Back in August in San Antonio, I attended one afternoon practice for the Dallas Cowboys.  I remember one specific play, a streaking Martellus Bennett, running a skinny post, beat a linebacker by at least five yards for an easy touchdown.  I remember turning and telling my wife, “This guy is gonna have a monster year!”   I remember thinking, “this guy is gonna be the best thing since…well…since Jason Witten.” That hasn’t happened, not even close. As I’ve watched games, he’s done a commendable job blocking and has caught a few passes, but he has far from impressed. 

The Cowboys run a two tight end set where they may become unpredictable, but ironically, they have become very predictable.  In order for the Cowboys to be truly dynamic, Bennett has to keep his side of the bargain and become a pass catching threat and not just a solid blocker.  Defenses know he not a pass catching threat, therefore they blanket Witten.  I hope when Bennett comes back from his fog, his pass catching abilities will become clear and present as well.  When Bennett realizes his potential, the Cowboys have a truly be a dynamic offense. 

Last year everybody had a man crush on Orlando Scandrick.  He could tackle; he could cover the slot; he could run for president; he could do no wrong.  This year he’s hit the sophomore wall.  He can’t tackle or cover much less be a candidate.  For all his struggles this year Scandrick appears close to breaking out.  Against Seattle on the touchdown he got beaten, all he had to do was turn around and the INT was his.  If he didn’t slip and fall so many times against the first Giants game, he would have been there for the tackles.  He’s young and still learning.  His incredible rookie year led us to believe he was next coming of Everson Walls, but, along with his skill, a fraction of luck might have played into the equation.  Nonetheless, Orlando Scandrick is underachieving, but he is a few plays close to earning our praises again.

In the next few games if both Bennett and Scandrick play up to their abilities, they will give both the offense and defense a new dimension making them dynamic.  The offense will become unpredictable (in a good way) if Bennett breaks out.  If defenders decide to blanket Witten, Bennett and the other receivers will make them pay.  If Scandrick shuts the slot receiver down, Ware, Spencer and the other pass rushers will have a field day.  Optimism at its finest.

When was the last time you saw more than one Dallas Cowboy lay his body on the line and lay a big, ball-jarring, tenacious hit?  The last game against Atlanta, there were three players: Gerald Sensabaugh, Terence Newman, and MIKE JENKINS!  Jenkins not only had a couple of big hits, he had an interception.  I know that the D-line is in constant battle in the trenches and give and take hits every play, but I’m talking about the players in space.  Keith Brooking is almost assured of one or two hits like that per game; it’s just his style.  But the DBs?  I hope the trend continues, for nothing fires up a team like a good hit from a DB.  With a sheriff in the backfield, the front seven know that they have an easier time.  Pin your ear back time!

Remember when Roy Williams would lay some wood and set the tone?  It seemed it was only Williams that was capable of making big hits back then.  The only knock (and what a BIG KNOCK) on Williams was his mental lapse in coverage which would demoralize his team.  Do the Cowboys now have three potential big hitters?  Sensabaugh and Jenkins seem to have a proclivity for hits and that seems to have rubbed off on Newman.  Have you ever seen Newman jar the ball loose from a receiver like that?  What got into him?  The only conclusion I can draw is that hitting is infectious and attitude is the key.  A player has to want to hit.  Some players love to hit and those players are always welcome on a team.  When other players see more that one player hitting their hearts out, they too are almost forced to hit.  Their thinking is “If he is going all out, I have to go all out.”  I hope this keeps up. 

Who exactly are these guys?  Sensabaugh is a strong safety that can hit (not as hard as Roy but hard nonetheless).  He can also cover; something Roy could never do.  Sensabaush’s coverage skills should not demoralize the team.  If it’s any indication, he did a good job on a great tight end, Gonzalez.  Jenkins is a fast, smooth corner with ball skills, and he likes to hit.  A few months ago, I wrote a post about Jenkins making the Pro Bowl in two years.  I based it on a gut feeling and his athleticism.  His play lately has removed all my doubts.  And now we get to the old dude, Newman.  Newman is still the fastest corner although he seems to have less ball skills than Jenkins.  Newman can stick to a receiver because of his speed, but if he can add hitting to his repertoire, he can become dominant and feared, something Jenkins seems to be earning.  At this point all I can say is LET THE HITS ROLL!

