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I Need Help With This Site!
I'm asking anyone who is a fan of this site to become a co-writer for
it. I have a new job that will take away from the amount of time I can
put into this website. I'm probably only going to have time for a
couple of articles a week, which is hardly enough to keep visitors
coming back. All you would have to do is e-mail me the article and I
would be able to post it and give you credit for it.
Have your opinion heard! A different viewpoint would be great for
this site. Please e-mail me if your interested. My e-mail address is
admin@cowboys-fan.com
I'm asking anyone who is a fan of this site to become a co-writer for
it. I have a new job that will take away from the amount of time I can
put into this website. I'm probably only going to have time for a
couple of articles a week, which is hardly enough to keep visitors
coming back. All you would have to do is e-mail me the article and I
would be able to post it and give you credit for it.
Have your opinion heard! A different viewpoint would be great for
this site. Please e-mail me if your interested. My e-mail address is
admin@cowboys-fan.com
Offensive Line Taking Shape, June 1st Cuts
The offensive line is finally shaping up for the Cowboys as they
head into the 2007 season. We have the most talent and depth
we've had in years. I don't see any reason this won't be one of the
better offensive lines in football.
Four of the five starting spots are pretty much set with Flozell
Adams, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, and Marc Colombo manning
their respective positions. The only battle in camp could be at left
guard. Many fans were clamoring for us to draft a guard high in the
draft so we could have an upgrade over Kyle Kosier. The Cowboys
were smart though and didn't take a lineman that they plan to
replace Kosier with. Doug Free could be that guy in a few years,
but that isn't what many fans were hoping for.
Dallas did the best thing possible in this situation by not bringing in
another guy. We are simply going to let the best man between Kyle
Kosier, Corey Procter, and Pat McQuistan win the job. This is fine
because you know we will have a quality player at that starting spot
and we didn't have to spend anymore resources. Now, I'm with the
fans that want an upgrade at left guard. I'd love nothing better than
for Procter or McQuistan to beat out Kosier for his job. But, if it
doesn't happen, guess what, we are still fine because Kosier has
already proven he is a steady and reliable lineman. Kosier is plenty
good enough to start for the last four years of his contract. Again, I
hope someone we already have beats him out before then, but if
they don't oh well, don't spend anymore picks trying to upgrade a
position that doesn't have to be upgraded.
All that being said, I still figure Kyle Kosier to win the starting job.
McQuistan and Procter basically have zero experience so chances
are they will be backups for at least another season. Speaking of
backups, we seem to have some pretty promising, albeit young and
inexperienced options. At tackle you have Pat McQuistan, James
Marten, and Doug Free. As high as the organization is on
McQuistan, I wouldn't be too worried if he was forced to play at
some point next season. Marten and Free are rookies. Marten
might would be serviceable in his first year, but don't expect
anything from Free because he is so raw. At guard you have great
depth with Procter, McQuistan, Joe Berger, and Free. The first two
guys are candidates to start, so they would seem to make excellent
backups. I think the Cowboys made a good find with Berger. He
figures to be the 10th lineman assuming we keep one.
The only real worry is at backup center because nobody with the
exception of Trey Darilek is a true center. I don't know much about
Darilek, but he appeared in a few games for a good O-line in Philly
so he can't be that bad. Reading the article about how Procter has
been practicing since last season though tempers much of this fear.
I hear Berger has been practicing in the middle as well so if he
makes the team he would be another guy who could contribute.
Overall, we are pretty set at offensive line. Our starting five are all
veterans, three of which are signed long-term. If Flozell Adams and
Marc Colombo play well next season they might both get long-term
extensions. I kind of doubt both of them do though. Flozell Adams
worries me with his recent knee surgery, but if he play well again
next season I would re-sign him if the price is reasonable. He is
only 32 so it isn't like he can't play another three or four years. I
wouldn't make the same mistake we made with Rivera, but if we
could sign him to about what he is making now (5 mil/year) I'd go for
it. Last season was his first year back from his injury and he played
pretty well. He is still a Top 10 left tackle and he could be for
another few years.
I don't think Colombo has a chance to get re-signed. He will play
about like he did last year which is fine, but some team desperate
for tackle help will give him four million dollars a year. We will say
by Marc thanks for the stability at right tackle and plug in James
Marten who will be solid just like Colombo.
June 1st Cuts
The isn't as much glory for this time period as there used to be.
With the salary cap so high, teams don't have to cut players
because of salary reasons very often. We have had two
transactions over the last few days however.
