2015 Dallas Cowboys Off-Season News and Notes

[eagle eye]

"Houston, we have continuity."
"Roger that Big D, good luck and have a good flight."
"Copy that and thanks."

For once there's not a lot of drama in the Dallas Metroplex surrounding the Cowboys going into the off-season. Well, unless you count the lousy way Dallas was bounced from the playoffs. Right now I think we've sort of moved on, sort of. It was a lot of good news this week out of Valley Ranch with the announcement that Jerry Jones has signed Jason Garrett to a 5 year extention which will make Garrett the second longest tenured head coach of the Cowboys behind only Tom Landry. Whether or not Garrett sticks around another 25 years to equal Landry's 29 years remains to be seen but as DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola points out in the article linked below Jerry now has what he's wanted since he bought the team, a franchise coach.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/01/16/spagnola-garrett-extension-gives-jones-what-he%E2%80%99s-always-been-looking

I had no doubt Garrett would be signed just like I had no doubt Garrett was on any kind of hot seat going into the season. I've told you this before but Jason Garrett had a plan when he was hired. A plan to build the Cowboys a certain way with his kind of people and that it would be a system for the long haul not the short term. Jerry knew this and he bought into Garrett's plan and that's he has been so patient with Garrett so far. The Cowboys had some talent but they were not strong where you need to be strong and that's on the offensive and defensive lines. It may be the one cliché that still holds true in football and that's, "You win in the trenches". Dallas has taken offensive linemen in the first round 3 of the past 4 years. Until they took Tyron Smith in 2011 Dallas had NEVER selected an offensive lineman in the first round in over 30 years and certainly not since Jerry bought the team in 1989. The talent on the Cowboys has improved markedly since Garrett has been the head coach. Now, in 2014 Jerry's patience was rewarded. Despite having a team nobody though would have more than 6 wins for the season the Cowboys run was such that we were all pissed because Dallas has a team that could actually win the whole ball of wax and a ref cheated us out of the opportunity. Not only do we have the Ringmaster in Garrett but his top assistants will be back as well. In the same press conference announcing Garrett's contract they announced that Rod Marinelli, he being the defensive wizard of a unit of no-names that helped propel the Cowboys into the playoffs was signed to a 3 year extension. Great news especially since Dallas can concentrate on improving the talent on defense in the draft and free agency. Not to mention getting players like Sean Lee and Justin Durant off IR as well as CB Morris Claybourne. I suspect that Mo will get one more chance to prove he's not a bust after Dallas traded up to the sixth pick in the draft in 2012 to get him. Finally, and again I said this before last summer, Bill Callahan will be let go which he was, allowing Jason Garrett to name Scott Linehan the offensive coordinator and he signed a 3 year deal. In fact Callahan may be the only coach not retained from the current staff. The writing was on the wall last summer when Linehan was signed and Callahan wanted out of his deal then but Jerry told him no, you will honor the final year of your deal and to Callahan's credit he did honor his contract and was a real pro about it. Callahan was the OC and Offensive Line Coach and with his departure the OC job has been filled and the offensive line will be in good hands because the Cowboys have promoted assistant line coach Frank Pollack to the offensive line coach. The Cowboys goal of having the issues with their staff ironed out early seems to be right in line with their time table to be able to send the staff to Arizona to coach in the Pro Bowl next Sunday. It will be interesting to see who is assigned to go to the Senior Bowl next week while the main part of the staff is busy in Arizona.

Jerry and Stephen Jones' work is far from over with however. They have a daunting list of unrestricted free agents to decide whether or not to sign. Here's a link to the list of FA's and you will see you'd probably like to see Dallas sign 90% of them.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/01/16/full-list-cowboys%E2%80%99-23-free-agents-headlined-bryant-murray-mcclain

Speaking of the Pro Bowl, Dallas now has seven players on the roster with the latest being long snapper LP Ladouceur being added just yesterday. Here's a link to the article about the seven Cowboys going to the Pro Bowl.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/01/16/cowboys-now-seven-pro-bowlers-veteran-long-snapper-ladouceur-added

[eagle eye]

The off season has begun and the talk of who to keep or who to let go has also begun. A short while ago I posted a link to the free agents that Dallas has to deal with this off season. There are only a few that seem to dominate the headlines so lets take a look at some of them.

DeMarco Murray - Jerry said the week after losing to Green Bay that signing Murray AND Dez Bryant would be difficult. I disagree unless Murray's people give him bad advice. Heck even Murray said he wants to stay in Dallas. There are projections that Murray will command $8MM a year and few of the Cowboys website beat writers are not willing to pay that. Jason Garrett has said it was Murray who defined the identity of the Cowboys as a power running, tough football team. I think Murray has at least 3 good years left based on the longevity of running backs in the NFL have been. A nice 3 year deal with the majority guaranteed could be the ticket to signing Murray if he's serious about staying a Cowboy.

Dez Bryant - Everyone agrees, Dez will be signed. It's a no-brainer, isn't it? The fact is, the consensus about a contract with Dez will get done or the Cowboys will franchise him. He's not going anywhere so stop worrying.

Rolando McClain - McClain was a revelation for Dallas who had to wonder what the hell they were going to do when Sean Lee tore his ACL the first day, the first hour, of OTA's. McClain is a dynamic player when on the field. He brings a nastiness that has been missing since Charles Haley retired to the Dallas defense. His problem was staying healthy this season. There comes the rub, rookie LB Anthony Hitchens did a real nice job in his first year and that guy is a hitter too. McClain is still in his prime and it wouldn't hurt to have Hitchens as the backup for a couple of years. The thinking is the Cowboys will move Sean Lee to the SAM leaving a gap at the WILL. That leads to other signings that need to be worked out.

WILL Linebacker - I'm making this a subject of free agency talk because look at the plethora of free agents Dallas has to decide on. Let's understand one thing, Dallas cannot sign them all because that frustrating little thing called the salary cap won't let them. Nor should they. The thing about this is, Dallas needs to get better and the guys who are vying for a spot all have flaws. Take Bruce Carter. He came on and he made plays but he's also missed a lot of plays too. Or there's Justin Durant who was playing lights out before a torn ACL ended his season. What about 2011 draft pick Kyle Wilbur? Of these 3 Wilbur will likely be gone. Since he was drafted as a 3-4 LB he has struggled to find a place on the 4-3 defense Dallas changed to. The Cowboys have played him at defensive end and at linebacker and he's really failed to distinguish himself. Cameron Lawrence is another candidate. Or will Dallas try to fill the spot in the draft or free agency?

Cole Beasley vs Dwayne Harris - This is a tough decision here but for my money Beasley has the inside track.

Doug Free vs Jermey Parnell - Right tackle needs to be decided. Parnell did okay as Free's replacement after he hurt his ankle but Free was just plain better. If Free is willing to be reasonable I'd rather see Dallas resign him and let Parnell go. I say that but NFL teams got to see Parnell play and one of them needs a right tackle. Parnell will be gone if Free is signed. Ditto for Free if Parnell is signed.

That's just a glimpse of what the Cowboys are looking at. In a lot of people's minds Dallas was one bad call on a Dez Bryant catch from travelling to Seattle to play for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Dallas has got to improve it's roster and just signing the same bunch of players won't get it done.

A lot of people may not know this but the Dallas Cowboys franchise turned 55 yesterday. On January 28, 1960 the NFL awarded their first ever expansion franchise to Dallas. There is an interesting and funny story behind Dallas getting the franchise. According to DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola the Chicago Bears owner, George H Hallas saw a need in Dallas and there was a choice the NFL could have made between Dallas and Minnesota. Hallas noted that the rival American Football League was starting a franchise in Dallas under the ownership of Lamar Hunt who eventually moved his team to Kansas City where they became the Chiefs. For the first 3 years Hunt's team was the Dallas Texans. Hallas was right to champion an NFL team in Dallas. This did not sit well with Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall who had the southern most franchise in the NFL and he enjoyed support from the southern part of the United States. Marshall didn't want to give up a big chunk of his fan base and he also didn't want to give a franchise to Clint Murchison. Murchison had tried to buy the Redskins from Marshall in 1958 and a deal was all but done when Marshall tried to change the terms of the deal. Murchison got mad and backed out of the sale which caused Marshall to oppose any award of a franchise to Murchison. With the expansion franchise going to a vote of the owners there was another fly in the ointment, this time for George Marshall. Apparently, Marshall and the Redskins band leader Barnee Breeskin had a major falling out. Breeskin, knowing of the animosity between Marshall and Murchison, went to Murchison with some interesting information. You see, Breeskin wrote the music for the Redskins fight song, "Hail To The Redskins" while Marshall's wife wrote the lyrics but Breeskin owned the rights to the song. Breeskin approached Murchison with a deal to sell the rights to the Redskins fight song to Murchison who jumped at the deal and paid Breeskin $2500 for the rights. Murchison then called Marshall and told him he owned his fight song and that he couldn't play it without his permission. Murchison offered Marshall a deal, he would give Marshall the rights to his fight song back if Marshall would give his vote for Dallas expansion. After an expletive laden tirade Marshall gave in and thus was the Dallas Cowboys born as well as the root of one of the most fierce rivalries in NFL history.
There is one more backstory and that is Dallas was to become the Dallas Rangers with the NFL team taking the nickname of a minor league baseball team in Dallas that was thought to be folding. At the last minute, the baseball team did not fold and remained in Dallas causing the Murchison group to find another name for their new team and the rest, as they say, is history! Happy 55th Big D!

[eagle eye]

I have to make one correction from yesterday's post. Charles Haley doesn't have 6 Super Bowl rings, he has only 5 (damn the luck!). I assumed he won 3 with San Fran before moving to Dallas in 1992 but it was only two with the Bay Area Boys. He still owns more rings than any other player in NFL history and he still deserves to be in the HOF.

The link below is to Mickey Spagnola's article from DallasCowboys.com that points out that for New England to beat Seattle on Sunday evening is to look at the game tape from the Cowboys Week 6 win in Seattle. He also, not-so-subtly points out that Dallas stood a good chance of going into Seattle and winning the right to return to the Super Bowl. Drives ya crazy doesn't it. Now, there was no guarantee but the way Green Bay dominated the Seahawks for 3 quarters and 10 minutes, Dallas had the means to do the same and I'd bet my last saw buck Dallas wouldn't have blown a 12 point lead with 5 minutes or so left in the game. In past years maybe, but not in 2014. I'll tell you what, it makes my want to kick Dean Blandino right in the family jewels---twice. Think that's radical? My wife expressed the notion that Jerry Jones is a very rich man and he could hire a guy to take out Blandino and anyone else involved with that bogus no-catch call. My wife is not a violent person and THAT surprised the heck out of ME! Believe me when I say I have no intention of crossing my wife any time soon!

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/01/30/spagnola-one-more-improbable-thought-most-improbable-season

Want a funny story, now that we're on the subject? This comes from the Yardbarker.com website. A man in the Colorado prison system has filed a handwritten law suit against The NFL, Roger Goodell and Dean Blandino, head of officiating in the NFL. Seriously, the law suit is well written and well thought out and it shows the man used his free time in jail in the prison library researching the details for his suit. The actual amount he is suing for is $88,987,654,321.88. That's 88 BILLION dollars! It's easy to figure out the way he came up with this ridiculously high amount. The 88's at the front and back end of the number is Dez Bryant's uniform number and he just counted down from 9 to 1 for the rest of the amount. It's a pretty funny article and I hope he gets some mileage out of it because the refs in particular messed up that call big time.

http://sportsview.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/incarcerated_cowboys_fan_files_8898765432188_lawsu it_against_nfl/18140483?linksrc=story_team_dallas_cowboys_auto_mo dule_head_18140483

[eagle eye]

It seems that some people just can't get out of their own way sometimes. That's what it's beginning to look like for Cowboys RB Joseph Randall. Earlier this week Randall was charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana and issued a ticket--he was not arrested. Police were called to a hotel where Randall and a girlfriend were engaged in a domestic dispute. Reports were that the young lady and Randall were at the hotel so he could see the child he and the young lady have together. This is the second run in with the police for Randall in the past year. Last fall he was arrested for shoplifting at a local Dallas store. Constantly getting in trouble with the law is not making his image with the Cowboys very bright. He is not behaving like "the right kind of guy" that Jason Garrett is looking for as he builds the team. It also complicates matters for the Cowboys who may or may not be considering losing RB DeMarco Murray to free agency. This is evidence that Randall has some real maturity issues to deal with. We'll see how the Cowboys, who have had no comment on the issue as yet, deal with him going forward.

[eagle eye]

1990's Cowboys fans will recognize this name. Ken Norton Jr was hired by the Oakland Raiders to be their defensive coordinator. Norton began his coaching career after his NFL playing days as an assistant on Pete Carroll's USC teams. He followed Carroll to Seattle where he has been the linebackers coach. Norton joins a new coaching staff in Oakland featuring new head coach Jack Del Rio. Both Norton and Del Rio played together in the very early 90's under Jimmy Johnson before Del Rio left Dallas as a free agent and signed with Minnesota.

There is a lot of discussion on Cowboys podcasts concerning whether or not Dallas should sign RB DeMarco Murray. This business with Joseph Randall isn't helping matters any. Randall has shown potential and in many cases he has shown the Cowboys a spark and he certainly has more speed than Murray. The question is whether or not Randall can be trusted not screw up in his personal life. I personally think Murray should be resigned but a team friendly deal would be the most important aspect of any deal going forward. The Cowboys have too many needs to break the bank for Murray. I know it's a little early for free agent talk but if you overpay for Murray than any chance of Dallas signing a top notch free agent like--say--Ndamukong Suh to beef up the D-line would be out of the question. If anyone can do it I feel like the Cowboys can. They spent a few years in the 2000's overpaying players. Safety Roy Williams, WR Roy Williams, Terrell Owens and Marion Barber are among a plethora of players the Cowboys over valued and over paid that had them in salary cap hell for years when they didn't pan out. Dallas has been a lot more fiscally responsible in the last 4 years which is about when Jason Garrett became head coach. Under Garrett the Cowboys have been working with a definite plan in mind. The talent has been significantly upgraded and they roster has gotten a lot younger. Dallas has to be considered a major player going forward in the hunt for the Super Bowl. Being smart about player evaluation and being even smarter about managing salaries to make the team better from top to bottom is a rule of thumb now in Dallas. The thing that separated the great coaches like Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcels was their ability to evaluate talent and many consider Jason Garrett good at that aspect of his coaching abilities. I feel more comfortable trusting this staff and the Cowboys front office more than I have in a while. Jerry Jones didn't win GM of the Year for 2014 by making stupid decisions. Despite wanting to more than we will ever know Jones did not select Johnny Manziel with the 16th pick in the 2014 draft. He listened to his war room who convinced Jones that G Zack Martin was the way to go. Jones agreed and the rest is history, Martin became All Pro and was in the top three for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Garrett is attempting to build both the offensive and defensive lines believing the old adage that you win ball games in the trenches. That said, I believe that DeMarco Murray is the face of the hardnosed smash mouth team Garrett is and has built. With the window closing on the careers of Tony Romo and Jason Witten Jerry wants with all his heart to get championship rings for those two players who have given so much for so long. Especially for Romo who has 2-3 years realistically left of being an effective signal caller. Witten's legacy won't depend on a championship. He's already being penciled into the Hall of Fame. Romo is putting up HOF numbers but he may never get there if he can't win a ring, or two. He'll be the new millennium Danny White. Good QB but just couldn't win the big one.

[eagle eye]

DallasCowboys.com has begun a breakdown of the roster aptly titled "Position Series". It is an 11 part series and they lead off with a look at the defensive line.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/02/position-series-breaking-down-cowboys%E2%80%99-needs-defensive-front

Part 2 of the position series the guys from DallasCowboys.com look at tight ends.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/04/position-series-consistency-remains-tight-end-both-production-personnel

[eagle eye]

Here's the links to the 3rd and 4th articles in the DallasCowboys.com "Position Series".

Position Series - Part 3 - Safeties

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/04/position-series-safeties-were-productive-2014-improvement-necessary

Position Series - Part 4 - Offensive Guards

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/05/position-series-2-pro-bowlers-locked-o-line-interior-could-use-depth


With ongoing discussions all over the media concerning the future of Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray it could the most telling with one quote from Murray himself. “It’s not about the yards for me. It’s about winning a Super Bowl. If this place gives me the best chance, I’m going to stay here,” he said.
-- quote from article on DallasCowboys.com
Obviously, this isn't the final say in the matter but Murray saw how close they came to playing for a ring. Literally everybody who matters at Valley Ranch wants Murray back and now it's up to Jerry Jones and his people to find a number that is acceptable to Murray and his people. I just can't help but believe DeMarco Murray will be back for at least the next 3 years--with an option for fourth.

[eagle eye]

Here's the 5th and 6th installment of the Cowboys.com "Position Series"

Position Series - Part 5 - Cornerbacks

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/06/position-series-aside-scandrick-plenty-uncertainty-cb-going-forward

Position Series - Part 6 - Offensive Tackles

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/09/position-series-dominant-left-tackle-secured-all-ot-concerns-shift-right

Dallas has signed two of the 23 free agents they need to address this off season. The signed exclusive rights free agent linebacker Cam Lawrence and they also signed free agent DL Davon Coleman. Both players were expected to return this coming season and the Cowboys took care of the formality this past week. They are also expected to sign their other two exclusive rights free agents G Ron Leary and OT Darion Weems. Exclusive rights free agents are generally undrafted players and if their team extends the minimum qualifying offer no other team can claim them. Leary may be worth giving way more than the minimum offer because he has become an integral part of the Cowboys offensive line. If Dallas undercuts Leary he may remember the slight when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

[eagle eye]

The "Position Series continues today with Parts 7 and 8 of the 11 part series.

Position Series - Part 7 - Linebackers

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/10/position-series-linebacker-corps-overcame-adversity-now-faces-plenty-uncertainty

Position Series - Part 8 - Running backs

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/11/position-series-future-running-back-team%E2%80%99s-most-pressing-issue

This weekend the NFL Scouting Combines will meet once again in Indianapolis, Indiana to poke, prod, measure, question and analyze this year's top crop of prospective NFL players. Beginning Wednesday actually the process begins. Coverage will be extensive on ESPN and the NFL Channel but if I could suggest maybe checking out the podcasts from DallasCowboys.com on a program called "The Draft Show". It is hosted by former NFL scout for the Packers and Cowboys, Bryan Broaddus, who is now a contributing member of the DallasCowboys.com staff. He is joined by fellow DallasCowboys.com staff member David Helman and a guy from CBSSports.com. Dane Brugler as they recap the day's events beginning Wednesday afternoon. "The Draft Show" is normally done once a week up until the actual NFL draft and they do give insight to who is turning heads and who could fill needs for the Cowboys. All these men are very opinionated and give some insight on what makes a player worth a look or not. Broaddus is enthusiastic and brings a scout's eye to the table. Helman is conservative without much sentimentality for hanging on to players if Dallas could get better by moving on. Brugler does his homework and he brings his own view of the players from an overall standpoint and not just for the Cowboys. Check it out.

[eagle eye]

Continuing the "Position Series" from DallasCowboys.com with Parts 9 and 10 of the 11 part series.

Position Series - Part 9 - Quarterbacks

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/13/position-series-romo%E2%80%99s-contract-roster-depth-stand-out-cowboys-quarterbacks

Position Series - Part 10 - Wide Receivers

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/16/position-series-wr-spot-has-both-youth-experience-just-needs-contracts-locked

I spoke of CBSSports.com NFL writer Dane Brugler in an earlier post. Here's an article from Brugler from DallasCowboys.com talking about the top players who WERE NOT invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. I have to correct myself. In an earlier post I said the combine begins on Wednesday but I was incorrect, it begins today.

Here is the schedule for the next 6 days of the combine.

DAY 1 ARRIVALS*: █ Group 1 (PK, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE)


Tuesday
February 17, 2015
Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews


Wednesday
February 18, 2015
Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~ Interviews


Thursday
February 19, 2015
NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ PK/ST Workout ~ Bench Press ~ Interviews


Friday
February 20, 2015
On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from Indianapolis


DAY 2 ARRIVALS*: █ Group 4 (QB, WO), Group 5 (QB, WO), Group 6 (RB)


Wednesday
February 18, 2015
Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews


Thursday
February 19, 2015
Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~ Interviews


Friday
February 20, 2015
NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ PK/ST Workout ~ Bench Press ~ Interviews


Saturday
February 21, 2015
On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from Indianapolis


DAY 3 ARRIVALS*: █ Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB)


Thursday
February 19, 2015
Travel to Indianapolis* ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews


Friday
February 20, 2015
Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~ Interviews


Saturday
February 21, 2015
NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ PK/ST Workout ~ Bench Press ~ Interviews


Sunday
February 22, 2015
On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from Indianapolis


DAY 4 ARRIVALS: █ Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB)


Friday
February 20, 2015
Travel to Indianapolis ~ Registration ~ Hospital Pre-Exam & X-rays ~ Orientation ~ Interviews


Saturday
February 21, 2015
Measurements ~ Medical Examinations ~ Media ~ Interviews


Sunday
February 22, 2015
NFLPA Meeting ~ Psychological Testing ~ PK/ST Workout ~ Bench Press ~ Interviews


Monday
February 23, 2015
On-Field Workout (timing, stations, skill drills) ~ Departure from Indianapolis

[eagle eye]

The ongoing drama that is the contract negotiation for Dez Bryant. It was recently reported that the Cowboys will likely use the franchise player tag on Bryant if a long term deal cannot be reached. Bryant is looking for a big Calvin Johnson-type of contract which is 7 years $113+ MM. Bryant feels he should be paid like what he is--a top 5 wide receiver. Ironically, the deal was almost done last Octorber when Dez' agent Eugene Parker and the Jones family were in contract negotiations. However, in the middle of the whole process Dez fired Parker and signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation firm. Jerry Jones was against the move at the time and he has shown reluctance to engage in any talks with Roc Nation reps. Even in the second half of the season the talk about franchising Dez began. Recently Dez tweeted that the Cowboys commitment to signing him and making the team better was in question because they were considering franchising him. Stephen Jones disagreed with Dez' assessment by saying that if Dallas wasn't committed to Dez they wouldn't bother to franchise him. But, they do value him and want him to be a Cowboy hence they are going to do what is necessary to keep him and not expose him to the free agent market. It comes down to the Cowboys front office opinion of Roc Nation which isn't all that great from all appearances. Earlier in his career Dez fired Eugene Parker so he could sign with super agent Drew Rosenhaus. Apparently, Rosenhaus and Dez didn't hit it off and he went back to Parker. Dez has some immaturity issues even though he's shown that he is beginning to grow up. However, if Dez is having some worm tongue at Roc Nation in his ear Dez may be forgetting how much Dallas has done for him to this point. The Roc Nation people may not have Dez's best interests at heart and may be making a cash grab to line their own pockets. I'll bet that Dallas is willing to give Dez a healthy contract but they want some protection in case Dez falls of the straight and narrow path Dallas has had him on since the jewelry incident after signing his rookie contract. You remember that. When Dez signed his contract he promptly went out and spent more money than he actually had to get his homeys some bling? Yeah, sure you do. So does Jerry and Stephen Jones and like it or not the Jones' family has learned some hard lessons about overpaying players and getting sent to salary cap hell as a result. The Cowboys can franchise Dez up to 3 times at least, if not more. He gets his money and Dallas has at least some assurance they won't get the short end of the salary cap stick. Dallas doesn't trust Dez and they sure don't like Roc Nation. Dez may have to live being paid year to year with top 5 money. What a bad break for him. He gets roughly $13 MM for one season. BTW, there is no reason the Cowboys and Bryant can't work out a long term deal after the Cowboys franchise him. New Orleans did it with Jimmy Graham so it can happen with Dez too. One thing is for sure Dez will be a Cowboy in 2015 let start worrying around DeMarco Murray.

Dallas signed their other two exclusive rights free agents G Ron Leary and OT Darion Weems. These two players are the last of the ER free agents and Leary was signed pretty cheap for a starting guard on what has been called the most dominant offensive line in the NFL. Leary and Weems both signed one year deals for $585K which should take Leary close to being a free agent, certainly a restricted free agent, next year. His original contract was that of an undrafted free agent even though Leary had a second round grade. Leary fell out of the draft because of concerns over a degenerative knee condition. Dallas has reaped the benefits of this signing as Leary has started 31 of 32 games and he's become one of the best run blockers on the team. Weems was signed in December of 2012 spending that season and 2013 on the Cowboys practice squad. Weems missed all of last season because of a shoulder surgery. Dallas is likely hanging on to Weems because both starting tackle Doug Free and backup Jermey Parnell are both unrestricted free agents. A GM's job is never done, no off season for them at all.

