Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Megatron Headed For Carrmageddon?

Megatron in for rough ride vs. Cowboys' Carr - USA Today
Jarrett Bell writes that Brandon Carr has been worth every penny of his big free agent contract as he's excelled in man-to-man assignments against some of the league's most dangerous receivers: Carr did the majority of the work in limiting Philly's DeSean Jackson, Washington's Pierre Garcon, and Denver's DeMaryius Thomas to 14 catches and 147 yards in three games.

The Cowboys use a mix of man and Cover 2 zone coverages in Kiffin's system, and Carr has been playing man-to-man on about 75% of the snaps opposite Morris Clairborne. Last year, when the defense struggled under Rob Ryan, the Cowboys evolved into a heavy zone scheme as injuries battered the secondary.

With Carr able to lock down on the opponent's best receiver, it allows Kiffin flexibility within his schemes. And as Carr realizes, better coverage can mean a better pass rush.

Spotlight on Dallas Cowboys CB Brandon Carr - Rainer Sabin, DMN
"It’s going to be a 60-minute battle," Carr said of the challenge he faces in going up against Calvin Johnson. Sabin writes that of the 45 times Carr has been targeted this season, Carr has conceded only 20 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown, so he may well be up to the task.

Detroit Lions matchup: Dallas Cowboys bring high-powered passing attack to town - MichiganLive.com
After failing to slow down Cincinnati's A.J. Green last week, the Detroit Lions' secondary faces another difficult matchup in Dallas' Dez Bryant this Sunday. The article surmises that if the Lions can't get pressure on Romo, the secondary will have a tough time limiting Dez Bryant.

Bringing in Monte Kiffin was smart move by Cowboys - New York Post
The Post picks the Cowboys for the win today, arguing that Monte Kiffin's system continues to defy sceptics, and that the Cowboys' defensive turnaround is even more impressive given the switch to a 4-3 and annual deluge of injuries on defense.

Defense key in stopping Cowboys - Oakland Press
In the Lions’ three losses this year, the defense has generated just one turnover. They'll need to do a lot better against quarterback Tony Romo and wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Matchup to Watch: Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee vs. Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush - Rainer Sabin, DMN
Already with his third NFL team, Reggie Bush has never made the Pro Bowl, and only has one 1,000-yard season in seven seasons. But he also has 731 yards from scrimmage this year, writes Sabin, and it will be up to Sean Lee and the linebackers to keep Bush in check. "He’s a fantastic back," Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee said. "He has unbelievable explosion, agility and the ability to take it all away."

Monte Kiffin praises Reggie Bush - Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
Monte Kiffin is well aware of the dual threat that Bush presents.

"There’s no doubt about it. There’s no doubt. I remember when he was in that No. 25 jersey," Kiffin said of Bush's time at New Orleans. "He’s 21 now. Same guy. Whew! He’s fast. Catches screens and hits the hole fast. He does. He catches the ball out of the backfield and he never comes off the field. On third downs he’s still in there catching the ball, blocking. There’s no doubt: Their offense is good to start with, but he just gives an added dimension to it. You have to be careful loading the box and all those type of things."

'Tools for Victory': Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Beasley using all his tools to succeed - NFL Videos
Matt Millen awards the Week 8 "Tools for Victory" designation to Cole Beasley and says Beasley "is playing as well as any receiver in the league."

Dwayne Harris gets another challenge - Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
Watkins writes that Harris has "become a marked man due to his success" in returning kicks, and that opposing teams are trying to pin him to the sideline or are simply kicking out of bounds.

Cowboys Release G David Arkin To Make Room For S Jakar Hamilton - Blogging The Boys
The Dallas Cowboys today promoted rookie UDFA safety Jakar Hamilton from the practice squad. Of course, to add Hamilton to the 53-man roster, a player had to be officially released. That man was 2011 fourth-round pick, guard David Arkin.

Pondering the 46: Miles Austin a luxury again? - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Archer doesn't see much chance for either Austin or Ware playing, and includes them on his projected inactive list along with Costa, Weems, Holloman and Andre Smith.

Browns waive LB Brandon Magee - ClevelandBrowns.com
The Browns promoted a linebacker to the active roster from the practice squad and waived former Cowboys UDFA LB Brandon Magee to make room, the team announced Saturday afternoon.

Breaking Madden: Meet CLARENCE BEEFTANK, the Jaguars' five-foot, 400-pound quarterback - SBNation.com
Because news is a bit slow today, here's your chance to read up on BEEFTANK (all caps, please), a Madden creation for the Jacksonville Jaguars that's so hardcore, the X-Box controller won't stop shaking two minutes after BEEFTANK barrells through defenders. One of the all-time greatest NFL reads.

More from Blogging The Boys:

• Cowboys Release G David Arkin To Make Room For S Jakar Hamilton
• Cowboys @ Lions: Calvin Johnson & Dez Bryant Set For Showdown In Motown
• Cowboys @ Lions 2013: Game Time, TV Schedule, Channel & Map, Online Streaming, Radio, Injury Report
• Week Nine: CFB Open Thread
• Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: DeMarco Murray To Play vs. Lions?