SB Nation - Marcus Spears

Anthony Spencer: So Close to Being a Playmaker

Aaron Novinger — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:00:19 -0000

by Morry Gash - AP

Anthony Spencer: Close, but no cigar.

Instead of forcing game balls on an unproductive game against the Packers, I went back to take a look at one player who did have a productive game for the Cowboys: Anthony Spencer.

The Dallas rush defense in now ranked 10th in the league, allowing just over 103 YPG. Spencer is a big part of that. Often playing next to Marcus Spears with Keith Brooking behind him, Spencer rounds out the trio to provide the Cowboys with a physical presence that attacks opposing offense's strong side.

In Green Bay, Coach Phillips would sometimes line up Spencer across from the slot receiver and rush him at the quarterback. When he and DeMarcus Ware would flip, he often began in a three-point stance. Sometimes, he would backpedal from his stance to cover the short zone. On at least one occasion, Ware lined up next to him.

Obviously, moving Spencer around is a direct result of Phillips trying to get the best possible mismatches for Ware. Although Spencer still does not have a sack on the season, he is continuing to match Ware in quarterback pressures and is dropping running backs for losses.

On the Packers' second offensive drive, Spencer dropped back into a short zone coverage, read the HB-screen to Ryan Grant and darted forward to drop the RB for a one-yard loss. On the very next play, he collapsed the pocket by overpowering the LT and forced Aaron Rodgers to scramble. He ended up tackling Rodgers for a two-yard gain.

Make the jump.

Towards the end of the first quarter, up against the RT, it was his hit on Rodgers that forced a pass incompletion. So close to a sack, Anthony...again, so close.

In the second quarter, he showed what makes him such a solid strongside OLB. Using the weight and momentum of the Packers' tackle, he used an olé move to push him to the ground and ended up crashing into Grant. On the next play, he did a nice job in disguising a blitz, and then backpedaled quickly into covering the short zone. It was in this quarter that I noticed the Packers began using a RB to chip him when it became obvious that the RT was having problems with him.

In this game, Spencer also showed great hustle and athleticism to complement his physical style of play. This proved evident on the drive just before the half when, after failing to create a pass rush, he peeled off to sprint 20 yards downfield to make the tackle on Donald Driver. The other Dallas defenders were having a tough time getting Driver to the ground. The play may not have saved any points on the scoreboard, but it prevented any Brandon Marshall-type magic.

Spencer always seems just a step away from single-handedly owning a series or two. During one drive in the second quarter, he nearly had Grant two yards behind the line of scrimmage. It's too bad Grant was able to slip through his grasp because he ended up gaining 13 yards and a first down. Just two plays later, though, Spencer showed off his quickness by splitting the TE and RT to drop Grant for a two-yard loss. On several passing plays, he got his hands up in the lanes, but was inches away from blocking the throw.

On the day, Spencer registered 10 tackles with two going for losses. Indeed, that is a solid game for a strongside linebacker.

How many times have we each said, "if only he were there a split second sooner"? He could have some sacks, perhaps some forced fumbles, a pass or two batted in the air that leads to a pick-six, a pick-six or two of his own. In defensive battles like we witnessed on Sunday, such a play could change the outcome of the game. At the very least, it would have given the Cowboys the momentum they failed to muster.

If only...if only...if only Anthony Spencer can make those one or two big plays per game that he is so close to making. It would help add a another playmaking presence to an already improving defense. As the Cowboys enter their stretch run, another big-time playmaker on defense could make for a dominant unit.

Hopefully, he'll be able to get his first sack in this upcoming contest against the Redskins. If so, as we've seen with DeMarcus Ware earlier this season, that may be all it takes for the sack-floodgates to open.

The VRR: Cowboys Bring Down Their Third Consecutive Bird Team

Aaron Novinger — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:39:55 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

T-E-A-M! Once again, the Dallas offense and defense unite in victory.

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Since their bye week, the Dallas Cowboys have achieved home victories against the Atlanta Falcons, the Seattle Seahawks, and then hit the road to take down the division rival Philadelphia Eagles. They outscored these three bird teams 95-54. This run through the NFC aviary exemplifies how well the offense, defense, and special teams units in Dallas have come together to launch the team atop the division with a 6-2 record.

While scrolling through stories regarding last night's 20-16 victory over the Eagles, I noticed many writers use the same four-letter word when describing the Cowboys: team. Sure, Dallas did not play a perfect game, but it seems as if the coaches are getting the most out of each of their players. In turn, the players are responding by being in position to execute their playcalling. Simply put - the Cowboys are, all-together, clicking.

More VRR after the jump.

Pairing up a good pass rush with some nice coverage in the secondary is always a good recipe for defensive success.

Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware overwhelmed the Eagles' offensive line and stayed in quarterback Donovan McNabb's face throughout the game. McNabb was only 16-of-30 for 227 yards and he threw two interceptions. He appeared completely out of rhythm for much of the evening -- and the secondary played a large role in that. If you take away the deep ball from the Eagles, they're not much to look at. It's not like they can turn to a power running game.

"We took it personally that no one was giving us any respect," Jenkins said. "We've been shutting receivers completely down, but people weren't talking about it. I think we made a statement tonight. To come into their house and walk away with a win ... I think it's a big statement."

'Twas a quiet night for the Eagles' young WRs.

Although speedy wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin looked as if they could break a huge play at any moment, they never did. The Cowboys' secondary held them in check while a fierce rush and a heavy blitz maintained serious pressure on McNabb that produced four sacks and two interceptions.

Jackson, who had at least one 50-yard play in five of the first seven Eagles games, was limited to two catches for 29 yards. Four Dallas wide receivers caught passes for more yards.

Again, Jason Garrett, Tony Romo, and Miles Austin combined to break the opposition's heart at a crucial point in the game.

Austin beat Brown badly off the line of scrimmage to make the catch all alone at the 24. He then cut inside to race untouched into the end zone, where he celebrated by firing the ball into the net behind the goal post.

"They had a double move there," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "Sheldon played a heck of a game, but they got him on a double move there."

Romo helped sell it with a pump fake. "I thought they had been jumping it a little bit throughout the game, so we went with it," Romo said. "They bit on the fake, a couple of guys went to it, and I just gave him the ball and he did the rest."

The four-play, 55-yard drive that ended with Austin’s score began after the Cowboys made their biggest defensive play of the season. On fourth-and-one from the Dallas 45, Donovan McNabb tried to sneak it over right guard only to get stopped cold by Marcus Spears with 10:49 left. The Eagles challenged the spot, but the play was upheld, costing them their final timeout.

With the game on the line, when you need just one more first down, go to Jason Witten.

"That’s just the way it is . . . I understand it, we have to get it blocked," Witten said. But on the third-and-3 late in the fourth quarter, Witten knew the final pass was going to him."Yeah, that was the play," said Witten. "I knew I was going to get the chance to make it."

And he did, catching his seventh passes of the game for 43 yards. But it was those last five yards that put the game away. When it comes to wanting the ball, Witten really is no different than any other receiver. He feels like he’s good enough to make the play when it counts.

The "spread" offense continues as Romo hit seven different receivers.

One game after Romo spread the ball around to 10 pass-catchers, seven caught balls Sunday totaling 307 yards, Romo’s fourth 300-plus-yard game of the season. And, yes, his perfectly placed 49-yard bomb to Austin in the fourth quarter was the back-breaker.

But Romo’s best achievement might have finally been getting him and struggling receiver Roy Williams on the same page. Williams caught a season-high five balls for 75 yards. Most impressive was the percentage Romo completed to him. Romo threw his way eight times, completing five. Entering the game, the two had connected just 38 percent of the time.

Razorback > Wildcat.

"It was good to see us get that working tonight," center Andre Gurode said. "To us (linemen), it's really not anything different. We're still blocking like any play. But we knew it's something that can be successful."

(Leonard) Davis, who paved the way on the three rushing plays, said the always-vocal Choice gives him a personal pep talk before each play in the huddle.

"He goes up to me and says . . . 'Big Leonard, I'm running it up right behind you . . . I'm running it behind you,'" Davis said of Choice. "He gets excited about it. I already know before we run the play, I already know what the results are going to be. It's just something you have to study the look and how they're going to scheme against it. It's like any other run play -- when we have the numbers, it's going to be hard to stop."

Another new offensive weapon came through for the 'Boys: WR Kevin Ogletree.

Twice Ogletree snatched third-down screen passes from quarterback Tony Romo, for 20 and 17 yards, to put the Cowboys inside the Eagles’ 5-yard line both times, setting up the first touchdown and a field goal late in the first half.

Ogletree also recorded the first run of his career, picking up 6 yards on an end-around, a play used mostly for Patrick Crayton and then last week for Miles Austin for the first time.

Some Cowboys bumps & bruises:

Felix Jones strained his neck. Andre Gurode sprained an ankle. Mike Jenkins "jammed" his wrist. All are expected to be fine. Also, Anthony Spencer suffered a groin injury, which we should learn more about in Coach Phillips' press conference today. It doesn't sound too worrisome, though.

Philly writer, Bob Ford, uses last night's game to question the strength of the NFC East.

"We battled our tails off," Reid said. "It was two heavyweights swinging at each other, a tough, hard-fought game."

