Dallas Cowboys News & Notes For Sunday June 15th, 2014

Happy Father's Day! There might not be much happening this weekend in terms of Cowboys related stuff, but that doesn't mean we can't find interesting things for you to catch up on!

Father's Day In The NFL: A League Full Of Family Men | The Sporting News

Former player Justin Forsett with a great piece on the importance of fatherhood, and how he's seen great examples throughout the league despite what the media likes to portray as the "typical" NFL athlete.

As a father, I hold this position in high regard and I'm determined to be that example in which my son and future kids can look up to. Being in the NFl, I've seen some great examples of what a good father looks like. I was also blessed to have an awesome example of what a father looks like at home with my dad. He was a major influence in my life, so I know how important it is to have that father figure there to guide and instruct you.

I once heard somebody say, "A leader knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way." As fathers and leaders, let's lead with integrity, instruct with transparency and live in humility.

Steelers Coach Chuck Noll Dies At 82 | Dallas Morning News

On Father's Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the life of the father of one of Dallas' all-time rival franchises. Despite the hatred that Cowboys fans have for the Steelers, their leader Chuck Noll was a great man and is to that franchise what Tom Landry is to ours. At the age of 82, Noll passed away on Friday night. He wasn't their franchise's original coach, but he transformed them from laughing stock into dominant franchise of the AFC.

DMN takes a long look at the career of Noll, and it's a very interesting read. Take a moment  and give it a once over.

Only 3 coaches in the Super Bowl era are 1st ballot Hall of Famers: Chuck Noll, Tom Landry, Don Shula.

— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) June 14, 2014

Why Last Year Doesn't Matter | Blogging The Boys

Our own O.C.C. takes a look at the multitude of reasons why the 2013 version of the Cowboys doesn't necessarily have to seep into the 2014 Cowboys.

Twitter Mailbag: Is Carr Gone In '15? | ESPN

ESPN's Todd Archer continues proving why he tends to be the lone worthwhile read on Dallas over there on Planet Misleading Headlines.  Among the questions  Archer answered is one about Brandon Carr's tenure here and how long it might last.

He is guaranteed $1 million this year now that he has been on the roster the first day of the league year. That's the last of the guaranteed money. Yes, he will be gone if he doesn't play well this season. If the Cowboys were to cut him in 2015, they would save only roughly $550,000. If they made him a June 1 cut, then it would free up $8 million in space in 2015, but Carr would count $7.4 million against the cap in 2016. To me, it would be better to not spread the hit over two years even though there wouldn't be much savings. I'll give Carr credit for how he has approached this offseason. He knows it is a big one for him. He has changed his approach to the offseason and dropped some weight in hopes of being faster. If he plays solidly, like he did in 2012, then maybe the Cowboys approach him with a pay cut. If he plays great, then I think you might see them restructure the deal potentially to open up cap room.

PFF's Secret Superstar: Cole Beasley | Blogging The Boys

Last week, we looked at a player that some doubt will even make the Cowboys, Cole Beasley. For me, it's a no brainer, the guy has produced in crucial situations and while he might not actually become a superstar, can no doubt help this team. Who cares if he's only 5'8" tall?

Wide Receiver Size: Is It Valid Analysis? | The Rookie Scouting Portfolio

That previous link dovetails nicely into this one. Matt Waldman and Chase Stuart, two exceptional minds, look at the perception that WR size is the ultimate baseline for WR success. As we all know, the Cowboys have a prototype for their receivers; 6'2", 210 lbs, and the height requirement seems to be inching upwards. Well...

However, correlation isn't causation. Questioning why anyone would like a smaller wide receiver based on larger number of top wide receivers having size is an example of pointing to faulty ‘data backed' points. Pointing to historical data can only get you so far: it's not that different than the reasoning that led to Warren Moon going undrafted. That's an extreme comparison, of course, but the structure of the argument is the same: there were very few black quarterbacks who had experienced any sort of success in the NFL, so why would Moon? Sometimes you have to shift eras to see in a clear light what "correlation isn't causation" really looks like.

It was overwhelmingly obvious that Moon could play quarterback if you watched him. But if you're prejudiced by past history rather than open to learning what to study on the field, then it isn't overwhelmingly obvious. Data can help define the boundaries of risk, but when those wielding the data want to eliminate the search for the exceptional they've gone too far. Even as we see players get taller, stronger, and faster, wide receivers under 6'2″, 210 pounds aren't the exception.

Analytics-minded individuals employed by NFL teams - who have backgrounds in statistics - don't follow this line of thoughts. Those with whom I spoke acknowledged that there is an effective player archetype of the small, quick receiver.

Winner By Ommission | Rotoworld.com

The fantasy-leaning website includes the battle for the Cowboys No. 3 wideout role as someone of interest to owners in deeper fantasy leagues.

Sleepers: Cole Beasley and Devin Street

Despite cutting loose heavily-utilized Miles Austin during the offseason, Dallas did very little to improve its receiving corps. Dez Bryant and sophomore Terrance Williams are locked in as every-down players, leaving Beasley as the favorite for slot duties. He'll face competition for reps from 2014 fifth-round pick Devin Street. The Cowboys tend to operate a pass-heavy offense and that trend is extremely likely to continue with Scott Linehan calling the plays.

Beasley is extremely undersized at 5'8/180, but showed well in a Danny Amendola-esque role last season. In on 230 snaps, Beasley caught 75 percent of his 52 targets and scored twice. Per Pro Football Focus, 92 percent of his snaps came in the slot. That's compared to 11 percent for Bryant and six percent for Williams. Street profiles as an outside receiver, which gives Beasley the early edge in three-wide sets. The rookie figures to only have fantasy value if Bryant or Williams miss time, but he could force his way on to the field with a strong training camp and preseason. Standing 6'3/198, he doesn't have a ton of speed, but does everything else pretty well. Both players are worth a look in deep leagues, especially the one who locks down the No. 3 gig.

Broncos offer five-year deal to Demaryious Thomas | National Football Post

Cowboys brass will be keeping an eye on this, as Thomas was the only WR picked ahead of Dez Bryant in the 2010 NFL draft and two will always be linked to each other.

Kevin Williams Joins Seahawks (NFP) | Chiefs Release Brandon Flowers (Arrowhead Pride)

League free agency moves. Of course, anytime a name hits or leaves the open market, someone will ask "why didn't Dallas. Williams was a name fans considered for Dallas' needy defensive line rotation, but apparently the Cowboys liked what they had in the fold. Flowers was released by the Chiefs after a down year in a scheme that calls for bigger cornerbacks (he's 5'9"), but can play inside and outside. However...

#Cowboys aren't going to pay money to four corners, not even for one year to move on from Carr in '15. With unknown pass rush? Nah.

— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) June 14, 2014