After two (or was it three?) catchable and dropped passes in the end zone, admit it, you started yelling at the parlor wall phrases such as “bench him!” and “his hands suck!”  Meanwhile, Austin simply turned his fortune around and had the most productive day of any Cowboys receiver in history.

            Obviously, Austin proved something yesterday; he should start.  The knee-jerk reaction would be “make him the number one receiver.”  Not yet my friend.  He deservers the number two spot.  This should have happened months ago.  It’s astonishing that coaches, especially Ray Sherman, would not give Austin the opportunity.  During training camp, Sherman stated that Patrick Crayton was the unquestioned number two receiver.  From all the articles and blogs I read, it was clear that Austin and Sam Hurd were having better camps than Crayton.  Why not give them a shot?  After all, this is Austin’s fourth year; he is not a green rookie, he has the speed, give him the opportunity.  As Austin proved yesterday, players need chances.

            Also, it’s not as if Crayton has been lighting it up.  He has not even been average this year.  Move him to the slot where his craftiness makes him a threat.  Austin’s size, speed, and potential are just too intriguing.  Don’t get me wrong.  Austin will not have another 10 catch, 250 yard game any time soon, but if he can get 5-6 catches and 60 to 70 yards a game, he deserves to be the number two.  If he can get 7-8 catches and 80-90 yards a game, he should supplant Roy Williams.

            A few months ago amid the Terrell Owens release, I wrote a post titled “Many Miles Asunder.”  Well, asunder no more, Miles Austin has arrived. 

As fans we have heard all the negativity towards Anthony Spencer: He’s a bust!  He’s not starting material!  He can’t even beat out an old Greg Ellis!  The Cowboys should have drafted Lamarr Woodley!

The truth of the matter is Spencer could have beaten out Ellis if he hadn’t been held back by injuries.  As a matter of fact, he did beat out Ellis toward the end of last year as evidenced by the amount of playing time he received.

People are so quick to dismiss Spencer as a bust.  Why?  Because he couldn’t beat out Ellis his rookie year?  Ellis was the comeback player of the year in 2007 recording 12 sacks.  Anybody not named Ware or Merriman would have had trouble beating out Ellis that year.  Spencer is a bust because he didn’t do anything in 2008.  Hey genius, it's hard to do much when you’re sidelined for half the football season with arthroscopic knee surgery.  It’s also hard to come back from that surgery and pick up where you left off.  That’s like asking a sprinter to give his competition a three second head start in the hundred meter dash and expect him to catch up.  It’s not gonna happen.  Now, this is year three, Tom Landry’s and Bill Parcells’ barometer for a player to excel.  Excelling is Spencer’s priority and he knows it.

What about Lamarr Woodley?  He has developed faster than Spencer, but in the long run, he will not be a better player than Spencer.  At Michigan Woodley was a "Three-year starter who played outside rush linebacker," which is the reason for his fast development as an OLB in the NFL.  He had experience.  Spencer was a defensive end at Purdue that was "Effective against wide running plays, [couldn’t] be hooked or pinned inside, and [could] play in space."  Obviously it has taken time for Spencer to develop into an OLB having played three years as a defensive end in college.  Spencer is good with room to be great because he hasn’t even tapped his potential.   In year three of his NFL career Spencer will best Woodley.

During the 2007 NFL Draft, Joe Thomas, the third overall player taken in that draft and now a Pro Bowl left tackle for the Cleveland Browns, was asked what defensive player gave him the most trouble in his college career.  Spencer, Woodley, and Thomas all played in the Big Ten, so they played each other regularly.  Thomas, with unflinching conviction, answered "Anthony Spencer."

People have been saying that Spencer is a party animal, that it will get in his way, that partying is his priority.  Utter nonsense!  I heard it from a friend... who heard it from a friend... who heard it from a friend...  You get the picture.  If Spencer wants to party, he can do it after the game, win or lose.