That might be how he saw it, but the two teams combined for three turnovers, 11-for-27 third-down efficiency, and more than 150 penalty yards. These teams looked like welterweights at best. It has been difficult all season to figure out how good the Eagles might be. Until last week, when they thumped the Giants, their only meeting with a legitimate opponent had ended in a loud defeat against the New Orleans Saints. They also managed to lose to the Oakland Raiders along the way, which is the textbook definition of being unpredictable.

The Cowboys split their first four games, losing to the Giants and the Denver Broncos, and have now won four straight.

The Giants, meanwhile, won their first five games, have lost their last four, and head into their bye on fumes.

The question is whether these are three very good teams taking turns pounding each other, or whether these are three inconsistent teams that show up sometimes and not others. Watch a game like last night's and it's tempting to say the latter. Apologists and head coaches will tell you that tackle football is a messy business and that motivated opponents can make any team look sloppy. There's some truth there, too, but it doesn't account for stupid penalties and unimaginative play-calling.

Here's a cool, new website to check out if you plan on attending a sporting event. It's stadiumjourney.com. They even have an awesome review of Cowboys Stadium...he, he.

Missed Opportunities Two and Three

John Morgan — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:32:43 -0000

The drive never recovered from its first big attempt. Matt Hasselbeck targeted John Carlson and nearly threw an interception to Gerald Sensabaugh. Justin Griffith motioned out of right trips to fullback and Julius Jones picked his way up the middle for ten. Part of Griffith's value is that he guides Jones where to rush. On a previous run I didn't detail, Griffith and Jones started slight-right, but Griffith circled wide left and Jones followed. It was the right read and Jones ran for six.

Griffith was out for Jones next rush, and Jones misread his blockers and effectively tackled himself. The play was a pitch right. Seattle's blockers swooped to the right and attempted to create a long lane to the right flat. Spencer was beat back at the snap. John Owens blocked in and did his best against left defensive end Marcus Spears, but was blown back by play's end. Right tackle Ray Willis released into the right flat.

Jones picked his way towards right end, but cut in and into the teeth of Dallas' defense. He ran into Spears and struggled to get back to the line. The best explanation I can offer for Jones cutting in when the play was designed to be run right, is Jones was minimizing damage. He saw the beaten blockers and decided to avoid a costly tackle for a loss. He had space in the right flat, but didn't take it.

Then Hasselbeck threw the sure to be infamous strike that should have been a lob. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, mouthy as he is, was right. Terence Newman swatted it, Housh couldn't track the deflection and the ball fell incomplete. He was single covered and had timed his burst just enough to separate from Newman. Newman was turned and a slight step behind, but Hasselbeck threw it flat, as if Houshmandzadeh were breaking in, and Newman jumped and deflected it.

It was another opportunity lost and led to yet another lost opportunity. Strike three stopped the drive. Dallas blitzed six out of a 3-3 nickel formation. Hasselbeck sagged and sagged, drawing the defenders in. At the last moment he jumped and threw across his body. The pass was flat and slapped away by Stephen Bowen. Justin Forsett dropped his shoulders, Chris Spencer to his front, Max Unger and Rob Sims at either side; not a defender between him and the first.

Olindo Mare converted from 43 to put Seattle ahead.

The VRR: Cowboys are Flying from One Bird Team to the Next

Aaron Novinger — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:54:28 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

The Dallas pass rushers hope to have a field day hunting down this bird.

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The Dallas Cowboys dominated the Atlanta Falcons through their offensive air power, their physical defense, and their explosive special teams play. This Sunday, a bird of a different feather flocks to Arlington.

Part two in a three-game series against NFC bird teams has the Seattle Seahawks coming to town. Having just defeated a high-flying Falcons team and trying not to look ahead to the division rival Eagles, the Cowboys must keep their six-shooters from being holstered.

Luckily, they've found some more ammunition on the defensive side of the ball to match those flashy bullets on offense.The Seattle offensive line had better watch out. The Dallas pass rush is back with a vengeance.

The Cowboys this season had no sacks in the first 10 quarters, a period in which the opponents used 96 pass plays. In the last 14 quarters, the Cowboys have 14 sacks in 137 pass plays.

That puts the defense one sack behind last year's total through six games, when the Cowboys led the NFL in the category with 59.

More VRR after the jump.

It hasn't been just fancy blitz packages that have been responsible for the resurgent pass rush. The guys up front have chipped in as well.

Atlanta's Matt Ryan had gone 142 passes without a sack before the Cowboys dropped him on consecutive plays in the first quarter of Sunday's 37-21 win. End Marcus Spears and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware recorded those sacks, meaning Dallas overwhelmed the Falcons up front and had no need for risky blitzes. Ware, who received a six-year, $78 million extension Monday, finished with two sacks and forced a fumble that resulted in a TD-producing drive. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff also got to Ryan.

