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I'm asking anyone who is a fan of this site to become a co-writer for
it. I have a new job that will take away from the amount of time I can
put into this website. I'm probably only going to have time for a
couple of articles a week, which is hardly enough to keep visitors
coming back. All you would have to do is e-mail me the article and I
would be able to post it and give you credit for it.
Have your opinion heard! A different viewpoint would be great for
this site. Please e-mail me if your interested. My e-mail address is
admin@cowboys-fan.com
| Cowboy's Trivia Question of the Week! What college did the Cowboys' last offensive 1st Round pick attend? Last Week's Answer: Vince Lombardi |
2007 Season and 2008 Off-season Predictions
By: Frank Buffington
As a follow up to Larry Petton’s excellent Sleepless in Seattle
articles, I am predicting the Cowboys season and next off-season
moves.
This is the year that the NFC separates the good and the bad, with
the Skins and Giants falling, the Cowboys rising, and the Eagles
staying a very good team. At this point, I see the Eagles and
Cowboys as a toss up for the division title, but I am predicting the
division goes to Dallas. While the Eagles defense should be
improved with the maturation of Brodrick Bunkley, the return of
Jevon Kearse, and the addition of Takeo Spikes, Donovan
McNabb is coming off a major injury and may struggle to provide
his typical production and the spark that Jeff Garcia provided. And
an injury to Brian Westbrook would be devastating.
The 2007 version of the Cowboys will show improvement. The
offense will show slight improvement. Tony Romo will be closer to
his first five games than the last seven, although he will still have
too many turnovers. TO will be healthier, have less drops and be
more consistent, although he will not reach the level of
explosiveness he had in his first season in Philadelphia. He will
also test Wade Phillips with antics on the field and in the locker
room. Despite Romo’s best attempts to kiss his butt and get him
the ball, he will wisely look to roommate Jason Witten in single
coverage in clutch situations when TO is doubled. Proving that he
will never be content for long and that he cannot think logically,
Owens spouts off about the team not using him enough. Terry
Glenn will have some nagging injuries, but Patrick Crayton and
Sam Hurd will fill in adequately when Glenn is out.
Perhaps most importantly, the offense line will be much better.
Flozell Adams will have a very good year auditioning for his last big
contract. Pat McQuistan will edge Kosier for LG, Andre Gurode will
be decent at C, Leonard Davis will have his best season to date at
RG, and Marc Colombo will be steady at RT, but will need some
help from the TE and backs against top ends. At RB, Julius Jones
will have a good season relying on his instincts and benefiting from
the improved run blocking from the line. Marion Barber will
continue to excel as a 3rd down back and closer, while also getting
a few early down carries per game and filling in for Jones a few
games due to injury. Alonzo Coleman will beat out Tyson
Thompson for the 3rd RB position, but will be inactive for most
games. Oliver Hoyte and Deon Anderson will split time at FB.
Jason Witten will have another good year, but Anthony Fasano will
continue to make fans wonder why the team used a second round
pick on him.
Defense, however, is where the big improvement will be seen. The
pass rush will be much improved. Demarcus Ware will have a
career year with 16 sacks. Anthony Spencer and Greg Ellis will
split time at the other OLB position and as down linemen on the
nickel. Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett will emerge as steady
ILBs while giving James and Ayodele breathers, especially against
passing teams, and Burnette will play alongside Roy Williams at LB
in the nickel package.
On defensive line, Jason Fergusan will decline slightly from last
season, and the Boys will use a rotation at NT with Jay Ratliff and
Ola Dagunduro. The DE play will be improved with Marcus Spears
being more motivated and better suited to the new scheme. Jason
Hatcher will provide good pressure and Chris Canty will still provide
good run defense. Ratliff will also contribute at DE.
Roy Williams will have his best season in a while playing closer to
the line of scrimmage and LB in the nickel. He will have several
sacks. Ken Hamlin will be adequate but unspectacular at FS.
