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Latest News
2007 SCHEDULE
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
PRE-SEASON
Thu Aug 9 INDIANAPOLIS
(FOX) 7:00 pm
Sat Aug 18 DENVER (BSM)
7:00 pm
Sat Aug 25 @ Houston
(BSM) 7:00 pm
Thu Aug 30 @ Minnesota
(BSM) 7:00 pm
REGULAR SEASON
1. Sun, Sept. 9 NY GIANTS
(NBC) 7:15 pm
2. Sun, Sept. 16 @ Miami
(FOX) 3:05 pm
3. Sun, Sept. 23 @
Chicago (NBC) 7:15 pm
4. Sun, Sept. 30 ST. LOUIS
(FOX) Noon
5. Mon, Oct. 8 @ Buffalo
(ESPN) 7:30 pm
6. Sun, Oct. 14 NEW
ENGLAND (CBS) 3:15 pm
7. Sun, Oct. 21
MINNESOTA (FOX) Noon
8. Sun, Oct. 28 BYE WEEK
9. Sun, Nov 4 @
Philadelphia (NBC) 7:15
pm
10. Sun, Nov. 11 @ NY
Giants (FOX) 3:15 pm
11. Sun, Nov. 18
WASHINGTON (FOX) Noon
12. Thu, Nov. 22 NY JETS
(CBS) 3:15 pm
13. Thu, Nov. 29 GREEN
BAY (NFL) 7:15 pm
14. Sun, Dec. 9 @ Detroit
(FOX) Noon
15. Sun, Dec. 16 PHILLY
(FOX) 3:15 pm
16. Sat, Dec. 22 @
Carolina (NFL) 7:15 pm
17. Sun, Dec. 30 @
Washington (FOX) Noon
| Cowboy's Trivia Question of the Week! Who is the oldest player on the Cowboys' roster? Last Week's Answer: Danny White |
Romo's Extension/Defensive Grades
I'll start of by saying that I'm happy we went ahead and Romo
locked up long term. He wasn't going anywhere regardless, but this
contract is a lot more cap friendly than if we were somehow forced
to franchise him. Being able to take some of the cap hit this year is
great because you can't do much of anything with extra cap space
this time of year.
The size of his contract seems like a lot, but it really isn't out of the
norm for today's NFL. If Leonard Davis can get seven million a
year, I definitely don't mind paying Tony Romo eleven. That
amount is about what Marc Bulger got which seems fair. Matt
Scaub signed a six year, 48 million dollar deal and he was
completely unproven. I'm just happy we finally have a quarterback
worth giving the big bucks to.
Heck JaMarcus Russell got 61 million over six years. This is off
subject, but that is ridiculous. The NFL should do like the NBA.
The first pick usually signs a two worth three or four million. That is
the perfect way to do it, because if the player performs then he will
get a huge payday. I know a rookie isn't going to sign a seven year
deal for a couple of million a year, but a two year deal for that
amount would be more fair to the team. In today's NFL you better
hit on your high draft picks because not only will your team lack
talent from drafting a bust, but you will be strapped for cash after
wasting so much money on a bad player.
Defensive Grades
Chris Canty - B+
Chris Canty is one of the main cogs in our impressive run defense.
He leads all defensive ends with a 1.4 YPC when teams run directly
at him. He isn't a great athlete and he will never have many sacks,
but he is a good player. His blocked field goal against Minnesota
provided the ten point swing that won the game for Dallas.
Jay Ratliff - A-
I cannot say enough about how this guy has played. He is severely
undersized and built horribly to play the nose and yet he gets the
job done week in and week out. Teams try to run at him and they
can't. Watch out for this guy in the future. His pass rushing
abilities have been limited because he is playing out of position.
There is no doubt in my mind this guy is the best defensive end on
our team. He should be starting ahead of someone next season if
he isn't stuck at nose tackle.
Marcus Spears - C+
Spears is obviously not doing too bad of a job or our front seven
wouldn't be as stout as it is. Still though his job is to get after the
quarterback a little and he isn't doing it. He is pretty good against
the run, but his strength should be getting after the quarterback.
