Todd Archer lines up the critical issues the Cowboys will be dealing with at next week's mini-camp and on into training camp. (sub. required).
Besides the obvious issue that everyone's been talking about, the arrival of Terrell Owens, Dallas has some other interesting questions to be answered.
Here's Todd's list with my observations:
1. How does Flozell Adams look? - Adams is coming off of surgery after tearing his ACL and all reports are that his rehab has gone well. But will he be ready at 100% for the start of the season. He also has to deal with lining up next to a new left guard - probably Kyle Kosier.
2. Who is Kyle Kosier? - The Cowboys gave the guy a lot of money when most casual observers knew little about him. But there were reports right before free agency that had Kosier listed as one of the up-and-coming free agents who would end up with a big fat contract. They were right. Kosier is known for his versatility, athleticism and footwork. He better become known as the guy who helps to save Bledsoe's bacon form the LG position.
3. Akin Ayodele to inside linebacker - Not much of an issue in my mind. Ayodele has the size and the experience to handle the transition from outside to inside, from 4-3 to 3-4, smoothly.
4. Mike Vanderjagt - Now this should be a front-page issue for most of camp. Can Vandy handle the kickoffs? My money says he can't and by the end of training camp we'll have signed a kickoff specialist, as much as Parcells will hate that.
5. The rookies getting adjusted - Yeah, well, this happens every year so no big deal.
6. Conditioning, conditioning, conditioning - We have some rookies who were fat in rookie mini-camp, and we got some veterans whose weight has been an issue in the past - Rob Petitti, Marcus Spears, etc. So we'll see how they look, it's encouraging to see Spears has been working hard on adding muscle not fat over the offseason. Who else has managed to get into shape?
7. And the free safety is ... - Ah yes, the big position battle for the starting free safety spot. FS, together with Fabini vs. Petitti at RT, make up the two real position battles left for a starter's role. I'm still betting on Marcus Coleman starting the first game but by the end of the year Pat Watkins will be getting significant playing time. Keith Davis will be a special-teams ace and may be moved over to back up Roy.
So there you have it, my thoughts built on Todd Archer's outline.
What do you guys think?