opportunity to make the football team. Does this motivate you or are you just going to let it go by? That's the challenge.”

Does it seem as if the Cowboys play the Vikings every preseason? Going into tonight's game, it will make four consecutive years. Here are some more series notes on the two teams:

The Vikings first preseason game in the history of the franchise was against Dallas at Sioux Falls, SD, a game the Vikings lost 38-13.

The Vikings have finished the last 4 preseasons (2006-2009) with games against Dallas. Minnesota has finished 1-1-1 in the previous 3 years, with the tie coming in Coach Childress’ first year in 2006.

The Vikings are 12-14-0 against the Cowboys all-time in the regular season, including 5-9 at home and 7-5 away. -

The Vikings have played the Cowboys 6 times in the playoffs – twice in NFC Wild Card games, twice in NFC Divisional Playoff games and twice in NFC Championship games.

The Vikings have won 5 of the last 6 games between the 2 teams.

Here is DC.com's preview for tonight's game.

We will get to see much more of QB Rudy Carpenter.

A rotation at right cornerback: Is this a good thing? Apparently, the coaches have decided to alternate Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick at the position.

During the 16-game season Jenkins will start for the team in week 1 at Tampa Bay. Scandrick will start against the Giants in the Cowboys home opener week 2.

CBS 11 Sports talked to both after the coaches decision Thursday. Scandrick called it a good solution, Jenkins said "they want to keep the battle going apparently."

Both were told that if one of them gets hot and does particularly well the team will use that player more.

Assistant Secondary coach Brett Maxis says they didn't feel it was fair to name a clear-cut starter.

Hat tip to scottmaui for the FanPost.

The team named RT Marc Colombo as the 2008 Offensive Player of the Year yesterday at the Cowboys' Kickoff Luncheon. Rock on, dude!

Is Matt Mosely showing some true blue? Maybe a hint of mint. He's trying to prove, here, that Dallas is the most "stable" team in the division.

And after last year's drama that included allegations of Romo and road-trip roomie Jason Witten having pillow talk behind T.O.' s back, this appears to be the most stable locker room in the division. When I broached that subject with wide receiver Miles Austin on Wednesday, he started laughing.

"It's sort of nice not to have our names in the papers for all that stuff right now," Austin said. "I don't know about all the other locker rooms because I'm only in this one. But this locker room has a much different feel right now. I think guys are all about football, and that's a good thing."

In just a little over a week from now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense will face last season's NFL sack leader. And I doubt Wade, Ware, and the rest of the Dallas defense will hold back just because the Bucs will be sporting a brand new offensive coordinator. 

So, why did Tampa fire Jeff Jagodzinski this week? Evidently, the team had concerns about his play-calling abilities.

Sometime during training camp, it became increasingly apparent to Bucs officials and players, that Jagodzinski was not equipped to install and direct an NFL offense. His expertise centered mostly around the zone blocking scheme, which he helped operate for the Atlanta Falcons.

But Jagodzinski lacked sophistication regarding protections and different aspects of an NFL passing game.

Quarterbacks coach, Greg Olsen, will take over as coordinator.

Former Cowboys LB, Eugene Lockhart, is in major trouble.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Lockhart and the others made 54 fraudulent loan closings for single-family homes in the Dallas area that totaled about $20.5 million. The scheme started in February 2001 and involved obtaining loans to buy distressed or pre-forclosure properties sold at inflated prices. The defendants kept the surplus loan proceeds, according to the federal indictment.

 

From football player to avid fisherman, former Dallas TE Jay Novacek talks Superbowls and Peacock Bass.

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Lockhart's Deal Has Been Known For Years

I’m a Realtor and I remember hearing about this stuff in 2005. Shady, shady stuff.

by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Sep 4, 2009 11:16 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

John Phillips is in absolutely no danger of being cut.

And neither is Doug Free. Do these writers even think before typing something?

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Sep 4, 2009 11:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agree 100%

They have to have a third TE and Phillips has been very solid. Free has been impressive – why in the world would they cut him? Their best back-up O-lineman? Puleeze.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Sep 4, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Those two names surprised me too.

