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NFC East Roundtable
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 9:00 AM CDT
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Before the season begins, let's preview the NFC East. Four of the Beast's bloggers here at SB Nation have banded together for a division discussion. Below my predictions, the bloggers for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins have each provided their own standings and previews for how each team will fare in '09.
My Predictions:
- Cowboys (10-6)
- Eagles (10-6)
- Redskins (9-7)
- Giants (7-9)
Playing the NFC South will push the Beasts to play solid defensive football against some of the most talented offenses in the conference. All should do well against the AFC West, but I don't see any one team dominating the division.
Make the jump for the rest of the predictions.
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Kevin Ogletree: Keep This Guy Around
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 1, 2009 1:18 PM CDT
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Here in Texas, there is a buzz growing around the play and promise of undrafted wide receiver, Kevin Ogletree. He sure looks to be the favorite for that last receiver spot. Whether or not the team chooses to keep Isaiah Stanback, they have to make room for Ogletree, right? With his circus catch for a score against Tennessee, his apparent confidence from Tony Romo, and his versatility as a slot guy and backup kick returner, it is hard to imagine him making it through waivers should the Cowboys try to sneak him on the practice squad.
Hopefully, they won't take that risk. He can not be hidden. Even though the team's website lists Mike Jefferson, Julian Hawkins, and Manuel Johnson on the depth chart, but no Ogletree; the buzz is already too loud. I imagine pro scouts have heard it in Houston, maybe even as far north as Kansas City or Denver. New Orleans always likes a bargain wideout or two.
This offseason, the Cowboys' wide receiver position has been scrutinized and criticized by the media. Once analysts are done focusing their question marks on Romo's December woes, they launch onto Roy Williams - almost as if their connection is the team's only chance for success. From the national media's perspective, Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin, and Sam Hurd are just the committee of other wide receivers Dallas will have on its roster. Obviously, we can't expect them to know about Ogletree.
As fans of the team, I think we can all appreciate a little extra optimism regarding the wide receiver position. Ogletree brings that. He may be at the bottom of the roster on opening day, but he would bring with him the consistency he has shown through training camp and preseason. Not a bad way to round out a group that has had problems staying healthy.
Make the jump.
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Marc Colombo and his Quest to Maul Defenders
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 24, 2009 5:32 PM CDT
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Marc Colombo is a brawler at right tackle for the Cowboys. We've seen him mix it up whenever defenders get too aggressive after the whistle. We've seen him get into it with guys in training camp; and, we saw him for a full half against the Titans, always looking for someone to block.
Colombo's consistent, aggressive play is just what the Cowboys need going into 2009. Since grabbing the starting right tackle position in 2006, Colombo has yet to miss a game. Fortunately, the Cowboys re-signed him before he hit the open market this offseason to a contract that extends into 2012.
Playing next to his Free Reign and Smashburger partner, Leonard "Bigg" Davis, provides an imposing wall on the right side of the offense, which can be dominating to a defensive line. Such a physical presence is necessary if the offense plans on controlling the ball more this season.
With the three-deep talent at running back, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will be tempted to use the power running game to sustain long drives that wear out defenses early, such as the one that ate up much of the first quarter on Friday night. Having a great drive blocker in Colombo gives Garrett this capability. Also, the emphasis on the two-tight end formation creates more opportunities for Colombo to have help from Jason Witten or Martellus Bennett on the outside, which could free him up to block down on the interior linemen or go after those strongside or middle linebackers. Whoever his assignment is, Colombo is sure to make contact.
Make the jump for Colombo's snap-by-snap against the Titans.
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Keith Brooking and Bobby Carpenter: Are They the Answer?
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2009 1:00 AM CDT
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The Cowboys' inside linebacker position has seen a bit of a makeover from last season. Keith Brooking is replacing Zach Thomas, providing more size next to strongside backer Bradie James. Also, his experience in Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme could prove to be a valuable asset to this unit right away.
