Man, it's going to be what seems like an eternity until we get any real Cowboy's news.  ( hopefully no one gets arrested, or has a motor vehicle accident, or knocks someone up ) So it's time for truly ridiculous, unsubstantiated speculation and buffoonery.

With this roster loaded with solid veterans and good young talent will we see any surprise cuts? Surely there will be at least one that no one or maybe only one person sees coming. Do you have the guts to put that far out thought down for everyone to see? I do, but I'm to old to give a flip what any of you guys think anyway; I don't live with you. I don't work with you. You don't pay my bills, take me out fishing with you, buy me a ticket to the game and and a plane ticket to get there; Plus, I have no pride ( except in my family, my Cowboys, and my expertise at fishing; oh and my job ).

The Biggest surprise Would be Roy Williams, but I don't think this one is going to happen for the sole reason that Jerry has got way to much money tied up in him. A lot of people would  probably be happy if it did happen, but it ain't happening. ( Jerry has more pride than sense).

My guess for a possible surprise cut would be............are you ready?...........Marc Colombo. Kind of loses the surprise effect when it's out there in bold print huh. Now I'm not saying it's going to happen or that Colombo doesn't do a decent job for the most part or that there is even any evidence to back me up. I'm just saying I' wouldn't be shocked and here is why:

First off, I think Doug Free makes an outstanding right tackle and a mediocre left tackle. Now some, if not most of you will say that you think Free will be fine and he just may be; Lord knows I hope he is because that is probably were he will be. But fine isn't great or even good- it's something less. Now for my obscure thoughts to be realized Alex Barron would have to prove himself better than Free; a thought that would spread dread and doom throughout the Cowboy fan base and the snickers of haters everywhere. However, for Barron to suddenly become a better left tackle here than he ever was for the Rams and for him to be good enough beat out Free may not be such an outlandish thought in my opinion; Remember. he doesn't have to be great just better than Free.

Secondly, if the above mentioned fantasy/nightmare were to come about it would cause one to reevaluate the right tackle position. Colombo is no slouch, but I think more mobility from that and any other line position opens up your play book a little bit more.  But first I guess you would have to ask yourself: " Is Free better than Colombo?". I would say based on what I saw last year that he is; you and the coaches may have a different opinion. 

If Barron proves to be better than Free at left tackle and Free proves to be better than Colombo at tackle then I say those are your starting tackles.

Now what happens to Colombo?  I guess the logical choice would be to bring him to the game as back up and Free would swing to left tackle if Barron goes down; or and this is the kicker and the key to the whole buffoonery - Robert Brewster ( or heck we're talking right tackle, Sam Young ) is actually pretty darn good and can back it up.

Anyway, there's my  stupid thought for today.

Change may be good, but I'm caught between excited and scared.

Like some others on this blog I am an old dog. I saw much of the Cowboy's history live as it happened; Landry beating Shula in Superbowl VI:  The original Hail Mary pass from Staubach to Pearson in the 75-76 playoff game, the lost years of Danny White ( I thought he was a great punter and a pretty good QB ), ownership and caching change, Lord that was a scary time; Then came the triplet years which even more here were part of, then a few more lost years, and now the Romo era.  This has been a time of mixed emotions for the fans. full of unexpected surprizes and bitter disappointments; only time will tell if  this will be the era of destiny or disappointment.

This year ownership and coaching seem to be getting us ready for somewhat of a wholesale change in the roster. Seems like almost every player at every position is growing eyes in the back of their heads trying to keep an eye on the guy behind them. Some players are fairly safe: Romo, Ware, Ratliff, Jenkins and a few others starters have some breathing room..for now... but everyone else is fighting not be one of those bubble guys.

Change is a scary uncertain thing. This fact was brought front and center when the Cowboys released Flozell Adams and named Doug Free his heir-apparent, then to alleviate our fears they brought in a failed LT from the league's worst team.  Ken Hamlin also got the ax, and the battle for his job by younger guys has got people talking, if not worried. To some these were  easy moves to make; to others it's bold and scary;  to ESPN it's just plain reckless.  But, who cares what they think; we know our team and we will be scared and excited at the same time.