I don’t see either of those guys being cut. There’s no way.

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 4, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Free was cut... we'd have a BTB thread exceeding 1000 comments!

And to think people actually get paid for this stuff…

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Sep 4, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Norm would definitely be 1st on that thread, too,

with I’m guessing one of the most amazing rants BTB has ever seen!

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Sep 4, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure there will be one regarding Stanback

if he makes the team.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 4, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It wouldn's surprise me one way or the other.

Stanback has the skills to be great, not good, but great, I know he’s not done it and his rout running looked awful to the untrained eye. Wouldn’t surprise me either way.

by Musiccitynorm on Sep 4, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

but there are many Stanback haters on this blog.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 4, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure there will be rants if Stanback makes the team,

but I’m starting to believe he will (and Ogletree, too!) for one more season.

We’ll find out soon.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Sep 4, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

I keep making a list of who I think will be cut, and I always come up with 22 players that are worse than him.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 4, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hope they keep both.

I’d also like to see them keep someone like MannyJ or Holley on the PS. If this team uses a kind of WR-by-committee approach, it would be nice to have plenty of options.

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 4, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm one.

But I don’t have a problem with them keeping him, as long as they don’t cut Ogletree to do so. After 2 years of investment, I can see why they would want to make absolutely sure they gave him every opportunity to achieve his potential. I don’t think he’ll ever be more than an adequate 4th receiver, but what do I know?

If they want to keep him, cut one of the scrubs from this year’s draft, and not our long snapper, Ogletree, or someone else who has actual or potential value.

by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 4, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have no problem with him sticking around for another year.

To tell you the truth, I often catch myself thinking this is his 4th year with the team.

However, I still don’t put too much stock into Stanback’s measurables giving him a legit shot at breaking out and becoming a superstar. The last guy I remember that was as much of an accomplished track star as an actual football player to make a dent in the league was former Raider James Jett. But Jett was a much more accomplished track star (Olympic level) than Stanback. Ultimately, Jett had a handful of years as a lethal deep threat and lead the league in YPC a few times but he was never close to being great. Also Jett made a splash in his rookie campaign so he showed that he could be a key contributor from day one. It remains to be seen if Stanback will ever figure out how to use his speed to consistently get separation.

by MadMick on Sep 4, 2009 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has anyone considered

McQuistan was moved back to tackle and hes the ONLY backup right tackle? He’s not going anywhere, plus Free has trade value they would never cut him.

by Musiccitynorm on Sep 4, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True that.

Left tackles don’t grow on trees.

To be honest, I have not seen McQ do that poorly this preseason. I haven’t been watching him or anything, but he’s been relatively quiet. It’s good not to hear about an OLineman, right?

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 4, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

No one else (except Brewster) has even worked at b/u RT have they?

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Sep 4, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't think of one.

It’d be nice to see that Preston guy get a series or two there, tonight. They already know he can play center.

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 4, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yea

I’ll be watching for him.

by Musiccitynorm on Sep 4, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What does it mean that

Jagodzinski’s expertise is in the zone blocking scheme but he lacks sophistication regarding protections in the passing game? Does zone blocking refer only to the running game?

by Joon on Sep 4, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Typically yes..

Its the same sort of zone blocking scheme that Denver used under Shanahan, and is a very specific type of blocking for the running game. It requires a running back with good vision and a quick cut, since there isn’t a pre-determined hole for the RB to find.

But that’s not the same as putting together protection schemes and an offensive game plan.

Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.

by Brandon Worley on Sep 4, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh okay, thanks.

I knew Denver always had a lot of running success with the zone blocking scheme, but I didn’t realize it didn’t apply to the passing game as well.

by Joon on Sep 4, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

When I first saw Columbo received the award, I instantly started going through the skill players...

And while you can always make a case for Romo, it’s easy to see why they would give the award to Columbo. He’s come a long way in just a few years.