He has the athletic ability to provide a little interior pressure but he
isn't doing it. He hasn't really been a bust because he is a decent
starter, but he better improve or he won't be starting next year.
Jason Hatcher - B-
Jason Hatcher is developing before our eyes. You could tell on his
fumble recovery for a touchdown he is athletic. His potential is
through the roof and he is starting to live up to it. He could easily
develop into a who can get you seven or eight sacks a year from
his 3-4 DE spot. Those guys are hard to come by. Not many 300
pound guys are athletic enough to get that many sacks. We are
seeing why we took him in the 3rd round. He needs to improve his
run defense, but he is showing a lot of promise especially
considering how raw he was coming from Grambling. I've been
really impressed with the pressure him and Stephen Bowen have
been able to get on the nickel.
DeMarcus Ware - A
DeMarcus Ware is already one of the top five defensive players in
the NFL. He will win defensive player of the year in the near future.
He is an amazing pass rusher, but he is anything from a one trick
pony. He uses his athleticism to make plays in coverage and he
makes more big plays in the running game than he does in the
passing game. He seems to ruin at least two to three running plays
a game by himself.
Bradie James - A
This guy is on his way to the Pro Bowl. He is exactly what you want
in your middle linebacker. He is big, tough, and smart. He does a
good job as defensive captain. Bradie is a realy intelligent guy. He
struggled last season, but he is a man beast against the run. I
don't know how many times I've seen him fill a hole and manhandle
the running back to the ground short of the first down on a 3rd &
short.
Akin Ayodele - B
Ayodele has been solid this season. He isn't spectacular, but he
doesn't make stupid mistakes. He has been overshadowed by
Bradie James, but he does his job pretty well. He is a guy that I
hope Bobby Carpenter will eventually be able to beat out, but if he
can't we are fine for another five years with our current inside
linebacker duo.
Anthony Spencer - C+
Spencer has played pretty well. He isn't making the impact Ware
made as a rookie, but in case you haven't noticed, that guy is a
freak. I think Spencer will develop into a good player. He will keep
getting better and he gives us a third legitimate edge rusher.
Greg Ellis - A
He has really surprised me. The guy has 4.5 sacks in not even
close to four full games of action. He only had that many nine
games through last season. I wondered if he'd ever be the same,
but he looks better than ever. He actually looks a tad bit more
athletic to me. This defense will go along way if we can keep our
pass rushing tandem of OLBs out on the field.
Anthony Henry - B-
Henry played pretty well before his injury. He had four
interceptions through three games. His problem is he can't stay
healthy. He has had injury trouble all three seasons with the
Cowboys. He doesn't help us any when he is on the bench.
Terrence Newman - B+
Newman is just now really hitting his stride. He may not be
completely healthy, but he is as good as he will be this season. He
has done a good job. You can tell he isn't quite at one hundred
percent, but he is still our best corner. I don't know what we would
do without him.
Jacques Reeves - C+
I've been pretty impressed with Reeves. He struggled some early,
but he has done a pretty good job or someone who has never
started. The coaching staff made the right decision cutting Aaron
Glenn. He isn't playing in Jacksonville and Reeves has started
every game. If we can get Henry healthy we will be in good shape
at corner because this guy will make a heck of a nickel corner.
Roy Williams - B-
Roy has been inconsistent this season. He hasn't been burned a
lot this season, but he seems to disappear in some games. He still
misses to many tackle and he has had a couple of dumb personal
foul penalties. I just haven't seen the playmaking Roy that is
supposed to be out there. Ken Hamlin is playing just as well and he
isn't getting paid nearly as much.
Ken Hamlin - B
Ken Hamlin is doing a good job for us. He isn't the ideal
compliment to Roy Williams, but he is a good player. He seems to
be doing a good job in his centerfield role. He is by far the bewst
free safety we've had since Darren Woodson. The only game I saw
him struggle in was the Patriots game. I hope we can re-sign him,
but it will be tough because he will generate quite a bit of interest.