[eagle eye]

From DallasCowboys.com we have a link to Brian Broaddus' scouting report on offensive lineman Group 1 from today's combine workouts.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/19/broaddus-selected-scouting-reports-offensive-linemen-combine-group-1

[eagle eye]

The biggest issue in recent Cowboys history that has nothing to do with contracts or free agency or the draft was the catch that was not a catch rule made by the NFL league office and ultimately led to the ousting of the Cowboys from the playoffs. Ask anyone including Cowboys haters and they admit that Dez made the catch. Whether you argue that it was an athletic move or just a rumbling, bumbling, stumbling effort the fact is Dez never let the ball touch the ground and though he momentarily had to recatch the ball after he hit the ground AND rolled over from his stomach to his back before he made the catch. Even by rule the player controlled the ball. If he was out of bounds and he to "recatch" the ball I can see ruling it incomplete but Dez never left the playing field. It was a catch and I don't give a crap on a cracker what the NFL league office tried to spin it. They blew the call and they don't want to admit it. I say the league officials blew it because the man right on top of the play ruled it a catch. He did it on the field over riding the incomplete call another official not even close to the play originally ruled. Jason Garrett addressed the issue in a press conference yesterday and he pointed out this fact in answer to the question concerning the play. With about 5 minutes left in the game if the catch had stood and Dallas likely to reclaim the lead who knows what would have happened. But, we'll never know because the kick-in-the-gut ruling surely took the air out of the Cowboys. They tried like hell and even the 3rd or 4th down play when the Packers got their final 1st down occurred when the ball was tipped at the line of scrimmage and it was still caught by a Randall Cobb. Fate, kismet, whim of the gods, however you want to say it the Packers were able to hang on to the ball and win the game. It is incredibly ironic that Dallas got screwed with 5 minutes left in the game and Green Bay was the beneficiary of the play but in Seattle with the same 5 minutes or so left in the game against the Seahawks and a twelve point lead the Packers had a colossal meltdown and ended up handing a trip to the Super Bowl to Seattle. Don't believe in football gods? There, my friends, is evidence to the contrary.
The reason for this rant is related to the combine and news coming from Indianapolis is that no discussion is going to take place this week. A member of the NFL competition committee, Jeff Fisher, said that other matters took precedence over that subject but it would be addressed at a later time. Fisher did say one thing about it and that it was a shame the play happened in a playoff game. To me there is a distinct different between what happened at Lambeau Field and the so-called Calvin Johnson rule because Johnson put the ball down on the ground after the catch. In the Dez catch the ball never touched the ground and Dez remained in the field of play. It was such a ball busting moment to have a guy in New York overturn the guy on the field who took control of the play and made the right call. Total BS and it's not beyond the realm of possibility that Dallas had a real shot at beating Seattle and going to it's first Super Bowl in 19 years. It will be a long time before I will be able to let this go. A long, long time.

Here's a link to Day 2 of the Cowboys Draft Show from Indianapolis.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/02/19/draft-show-live-nfl-combine-day-2

There seems to be some buzz about Boise State running back Jay Ajayi. Here's an article from DallasCowboys.com's David Helman about Ajayi.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/20/plenty-cowboys-connections-abound-boise-state-running-back-jay-ajayi

[eagle eye]

The NFL Combine is over now and the next step in the path to this year's draft will be the player pro days that are held at their respective colleges and universities. You'll see all that coverage on ESPN and the NFL Network. There were some names that stood out at the combine but, maybe it's me, but it doesn't seem to have the buzz around as in years past. Maybe it's because the lack of depth in the quarterback ranks. Is there a WR you are particularly jacked up about? Me either. The top running backs seem to be coming off injuries which sort of dampens the buzz around them. They say that there is a lot of depth in the pass rush class of 2015. I guess but the best of the lot is from UCLA coming off back to back seasons of hip surgery. The one guy I am really interested in is a cornerback from Michigan State Tre Waynes. The guy ran a 4.31 40 and had a 38" verticle. He also had 19 reps of 225 lbs on the bench and a broad jump of 122". What that tells me is he's fast and athletic and he's proven he can cover man to man and is a an effective tackler. Trouble is, he will be gone before Dallas picks at No 27. There seems to be a lot of guys who are projected 2nd and 3rd rounders and not so many legit 1st round picks. Maybe this is the year Dallas can drop back a few picks and add an extra pick or two. One thing for sure Dallas still needs help on defense notably on the D-line. What the Cowboys lacked wasn't effort but it was pressure on the QB as the Cowboys again were at the bottom end of sacks last season. It's their one Achilles heel. Their other problem is at linebacker. They have one healthy guy right now in 1st year man Anthony Hitchens. He was a 4th round pick that hit. The rest of the guys are either free agents and/or coming off injury. See Sean Lee, Justin Durant, Kyle Wilbur, Rolando McClain and Dakota Watson. Talk about a position with a lot of question marks. Well, here's a look at some defensive players from the Scouting Combine by DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus.


http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/23/scouting-report-breaking-down-top-combine-targets-defensive-workouts

[eagle eye]

We have heard nothing so far about anyone else who is a free agent in Dallas except for the discussions over what should be done with Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray. On DallasCowboys.com 3 of their staff writers Nick Eatman, Bryan Broaddus and David Helman give their take on who is tops on the free agent signing list.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/24/10-free-agent-questions-after-dez-murray-who-no-3-fa-priority-list

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have some issues to deal with at the cornerback position. Here's an article from DallasCowboys.com where 3 of their staff writers give their opinion of what the Cowboys should do to address those issues this off season.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/27/10-free-agent-questions-how-should-cb-position-be-approached-offseason

LB Justin Durant announced that he has been cleared for off season work. Around mid season Durant was lost for the rest of the year due to a torn biceps but now he's healed and ready for whatever team he ends up with begins their off season workout. Durant was having a really nice season before his injury and due to his age (29) coupled with his experience in the NFL (8 years) is both a good thing and bad thing. His experience is a good thing while his age and the fact that he's coming off an injury is a bad thing, at least in terms of him getting a big free agent deal. Durant may well be one free agent that Dallas will be able to resign and according to the writers on DallasCowboys.com is guy they thing Dallas would want back in 2015. We'll see how things develop here.

The saga of the mysterious video of Dez Bryant's heretofore unseen and unfound video continues. The latest is that there was an issue at a Dallas area Walmart involving a woman. It seems there are conflicting stories about the incident (imagine that!) it seems that the police looked into an event at the Walmart and found no evidence of wrong doing on anyone's part so the matter was dropped. Apparently, Dez was at the Walmart to help the lady in question according to her statement but, as yet, no video has been located or otherwise released. The fact that the incident in question happened in 2011 and is just now coming out, well, let's just say it seems pretty fishy to say the very least. Dez is pissed because he believes that the Jones family is circulating the rumors about the video to enhance their bargaining position for his contract. I think there's just too much cloak and dagger for this to be true. It could be anti Cowboys spreading the rumors to try to sabotage the contract negotiations in an attempt to create friction in the Cowboys locker room. Money can't buy happiness but lack of it can certainly create discord. A long term deal is going to be hard now with Dez feeling "betrayed" by the Cowboys and the media. Jerry will have to have a face to face with Dez and smooth things out. Dallas can't be reckless here. They will have to talk to Dez before they hang the franchise tag on him or they risk alienating Dez for good. Yes, Dallas can franchise Dez this year and next and even the next year but there is no guarantee Dez will play hard. Attitude is everything and if Dez feels animosity there is nothing that says he plays with the all out abandon that he has up to now. This video thing is serious and the Jones family and Dez need to come to an understanding and, unless I miss my guess, Dez needs to stop listening to his homeys and Roc Nation who are trying like hell to break somebody's bank with a free agent deal and are dealing in some poison pen discourse against the Jones's.

Here's an article from CowboysHQ.com that offers a realistic contract offer to Dez that would satisfy the Cowboys and Dez. It actually looks like a pretty reasonable deal.

http://dal.scout.com/story/1521854-cowboys-dez-10-fishtips-fish-video?s=112

[eagle eye]

Apparently the noise over Dez getting the franchise tag was really no big deal after all. Just another bit of media hype and too much crap going down on twitter. On Monday the Cowboys did what they have been talking about since last season by franchising Bryant and neither the Cowboys or his agent from RocNation Tom Condon seemed to worried about it. The Cowboys still want to work out a long term deal with Dez that will make him happy, help the Cowboys cap more than a $12.823 MM hit will allow, and protect the Cowboys in case Dez messes up off the field. It's all good and my own fears were simply unfounded. That's what can happen if you are on the outside looking in. According to DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola it would be no surprise to see the Cowboys and Bryant agree on a deal before next Monday's free agency period begins. This would make Dez happy and it would the Jones family happy and it would allow the Cowboys to focus on getting a deal done with DeMarco Murray. Win-win-win right? Right. Tagging Dez apparently was the signal to Bryant and his agent to get serious with the contract negotiations. The Cowboys placed the Non-Exempt franchise tag on Dez which allows teams to negotiate with him but if he wants to sign with another team that team would have to give up their first round pick this year and next year to get him. It's a price Dallas is all too familiar with since they gave up two first round picks for WR Joey Galloway way back in 2000 to give Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith a WR to replace Michael Irvin for one last run at a Super Bowl. That deal backfired big time when Galloway tore his ACL in the first game as a Cowboy. Later that same year Troy Aikman was lost for the season and his career with yet another concussion. It took Dallas years to overcome that deal. It's possible they could be looking at a similar deal from the other side of the fence --- but not likely.

Just to prove that the Cowboys are not guilty of tunnel vision over Dez Bryant's contract situation the Cowboys agreed to a 4 year extension to WR Cole Beasley's contract. Beasley's deal will be worth around $13.6 MM over the four years of the deal. Beasley was to be a restricted free agent beginning Monday and Dallas took care his contract to avoid taking a chance on losing him. Beasley became an important piece of the Cowboys puzzle last season having a breakout season and in particular his December was a clear sign that he was an important part of the offense. This means that the top receivers for the Cowboys are signed for at least the next two years except for Dez. Jason Witten is signed through 2017, Terrence Williams is signed through 2016 and now Beasley through 2018.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys signed a player yesterday but it wasn't one of their own free agents. It was a veteran linebacker named Keith Rivers. Here's a couple of links from DallasCowboys.com explaining the deal and a scouting report from Bryan Broaddus.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/04/cowboys-sign-veteran-linebacker-keith-rivers-one-year-deal

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/05/scouting-report-grading-tape-newly-signed-linebacker-keith-rivers

Okay, I feel a little TMZ-ish right now but guess who was spotted at the Duke-Wake Forrest game last night? In an annual trip to Blue Devil-land Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, QB Tony Romo, TE Jason Witten and a special guest RB DeMarco Murray! Read into that what you will but it gives those of us hoping Dallas can hang on to Murray some glimmer of hope a deal can be done. In the second half Romo got antsy and after trying, and failing to get Murray to go with him Romo ran across the court from his seat with his Cowboys teammates and coach and took a seat in the student section with the "Cameron Crazies". Duke won of course and a good time was had by all.

from the bleacher report--

http://collegespun.com/acc/duke/photos-tony-romo-ran-across-the-court-so-he-could-sit-with-the-cameron-crazies-at-tonights-duke-game

[eagle eye]

Well, it's a done deal. The offensive line will remain the same for the next 3 years at least. Right tackle Doug Free has agreed to a 3 year $16 MM deal with $6 MM guaranteed. Free is 31 but linemen tend to be able to play into their mid thirties for the most part and this 3 year deal is great news for the Cowboys and it also means that one of the most respected offensive lines will be able to continue on together with their elder statesmen on board. Many around the Cowboys camp felt a deal with Free would be done and the other right tackle on the Cowboys roster, Jermey Parnell, would be the free agent that was allowed to walk. It seems that popular opinion was correct. As far as Free being signed, I am as pleased as I can be. Now, can Dallas figure out a way to sign RB DeMarco Murray? That is the question hanging on most Cowboys fan's minds now.

As for Murray, the move made by Philly dumping Shady McCoy and his $11 MM cap hit onto the Buffalo Bills may see the handwriting on the wall. That deal and the Saints signing of Mark Ingram to a contract for $16 MM for 4 years could be a benchmark for negotiations. The thing is, Murray knows which side of the bread needs the butter. He knows he has a top notch O-line, a good QB and good receivers around him. He knows he's on a playoff team that was a bad call away from playing for the right to go to the Super Bowl. A 3-4 year deal with most of the money guaranteed could be just what the doctor ordered as long as the money was in the 6-7 million dollar a year range. I can't help feeling a deal will get done.

It's time to think about the defense for a while. It looks like the offense is going to be alright. So, what does Dallas need to do? Well, they already signed a linebacker, I posted about that the other day. There are guys that Dallas would like to sign as well. How about just talking about the linebackers? I really would like to see Dallas cut a deal with newcomer Rolando McClain. The guy, when healthy, is a beast and shoe-in fit at MIKE linebacker. That leaves the athletic Sean Lee, coming off ACL surgery, to move to the WILL. He has great instincts and when healthy he's a dynamic playmaker and isn't it about time Lee caught a break from the injury bug? The feeling is that Dallas has a real chance to sign Justin Durant who is coming off a torn bicep. In 2014 Durant was having a great season for Dallas before getting hurt. The trouble is, Dallas is looking at 3 starting backers coming off injuries. The good news is they have a 2nd year player in Anthony Hitchens who may end up being the best 4th round draft pick in Cowboys history based on how well he performed in his rookie season. The jury, as they say, is still out on him. Does Dallas try to resign Bruce Carter? He had a heckuva December but he has been, by and large, a bit of a disappointment as a 2nd round draft pick.

So far CB Morris Claiborne has been the only first round pick miss in the last 5 years. In 2010 Dallas got Dez Bryant with the 24th pick in the 1st round. (Pro Bowl, All Pro) In 2011 Dallas got LT Tyron Smith with the 9th pick in the first round. (Pro Bowl, All Pro), 2013 C Travis Frederick. (Pro Bowl) and in 2014 Dallas got G Zack Martin with the 16th pick. (Pro Bowl, All Pro as a rookie) Dallas traded up to the 6th pick in the 2012 draft to get Claiborne and he's been in rehab more than he's been on the field. This off season could be make or break for Mo. Dallas has got to get better at cornerback and this could be Claiborne's last chance to live up to his draft position. Hopefully, Mo will be a late bloomer. Everyone would love to see him do well and with only one good year on his resume it may not be all that hard to exercise the 5th year option they have on him by offering him a contract extension. Just trying to think ahead here but considering the Cowboys have stuck with Claiborne through mostly thin times he may be willing to give Dallas the old "home town discount" when it come time and he looks to be finally coming into his own. It may be nothing but Claiborne needs to show something, anything this off season or his time as a Cowboy may be over.

[eagle eye]

Will they keep DeMarco Murray or not. This question is still burning all over Cowboy-nation. Reports are the Cowboys and Murray's reps haven't spoken in a week. What does that mean? It's a fact that Murray took everything Cowboys related off his twitter account. Does this mean he's not satisfied with the last offer he received from the Jones family brain trust or does it mean he's taking the best deal he can and leaving Dallas? I think the jury is still very much out and even if Murray doesn't sign today it doesn't necessarily mean he won't sign with Dallas. The Cowboys may want Murray to visit some clubs to see what the market value is for him. Will he get LeSean McCoy money from someone? Will he only get a Mark Ingram $16 MM 4 year deal? I feel Dallas would pay more for Murray than that but I would also bet they won't pay him AP or Shady type of money either. Find a middle ground people and let's get this thing done. PLEASE!
Here's a link to a Nick Eatman article on DallasCowboys.com with the thought that with Rod Marinelli running the defense in makes sense to sign Murray. It sure has my curiousity picked.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/10/eatman-marinelli-running-defense-paying-more-murray-makes-sense

Meanwhile the clock is ticking down to the 3 o'clock hour. Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. Now the Bleacher Report is saying Dallas like C J Spiller and that the Cowboys tried to trade for him 2 years ago. Cat and mouse games never stop do they?

[eagle eye]

Black Tuesday or the beginning of NFL free agency was busy as heck today with a lot of previously negotiated contracts made official, a slew of players agreeing to terms with other teams and in a most usual turn of events for free agent day were the amount of trades that took place---some quite surprising indeed.

As for the Cowboys, there were two departures that sort of hurt. The first was Justin Durant who agreed to a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. I think that since Durant missed the last 10 games last season because of a torn biceps the Cowboys thought maybe they would not have a hard time resigning him to a deal. However, I suppose the Falcons did their homework including watching film of the way Durant played last year for the six games he was healthy. He played all three linebacker spots at one time or another and he played well. Durant turns 30 this September and the Falcons felt he was worth paying $3 MM a year for 2 years. Durant is one of 3 free agent linebackers this year. The other two are Bruce Carter and Rolando McClain. Neither player had visits with other teams today but Carter is scheduled to make visits to Houston and Tampa Bay this week. McClain failed a drug test earlier this year and he will be suspended for the first 4 games of the 2015 season so he may not be all that attractive to prospective teams. That said, McClain was a dynamic player when on the field which was limited down the stretch due to nagging injuries. Would love to have McClain especially with a full off season of work with the Cowboys training staff but you just never know.

The other player to leave was WR/KR Dwayne Harris. Harris was the Cowboys 4th receiver and it's been said that the signing of Cole Beasley signaled the end of Harris' tenure in Big D. What people forget is Harris' involvement in the Cowboys special teams groups. He was the return man on both kickoffs and punts and he was on both coverage units. He was actually led the team in special teams tackles last year. I hate to see Harris go and what makes matters worse is he went to the NY Giants for God's sake. Now we have to face the son of a gun twice a year! The Giants gave Harris a 5 year $17.5 MM deal with $7 MM guaranteed.

No word on DeMarco Murray. He made no visits to any team today and as far as anyone knows he hasn't scheduled any as yet. The rumor mill has Murray's name linked with Jacksonville who has been a big player the last few days, he had been linked to Philly but the way Chip Kelly is dumping players and salaries I don't see him wanting to pay a big contract to Murray. The Oakland Raiders have been mentioned a people of interest but nothing substantial as yet there. Rumors were going around that Arizona may be interested but earlier today a Cardinal's official said that the Cardinals were not interested in Murray at this time. Murray's agent Tom Condon from RocNation met with the Cowboys yesterday and today but, again, no word one way or the other has been forthcoming.

[eagle eye]

Dallas lost another linebacker today. The Tampa Bay Bucs signed Bruce Carter to what is believed to be a 4 year $20 MM deal today. The Cowboys better hope they can sign Rolando McClain or they will be hurting at the spot, at least depth wise. Right now the projected starters would Anthony Hitchens at MIKE, Sean Lee at WILL and newly signed Keith Rivers or Cam Lawrence at the SAM. Dallas could look for a reasonably price backer in the second week of free agency or hope they hit on a guy or two in the draft the way they hit on Hitchens last year.

According to the Bleacher Report at the UCLA pro day DE prospect Owamagbe Odighizuwa had a terrific work out. Also on display was LB Eric Kendricks, QB Brett Hundley and S Anthony Jefferson among of NFL hopefuls working out today. Here's a link from DallasCowboys.com featuring a write up of the day's activities by Daily Bruin UCLA beat writer Jordan Lee.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/10/pro-day-tour-pass-rusher-odighizuwa-steals-show-ucla-stellar-workout

Dallas does appear to looking at free agency for a linebacker. They and the Atlanta Falcons seem to be the final two teams trying to woo Miami's Derrick Morgan with a nice contract. Morgan would be a steep upgrade from Justin Durant and Bruce Carter who Dallas just lost to other free agent deals to Atlanta and Tampa.

[eagle eye]

Alright, this is me being stubborn but until he actually signs the deal I won't truly believe DeMarco Murray is leaving Dallas for accursed Eagles. Anyone who has read my posts knows full well I not only hate the Eagles, I loathe them, and for Murray to reach out to Chip Kelly and initiate contract talks is just unthinkable to me. As an Eagle LeSean McCoy would have been paid $9.75 MM. After the trade with Buffalo and the subsequent extension he agreed to McCoy's 2015 salary is $2.625 MM with a pro rated signing bonus of $2.625 MM with a $250K workout bonus. Over the next 5 years McCoy will make $40 MM with $26.5 MM guaranteed.
If, in fact, Murray becomes the dirty rotten traitor he looks like he is he will make $42 MM and his cap hit on Philly is liable to be upwards of $8 MM. Murray is a power back capable of picking up "dirty yards" but he's not dynamic in the way LeSean McCoy is. Philly dumped McCoy and roughly saved $1 MM in the process. This sucks and the fact that Murray was the soul of the Cowboys offense that depended on those "dirty yards" as Jason Garrett has called them to drive the Cowboys offense you have to wonder why Dallas would let the freaking Eagles of all teams outbid them. As I said, I will not believe it until he actually signs the deal but crap, crap, crap, crap CRAP! Oh, BTW, forget about the Ryan Mathews deal falling through in Philly, it's being reported he signed his contract this afternoon. I hate the Philadelphia Eagles.

Alright Stephen Jones, because you are the guy being blamed for not resigning Murray, you'd better come up with some quality free agents to help the defense like Miami free agent LB/DE Derrick Morgan and they better get a corner or a safety or Vince Wolfork as well as signing LB Rolando McClain or I may go all postal! It looks like the best free agent RB out there is Buffalo's C J Spiller. If the guy can stay healthy losing Murray might not be that bad. Forget about Dallas getting Adrian Peterson. Dallas won't trade for AP and his $14 MM +/- salary and I don't believe Minnesota will cut him. The best we can hope for now is a veteran RB and to hit a quality guy in the draft.

Dallas did sign a free agent today but it was fullback. Dallas picked up 4 year NFL vet Jed Collins who has spent time in the Lions and Saints organizations. He signed a one year deal and the money part hasn't been disclosed that I have found. Collins has 44 career receptions in his 4 year career. Big freaking whup. It's likely a look-see deal to determine if he could be a better fit than current FB Tyler Clutts.

I seems that Murray is the first rushing title leader to go to another team the following year via free agency in NFL history. Great. Nice Stat. The last rushing leader not to play for his team the following year was way back in 1947 when a guy you never heard of was traded the year after he was the rushing leader. Damn, I'm in a foul mood right now.

[eagle eye]

Okay, I'm still disappointed in losing DeMarco Murray but I've had some time to think this through. There are 3 points I want to discuss.

1) Murray gets one chance to get a big contract. He's played out his original deal without complaining about it and everyone who follows football knows it's your second contract in the NFL where you have your one chance for a big score salary wise. This is Murray's. Nobody, neither you or I, would consider missing out on the chance to make $40+ MM with a crapload of it guaranteed. You'd be crazy to take a deal like Dallas offered for 5 to 6 million with about $13 MM guaranteed given a choice. It's not about loyalty to his team. As they say, it's business and Murray has a fiancée and a kid and he wants to make the most money he can before he's considered done career-wise and thrown on the trash heap. If the NFL wanted to enable teams to keep their players there should be a way to pay players you draft more money without cornholing your salary cap. The NBA does it and it you exceed your cap you are levied a luxury tax which some teams have been willing to pay. It sucks losing Murray, especially to the Eagles, but it's just business.

2) Stephen Jones is doing what his daddy hasn't been able to do and that's think with his head and not his heart. The discipline the younger Jones has shown over the last 2 to 3 years is refreshing. It was Stephen and the guys who work for him that convinced Jerry to pass on the "sexy" pick last May and go with the best player on their board. So Johnny Football goes to Cleveland instead of Dallas where he shoots himself in the foot with a wild lifestyle and ends up in rehab while Dallas chose Zack Martin who becomes one of the best guards in the NFL and makes the Pro Bowl AND All Pro in his first season in the NFL. Jerry admitted that if there wasn't a salary cap DeMarco Murray would still be a Cowboy and in the past Jerry would have thrown the bank at Murray. Don't believe me? Just look at debacle contracts over the last decade to Marion Barber, Roy Williams 1 and 2 and Miles Austin just to name 4 but you and I know there have been others. Stephen doesn't need the "sexy" pick, he needs the best players available and the drafts since Jason Garrett took over as head coach shows that Garrett and Stephen are on the same page personnel wise. Garrett wanted Murray back but he understands Dallas has holes to fill that won't get filled if there's no money left to do it. If you look at the Mike Shanahan's and the John Fox's who seemingly pull RBs out of nowhere there is no reason to believe Murray can't be replaced at a much cheaper price.

3) If you were around before NFL free agency then you got to see the star players on your team for the duration of their careers or at least until they were past their primes. That's how fans could associate with their favorite teams, by the star players who they look up to and idolize. It's a new day since free agency came about. It's a good thing for the players because they finally get paid. It's tough for the fans because often times their favorite players change teams and it sucks for owners because the payroll of the team has to be weighed against the desire to keep certain players. The clear losers are the fans because it's the star players that people remember and gives credence to the love of ones favorite team. Those players are a source of pride. Tell me Cowboys fans can't name guys like Staubach, Lilly, Dorsett, Pearson, Aikman, Smith and Irvin. Guys who played all or almost all their careers in Dallas. There were many more than that but you understand what I'm saying. You still have guys like Romo, Witten, Dez and for at least 5 more years the main guys on the O-line. You know Sean Lee but there is so much turnover in teams you literally need a program to know who's on your team. Losing Murray is just the new NFL at work so we can't bitch about it too much and you shouldn't be like some in Dallas who burned Murray's jersey in protest of his leaving for Philly. Murray made it clear he wanted to stay in Dallas. Everyone from the head coach down to the water boys made clear they wanted Murray to stay but as the saying goes you can wish in one hand and poop in the other and odds are the poop hand fills up first. We, as fans, have to trust that the Cowboys player personnel guys will come through with a guy who can replace Murray and maybe even find someone better. Keep in mind, the Broncos have had a trainload of good RBs going all the way back to Clinton Portis and they keep finding guys who are as good or better to replace them. Who would have thought the Broncos 3rd or 4th string RB would be one of the best RBs in 2014 but there was C J Anderson churning out yardage game after game. It can be done folks We just have to trust in Tom Ciskowski, Will McClay and Jason Garrett and the Cowboys staff to find the next workhorse for Garrett's system.