Another change that took place is at LB, and most of us have been waiting for the hammer to drop on this one since the second year of Carpenters tenure here. He was kind of like the square peg trying to fit in a round hole, and to some extent that's not his fault.  However, I really don't expect him to excel in St Louis either.  LB'ers need to be decisive and physical, if nothing else, and he was neither.  Williams and Lee seem to be both, so it will be exciting to see just what they bring to the table. Now I'm sure they will have growing pains, and at times we will scream " You Idiot!" at our TV sets; but for the most part I think we all see this as an exciting and good thing.

One change that was kind of forced on us last year was at place kicker.  Now, I know Faulk didn't recover his kicking game after his surgery, and so the Boys let him go, but I wonder why they didn't just carry him for a year?  I mean with the kicking issues we have had in the past, and to have him perform the way he did early in his career, why not give him the year to recover?  My only explanation would be that they planned to make the change to Buehler anyway and so why not open up the roster spot.  OK Dave it's yours to lose, just don't lose us a game. This is Scary.

Many more changes loom on the horizon when it comes to back up and role players.  Proctor is already gone to the delight of many - yet that presents more unknowns into the equation.  Center is every bit an imortant position as LT, if not more, so the drumer's departure has the team auditioning for someone who can fill in without missing a beat: Exciting and scary.

There are some other names who could be seeking employment elsewhere:  Crayton, Hurd, Watkins, Anderson to name the most obvious.  By themselves, none of these guys I would say have had minimal impact; but, as a collective group they have made a major impact on Special Teams.  So, will we make wholesale cuts and hope that Joe Camillis can work some magic with the newer guys...there is some talent there...but man this may be scary.

Well, nothing you didn't know here, but I hadn't written anything in a while (bet you wish I would have kept it that way). 

First, I had to title this post as a view from a  "blind man" because my opinions are based solely on what I have read; and as we all know you can believe none of what you read/hear and only half of what you see, and I have not been to San Antonio; and since what we hear/read comes from writers who are not professional scouts; and what he hear from coaches and owners are usually generic half truths my questions and opinion are based entirely on uneducated speculation; Also, I maybe a tad early since the 1st pre-season game is on Thursday and I could possibly get a look for myself if it is nationally televised; However, any thoughts about players gathered from this game would also be scude because of the limited camera shots and quality of the competion any given player is competing aginst. I posted this only because Roster spots are at a all time premium this year. Ok, enough for the disclaimer, except to say as always, if butchery of the English language truly offends you than I suggest you stick to reading publications written by those who get payed to do it.

Steven McGee: I know some of you dudes and dudetts minds are in a tizzy and your fingers are itching to hit the key board to tear this idea to shreds, but please just hear me out. First of all, I thought I read somewhere were the 3rd/emergency QB does not count against the roster, but then again I am probably mistaken and it was probably the game-day roster. If it's the former disregard this player; If its the later then I'm on the right track. Anyway, I know we all still have head-aches over the loss of Matt Moore to Carolina; however, I'm not sure that you can even put McGee in the same sentence with Moore based on what I have been reading, not saying he won't eventually develop into something. But as mentioned earlier The roster spots a few, and why waste one on this guy above someone who might accually contribute or have more potential to contribute at another position? Personally, I think he makes it through to the PS and if he doesn't, well then he doesn't ( I think Jerry is enamored with prospects from Texas). That being said, You rearly ever truly know what you had, till it's gone.

Mike Mickens: I put this guy slightly ahead of Mcgee in accual performance on the practice field and I am indecisive based on the press about his potential. First, he comes from a small school, thus the competion the has seen is limited. He, in my limited medical opinion, has not had suffient time to heal from his knee surgery ( everyone knows it takes at least a year to get back to 100%, despite being able to preform on it earlier), He gets burned every practice by multiple players from Williams to Jefferson. I do not know if this is because of his knee, his inexperience, or the fact that he just really isn't any good.  Now, the recent injuries to Cbs may mandate us putting him on the 53, but I think if he has to be on the field we are up shits crick anyway. Again, I think he makes it through to the practice squad.