We cut Marco Rivera today. It was just a matter of time. We knew
he wasn't coming back. Time to retire buddy. The interesting move
is the guy we signed. We signed Adam Bergen. I was a little
surprised when I looked at his profile. The guy is entering his third
season which spells journeyman back that is camp fodder. What is
interesting though is that this guy has started 16 games in his
career. His rookie year with the Cardinals he had 270 yards
receiving. Now, that isn't much, but that shows he has to have
some talent to be starting even as bad as the Cardinals tight ends
have been lately. Now, I also know there has to be a reason you
are still available in June and why a team without much depth at
tight end would let you go. I don't know answers to those questions,
but this guy has to be better than Tony Curtis or the other guys we
have fighting for the 3rd tight end spot. The guy has great size (6'4
267) so he should be a good blocker two.
The offensive line is finally shaping up for the Cowboys as they
head into the 2007 season. We have the most talent and depth
we've had in years. I don't see any reason this won't be one of the
better offensive lines in football.
Four of the five starting spots are pretty much set with Flozell
Adams, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, and Marc Colombo manning
their respective positions. The only battle in camp could be at left
guard. Many fans were clamoring for us to draft a guard high in the
draft so we could have an upgrade over Kyle Kosier. The Cowboys
were smart though and didn't take a lineman that they plan to
replace Kosier with. Doug Free could be that guy in a few years,
but that isn't what many fans were hoping for.
Dallas did the best thing possible in this situation by not bringing in
another guy. We are simply going to let the best man between Kyle
Kosier, Corey Procter, and Pat McQuistan win the job. This is fine
because you know we will have a quality player at that starting spot
and we didn't have to spend anymore resources. Now, I'm with the
fans that want an upgrade at left guard. I'd love nothing better than
for Procter or McQuistan to beat out Kosier for his job. But, if it
doesn't happen, guess what, we are still fine because Kosier has
already proven he is a steady and reliable lineman. Kosier is plenty
good enough to start for the last four years of his contract. Again, I
hope someone we already have beats him out before then, but if
they don't oh well, don't spend anymore picks trying to upgrade a
position that doesn't have to be upgraded.
All that being said, I still figure Kyle Kosier to win the starting job.
McQuistan and Procter basically have zero experience so chances
are they will be backups for at least another season. Speaking of
backups, we seem to have some pretty promising, albeit young and
inexperienced options. At tackle you have Pat McQuistan, James
Marten, and Doug Free. As high as the organization is on
McQuistan, I wouldn't be too worried if he was forced to play at
some point next season. Marten and Free are rookies. Marten
might would be serviceable in his first year, but don't expect
anything from Free because he is so raw. At guard you have great
depth with Procter, McQuistan, Joe Berger, and Free. The first two
guys are candidates to start, so they would seem to make excellent
backups. I think the Cowboys made a good find with Berger. He
figures to be the 10th lineman assuming we keep one.
The only real worry is at backup center because nobody with the
exception of Trey Darilek is a true center. I don't know much about
Darilek, but he appeared in a few games for a good O-line in Philly
so he can't be that bad. Reading the article about how Procter has
been practicing since last season though tempers much of this fear.
I hear Berger has been practicing in the middle as well so if he
makes the team he would be another guy who could contribute.
Overall, we are pretty set at offensive line. Our starting five are all
veterans, three of which are signed long-term. If Flozell Adams and
Marc Colombo play well next season they might both get long-term
extensions. I kind of doubt both of them do though. Flozell Adams
worries me with his recent knee surgery, but if he play well again
next season I would re-sign him if the price is reasonable. He is
only 32 so it isn't like he can't play another three or four years. I
wouldn't make the same mistake we made with Rivera, but if we
could sign him to about what he is making now (5 mil/year) I'd go for
it. Last season was his first year back from his injury and he played
pretty well. He is still a Top 10 left tackle and he could be for
another few years.
I don't think Colombo has a chance to get re-signed. He will play
about like he did last year which is fine, but some team desperate
for tackle help will give him four million dollars a year. We will say
by Marc thanks for the stability at right tackle and plug in James
Marten who will be solid just like Colombo.
June 1st Cuts
The isn't as much glory for this time period as there used to be.
With the salary cap so high, teams don't have to cut players
because of salary reasons very often. We have had two
transactions over the last few days however.