"We challenged them," Phillips said of his defensive front. "Somebody sent around a deal that said (Ryan) was unstoppable and couldn't be sacked."

In addition to fumbling, Ryan threw two interceptions en route to a 66.1 passer rating.

When the Seattle Seahawks enter Arlington, they will be doing so with a noticeable limp. Coming off their bye, though, is helpful.

The Seahawks could get cornerback Marcus Trufant and linebacker Leroy Hill back this week. They hope for some good luck this week, too.

On offense, Seattle is hurting along the offensive line. The Seahawks could be down to their fifth option at left tackle. Damion McIntosh, who was signed Oct. 12, could start against the Cowboys. Walter Jones, a nine-time Pro Bowler, hasn’t played since last Thanksgiving when he played against the Cowboys with an injured knee and gave up two sacks to DeMarcus Ware. Jones underwent microfracture surgery in December and has yet to return. Coach Jim Mora termed Jones "still iffy" on Monday.

If Sean Locklear is healthy, he would start at left tackle. But Locklear has an ankle injury that has kept him out since Week 2.

Matt Mosley lists two Cowboys atop his "rising" NFC East Stock Watch options.

1. Miles Austin, Cowboys WR: Might as well just leave him here every week. His 421 yards and four touchdowns over the past two games is a remarkable achievement. Roy Williams is the No. 1 wide receiver in name only. Austin has emerged as Tony Romo's favorite target at wide receiver. He's really good at using his strength and balance to break tackles before taking off on long touchdowns. He brings a big-play dimension that Romo really needs. If Austin and Felix Jones get going at the same time, watch out.

2. DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys WR: Let's give the man his due. He's now one of the highest-paid defenders in the game, but he won't lose his hunger. It appears that Ware is back to his unstoppable self. He picked up two more sacks in Sunday's win over the Falcons. I thought he played his best game of the season against Atlanta.

With Allen Rossum out this week, Patrick Crayton will take over as punt returner. But, who will take over the kick return duties?

Felix Jones volunteered to return kickoffs after Rossum was hurt but didn't get a chance. Both of the Falcons kicks after the first quarter were touchbacks. Miles Austin has also returned kickoffs this season, but the Cowboys would prefer that not continue with his increased role in the Cowboys offense at receiver.

So, what was up with Tashard Choice only getting one carry against Atlanta?

"Yeah, we didn't get it [to him] as much," coach Wade Phillips said regarding Choice. "It was more of the passing game, and he did make a big play in the passing game. Marion Barber came in and did a lot of our pass protection stuff, which he is the strongest in that area."

"[Atlanta] committed the safety down a whole lot ... but they were bringing him down into the box to try to keep us from running the football, and we took advantage of that."

Always a good read: Bob Sturm decodes Jason Garrett's Week 7.

Much of the Cowboys' offensive success this season has begun on first down plays.

The Cowboys rank No. 1 in first-down efficiency, averaging 7.12 yards per play. Now, some of that is because the 59-yard touchdown this week and the 60-yard score in overtime against Kansas City have come on first down. The Cowboys have had plenty of other big plays as well. But still, it means they’re being aggressive enough on first down to result in big plays.

Jim Mora Jr.'s defense isn't all that bad. But maybe, it's just had some favorable matchups.

Seattle ranks a surprising 12th in overall defense and 7th in points allowed. But those rankings may be skewed by two brutally lopsided wins against the Jaguars and Rams. It takes more than an average defense to stop the Dallas offense, the way Miles Austin and company have been balling of late. Star linebacker Lofa Tatupu is done for the year. Uh oh…

Taking over for Lofa Tatupu at MLB will be David Hawthorne, who played at TCU and whose father may again spend Sunday wearing two hats.

"My dad is a diehard Cowboy fan," the younger David Hawthorne said Monday after practice. "Last year, he had to wear one hat that had the Seahawks going forward and the Cowboys going backwards."

[snip]

Last year, the younger Hawthorne was limited to special teams duty in the Seahawks’ 34-9 loss. Sunday, he’ll be in the middle of everything, as the Seahawks defense tries to cope with the six-legged running attack that is Marion Barber (344 rushing yards), Felix Jones (8.6-yard average) and Tashard Choice (5.1-yard average) and the multi-faceted passing game that is Tony Romo distributing the ball to tight end Jason Witten (33 receptions) and wide receivers Miles Austin (23.9-yard average, five touchdown catches), Patrick Crayton (17 receptions) and Roy Williams (19.2-yard average).

Cowboys fans remember Julius Jones; while, Seahawks fans should remember Ken Hamlin and Jon Kitna.