Patrick Watkins will play alongside Hamlin in the nickel and will
show good range and center-field type ability, but will struggle to
change directions quickly due to his height and will allow a few big
plays, as will Hamlin due to his aggressiveness. Abram Elam will
be the backup at SS after Keith Davis is traded for a 7th round
pick prior to the season. At corner, Terrence Newman will have
another very good but not great year. Anthony Henry will provide
solid short area coverage but will get beat deep enough to cause
the FS to shade to his side to provide deep help, leaving Newman
on an island. The Cowboys will use Aaron Glenn and Jacques
Reeves as the extra corners while grooming Courtney Brown for
2008. Offsetting big plays allowed (but still fewer than last season)
will be more big plays made by the defense. Sacks will increase by
double digits and the defense will have more interceptions due to
the increased pressure.
The key players that the Cowboys need to stay healthy are: Tony
Romo, Demarcus Ware, Terrell Owens, Flozell Adams, Terrence
Newman, Jason Fergusan, and Terry Glenn.
The Cowboys will make it to the NFC Conference Finals but will
lose to the Chicago Bears in the cold of Chicago. Chicago will fall
to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Off season Moves
Flozell Adams and Julius Jones leave in free agency without much
effort by the Cowboys to retain them. The Cowboys do not make
any big free agent signings, instead using money to extend the
contract for Demarcus Ware and resigning Ken Hamlin after
signing Tony Romo and Terrence Newman during the season.
Terrell Owens demands more money after a good season and
threatens to hold out. I still don’t know why Jones structured his
contract to have the highest years early, practically inviting a
demand for more money for the last year. Jones compromises by
adding performance incentives that pay Owens more money if he
does well and an additional bonus if the team goes to the Super
Bowl in 2009.
Cleveland has another bad season, with Brady Quinn starting half
of the season and having typical rookie struggles along with a poor
supporting cast. Oakland, Houston, and Detroit show
improvement, leaving Dallas with the #1 pick in the draft. The
Cowboys consider moving down, but decide that the time to win is
now and take Darren McFadden. The Cowboys do not extend
Marc Colombo’s contract due to salary cap limitations and also
waiting to see how the training camp battle between him and
James Marten develops. The Cowboys will have a competition
between Doug Free and Pat McQuistan and possibly a draft pick
for the important left tackle position.
By: Frank Buffington
As a follow up to Larry Petton’s excellent Sleepless in Seattle
articles, I am predicting the Cowboys season and next off-season
moves.
This is the year that the NFC separates the good and the bad, with
the Skins and Giants falling, the Cowboys rising, and the Eagles
staying a very good team. At this point, I see the Eagles and
Cowboys as a toss up for the division title, but I am predicting the
division goes to Dallas. While the Eagles defense should be
improved with the maturation of Brodrick Bunkley, the return of
Jevon Kearse, and the addition of Takeo Spikes, Donovan
McNabb is coming off a major injury and may struggle to provide
his typical production and the spark that Jeff Garcia provided. And
an injury to Brian Westbrook would be devastating.
The 2007 version of the Cowboys will show improvement. The
offense will show slight improvement. Tony Romo will be closer to
his first five games than the last seven, although he will still have
too many turnovers. TO will be healthier, have less drops and be
more consistent, although he will not reach the level of
explosiveness he had in his first season in Philadelphia. He will
also test Wade Phillips with antics on the field and in the locker
room. Despite Romo’s best attempts to kiss his butt and get him
the ball, he will wisely look to roommate Jason Witten in single
coverage in clutch situations when TO is doubled. Proving that he
will never be content for long and that he cannot think logically,
Owens spouts off about the team not using him enough. Terry
Glenn will have some nagging injuries, but Patrick Crayton and
Sam Hurd will fill in adequately when Glenn is out.
Perhaps most importantly, the offense line will be much better.
Flozell Adams will have a very good year auditioning for his last big
contract. Pat McQuistan will edge Kosier for LG, Andre Gurode will
be decent at C, Leonard Davis will have his best season to date at
RG, and Marc Colombo will be steady at RT, but will need some
help from the TE and backs against top ends. At RB, Julius Jones
will have a good season relying on his instincts and benefiting from
the improved run blocking from the line. Marion Barber will
continue to excel as a 3rd down back and closer, while also getting
a few early down carries per game and filling in for Jones a few
games due to injury. Alonzo Coleman will beat out Tyson
Thompson for the 3rd RB position, but will be inactive for most
games. Oliver Hoyte and Deon Anderson will split time at FB.