Speaking of trust, Dallas has signed veteran RB Darren McFadden to a two year deal for just over $5 MM with a $200K signing bonus. I know what you're thinking, "That guy sucks and that's when he's not injured!" I hear ya, bro. Fact is McFadden a damn good back who has spent most of his time on the injured list. To give you some perspective the 2008 draft was when he was snagged by the Raiders which was the same draft Dallas selected his backfield mate at Arkansas Felix Jones. It's also the same draft they took Jones instead of Steven Jackson because Dallas was looking for a complimentary back to Marion Barber. Seems like forever ago, right? Well, because of the injuries McFadden doesn't really have a lot of miles on him and he's the same age as---wait for it---DeMarco Murray. It's also probably true that the injuries have diminished McFadden's abilities but it's also true McFadden hasn't had the quality of O-line he'll enjoy in Dallas. Take this into account, 2014 was the first season McFadden played all 16 games. He wasn't as effective as his apparent incumbent Latavius Murray but Latavius had one great game and was lost with his own ACL tear. Maybe a change in scenery is just what the doctor ordered for McFadden at a 2nd chance in the NFL. Plus Dallas got him cheap so why not take a look? C J Spiller is still available so why not make him an offer?

[eagle eye]

Dallas made a sort of under the radar move Saturday claiming Corey White off waivers. White was a 5th round draft pick by the Saints in 2012 and he had signed a 4 year deal at the time. White is listed as a cornerback and that is the position he played in 2012 but, in 2014, after injuries to safeties Jarius Byrd and Raphael Bush landed them on IR the Saints moved White to safety. The fact that he played both positions probably lead the Cowboys to look his way and he fills a couple of needs for the Cowboys--as long as he can play well. By putting White on waivers the Saints save $1.5 MM on their salary cap which apparently is something New Orleans has to address still after all the moves they have made this off season. It's no wonder considering Drew Brees, by himself, accounts for about 40% of the Saints salary cap figure.

DeMarco Murray attended the UFC 185 event in Dallas last night and got booed when his face was put up on the jumbo tron.

Barry Church said yesterday that he hopes Dallas can sign embattled DE Greg Hardy. Hardy is a great pass rusher and he would help the Cowboys tremendously. Church said that Hardy would make everyone's job on the back end of the defense better because of his ability to rush the passer, tip balls and generally disrupt the offense. Church continued by saying that he heard that Hardy is great in the locker room, a good guy and he knows that everyone makes mistakes. Right now there is reportedly several teams in the bidding for Hardy but it's not known which teams are in the hunt. As an aside to that, Dallas has a great player support system that I'm sure Hardy could benefit from. It's been reported that Stephen Jones has said that he didn't want to overpay for DeMarco Murray because he didn't want to tie up so much money on the offense when the defense needed help. Well, this would be, IMO, a great use of funds and would justify the loss of Murray. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because domestic abuse isn't good but as they say, everybody deserves a second chance.

One last item about Murray. This is just my opinion but while the Cowboys will miss Murray it's not like Dallas didn't offer him a deal. The Cowboys offer wasn't what Murray wanted and he chose to go with the money. I believe the players understand this. I believe they understand that the NFL is a business and while they will miss their teammate they know that everyone is replaceable. It's sad but true. There are very few players short of a QB who can't be replaced. In the Cowboys instance that would be Romo, Dez and Witten. You notice where these guys are going---nowhere. The reason Dallas franchised Dez is because they want him in Dallas. The Cowboys may be a little leary of givng Dez a long term deal with guaranteed money just in case he messes up leaving Dallas to deal with dead money and no franchise changing WR. The Cowboys could, in fact, franchise Dez until the cows come home. Guaranteeing $13 MM a year on a series of one year deals ain't bad business for guy you kind of don't trust to behave. It's not the best situation for Dez because he knows he is worth a big contract but maybe somewhere down the road he'll realize the Cowboys have taken care of him while protecting themselves. If someone tells me I'm making that kind of money for a year I'm all in, but that's me. I don't think the locker room will implode because Murray is gone. They will miss him for sure but life goes on and Dallas will find someone to carry the rock, if they haven't already in Darren McFadden. I was mad at first but I, as a fan, have to understand the business side of the NFL. See soon DeMarco. Twice a year I hope you get stuffed when you face the Cowboys and I hope your Eagles get stuffed the rest of the time. Nothing personal, it just the business of being a fan of the COWBOYS.

[eagle eye]

Yesterday Dallas signed free agent linebacker Andrew Gachkar who had been with the San Diego Chargers. He will be a good special teams player and backup linebacker. The Cowboys signings so far have been to provide depth. The big splashes are likely to come via the draft but Dallas is notorious for it's week 2 signings in free agency.

Speaking of Week 2 free agent signings. DE Greg Hardy and his people have been reported as in talks with the Cowboys for a deal. After missing all of 2014 under the commissioner's exempt list after domestic violence issues and speculation he could be suspended anywhere from 2-6 games he price is liable to be dirt cheap. Signing Hardy could be as valuable as the signing of Rolando McClain was last year but even more so. McClain was Dallas taking a chance on a guy who retired twice and never really played up to his potential but Hardy is a proven commodity. In 2013 he made the Pro Bowl and 2nd team All Pro. The domestic violence issue was dismissed after the lady in question failed to show up to court. The accusations against him are serious and he definitely needs some counselling but the Cowboys have a great player support system headed by former player Calvin Hill. The stability of the Cowboys locker room should also help Hardy. Signing him could be a tremendous win-win for both the player and the team.

[eagle eye]

Dallas has veteran linebacker Jasper Brinkley to a 2 year deal for $6.5 MM w/ $1.25 MM guaranteed. Brinkley plays mostly inside linebacker so he's likely to be a backup at the MIKE spot and special teams player.

The only development in the Greg Hardy deal is that, according to Mike Fisher @ #fishsports the Cowboys have been talking to Hardy's old coaches and so far they like what they've been hearing. (fingers crossed here)

[eagle eye]

I posted the other day that Dallas had signed a middle linebacker named Jasper Brinkley. The 29 year old linebacker who played for the Vikings before becoming a free agent looks to be a guy who could actually start at the MIKE linebacker spot if Rolando McClain can't be resigned. In the link below DallasCowboys.com analyst and former scout Bryan Broaddus breaks down Brinkley as a player.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/17/scouting-report-new-lb-brinkley-offers-physical-option-middle

Still nothing definitive about the Greg Hardy deal. He and the Cowboys are still talking.

[eagle eye]

After two full days of negotiating and talking the Cowboys and defensive end Greg Hardy have agreed to terms on a one year $11.3 MM deal that could escalate to $13.1 MM if certain incentives are met. In the link below an article from the Bleacher Report by Tyler Conway which includes a tweet by ESPN's Adam Schefter breaking down the exact details of the contract. Actually, this is a heavily, heavily incentive laden contract with begins with a minimum base salary of $745K. It's great news for a Cowboys team that has been sack-starved for several seasons. Hardy was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 draft and he had his best seasons in 2012 and 2013 when he recorded 11 and 15 sacks respectively. In 2013 Hardy was a 2nd team All Pro and made the Pro Bowl. He played one game in 2014 before a domestic violence incident derailed his season. According to Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com via the podcast Talkin Cowboys the 9-1-1 call to the police was placed by Hardy because he said his then-girlfriend was attacking him and beating him with a shoe. Now, the reports of the violence he committed on the lady is inexcusable especially when the victim sustained bruises and was choked according to reports. You have to wonder why the young lady never showed up in court last month to testify against Hardy. Her failure to appear was cause for the case to be thrown out but now Hardy is subject to fines and/or suspension by the NFL. The suspension has been anywhere from 2 games to 6.
Whenever Hardy is able to get on the field next season it will be a big shot in the arm for Dallas' pass rush and with his signing it should catapult the Cowboys into the top five teams favored to go to the Super Bowl. If the Cowboys draft well that number and expectations should grow as well.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2386330-greg-hardy-to-cowboys-latest-contract-details-comments-and-reaction

[eagle eye]

Dallas stayed in house for a signing they completed yesterday of defensive tackle Nick Hayden. Hayden was one of those guys signed in desperation in 2013 when Dallas suffered one injury after another on the defensive side of the ball. He and DE George Selvie were players who were kept for the 2014 season and while Selvie's production fell off considerably last season Hayden was steady as a rock playing the one technique. Hayden was not dominating but he was solid and helped anchor the middle of the defensive line for the Cowboys. I am happy they Cowboys signed him to a new deal. The 29 year old player is solid and will end up being a rotational player on the interior line. Signing Greg Hardy was great for one year but if he's not what Dallas believes him to be or it doesn't work out for one reason or another the Cowboys will need to fill another hole in 2016. This means Dallas will be open to drafting either a d-end or a d-tackle in the first or second round of this years draft.

Speaking of George Selvie, the NY Giants signed Selvie to a one year $1.4MM deal yesterday.

I wonder how much Jerry bashing is going to take place now that Dallas has signed Greg Hardy. Dale Hansen, a long time sports reporter in the Dallas area, yesterday in a video blog on his regular sports segment on WFAA ABC in Dallas-Ft Worth area. The segment titled "Dale Hansen Unplugged" is geared as a platform to do a rant on controversial subjects or hot button sports items of the day. Hansen was the partner of the voice of Cowboys on the radio, Brad Sham, until constant friction between then head coach Barry Switzer and Jerry Jones and him caused Hansen to be fired. The rift began in the 1994 training camp when he and Switzer had a heated on-camera argument and evidently the relationship deteriorated from there. Hansen is an award winning broadcaster with a lot of respect nationally and his "Unplugged" rant yesterday has gone national. In it he accuses Jerry Jones of being insensitive to women and he said Jason Garrett is either a liar and hypocrite or he's Jerry Jones puppet. Decide for yourself after listening to the rant via the link below.

http://nextimpulsesports.com/2015/03/19/texas-sports-anchor-lays-into-cowboys-and-fans-for-greg-hardy-signing/

While I agree that signing Hardy is risky in a lot of different ways and his signing could be construed as being insensitive to women. It appears that Hardy was actually convicted of assault by a judge the case was thrown out on appeal because during the jury trial the lady in question never showed up and could not be found to testify against Hardy. There is speculation that Hardy paid off the woman to disappear. Hardy isn't a paragon of what an upstanding citizen should be but he has gone through the court system and done what he's had to for that. It may not be the best of circumstances but that's the way our judicial system works. As a fan I'm glad we got the dominant player but I do have concerns about Greg Hardy. Do I forgive Hardy for his transgressions? I wonder if it's my place to do that. What matters is who he is going forward. Hitting women is never acceptable but we've all know guys who have done it. Guys we work with or play games with. You don't have to like them or what they do you just take care of your business and move on. Now on Colin Cowherd's show he compared Hardy with Aaron Hernandez which is totally wrong. Hernandez killed people. Executed them as if they were so much dirt and while hitting women is reprehensible it's not that. I don't blame Jerry Jones for taking advantage of a system and a set of circumstances to sign an impact player on his team. The way the Cowboys structured the deal it really offers Hardy nothing if he doesn't play and it doesn't reward him the way being on the Commissioner's Exempt List did by paying his salary while his off field issues were pending. The NFL league office would have been better served suspending Hardy until the issue was resolved. The NFL league office seems paralyzed by the many issues that have prevailed over the last year and half. Roger Goodell has butter on his hands making him continually drop the ball on the issue. Any suspension should have been dealt with immediately upon his arrest. The NFL certainly has the right to do that if a player is involved a domestic violence case. Make a stand Roger. I blame the system more than I blame the Cowboys for signing Hardy. As they say, everyone has the right to a second chance and in Hardy's case it's likely his last chance because a second offense is a lifetime ban. As far as the NFL is concerned Hardy has one foot out the door and one foot on a banana peel. He'll need to straighten up and fly right or find a new line of work or possibly to go jail. I say lighten up on Jerry and Jason and Cowboys fans who will continue to root for their Cowboys despite what their feelings about Hardy may be. 20 years ago Dallas got a player who was considered "out of control" and a locker room poison pill and he changed his demeanor and help the Cowboys win 3 Super Bowls. You know him, Charles Haley. People can change. They can grow and mature. Sometimes people just need a second chance.

[eagle eye]

Man, I appreciate guys who don't go off half-cocked and react to things in an emotional rather than a rational way. I have always found Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com to be one of those guys. Perspective, facts and rational thinking. That's what a good journalist is supposed to exemplify. So, after the maelstrom and backlash of the signing of Greg Hardy where Jerry Jones integrity, Jason Garrett's veracity and the fans of the Cowboys who applauded the deal for Hardy signed Wednesday were all taken to task and had their very morality questioned here come Mr Spagnola with what was needed immediately following the signing. Again, the media took the TMZ route treating the whole situation like gossip passing moral judgement on everybody in sight. For the life of me, I should be used to that be now but doggoneit I always fall for the bait. So, take a look at the Greg Hardy case in terms of cold, hard fact and take a look at the breakdown of the Greg Hardy contract in equally cold and hard facts and come to your own conclusion.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/20/spagnola-now-let%E2%80%99s-take-some-time-dig-deep-hardy-signing

Here's an updated list of free agent comings and goings for the Cowboys. I somehow missed the signed of the two OT's RJ Dill and Ryan Miller way back in January. Also in January the Cowboys signed a safety named Keelan Johnson. The Cowboys have also signed a 3rd fullback to go along with Tyler Clutts and Jed Collins who was signed on March 12. His name is Ray Agnew. Competition is the key to making your team better and Jason Garrett and company certainly have created a competition at fullback. Dallas has also sign a long snapper named Casey Kreiter to take some of the load off LP Ladouceur for OTAs and training camp. Kreiter was part of the Cowboys 90 man roster last season for the same reason.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/02/full-list-cowboys%E2%80%99-23-free-agents-headlined-bryant-murray-mcclain

[eagle eye]

I want to say that I've always admired people who can look at the world with some perspective and not fly off the handle letting their emotions guide them. That's how lynch mobs and riots occur more often than not. People fired by emotion do extreme things, some not always to the benefit of society. That's why I have always appreciated Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com. He has always been able to exemplify the best of what the 4th estate is supposed to be about. A voice of reason in a sea of chaos. Okay, all this isn't so dire as to threaten the fiber of society but c'mon the majority of media has gone all TMZ on this deal. Jerry Jones-insensitive to women, Jason Garrett-Idiot, puppet or hypocrite, Cowboys fans who supported the Greg Hardy signing-mercenary bastards. Mickey takes a look at the signing and the deal Hardy agreed to from a sane, rational and factual manner. Check out the link below and see for yourself and come to your own conclusions. To me, that's good journalism.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/20/spagnola-now-let%E2%80%99s-take-some-time-dig-deep-hardy-signing

Here's list of the free agent comings and goings up to now.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/02/02/full-list-cowboys%E2%80%99-23-free-agents-headlined-bryant-murray-mcclain

[eagle eye]

Since the Ray Rice punch on camera at an Atlantic City hotel elevator domestic violence has become THE hot button topic in the NFL and the latest crusade a la mode has been the signing of Greg Hardy. I am sick of ESPN making Hardy the poster boy for domestic violence. It's clear something happened last year but a judge, a female judge, was so incensed at Hardy's actions at the bench trial last summer that she slapped Hardy with a suspended 6 month jail sentence and 18 month probation. I'm telling you, that lady judge was apparently not convinced that Hardy was the second coming of Charles Manson considering her verdict and sentencing in the bench trial. A bench trial, btw, is a hearing with no jury and only the testimony of the accused, the victim and the arresting officer/s to go by. Apparently there was not a recorded history of domestic violence by Hardy to lean on either. However, a female judge didn't think what took place was heinous enough to throw Hardy in jail, even for such a short term as 6 months. However, the people at ESPN I have heard weigh in on the matter have just made Hardy the face of domestic violence because he was "convicted" of the accusation. Now, Hardy could have accepted the 18 months probation and the issue would have died and he'd probably still be a Carolina Panther. But, by Carolina law you can appeal a bench trial with a jury trial and that's what Hardy elected to do. Now, when the case went to trial it was thrown out because the victim didn't show up and couldn't be found. It was reported that she accepted a cash settlement from Hardy and stayed out of sight the day the of the trial. One more thing about the case, by Carolina law the prosecution can still prosecute the case without the witness using her testimony from the bench trial but it wasn't done because of some significant differences in what the lady told the cops the night of the incident and what she testified at the bench trial that made the case too shaky to take to court. Case closed as far as North Carolina is concerned. It sure doesn't sound like Hardy's actions were as reprehensible as they are being painted does it? Hardy is no angel and certainly something happened that night but the way the case went it doesn't appear like Hardy is the urban terrorist he's being painted as.
You want to bash Jerry Jones for signing Hardy under these circumstances? That's okay, he's no stranger to criticism and even among Cowboys fans there is a large portion who just hate Jerra. But c'mon man, this bashing of Jason Garrett, Charlotte Jones Anderson (Jerry's daughter) who has backed her father's and the Cowboys front office signing of Hardy buy saying the Cowboys have an opportunity to help a player turn his life around, Jason Garrett's father and Cowboys fans who have been in favor of the signing have been over the top and out of line. Go to DallasCowboys.com or follow the links below and see what Jerry and Stephen Jones and Jason Garret have said about the Cowboys due diligence in investigating Hardy's background all the way back to his high school days had in the process of deciding to sign Hardy. Sounds to me like Dallas did their homework on this guy. Another item is Dallas didn't pursue Hardy. Like a lot of teams they kicked the tires and the deal they made with him holds no guaranteed money and certainly doesn't force Dallas to keep him if he doesn't work out and it certainly doesn't effect the Cowboys salary cap at all if he doesn't make the team. It's a no-tolerance contract that only rewards Hardy if he does all the right things on and off the field. It's a minor risk for a great reward situation. I'm sure that Dallas' front office new the team would take a hit in the media. After all, it's not politically correct to hire a wife beater especially after the debacle the NFL made of the Ray Rice affair and the backlash of the hire has been harsh. But, Jerra has been through this kind of thing before and he's shown a pretty thick skin and if nothing else I admire his courage to stand up to this heat in an effort to shore up a huge hole in his team's defense. I hope the Cowboys and Greg Hardy come out of this successful. On the Cowboys side success would be a good enough defense to compliment the offense to go to, and win, a Super Bowl. For Greg Hardy, with the help of the Cowboys player support system, I hope he becomes a better person off the field while maintaining his quality of play on the field and I hope that the media, ESPN especially, likes the taste of crow.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/03/23/jason-garrett-if-we-didnt-believe-hardy-could-become-right-kind-guy-we-wouldnt-have

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/03/24/jerry-jones-high-character-and-great-talent-dont-always-go-together

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/03/24/stephen-jones-were-more-committed-run-ever

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/jerry-jones-charlotte-anderson-greg-hardy-incredible-opportunity

On a more football related tone here's a link to an article from DallasCowboys.com about some of the top running back prospects in this year's draft visiting Valley Ranch this week.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/25/several-top-rb-prospects-visit-valley-ranch-cowboys-consider-draft-options

You may have heard that CB Brandon Carr is not open to discussions about a pay cut to help free up some salary cap money for the Cowboys and because he probably hasn't lived up to such a high paycheck. How would you feel if your boss came up to you to asked you to take a pay cut because the company needed the money and because you haven't performed up to your salary expectations? You'd say no too. It doesn't mean that a little tweaking to Carr's contract can't be done. That's what the article link below seems to be trying to tell us.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/24/cowboys-plan-talk-contract-brandon-carr-expect-him-roster

While LB Rolando McClain was a big difference maker when he was healthy for the Cowboys defense last season there was a willingness to allow him to test free agency. It is now 3 weeks into free agency and no reports of any interest in McClain have surfaced. Why? Well, it's because McClain has retired twice and hasn't stayed healthy in his time in the NFL. Despite the fact that he was a major factor in the Cowboys defense for 3/4 of the season before injuries slowed him down and derailed his play on the field they is a genuine factor about McClain's desire to play football, about his overall toughness and apparently his dedication to getting better in the weight room and the meeting room. Dallas has signed several linebackers this off season and they found a guy in Anthony Hitchens in last year's draft that could certainly play middle linebacker for Dallas. They probably feel they don't need McClain especially if he's more of a pain than he's worth. With the backlash of the Greg Hardy signing still very much in the news Dallas may not want to take on another headache in the locker room. The link below is an article that is saying that maybe Dallas could still sign McClain but..................

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/24/despite-free-agent-additions-lb-cowboys-still-talks-rolando-mcclain

[eagle eye]

With all the wringing of hands over the loss of DeMarco Murray (I admit, I was one of the wringers.) and an arched eyebrow or two over the signing of Darren McFadden don't go to sleep on a guy who spent 2014 on the Cowboys practice squad. Remember Ryan Williams? You know the 2nd round pick of the Arizona Cardinals who displayed such promise as a rookie but a torn patellar tendon in his knee derailed his career. It actually was spelled the end of his time in Arizona as the 2012 injury kept him off the field in 2013 and landed him on the street in 2014. The Cowboys took a chance on Williams and he showed some burst and some speed in training camp. Enough so that the Cowboys included him their final cuts before the season but they were quick to resign him after he cleared waivers. To some who believe that Dallas is lumping all their eggs into the Darren McFadden basket for 2015 didn't pay attention to the contract Run-DMC signed. The contract only calls for a minimal amount of guaranteed money so his is a kick-the-tires sort of deal. If McFadden truly is done it cost Dallas a drop in the bucket for a look. It doesn't preclude the Cowboys from drafting a running back in the first round like say a Todd Gurley from Georgia is still on the board he may be the best player available and the Cowboys first overall pick in this year's draft. But, it doesn't mean Williams won't get his shot and as a practice squad guy HE won't cost much for the look-see either.

In an interview yesterday Jerry Jones said that their draft board going into this year's draft is wide open. The signing of Greg Hardy means that a huge hole in the Cowboys roster has been filled and the Cowboys are free to draft the "best available" player. They did that last year and ended up with All Pro Zack Martin. Jerry also admitted it may be time to start seriously looking for Tony Romo's replacement. We're not talking about the Cowboys moving up for a chance at Jamais Winston or Marcus Mariota but if, say, a Brice Petty from Baylor or Todd Hundley from UCLA is sitting there for the taking in the second or third round it would not be a shock to see Dallas sign one of their names on their draft card.

Need a little spring pick-me-up? Try this slide show from DallasCowboys.com featuring some photos from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at their 2016 calendar shoot in Tulum Mexico. Tulum is located on the Yucatan Peninsula about 50 miles south of Playa del Carmen.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/galleries/2015/03/26/dcc-calendar-shoot-tulum-mexico

[eagle eye]

The mock drafts are well in the 4th and 5th editions by now and it's starting to take some shape as far as having some interest to fans. In the link below DallasCowboys.com's David Helman gives us nice cross reference of mocks and who the "experts" think Dallas is likely to take. A new guy has taken over as the favorite and it's a direct result of the Greg Hardy signing. UT fans should find this article interesting.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/27/mock-draft-roundup-20-new-name-emerges-cowboys-defensive-tackle-position

In his weekly article on DallasCowboys.com Mickey Spagnola give us the clues to the why's of several player's contracts and questions begin to mount about what the 2015 roster will look like. Interesting bit of news.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/27/spagnola-just-answering-all-these-mounting-questions-numbers

You get a little tired of Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett saying the politically correct things all the time. Always being polite, never calling out players or refs or giving Cowboys opponents any bulletin board material to motivate them above and beyond the norm. So, when you get an article from the Ft Worth Star-Telegram's lead sportswriter, Clarence Hill, talking about Jason Garrett's reaction to the NFL NOT amending the Calvin Johnson catch rule you kind of sit up and take notice. BTW, Jason Garrett thought Dez caught that ball in Green Bay too!

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article16402607.html

The NFL draft is 33 days away!

Did you ever notice that the NFL is a year round business. I know all sports are but they have ingrained themselves into our lives every single month of the year now. I know that you already count September through February from week 1 through the Super Bowl but they augment February with the Senior Bowl and the NFL scouting combine. March comes along and for at least two weeks free agency dominates the sports landscape. Then comes April and the continuation of college pro days and private work outs aiming toward the NFL draft which begins on the final day of the month. May kicks off by the draft and the beginning of voluntary OTA's which always garners a lot of attention. Then comes June and mandatory OTA's begin with discussions about contract holdouts and draft pick signings dot the monthly business agenda. July begins with final team's final OTA workout as every single team prays to the football gods that the dead time between the last OTA and training camp which begins at the end of the month doesn't see additions to the NFL Knucklehead's Club. Testosterone filled young men with too dang much time on their hands seem to always find a way to get into some kind of trouble. Training camp shifts into full swing in August as teams try to whittle down their rosters from 90 guys to 53 plus a practice squad as the drive to Week 1 of the new NFL season begins the process all over again. Is it any wonder that the NFL is a multi-BILLION dollar entity? Without even trying they have become an integral part of their fans, and non-fans too, lives. As appropriate as baseball is about to begin their long odyssey on April 5th the NFL took the "Field of Dreams" catch phrase, 'If you build it, they will come.' to a level never dreamed of way back in 1958 when Baltimore beat the NY Giants on a Johnny Unitas QB sneak in overtime for the NFL Championship on TV on a December evening. With that game, called the "greatest game ever played" coupled with the marriage of the NFL with TV it sparked a 57 year and counting nuclear blast into American society. It's so freaking big it's pushing the encumbrance of the US boarders and threatening to expand world wide. Who's to say that the development of the Star Trek transporter machine isn't going to be pushed to facilitate NFL travel demands as the new millennium progresses. Come to think of a world wide transporter system would be pretty freaking sweet, I'm just saying.........................................

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys strengthened their defense today by coming to terms on a one year deal with LB Rolando McClain. The deal is worth around $3MM with an additional $1MM in incentives. It's 3 weeks into free agency and you'd think that by the way he played last season that offers would be rolling in but none came. It's likely because of McClain's history in the league. He retired twice and he didn't play in an NFL game for over a year when he came to Dallas. There are also questions about his durability. He was only able to play in 12 games during the regular season and he left both Cowboys playoff games early on with a concussion. That said, McClain was second on the team in tackles and he had game sealing interceptions against Seattle and the Giants. Since it's a one year deal there is no reason not to draft a quality LB in the draft but it also means Dallas is even more able to take the very best player available when their turn comes around.