FS Ken Hamlin was the Seahawks’ second-round draft choice in 2003 and started 52 games in four seasons before signing with the Cowboys in 2007. Backup QB Jon Kitna also played for the Seahawks (1997-2000), as well as at Central Washington University and Tacoma’s Lincoln High School.

If you haven't seen yet, Patrick Crayton won the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week Award.

Lots of stuff to vote for this week!

Tony Romo is up for the FedEx Air Player of the Week Award. Vote here.

You can also vote for Romo's sweet "escape artist" touchdown pass to Patrick Crayton as Sprint's Can't Miss Play of Week 7. Remember, voting on this one gives you a chance to win Super Bowl XLIV tickets!

And, Pro Bowl voting has begun. Go here to vote for that.

BTB Game Balls: Cowboys @ Broncos

Aaron Novinger — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:03:58 -0000

More photos » by Jack Dempsey - AP

Marion Barber is thrilled to get another BTB game ball.

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It's time to hand out game balls for the Cowboys game against the Broncos. Win, lose, or draw, we've got one for a player from each unit: offense, defense, special teams. We've even got one for the coaching staff.

Offense

Marion Barber - This player may mean more to the offense than any other player right now. He is excited to play and exciting to watch. After scoring the team's lone touchdown, he maintained his composure in not taking off his helmet, which could have cost 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff. That was smart. One carry in the second half wasn't smart; that's on the coaches. Barber was in the game some, and certainly got open on several passing downs.

His 68 yards from scrimmage does not look impressive, but considering this unit was shutout for the final three quarters kept him alongside the few players who were productive.

Honorable Mention: Tashard Choice, Jason Witten

Make the jump to see who else gets a game ball.

Defense

Keith Brooking - Brooking is just as exciting to watch as Barber. He will do whatever it takes to make the tackle. His hurdle over an offensive lineman in the second quarter squeezed the ball carrier out of bounds. To end the third quarter, it was him diving through on 4th-and-1 to drop Moreno for no gain. Then, off to the sideline he went to gore his coach, Reggie Herring, in the chest. Add nine more solo tackles to Brooking's stat sheet.

What more could we want from a football player?

Honorable Mention: Marcus Spears, DeMarcus Ware

Special Teams

Mat McBriar - Unfortunately, McBriar saw a lot of action Sunday. Fortunately, he dropped half of his six punts inside the 20. His 60-yarder helped boost his average for the game to a respectful 41.7 yards per punt. In close contests such as these past few, McBriar has maintained his consistency. Another solid game for the Dallas punter.

Honorable Mention: Nick Folk, David Buehler

Coaching

Joe DeCamillis - Coach Joe D does have some of the better kickers in the league on his side. Though, if we take a glance back at the first quarter of the 2009 season, the special teams units would have to be considered the most consistent for the Cowboys.

On Sunday, Eddie Royal returned four punts for 15 yards. The Denver kick returners averaged 24 yards on two returns. The Dallas coverage units still have many of the same names as they did in '08. The biggest difference is they have a new leader.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Herring, Todd Grantham

Who gets your game balls?

The VRR: Miles Austin and Orlando Scandrick Ready for Breakthrough Seasons

Aaron Novinger — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:09:35 -0000

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

Orlando Scandrick is one young Cowboy that should be a cornerstone of the Dallas defense for years to come.

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Two players who find themselves on the fringe of a starting role with the Cowboys are wide receiver Miles Austin and cornerback Orlando Scandrick. Both players are known for their speed, and each have already shown their toughness on the field. While Scandrick is battling fellow 2008 draftee Mike Jenkins for the right CB spot, Austin has to unseat veteran Patrick Crayton to earn the number two receiving position opposite Roy Williams.

Whether Austin starts or comes in as the third WR, he is ready to be the deep threat for the offense this season. With a gunslinger at quarterback and an offensive coordinator versed in the vertical passing attack, Austin should see plenty of playtime.

Much more VRR after the jump.

While he is flattered the Cowboys are looking at him to fill Owens’ shoes, Austin is doing his best not to get caught up in the comparison.

"I’m focusing on doing the things that I can do," Austin said. "What anyone else says doesn’t matter to me. I have to focus on myself and try to improve my game. I work hard. I work on things like I always have. There is just more of an opportunity this year."

Scandrick is ready to prove that he's an every-down corner, and he has been living up to his word in training camp. He does want to start, though. Nevertheless, he's too good of a player for the Cowboys not to give him ample playtime.

"I want to start, but if that doesn't happen, what am I supposed to do?" Scandrick said. "Pout and go in the tank? No, I can't. I just have to compete and improve and then, I guess, embrace my role."

Backup quarterback Jon Kitna has found a brotherly bond with Tony Romo. Coach Phillips says that their competitiveness has fed off of each other.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips says competition is developing between the two, but it's friendly. He called Kitna "a live wire" who's always stirring the pot.

