Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Witten Says Romo Will Return 'Better Than Ever'

Jason Witten says Romo 'right on track to come back better than ever." - Carlos Mendez, Star-Telegram
Jason Witten said Romo is moving and recovering well from back surgery, and is "right on track to come back better than ever, I assume."

"Seems like he’s excited to get back and get healthy," Witten said Sunday. "And I think all of us are eager to get going. I can’t speak for him, but I think everything’s on track. We’re excited for the offseason. We have a lot to prove. We know exactly what we have to do."

Tyrone Crawford: "I'm starting for the Dallas Cowboys" - The Blitz, DallasCowboys.com
The latest edition of The Blitz has a segment by Gina Miller, in which she gives an update on Tyrone Crawford's status. In the video, Miller explains that Crawford took the time out to develop some good mental habits, spending extra time watching film, and believes he’ll be better because of the chance he’s had to study so much film.

"I watch DeMarcus Ware. A Lot. I watch Jason Hatcher a lot. I’m just basically watching all positions right now, trying to figure out what I can be better at. I 100% know that I am better mentally in this game."

Crawford is little reluctant about sharing his specific goals for the season as he continues to rehab from his Achilles injury, but he is clear about one thing:

"Starting. Starting For The Dallas Cowboys."

Dallas Cowboys like Rod Marinelli's personal touch - Calvin Watkins, ESPN Dallas
Rod Marinelli seems to have a knack for developing strong relationships with his players. DeMarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher have both publicly commented on that, and it was a key reason for Henry Melton to join the Cowboys. Even Ernie Sims praised Marinelli for being a positive influence in his life. And that's something Jason Garrett likes:

"I think that has a lot to do with his ability to coach these guys as well as he does," he said. "He develops relationships with them. It’s not easy when you play for Rod Marinelli. It’s a hard days worth in a really good way. But I think when you’re asking guys to do a lot and demanding that guys do a lot, developing that relationship with them is an important piece to that. They understand that what you’re asking them to do is in their best interest and ultimately in the team’s best interest. Again, he has a great track record of guys at a lot of different levels, getting the most out of them. I think that has a lot to do with it."

Brandon Weeden: I put too much pressure on myself in Cleveland | ProFootballTalk
The 2012 first-round draft pick told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Saturday that he believes the constant change in Cleveland was one factor that stymied his growth as a player.

"It wasn’t an ideal situation. The regime that drafted me was out a year after I got there. You never know the plans the group coming in has," Weeden said. "I think, as a player, as much as you try not to do too much, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to perform and show you can be the guy for the long haul, sometimes you get caught up in it. You try to do much as a player. That’s one thing if I could change about myself, I wouldn’t try to do too much every Sunday. Just let the game kinda come to you and be more patient."

Why a link between free agent Chris Johnson and Cowboys is silly | David Moore, DMN
David Moore doesn't beat around the bush:

Murray is three years younger than Johnson. He averaged 5.2 yards a carry last season to 3.9 yards for Johnson. He fumbles less and is a more cost efficient option than Johnson.

Still think the Cowboys will add Johnson?

Plenty of defensive line, linebacker talent outside first round - Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com
These guys won't be drafted on Day 1, but Jeremiah Attaochu, Devon Kennard, Cassius Marsh, Taylor Hart and six other players are players you should hope your favorite team picks up. This is interesting because there are as yet unconfirmed reports that the Cowboys have met with Taylor Hart and will have Cassius Marsh in for a visit later this month.

Buccaneers, Redskins, Raiders among most improved NFL teams - NFL.com
I'm only posting this link for future reference; In about ten months we'll look back at the 2014 season and the odds are very good that the most improved teams after free agency will be anything but.

Browns agree to terms with WR Nate Burleson - San Antonio Express-News
The free agent wide receiver with 12 years of NFL experience had been a media favorite to land with the Cowboys, but he never visited Dallas, instead visiting Miami before signing with Cleveland.