Recently Tony Romo did a 45 minute interview on the 105 The Fan morning show with Ben and Skin. Normally, I hate player interviews but Romo was engaging and interesting. At one point Romo broke down the infamous Dez non-catch play in the Green Bay playoff game. That was interesting as hell. The interview included subjects such as DeMarco Murry, his Jimmy Kimmell interview where he inferred Jerry Jones had only 3-4 years to live and a fantasy football fan convention in Las Vegas which is in the works. I have posted a link below to the whole interview but if you want to listen to bits and pieces of it go to DallasCowboys.com's multimedia page and choose the segment you are interested in.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/03/31/full-romo-interview-green-bay-emotions-duke-fandom-more


Here's some links to profiles of players who could be on the Cowboys radar in the upcoming draft.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/30/possible-pick-wake-forest-cb-johnson-has-both-combination-length-athleticism

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/03/31/possible-pick-baylor%E2%80%99s-petty-has-proven-he-can-wait-then-shine-when-called-upon

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/01/possible-pick-iowa%E2%80%99s-carl-davis-has-quick-feet-strength-excel-dt

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have signed a new defense end--or is it a tight end? Even the Cowboys aren't sure at this point but regardless the player named Efe Obada. Obada has played just five games for the London Warriors of the British American Football Association. He is the second Londoner on the Cowboys now joining DE Jack Crawford who grew up in London before moving to the United States to attend high school and eventually Penn State University where he played football. Obada is a physical specimen going 6'6" and 255 lbs but he's bound to be very raw. Regardless, Dallas must have seen something in the big man who currently is a warehouse storeman for Grace Foods located on the outskirts of London. You know something. I can't help but think this a classic April fool's joke. I'll believe it when DallasCowboys.com posts it.---Update, it's no joke. DC.com posted the deal a few minutes ago. Welcome to Dallas, mate.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/01/cowboys-give-shot-london-native-sign-developmental-de-prospect-efe-obada

Today the Cowboys announced that Tony Romo has agreed to restructure his contract to help free up about $12MM in cap money. Romo's 2015 cap hit was going to be $27MM dollars and would steadily decline in future years of the life of his contract. It has been reported the Cowboys were will willing to take the cap hit this season with the benefit of future years lower expense. Here's the lowdown on the deal from DallasCowboys.com.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/01/cowboys-restructure-romo%E2%80%99s-contract-freeing-roughly-13-million-cap-space

[eagle eye]

For those of you old enough or fan enough of Cowboys trivia the very first QB in history, Eddie LaBaron died this week at age 85 of natural causes. LaBaron spent 4 seasons with Dallas from their inaugural season of 1960 through the 1963 season. In 1962 LaBaron made the Pro Bowl despite splitting time with future starting QB Don Meredith. In all he spent 11 years in the NFL the first seven of which was with the Washington Redskins where he made the Pro Bowl 3 times.

Here are the linebackers Dallas currently has on their roster: Sean Lee, Jasper Brinkley, Rolando McClain, Anthony Hitchens, Dakoda Watson, Kyle Wilbur, Andrew Gachkar, Will Smith, Keith Rivers, Cameron Lawrence, Troy Davis and James Anderson. The Cowboys lost starters Justin Durant and Bruce Carter to free agency. Gachkar, Rivers and McClain, who tested the free agent market before resigning with Dallas were free agent signings. The only two players who will start this season are Lee and McClain with a wide open race for the 3 LB spot. Keith Rivers is sometimes the forgotten man in the mix because since being drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft out of So Cal he's been largely a bust.l As Bill Parcels once said, somebody at one time thought he was a good player and if Rivers can reinvent himself Dallas, along with Rolando McClain will have two former first round top ten picks at LB. Rivers would have to earn a job at the SAM spot with McClain and Lee holding down the MIKE and WILL spots. If Rivers isn't suited to play the SAM he could be a capable backup at the WILL to Lee. Rivers is just 28 years old and he's a veteran guy who adds value and depth to the roster. So, I'm saying Rivers is a dark horse favorite to earn a starting position on the team. I will certainly be keeping an eye on reports of his progress this off season in OTA's and training camp. If an impact linebacker is available in the draft don't expect Dallas to pass on him because nobody's contract except Lee's would stop the Cowboys from drafting a good young player at linebacker.

[eagle eye]

People asked this week after Tony Romo agreed to restructure his contract why he didn't do it earlier so Dallas could keep RB DeMarco Murray. The answer to this question is answered by DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola in his weekly article and no, it's not because the Cowboys are making cap room for Adrian Peterson.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/03/spagnola-romo-restructure-more-necessity-sign-things-come

Speaking of AP, I find it quite interesting how incensed people got over the Greg Hardy signing and how little is being said about Peterson's abuse of his son. What does it say about us when we get so fired up about a minor domestic abuse issue where the man got a slap on the wrist from the court system and nothing happens to Peterson who spanked his kid with a switch and the result was bad enough to need medical treatment and everyone is speculating just where AP will play this season. Unbelievable.

Speaking of the Hardy case, there is word that the photos of the incident between Hardy and his then-girlfriend were released to the NFL in consideration for the severity of his suspension from the NFL will be. According to the Bleacher Report which has since been taken down reported that only one photo showed a possible bruise on the lady in question. The photos in question were taken after the incident and were not part of the evidence in Hardy's trial. Those are the pics that the NFL were requesting from the Charlotte DA. It is believed that a ruling will come down from the NFL around April 15th and Hardy for his part has said that he will appeal any suspension over 2 games.

Have a happy Easter!

[eagle eye]

The week Dallas will have 30 potential draftees come to Valley Ranch to chat with the coaches and front office people. I suppose it's a mass job interview. It is significant who comes because most are guys who the Cowboys have a genuine interest in drafting at this point but want to know more about. The rest are guys who the Cowboys just want to know more than they do right now because they didn't go to the Senior Bowl or they didn't get the chance to chat with them at the Scouting Combine or they having had their pro day yet. Guys who are the team now who made the visit to Valley Ranch prior to the draft include Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Dez and Tyron Smith.
Each day this week there will be several players come in for their visits. Yesterday's visitors included Georgia RB Todd Gurley (considered the best RB in this year's draft), UCLA LB Eric Kendricks, Washington LB Shaq Thompson and Kentucky DE Bud Dupree.

Here's some links to player profiles on DallasCowboys.com of players that the Cowboys could be looking at as potential draft picks in the draft beginning April 30.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/02/possible-pick-kendricks-has-proven-pedigree-ucla%E2%80%99s-all-time-tackle-leader

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/03/possible-pick-despite-knee-injury-georgia-rb-gurley-headlines-deep-rb-draft-class

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/06/possible-pick-ucla-de-odighizuwa-could-firm-left-side-cowboys%E2%80%99-d-line

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/07/possible-pick-washington-lb-shaq-thompson-has-knack-turnovers

[eagle eye]

Former Houston Texan first round pick DT Amobi Acoye who has been trying to make a comeback to the NFL after missing the past 3 seasons because of a rare brain disease that saw him put into an induced coma for 3 months to facilitate his recovery has been released by the Cowboys today. Dallas took a chance and signed him in case he was able to complete his comeback and be a cheap 1st round player for a Dallas defense in need of some help on the D-line. Despite reports that Acoye worked hard and did everything possible to return to the field after not playing a down since 2012 he was not able to crack the Cowboys lineup. Too bad but he was already considered a bit of a bust after Houston let him go after two seasons. He had a rebirth of sorts in Chicago playing for then defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and it was hoped Marinelli would be able to help Acoye make his comeback complete. Hopefully, Acoye will be able to chase his dream elsewhere. The move saves Dallas $870K in salary cap money with no dead money carryover.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have lost another player to free agency. Today the New Orleans Saints signed LB/DE Anthony Spencer to a one year deal. This will reunite Spencer with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan who is now the Saints DC. Spencer had the best year of his 8 year career in 2012 under Ryan when he recorded 11 sacks and 55 tackles playing the SAM LB spot in Ryan's 3/4 defense. The Cowboys didn't get a compensatory draft pick this year but with some significant free agent losses this season the Cowboys may end up with 3-4 comp picks in 2015.

Here's a link to DallasCowboys.com's David Helman's 3.0 recap of this week's mock drafts. As Helman points out, thing change a lot and often in the NFL and none change like weekly mocks. Personally, I can't decide which way I want the Cowboys to go but their biggest weakness against Green Bay in the divisional round of the playoffs last season the lack of pass rush is what burned Dallas the worst. Dallas did sign Greg Hardy to a one year deal so the 'Boys could go D-tackle but either way they need to get a defensive front that can pressure the QB. Period. So, I guess I just talked myself into a defensive end. Let's see who's mocks most agree about.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/10/mock-draft-roundup-30-no-clear-consensus-27th-pick-draft-nears

BTW, the draft is 2 weeks and 6 days away.

In this week's article by lead writer for DallasCowboys.com, Mickey Spagnola, the Mick-ster talks about thoughts he had spring to mind as he attended the ceremony for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees. There were 8 athletes who were enshrined with 2 of them being former Cowboys. As usual Mickey has an interesting take on what was a nice day in Texas sports.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/10/spagnola-honoring-past-sure-portrays-how-times-have-changed

All 32 teams in the NFL have a day dedicated to giving workouts to local athletes who either live in the area or played in the area in either high school or college. Today was officially Dallas Day for those workouts. The highest profile player at Valley Ranch today was Boise State running back Jay Ajayi who, if you've seen the DallasCowboys.com writer's mocks, have Ajayi included in 1st or 2nd round picks in this year's draft. If you notice, there's some pretty good names who attended today's festivities. Here's a recap of today's activities in north Texas.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/10/pre-draft-evaluations-continue-annual-%E2%80%98dallas-day%E2%80%99-workout

[eagle eye]

Tick-tock, tick-tock (crickets chirping) playing with pencils at my desk. The draft is how many days away? 15? Crap.

One of the positions of need for the Cowboys is generally considered cornerback. Orlando Scandrick is solid but after that the position is a little shaky. Brandon Carr is signed but based on his high salary cap hit many feel the Cowboys are not getting the bang for their mucho bucks. People say if he doesn't take a pay cut then cut him. Tough love until you realize without Carr you're stuck with a lot of dead money this year and next year and nothing at all to show for it. I think it's quite likely Carr will stick around and the way to get him to take a "pay cut" is to extend his contract a couple of years giving him a lot of bucks up front in the way of a signing bonus so instead of a salary cap hit of $8MM this year and a similar amount next year you have him for the next 4 years at around $3MM per. Carr doesn't look so bad then does he? You've got some shaky depth behind Scandrick and Carr too in 2nd year man Tyler Patmon and free agent signee from New Orleans Corey White for depth. Here's a link to a DallasCowboys.com article taking a look at 5 possible draft picks that Dallas may be looking at for this year's draft.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/14/five-fit-deep-cb-class-offers-several-possible-first-round-options

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys Star Magazine has just released it's second annual Draft Guide. It's a look at this year's top draft prospects and it has a lot of stats and info that is very interesting to fans of the NFL draft written by the Cowboys official site beat writers. I bought my copy last year at the Cowboys Pro Shop at Parkdale Mall but you can also get it on line, by phone or by conventional mail. Here's the link to the DallasCowboys.com article that tells you how to get yours.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/15/star-magazine%E2%80%99s-2015-cowboys-draft-preview-issue-now-available

DallasCowboys.com also has a podcast called the Dallas Cowboys Draft Show hosted by Cowboys beat writer and former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus, Cowboys staff writer David Helman and CBS Sports draft expert Dane Brugler. The reason I mention this is because Dane has put out an even more complete draft guide than the one mentioned above. This one is for hard core draft fans who want to know every freaking thing about this year's draft prospects. As he's said on the Cowboys Draft podcast it was a labor of love that took the last 9 month to compile and write. You can get it via Dane's twitter account https://twitter.com/dpbrugler or another place I found is on MyFootballNews.com and look for the link to Dane's magazine download page. There's also link on CBSsports.com as well. I believe it costs $34.95 and listening to Dane on the podcast, he knows his business very well. I believe he's earned some cred from Bryan Broaddus who seems really impressed with Dane's knowledge and evaluation ability. There have been very few times I've heard Broaddus disagree with anything Brugler has said in terms of evaluation of players. He may disagree from time to time about where he'd rank a player but it's obvious Broaddus feels like Brugler is legit.

Today is Thursday and the reason I mention that is because the NFL draft is exactly 2 weeks away!

[eagle eye]

Cowboys off season workouts official began today with most of the team in attendance. The only reported no-shows were Dez Bryant and Orlando Scandrick. Who knows why Scandrick isn't with the team but it is not totally unexpected that Bryant didn't show up. In fact it's pretty common for franchised players not to show up to what are voluntary workouts without a deal in place. Bryant has yet to sign his $12.98 MM franchise tag agreement and he and his agent are still hoping to get a long term deal done before the July 15th deadline to sign the tender offer. Many NFL players have held out under similar circumstances eventually getting either a deal done or the tender signed. Bryant, or the agent representing him, would be stupid to walk away from $12.98 MM dollar that is guaranteed by the franchise tag.

Update on why Scandrick isn't at workouts. According to the Bleacher Report Scandrick wants a new contract. Turns out that's just speculation but he did sign a $9MM contract two years ago when it was thought he was being overpaid at the time. His cap hit this season is $1.5MM and I'm sure since he signed his contract the fact that he is considered the best CB on the team now and Brandon Carr is slated to make $8MM and constantly injured Mo Claiborne is scheduled to make $2.4MM we could be looking at a little contract envy. The fact is Scandrick will lose a big chunk of change unless he is present for 90% of the team's off season workouts. So, while this is a mild protest I would not look for much absenteeism by him.

Dez Bryant fired a guy that took him in way back in his Oklahoma State days after the NCAA suspended him for his association with Deion Sanders who was portrayed as a recruiter for agent Tom Condon. David Wells took Dez into his home and helped him stay on the straight and narrow. The Cowboys like having Wells around Dez so he can focus on playing football but apparently Dez is growing tired of Wells and has terminated his association with him. Dez has made changes to his business life. He changed agents last October signing on with Roc Nation and Tom Condon has been his rep since then. Now Dez has dropped Wells. He actually had a cease and desist order filed on Wells in February. Dez may be growing up or his new agent is in his ear to the point that Dez is trusting only Condon in his business dealings. Ex Cowboy WR Drew Pearson has weighed in on the subject by saying the Cowboys need to trust Dez to do the right thing once he does get a long term deal. Speculation is that Dez will get a long term deal and the Cowboys are afraid it will cause him more problems than he can handle or it might Dez a problem nobody else can handle. Pearson feels that Dez is a grown man and should not be treated like a child especially when he really has behaved responsibly for the most part. Maybe Dallas should trust him but it seems like it would be hard to trust a 10 year contract to a guy who you can't be absolutely sure won't fly off the deep end once he's got a lot of guaranteed money in his pocket. The saga continues.

One of the Cowboys biggest needs going all the way back to when Darren Woodson retired is safety. Despite having JJ Wilcox and Barry Church upgrades are certainly needed. The Giants safety Stevie Brown is a free agent and despite losing his starting job last season is still a very popular man. In 2013 Brown tore his ACL and he was struggling some last season to get back up to pre injury speed. Brown was drafted in 2010 by Oakland and he ended up on the Giants roster in 2012. Due to an injury to starter Kenny Phillips Brown got his chance to play and he made the most of it. He lead the NFL in INTs and won defensive player of the week award twice. He set the Giants all time record for interception return yards and was having a nice preseason in 2013 when he tore his ACL. Brown is looking at 5-6 teams including the Cowboys. It could be Dallas has a bit of an edge considering he was born in Dallas but I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

There was a development last week that some speculate will have a negative effect on whether or not Dez actually gets a long term deal done

[eagle eye]

While the Greg Hardy ordeal is not over at least the Cowboys know the worst of what could be. Today the NFL handed down a 10 game suspension to Hardy and in a statement by Roger Goodell announcing the suspension he stated that there was sufficient evidence that Hardy had injured his former girlfriend at least 4 times. It's not clear whether he injured her times in the one incident or he had 4 separate incidents. The inference I took from the NFL.com article (linked below) was that the injuries were all done at the same incident Hardy was arrested and tried for. As for Goodell, he gave a stern suspension to Hardy but there will be those who want Hardy banned for life or, at very least the 2015 season, but the suspension will at least be seen as Goodell taking a hard line against domestic violence. Hardy, as he stated last month, will appeal any suspension over 2 games. Hardy appealed the original sentence in the bench trial of 18 months probation and the case was subsequently tossed out of court. Last week Hardy and his lawyers were seeking to have his arrest for the incident expunged from any records of the incident. In any way you look at it, the whole mess is bizarre. Again, Goodell has covered his ass with the media although he undoubtedly will get some flak over this. When Hardy's appeal is on the table another entity will rule on the appeal and Goodell will have washed his hands of matter. The appeal should be handled before next week's draft because the outcome will probably directly affect the Cowboys draft strategy.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000487503/article/greg-hardy-suspended-10-games-without-pay

From DallasCowboys.com: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/22/nfl-announces-suspension-greg-hardy-10-games-without-pay

The Cowboys draft strategy going forward: http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/22/draft-may-shape-fit-cowboys%E2%80%99-primary-position-needs

[eagle eye]

The NFL released the regular season schedule yesterday and the Cowboys have a tough 2015 coming up. There is a difference in this year's schedule in that in the recent past the last month of the season has been dominated by division games. Not this year. Most of their division games will be complete by Halloween. For an analysis of the Cowboys season here's a link to the DallasCowboys.com article by David Helman.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/2015-schedule-article

For a look back into Cowboys history this article from the Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine which is included on DallasCowboys.com written by Star Magazine writer Kurt Daniels about how, in 1969, the Cowboys unearthed a player and selected him in the first round of that year's draft. Just so you read the article I'll leave the players name off but if you've been a fan of the Cowboys for a long time or you are fan enough to know some of the history of the team or the guy is famous because of his son you may be surprised.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/22/star-unlike-today-cowboys-were-able-gamble-1969-draft

[eagle eye]

Today in OTA conditioning workouts there was an exchange between DT Davon Coleman and free agent signee Greg Hardy. Apparently, Hardy was on Coleman for not working hard enough and Coleman countered by calling Hardy a woman beater. It turned into a heated argument causing teammates to step in between the two men before the jaw-jacking turned into fisticuffs. Guess who the media turned on? Yep, reporters asked Roger Goodell what he was going to do about the incident. Goodell said he wasn't aware of the situation and he would have to look into it. Freaking media trying to stir the pot. If was noted in the report than Davon Coleman is considered a "goof ball" which I guess excuses him from insulting Hardy the way he did. As I said yesterday, the Greg Hardy thing is not over yet.

The draft is only 5 days away.

[eagle eye]

You talk about a bad week. This past week Greg Hardy was given a 10 game suspension for violating the NFL conduct policy on domestic violence. That appeal is on-going. Next, in a conditioning drill in team OTA's this week 2nd year defensive lineman Davon Coleman called Hardy a "woman beater" after Hardy questioned Coleman's work effort. The two had to be separated before the incident came to blows. Then, on Friday as a result of heavy rain (we're familiar with a little rain aren't we?) and flash flood caused Hardy to become stranded in high water going home from work at the Cowboys facility. Photos on twitter show Hardy getting belongings out of his Bentley wading in knee deep water so his car could be towed.

On the Dez Bryant front the alleged photos of Dez in a domestic dispute at a local Walmart has been called totally bogus after nobody involved in the investigation could find any trace of any photos of the alleged incident. Now, if only the Cowboys and Dez could agree on a long term deal......

Mickey Spagnola's Friday article on DallasCowboys.com reminds us that regardless of what happens with Greg Hardy and who Dallas drafts next weekend one DeMarcus Lawrence needs to become what the Cowboys expected when they traded up in the 2nd round of last year's draft to get him.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/24/spagnola-no-matter-what-draft-day-lawrence-has-be-man

I bought the 2015 edition of the Dallas Cowboys Star Magazine draft preview issue on Saturday. Besides some dandy profiles of prospective draft picks it has some nice articles including a look back at the so-called "Dirty Dozen" from the 1975 draft that elevated the Cowboys from expected mediocrity to the Super Bowl! That draft was, gulp, 40 years ago this year. It's unheard of before or since to have 12 draft pick not only make your team but make a serious impact on that team. Most teams are happy is 2 or 3 draft picks actually pan out. I got my copy at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop at Parkdale Mall. If you are familiar with this store it has moved from the corner near the food court to the old Radio Shack location on the other side of the sunken lounge area by the bungee jump area. The space is twice as big and it feels like even more stuff can (and eventually will) go into the space. I'm telling you, it's well worth the $4.95 you pay for it.

Did I mention the draft begins Thursday? Only 4 days away.

[eagle eye]

Okay, this last minute draft stuff is beginning to drive me crazy. The latest thing I see on NFL.com is the question, "What if Marcus Mariota does an Aaron Rodgers and falls down the draft board all the way to the Cowboys at #26 would the Cowboys take him? That is an interesting question however unlikely that scenario is.

Running back or cornerback? Which way will the Cowboys go with #26? Most feel it will be cornerback with an outside chance at defensive end but, if Todd Gurley is available some experts believe Gurley is the sure bet. It's not likely he will fall to the Cowboys so the likely choices are between either Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson, Washington's Marcus Peters and UConn's Byron Jones likely targets. Dallas may opt for a D-line choice of either UCLA's Owa Odighezuwa at defensive end or defensive tackle with Ohio State's Michael Bennett. That's the fun of the first round and that is what makes it so nerve wracking. Anything could happen and picks rarely go totally chalk with trades and deals flying around like crazy. I'm excited. The real shame of it all is the anticipation is better than the actual event will be. In the first round teams have 10 minutes to make a pick and that means I have to wait over 2 hours before Houston picks at number 16 and it will be bed time before the Cowboys pick at #26.

Dallas has made a deal already! Yesterday they announced that the team reached a contract agreement to keep punter Chris Jones through the 2017 season.

In the pre-draft press conference yesterday Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, COO Stephen Jones and head coach Jason Garrett answered the question of whether they were surprised at the 10 game suspension levied by the NFL on DE Greg Hardy. They all agreed they were not surprised because of the homework they did before they signed Hardy to a team friendly contract back in March. They also stated that they were happy with Hardy so far in team off season workouts. What wasn't said is they figured Roger Goodell would come down hard on Hardy but the appeal process would likely get the suspension down to a manageable 6 games or less. The Cowboys have repeatedly said they would not alter their draft strategy based on the Hardy situation and I, for one, believe them. During the Jason Garrett tenure Dallas has made smart choices in the draft and the Cowboys obviously have a plan for building the team. Taking the best player available is more than just lip service and Dallas has still shown a willingness to make a deal to get what they want.

Tomorrow night folks, it's down to hours away.

[eagle eye]

Dallas was patient. They didn't make any crazy moves and went it was clear after the 23rd pick by Arizona, you could tell that was the point they knew they were going to get their guy by the reaction of Jerry and company in the war room camera, that patience paid off. At about 10 PM last night Dallas selected CB from UConn Byron Jones and the Cowboys war room, to a man, was ecstatic.
Jones is 6'1" and 199 lbs. He can play either corner or safety, he started his first two years for the Huskies at safety and the final 2 at cornerback and he was good at both. That kind of ability is right up the Cowboys position of need alley. He's a good person from a good family and he's a darn good athlete. Don't believe me? At the NFL Scouting Combine in February he has a vertical jump of 44.5 inches and he set a world record standing broad jump of 12'3". Add to that a 4.36 forty at UConn's pro day you wonder how he ever made to the Cowboys at all. He likely fell to 27 in the draft because he missed half of the 2014 college football season due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery. Healthy now, it may be Dallas got the steal of the 1st round last night. NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah had Jones ranked in his top 50 players even before the scouting combine. All signs point to this being a really good pick. In the press conference after the pick Jerry Jones said that Jones will be a good fit and he expects him to fit right in with the veteran CBs on the team. In fact Jerry expressed the hope that Mo Claiborne, when he recovers fully from off season surgery on both knees will live up to the potential the Cowboys saw when they drafted him out of LSU. If Claiborne comes around coupled with Brandon Carr and Orlando Scandrick and now Jones the Cowboys should have a strong defensive backfield.

Bryan Broaddus' pre-draft scouting report:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/30/scouting-report-bryan-broaddus-insight-newest-cowboy-byron-jones

Cowboys more than confident they drafted much more than a workout warrior:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/01/cowboys-confident-byron-jones-much-more-just-%E2%80%9Cworkout-warrior%E2%80%9D

Rounds 2 and 3 of the draft are tonight beginning at 6:00 o'clock. Dallas has the 60 pick in the 2nd round (28th pick) and the 91st pick in the 3rd round. That is, of course, the Cowboys make no moves up or down during the course of the night.

[eagle eye]

Here's a look at the players Dallas has drafted up to this point. Right now the draft is in the middle of the 5th round and Dallas hasn't selected yet. Dallas has really addressed the defense so far in the draft potentially striking gold taking a chance on Robert Gregory essentially giving Dallas two 1st round caliber players in the first 2 rounds.

1st round - CB Byron Jones from UConn.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/04/30/scouting-report-bryan-broaddus-insight-newest-cowboy-byron-jones

2nd round - DE Robert Gregory from Nebraska (Top 10 talent who fell to 2nd round because of a failed drug test)

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/01/scouting-report-nebraska-de-gregory-risky-talented-rusher

3rd round - OT Chaz Green from Florida (fills a need for depth at tackle after Jermey Parnell left via free agency--could be tackle of future to replace Doug Free)

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/01/scouting-report-florida-ot-green-has-versatility-smarts-play-both-sides

4th round - LB Damien Wilson from Minnesota (Dallas lost some depth at LB and an infusion of talent was needed especially with the injury history of the guys Dallas has at the position. Dallas hit on Anthony Hitchens in the 4th round last year and we have our fingers crossed they hit here again.)