"He'll challenge Tony like, ‘I'm going to complete more passes than you today,' or ‘I'm going to throw it to this spot better than you,'" Phillips said. "(Kitna) is that kind of guy. He's always got something going like that, and I think it helps Tony."

Speed plus potential should equate to an increased role for Felix Jones in the Dallas offense.

"We had a lot of time to do different things during the offseason, where they find me at different positions," Jones said. "I believe they have the confidence in me to have a little bit more of the playbook (for me)."

He has been flanked wide and sent out on routes at times in camp, while motioning back to the backfield at others. On some formations, he shares the backfield with Barber.

Ding! Ding! Ding! The Cowboys' first camp fight was a super-heavyweight matchup between Colombo and Ratliff.

Jay Ratliff squared off with Marc Colombo after an (impressive) interception by Bobby Carpenter. On the return, Ratliff ear-holed Colombo; Colombo got up haymakers-a-flying, and the two tussled for a while they were seperated by, among others, Terence Newman and Sam Hurd.

But it wasn't yet over.

Ratliff got back in Colombo's face again after the next play, taking an unconvinced swing at the "Boston Brawler." Colombo didn't retaliate though, and like that, the first donnybrook of camp was at its end.

Marcus Spears feels better from losing twenty-one pounds this offseason. He came into camp at 307.

The team released safety Jerome Carter (my pet cat!) to sign Robert Brewster to a four-year contract.

Guard Travis Bright is hoping that learning behind Leonard Davis will help him continue the success he had in college.

At right guard Bright made the pass-happy Cougars an effective inside running team. At the NFL combine Bright had the 2nd highest bench press reps (34 reps of 225 lbs.). He can max out at 540 pounds.

Although Bright went undrafted, the Dallas Cowboys signed the behemoth and is trying to stick with "America's Team".

"Being a rookie is a big challenge," said Bright recently at Cowboys practice. "There's a lot of incredible athletes. I've got Leonard Davis (current right guard for the Cowboys)that I can learn a lot from... it's an unbelievable experience and tough as hell."

Remember to watch the HOF induction of the "Bullet" Bob Hayes Saturday, 7 p.m. (EST) on NFL Network.

Jerry Jones isn't afraid to admit that expectations for last season's team were lofty. Although the team is not considered by most to win the division, he seems content with the direction it is headed.

"The expectations we had last year for this team have been shifted to this year," Jones said in a 25-minute interview with the Daily News at the Cowboys' training camp in the climate-controlled Alamodome. "Our team is very capable of being a playoff-winning team. We're very capable of that."

[snip]

"The fact that Wade is really focused - not just focused, but actually doing the defense on a detailed meeting-by-meeting, hour-by-hour basis - is really material to our team as far as one of the biggest things we've done during the offseason," Jones said. "And I think we have more speed there. I think we'll have a better opportunity to be more than we were last year on defense."

Former Cowboys TE Tony Curtis was released by the Chiefs.

Check out this news clip about the best Cowboys websites to read. You don't have to wait long until they mention BTB.

Also, be sure to read Bob Sturm's interview with our very own Rafael Vela. In the hour Q & A, they discuss such topics as Raf's work on the Cowboys Annual, his analysis of last season, and what he will be keeping an eye on in camp. BTW, the MSP Cowboys Annual is still available for sale, click here to get your own collector's copy!

Hat tip to DC_fan for the FanShot.

Cowboys Jason Williams gets some love

Dave Halprin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:01:24 -0000

Our own Jason Wililiams pops up on a list of non-first-round draft picks that could have an impact on defense this year for NFL teams.

OLB Jason Williams, Dallas (third; 69th): Despite not being invited to the Combine, Williams was the first of Dallas' 12 draft picks and could be the rookie likeliest to make an immediate impact for the Cowboys. His initial impact may be felt only on special teams; he boasts 4.49-second speed in 40 yards at 6-1, 240 pounds. But don't be surprised if Williams earns playing time as the nickel linebacker on obvious passing downs. He is undeniably raw, but his athleticism turned heads during early practices and the Cowboys aren't yet sure what they have in veteran Keith Brooking and perpetual disappointment Bobby Carpenter.

DeMarcus Ware is the #2 most irreplaceable player in the league, only behind Peyton Manning. (According to Football Outsiders).

2. DeMarcus Ware, ROLB, Cowboys

Some pass-rushers aren't effective against the run -- take Dwight Freeney, who often vacates his gap to try to rush around the offensive tackle to the passer. Ware's not like that. When it comes to stopping the run, the only gap against which the Cowboys were in the top 10 a year ago was left tackle, which is Ware's responsibility. The Cowboys' league-high Adjusted Sack Rate (which adjusts cumulative sack totals for the number of passes attempted and quality of offense), of course, owes much to the impact Ware has. He's the best two-way defender in the game.