Special Teams
Nick Folk - A
Nick Folk is my hero. Any man that can kick a 53 yard field goal
twice to win a game is okay by me. His only misses of the season
have been a 50 yarder last week and a blocked attempt. All of his
makes are right down the middle too. His kick-offs have also been
pretty deep with good hang-time.
Matt McBriar - A-
McBriar is having another Pro Bowl season. This guy is the best
punter I've ever seen. He can pin an opposing offense deep in
their own territory no matter where he is kicking from. His accuracy
and hang-time are also excellent on shorter punts.
Coverage Teams - D
This has been the biggest concern for me. We have allowed two
returns for touchdowns. We seem to be getting better, but you
can't have returns for touchdowns and expect to win play-off games.
Return Teams - C+
Patrick Crayton had one 49 yard return, but he has been
unimpressive otherwise. Tyson Thompson had a long return
against New England, but he is nothing special. I think Miles Austin
should be returning kick-offs.
I'll start of by saying that I'm happy we went ahead and Romo
locked up long term. He wasn't going anywhere regardless, but this
contract is a lot more cap friendly than if we were somehow forced
to franchise him. Being able to take some of the cap hit this year is
great because you can't do much of anything with extra cap space
this time of year.
The size of his contract seems like a lot, but it really isn't out of the
norm for today's NFL. If Leonard Davis can get seven million a
year, I definitely don't mind paying Tony Romo eleven. That
amount is about what Marc Bulger got which seems fair. Matt
Scaub signed a six year, 48 million dollar deal and he was
completely unproven. I'm just happy we finally have a quarterback
worth giving the big bucks to.
Heck JaMarcus Russell got 61 million over six years. This is off
subject, but that is ridiculous. The NFL should do like the NBA.
The first pick usually signs a two worth three or four million. That is
the perfect way to do it, because if the player performs then he will
get a huge payday. I know a rookie isn't going to sign a seven year
deal for a couple of million a year, but a two year deal for that
amount would be more fair to the team. In today's NFL you better
hit on your high draft picks because not only will your team lack
talent from drafting a bust, but you will be strapped for cash after
wasting so much money on a bad player.
Defensive Grades
Chris Canty - B+
Chris Canty is one of the main cogs in our impressive run defense.
He leads all defensive ends with a 1.4 YPC when teams run directly
at him. He isn't a great athlete and he will never have many sacks,
but he is a good player. His blocked field goal against Minnesota
provided the ten point swing that won the game for Dallas.
Jay Ratliff - A-
I cannot say enough about how this guy has played. He is severely
undersized and built horribly to play the nose and yet he gets the
job done week in and week out. Teams try to run at him and they
can't. Watch out for this guy in the future. His pass rushing
abilities have been limited because he is playing out of position.
There is no doubt in my mind this guy is the best defensive end on
our team. He should be starting ahead of someone next season if
he isn't stuck at nose tackle.
Marcus Spears - C+
Spears is obviously not doing too bad of a job or our front seven
wouldn't be as stout as it is. Still though his job is to get after the
quarterback a little and he isn't doing it. He is pretty good against
the run, but his strength should be getting after the quarterback.
He has the athletic ability to provide a little interior pressure but he
isn't doing it. He hasn't really been a bust because he is a decent
starter, but he better improve or he won't be starting next year.
Jason Hatcher - B-
Jason Hatcher is developing before our eyes. You could tell on his
fumble recovery for a touchdown he is athletic. His potential is
through the roof and he is starting to live up to it. He could easily
develop into a who can get you seven or eight sacks a year from
his 3-4 DE spot. Those guys are hard to come by. Not many 300
pound guys are athletic enough to get that many sacks. We are
seeing why we took him in the 3rd round. He needs to improve his
run defense, but he is showing a lot of promise especially
considering how raw he was coming from Grambling. I've been
really impressed with the pressure him and Stephen Bowen have
been able to get on the nickel.
DeMarcus Ware - A
DeMarcus Ware is already one of the top five defensive players in
the NFL. He will win defensive player of the year in the near future.