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/02/cowboys-go-back-defense-take-minnesota-lb-damien-wilson-4th

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys draft is over. The second of their 2 selections in the 7th round was made just a few minutes ago. The rest of the draft will be over with in about 30 minutes or less and it's on to the next phase of off season work. UFA signings and rookie OTAs. Let me recap the final 3 picks the Cowboys made.

Round 5 - Pick 27 - Ryan Russell, DE from Purdue

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/02/defensive-end-addressed-again-cowboys-take-purdue-de-ryan-russell

Round 7 - Pick 19 - Mark Nzeocha, LB from Wyoming

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/mark-nzeocha?id=2552684

Round 7 - Pick 26 - Laurence Gibson, OT from Virginia Tech

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/laurence-gibson?id=2552665

And Holy Crap Dallas got another pick (#29) from San Francisco via Indianapolis!

Round 7 - Pick 29 - Geoff Swaim, TE from Texas

This pick is not confirmed because on NFL.com on their draft tracker they have Dallas taking the player but on the player profile page it says the 49ers made the pick. Need to do some research here.

[eagle eye]

Okay, it's official, Dallas got UT tight end Geoff Swaim with the 29th pick of the 7th round.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/geoff-swaim?id=2553454

Now the draft is over for both Dallas and Houston because teams cannot trade compensatory picks and that's all that's left in this year's draft. Now, everybody will start critiquing the picks the Texans and Cowboys made and the knee-jerk reaction to everyone's draft. I'm out on this thread. It's been fun but I wish there was more input but I suppose you guys have a life!

[eagle eye]

....as in, "Boys will be boys", meaning no disrespect, I just figured this old saying was appropriate in this case. Yesterday an old Carolina Panther teammate of Greg Hardy quipped that after the draft the Panthers had two WRs 6'5" or better in Kevin Funchess and Kelvin Benjamin and Carolina will be the new team with "Twin Towers". Hardy replied with an ill-advised remark concerning 9-11. I talked about this with friends from work and the consensus was just two former teammates jaw-jacking with each other, that no disrespect was intended. But, twitter isn't two guys talking smack, it's social media and everybody and their brother is privy to anything said. What's the prevailing saying in this day and age? Don't press "send". Making good on his promise to help Hardy stay on the straight and narrow Jason Garrett had a little talk with Hardy and not long afterward the tweet was taken down followed by another tweet by Hardy saying he would no longer be active on twitter. Message received, loud and clear.

As for the drafting of Randy Gregory, Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said there were some things about Dez Bryant that scared the Cowboys more than anything about Gregory. Gregory made headlines for failing a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine for marijuana use and he admitted in a press conference he's struggled with marijuana use for years. According to reports Gregory has asked Jerry Jones to put him into a structured program to help him with his struggles which include reports that he has bipolar disease during his pre-draft visit to Dallas. The Cowboys player assistance program is among the best in the NFL and they have had more successes than failures over the years going all the way back to Charles Haley, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Haley gave his endorsement for Gregory, BTW, saying that Gregory is a real steal for Dallas saying, "The guy can get it done." If Gregory is all that he's cracked up to be that would give Dallas two 1st round picks with Gregory, who was a projected top 10 pick before his failed drug test, to go along with their actual 1st round pick CB Byron Jones.

The Cowboys declined to pick up the 5th year option on CB Morris Claiborne's contract. This is a little shocking since Dallas traded up to the 6th pick in the 2012 draft. Had the Cowboys exercised the option they would have owed him in the neighborhood of $11MM. That's a lot of money considering Claiborne hasn't exactly lived up to that 1st round pick. There are doubts about whether or not Claiborne will be able to even go to training camp this summer. Last fall he tore his patellar tendon in his left knee which was surgically repaired. In examining his right knee it was found there was instability in that knee at the patellar tendon so Claiborne had it surgically repaired in December. Jerry Jones denied that Claiborne had become expendable. He said that teams need as many good corners as possible in the league and he hoped Claiborne came back healthy and was able to play.

That statement by Jerry didn't just apply to Claiborne, it also went for the other starting CB Brandon Carr whose $8MM cap hit this season has been the subject of a lot of debate. The Cowboys would like for Carr to take a pay cut but earlier this year Carr stated outright he wouldn't accept a decrease in his salary. This was without the benefit of much discussion with the Jones family. I've said it before and I've posted articles from DallasCowboys.com writers that stated exactly why Carr ain't a-goin nowhere this season. So, this could be a nice time to reiterate the situation.
1. Dallas is still CB poor, especially with Claiborne's status so uncertain to begin the season.
2. Byron Jones may or may not be a good player, one would suspect he is but, you just never know. Rookie and all that.
3. If Dallas cuts Carr that's around $6MM in dead money. Payout with absolutely no return. Not good business.
4. There's no reason the Cowboys and Carr can't sit down and negotiate a extension that will benefit Carr AND the address Carr's salary cap issue.
5. Carr and Orlando Scandrick have a year in Rod Marinelli's defense and they will only get better in year two. Especially, since the projected plan is to switch Scandrick to the left CB spot and Carr over to the right. The right CB doesn't usually get stuck with the other team's best receiver and Scandrick is arguably the better of the two men at the position which makes such a move pretty sensible.

There's the CB spot in a nutshell. Now, after a draft that featured two defensive ends to go with the one's already in house, how can Marinelli create PT for all these guys? Or ask why Dallas didn't opt for a defensive tackle in the draft. They must be satisfied with Nick Hayden, Josh Brent, Terrell McClain, Davon Coleman and Chris Whaley. Word is Marinelli really like Terrell McClain. McClain didn't show much on the field, mainly due to injuries, for Dallas last season but apparently he showed a lot to Marinelli. We'll see.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have sort of hit the player jackpot this spring. They signed an impact pass rusher which was a persona non grata because of a domestic issue that is a long time settling down. They signed a slew of linebackers to restock the position after several players left via free agency. Then came the draft. They got a first round cornerback, they got a first round DE in the 2nd round because he fell in the draft because he failed a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine and they filled some other holes with the rest of the draft. Today Dallas landed another 1st round talent who fell completely out of the draft because he was involved as a person who the police wanted question in relation to the shooting death of a woman and her unborn child. La'el Collins wasn't drafted and after being cleared of any implication in the case and a test confirming he wasn't the father of the unborn child he took a tour of the NFL teams who threw their best sales pitches at him and lo and behold who won the prize? That's right, the Cowboys did. Or at least it appears so. I guess we won't know how this all will shake out until the games starts to count but the Cowboys got a serious influx of talent including the return of Sean Lee and the resigning of Rolando McClain. It would seem that Dallas should be in any serious discussion about Super Bowl contenders going forward. It's been 20 years since the Cowboys last won a championship and for Cowboys fans that is way too long of a wait. Maybe, just maybe, this is the year the draught ends. Now, if only Darren McFadden enjoys a serious rebirth and really is the real deal replacement for DeMarco Murray.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/07/la%E2%80%99el-collins-finishes-challenging-week-cowboys%E2%80%99-newest-signee

[eagle eye]

Busy week last week. Drafted players the previous weekend, signed UFA's including last minute addition of OL La'el Collins and rookie mini camp. Football is a year round event and even the NBA playoffs, MLB season games and the NHL couldn't knock the NFL off the front page especially after the deflate-gate crap hit the fan. I have no love lost for Tom Brady or the Patriots but they got royally screwed. But, that's fodder for a different thread.

Because of BS NFL rules that don't allow midweek visits by UFA's La'el Collins will have to wait unit this week to join his new team mates on the field. Because Collins met with Jerry Jones and the bulk of the Cowboys front office on Wednesday and he signed his UFA contract he wasn't allowed to participate in the rookie mini camp last weekend. It's all a load of red tape crap but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. He did get his team ipad and he got to go home to Louisiana and celebrate becoming a Dallas Cowboy with his family and get a jump-start on learning the playbook too.

Just before mini camp began troubled DL Josh Brent retired for the second time. Brent has been attempting a comeback after being convicted of intoxication manslaughter of his best friend and team mate Jerry Brown that was the reason for his first retirement from the NFL. Brent was welcomed back by the Cowboys last summer after he served his time for the death of Brown and he also served his 10 game suspension by the NFL for the same incident. Brent returned to the Cowboys in time to play a little in their December push for the playoffs and he also appeared in both of Dallas' playoff games. Brent announced his 2nd retirement saying that he needed to concentrate on getting his life back together. Jerry Jones has made good on his promise to Jerry Brown's mother after the incident that took her son's life, that he would do all he could to help Josh going forward. I think Jerry should be commended for all the compassion and help and patience he's shown to Brent but it's obvious the weight of his friend's death is still weighing heavily on Brent. I, for one, wish him well as he wrestles with the guilt he must feel at being the cause of Jerry Brown's death. God speed, Josh. I hope you find some peace in your life.

There were some looks at the Friday and Saturday sessions of the mini camp that were open to the media. Bryan Broaddus and Nick Eatman on Friday and David Helman on Saturday gave us an insiders look at mini camp practices. The Sunday sessions were closed to the media but it was interesting to see the draft picks and UFA's being put through their paces.

Friday practices: http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/08/mini-camp-live-first-look-rookies-field

Saturday practices: http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/09/mini-camp-live-1-1-dbs-vs-wrs-pass-rushers

No pressure or anything but Randy Gregory, the troubled 2nd round pick from Nebraska was given the number 94 to wear. Gregory knew who DeMarcus Ware was but didn't have clue about the soon to be Hall of Fame enshrined Charles Haley but as he's gotten to know about him he says he doesn't feel any more pressure to perform. He just wants to do a good job for Mr Jones. As long as he doesn't smoke weed and plays well.

[eagle eye]

For all you Cowboys fans who were licking their chops with the news that Tom Brady has been suspended 4 games for the deflate-gate issue because Dallas was going to play the Patriots in Week 5 after the Pats bye week in Week 4 hold your horses. First of all, the Patriots and Brady will appeal the sanctions the NFL levied on them and they will win so, Brady is playing. What's worse, with the competitor that Brady is he is likely to come out in 2015 with the "I'll show you f*ckers who cheated" attitude and try to hang 50 points on everyone they play. In 2007 NE set offensive records on their march to an epic 18-1 record falling just short of a perfect season with an improbable loss to the Giants in the Super Bowl. In that season people complained about the Patriots running up the score in games as they didn't just win, they demoralized the teams they played. Think 2007 was bad, just wait for 2015 Week 3 when Brady will mostly likely be back.

Here is a link to DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus' take on which rookies stood out in last weekend's rookie mini camp. It has to be noted that Sam Houston RB Keshawn Hill is the first player on Broaddus' list. Nice publicity for the SLC.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/11/scout%E2%80%99s-eye-rookie-minicamp-workout-players-who-caught-my-eye

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have been willing to take a player who can and has missed time in his first season in the pros because the player had a high upside and was a good value in rounds later than originally projected for the player. Cases in point include Sean Lee who was selected in the second round of the 2010 draft. Lee fell in the draft because he was rehabbing a torn ACL suffered at Penn State in his senior year and wasn't going to be ready to start the season. The exact same thing happened in 2011 when Dallas took Bruce Carter. Both these guys were projected 1st round talent whose draft stock fell because of injury. Bruce Carter didn't make a significant contribution until the 2012 season and he was pretty darn good in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme. In 2013 Monte Kiffin replaced Ryan as DC and Carter struggled because it seemed that Kiffin's system was either too inflexible or Carter was slow to learn. In 2014 Carter rebounded with a solid, if unspectacular, season under new DC Rod Marinelli that got him a nice free agent contract from Tampa Bay. Good value, decent player. Lee, when he's on the field, is special. Trouble is Lee hasn't finished a season in the pros yet. He didn't even play a down in 2014 because of a torn ACL, the same knee he tore up his senior year. What Dallas is hoping, Lee and Cowboys fans too, is that Lee's injury problems are all in the rear view mirror. For sure Lee's story is far from over. Dallas did the same thing in this year's draft by taking Randy Gregory who was a projected top 15 talent who fell in the draft to pick 60 late in the second round of the draft because he failed a drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. Gregory comes into the NFL already with one strike against him in the NFL substance abuse program. Dallas feels their support staff is going to be able to help Gregory succeed. Dallas got lucky (?) when they signed OL La'el Collins as an undrafted free agent. I questioned the "lucky" because I believe Jerry Jones is the ultimate salesman and he wined and dined Collins and had the wherewithal to treat Collins like the 1st round draft pick he should have been prior to being questioned in the murder of a woman and her unborn baby. Collins was cleared of any involvement in the murders and he had an alibi for the time of the murder. At the Cowboys signing ceremony for Collins last Wednesday Collins talked like a man who has fallen in love with Jerry Jones and is on a mission to make his new boss proud. Luck? Not hardly. Throw in the signing of Greg Hardy to an extremely team friendly deal when nobody else in the NFL would touch him because of his domestic violence case last summer. Jerry has always been willing to take a chance on a guy and the only real failure I can remember is Pacman Jones who punched the body guard Jerry hired to help keep the knucklehead out of trouble. He even stuck by DL Josh Brent when it was clear Brent wasn't going to help the team but there were deeper issues afoot with Brent. It's the willingness to take a chance his loyalty to his players that makes Jerry beloved by players who are or were Cowboys. Everybody except former DL and current douche bag Jay Ratliff. Jerry is long overdue for some success and he's long overdue for some credit for being a good GM and is long overdue to get credit for being a good owner. If there is such a thing as karma then Jerry and Tony Romo are both due to bask in a championship or two. I hope there is 2 or 3 years of glory ahead for them and the Cowboys. It's just been too damn long since God smiled on "His Team" and maybe now, after all these years, they may finally deserve His blessing.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys cornerback situation may look a little muddy to some because the talk has been Dallas wants Brandon Carr to take a pay cut. He may not agree to a salary reduction but he probably would agree to restructuring his contract which would include a healthy dose of guaranteed money with a healthy signing bonus while agreeing to a lesser base salary which would lower his current $8MM cap hit. Carr ain't going anywhere because if they just cut him after June 1 it would mean around $6MM in dead money for absolutely no return. I don't see that happening.
Orlando Scandrick has been holding out because he sees Carr having an $8MM base salary and Morris Claiborne having around $6MM in base salary and he's jealous. You can understand that because he's generally acknowledged as the best corner on the team. He wants to be paid like it. That is until you remember the Cowboys, unsolicited, restructured his deal in 2013 and gave Scandrick a lot of money up front so to say we should feel sorry for him for having a $1.5MM base salary is not all that valid. Last week Scandrick was back a Valley Ranch to talk to Jason, Stephen and Jerry about his contract. It may be the Cowboys will restructure it again and that will make Orlando happy but it will put a strain on the cap. If it can be done it will be.
The other CB issue is with Morris Claiborne. The guy is coming off surgery on both his knees in the off season and it's no guarantee he'll even be able to go to training camp. He will be given every chance to do well because of when he was drafted and what Dallas gave up to move up in the draft to get him they don't want him to be a bust. When you take a player with the sixth pick in the draft you absolutely don't want him to fall flat on his face. So far his career has caused him to do just that because of a constant barrage of injuries. If he's finally over his problems and can stay healthy once he finally gets back on the field we may see the player we've been expecting since 2012's draft. Then there's Byron Jones. We don't know anything but he's one athletic son of a gun. Scouting reports are he's able to handle both man and zone. So, it's looking like CB is really a position of strength and you throw in Jones' ability to play safety and now you are looking better at both positions.

Dallas has now signed 4 of their 8 draft picks. 7th round pick OT Laurence Gibson is the latest to sign as of last Friday joining fellow 7th rounders TE Mark Swaim and LB Mark Nzeocha as well as 5th round pick DE Ryan Russell.

Everyone is worried about Dez Bryant making a fuss over not getting his long term contract. They say Dallas doesn't trust giving Dez a big wad of signing bonus cash and big contract because he may just act a fool and do God knows what. I think there is less to worry about there especially after you read what DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola had to say about what he saw last week. Pretty good stuff.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/15/spagnola-dez-house-wanting-be-good-teammate

[eagle eye]

2nd round draft pick, Randy Gregory, agreed to a 4 year contract in the neighborhood of $3.5MM with about $1.25MM guaranteed. Gregory's signing means Dallas has 5 of their 8 draft picks signed so far.

Another contract deal was done today with CB Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick had held out of team workouts since the NFL draft because he was unhappy with his $1.5MM base salary when Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne were making considerably more especially since he was acknowledged as the best CB on the team. Scandrick has agreed to a one-year extension worth $9.5 million, according to multiple reports. The extension gives him an overall deal of five years, worth $20 million in total. Scandrick thanked the Jones family and said he is very grateful for the deal. Scandrick says that now it's up to him to live up to his part of the bargain. This eliminates part of the cloud over the cornerback position. Now, Dallas will attempt to address a pay cut or at least a restructure of Brandon Carr's contract and the worry over whether Claiborne will be ready to go for training camp as he rehabs from surgeries on both his knees this off season.

Late this week the Cowboys held workouts for several veteran running backs. The Cowboys didn't address the loss of DeMarco Murray to free agency in the draft even though, IMO, they did have a nice draft. Among the backs Dallas have worked, or will be working out, are former Texan Ben Tate, former Cowboy Felix Jones, former Miami Dolphin Daniel Thomas as well as a group of wide receivers. This may be just to see what's out there in free agency because Dallas claims that they are happy with the RBs they have. Many claim fans will be surprised at the what is believed to be a revitalized Darren McFadden. I hope those people are right.

Dallas' first full team OTA's will begin next Tuesday, May 26 and go through Thursday May 28th. There will be 3 days of OTAs for the next 4 weeks with the last set beginning on June 16th will be mandatory participation and will also be the last official team work until training camp which begins at the end of July. If you ask me, it's not August that should be called the "dog days" of summer, it should be the 5 weeks or so between the end of OTA's and the beginning of training camp. Dog days indeed.

[eagle eye]

With folks having a 3 day weekend with Memorial Day coming up on Monday it's a little slow at Cowboys headquarters in the Valley Ranch edition in north Dallas. For your info here's an article from DallasCowboys.com's Mickey Spagnola covering a bunch of issues as we enjoy the holiday weekend in prep for the first full team OTA practices this year beginning on Tuesday.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/22/spagnola-kicking-around-plethora-nuggets-holiday-weekend

BTW, on the Cowboys mailbag some joker actually asked if the staff writers thought that Ray Rice could be an option at RB. Wow. Not only do the Cowboys not need that publicity but Ray Rice had had it in Baltimore two years ago. He's 31, or thereabouts, and his best days are behind him. Dallas isn't a desperate team looking to fill holes, they are a playoff contender now and they need players who can help them of which Ray Rice is not one of those types of players any more. That's my take but let's take a look at what the DC.com writers thought about this one.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/22/mailbag-collins-tackle-instead-guard-ray-rice-worth-look

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys, along with most of the rest of the NFL, began the first of their OTA's today. Prior to the beginning of practice Dallas signed former 1st round pick AJ Jenkins. Jenkins was signed by the 49ers with the 30th pick in the 2012 draft. He spent one season in Frisco and was traded to Kansas City where he lasted 2 seasons there and he never really did squat in either place. Jenkins was among a group of wide receivers and running backs Dallas worked out last week. The reason, IMO, Jenkins was signed was because there isn't any depth at WR especially with Dez Bryant not participating in OTA's while he sits out trying to get a long term contract from the Cowboys. Since Dez has not signed his franchise tag deal as yet he doesn't have a contract and if he got hurt Dallas wouldn't be liable to pay for the injury. Hopefully, a deal will get done prior to June 15 or Dez will sign the franchise tender or I don't know what the consequences will be. Anyway, the original point is Dallas just needs warm bodies for OTA's and this signing means nothing more. It became a big deal because Jenkins is a former 1st round pick (even though he is a big ole bust) and because it's the Cowboys.

OTA's started today and the only real news so far is the fact that DE Greg Hardy missed today's practice to go to his appeal hearing for his 10 game suspension for violating the NFL Code of Conduct Policy. He may not get a ruling today but at least he can attend the hearing with the NFL brass including Roger Goodell. I am truly worried about this appeal because of the way the Patriots owner Robert Kraft rolled over and played dead in the deflate-gate issue. Fingers crossed here.

[eagle eye]

Slight correction about when Greg Hardy's appeal will be heard, it's Thursday and will be held in Washington D.C.. The guy hearing the appeal will be Harold Henderson, the same guy who heard Adrian Peterson's appeal last year. At the time Henderson upheld the ruling of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell so this isn't exactly good news for Hardy. Anyway, Hardy will be at practice today, as he was yesterday. It's being speculated that Henderson will cut the 10 game suspension in half and the Cowboys, as well as Hardy, will be happy for that. As it stands, because Henderson is a Goodell man, I don't hold out much hope that Hardy will be on the field before Thanksgiving.

I was just a hair off when I posted yesterday (I was not on my game yesterday) when I said Dez Bryant has until June 15 to sign his franchise tender offer. It's July 15. Makes a little difference. For what it's worth Mickey Spagnola, senior writer for DallasCowboys.com, thinks a long term deal will be done before the deadline. That would be a good thing.

With Dez holding out of OTA's due to his contract impasse this gives second year WR Devin Street more opportunities to develop. It's been reported that the coaching staff really likes Street's skill set and they have contended that if Street had as many looks last year as a rookie as Terrence Williams did when he was a rookie two years ago he would have been every bit as productive as Williams, if not more. Good news for Cowboys fans.

Another bit of encouraging WR news is that DallasCowboys.com's resident staff writer and former scout Bryan Broaddus sees a some hopeful signs in recently signed AJ Jenkins. Jenkins, according to Broaddus, didn't get a fair shake in either San Fran or KC and his limited chances weren't indicative of his potential.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/26/scouting-report-new-wr-aj-jenkins-has-good-tape-despite-struggles

The Cowboys and third round draft pick T Chaz Green to the usual 4 year rookie deal. The actual terms of the deal were not released as yet. This means that only 1st round pick Byron Jones and 4th round pick Damien Wilson are yet to be signed. The Cowboys are hopeful those deals can be done as soon as this week. Green will benefit from an injury to 7th round pick Laurence Gibson who broke a finger during training that required surgery and will keep him on the sidelines for a little while. Green, who is out of Florida, was seen as a guy who could fill the Cowboys need for a swing tackle after the departure of Jermey Parnell in free agency. The O-line landscape changed considerably when the Cowboys landed La'el Collins, who was considered a top 15 talent going into the draft, as an undrafted free agent. The talent level of the O-line which was really good last season has the potential to downright great with quality depth behind the starters. Needless to say, Dallas' offensive line is sitting pretty for several years to come.

Bryan Broaddus can tell you about the state of the defense going into OTA's much better than me so here's a link for your consideration.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/26/scout%E2%80%99s-eye-previewing-cowboys%E2%80%99-defense-otas-get-underway

[eagle eye]

Yesterday's OTA practices were open to the media so we have a lot more news from the practices like.......................

> Rolando McClain has been out of the practices and will likely miss at least a couple of weeks as he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Nobody knew until practices were open and the reporters asked where he was. He's in Alabama rehabbing and taking care of some personal business.
> Mo Claiborne was working out yesterday. He only did individual work and work on the side to rehab his knees. It was reported that he was moving well and not favoring his legs. This is a good sign and it could be possible he will be ready to go to training camp at the end of July.
> Same with Sean Lee who is coming back from ACL surgery last year. The Cowboys are working him in slowly and he just did individual stuff and work on the side like Claiborne. The media said that he too was moving well not favoring his knee at all.
> With McClain, Lee and Anthony Hitchens, who missed practice with a minor injury, out the free agents and Damien Wilson got to work with the 1st team. Like Hitchens did last year Wilson is getting a lot of work and folks seem to like what they see from him.

DallasCowboys.com writers Bryan Broaddus and Rob Phillips did a video of the open part of the OTA practice yesterday. It's about 20 minutes but it is nice to see some football even if it is only helmets and shorts.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/27/ota-live-vets-vs-rookies-7-7-team-period

In an interview with RB Joe Randle yesterday he said that DeMarco Murray had a good year last year but there was, "....a lot of meat left on the bone.", meaning he felt like Murray didn't get the most out of his carries. This also infers he feels he can actually do more than Murray. Now, Randle has more speed than Murray and he broke off some long runs last season but that's a pretty bold statement. You know something? I like that kind of cockiness, the challenge now is go out put your money where your mouth is.

Orlando Scandrick is working out with his teammates now that he got a bump on his contract last week.

Here's Bryan Broaddus' 12 thoughts from yesterday's OTA practice.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/27/broaddus-12-thoughts-after-cowboys%E2%80%99-2nd-day-ota-practices

Another player missing from this week's OTAs is RT Doug Free who had surgery on his foot. It's the same foot he injured last season that kept him out of several games. Taking his place so far is UFA La'el Collins. Who is getting some good experience while Free is out. This means that Dallas is working with 4 guys who were 1st round picks (including Collins who was a top 15 player pre-draft) and a highly touted (2nd round worthy) guy in Ronald Leary. Draft pick Chaz Green is also getting some good work in as is a guy who more or less went through a red shirt season last year in Darion Weems from Texas who missed just about everything as he rehabbed from injuries.

Greg Hardy is out today as he is attending his appeal hearing in Washington DC today. Hopefully, we all get good news from that meeting.

It has to be pointed out that this is the first time in 3 years Tony Romo can participate in OTA's. He missed most of OTA's and was limited in training camp the past two seasons rehabbing from off season back surgery.

