Exciting Times
By Albert Nguyen
New regime. New outlook. But, does that mean there will be a new outcome in Big D for 2008? In addition to returning almost every starter from last year's playoff team, the Dallas Cowboys signed key free agents Ken Hamlin, Leonard Davis, and Brad Johnson in the off-season. However, the biggest change in Valley Ranch is not from a player, but from a coach; the absence of Bill Parcells. Wade Phillips steps in as the new coach bringing in a new attitude welcomed by many closely involved within the organization. We have all heard about Wade Phillips's laid back approach to the game of football and his willingness to be more attentive towards the skills and strengths of certain marquee players.
Terrell Owens's numbers are expected to improve. Demarcus Ware's numbers are expected to improve. Julius Jones's numbers are expected to improve. All of these parts make up the reason for why Cowboys fans throughout the country are chomping at the bit for the new season to begin. It is hard to believe that it has already been ten seasons since Jerry Jones has tasted a playoff victory. Although they managed to clinch a playoff berth a year ago, there were obvious shortcomings in the personel--especially in the offensive line, which led to the benching of Drew Bledsoe and at safety, because of Roy Williams's inability to cover the deep ball. Therefore, it was not a shock when the Cowboys went after Leonard Davis and Ken Hamlin in the summer to patch up these holes.
Projected Starters
Offense
QB: Tony Romo-Tale of two cities last year, which side will prevail?
RB: Julius Jones-Increased role in the offense under Wade Phillips.
WR: Terrell Owens-Led the league in TD receptions, looking for more.
WR: Terry Glenn-Solid veteran who does his job week in and week out.
TE: Jason Witten-One of the best tight ends in the NFL.
LT: Flozell Adams-Experienced, a pro bowl tackle when healthy.
LG: Kyle Kosier-The weakest link in an above average offensive line.
C: Andre Gurode-Inked a new deal because of solid play last year.
RG: Leonard Davis-Has great size, but also has great expectations.
RT: Marc Columbo-Nothing special, extremely hard worker.
Defense
DE: Marcus Spears-Much better than his one recorded sack in 2006.
DT: Jason Ferguson-Huge clog in the middle, draws double teams.
DE: Chris Canty-Started all 16 games a year ago.
OLB: Demarcus Ware-Never has had a double digit sack season.
ILB: Akin Ayodele-Needs to start this year like he ended last year.
ILB: Bradie James-Is much quicker and slimmer from a year ago.
OLB: Greg Ellis-Can be the difference maker in the Cowboys' 3-4.
FS: Ken Hamlin-Is he the answer to Dallas's passing defense?
SS: Roy Williams-Must play closer to the line to be effective.
CB: Terrence Newman-Talented but no interceptions to show for.
CB: Anthony Henry-Great cornerback when mentally prepared.
The big question marks in 2007/08 are depth at defensive tackle (there is no one behind Ferguson) and Romo's ability to duplicate his amazing run he had during his first six games after taking over the starting quarterback position. If Tony Romo is able to come close to the high level of play that earned him a pro bowl selection, Dallas should expect to win more than just one playoff game with Wade Phillips at the helm.
Copyright © 2007
Email: alnguyen84@gmail.com
By Albert Nguyen
New regime. New outlook. But, does that mean there will be a new outcome in Big D for 2008? In addition to returning almost every starter from last year's playoff team, the Dallas Cowboys signed key free agents Ken Hamlin, Leonard Davis, and Brad Johnson in the off-season. However, the biggest change in Valley Ranch is not from a player, but from a coach; the absence of Bill Parcells. Wade Phillips steps in as the new coach bringing in a new attitude welcomed by many closely involved within the organization. We have all heard about Wade Phillips's laid back approach to the game of football and his willingness to be more attentive towards the skills and strengths of certain marquee players.
Terrell Owens's numbers are expected to improve. Demarcus Ware's numbers are expected to improve. Julius Jones's numbers are expected to improve. All of these parts make up the reason for why Cowboys fans throughout the country are chomping at the bit for the new season to begin. It is hard to believe that it has already been ten seasons since Jerry Jones has tasted a playoff victory. Although they managed to clinch a playoff berth a year ago, there were obvious shortcomings in the personel--especially in the offensive line, which led to the benching of Drew Bledsoe and at safety, because of Roy Williams's inability to cover the deep ball. Therefore, it was not a shock when the Cowboys went after Leonard Davis and Ken Hamlin in the summer to patch up these holes.
Projected Starters
Offense
QB: Tony Romo-Tale of two cities last year, which side will prevail?
RB: Julius Jones-Increased role in the offense under Wade Phillips.
WR: Terrell Owens-Led the league in TD receptions, looking for more.
WR: Terry Glenn-Solid veteran who does his job week in and week out.
TE: Jason Witten-One of the best tight ends in the NFL.
LT: Flozell Adams-Experienced, a pro bowl tackle when healthy.
LG: Kyle Kosier-The weakest link in an above average offensive line.
C: Andre Gurode-Inked a new deal because of solid play last year.
RG: Leonard Davis-Has great size, but also has great expectations.
RT: Marc Columbo-Nothing special, extremely hard worker.
Defense
DE: Marcus Spears-Much better than his one recorded sack in 2006.
DT: Jason Ferguson-Huge clog in the middle, draws double teams.
DE: Chris Canty-Started all 16 games a year ago.
OLB: Demarcus Ware-Never has had a double digit sack season.
ILB: Akin Ayodele-Needs to start this year like he ended last year.
ILB: Bradie James-Is much quicker and slimmer from a year ago.
OLB: Greg Ellis-Can be the difference maker in the Cowboys' 3-4.
FS: Ken Hamlin-Is he the answer to Dallas's passing defense?
SS: Roy Williams-Must play closer to the line to be effective.
CB: Terrence Newman-Talented but no interceptions to show for.
CB: Anthony Henry-Great cornerback when mentally prepared.
The big question marks in 2007/08 are depth at defensive tackle (there is no one behind Ferguson) and Romo's ability to duplicate his amazing run he had during his first six games after taking over the starting quarterback position. If Tony Romo is able to come close to the high level of play that earned him a pro bowl selection, Dallas should expect to win more than just one playoff game with Wade Phillips at the helm.
Copyright © 2007
Email: alnguyen84@gmail.com
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