These are my biggest and probably most controversial player thoughts; However, I do think that holding onto the LB Stewart, just for the fact he can LS is just silly. I have not read were he has been impressive playing LB.

I don't know the extent of Micheal Hawkins's injury, but I hope he makes it back so we can get another look at him.

I'm a big Ohio State fan, but I'm really intrigued about Stephen Hodge.

Does anyone else, in vision Brandon Williams as MLB in the future, possibly at Brady's spot? Nothing against Brady, just looking for the physicality at the spot, and If he puts on more muscle I  think he could do it.

I read this on DC Fan Blog.

http://www.truebluefanclub.com/blogs/writers_block.cfm?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a6f720d98-095f-4c2b-9bbb-88639ea813cbPost%3ae71aff84-d73a-4a7a-9324-ed055fb18612&sid=sitelife.truebluefanclub.com

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Since his acquisition Roy Williams has done little to show that he can contribute much to our offense, now, I am not saying he won't at some point (next year), but he has been little more than a decoy thus far. I think in the last few games teams have come to realize that they don't have to double cover him or even put their best cover guy on him; whether it is his planter fasciitis or whether it is something else he just does not pose a realist down field or any other kind threat. It is my opinion that Austin Miles should get the #2 spot with Crayton at #3. and if we should need a little more speed I say rotate Stanback into the 3 at times ( there is no doubt he is fast, he actually out ran Jones on his long TD run). Anyway, just think Miles would be a realistic option and not just the appearance of a threat.

These are just a few opinions and snipits:

Just another game...Not!

'Now wait just one minute', I hear many of you saying. 'We are not out of the woods yet'. Quite right. We won't be out of the woods this year until the last dog dies. Indeed, it is still plausible that we might not make the playoffs at all. But, speaking frankly, yes our schedule is unforgiving, but of the final four regular season opponents is there anyone whom you are frightened of playing? I mean just plain scared. The Cowboys?  Are you kidding? They certainly are capable of beating us if we underperform, but I would be annoyed and angry with the Steelers for letting those punks beat them at Heinz with so much at stake...

6.Consider the Steelers 'discovered'. If you haven't noticed the Steelers are now the 'hot' team among the sports punditry and experts. That should only increase if they manage to expose the dinged Cowboys as the pretenders that they are.

Now its predictable for these guys to dis respect us and take us for granted...I can only hope the Steelers players are thinking the same thing.

My biggest concern for the up coming game, and all the games this year, is 1st and 2nd down pass defense. We use use these situational packages to play to our players strong suits; yet it can make us predictable and suseptable to the other teams because team will surely game plan for it.

Prime example: Taking Roy Williams and Brady out in passing situations, ie..3rd down. Duh! you never get to 3rd down if K. Winslow burns them on 1st and 2nd. I noticed it at the end of last year ,how it seemed teams were passing more on the nontriditional passing down and had good success ( or maybe it was just my imagination).

Anyway, nothing I can do about it, except worry and pray that Roy doesn't suck as bad this year!

Think about it, I hope Garrett is! Witten on one side and Bennett on the other its the answer to the WR woes, at least till they get back. Don't need anymore WR that are not already on the team, they don't have the time to learn the O before the injured guys come back anyway. A 2 TE offense with these 2 would be scary! 1st, 2nd and 3rd down are we running or are we passing? Add in Barber and / or F. Jones in the back field who can both run and catch. Plus, it may help with the loss of Kosier to have that extra bocker at time on both sides.  Well, I think its a no brainer!  Jason are you reading this?

#1 Talk in Miami papers that Beck may be cut, presently they  rumors say Parcels is shopping for a trade.  Any thoughts? IDK if Miami doesn't want him how god can he be?

#2 Hannon had a decent showing, think he could hold his own in 2nd team reps? ( would make the Bennet pick look just plain stupid would'nt it)

#3 Danny A. not really looking outstanding in his preseason chances; probably PS  for him . What are the chances he makes it without another team picking him up. (after all he is slow and small)

#4 Allen Ball screwing upand may be heading back to PS. What are the chances he makes it without another team picking him up? ( they know we were using hiim in 1st team dime or nickel, and CB are a valued comodity, Ogelsby seems to be over taking him)

#5 Do u think the non Parcels like aproach to training camp has contributed to the amount of penilties and poor team play that we have witnessed thus far or do u think its just "preseason as usual" ?