Jason Witten will have another good year, but Anthony Fasano will
continue to make fans wonder why the team used a second round
pick on him.
Defense, however, is where the big improvement will be seen. The
pass rush will be much improved. Demarcus Ware will have a
career year with 16 sacks. Anthony Spencer and Greg Ellis will
split time at the other OLB position and as down linemen on the
nickel. Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett will emerge as steady
ILBs while giving James and Ayodele breathers, especially against
passing teams, and Burnette will play alongside Roy Williams at LB
in the nickel package.
On defensive line, Jason Fergusan will decline slightly from last
season, and the Boys will use a rotation at NT with Jay Ratliff and
Ola Dagunduro. The DE play will be improved with Marcus Spears
being more motivated and better suited to the new scheme. Jason
Hatcher will provide good pressure and Chris Canty will still provide
good run defense. Ratliff will also contribute at DE.
Roy Williams will have his best season in a while playing closer to
the line of scrimmage and LB in the nickel. He will have several
sacks. Ken Hamlin will be adequate but unspectacular at FS.
Patrick Watkins will play alongside Hamlin in the nickel and will
show good range and center-field type ability, but will struggle to
change directions quickly due to his height and will allow a few big
plays, as will Hamlin due to his aggressiveness. Abram Elam will
be the backup at SS after Keith Davis is traded for a 7th round
pick prior to the season. At corner, Terrence Newman will have
another very good but not great year. Anthony Henry will provide
solid short area coverage but will get beat deep enough to cause
the FS to shade to his side to provide deep help, leaving Newman
on an island. The Cowboys will use Aaron Glenn and Jacques
Reeves as the extra corners while grooming Courtney Brown for
2008. Offsetting big plays allowed (but still fewer than last season)
will be more big plays made by the defense. Sacks will increase by
double digits and the defense will have more interceptions due to
the increased pressure.
The key players that the Cowboys need to stay healthy are: Tony
Romo, Demarcus Ware, Terrell Owens, Flozell Adams, Terrence
Newman, Jason Fergusan, and Terry Glenn.
The Cowboys will make it to the NFC Conference Finals but will
lose to the Chicago Bears in the cold of Chicago. Chicago will fall
to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Off season Moves
Flozell Adams and Julius Jones leave in free agency without much
effort by the Cowboys to retain them. The Cowboys do not make
any big free agent signings, instead using money to extend the
contract for Demarcus Ware and resigning Ken Hamlin after
signing Tony Romo and Terrence Newman during the season.
Terrell Owens demands more money after a good season and
threatens to hold out. I still don’t know why Jones structured his
contract to have the highest years early, practically inviting a
demand for more money for the last year. Jones compromises by
adding performance incentives that pay Owens more money if he
does well and an additional bonus if the team goes to the Super
Bowl in 2009.
Cleveland has another bad season, with Brady Quinn starting half
of the season and having typical rookie struggles along with a poor
supporting cast. Oakland, Houston, and Detroit show
improvement, leaving Dallas with the #1 pick in the draft. The
Cowboys consider moving down, but decide that the time to win is
now and take Darren McFadden. The Cowboys do not extend
Marc Colombo’s contract due to salary cap limitations and also
waiting to see how the training camp battle between him and
James Marten develops. The Cowboys will have a competition
between Doug Free and Pat McQuistan and possibly a draft pick
for the important left tackle position.
Offensive Line Taking Shape, June 1st Cuts
The offensive line is finally shaping up for the Cowboys as they
head into the 2007 season. We have the most talent and depth
we've had in years. I don't see any reason this won't be one of
the better offensive lines in football.
Four of the five starting spots are pretty much set with Flozell
Adams, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, and Marc Colombo
manning their respective positions. The only battle in camp could
be at left guard. Many fans were clamoring for us to draft a guard
high in the draft so we could have an upgrade over Kyle Kosier.