Why will Spencer finally become a force?  Spencer will become a force because he is now a seasoned veteran.  He has learned the nuances of being a 3-4 OLB and will be a force against the run and pass opposite Ware.  Spencer will become a force because Ellis is gone and will no longer stunt his development.  When Spencer looks over his shoulder, Ellis will not be the pass rush specialist, and unless the rookies are studs and ready, only Williams and Butler will be there (to back him up).

Just for the record, scouts for Athlon Sports described Spencer as "relentless" and taking "good angles."  He is described as "more than just a pass rusher" and playing the run with "strength and explosion."  Offenses better watch out!

This season we can say without a doubt that Spencer will bust… on lineman, running backs, and quarterbacks.

Works Cited

Athlon Sports Draft Guide 2006

CBS Sports.com

Many of you don’t put much stock into the Sporting News or any other draft publication for that matter, but the magazine has some interesting information that you might want to know.

This issue has been on the stands since March, so we know that nothing is set in stone since scouts constantly reevaluate and revise their findings.  We also know that no magazine is prophecy, but let’s at least listen.  Dallas may have new starters at the guard position soon!

Let’s look at some snippets from the Sporting News Draft Guide; I’ll draw my conclusions and you can draw yours.

Here are the four guards that the Cowboys either drafted or signed through free agency.

Robert Brewster, Ball State, Rank (18)

Sporting News: “Brewster is a solid late-round pick who needs development, but he could become a starter at tackle or guard.”

Implication: When Brewster develops in a year or two, he will push both Kosier and Davis for their starting jobs.  Heck, he might even push Columbo!

Travis Bright, BYU, Rank (8)

Sporting News: “Bright is a solid football player who understands how to play the game.  He is best as a run blocker, but needs to work on pass blocking.  Still, there’s little doubt he’ll be starting on Sundays next season.”

Implication: Bright is good enough now to challenge Kosier and Davis for their starting jobs!

Greg Isander, West Virginia, Rank (2)

Sporting News: “He may be drafted later than we have him rated, but Isander has all the tools to become a long-term NFL starter.”

Implication: By “[having] all the tools,” Isander sounds like a complete player who is ready to challenge immediately.”

Michael Turkovich, Notre Dame, Rank (25)

Sporting News: “[Turkovich] may need a year or two on the practice squad before he cracks a roster, but he could develop into a solid backup.”

Implication: Turkovich is the only one that doesn’t have high praise relatively speaking, but he sounds like a better backup than the Cowboys have now.  Watch out Proctor!

I exaggerate on some of my implications, but the fact of the matter is that Dallas stockpiled guards in hopes that at least one will challenge the starters and keep them on their toes, if not outright snatch the job from them.  Of course, we should take this information with a grain of salt because, if you follow football, you know that scouts are wrong as much as they’re right.  But if the Sporting News scouts are right, the Cowboys found gems in the draft and free agency.  Hopefully, these guards will make an impact in camp and at least make it hard for the coaches to cut them.

Now, if the Cowboys could only stockpile tackles.

Works Cited

            Sporting News Draft Guide 2009

Many of you would say there’s no comparison simply because of the fact that Aikman is a hall of famer, a proven quarterback , and a legend in Dallas, not necessarily in that order.  Another argument is that they have two different styles.

But let’s have some fun.  Let’s start with some stories from Aikman’s training camps.

Some might remember, during one training camp, that Mark Tuinei challenged “Roy”, Tuinei’s nickname for Aikman, to hit a can off his head 20 yards away.  Tuinei, trusting Aikman completely, did not move or flinch, or so the story goes. “Roy” threw a strike and wiped the can clean off Tuinei’s head, adding to the legend of his accuracy. 

Another time, Nate Newton said Aikman was “the man” and that 400 yard games were imminent. It never happened; he never had those 400 yard barnburners like Marino, Elway or even Favre.  A pure pocket passer and accurate as hell, Aikman never had to throw for 400 yard games because he could pick his spots; he was also on one of the most balanced teams in NFL history. However, Aikman could have done it if he had to.  He was that accurate and talented.  Aikman’s stats were not great; they weren’t even that good (11 years, 165 TD, 32,942 yds).  Anyway you state it, the stat argument is moot because all Aikman did was bring home playoff victories and Super Bowl championships.