He is an amazing pass rusher, but he is anything from a one trick
pony. He uses his athleticism to make plays in coverage and he
makes more big plays in the running game than he does in the
passing game. He seems to ruin at least two to three running plays
a game by himself.
Bradie James - A
This guy is on his way to the Pro Bowl. He is exactly what you want
in your middle linebacker. He is big, tough, and smart. He does a
good job as defensive captain. Bradie is a realy intelligent guy. He
struggled last season, but he is a man beast against the run. I
don't know how many times I've seen him fill a hole and manhandle
the running back to the ground short of the first down on a 3rd &
short.
Akin Ayodele - B
Ayodele has been solid this season. He isn't spectacular, but he
doesn't make stupid mistakes. He has been overshadowed by
Bradie James, but he does his job pretty well. He is a guy that I
hope Bobby Carpenter will eventually be able to beat out, but if he
can't we are fine for another five years with our current inside
linebacker duo.
Anthony Spencer - C+
Spencer has played pretty well. He isn't making the impact Ware
made as a rookie, but in case you haven't noticed, that guy is a
freak. I think Spencer will develop into a good player. He will keep
getting better and he gives us a third legitimate edge rusher.
Greg Ellis - A
He has really surprised me. The guy has 4.5 sacks in not even
close to four full games of action. He only had that many nine
games through last season. I wondered if he'd ever be the same,
but he looks better than ever. He actually looks a tad bit more
athletic to me. This defense will go along way if we can keep our
pass rushing tandem of OLBs out on the field.
Anthony Henry - B-
Henry played pretty well before his injury. He had four
interceptions through three games. His problem is he can't stay
healthy. He has had injury trouble all three seasons with the
Cowboys. He doesn't help us any when he is on the bench.
Terrence Newman - B+
Newman is just now really hitting his stride. He may not be
completely healthy, but he is as good as he will be this season. He
has done a good job. You can tell he isn't quite at one hundred
percent, but he is still our best corner. I don't know what we would
do without him.
Jacques Reeves - C+
I've been pretty impressed with Reeves. He struggled some early,
but he has done a pretty good job or someone who has never
started. The coaching staff made the right decision cutting Aaron
Glenn. He isn't playing in Jacksonville and Reeves has started
every game. If we can get Henry healthy we will be in good shape
at corner because this guy will make a heck of a nickel corner.
Roy Williams - B-
Roy has been inconsistent this season. He hasn't been burned a
lot this season, but he seems to disappear in some games. He still
misses to many tackle and he has had a couple of dumb personal
foul penalties. I just haven't seen the playmaking Roy that is
supposed to be out there. Ken Hamlin is playing just as well and he
isn't getting paid nearly as much.
Ken Hamlin - B
Ken Hamlin is doing a good job for us. He isn't the ideal
compliment to Roy Williams, but he is a good player. He seems to
be doing a good job in his centerfield role. He is by far the bewst
free safety we've had since Darren Woodson. The only game I saw
him struggle in was the Patriots game. I hope we can re-sign him,
but it will be tough because he will generate quite a bit of interest.
Special Teams
Nick Folk - A
Nick Folk is my hero. Any man that can kick a 53 yard field goal
twice to win a game is okay by me. His only misses of the season
have been a 50 yarder last week and a blocked attempt. All of his
makes are right down the middle too. His kick-offs have also been
pretty deep with good hang-time.
Matt McBriar - A-
McBriar is having another Pro Bowl season. This guy is the best
punter I've ever seen. He can pin an opposing offense deep in
their own territory no matter where he is kicking from. His accuracy
and hang-time are also excellent on shorter punts.
Coverage Teams - D
This has been the biggest concern for me. We have allowed two
returns for touchdowns. We seem to be getting better, but you
can't have returns for touchdowns and expect to win play-off games.
Return Teams - C+
Patrick Crayton had one 49 yard return, but he has been
unimpressive otherwise. Tyson Thompson had a long return
against New England, but he is nothing special. I think Miles Austin
should be returning kick-offs.