The Cowboys were smart though and didn't take a lineman that
they plan to replace Kosier with. Doug Free could be that guy in a
few years, but that isn't what many fans were hoping for.
Dallas did the best thing possible in this situation by not bringing
in another guy. We are simply going to let the best man between
Kyle Kosier, Corey Procter, and Pat McQuistan win the job. This
is fine because you know we will have a quality player at that
starting spot and we didn't have to spend anymore resources.
Now, I'm with the fans that want an upgrade at left guard. I'd love
nothing better than for Procter or McQuistan to beat out Kosier for
his job. But, if it doesn't happen, guess what, we are still fine
because Kosier has already proven he is a steady and reliable
lineman. Kosier is plenty good enough to start for the last four
years of his contract. Again, I hope someone we already have
beats him out before then, but if they don't oh well, don't spend
anymore picks trying to upgrade a position that doesn't have to be
upgraded.
All that being said, I still figure Kyle Kosier to win the starting job.
McQuistan and Procter basically have zero experience so
chances are they will be backups for at least another season.
Speaking of backups, we seem to have some pretty promising,
albeit young and inexperienced options. At tackle you have Pat
McQuistan, James Marten, and Doug Free. As high as the
organization is on McQuistan, I wouldn't be too worried if he was
forced to play at some point next season. Marten and Free are
rookies. Marten might would be serviceable in his first year, but
don't expect anything from Free because he is so raw. At guard
you have great depth with Procter, McQuistan, Joe Berger, and
Free. The first two guys are candidates to start, so they would
seem to make excellent backups. I think the Cowboys made a
good find with Berger. He figures to be the 10th lineman
assuming we keep one.
The only real worry is at backup center because nobody with the
exception of Trey Darilek is a true center. I don't know much
about Darilek, but he appeared in a few games for a good O-line
in Philly so he can't be that bad. Reading the article about how
Procter has been practicing since last season though tempers
much of this fear. I hear Berger has been practicing in the middle
as well so if he makes the team he would be another guy who
could contribute.
Overall, we are pretty set at offensive line. Our starting five are all
veterans, three of which are signed long-term. If Flozell Adams
and Marc Colombo play well next season they might both get
long-term extensions. I kind of doubt both of them do though.
Flozell Adams worries me with his recent knee surgery, but if he
play well again next season I would re-sign him if the price is
reasonable. He is only 32 so it isn't like he can't play another
three or four years. I wouldn't make the same mistake we made
with Rivera, but if we could sign him to about what he is making
now (5 mil/year) I'd go for it. Last season was his first year back
from his injury and he played pretty well. He is still a Top 10 left
tackle and he could be for another few years.
I don't think Colombo has a chance to get re-signed. He will play
about like he did last year which is fine, but some team desperate
for tackle help will give him four million dollars a year. We will say
by Marc thanks for the stability at right tackle and plug in James
Marten who will be solid just like Colombo.
June 1st Cuts
The isn't as much glory for this time period as there used to be.
With the salary cap so high, teams don't have to cut players
because of salary reasons very often. We have had two
transactions over the last few days however.
We cut Marco Rivera today. It was just a matter of time. We knew
he wasn't coming back. Time to retire buddy. The interesting
move is the guy we signed. We signed Adam Bergen. I was a
little surprised when I looked at his profile. The guy is entering his
third season which spells journeyman back that is camp fodder.
What is interesting though is that this guy has started 16 games in
his career. His rookie year with the Cardinals he had 270 yards
receiving. Now, that isn't much, but that shows he has to have
some talent to be starting even as bad as the Cardinals tight ends
have been lately. Now, I also know there has to be a reason you
are still available in June and why a team without much depth at
tight end would let you go. I don't know answers to those
questions, but this guy has to be better than Tony Curtis or the
other guys we have fighting for the 3rd tight end spot. The guy
has great size (6'4 267) so he should be a good blocker two.
The offensive line is finally shaping up for the Cowboys as they
head into the 2007 season. We have the most talent and depth
we've had in years. I don't see any reason this won't be one of
the better offensive lines in football.