What about Romo?  What are his training camp stories?  His training camp stories involve Jessica Simpson and parties!  I jest!  From all accounts Romo is a professional and works hard during the off season.  He is, after all, trying to build chemistry with “the receiver.”  What about Romo’s lore and his legend? Well…that comes with time, and it’s not time yet.

What about his football qualities?  He doesn’t have Aikman’s arm strength, but he is accurate, and he is a pure passer, Dan Marino with athleticism.  I’m on the record for saying Romo’s a better passer than Aikman.  He might be a better passer than anyone in the game right now, better than Manning, better than Brady.  Before you think I’m on ‘shrooms, let me explain. Romo is not the prototypical pocket passer ala Manning, Brady, or Aikmen.  He can be, but that is not his strength.  He passes with accuracy on roll outs and boot-legs, he side steps rushers and throws accurate darts to Witten, he throws a very accurate long ball to a speeding receiver (insert TO), he can improvise on a broken plays and throw amazing touchdown passes, and again, if necessary, he can stand in the pocket and throw a timely slant.  Aikman, for being one of the most… if not the most accurate pocket passer in NFL history could not do all this; he was not as athletically gifted as Romo is.

Romo’s stats prove he is a hell of a passer; just look at all the TDs he has thrown in a 2 ½ year period (81 TD, 10,562 yds).

His mistakes, and there are many, prevent people from recognizing how special Tony Romo really is. Only when he cuts down on his mistakes will people begin to appreciate Romo’s talents. 

Don’t get me wrong, Aikman was and still is one of my favorite players, but he did have one of the most dominant offensive lines in NFL history and the best running back of the era. 

Romo has a good line and good running backs, had a heck of a receiver.  Yes Owens is better that Irvin, but that’s another post.

Right now Aikman is revered and he deserves it; he does have three rings. 

Romo only has good stats.  But give Romo time; he will deliver.  When Romo wins a championship or two and retires after a good career, we will all declare “Romo was a better quarterback than Aikman.”

A very wise and learned scholar from the school of rock once sang “you can’t always get what you want.”  Well… all I want is a dominant defense.  I’m talking about a top three defense.  Hey, let’s go for the gusto, the number one rated defense!  Is that too much to ask?  I don’t think so.  If Pittsburgh and Baltimore have one, why can’t the Cowboys?  I wouldn’t ask this if the Cowboys were many players away, but the Cowboys, I feel, are only a few players away from being dominant.

Let’s start with DeMarcus Ware.  He is as dominant as they get.  Some people thought I was crazy to suggest that Ware didn’t deserve the highest contract for a defensive player in the NFL.  But Ware wasn’t dominant at the beginning of the 2008 season.  Yeah, he averaged about one sack a game the first eleven games, but many of the sacks were during garbage time and not game-changing.  Then suddenly, like Rafael wrote in one of his post several months ago, the light went on for Ware, he developed a couple of rush moves, and he became virtually unstoppable.  Towards the end of the year, Ware did play like the best defensive player in the NFL.  The Cowboys need to keep building around him by adding a good pass rusher from the other side and that will be one way of becoming dominant.

I know this sounds like a paradox; Jay Ratliff is a beast, but he is undersized.  However, Ratliff is capable of making game-changing plays on defense.  Just put on the tape, keep your eye on Ratliff and see for yourself how disruptive he is.  He is the second best defensive player on the team, he’s cat quick, and he’s disruptive.  Did I happen to say he’s disruptive?  The only knock I have on Ratliff is that he plays too much and therefore tires as the game goes on.  He is, after all, undersized.  The Cowboys need to get Ratliff a partner in crime, a hefty back up that’s a change of pace guy and that relieves and rotates with him.  If the Cowboys can find one through free agency or the draft, they’re on their way to becoming a dominant defense.  Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are fine; they’re not going to get a ton of sacks but they’re going to hold up well against two blockers and stop the run.