I always liked La'Roi Glover, he was a guy we could count on to be a player on defense when he was here. Now, he's retiring.

Couple of Cowboys holding youth camps. Bradie James holds his annual get-together. And whenever George Teague's name comes up, he gets love from me for being the "protector of the star". He's holding a camp, too.

Just because no thread would be complete without it...a Tony Romo discussion with a ton of quotes.

Marcus Spears wins a golf tournament.

The thing that wouldn't die.

BTB Exclusive: Jay Ratliff Interview (6/18/2009)

Dave Halprin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:25:18 -0000

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jay Ratliff earlier today. The audio is below.

Jay gave a great interview, answering all the questions with candor and information. He talks about the backup NT battle, even mentioning Marcus Spears as a possible candidate, noting that in mini-camp they put him in there every once in a while. He also thinks Junior Siavii has made a lot of progress and could make his move.

The Rat also gave us some juice on his conversion to NT in the Bill Parcells' era. Listen to him describe Parcells throwing him into the fire as a NT one game, without a lot of training at the position.

Ratliff also touched on topics like his size as a NT, how much double-teaming he sees in a game (hint: it's a lot), and the additions of Keith Brooking and Igor Olshansky.

Also, Rat gives huge props to OLB Brandon Williams, who he says is a guy you need to watch out for. You'll love what Jay says about the kid.

Thanks to Jay for taking the time to do the interview. He's one of BTB's favorite players, now we love him even more.

Interview below.

If you want to download the file in MP3 format, click here.

Hat tip to DCFanatic for recording the interview.

Cowboys Defense 2009 - Fast and Furious

Jim Vance — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:30:10 -0000

The Cowboys secondary made a quantum leap from 2007 to 2008 by adding Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins to the mix. There were still some obvious gaps that had to be filled and it looks to me like the team has done exactly that through free agency and the draft.

Gerald Sensabaugh should be an upgrade at safety by virtue of his coverage skills and athleticism.

I read through the bios of our draft picks looking for common threads. These players are all attackers who fit well with the aggressive Phillips 34. The transition from the read-and-react defense that Parcells preferred should be complete this season. The Cowboys secondary will improve again this year over last and Wade is sending the message to opposing QBs that this defense is going to pin their ears back and come after you.

Take a look at some of our draftees to get an idea of where this defense is headed for 2009.

Jason Williams OLB - One of the most underrated players in the 2009 NFL Draft, Williams was a terror in opposing backfields since shifting to weak-side linebacker from strong safety as a sophomore. In each of his last three seasons, he ranked among the nation's leaders in forced fumbles and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Victor Butler - LB - A standout pass rusher who broke out to register 10.5 sacks as a junior despite only starting one game, Butler was first-team All-Pac-10 and tied the single-season sack record at OSU with 12 as a senior and leaves second in school history with 25.5 career sacks.

Brandon Williams - LB -After all, Williams led the conference with 13 sacks, earning first-team All-Big 12 accolades as a junior, and leaves Tech ranked fourth in school history with 22.5 career sacks.

DeAngelo Smith - CB - The two (Smith and Mickens) combined for 26 interceptions during their careers together, more than any other active duo in the NCAA in 2008.

Mike Hamlin - SS - His 14 interceptions rank third in school annals and his 243 yards gained on interception returns rank second. He also ranks second in school history with 18 takeaways (four forced fumbles, 14 pass thefts).

Stephen Hodge - LB - His eight sacks led all Football Bowl Subdivision defensive backs in 2007, though he basically played linebacker in TCU's defense and blitzed often.

Mike Mickens - CB - Mickens was named All-American and All-Big East Conference first-team as a junior. He combined with fellow cornerback DeAngelo Smith to register 14 interceptions, the most by a cornerback duo in the major college ranks in 2007. Mickens' six pass thefts rank second on the school single-season record list, as he brought two of those thefts back for scores, gaining 136 return yards. He delivered 53 tackles (33 solos) and deflected six passes while also recovering a fumble.

These are just the rookies, the backups who are trying to make the team, but from their strengths it's clear that the Cowboys defense is going to be fast and furious.

DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer are two speed rushers coming from either edge and Igor Olshansky, Marcus Spears and Jay Ratliff will do combat in the middle. Some of those rushers will require a double team which means somebody is going to have a shot at the opposing QB, hopefully creating hurried/forced throws. Better coverage skills in our defensive backfield should mean more jumped routes and more turnovers for us.

I can't wait.

The Valley Ranch Review: Finally, Some Love for Roy Williams; Orlando Scandrick Delivers...Pizzas!