Darren McFadden is going into his 8th season as a pro. He spent the first 7 in Oakland after being drafted with the No 4 pick in the 2008 draft. He says he's not concerned right now who is taking what reps he is just glad to be in Dallas. He has said he really impressed with the work ethic of the O-line. He didn't just come right out and say it but it's obvious none of the lines he ran behind in Oakland was as dedicated or worked as hard as Dallas' front 5 and backups. If McFadden is able to stay healthy he could really be a difference maker for the Cowboys this season. He's good at blitz pickup which is a must for a bell cow running back like DeMarco Murray was last season and he can run with power and he has more speed than Murray did. Hopefully, McFadden experiences the rebirth people think he's capable of behind Dallas' O-line. Murray is only 27, which is the same age as Murray, so he should have plenty left in his tank. It seems like he's been in the league longer than he has but he was just buried on the roster of a dead-end franchise. It should be a fun summer as McFadden, Joe Randle and Ryan Williams (who a 2nd round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2011) all have something to prove and all of them want the starting job. Good competition is never a bad thing when building a football team.

[eagle eye]

Seven down, one to go. 4th round pick Damien Wilson has been signed to a 4 year deal believed to be in the neighborhood of $2.6MM a year with around $500K guaranteed. The same draft pick in 2014 made that sort of a deal so it won't be too much different with the NFL rookie salary cap rules in place. This leaves only 1st round pick Byron Jones left to sign and it's expected that will take place in the ot too distant future.

Dez Bryant spent time at Cowboys headquarters this week meeting with Jason Garrett and the front office folks. No details of any of the conversations have been reported but Dez was participating in the OTA practice yesterday despite not signing his franchise tag tender offer or having a long term deal done. Some say that is smart because technically you are not under contract and the team isn't necessarily obligated to treat the injury or pay even the franchise salary but apparently that thinking is wrong because, as pointed out by Broncos GM John Elway in reference to their franchise tagged WR Demaryius Thomas that if you work out on your own and get hurt the team won't pay squat. If you work out with the team with a letter of agreement under a new deal is done or the player signs the franchise tender offer the team will pay the franchise tender if you are injured in team sponsored workouts. Is this the reason Dez was back on the field yesterday? Maybe to some extent but as has been reported Dez loves football, he loves the Cowboys and he loves his teammates. It was probably killing him to be away from OTA's. Either way I have no doubt that Dez, his teammates and the coaches are glad he's there.

The appeal by Greg Hardy was heard yesterday but the results of the appeal may take a while to be decided. Here's an article from ProFootballTalk about yesterday's appeal meeting.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2456775-greg-hardy-latest-news-rumors-speculation-on-investigation-of-cowboys-star

When the best practices against the best you can't do anything but get better. This has been proven time and time again, I don't care what sport you talk about, it's just one of those universal truths. The fact is with Dallas' roster getting better all the time we are starting to see this axiom blooming once again. The latest example is how Dallas' new rookie DE Randy Gregory has impressed All Pro tackle Tyron Smith. Here's a link to a Todd Archer article from ESPN.com about Smith and Hardy in OTA's.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/169661/cowboys-rookie-randy-gregory-impresses-tyron-smith-early

Teammates and coaches of Sean Lee are happy to have him back on the field and out of the rehab room. He is continuing to impress with his progress in his knee rehab and with the position switch that he will undertake moving from MIKE LB to WILL. This move is suppose to benefit Lee and his health and make room for talent like Rolando McClain and Anthony Hitchens and free agent Jasper Brinkley. Here's an article from DallasCowboys.com about Lee and an accompanying video of LB coach Matt Eberflus discussing Lee.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/29/coaches-teammates-liking-lee%E2%80%99s-progress-knee-position-change

[eagle eye]

In his weekly Friday article on DallasCowboys.com Mickey Spagnola talks about perspective. A subject he is fond of and also very good at. This time around he is telling us to reign in reports of how well players, rookies and free agents in particular, are doing after only 3 OTA practices. I enjoy the articles from the Mick each week. They are thoughtful and thought provoking. Something to consider as the 2nd week of OTA's resumes on Tuesday.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/29/spagnola-rushing-reasonable-man-rubberband-man

The staff writers from DallasCowboys.com give their take on the verbal sparring that took place this past week between current Cowboys RB Joe Randle and former Cowboys and current Eagles RB DeMarco Murray that began when Randle had the gall to say that there was "....still meat left on the bone." despite Murray gaining over 1,800 yards in 2014. Even though it seems a little unrealistic to criticize Murray for leaving yards on the field after a season like that I like the cockiness of Randle. I want my players confident they will do well. Let's see what the local writers think.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/05/29/dallascowboyscom-staff-sounds-comments-randle-murray

[eagle eye]

Week 2 of OTA's is in the books. The only news is that Dallas signed linebacker Kyle Knox, formerly with the Saints, and 3 days later they waived him goodbye. This leaves the Cowboys with 89 players on their roster. Since you are allowed 90 there is no doubt that the CowEboys will sign somebody, probably a position of need to get through OTA's, to fill out their roster.

Even though he made an appearance in last Thursday's OTA practice, Dez Bryant was a no-show this week as he is still holding out to get a long term deal done and he doesn't appear to be willing to sign his franchise tag tender offer. Holding out is really the only leverage he has to get the long term deal he wants so don't expect him next week either. In fact, in 2 weeks when the mandatory minicamp takes place as the last official team event until training camp takes place don't expect Dez to be there then either. The popular notion is that around July 13th, which is 2 days before the deadline to sign his franchise tender offer, some sense of urgency may crop up and a last minute deal will take place.

The June 1st deadline to release players with a lesser cap hit than if released prior to June 1 has come and gone and CB Brandon Carr is still on the roster. This is another player who is expected to get a new deal prior to training camp. The Cowboys probably can't get him to take a pay cut but they could restructure his deal by adding a year or two or 3 with a lot of signing bonus money that, added all together, would lessen his salary cap hit. As for Carr on the field, this week he was switched from the left side of the defense to the right as speculated prior to the beginning of OTA's. He swapped sides with Orlando Scandrick who is generally acknowledged as the best cornerback on the team.
The left side of the defense is the side the opposing team's best receiver lines up most of the time. That move, along with the probable restructure of Carr's deal would make him less prone to be criticized because he would be in a better position to succeed with a smaller cap hit. It's been the money vs production that has been the issue with him anyway even though he played pretty well last season.

Two WR's have been getting some positive ink in OTA's and that's second year man Devin Street, who was a 5th round draft pick in 2014 out of the University of Pittsburgh. WR coach Derek Dooley has had some very positive things to say. DallasCowboys.com writers have also remarked that a full off season in the weight room has really helped Street develop physically. It sort of sounds like Street is going to push Terrence Williams for PT this summer. The other guy is an UFA out of Florida Atlantic University named Lucky Whitehead. He's a smaller guy like Cole Beasley and very fast. With the Cowboys trying to replace Dwayne Harris which isn't as easy as you might think. Harris played gunner on kick coverage units and he was a leader in special teams tackles and he returned both punts and kickoffs. This kind of a player is rare and it usually takes 2-3 sometimes 4 players to do what Harris did. Whitehead is fast and has shown a little something in OTA's. He may not be Dwayne Harris but if he can fill in some of the gaps left by Harris on special teams he could earn himself a roster spot.

DallasCowboys.com writers Nick Eatman and Mickey Spagnola closed out the week with some nice articles. Eatman gives us the top ten list of currently unanswered questions looming this summer while Mr Spagnola talks about another case of making a player a boring interview. Nice article and how can you go wrong including a reference to one of the great baseball movies of all time, Bull Durham? Check out the links below.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/05/top-10-starting-rb-dez-situation-top-list-cowboys%E2%80%99-unsolved-questions

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/05/spagnola-inability-handle-meaty-comments-leads-bone-dry-boring

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys Tony Romo had planned a huge fantasy football event in Las Vegas this summer. A slew of NFL players were signed on to come to the convention and meet with FF enthusiasts and it sounded like a really nice event. The event was to be held at the Venetian Hotel and Resort. That was the catch, it was held at a casino. It wasn't in the casino mind you, you know these huge hotels in Vegas have conventions there all the time and you don't have to go near the actual casino area. According to the NFL powers that be, in all of their paranoid wisdom, forced Romo to cancel the event because the event was at a casino/hotel. The proximity to the gambling areas was enough to make the NFL office feel that it compromised the integrity of the sport and thus they told Romo it was a no-go in Vegas. It's a shame because this was to be the inaugural convention that is intended to be an annual event. The convention was to be held on July 10-12 for a 3 day fantasy football extravaganza. Linked below is the announcement on March 25 of this year about the convention.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tony-romo-announces-the-2015-national-fantasy-football-convention-300055532.html

If you read the article and you play fantasy football it looked like it would be a blast to go to. Access to NFL players, interactive shows and events, 3 days of a FF nerd's dream. This move is senseless and shows how paranoid the NFL really is. If they didn't have the domestic violence issue and drug suspension and the slew of other things that gave the NFL negative publicity over the last year and a half the NFL may have seen the convention as the harmless event it is and what a feel good story it could have been for the NFL. At any rate here is a link to the item from the Romo convention website GoNFFC.com announcing the cancellation of this year's event and announcing the inaugural Fanstasy Football Convention in Los Angeles in 2016. The open letter to fans shows a lot of class and appreciation for the fans. It also sort of gets a dig in on the NFL who caused the cancellation of this summer's event.

https://gonffc.com/

Use of drones for air reconnaissance, virtual reality training tools, 3D visuals of practice exercises. Sounds like a government black ops deal doesn't it? Well it's not, it is the Cowboys embracing the 21st century technology to get the most out of their practices and enhance training of players as they prepare for the upcoming season. Here is a link to the NFL.com article about the new age Cowboys.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495959/article/report-cowboys-using-virtual-reality-technology

There is a guy who seems to fall below the radar on the Cowboys roster that really shouldn't. That guy is LT Tyron Smith. It's hard to believe it's been 4 years since he was drafted in the first round by the Cowboys but he has done nothing but anchor the Cowboys left side and protect Tony Romo's blind side about as well as anyone ever has. NFL.com has an article about Smith that seems to focus on the reports by teammate Travis Frederick that Smith can bench press in the neighborhood of 600-700 pounds. If you check out the link below don't forget the link in the article to "10 Things to Know About Tyron Smith".

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000495964/article/cowboys-tyron-smith-can-bench-press-how-much

Dallas has turned over the bottom of their roster again. This team they released Synjyn Day who was signed just after the draft as an UFA out of Georgia Tech and they have signed Lache Seastrunk. Seastrunk was a very productive RB out of Baylor and he was drafted in the 6th round of the 2014 draft by Washington but he ended up on the Tennessee Titans practice squad until he was released last month. The Cowboys will give him a good look because he will likely get some extra reps because Darren McFadden (hamstring) and Ryan Williams (knee) have missed some time recently in OTA's.

Here are some things that DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus will be looking for when OTA's resume tomorrow.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/08/scout%E2%80%99s-eye-cornerback-rotation-demarcus-lawrence%E2%80%99s-development-more

[eagle eye]

The deal about the NFL influencing the cancellation of the Fantasy Football Convention that had been scheduled at least before the March 25, 2015 press release announcing the event. Tony Romo was on Colin Cowherd's show this morning and in the conversation the NFL never contacted Romo or the event planners to say they were against the convention being held in a casino area. It was more insidious than that. The NFL began contacting the NFL players they knew were involved with the convention and inferred that if they participated there would be consequences. Thus derailing all the plans for fan interaction with players. Romo said nobody from the NFL called him or his people at all. Turns out the convention area had no gambling in the area so the argument that the NFL didn't want it's players in an area where gambling was taking place. Unless they meant Vegas as a whole then they were totally off base. This coming a month from the event and totally out of the blue shows just how chicken hearted the NFL is. On the Cowherd show Colin asserted and Romo admitted that the NFL's motives for this sabotage of this event was motivated by money and the fact that the NFL wasn't going to make a dime off the convention even though Romo said if they had contacted him they would have been glad to do whatever to include the NFL in the deal. It didn't happen that way and the NFL cost the hotel a ton of money and cost the convention planner a bunch of money and also slammed their credibility in the face not to mention the embarrassment of having the rug pulled out from under them in the way it was. I'm beginning to feel the same animosity toward Roger Goodell and his regime for being a bunch of dumbass clowns.

[eagle eye]

First round draft pick Byron Jones is getting the kitchen sink thrown at him in OTA's. So far Dallas has worked him at cornerback and now they are giving him reps at safety. So far Jones has worked as both the left and right cornerback spots, he taken reps in the slot and now at safety and it's being reported that he has yet to back down from any challenge. The luxury of OTA's is that it gives coaches the chance to experiment and tinker around with players in different positions just to see what they've got and according to reports Jones brings a lot to the table. We won't know for sure until the pads go on in training camp but it looks like Jones is the real deal. I can't find any notice of Jones agreeing to terms on a contract. I'm not sure what the hold up is because each position is slotted and you know pretty much what each person in the draft is going to make salary-wise. In the past there's been a clause that teams want in contracts that allows a contract to be voided if a player is injured. This is called an "offset clause" and it has been an item of contention in rookie contracts since the NFLPA and the NFL agreed on the rookie salary cap structure within the new collective bargaining agreement.

I guess Dallas will settle up with Jones along with anything they intend to do about Dez Bryant's contract or a possible restructure of Brandon Carr's deal. Before the rookie salary cap was instituted negotiations would last all summer and into the season at times resulting in holdouts by players. The new CBA included the rookie salary cap and all of that business has become a thing of the past. This, to me, is a very good thing on many levels.

Think the signing of LSU OL La'el Collins meant that incumbent starter at RG Ron Leary will just roll over and play dead? Leary was once considered 2nd round talent that fell off the cliff because of a degenerative knee condition relegating him to be a UFA much like circumstances caused Collins to go from a top 15 draft pick to a UFA. Leary has been the starter since the beginning of 2013 and he hasn't missed a start since. Another thing, I don't think he intends to just hand his job over to Collins. In the link to the DallasCowboys.com article below Leary talks about this and other things with DC.com writer David Helman.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/09/ron-leary-not-afraid-competition-entering-third-year-left-guard

The link below is from a speech given at Jason Garrett's alma mater, Princeton University, as he talks about life and football in an acceptance speech for the Princeton Varsity Club Citizen-Athlete Award Ceremony this past weekend. It's about 20 minutes but it's really pretty interesting. He even defines what, "...the right kind of guy." is that he says the Cowboys are always looking for.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/06/09/jason-garrett-princeton-varsity-club-citizen-athlete-award-speech

This is good news department: In the 7 on 7 drills at the end of Cowboys practice today Sean Lee was on the field working with the defense. Nice.

This is bad news department: Rumors are circulating that Greg Hardy's 10 game suspension which is being appealed with be upheld. Nothing is really definite but Dallas area writers like Tim Callishaw seem to feel like there will be no reduction of the suspension because of the NFL's recent hard line on domestic violence that stems from the way they messed up the Ray Rice DV situation. It's all media driven IMO and that's a shame. It's a shame because I don't believe, according to what I have read about the Hardy case, he doesn't deserve 10 games. But, this is the house that Roger Goodell has built with his wishy-washy regime.

Dallas Morning News report Clarence Hill tweeted this quote from Tony Romo, "That's one of the most exciting things I have seen is just Terrance's ability to take that next step and just grow and get better." That's the buzz around the progress of WR Terrence Williams. It should be an interesting training camp with a lot of praise going around for Williams and 2nd year WR Devin Street.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys finally signed their last 2015 draft pick today. CB Byron Jones signed a 4 year $8.6MM deal that includes $7MM guaranteed with a $4.5MM signing bonus. It was just a matter of time but it's nice to get this final domino to fall in finalizing the contracts of the rookie class. The Cowboys have been very happy with Jones so far as he's played every single spot in the defensive secondary. He's played left and right corner, he's played in the slot and this week he's played free safety and played the strong safety spot down near the box much like former Cowboys great Darren Woodson. Needless to say that this could be the best draft class for the Cowboys in years with the addition undrafted free agent La'el Collins. If any of the other draft picks turn out to be good players this draft will be a home run for Dallas.

Philadelphia Eagles OL Jason Peters told reports today that DeMarco Murray was going to have even more success in Philly because their OL was better than the Cowboys OL. I don't know what Peters had been smoking but if you saw how porous the Eagles line was last season and how little success LeSean McCoy had he may want to rethink that statement. He probably wishes he hadn't said anything because later today after Peter's boast the Eagles cut Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis. Ooops!

[eagle eye]

The latest news from Adam Schefter was that Dez Bryant could miss the season opener if he doesn't get a long term deal done by July 15th. If I'm not mistaken, if a deal is not done by the July 15th deadline to sign his franchise tag tender offer he can't negotiate until the end of the 2015 season. All these NFL contract rules are tough to keep up with so I could be wrong. In fact, I probably am since Dez, who confirmed Schefter's report, says he is willing to sit out the 2015 opener because he's serious about getting a long term deal done. Contract negotiations are like this. A lot of tough talk and posturing but in the end deals get done, most of the time before the deadline passes. I get the feeling that the guys who cover the Cowboys locally believe a deal will get done but it won't happen until, say, July 14th or 15th.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/12/assessing-dez%E2%80%99s-contract-situation-after-reports-possible-holdout

The chain of learning is a never ending line. When Tyron Smith came into the league he was schooled by Demarcus Ware. Daily abuse from Ware made Smith a better player. Now, with Smith considered one of, if not the, best tackles in the NFL he taking 2nd round draft pick Randy Gregory to school in the same way Ware did 4 years ago.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/12/daily-defeats-d-ware-made-tyron-better-now-gregory-learns-lessons

Dwayne Harris was the 4th receiver in the Cowboys offense but he was so much more than that. He was more than just a core player on every special teams unit, he was the punt and kick returner and on coverage units he was the leading tackler. Tough man to replace and now that Harris went to the NY Giants via free agency the Cowboys have some big shoes to fill. It may take more than one player to fill Harris' shoes but Mickey Spagnola thinks maybe the UFA from Florida Atlantic named Lucky Whitehead has some potential.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/12/spagnola-sometimes-it-pays-be-just-little-bit-lucky

Okay, my boy Boomer and I were talking yesterday about the Cowboys he we agreed that we had heard good things about new RB Lache Seastrunk out of Baylor. He's been in the NFL for a couple of years but he hasn't been able to hang on to a team as yet. Seastrunk has shown burst and speed and the ability to make people miss but, all that is against, what one Cowboys coach Rod Marinelli, calls air. OTA's do not allow physical contact as the practices are in helmets and jerseys only. There was one thing Boomer and I disagreed about and that was the pronunciation of Seastrunk's first name. I thought it was pronounced La-shay with the emphasis on the final syllable. Boomer corrected me and he told me you pronounce it Lake like the body of water. Not being an avid Baylor Bear fan I deferred to Boomer's expertise.

[eagle eye]

One of the most notable no-shows at OTAs has been MIKE LB Rolando McClain. The reason he has been absent is because he recently underwent an arthroscopic knee surgery and was rehabbing in his home state of Alabama. I'm sure that Jason Garrett would have preferred McClain rehab in Dallas with the team trainers but the OTAs are after all voluntary. Today begins the mandatory 3 day mini camp which is the last organized team activity before training camp begins late next month and lo and behold McClain has showed up for the mini camp. Good. As McClain is still rehabbing his knee he won't be given any rigorous activity this week but having him in camp is a good thing no matter how you look at it.

La'el Collins seems to have found a home at left guard. In the past couple of weeks of OTAs Collins has worked primarily at LG which seems to be a more natural position for him according to reports. Even though Collins was considered a first round talent he has been working with the second team offense most of the time. Unlike Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin who were 1st round picks and day 1 starters the Cowboys are making Collins earn his way into the starting lineup. For his part Ron Leary won't give up his starting job without a helluva fight. Good, because top notch competition will do nothing but make this team better.

The hope is that backup tight end Gavin Escobar will sort of break out as he enters his 3rd season in the NFL. Escobar has shown flashes of playmaking ability but he has had to split time behind Jason Witten with James Hannah. Escobar came to Dallas as primarily a receiving TE but he has had to make strides to become a more complete player. He has had to improve his blocking and as a receiver he has had to go through the growing pains all receivers go through. It's about year 3 in the NFL where receivers often show up as it takes a while to learn the pro game. Except for possibly QB, receiver seems to be the hardest position on a team to make the jump from college to the pros. It's year 3 Gavin. Let's see what you have learned.

Could somebody tell me what wearing black frame glasses with no glass in them makes it a fashion statement? If it's intended to make them look smarter I would point out the lack of glass in the glasses sort of negates that. Just a random thought here but I have just been wondering about this for a while.

[eagle eye]

The first day of the mandatory mini camp was yesterday and here are a couple of notes about practice yesterday about Darren McFadden, Sean Lee and DeMarcus Lawrence. There's a link to observations by Bryan Broaddus from yesterday as well.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/16/mcfadden-%E2%80%9C100-percent-and-ready-go-play-ball%E2%80%9D-sean-lee-joins-team-drills

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/16/scout%E2%80%99s-eye-wilson%E2%80%99s-progress-hardy%E2%80%99s-shift-among-12-thoughts-minicamp

Dallas has scheduled joint practices with the St Louis Rams during training camp in August on the 17th and 18th with is between their first and 2nd preseason games. The preseason games are on the west coast which is convenient because training camp is in Oxnard, California. Game 1 is against San Diego and Game 2 is against San Francisco.

Stephen Jones said that Dallas would love to get a long term deal done with Dez Bryant but there is big disparity in what WRs in the NFL want and what GMs want to pay is pretty big. Jones said the problem is because of contracts done with Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Those two players signed big deals largely because of low rookie contracts and they skew the value of WRs. With Fitz and Megatron make in the neighborhood of 15.5 and 16.5 million dollars a year the value of the rest of the top NFL receivers is in the 11.5 to 12.5 million range. Dez wants to be paid like an elite receiver and he probably deserves to be but what that amount is is the point of contention between teams like Dallas, Denver and Atlanta face with Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Julio Jones. It is felt that once one of this group of guys signs a deal it will establish the market for the rest. The problem is they all want Megatron type deals and NFL GMs don't want to pay that much. According to reports there is no animosity between Dez and the Cowboys front office. They both understand this is the business side of football. While fans are all freaking out over paying Dez his teammates also understand the business side as well. So, there is no discord within the Cowboys organization, the disconnect seems to be coming from everyone else. Personally I think a deal will get done before July 15 but you never know because this contract situation involves more than one team so you never know who is going to blink first.

[eagle eye]

I'm tired of the Dez contract talk. Two things I believe in my heart; 1) Dez will be on the field in Week 1 against the Giants and 2) Dez will get a long term deal done right up against the July 15th deadline for signing his franchise tag tender offer. I have found out that if Dez doesn't sign the tender offer by the deadline then he automatically plays the 2015 season for franchise amount AND he cannot negotiate a new deal until after the end of the 2015 season. So, the posturing he did by saying he would sit out Week 1 to make a statement will only make the statement that he will gladly cut off his nose to spite his face. In other words he doesn't just cost himself around $800K (1/17th of his salary) for missing a game it cannot under league rules motivate any contract talks because they aren't allowed anyway. I also costs his team in terms of denying its best receiver and by proxy screws over his teammates, coaches and an owner he loves for no good reason. Dez is not stupid unless he actually misses training camp and sits out Week 1 then maybe I will have reassess my opinion of Dez's intelligence. See you at the end of July in Oxnard, Dez.

Speaking of Dez, he was at the final mini camp practice today. Chatting with teammates and coaches and tossing around some footballs. Dez can't stay away.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/18/despite-contract-unresolved-dez-surprise-spectator-final-minicamp-practice

S JJ Wilcox is out until training camp as he undergoes treatment for plantar fascia which has been a chronic problem since he came into the NFL. The treatment he is trying is have some blood drawn and treated like with stem cells and reinjected into his bad right foot to help it heal. He said it's worse after practice or when he first wakes up and he's decided to try to treat the problem instead of just dealing with it.

Here's some final mini camp thoughts from DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/17/scout%E2%80%99s-eye-mcclain%E2%80%99s-return-byron-jones%E2%80%99-versatility-10-other-minicamp-thoughts

Mini camp is over and now about 5 weeks of nothing unless I start being a practice rat around Lamar. I have only one request and I made the same one of the Houston Texans, don't do something stupid or get in some freaking trouble. This is the worst time for coaches who have no control over where and what the players do. This is likely a worse time for them than for the fans. Do not become a member of the NFL knuckleheads club, please!

[eagle eye]

In what is going to be a long, long 5 weeks Mickey Spagnola gives Cowboys fans a little tidbit to look forward to when training camp starts next month that may make fans who miss DeMarco Murray feel a little bit better.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/19/spagnola-under-radar-d-mac-certainly-raising-eyebrows-and-hopes

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have sent their own version of a Father's Day card in the way of a video. For me, Happy Dad's Day to all of you.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2014/06/19/happy-fathers-day

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys official website staff writers give us their top candidates for having a big breakout season this fall.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/23/progress-report-staff-writers-predict-players-ready-break-out

A new feature on DallasCowboys.com is called "Rookie Watch" which takes a look at the rookies who may have a positive impact for Dallas this season. This first installment talks about WR George Farmer.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/23/progress-report-staff-writers-predict-players-ready-break-out

[eagle eye]

There kudos keep being heeped on the Cowboys 2nd round draft pick, Randy Gregory, as he prepares for his first NFL training camp the hopes are high in Dallas for Gregory to become even half as good as some of the people he's being compared with in the following article by NFL.com's Kevin Petra. The article includes a video of an interview with NFL.com's Tiffany Blackmon.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000498860/article/cowboys-randy-gregory-watching-film-of-simeon-rice

The Dallas Star-Telegram has this newspaper article I picked up via the Bleacher Report about how Gregory has added 12 lbs of "good weight" as the Cowboys have asked him to do so he can better compete at the defensive end position.