By signing Keith Brooking, the Cowboys instantly upgraded its LB corps.  He’s going to be a tackling machine next to Bradie James.  He won’t get pushed around like Zach Thomas.  Bobby Carpenter and a future draft pick will provide depth.

The starters in the secondary are fine.  Mike Jenkins will flourish in Henry’s place and Terrance Newman is one of the best five cornerbacks in the league (if he can avoid the injury bug).  I’m assuming that Sensabaugh and Hamlin are going to be the starters at safety.  Hamlin missed a couple of tackles, well let me rephrase that, he missed the two biggest tackles in Texas Stadium history and fans and media penned him as a non-tackling safety.  Hamlin can still tackle and hit.  Just ask receivers.   Sensabaugh, I’m assuming, and I hope I assume correctly, is an upgrade over Roy Williams, Patrick Watkins, or Keith Davis, at least that’s what I’ve heard. The Cowboys need to add depth in the secondary, both a cornerback and a safety and the Cowboys will become a dominant defense.

That’s a total of five players.  Add those players to the Cowboys and Wade Phillips’ defensive play-calling and the ‘Boys are on the verge of becoming a dominant defense.  Maybe I’m being overly optimistic, but hopefully, if the Cowboys try real hard, they’ll get what they need, and I’ll get what I want, A DOMINANT DEFENSE!

Frankly, Greg Ellis’ drafting in 1998 instead of Randy Moss’ was shocking and maddening.  On film Randy Moss had superstardom written all over him.  At Marshall Moss caught an inside screen and took it to the house, Moss made the unbelievable acrobatic catch look easy, Moss sped by everybody on the field.  Greg Ellis was just another name (I did not keep up with the draft back then like I do now).

Considering what has happened the last eleven years maybe, and that’s a big MAYBE, the Cowboys made the right choice.  Ellis has been the consummate professional (for the better part of his career), has produced, and has been a good albeit outspoken teammate.  Randy Moss is a special receiver and has shown no signs of slowing down.  His character is questionable; therefore he is on his third team.  Both had an outstanding 2007.  However, many people (including myself) would have taken Moss.  It’s tantalizing to wonder how Moss would have produced with Aikman, Irvin, and Smith and beyond (along with all the drama).  But that’s purely speculative and another story.

All that being said, it’s time to cut ties with Ellis.  His production has slipped dramatically, his insecurities have affected team chemistry, and his whining is as annoying as Tucker Carlson’s bowtie.  A team can deal with a player’s whining and insecurities if the player produces at a high level (well, maybe not; look at TO).  However, Ellis’ playmaking days are over and so should his career with the Dallas Cowboys.  Why would a team need a slow, aging OLB that can’t play in space?  Some people will say that he’s still serviceable as a “pass rush specialist.”  Ellis did not prove that last year.  Add one more football year to his age and the task becomes even harder.  Give Ellis his walking papers; the team will benefit from it and so will Ellis.  Maybe he’ll find a team that can still use him.  How will Ellis’ release benefit the Cowboys?  It will open the door for Anthony Spencer as a full time starter without having to look over his shoulder.  Spencer is big, fast, and showed ability as a pass rusher, a solid complement to Ware.  What about a back up for Spencer?  There is always the draft.  I’ll let you do the research!  Nonetheless, it’s time to fix the LOLB.  It’s time to make things right and set the left.  Imagine what Ware can do with a "Robin!"

The release of TO means one thing, that everybody in the receiving corps moves up a notch.    Gone is TO and that leaves the number one receiver designation to Roy Williams.  Presumably, the second receiver tag would fall to Patrick Crayton, but this is Miles Austin time.  One gets the feeling that Patrick Crayton has reached his ceiling so to speak; his potential has been reached.  As a matter of fact, he regressed a bit last season.  He wasn’t the playmaker he was in 2007.  It seems though that Crayton is serviceable as a third or fourth receiver and punt returner; he still has value.  Austin needs to be ready and compete and even earn the second receiver position.  Is Austin ready for such a prime time move or is he “many Miles asunder?”