Aaron Novinger — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:35:51 -0000

Drew Pearson is one former Cowboy who is confident in Roy Williams. Being one of the greatest wide-outs to don a star on his helmet, Pearson shared why he thinks Williams has the intangibles to make it as Dallas' #1.

"I had a talk with him a couple of weeks ago when our paths happened to cross, and he told me what he's been doing since the beginning of March, working with the other receivers; working with the quarterbacks, including (Tony) Romo; working on how to develop the trust, the love, the relationships with not only Romo, but all the quarterbacks, all the receivers, all the offense," Pearson said. "And that's what you've got to do, that's what it takes.

"So I give him a pass to the head of the class. He's proven. He's done some great things in the NFL. And I've got to feel like he is really excited and motivated to do some of those things and even greater things in a Dallas Cowboys uniform, being a Texas guy. I think he will step up and do what he has to do."

Steve Wyche at NFL.com recognized ILB Bradie James as one of the NFC East's "unheralded" linebackers.

James follows the format of how to ideally play the strong side, inside linebacker position in a 3-4. James is frequently responsible for taking on the lead block and he is a violent knee buckler, whether it's a guard, fullback or trapping tight end. Besides playing his role responsibly, James also has been Dallas's top tackler for the past three seasons. He had a career-best 116 tackles last season and he added eight sacks, a very high total for an inside backer.

A "violent knee buckler"? You gotta like that!

In just two weeks of OTAs, Gerald Sensabaugh has looked impressive, according to Coach Phillips. The strong safety may just be a perfect fit in this style of the 3-4 defense.

"Sensabaugh looks outstanding," Phillips said last week. "He’s really got a lot of ability, good worth ethic, but he can really cover a lot of ground. We can cover in man to man with him . . . he has great speed along with cover ability."

More VRR after the jump.

Starting a new job is both scary and exciting for NFL rookies. For guys like DeAngelo Smith and Mike Mickens, being drafted together out of the University of Cincinnati's defensive backfield will make their transition to the Cowboys' roster a little easier.

"I feel like it's good just to have a familiar face on my side," Smith said. "It's rare that you get your own teammate, the one that's been with you for like four years on the other side (of the secondary). It feels good just to have him here." [snip]

"He brings home to me," Mickens said. "He's here with me, and it makes me not homesick or anything . . . It's good to have a teammate here. We're friends and we hung out all through school. "It's just good to have somebody here like that."

[snip]

While Mickens has been working to complete his schoolwork at these past OTAs, Smith has seen his fair share of attention from secondary coach Dave Campo.

"I like him as a ball-hawk and a hitter," Cowboys defensive backs coach Dave Campo said. "And his ability to go to the football. He has a real good instinct for the football, so he's going to start out at safety. Now, we're going to play him some at corner, but that's not going to be his main position. His main position is going to be free safety. I really graded him as a safety more than I did as a corner."

In this DMN video, 3rd-round draft pick Jason Williams talks about doing the best he can to "be the best player out there" while he transitions from the college to the pro game. He sure does talk with a lot of confidence!

Looking to contribute more to the Cowboys than just in the secondary, cornerback Orlando Scandrick helped Jerry Jones and Papa John's Pizza founder, John Schnatter, deliver more than 800 pizzas to nearly 2,000 workers at Cowboys Stadium this past Saturday.

Schnatter also personally delivered pizzas to the kids participating in the Tashard Choice Youth Camp at Sam Houston High School earlier in the day. Schnatter served pizzas and also gave a financial donation to the Tashard Choice Foundation.

It was a full day for Scandrick as well. He worked the Choice camp before coming over to the stadium.

Brian Stewart's coaching role with the Eagles is more definitive now. The former Dallas defensive coordinator has been named a "special assistant" to the Philly defense, working primarily with the secondary.

"Brian Stewart brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our football club," said head coach Andy Reid. ""He especially has a good understanding of the NFC East acquired during his time with the Cowboys. He'll be a nice addition to our coaching staff.""

Ready for some more Martellus Bennett? The entertaining tight end was a recent guest on Deadspin. Bennett answered a wide variety of questions ranging from his physique, to P.F.Chang's dumplings, to how lame T.O.'s tweets are. Evidently, defensive end Marcus Spears interrupted the interview four times!

Both Spears and Marty B played in the charity basketball fundraiser for Rich Behm. You can watch video of the actual game here on YouTube, including some pregame interviews. Other current Cowboys, such as Patrick Crayton and Courtney Brown, took on a team of old-school players, such as "MOOOSE!" and Mr.222-total-tackles, Eugene Lockhart.

Today begins week three of OTAs for the Cowboys. Usually, Tuesdays are open to the media; but, today's access has been cancelled because of weather and a scheduling change.

The Cowboys have one more week of OTAs after this, and then a full squad mini-camp June 15-17.