We cut Marco Rivera today. It was just a matter of time. We knew
he wasn't coming back. Time to retire buddy. The interesting move
is the guy we signed. We signed Adam Bergen. I was a little
surprised when I looked at his profile. The guy is entering his third
season which spells journeyman back that is camp fodder. What is
interesting though is that this guy has started 16 games in his
career. His rookie year with the Cardinals he had 270 yards
receiving. Now, that isn't much, but that shows he has to have
some talent to be starting even as bad as the Cardinals tight ends
have been lately. Now, I also know there has to be a reason you
are still available in June and why a team without much depth at
tight end would let you go. I don't know answers to those questions,
but this guy has to be better than Tony Curtis or the other guys we
have fighting for the 3rd tight end spot. The guy has great size (6'4
267) so he should be a good blocker two.
BEST COWBOYS’ LINEUP EVER – Part II: Defense
By: Larry Petton
They call it “Doomsday”. In prophetic terms, it is the end of the
world and judgment has come. That’s a pretty good description of
many opponents of the 8-time Super Bowl Doomsday defensive
teams. Perhaps the top two Doomsday editions would be the 1977
lineup with Randy White, “Too Tall” Jones, Harvey Martin and John
Dutton serving as the front four. Right behind is the ‘90’s
Doomsday defense with the pass-rushing skills of Charles Haley
and the aggressive attack mode of Ken Norton, Jr.
Where does Dallas stack up with the all-time greats? There are
the Purple People Eaters of Minnesota, the Fearsome Foursome of
Los Angeles and the Steel Curtain of Pittsburgh. Don’t overlook
the most ferocious defense ever…the ’86 Bears with MLB Mike
Singletary (whom Dallas said was too short to play linebacker).
That little linebacker from Baylor walked right out of Waco into
Canton. Doomsday has never been equal to ‘da Bears, but not
many have been better than the ’77 Doomsday edition. Just ask a
still weary Craig Morton, the former Cowboy who was battered by
the ‘Boys in the ’78 Super Bowl trouncing of the Orange Crush.
Who are the all-time defensive stalwarts for the Silver and Blue?
Try to beat this defense:
TACKLES – Let’s start with Bob Lilly, first player ever drafted by
Dallas and member of the HOF who was one tough TCU Horned
Frog. Despite being doubled and tripled most of the time, Lilly was
a man-handler. Right beside Lilly we line up the “MANSTER”, one
of the best Dallas nicknames ever. That would be Randy White,
the converted linebacker whose move to tackle put him into the
HOF. I can still see that guy rushing qb Ron Jaworski in a Dallas-
Eagles contest. Jaws dumped a screen to the speedy Wilbert
Montgomery who took the ball all the way down to the Cowboy goal
line where he was caught from behind by the Manster! These two
stud tackles are in a league by themselves.
ENDS – “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin were thunder and
lightning for Doomsday in the ‘70’s. Jones blocked your passes
and Martin put your qb on the ground or in the emergency ward.
Charles Haley has to be given some consideration, but Harvey is
the Cowboys’ all-time sack leader and one of the nicest guys
Dallas has ever produced.
LINEBACKERS - Start with Chuck Howley, the quick cat from West
Virginia who has the distinction of being the only MVP in a Super
Bowl who played for the losing team (we should have won that
game, but I am still bitter at Morton’s senselss interception,
Thomas’ mindless fumble going into the end zone and Mackey’s
illegal catch for a td. I hold grudges, ya know). How can you
overlook Lee Roy Jordan in the middle. What a tough cookie. Ken
Norton, Jr. from the ‘90’s team rounds out the linebacking corp….
but I am still upset with him for leaving for San Francisco. (Maybe I
need to get some counseling). Oh, get over it…..he didn’t leave
his heart in San Francisco, Norton will always be a Cowboy.
CORNERBACKS - Two of the fastest cbs ever were Mel Renfro
and Deion Sanders. They both returned kicks for touchdowns.
They both should be in Canton as soon as Deion’s time comes up.
Everson Walls made a big splash for Dallas, but his skills were not
at the same level as Renfro and Sanders. These are shut down
covers who can take out your best man one on one.
SAFETIES – I feel a controversy brewing here. Who do you take?
You’ve got a choice between Cliff Harris, Charlie Waters, Darren
Woodson and Roy Williams. First of all, Roy still has some proving
to do, though he is a big-time hitter. I have to go with Harris and
Woodson with Charlie Waters barely missing out. Cliff Harris came
from Ouachita Baptist University (pronounced “Wash-it-ah” but be
careful how you say that) to the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor because
of his reputation for hitting anything that moved. Woodson was a
mainstay on the ‘90’s teams.