For all the grief this line has taken since last year, there’s reason to be optimistic. Flo maybe be getting some grays, but he’s not ancient for an O-Lineman. And he seems to be our biggest question mark. Kosier, Gurode and Bigg have looked solid. If this O-Line can cut down on penalties (I admit, a significant IF) and injuries (wood), they can be formidable. They’ve man-handled some EXCELLENT defensive fronts in pre-season, not to mention what they face in practice every day.

I like our chances, and I like Columbo getting the award — this O-Line deserves some credit!

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Sep 4, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Phillips or Free in Danger?

WTF? Wow, I can’t believe these people get paid to write this crap.

Dave and Raf are obv very underpaid. Not underappreciated though!

I think Brewster’s injury keeps McQ safe. It’s time for Proctor to go, one way or another.

by ChrisRichey on Sep 4, 2009 2:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

O-linemen

Gurode, Kosier, Davis, Adams, Colombo,

Possible backups, Preston, Holland, Free, McQuistan, ?

Three of our backups can and have started, Free is more than just starting material, hes going to be good, and McQuistan I must admit I did not pay much attention to but Parcells absolutely loved him. If McQuistan comes through do you guys realize if we started our backups for an entire season we’d still be alright?

I came into the season thinking the O-line was our weakness, man was I wrong and I am sooooooo glad to be wrong.

by Musiccitynorm on Sep 4, 2009 2:17 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I disagree

There is a huge drop off between our starting five and our backups, you definitely have an overrated opinion of them for sure.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Sep 4, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well duh! there is a drop off but

I’m not saying we have pro bowl backups, I’m saying we have guys who could and have started in the league. They are not scrubs.

None of us thought this situation would work out this well before the season, well I didn’t think it could.

by Musiccitynorm on Sep 4, 2009 2:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Predictions anyone? I'll go on a limb and predict that Stanback makes it,

now I dare JG, WP and JJ to prove wrong. as somebody put it so eloquently earlier “thats all I want for Christmas”

by dcfanz on Sep 4, 2009 2:36 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Anybody catch the Oregon @ Boise St. game last night?

Here’s the YouTube of the post-game bruhaha that broke out.

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 4, 2009 3:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

How about the zero first downs in the first half for Oregon?

This is a team that averaged, what, 50 pts a game last year

by Joon on Sep 4, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Y'all...

I was at the game for that…. Boise is about 30 minutes from my base…. and the friggin’ crowd erupted… was insane…

Hook ’em ;)

Superbowl, or BUST.

by .FRoST.USAF on Sep 4, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, that was one of the worst games I've ever seen the Ducks' O play

The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys

by Aaron Novinger on Sep 5, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can they put Hodge on the PUP squad to start the season?

Then either try to add him to the PS or to the 53 or out right cut him?

by bad knees on Sep 4, 2009 3:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

No PUP for Hodge

It’s too late, he’s participated in some preseason action.

I’m bummed out about his lingering knee problem. I was looking forward to seeing what he could do.

I think they will decide to either carry him on the roster if the Dr’s and athletic trainers think he can recover soon, or else put him on IR. Sounds like it’s going to be IR because they are so thin at LB right now.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on Sep 4, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm totally down with Columbo getting the award

There were many times last year when i thought to myself, hes our most consistant lineman, the last two years hes handled every great player hes faced, a list that includes Peppers, Strahan, Kampman I believe, and a few others. On top of that, he seems to be the emotional leader of the line, a firey, tough guy that we really need i think.

Going through the skill players….injuries derailed us. The only other guy I can think of that deserved it is witten for playing through tons of injuries and continuing to play well. TO surely didn’t, being pretty much shut down the last half of the year other than the san fran game. Romo didn’t with the poorest stretch of his career (imo) in the last 3 weeks when he didn’t even really look healthy.

I’m shocked they think free and phillips may be cut. We need 3 TE, we need free, both have looked good. I don’t see how its unreasonable to keep McQ, Free and Holland as backups. And if one of them goes, its McQ, no doubt about it.

 I feel like with 3 tight ends, 8 lineman, 3 qbs, 2 kickers, some position is gonna bite the bullet which to me means we surely won’t keep stanback, but from what i’ve read here i guess for some reason that is poor logic.

by foyesboys on Sep 5, 2009 12:28 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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