Austin definitely has the tools: he is 6’3 and around 215 lbs.  He is lightning fast; once he reaches top gear, he’s the fastest receiver on the team, this year and last year.  Austin has the ability, with his size and speed, to beat press coverage and run by cornerbacks for big plays.  He did that a couple of times last year.  The only ability that Austin lacks is quickness; he is not cat quick, fast but not quick.  But that’s OK, his speed suffices.

The flip side of the argument is his development.  Austin attended Monmouth University, not exactly a football powerhouse.  Austin was a playmaker at Monmouth, according to dallascowboys.com, “Miles Austin finished his career at Monmouth University setting school records for touchdown receptions (33), receptions (150) and yards (2,867),” of course that was against inferior talent.  Austin is still getting adjusted the speed and power of the NFL.  He’s running out of time; this is the year to prove himself; he does not have the luxury of developing in one or two more years.  In order for the team to accomplish what it needs to (win playoff games), Austin needs a breakout season.  He has the abilities and talent to be successful now, after all this is year 4 not year 3, Tom Landry’s and Bill Parcells’ barometer.  So the question arises again, “is Austin ready for a prime time move, or is he many Miles asunder?”

Is Ware Worth It?

DeMarcus Ware will soon be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, which leads to the question “Is Ware worth it?”  Is DeMarcus Ware deserving of the millions of dollars he will be getting from Jerry Jones?  The obvious answer is a BIG YES.  However, that doesn’t mean that the average fan can’t play devil’s advocate.  Let’s just look at Ware’s qualifications, and if justified, make Ware the highest paid defensive player in history.

A couple of weeks ago Albert Haynesworth set the new standard for defensive players and big contracts.  As of now, he’s the highest paid defensive player in history.  Should Jerry pay Ware the same amount or more?  If you were an owner, would you pay Haynesworth that kind of money?  I believe it was 41 or 42 million guaranteed.  Haynesworth has been playing at a very high level for two years now; he’s been the most dominant tackle in football, commanding double teams, wreaking havoc in the backfield, and intimidating quarterbacks, offensive lineman, and running backs.  Can you make the same case for Ware?  YES!  Ware commands double teams, harasses quarterbacks and running backs alike, and his speed is intimidating.  Ware also covers tight ends and running backs, has a non stop motor, and plays every down.  Unlike Haynesworth who has only been playing at this level for two years now, Ware has been playing at this level since 2005.  Remember in 2006, when Haynesworth was manhandled by Gurode and Kosier which led to the stomping incident?  I don’t think Ware has ever been manhandled like that, he has too much speed.  What more can you ask for?  If Haynesworth got paid, pay Ware too.  Is Ware the best defensive player in football?  Not yet, but he’s on the cusp and is still improving.  You saw that last year in midseason when he picked up a couple of pass rushing moves.  Next year, with this progression, he will be the best defensive player in football, so pay him now.

Injuries are part of the game, but Ware has been injury free since he came into the league.  Part of it is luck, part of it is preparation, and part of it is hard work.  Ware plays hard every down and that’s one of the ways to avoid injury.  Coaches and players always say that people get hurt when they take plays off.  Ware never does.  If only that work ethic rubbed off on all his teammates.

People like me will never let the Ware, Merriman comparison die.  They will be linked together forever because they were drafted consecutively.  Some of you will be annoyed that I brought it up again, but you have to admit it’s fun though.  Ware is better than Merriman.  The comparison might not be fair at this point because Merriman did not play except for a few games last year, but if he did play his sack totals would have totaled or surpassed Ware’s, which would have made the argument much closer.  Even if he did play Ware is better.  At the end of their careers Merriman might have the better sack totals, but he is not the better player.  Merriman is a sack machine, Ware is too, but he can do all of the things I mentioned above.  Do you recall when he covered Frank Gore step for step and deflected the ball?  Merriman can’t do that.

I believe Ware is worth it.  Jerry, make Ware the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.  If Haynesworth received $100 million give Ware $101.  Ware is just as disruptive as Haynesworth who is generally considered the best defensive player in the NFL.  He’s better than his counterpart, Merriman.  And like I stated before, he will be the best defensive player in the NFL next year.  Jerry, save some money and pay him now.  Ware will get paid.  The question is “how much?”  How much should Ware receive?