PUNTER – Most Cowboy polls like Mike Saxxon, who had to punt a
lot for some really bad ‘Boys teams in the ‘80’s. But my money is
on Danny White, the backup qb behind Roger Staubach, who was
great at hitting the corners and even more dangerous because of
his constant threat of passing from the punting formation, basically
another Shot Gun play for Dallas.
SPECIAL TEAMS – No contest. One of the most popular Cowboys
of all time is Bill Bates. He was fearless in breaking wedges on
kickoffs and always had a knack for finding a fumble. Later on
Bates became a mediocre safety, but he will always be
remembered for his extraordinary play on special teams that
caused the NFL to create a position in the Pro Bowl just for special
teams players.
KICK RETURNERS - Few have ever been more exciting at punt
returns than Deion Sanders. Bullet Bob Hayes draws a lot of
attention here because of his incredible speed. Mel Renfro turned
a lot of Cowboy games around with long kickoff returns. What a
dangerous duet.
HEAD COACH - Jimmy Johnson was powerful, savvy and cocky in
the ‘90’s for Dallas. He brought a brashness that the Cowboys had
not seen before. He was a heck of a motivator and turned
Doomsday from the outhouse to the penthouse in a short time. But
the greatest coach ever for Dallas and for the NFL is the man who
wears the funny hats, Tom Landry. No one ever brought so much
innovation, change and class to the league as this football genius.
It’s amazing the number of people I meet around the country who
are no longer Dallas fans because of the way this honorable man
was removed from his position. Jerry may win more Super Bowls,
but he will never touch the hem of Landry’s garment when it comes
to character. I still miss him on the sidelines. You could go to
church and worship and then turn on the tv and watch God’s
coach. I can’t wait to get to Heaven to see what kind of offense he
has installed up there. I bet Jerry won’t get his job this time.
There you have it. The all-time Dallas defense. Wow, I wish
virtual reality could allow us to see this team in action. I think ever
Mike Singletary would be jealous.
TACKLES – Bob Lilly and Randy White
ENDS – “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin
LBS – Chuck Howley, Lee Roy Jordan and Ken Norton, Jr.
CBS – Mel Renfro and Deion Sanders
SAFETIES – Darren Woodson and Cliff Harris
PUNTER – Danny White
KICK RETURNERS – Deion Sanders (punts) and Mel Renfro
(kickoffs)
HEAD COACH – Tom Landry
Written by Larry Petton of Springdale, Arkansas. If you have
comments or suggestions, please email me at lpetton@hotmail.com.
By: Larry Petton
They call it “Doomsday”. In prophetic terms, it is the end of the
world and judgment has come. That’s a pretty good description of
many opponents of the 8-time Super Bowl Doomsday defensive
teams. Perhaps the top two Doomsday editions would be the 1977
lineup with Randy White, “Too Tall” Jones, Harvey Martin and John
Dutton serving as the front four. Right behind is the ‘90’s
Doomsday defense with the pass-rushing skills of Charles Haley
and the aggressive attack mode of Ken Norton, Jr.
Where does Dallas stack up with the all-time greats? There are
the Purple People Eaters of Minnesota, the Fearsome Foursome of
Los Angeles and the Steel Curtain of Pittsburgh. Don’t overlook
the most ferocious defense ever…the ’86 Bears with MLB Mike
Singletary (whom Dallas said was too short to play linebacker).
That little linebacker from Baylor walked right out of Waco into
Canton. Doomsday has never been equal to ‘da Bears, but not
many have been better than the ’77 Doomsday edition. Just ask a
still weary Craig Morton, the former Cowboy who was battered by
the ‘Boys in the ’78 Super Bowl trouncing of the Orange Crush.
Who are the all-time defensive stalwarts for the Silver and Blue?
Try to beat this defense:
TACKLES – Let’s start with Bob Lilly, first player ever drafted by
Dallas and member of the HOF who was one tough TCU Horned
Frog. Despite being doubled and tripled most of the time, Lilly was
a man-handler. Right beside Lilly we line up the “MANSTER”, one
of the best Dallas nicknames ever. That would be Randy White,
the converted linebacker whose move to tackle put him into the
HOF. I can still see that guy rushing qb Ron Jaworski in a Dallas-
Eagles contest. Jaws dumped a screen to the speedy Wilbert
Montgomery who took the ball all the way down to the Cowboy goal
line where he was caught from behind by the Manster! These two
stud tackles are in a league by themselves.