#6 Does anyone else think that T.Choice was a great pick or what?( didn't really know much about him before the draft and from what I read from draft prospects analysis he really didn't seem like much of anything special)

#6 Would you like to see more of Lattimore as a lead blocker/ FB? Looked good last game and has to have more speed than Cricket. Seeing how we are set at true RB a fullback/ RB to the PS would make since. ( I know I would like to see more) 

All u have to do is look at last years Giants (wether you like it or not) to see how a not really exceptionally talented individuals can come together  to acomplish a goal and at the same time show how a TEAM is a lot more than sum of their individual parts. AMAZING!

Now, here is the Cowboys Nation sitting here looking at and reading about what a talent laden roster we have,  and how with the 13-3 record we opposite last year that we we are the front runner to represent the NFC in the Superbowl in Tampa. HOGWASH!

Now, all I have been able to do is read about the camp on all the sites, then read about the first two preseason games on nfl.com, then the post game rederic on the sites again. I mean the author has their particular take on all the events depending on who their writing for or there likes and dislikes or the particular angle their trying to achieve; But me, I'm just a long time Cowboy fan. I don't really watch any other sports and don't really care about any other games being played, that is unless it somehow effects my team in some way, and that's the way it has been for me for almost 40 years. Why do I even mention this? I don't know, maybe I think it gives me the insight that only I, and possibly others who loves the boys as I do can achieve. Is it all seeing all knowing? No, but it is honest.

I have something to say and I don't really know how to put it into words so that it truly conveys my thoughts in the way I would like. I'm not a professional or even an armature writer. Heck, I am the poster boy for spell and grammar check. But lets take a abbreviated look back at this team to this point (God I hate it when sports writers rehash the same news and stats in an article, just for the sake of the article, or just always have the homer point of view. [ can't hardly stomach Spags anymore]).

Season ends for the Cowboys13-3; The less talented, overachieving, focused, goal oriented team has beaten the more talented, possibly over confident heavy favorites. Long off season of waiting, wondering; the anticipation and speculation of the draft. The draft: Great 1st round, unexpected 2nd an so on. California training camp: Cupcakes, popcorn and amazing things seen from vets and rooks alike when there is no one aloud to lay the hammer to them. Get on a train see the sights. On the field with the Chargers Romo completes 3 passes, Barber averages 5 ypa, Felix is cat quick, Austin is fast and consistent, but we lose because of lack of discipline as evidenced by penalties, turn overs and very poor special teams play. People freaking: need back up QB, we want Joe back, Danny A. boy get it together!On to Denver, Cowboys offensive and defensive lines crushes the smaller Denver units in individual drills, but can't do the same in TEAM exercises. Adam Jones gets him a big slice of some humble pie from 3rd year receiver Brandon Marshall. and lastly, the second preseason game: their QB and his Team of receivers eat up the  Vanilla Dallas Defense; then the smaller less talented Denver defense hold the Superstar all Dallas Pro bowl offense without a score. Now we did see substantially better special teams play and we did see our back up QB have good drives for scores against the second team defense of the Broncos, but then again he did have those big pro bowlers watching his back. we saw some good individual efforts, sustained a disproportional bunch of injuries,( Austins being the most potentially damaging, given the search for another true WR) had another slew of costly penalties and  again lost the game.

Winning or losing in preseason is no big deal seeing how you play so many back ups to try to determine who will or will not make the team; But how you win or lose and what your Team looks like doing it does matter. How have we looked in the first 2 preseason games? How did we look in the practices against another team? I don't know I didn't see it personally; But from What I have read we sure didn't look like we were anywhere close to being a well oiled machine. Now that's ok, its preseason rite, Well all I can say is our opponents have looked like their ahead of us.

Well, I have lost track of my point and find myself rambling about nothing. Bottom line is we have 2 weeks to become a TEAM not a bunch of talented undisciplined individuals. I don't know about u, but I'm getting heartburn from all the cupcakes and popcorn.