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article24919696.html

This off season among the items for the Dallas Cowboys talk shows is the $50MM contract Brandon Carr had signed when he came to Dallas in 2012 from Kansas City. Speculation was either Carr would have to take a pay cut or get shown the door. Unfortunately some of the writers didn't take into account of the dead money releasing Carr would account for. The fact is nothing has happened in the way of a Carr release or a demand by the Cowboys that he take a pay cut or at least restructure his deal to lessen his cap hit. The main reason is likely twofold. 1) The CB position is not what you'd call stable. You've got Orlando Scandrick and you've got Carr as the projected starters. Behind them you have a rookie in Byron Jones who, by all accounts is pretty darn good but might play safety if......Morris Claiborne, who is rehabbing from knee surgery on both knees and free agent signee this spring from New Orleans, Corey White and a returning Tyler Patmon who has shown promise. The link to the Cowboys web site article shows that Jerry Jones and company have faith in Carr based on his strong showing the second half of the season. Fans don't seem to remember anything but the circus catch made by the Giants Odell Beckham Jr. Carr couldn't have covered Beckham much better than he did and Beckham's catch was one for the ages. That one wasn't Carr's fault but his up and down play and big contract gives Cowboys critics and fans alike to heap blame on him anyway.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/24/carr-confident-he-can-build-strong-finish-tumultuous-2014-season

In this link from CBSSports.com writer Joey Correy, a former NFL agent, gives a pretty in depth look at the Cowboys and Dez Bryant's situation regarding a long term deal for Bryant. It make pretty good sense and would surely please Bryant and the Cowboys as long as Dez doesn't expect to get paid Calvin Johnson money. (Thanks again, Bleacher Report for the link) The countdown to the July 15th deadline to sign franchise tender offers is now at T minus 19 days.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25222640/agents-take-a-fair-contract-solution-for-dez-bryant-cowboys

[eagle eye]

We got some encouraging news from ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer. He reported that Dez Bryant's agent, Tom Condon, met with Jerry Jones for the 1st time in over 4 months presumably to discuss a long term deal for Bryant. It's roughly 2 weeks until the July 15th deadline for Bryant to sign the franchise tender offer. If a long term deal isn't done by then AND he doesn't sign the tender offer he will play the 2015 season for the $12.83MM franchise sum AND he won't be able to negotiate a long term deal until after the last game of the regular season this coming January. If Dez does sign the tender off by the deadline he and his agents can negotiate a long term deal. It really is no advantage for Dez to hold out a game as he's threatened if he doesn't sign a long term deal or his tender offer because he is just forfeiting nearly $800K for one week's salary for nothing. This is why I have maintaining for a long time that something will get done by July 15 even if it's just signing the tender offer.
There is also a report that the Cowboys front office feels it has some extra leverage in negotiations with Bryant because of some reported "financial difficulties" that Dez is experiencing. I can't find anything to prove this is so but it's a blurb on Bleacher Report with no other info to explain what those troubles may be.
As for right now? Dez and several teammates played in a celebrity baseball game in the Dallas area in support of Dirk Nowitzky's Foundation and Heroes Foundation.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/28/dez-teammates-charity-baseball-game-contract-deadline-draws-closer

The DallasCowboys.com staff writers put their heads together and came up with a list of the Top 10 position battles when training camp starts in roughly one month.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/26/top-10-writers-rank-biggest-position-battles-cowboys%E2%80%99-roster

Finally, we get a glimmer of hope from senior writer for DC.com Mickey Spagnola that talks about how the Cowboys much maligned defense may actually turn a corner this summer and become a much better than average unit and it all could hinge on one Morris Claiborne.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/06/26/spagnola-mo-better-improving-defense-just-might-turn-corner

[eagle eye]

Middle LB Rolando McClain will be suspended the first 4 games of the 2015 season the NFL announced today. The reason is because of a violation of the NFL Substance Abuse Policy. It is actually the second time this year McClain has failed a drug test. He was due to be fined for 4 games after failing a drug test in February and apparently he's failed another drug test resulting in this suspension. This explains why Dallas got such a team friendly deal for McClain this off season when he tested the free agent market and found no takers. Here's the article about the suspension from DallasCowboys.com but it doesn't explain when he failed the 2nd test or what the substance was. Dallas had given McClain a second chance at the NFL after he retired twice in a one year span because of family problems. It's a shame a player of his talent is such an irresponsible tool bag. There just seems to be a screw loose in his cranial area. McClain seemed to go through an epiphany of sorts that renewed his interest in football that was centered around resolution of personal issues and the birth of his son. It seemed like the guy "got it" at last and was beginning to mature but apparently not. Even his apology to everyone involved seemed lame.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/02/r-mcclain-suspended-4-games-violating-substance-abuse-policy

[eagle eye]

Okay, it is now 7 days, one week, before the July 15th deadline for Dez Bryant to sign his franchise tender offer. If he doesn't sign it then he will play the 2015 season as the Cowboys franchise player and make a guaranteed $12.83MM which is more money than he made in the first 5 years of his pro career. He also sacrifices any ability to negotiate a long term deal with the Cowboys until the conclusion of the 2015 season around January 6th. Of course we could go all through this again next year because Dallas could franchise Bryant again. The notion that Bryant would let the deadline pass and then boycott a game or games is ludicrous because it will literally serve no purpose other than cost him 1/17 of his salary or about $780K per game he misses which is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. If nothing else happens Dez should sign the tender offer if, for no other reason, it leaves the door open for his agent to continue to talk long term deal with the Cowboys after the deadline passes. Dez might be a proud man willing to stand on principle but 3/4 MM bucks per game is over kill on principle. So, as of today it's ...............

.................. T-minus 7 days and counting til the signing deadline.

With Rolando McClain suspended for the first 4 games there has been talk around the Dallas media about whether or not it's time to cut bait on him. He's giving the impression he's not committed to helping Dallas win football games. When OTA's began is the time when McClain decided to have knee surgery. He was not even rehabbing in Dallas, he stayed in Alabama for that. He did show up at the mandatory mini camp so he wouldn't lose money by being fined for missing. Now this suspension. Speculation is that he failing a drug test is why other teams showed no interest in him during free agency and that's why Dallas got such a team friendly deal when Dallas resigned him. He swore last summer he turned his life around and was then going to dedicate himself to football and the Cowboys. It looks like that commitment lasted about 8 months before it petered out. McClain is a beast as a player but his head is not on straight and frankly I'm tired of these knuckleheads that get 10 chances and still mess up. If McClain had been in New England he would already be gone. I know Jerry is loyal to a fault and is willing to go the extra mile for his players but maybe it is really time to bail on this deadhead. If Jason Garrett is truly interested in building a system that will last in Dallas he won't put up with players like this.

[eagle eye]

T-minus 6 days to Dez deadline!

Greg Hardy wants to play football and the NFL league office is dicking around ruling on his 10 game suspension for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy which in reference to his domestic abuse case from last summer. I have heard conflicting reports over Hardy's willingness to pursue further action. One video report on Bleacher Report stated that Hardy is tired of dealing with NFL over this issue and if they reduce the suspension to 2-4 games he'll run with that. This morning on ESPN they reported if the NFL doesn't cancel the suspension all together he's going to take them to court. It's all a very nasty business with the NFL treading a fine line between protecting the shield and practicing unfair labor practices. Denying an employee the right to make a living over a case that was dismissed could become very nasty in a hurry. People are going to point out that Hardy was convicted by a judge in his domestic violence case but if you look at the sentence levied on Hardy, no jail and 18 months probation that ultimately set aside when Hardy requested a jury trial. Why? Because the female in the case was not available for the second trial and her testimony in the first trial was very inconsistent to begin with. North Carolina prosecutors could have pursued the trial without the victim's testimony but they felt the original testimony of the lady in question was so shaky they felt they didn't have a case. Hell, the 911 call for the incident came from Hardy who told the operator his girlfriend was beating him with a shoe! While something happened that night last summer the authorities, including the judge in the bench trial, didn't find anything worth levying any serious penalties on Hardy. The NFL league office came down on Hardy extra hard and I, and many others, believe it is because of the negative backlash the NFL had to deal with over the Ray Rice issue. The NFL has spent the last year trying to put out fires from various incidents they have mishandled so the thinking was they come down hard on Hardy to begin with and when appealed the suspension would be reduced to a more sensible number. Hardy had his appeal hearing with Roger Goodell in May. That's two months ago and still nothing from the NFL ruling on the appeal. Hardy has been saying all along he will take the NFL to court if he even has one game suspension. I believe he is not bluffing and that Hardy and Tom Brady both will drag the NFL into court and I think both have a really good chance to win their cases. Roger Goodell, IMO, started his regime out well taking a hard line on drug and PED use but there have been inconsistencies in the application of fines and suspensions but when the domestic violence issue and deflate-gate came up Goodell and the NFL league office just didn't handle any of it well at all. And whatever deal Goodell made with Patriots owner Robert Craft to just accept the NFL's punishment of the Patriots which included a million dollar fine and the loss of their 2016 draft pick had to be a doozy. Rich people don't like to be humbled or call cheaters and as mad as Craft was in the beginning it is inconceivable to me what Goodell said to him to make Craft roll over and play dead. Hell Craft left the country and sent a lame ass letter to the Brady suspension appeal hearing saying he believed in Brady's honesty. He believed it so passionately that he couldn't be bothered to even stay in the country to support his 4 time Super Bowl champion, future Hall of Fame QB. Another lame move by Craft. Obviously another concession Craft made to Goodell no doubt. Tom Brady was thrown to the wolves to save his own skin. I have sort of gotten fed up with Roger Goodell and I wish someone with some real balls would step into the role of commissioner. But, unless he makes the other 31 owners mad I don't see him leaving the office of the commissioner any time soon. Where is Peter Ueberroth when you need him (other than he's 77 years old and retired)?

[eagle eye]

The most interesting discussion I've seen on the Cowboys web site was today when, as part of their "20 Questions" feature the question is asked 'How should the Cowboys handle Rolando McClain's suspension?'. This means how much practice time should the Cowboys devote to McClain who will miss the first 4 games of the season due to a suspension for failing a drug test. The answers given by the staff writers is an interesting view of different ideas on McClain's value to the Cowboys.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/09/20-questions-how-should-cowboys-handle-rolando-mcclain%E2%80%99s-suspension

T-minus 5 days to the Dez Deadline!

[eagle eye]

Well, shoot the cattle and call me uncle! The NFL finally, finally came down with a ruling on the Greg Hardy case. Just 24 minutes ago Bleacher Report posted that the NFL league office has reduced Hardy's suspension from 10 to just 4 games! Arbitrator Harold Henderson, who many figured would take a hard line on the appeal and uphold the 10 game suspension, ruled that the NFL had overstepped it's bounds and reduced the suspension to what people thought it should have been in the first place. Hardy's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said he would confer with Hardy, the NFLPA and his lawyers on further legal action. Hardy has said previously that he would take the NFL to court if he was suspended even 1 game. It must be noted that Henderson's ruling is against the ruling he made against Adrian Peterson attempting to get off the NFL exempt list that he was put on as a result of Peterson's child abuse case. At the time Henderson ruled Peterson could not resume playing games until the case was resolved. It remains to be seen if Hardy will accept the 4 game suspension and move on but the Cowboys and Hardy have to be happier now than they were.

[eagle eye]

With the Greg Hardy case somewhat settled the old, Dez plans to hold out of training camp and games if he doesn't get a long term deal done. Again he's got -
T-minus 2 days - to sign his franchise tag tender offer. If he doesn't any such holdout is like cutting off your nose to spike your face because league rules prohibit any contract negotiations unit after the regular season ends. Now, late last week the NFLPA is saying they are looking into a claim that Dallas and the Denver Broncos are guilty of collusion in dealing with the contracts of Dez and the Broncos Demaryius Thomas who, like Dez, has been franchised and has held out for a long term deal. He hasn't threatened any holdouts that I'm aware of but there is some question over whether the Cowboys and Broncos front offices are making a behind closed doors deal to low ball both players. I think this is preposterous because the word has been that teams were waiting on the first deal done for one of these players to set the market value for them. Once one deal is done any other deal will be easily made. Neither franchise wants to pay Calvin Johnson-Larry Fitzgerald money because they are overblown deals that were made before the current collective bargaining agreement was struck. I think the accusation of collusion is just smoke to force teams to the bargaining table with a more liberal wage attitude. Not going to happen in a salary cap league. I think that while both receivers deserve a long term deal both of their teams could still be successful without them. Don't get me wrong, I want Dez on the field but I wonder if I want him if he's stubborn enough to actually hurt himself on a matter of principle.

Here's a link from DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus who is republishing his scouting report of Greg Hardy now that it looks like he will be able to play most of the season after all.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/10/broaddus-re-visiting-scouting-report-greg-hardy

[eagle eye]

T-minus one day until Dez Deal Deadline.

In the link below Nick Eatman from DallasCowboys.com gives his opinion of what is going to take place over the next 24 hours. According to Eatman he can't see a scenario where a deal won't get done. Now, Dez threw a little gas on the fire this morning with a tweet saying if he doesn't get a long term deal he will hold out. Unless Dez is way more stupid than I would have thought he has to sign his tender offer by the end of tomorrow. But, in the Eatman article he gives us a darn good reason for the Cowboys to want to get the deal done as well. A wild card here is there are reports out of Denver that there is an offer from the Broncos to DeMaryius Thomas for 5 years for an average of $12MM a year with $30MM guaranteed. That sort of sets a market value. Dez could get more and under the logic of Eatman's article they would actually save money. I think the deal will get done but in an area with heavy union presence we all know about pre-contract posturing by both sides. Dallas has been quiet because they know Dez really hasn't got a leg to stand on so all of Dez' posturing is just hot air. Late tomorrow or early Thursday we will see the reports of both Dez and DeMaryius' deals being done. It's just the smart move all the way around.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/13/eatman-time-running-out-both-sides-should-feel-pressure

[eagle eye]

As of this writing it is T-minus 5 hours and 9 minutes for Dez to sign his franchise tender offer or strike a long term deal with the Cowboys. Here's an 11th hour article from DallasCowboys.com's Rob Phillips. One way or another, hopefully, we can put this story behind us because I've got tired head from this still being an issue. One way or another 3:00 PM CDT whatever will be will be.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/15/it%E2%80%99s-officially-deadline-day-cowboys-franchised-wr-dez-bryant

[eagle eye]

Cooler heads prevailed and I believe I said a long time ago this would happen. What? Dez Bryant with a brand spanking new long term contract. Jerry is notorious for getting deals done when he wants to and this one happened with minutes to spare to the 3:00 PM deadline. The deal is reportedly worth $70MM for 5 years with $45MM guaranteed. This article from NFL.com explains the deal and according to an article from DallasCowboys.com Dez arrived at Valley Ranch to sign his new contract at 2:15.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000501770/article/dez-bryant-cowboys-strike-to-fiveyear-contract

Now the only drama left before training camp begins is what the next move by Greg Hardy is going to be. Will he take the NFL to court to try to completely wipe out the remaining 4 games of the original 10 game suspension he received for conduct detrimental to the NFL over a domestic violence incident that occurred last summer. Last week the appeal of the suspension was ruled in favor of Hardy. The arbiter in the case reduced Hardy's 10 game suspension from 10 to 4 but Hardy's agent Scott Boras said that the issue may not be over. So, there is a little something to keep the days before training camp from being totally boring.

[eagle eye]

Not everyone making news is for getting into trouble, sometimes it's just having fun. In this case Cowboys WR Cole Beasley had his double pump reverse dunk posted in instagram. Below is the link to the short article and the video of a pretty impressive dunk from a 5'8" young man.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/17/cowbuzz-cole-beasley-throws-down-double-pump-reverse-dunk

Here's a video of the congratulatory phone call from Jerry Jones to Dez Bryant after Dez had signed his $70MM 5 year contract on Wednesday. BTW, the reason Jerry wasn't in Dallas to take pics with Dez at the signing was because he and Stephen Jones were in New York. The Jones' had been up into the wee hours of night before in final negotiations with Roc Nation's Tom Condon and Jay-Z hammering out the deal that Bryant signed and became official just minutes before the 3:00 PM deadline. This reinforces the notion that if Jerry wants a deal done, a deal will get done. Below is a video of Dez with DallasCowboys.com's Nick Eatman minutes after the signing and interesting thing about the interview is that Dez mentioned several times the only thing left for him was a Super Bowl. Dez also said he is confident the Cowboys have a team to be reckoned with this season and you know something? If Dallas can stay healthy, he's right!

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/16/secret-audio-jerry-calls-congratulate-dez

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/15/exclusive-interview-dez-bryant-after-signing-deal

[eagle eye]

Now that Dez is signed I think I may need to remind you about how important a happy Dez Bryant going into training camp will be. If you remember past training camps you know Dez has that Michael Irvin quality of challenging and motivating his team mates to such an extent that despite how long training camp lasts he is able to keep the whole team engaged. Remember last year when Dez was talking smack to the DBs trying to cover him in practice and he jacked up JJ Wilcox enough to talk a swing at Dez? The whole thing bled over to battles between Terrence Williams and Orlando Scandrick and from rookie WR Devin Street to Tyler Patmon. From DallasCowboys.com in their 20 questions series the staff writers attempt to answer, "Who will benefit most from Dez Bryant's presence in training camp.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/17/20-questions-biggest-beneficiary-having-dez-camp

[eagle eye]

T-minus 11 days until the opening of training camp!

Bleacher Report has an article with a slide show of the top available free agents waiting on teams in need to give them a call. Looking at the list I don't see anyone I would want Dallas to pick up. You may disagree. If so lets hear from you.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2525941-nfl-training-camp-2015-best-available-free-agents-waiting-on-camp-injuries-to-s

[eagle eye]

Is he going to play guard, or tackle? Will he start right away? Of course I'm talking about the prize catch of the 2015 draft, La'el Collins. You know the story, stock fell in the draft because he was a person of interest in a double homicide Dallas got him to sign as an undrafted free agent after he went undrafted. The same guy who said that he would be part of the greatest offensive line in history, yeah you remember. DallasCowboys.com's Nick Eatman and Bryan Broaddus give us a look at Collins with an article and a Scout's Report. I think if Dallas had drafted Collins in the 1st or 2nd round he would start right away but considering when the Cowboys got him he get the benefit of sitting a year or so to grow into the job--whichever job the Cowboys want him at. Right now Ron Leary is more than solid at left guard and Doug Free is the same at right tackle. In fact, Free just got a contract extension. Dallas is deep as hell in O-line talent now with Florida's Chaz Greene and Lawrence Gibson both taken in this year's draft and Darion Weems who is looking like a shoe-in at swing tackle not to mention several other candidates including Mackenzie Bernadeau who has been a starter in years past. If the defense was a well heeled as the offense nothing would stop a Cowboys march to Super Bowl 50. That has a nice ring to it doesn't it--Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl 50 Champions. Yessiree, on the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl era and America's Team claiming the title. I like the sound of that!

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/22/rookie-watch-la%E2%80%99el-collins-has-talent-might-have-wait-his-turn

It's been 7 months since the NFL ref blew the call on Dez Bryant's catch in Green Bay. Everyone on the planet knows in their heart that was a catch even by the goofy standards set up in the rule book defining a catch. But, this week it came up again. This time COO of the Cowboys Stephen Jones chimed in with his take that, by rule, Dez did not catch the ball. I almost threw up in my mouth when I saw the headline. Turns out that Jones is on the NFL Competition Committee and I really believe he's toeing the "company line" meaning he doesn't want to make waves for the NFL league office. Much in the same way Patriots owner Robert Craft accepted a totally unfair penalty for his team over the deflate-gate debacle despite spewing outrage prior to a meeting with Roger Goodell. Craft rolled over and played dead after that meeting and he has stayed as far away as possible during the Tom Brady appeal. Roger is undoubtedly begging the owners and officers of the 32 NFL teams to please don't make any more waves for the league office. Goodell wants shit to settle down to allow them to put out the fires already burning. Stephen Jones is the latest team bigwig to cowtow to Goodell's wishes. In fact the Dez non-catch issue is one of those fires that needs to be doused. Maybe Stephen told Roger that he would not bitch about the catch any more if he tells the refs to stop screwing over the Cowboys so much. If that deal was made I can live with that. The refereeing needs some review and has needed some oversight for a while now. The NFL refs aren't as bad as baseball umps but they are getting closer all the time. So here is the article with the interview with Jones if you can stand to read it.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/22/months-later-dez%E2%80%99s-infamous-%E2%80%98no-catch%E2%80%99-call-still-discussion-point

T-minus 8 days until training camp!

[eagle eye]

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer gives us his projection of who the starters will be on offense and defense. I think it's interesting that first round pick CB Byron Jones isn't on the list. It's generally an accepted state that first round picks need to play right away but Archer seems to think that Jones will play behind either Scandrick or Carr. It's still not really clear what position Jones may play. A lot is depending on how well Morris Claiborne comes back from knee surgery.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/68803/dallas-cowboys-starting-lineup-projection

The Fantasy Football company who was working with Tony Romo to put on a FF convention earlier this summer in Las Vegas is suing the NFL for impeding the convention. There were a number of players already under contract to make appearances at the convention and NFL Network's Michael Fabiano was actually threatened with termination from his job if he showed up as host of the event. There was a loss of revenue by the fantasy promoters, by the Venetian Convention Center and the hotels in the area for the loss of the event. This could've been a massive lawsuit but the actual number on the suit is just $1MM. This looks like just a matter of principle to show the NFL it can't be hypocritical when it comes to events. The NFL is in partnerships with gambling but in subtle ways. For them to have a problem with an event that promised a huge turnout looks like they just got mad because they weren't making money off the event. Just another black eye for the Roger Goodell regime. I wish they would have sued for $100MM and really stuck it to this man and his inept regime.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2527971-nfl-sued-by-company-for-tony-romos-canceled-fantasy-football-event-in-las-vegas

It looks like Cowboys 2015 3rd round draft pick Chaz Green will begin the season on PUP as he recovers from hip surgery. This doesn't hurt Dallas too bad because O-line is the one position group that has unbelievable depth. There is speculation that MLB Rolando McClain will also begin the season on PUP. Just before OTA's began he had knee surgery and instead of doing his rehab in Dallas with Cowboys trainers supervision him he chose to rehab in Alabama. He was not even in Dallas during OTA's and only showed up for one day of the mandatory mini camp. The Cowboys are going to be cautious with McClain as he had issues with a knee and a hamstring during the season last year and he missed most of the two playoff games Dallas played because of concussions. McClain also got himself suspended the first four games of the season for violating the league substance abuse policy. Dallas signed former Minnesota LB Jasper Brinkley and he is likely the guy who will play MLB to begin the season.

[eagle eye]

Mickey Spagnola and several of the Cowboys reps are taking a road trip from Arlington to Oxnard in the official Dallas Cowboys team bus. It's supposed to be a 4 day-3 night trip as the luxury bus heads west to training camp which begins next week. The link below is for the first park of the journey, a stop in Abilene for a meet and greet with fans there. Now there are no players on the bus, or Joneses and not even one cheerleader. Just a couple of guys nobody knows, Mickey Spagnola and the team mascot, Rowdy. There are still fans who show up and want to get close to anything Cowboys. There are a couple of videos along with the article featuring a recap of Day 1 of the trip and video of their stop in Abilene.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/content/road-trip-oxnard

It's now T-minus 6 days until training camp begins.

[eagle eye]

Now it's getting close--so close--to actual football. No more deflate-gate (well, not as much), no more knuckleheads in trouble (I guess there's still a few days they can misbehave) and no more guessing or annoying top 10 lists. Training camp is just 3 days away, Thursday to be exact. The Cowboys bus on their "Road Trippin" tour from Dallas to Oxnard is complete. (See links below) Players are supposed to report on July 28 (tomorrow) and after the preliminary weigh-ins and physicals are over it's nothing but football from this Thursday until August 28 when they break camp and head back to Dallas. Real news at last.

We will find out;
> If Morris Claiborne is really, really back.
> If Byron Jones is going to play corner or safety.
> If Greg Hardy really is all that.
> If Randy Gregory is anything but hype.
> If it's going to be Joe Randall or Darren McFadden.
> If a hundred other things but they are all football and that's a good thing.

Road Trippin in Abilene, Tx
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/23/road-trippin-2015-abilene

Road Trippin in El Paso, Tx
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/24/road-trippin-2015-el-paso

Road Trippin in the bus with the driver, Emory Tyler
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/25/road-trippin-2015-behind-wheel-emory-tyler

Road Trippin in Tucson, Arizona
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/25/road-trippin-2015-tucson

Road Trippin in Chandler, Arizona
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/26/road-trippin-2015-chandler

Road Trippin in Los Angeles, California
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/26/road-trippin-2015-los-angeles-1

Road Trippin arrives in Oxnard, California
http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/07/27/road-trippin-2015-arriving-oxnard

Now, we wait for the Cowboys team charter flight to arrive in Oxnard tomorrow afternoon.

