Enemy Camp

[monk81]

Here's some fun stuff regarding the Cryboys as they enter camp. Maybe we can have some fun bashing and trashing the Boyz. Here are some "highlights"

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/f...p.33280d2.html


Uncertainty centers on the addition of three rookies expected to either start or see significant playing time as the Cowboys switch from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4 look Parcells favors — defensive end/linebacker Demarcus Ware, defensive end Marcus Spears and linebacker Kevin Burnett.

To ease the transition, Parcells dipped into free agency to add three veterans — nose tackle Jason Ferguson and cornerbacks Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn.

"If (the defense) didn't change, the fortunes of the Cowboys wouldn't change," Parcells said. "It's obvious you can't give up 25 points a game and expect to win."

Said Jones: "We've got to get people off the field."

While Ware, Spears and Burnett look forward to playing in the 3-4, the same can't be said of Glover, a five-time Pro Bowl choice, and Ellis, the team's sack leader the past four seasons. Both lack the size required for the 3-4 and Parcells says he wants to reduce their playing time by 15-20 percent.

Ellis, who will move from left end in the 4-3 to right end in the 3-4, revealed recently that he had a heated exchange with Parcells about the topic during minicamp and does not expect to remain with the team through the length of his contract. Ellis, a first-round draft pick in 1998, is entering the third year of a six-year, $24 million extension that runs through 2009.

Another potential headache is in the secondary, where Parcells and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer must find a starting free safety from a field of mediocre candidates. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wants to move strong safety Roy Williams closer to the line of scrimmage. The plan works if the free safety isn't a liability. The problem is none of the candidates — Izell Reese, Keith Davis, Lynn Scott and sixth-round draft pick Justin Beriault — inspire much confidence.


The biggest question facing the offense in Oxnard will be whether the line can jell to give quarterback Drew Bledsoe the protection he needs to lead a unit that will rely heavily on second-year running back Julius Jones.

The Cowboys signed Bledsoe, 33, after Buffalo released him. Although he's eight years younger than Testaverde, Bledsoe may be less mobile and is only the sixth quarterback since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to be sacked at least 400 times.

With that in mind, the Cowboys can't afford to enter the season with right tackle unsettled. The top candidates are Torrin Tucker and Kurt Vollers, although Parcells could ask left guard Larry Allen to man the position.

One thing is certain: If either Tucker or Vollers or any other player falters during camp, Parcells won't be afraid to make another move.

"I don't know what's going to happen (this season)," Parcells said, "but at least we're trying to create a good situation."



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[wolfeskins]

i honestly don't envision their defense getting much better, especially if they start all those rookies, nor do i see their offense improving much, if at all. bledsoe is semi accurrate but he is LESS mobile than testaverde and i don't beleive they've upgraded their offensive line at all.

of couse this is just an opinion coming from a skins fan but it's what i honestly think.

[12thMan]

I agree with wolfeskins, and not simply because I'm a skins fan. Even though I hate Dallas with a passion!!! It will simply take a season or two to allow those type of changes to jell and change the direction of the franchise. The NFL is about culture as much as it as about having the right talent. It's going to take some time for the culture to take root in Big D....I see the Skins feasting on Dallas this year for the first time in a long time!!! I'm calling for a sweep boys!!!!

[EternalEnigma21]

The problem is, that even in the years where they blow ass all year, they still beat us. We can have a better team and they still beat our asses. Frankly I dont care what the hell goes on in the old lonestar state with those assholes, if we can beat them twice a year for the next 10 years, and then MAYBE split an occasional series, it might make up for the fact that I've had to listen to all that "america's team" and "god's team" arrogant bullshit for so long now every time they beat us. But im not biased either.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Seriously. How can they make the claim they are "America's Team"?! That's PURE BS.

[Monk-Fan]

CANTHETUNA is right on. I agree with him 1000%. I plan on going to the Redskins Dallas Monday night game in Dallas in Sept and i better be walking outta there with a smile on my face and be able to laugh at all those damn stupid asshole fans......

[BossHog]

Ditto. And I still think Demarcus Ware will be in over his head in the big league. He doen't have the bulk.

[GoSkins!]

They had a good draft, but we do have an advantage early in the season while thier rookies learn the league.