ENDS – “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin were thunder and
lightning for Doomsday in the ‘70’s. Jones blocked your passes
and Martin put your qb on the ground or in the emergency ward.
Charles Haley has to be given some consideration, but Harvey is
the Cowboys’ all-time sack leader and one of the nicest guys
Dallas has ever produced.
LINEBACKERS - Start with Chuck Howley, the quick cat from West
Virginia who has the distinction of being the only MVP in a Super
Bowl who played for the losing team (we should have won that
game, but I am still bitter at Morton’s senselss interception,
Thomas’ mindless fumble going into the end zone and Mackey’s
illegal catch for a td. I hold grudges, ya know). How can you
overlook Lee Roy Jordan in the middle. What a tough cookie. Ken
Norton, Jr. from the ‘90’s team rounds out the linebacking corp….
but I am still upset with him for leaving for San Francisco. (Maybe I
need to get some counseling). Oh, get over it…..he didn’t leave
his heart in San Francisco, Norton will always be a Cowboy.
CORNERBACKS - Two of the fastest cbs ever were Mel Renfro
and Deion Sanders. They both returned kicks for touchdowns.
They both should be in Canton as soon as Deion’s time comes up.
Everson Walls made a big splash for Dallas, but his skills were not
at the same level as Renfro and Sanders. These are shut down
covers who can take out your best man one on one.
SAFETIES – I feel a controversy brewing here. Who do you take?
You’ve got a choice between Cliff Harris, Charlie Waters, Darren
Woodson and Roy Williams. First of all, Roy still has some proving
to do, though he is a big-time hitter. I have to go with Harris and
Woodson with Charlie Waters barely missing out. Cliff Harris came
from Ouachita Baptist University (pronounced “Wash-it-ah” but be
careful how you say that) to the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor because
of his reputation for hitting anything that moved. Woodson was a
mainstay on the ‘90’s teams.
PUNTER – Most Cowboy polls like Mike Saxxon, who had to punt a
lot for some really bad ‘Boys teams in the ‘80’s. But my money is
on Danny White, the backup qb behind Roger Staubach, who was
great at hitting the corners and even more dangerous because of
his constant threat of passing from the punting formation, basically
another Shot Gun play for Dallas.
SPECIAL TEAMS – No contest. One of the most popular Cowboys
of all time is Bill Bates. He was fearless in breaking wedges on
kickoffs and always had a knack for finding a fumble. Later on
Bates became a mediocre safety, but he will always be
remembered for his extraordinary play on special teams that
caused the NFL to create a position in the Pro Bowl just for special
teams players.
KICK RETURNERS - Few have ever been more exciting at punt
returns than Deion Sanders. Bullet Bob Hayes draws a lot of
attention here because of his incredible speed. Mel Renfro turned
a lot of Cowboy games around with long kickoff returns. What a
dangerous duet.
HEAD COACH - Jimmy Johnson was powerful, savvy and cocky in
the ‘90’s for Dallas. He brought a brashness that the Cowboys had
not seen before. He was a heck of a motivator and turned
Doomsday from the outhouse to the penthouse in a short time. But
the greatest coach ever for Dallas and for the NFL is the man who
wears the funny hats, Tom Landry. No one ever brought so much
innovation, change and class to the league as this football genius.
It’s amazing the number of people I meet around the country who
are no longer Dallas fans because of the way this honorable man
was removed from his position. Jerry may win more Super Bowls,
but he will never touch the hem of Landry’s garment when it comes
to character. I still miss him on the sidelines. You could go to
church and worship and then turn on the tv and watch God’s
coach. I can’t wait to get to Heaven to see what kind of offense he
has installed up there. I bet Jerry won’t get his job this time.
There you have it. The all-time Dallas defense. Wow, I wish
virtual reality could allow us to see this team in action. I think ever
Mike Singletary would be jealous.
TACKLES – Bob Lilly and Randy White
ENDS – “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin
LBS – Chuck Howley, Lee Roy Jordan and Ken Norton, Jr.
CBS – Mel Renfro and Deion Sanders
SAFETIES – Darren Woodson and Cliff Harris
PUNTER – Danny White
KICK RETURNERS – Deion Sanders (punts) and Mel Renfro
(kickoffs)
HEAD COACH – Tom Landry
Written by Larry Petton of Springdale, Arkansas. If you have
comments or suggestions, please email me at lpetton@hotmail.com.
| Cowboy's Trivia Question of the Week! What college has the most current Cowboys' players as alumni? Last Week's Answer: LSU |