Four of the five starting spots are pretty much set with Flozell
Adams, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, and Marc Colombo
manning their respective positions. The only battle in camp could
be at left guard. Many fans were clamoring for us to draft a guard
high in the draft so we could have an upgrade over Kyle Kosier.
The Cowboys were smart though and didn't take a lineman that
they plan to replace Kosier with. Doug Free could be that guy in a
few years, but that isn't what many fans were hoping for.
Dallas did the best thing possible in this situation by not bringing
in another guy. We are simply going to let the best man between
Kyle Kosier, Corey Procter, and Pat McQuistan win the job. This
is fine because you know we will have a quality player at that
starting spot and we didn't have to spend anymore resources.
Now, I'm with the fans that want an upgrade at left guard. I'd love
nothing better than for Procter or McQuistan to beat out Kosier for
his job. But, if it doesn't happen, guess what, we are still fine
because Kosier has already proven he is a steady and reliable
lineman. Kosier is plenty good enough to start for the last four
years of his contract. Again, I hope someone we already have
beats him out before then, but if they don't oh well, don't spend
anymore picks trying to upgrade a position that doesn't have to be
upgraded.
All that being said, I still figure Kyle Kosier to win the starting job.
McQuistan and Procter basically have zero experience so
chances are they will be backups for at least another season.
Speaking of backups, we seem to have some pretty promising,
albeit young and inexperienced options. At tackle you have Pat
McQuistan, James Marten, and Doug Free. As high as the
organization is on McQuistan, I wouldn't be too worried if he was
forced to play at some point next season. Marten and Free are
rookies. Marten might would be serviceable in his first year, but
don't expect anything from Free because he is so raw. At guard
you have great depth with Procter, McQuistan, Joe Berger, and
Free. The first two guys are candidates to start, so they would
seem to make excellent backups. I think the Cowboys made a
good find with Berger. He figures to be the 10th lineman
assuming we keep one.
The only real worry is at backup center because nobody with the
exception of Trey Darilek is a true center. I don't know much
about Darilek, but he appeared in a few games for a good O-line
in Philly so he can't be that bad. Reading the article about how
Procter has been practicing since last season though tempers
much of this fear. I hear Berger has been practicing in the middle
as well so if he makes the team he would be another guy who
could contribute.
Overall, we are pretty set at offensive line. Our starting five are all
veterans, three of which are signed long-term. If Flozell Adams
and Marc Colombo play well next season they might both get
long-term extensions. I kind of doubt both of them do though.
Flozell Adams worries me with his recent knee surgery, but if he
play well again next season I would re-sign him if the price is
reasonable. He is only 32 so it isn't like he can't play another
three or four years. I wouldn't make the same mistake we made
with Rivera, but if we could sign him to about what he is making
now (5 mil/year) I'd go for it. Last season was his first year back
from his injury and he played pretty well. He is still a Top 10 left
tackle and he could be for another few years.
I don't think Colombo has a chance to get re-signed. He will play
about like he did last year which is fine, but some team desperate
for tackle help will give him four million dollars a year. We will say
by Marc thanks for the stability at right tackle and plug in James
Marten who will be solid just like Colombo.
June 1st Cuts
The isn't as much glory for this time period as there used to be.
With the salary cap so high, teams don't have to cut players
because of salary reasons very often. We have had two
transactions over the last few days however.
We cut Marco Rivera today. It was just a matter of time. We knew
he wasn't coming back. Time to retire buddy. The interesting
move is the guy we signed. We signed Adam Bergen. I was a
little surprised when I looked at his profile. The guy is entering his
third season which spells journeyman back that is camp fodder.
What is interesting though is that this guy has started 16 games in
his career. His rookie year with the Cardinals he had 270 yards
receiving. Now, that isn't much, but that shows he has to have
some talent to be starting even as bad as the Cardinals tight ends
have been lately. Now, I also know there has to be a reason you
are still available in June and why a team without much depth at
tight end would let you go. I don't know answers to those
questions, but this guy has to be better than Tony Curtis or the
other guys we have fighting for the 3rd tight end spot. The guy
has great size (6'4 267) so he should be a good blocker two.