Scouts, Inc. ranks the defensive backs. I was kind of surprised we were as high as #7, but I’ll take it in hopes that we live up to it this season.
7. Dallas Cowboys
New defensive coordinator Brian Stewart will rely on more pressure schemes, which should improve the performance in the Cowboys' secondary. CB Terence Newman is one of the top players at his position in the NFL. He is a very good athlete with outstanding coverage ability and ball skills. Anthony Henry is a physical corner who is more natural from a press than off position. However, he must play with more consistency this season. Backup Aaron Glenn is an experienced player who is best suited in the slot in sub situations. SS Roy Williams is best suited up near the line of scrimmage where he can factor in as the eighth defender in the box. He has outstanding physical traits but is a liability in deep zones against the pass. FS Ken Hamlin was signed this offseason and should improve a pass defense that finished 14th in the NFL last season.
That’s a pretty good analysis, accurately calling out each player’s attributes. Except for the Aaron Glenn thing, who usually plays on the outside instead of the slot because of his size against the run. And kudos to a writer who places Terence Newman near the top of the cornerbacks in the NFL.
TKM31986 has a diary on the same subject
ESPN has a team review of the Dallas Cowboys heading into training camp. It’s part of the Insider subscription service and if you don’t have it, don’t worry, there’s nothing new in it. The review wonders whether Jason Garrett is up to the task, but blows it with this generic line.
He will keep the same base offense the Cowboys used a year ago, but will try to do a better job of spreading the ball around to all of his offensive weapons.
I don’t think that’s the case. Bill Parcells ran an offense that was based on establishing the run and using play-action passes to strike through the air. Garrett’s offense will use the vertical passing game and the timing offense to help set up a power running game. Different philosophies.
The review also wonders if Wade Phillips is what the Cowboys need and how will his easy-going but disciplined style work.
Then there’s a standard Romo reference:
Is he the guy who led his team to a 5-1 after taking over the starting job, or is he the mistake-prone QB who struggled down the stretch with six interceptions and five lost fumbles? He is a positive guy and his work ethic is solid. He has had a full offseason as the starter to evaluate and improve his mechanics, and make better reads under pressure.
He also likes Patrick Crayton as his breakout player and Roy Williams as the team’s comeback player of the year.