Greg Ellis still isn't happy playing in the Cowboys 3-4 defensive scheme. I wrote a couple of months ago that Dallas would pay his bonus but would trade him in the run-up to the draft for more picks. The trade part didn't happen but I'm wishing it had. I like Greg Ellis, I think he's a very good DE in a 4-3 scheme. But the guy's just not happy, and nothing is worse than having a guy with talent on your team who isn't happy about being on the team.
Apparently, Ellis is going to have a meeting with the Cowboys brass to discuss his role on the team. JJT has some of the details in this article.
Yeah, but basically what you're doing Jerry is telling a guy who's fully capable of starting in a 4-3 scheme, that he's a role player, a specialty guy. I just don't see Ellis being happy with that situation. Ellis is so miffed that he's doing something most un-Ellis like.
Ugh, this could turn ugly. Mac Engel has another article that is more from the Ellis side of the equation.
Dallas is pretty limited in their options right now so Jerry better hope he can talk Ellis down in their upcoming meeting. I still say they should've traded him for draft picks and moved on.
Engel also has a little more on the Vanderjagt kickoff issue.
However, "From an ego standpoint, I would rather do it than having some guy come in and say, 'Well, Vanderjagt can't do it so we have to bring in a guy,'" Vanderjagt said. "Kickoffs are a no-win situation. It's a thankless job."
Oy! He wants to handle kickoffs because of ego? Not because it helps the team or he's the best for the job or whatever. If I'm Parcells I don't risk it with this guy, I just tell him to shut up and kick FG's and I waste a roster spot on a kickoff specialist.