On Friday, we got a good glimpse of Bobby Carpenter's new role as the nickel/dime linebacker. Taking over for the departed Kevin Burnett, Carpenter's athleticism showed against Oakland. He had a really nice pass breakup, pressured the quarterback on blitzes, and simply looked like he knew what he was doing on the field.
When Carpenter substitutes in on those passing downs, he often replaces Brooking. Although, we did get to see both Brooking and Carpenter on the field together late in the second quarter.
The breakdown below follows each snap played by Brooking and Carpenter in Friday night's game against the Raiders. Brooking started the game at the weakside linebacker position and played into the second quarter. He even lined up on the field goal block unit. Carpenter came in when the Raiders faced their first third down. With rookie Stephen Hodge out and not getting playtime, Carpenter played into the fourth quarter until Matt Stewart took over. Carpenter also starts on the coverage and return units for both kickoffs and punts.
Make the jump for the breakdown.
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Kickoff Spectacular Open Thread
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 28, 2009 3:48 PM CDT
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Excitement is in the air! Today marks the beginning of the 2009 season for the Dallas Cowboys.
From the Alamodome, Jerry Jones has delivered his State of the Franchise and head coach Wade Phillips sounds ready to get this season going in the opening press conference. They also opened up for a Q & A session with the media.
Stephen Jones has also had some mic time, saying that the three remaining rookies will be signed in time for practice (McGee, J. Williams, and Brewster). He also said the team will waive injured WR Travis Wilson.
Make the jump.
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Mike Jenkins: Training to Be the Starter
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 21, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
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For the past two seasons, we have watched the Cowboys complete an overhaul at the cornerback position. Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones departed via free agency, Adam Jones was waived soon after last season's end, and veteran starter Anthony Henry was traded. Since 2007, only Terence Newman, Alan Ball, and Courtney Brown remain; and the coaching staff seems unsettled as to whether Ball and/or Brown will be corners or safeties this year.
Luckily, Dallas hit on both cornerbacks the team drafted in 2008. Fifth-round choice Orlando Scandrick showed early on that he was a gem of a pick by delivering some hard hits and proving he could man the slot position. First-rounder Mike Jenkins played in 14 games and showed off his closing speed on some nice pass defenses. His athleticism helped him succeed when asked to start in place of the oft-injured Henry. It also gave the coaching staff the confidence they needed so they could move on to a younger corner opposite Newman.
Scandrick's success covering receivers in the slot has impressed the coaches, they might want him there again this upcoming season. If so, that could leave Jenkins on the outside, which is a great match for his skill set. Still, everybody wants to start. And we know Scandrick isn't the type to go down without a fight. Jenkins knows he has to earn it. To do that, he has to take his game to the next level.
More after the jump.
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Dallas Cowboys Footnotes: Felix, Romo, and D-Ware
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jul 19, 2009 2:03 PM CDT
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Less than two weeks remain until the Dallas Cowboys open training camp. Pretty soon we will be opining about the ongoing training camp battles, and the prospects of the coming season. At this particular time however, there is not a ton of earth-moving news coming out of Valley Ranch. There were a few minor things in the news this week that stood out to me. Again, these are not huge issues or news stories, just a few things that I felt were worthy of a little discussion.
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Should You Buy Your Roy Williams Dallas Cowboy Jersey Now?
by Jim Vance on Jul 17, 2009 9:03 PM CDT
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I know there are doubters out there, and that's your prerogative. However, I'm thinking that Roy Williams is going to have a great year in 2009.
Last year was not a stellar year and his low production gave fuel to those who doubt that Williams was worth what the Cowboys gave up for him. There were three contributing factors to his lack of production last year (19 receptions/198 yards/ 1 TD) that need to be taken into consideration.
He came to the Cowboys with the season well underway and he had to adjust to a new QB and new teammates almost overnight. To illustrate how familiarity can impact a player's performance, consider that he had more yards in the first five games with Detroit than he had the rest of the season in Dallas.
More after the jump.
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