[eagle eye]

The question of the day for the Cowboys website is whether or not a full off season will result in even better play from QB Tony Romo. Let's talk a bit of a look at 2014. First of all Dallas exploded out of the box last season winning six of their first 7 games. The lone loss was on opening day when Romo looked really rusty after he got minimal work in training camp to protect his back. Dallas should have beaten the 49ers but that was all on Romo and it was clear he was showing the result of no real training camp work. All that was a hot topic of discussion as Dallas went into Week 2 against Tennessee. But, after winning on the road in Tennessee and ripping off 5 other games in a row included a huge road win in Seattle it was clear the rust was off. The only bump in the road was a sack that resulted in Romo hurting his ribs again when he got kneed in the back by a blitzing Redskins LB in Week 8 in the first quarter. Romo left the game at that time and Brandon Weeden came in and seemed to have the Cowboys on the road back. Romo came back into the game late much the same way he did a couple of season's earlier when he broke his ribs and had a punctured lung against the 49ers. In that game he led the Cowboys back to an overtime win but on Monday Night Football Romo was not himself and he should have stayed on the sideline in favor of Brandon Weeden who was moving the team well. Romo also missed Week 9 against Arizona and Dallas played well enough to win that game but Weeden totally sucked in that game. So, 6-1 became 6-3 and fans wondered if the wheels were coming off like they had so many times before. That wasn't going to happen because a week later Dallas saw Romo return to the lineup in London vs Jacksonville. It was game that Dallas needed and got. Romo was great and Dez Bryant was great and DeMarco Murray was great. That propelled the Cowboys to a 6-1 record to finish the season at 12-4 and it was excellence by the Cowboys offense and adequate play by the defense. The only hitch in the Cowboys giddayap was a Thanksgiving loss to Philly which was directly attributable to a short week made shorter by the Cowboys returning from a Sunday night game vs the Giants in which the Cowboys did not arrive back in Dallas until about 6 AM on Monday morning which, in essence, gave Dallas just two days to prep for the Eagles. Romo had been getting every Wednesday off termed a "Romo day off" to protect his back which, as you all remember was operated on in the off season, didn't get his time off and the extra short time to prepare was totally unfair and Dallas was clearly not themselves as they fell to the Eagles. After that game Dallas won out and made the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Romo was excellent all season except where noted and he was clearly one of the top 5 QBs in the NFL. He was only the 14th ranked QB in yards with 3,707 yards but he was No 1 in QB rating for the season. Romo is an excellent deep ball passer and he has always been a QB who could make all the throws and it can be argued that nobody was better than Romo in 2014. Even the loss in Green Bay Romo threw a perfect ball where only Dez Bryant could catch it on that infamous 4th down play where the NFL refs in New York overturned what everyone on the planet said was a catch including the refs on the field. If Dallas had scored there and taken the lead who knows what would have happened the last 4 minutes of the game but it would have been interesting to find out. Dallas had already beaten Seattle during the season and it's for sure Dallas would not have thrown away a 10 point lead the way Green Bay did. The bottom line is Tony Romo arguably had the best season of his career but he didn't have to throw for 5,000 yards because Dallas became a power running team with DeMarco Murray gaining over 1,800 yards to lead all NFL rushers. Back to the original question of whether Romo will be better than 2015. I think he will be ready to play in Week 1 this season whereas he wasn't in 2014. He's healthy and will get his reps in training camp so the first 3 games won't be Romo trying to shake off the rust. So, he should be better in the first quarter of the season this year than he was last year. The trouble Romo had with his post injury games after Week 9 was, for the most part moot. So, all in all, a full off season will make Tony more ready to go into the season but it will be really hard to be better overall because he was accurate, efficient and almost mistake free. What we can hope for is a Tony Romo that will be as good as 2014. If the defense is better I think fans will be quite happy with what they see. Now, as for the Cowboys.com writers and how they answer this question here's the link to the article. Heck I wonder if my take is much different than theirs.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/27/20-questions-will-healthy-offseason-lead-better-season-romo

T-minus 2 days until training camp.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys landed in Oxnard to prepare for a month long stay is sunny and COOL California. Camp for Dallas officially begins tomorrow. There was one surprise no-show however. DL Jeremy Mincey, who led the team in sacks last year, did not go to Oxnard with the rest of the team because he wants to re-evaluate his contract. In other words he wants a raise. With Greg Hardy suspended the first 4 games and Randy Gregory just a rookie Mincey was going to be counted on to provide pass rush from the right defensive end spot. He'll probably get a little bump in pay but it's a fine time to chime in with contract talks. Where was he the last couple of weeks. And we all thought all that contract business was settled when Dez Bryant was signed to a long term deal on the 15th. Yeah, right. Appaently, Mincey is looking for a 2 year deal worth about $3MM which isn't asking a heckuva lot and that's why I think it will get done. Mincey will begin accumulating fines for missing training camp beginning today as today is the official reporting day for training camp.
Here's an article from DallasCowboys.com about the Cowboys arrival in Oxnard.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/28/cowboys-land-oxnard-month-long-training-camp-stay

Here's another article from the Cowboys website about the history of Cowboys training camps titled, "From Oregon to Oxnard". It's a picture history of the various training camp locations from the first one in 1961 to 2015. It's a pretty cool little piece.

http://view.ceros.com/dallas-cowboys/training-camp-history/p/1

The Cowboys made some moves yesterday before leaving for Oxnard. First they cut 3 players including former 2nd round pick for Arizona RB Ryan Williams. It was reported that Williams who is still trying come back from a really bad knee injury in Arizona. It has been reported that he has suffered a couple of setbacks in this year's OTA's and mini camp. Dallas also waived/injured LB Cameron Lawrence and OL Ryan Miller. Dallas also signed 3 players. RB Gus Williams from Stephen F Austin who was invited to the Rookie mini camp in May. They also signed LB Justin Anderson who spent some of last season on the Giants practice squad and G/C Ronald Patrick who spent time on the Cowboys practice squad last season.

[eagle eye]

The practices have begun but not without incident. RB Darren McFadden doesn't make the first walk through because the Cowboys were forced to put him on PUP. Spring training PUP is a little different than the regular season PUP in that the player can come back at any time but even if he practices for 30 seconds he can't go back on PUP. The Cowboys are saying that McFadden pulled his hamstring in a workout a week or so ago. They claim the injury isn't a bad one but they want him to be fully healthy for training camp. Obviously this opens the door for Joe Randall to make his claim for the #1 RB spot. In the opening press conference Jerry Jones said that they feel Randall can handle the lead back role. That remains to be seen. What is definite is McFadden's history of injury problems. Last season was the first season McFadden played in all 16 games and this is not the beginning either he or the Cowboys wanted.

The Cowboys veteran LB Keith Rivers was signed in the free agency period this past spring. On the eve of the first training camp practice Rivers decided he'd had enough and retired. This left Dallas a little short at linebacker with Rivers retirement and Rolando McClain on PUP still rehabbing from knee surgery. Yesterday Dallas signed LB Keith Smith who spent time on the Cowboys roster last season.

Tony Romo missed yesterday's practice due to a sty under his left eye. He will be evaluated today to see if he can participate in the Cowboys first padded practice. Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn got most of the snaps in yesterday's practice.

Greg Hardy pulled some cartilage in his rib cage in the Thursday walk through but it wasn't serious. What is serious is the fire and intensity Hardy is bringing to training camp. For details here is an article from DallasCowboys.com about just how much Hardy is doing for the Cowboys defense.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/07/31/hardy%E2%80%99s-work-ethic-enthusiasm-setting-tone-cowboys-defense

It's a nice thing to be talking real football again. Stay tuned for Boomer and I's fantasy football articles beginning soon.

[eagle eye]

Yesterday was Dallas second day in pads and the first day things got chippy in practice. In the one on one drills Dez and CB Tyler Patmon exchanged some words that escalated into a couple of punches being thrown. Nobody got hurt and both players hugged it out at the end of practice much to the delight of the crowd attending the practice. This sort of intensity is why the Cowboys are so happy that Dez was signed to a long term deal instead of holding out because of the energy and competitive spirit he brings to training camp. I think the Cowboys coaches are not only not mad at Dez, I believe they are delighted to have him there to ramp up the intensity of the practices.

Here are a couple of links from Bryan Broaddus giving us his 12 thoughts from the first two padded practices on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday; http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/02/broaddus-tyron-smiths-dominance-strong-db-play-highlight-12-thoughts
Sunday; http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/03/broaddus-collins-progress-martin-vs-hardy-among-sundays-12-thoughts

DL Jeremy Minced returned to practice on Sunday and he got a little bump in salary which is why he was holding out. He didn't get any years added on to his contract but he got an extra $500K in pay driving his cap hit this season up to $2MM plus the $100K in fines he accumulated while holding out was waived. Everybody is happy and Mincey is a big part of the Cowboys D-line especially the first four games when Greg Hardy will be serving his suspension.

Tony Romo's sty in the eye didn't keep him out but one day, Friday. He got a shot in the eye area and by Saturday the swelling around his eye was nearly gone and he was ready for the first practice in pads. Thursday the eye was so swollen he could see out of it so the miracle of modern medicine comes through again.

Here is a link from DallasCowboys.com about UFA signee Ofe Obada. The guy was signed after the Cowboys found him playing in a semi-pro league in England. The interesting thing here is the writer is from England too. He's an American football fan and a fan of the Cowboys in particular who is making his second trip from England to Cowboys training camp. The writer's name is Dan Turner and from listening to him on DallasCowboys.com's podcast Talkin' Cowboys this Brit knows his American football.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/02/loaded-physical-talent-obada-has-steep-hill-climb-make-team

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys had a day off yesterday so no fights, no injuries and no football took place in Oxnard. The 'Boys should be back at it today. It's 9:30 our time and 7:30 in California so their day may not have begun as yet. One thing I have heard, sort of between the lines, is that CB Corey White is doing an excellent job so far. If you remember Dallas signed White as a free agent in the spring. He played for the Saints previously and he had a good season for them last year. Evidently not good enough for Rob Ryan's taste or he was a salary cap casualty. Either way Dallas has him and he's been pretty good in camp so far. The bonus you get with White is it seems he can play either corner or safety which makes him all the more valuable.
Another guy that has had a good camp if you read between the lines is G Ron Leary. When La'el Collins was signed as an UFA after this year's draft the assumption was Leary was going to lose his job. Collins played tackle at LSU but his skill set seems better suited to guard and Leary was the odd man out. Nobody seems to have told Leary because the guy has been balling and the perceived disrespect for his game in relation to Collins seems to have lit a fire under Leary who is determined to make anyone with designs on his job earn it.
I know it's early in camp and you have to take things with a grain of salt this early in camp but RB Lance Dunbar has been getting some respect from coaches and observers alike. It would be about time Dunbar showed up because if he doesn't it may be time to move on.

Just a thought and maybe you would agree, in the 2016 draft I expect Dallas to take one of two positions with their first round pick. That would be either RB or DT. As Dallas moves ahead in building their team it would seem like these two positions need to be addressed. Dallas could have addressed either position in this year's draft particularly the RB position. This was a running back heavy draft and Dallas chose to ignore it all together. I suppose the thinking that they felt that Joe Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar were good enough and they would sprinkle in a UFA to two and they would make do. There is also the thinking that Dallas may be too proud of the O-line and think just anyone could step in for DeMarco Murray and gain 1,800 yards. Who knows but like a lot of people I sure hated to see Murray move on. It was especially galling to see him go to the Eagles, the team I hate more than any other on the planet. But, you have to respect the discipline the Joneses are showing these days with their salary cap management. Still, to the Eagles? Arggggg!

[eagle eye]

Yesterday was a very big day for long time Cowboys fans because Jerry Jones announced at training camp that former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson will be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor this year. The actual ceremony will be held on November 1st at AT&T Stadium at halftime of the game between Seattle and the Cowboys. It's rather fitting because in a game against Seattle on October 27, 2002, the same game that Emmitt Smith broke Walter Peyton's all time rushing record, Woodson set the record for tackles in Cowboys franchise history. He finished his career with 1,350 tackles and if you think that is something consider all the great defensive players in Cowboys history that are behind Woodson in tackles for a career. Guys like Bob Lily, Too-Tall Jones, Randy White, Chuck Howley, Cliff Harris and Harvey Martin just to name a few. It is a very impressive record. Of course Woodson was overshadowed when he broke the previous record. It just goes along with the understated way he went about his career which was spent entirely as a Cowboy. 5 Pro Bowls, 4 All Pro Selections and the unquestioned leader of the defensive backfield. Not to mention he earn 3 Super Bowl rings as a Cowboy. The guy was just flat great. He was an undersized linebacker from Arizona State when he was drafted in 1992 but a 4.37 40 in his workout prior to the draft was enough to convince the Cowboys to take him in the 2nd round of the 1992 draft, number 37 pick overall. Because he wasn't a boisterous guy, he just went about his business without a lot of fanfare people don't remember just how great he was. Hopefully, this will open the door for him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year because he deserves it. There is a feeling that because of the Cowboys fame and success that they are under represented in the HOF and I agree but that jealousy and whatever other reason conspiracy theorists can come up with have made the Cowboys players hard to vote in. It's time and Woodson is a great beginning that I hope extends to guys like Drew Pearson, Leroy Jordan and Harvey Martin just to name a few. I'm glad for Woody, he deserves his day to be honored as one of the Cowboys greats because he really was great. How great? Dallas has been trying to replace him since he retired eleven years ago and they haven't done it yet.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys have an off day today and all things considered it's probably a really good thing. Dez Bryant was out of practice a little early yesterday after he sort celebrated a TD catch in practice and suffered a slight pull in his hamstring. It is not considered serious and when you talk about a hammy that is a very good thing. Just ask Darren McFadden who has spent his pro career nursing hammies. Fact is that is why McFadden has missed all of training camp so far. A day off probably isn't a bad thing for Lance Dunbar who sprained his ankle yesterday. As luck would have it Dunbar's ankle isn't thought to be serious either which is a good thing. When you hear about an ankle the first thing you pray for is it is not the dreaded high ankle sprain. You are talking about a minimum of several weeks to heal from one of those. In this case it is just a minor sprain but the Cowboys had an MRI done just to be safe. Now, back to McFadden. It seems like he's been running and had no set backs and he has been chomping at the bit to get into the practices but the Cowboys have been cautious with him because they don't want him right back on the sideline because he re-aggravated it. With the Cowboys running thin at running back it will be good to get McFadden back on the field which looks like it will be as early as tomorrow God willing and the creek don't rise.

Greg Hardy is really making a positive impression on the football field. Too bad we will have to wait for Week 5 to get him on the field. Maybe there is a secret suit going on to eliminate the suspension all together. That's not likely so it is also likely no other legal action will take place in Hardy's case.

Now, when is Rolando McClain getting back on the field? He is still rehabbing his knee following surgery this past May. He needs to get on the field to get some reps in because, like Greg Hardy, he will be sitting at home the first 4 weeks of the season for a suspension of his own. McClain has shown he can be an impact player when healthy but he needs to practice to knock off the rust he surely has accumulated over the last 8 months.

Sean Lee is working back into practice with the team. The training staff is allowing him to work in slowly to protect the knee he tore the ACL last May. Not 2015 May but 2014. He has had a long and arduous rehab but if he knee is truly ready to go then having him back at 100% will be like adding yet another impact player on the defense.

A lot of rave reviews for LB Anthony Hitchens. He was a 4th round draft pick of the Cowboys last year and he was a very pleasant surprise for the Cowboys. He has shown football smarts and versatility to play any of the LB roles and right now the debate is who will play MIKE linebacker spot the first 4 games of the season while Rolando McClain serves his suspension. The answer seems to be whether Kyle Wilbur is good enough to man the SAM linebacker spot to allow Hitchens to play the MIKE or will Dallas go with Hitchens at the SAM and have free agent signee from Minnesota Jasper Brinkley play the MIKE. Other considerations are the progress of rookie draft pick Damien Wilson. He was the Cowboys 4th round pick this year and the Cowboys are hoping to strike gold again this season like they did with Hitchens last year. I haven't seen too much written about Wilson but sometimes no news is good news. Hitchens got thrown into the fire last season because of Sean Lee's injury and a host of other injuries to the linebacking corp. So far (I'm knocking on every available piece of wood right now) the injury bug hasn't really sliced into the Cowboy depth chart the way it did in 2014.

Morris Claiborne was taken 6th in the 2012 draft. The Cowboys sacrificed their 2nd round pick to trade up for him. To date he's been a bust but it hasn't really been his fault. It's been one injury after another. Last season he was protecting a tweeked knee when he lost his starting job to Orlando Scandrick. He quit and left the team for one day then came back and apologized and went back to work. The very next Sunday Claiborne recorded an interception and was playing well when he went down in a heep with a torn patellar tendon in his knee. Game and season over. While he was rehabbing the surgery on the injured knee doctors checked out the other knee because it had been giving Claiborne trouble and they found that knee was, in many ways, worse off than the one with the torn patellar tendon which prompted surgery on that knee as well. He has spent the entire 2015 year rehabbing both knees. It's been a long excruciating process but he appears to be fully healthy. If he is finally 100% ready to go and he finds the form and confidence he had as an LSU Tiger then Dallas will be that much better off and maybe, just maybe he can rid himself that label of "bust" and be what Dallas hoped he'd be 4 years ago. If he is then that makes the Cowboys defense even stronger than they appear to be now. With the return of Sean Lee and the emergence of DeMarcus Lawrence and the additions of Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory and Byron Jones we could conceivably be looking at a top ten defense. Now wouldn't that be something?

[eagle eye]

On Thursday 2nd year DE Kenneth Boatright was literally carted off the field with his head stabilized and strapped to a body board with an apparent neck injury. It was reported that he had feeling in his extremities and it looked like the Cowboys were just being cautious with him. In the link below taken from Bleacher Report Boatright's agent reported yesterday that he was doing fine which should be a huge relief for all concerned. Boatright signed a two year deal last year after spending a year in Seattle.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/agent-for-cowboys-de-ken-boatright-fortunately-it-appears-he-should-be-ok.html/

Charles Haley, the final piece of the Cowboys puzzle that resulted in 3 Super Bowls in 4 years will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later today in Canton, Ohio. Haley and his fellow inductees San Diego LB Junior Seau, Raiders WR Tim Brown, Pittsburgh RB Jerome Bettis, Kansas City OG Will Shields, Vikings OL Mick Tinglehoff (veteran's selection committee choice) and front office men Ron Wolf and Bill Polian. The induction ceremony will be on ESPN beginning at 6 o'clock this evening. Here's a link to an article from DallasCowboys.com about the rough road Haley took in his life to reach the HOF. Haley has won more Super Bowl Rings than any other player in NFL history with 5. 2 were with his original team, the San Francisco 49ers and 3 came with the Cowboys dynasty of the 1990's. Haley was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011 along with legendary WR Drew Pearson (who deserves to be in the HOF too) and OL Larry Allen. That ceremony in 2011 was the first ROH induction since the Triplets (Aikman, Irvin and Smith) were inducted in 2005. Darren Woodson (another guy who should be in the HOF) will be inducted in the ROH in November.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/07/star-overcoming-%E2%80%9Cdark-moments%E2%80%9D-haley-enters-hof-defiantly-stronger

Here's senior DallasCowboys.com writer Mickey Spagnola and his take on the prospects for the Cowboys defense, particularly the defensive line. The impetus for the upgrade of the defense was the failure of the Cowboys to put pressure on a semi-crippled Aaron Rodgers in the NFC Divisional round of the 2014 playoffs. Rodgers threw over 30 times for over 300 yards in the 26-21 loss that most fans remember for the catch that wasn't by Dez Bryant in the 4th quarter of the game. What stuck with the Cowboys brass wasn't the non-catch it was the non pressure on Rodgers. Mickey explains way better than I could and I think everyone will agree Dallas really needed to get better on the D-line.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/07/spagnola-cowboys-clearly-%E2%80%98rush%E2%80%99-improve-defensively

This is a link to a video of Cowboys players responding to "mean tweets". Kinda funny.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/08/07/cowboys-players-read-mean-tweets-fans-volume-2

The Cowboys have their annual Blue-White scrimmage tomorrow and you can see it live on DallasCowboys.com. The scrimmage will begin at 2:30 PM PDT which will be 4:30 PM locally.

The Cowboys have a need to stock up on some depth on the O-line. 2015 draft pick Chaz Greene is on PUP after having hip surgery in June and the Cowboys lost backup lineman Reshod Fortenberry to a leg injury. The Cowboys placed LB Will Smith, a 7th round draft pick in 2014 on the waived/injured list to make room for newly signed Cody Clay who played college ball at Asuza Pacific University, a D-II school located near Oxnard in Orange County.

The first preseason game will take place next Thursday, August 13th in San Diego. The game will be televised starting at 9:00 PM on Fox 4.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys had their Blue-White scrimmage yesterday and all it really was another day of practice only with hitting and under a very controlled atmosphere. The one noteworthy thing was the goal line work. On Saturday the offense dominated the defense but yesterday the defense more than held their own. One reason for the turnaround was Sean Lee. Lee was held out and reports were that he was not happy about it. On Sunday he was allowed to get into the mix and he really was a difference maker as you might expect. When he's been on the field he has been a game changer or playmaker or difference maker--however you want to phrase it. The Cowboys have been quite cautious working Lee into full contact work even though he's been chomping at the bit to get on the field. One thing for sure, it's nice to add a player of Lee's caliber to the defense and that defense is a damn sight better when he is on the field.

Byron Jones got his name called a lot, all under good circumstances.

Joe Randle showed some of why the RB position could be a lot more dynamic. The question with Randle is his blocking in pass protection which is something DeMarco Murray was very good at. Here's a camp sleeper for you--RB Gus Johnson. The guy is big and pretty quick and if Darren McFadden can't be counted on there will be a place for Johnson on the roster.

Speaking of McFadden it was reported last week that he would be out until after the Cowboys first preseason game on Thursday. Again, as with Sean Lee and the rest of the players rehabbing various injuries the Cowboys are being cautious trying to be careful not to rush a player back on the field if he isn't ready. Lance Dunbar is in the same situation with his ankle as is Dez with the hamstring pull. I could easily see the Cowboys sitting all of these guys.

The good thing about the injuries is it's giving players a little deeper on the depth chart more snaps. This would be guys like WR Lucky Whitehead who has been showing up as a receiver in the last few days. Whitehead was looked at a guy who could replace the special teams contributions of Dwaine Harris who left in free agency this off season. The fact that he is running good routes and showing good hands adds another dimension to his game that the Cowboys may not have expected. It is certainly bad luck for 2nd year receiver Devon Street to out nursing a sore ankle because he was expected to be a breakout player this season and this is definitely a set back.

Brandon Carr broke a bone in his hand last week during a press coverage drill. He is scheduled to have surgery today back in Dallas. The injury isn't considered serious in fact the Cowboys compared Carr's injury to the same injury DeMarco Murray had late last season. Murray just missed a couple of practices but he played the next Sunday. Carr will likely be out of the preseason game Thursday and may sit out longer than Murray because it training camp. There should be no problem with him going forward. Carr and Tyler Patmon both missed the weekend practices which benefitted Byron Jones and free agent acquisition Corey White. Both players can play both corner and safety and their position flex makes them very valuable. Also, it doesn't hurt that both have performed well so far in camp.

Former 49er and Cowboy DE Charles Haley went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday and if you get a chance check out Haley's speech on NFL.com. In that speech he told a hilarious golf joke and he also did his impression of Jerry Jones from their first meeting when he came to Dallas in 1992. He also talked about how Jerry had a huge fund raiser for bone marrow donors at Texas Stadium just to help Haley's daughter who was suffering from Leukemia at the time. Haley was obviously nervous a heck and he was sweating like crazy but he had one of the more memorable speeches on a night of memorable speeches.

[eagle eye]

The news about Brandon Carr is good. He had successful surgery on his hand yesterday and is expected to be back at practice today. He may not, and likely will not participate, but he will be there. He was in complete uniform for the weekend practice and blue-white scrimmage even though he could not do much. He was determined to be there which says a lot about his dedication to the team. Check plus for Mr Carr.

Here's a recap of yesterday's practice including updates on the injury situation.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/10/thurs-practice-recap-another-rb-down-randle-out-dt-carted

One guy who has gotten rave reviews every day after the first practice when he wasn't so great is WR Cole Beasley. As he begins his fourth season with the Cowboys he is now a tried and true veteran player who knows how to play the pro football game. In practices he has beaten any and all defenders when he works out of the slot. He has been virtually uncoverable so far. The early comparisons of Beasley with Wes Welker were really premature when he first came into the league in terms of his ability as a receiver. It's true that both Welker and Beasley went to college in Texas and both are roughly the same size players. The major difference between Welker and Beasley was that Welker was an ace on special teams where Beasley has not had the same impact. Now it seems the comparisons to Welker are becoming totally valid except for the special teams thing. Beasley came on in the second half of last season as a guy Tony Romo is totally comfortable throwing to and when your QB trusts you enough to throw to you in pressure situations you know you have arrived. For most of Welker's career he was THE guy for Tom Brady. I know Randy Moss was in the mix for a couple of years and at the end Gronk was there but Welker was the marquee WR for New England. It was the same in his first year in Denver despite Demaryius Thomas and the sundry other receivers in the Broncos attack. That is until concussions began to haunt him. Welker wasn't the WR threat he eventually became until his 4th season in 2007. He was signed by the Patriots and he began to make an impact and in 2007 he was the NFL leader in receptions. He won that title again in 2009 and 2011. Welker was a fantasy football #1 WR pick especially in PPR leagues. This season is Beasley's 4th and with the way he's looking on the practice field and the quirky nature of injuries Beasley could emerge as a real force for the Cowboys. Need a sleeper pick in fantasy? Beasley may just be that guy.

Here's a link to DallasCowboys.com's daily Training Camp Live show. The show features staff writer Bryan Broaddus and a guest of one of the other writers which yesterday was David Helman affectionately referred to as Tiny Jim. This show features DB Corey White and WR Lucky Whitehead.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/08/10/training-camp-live-lucky-whitehead-corey-white-impress

[eagle eye]

As expected CB Brandon Carr was back on the practice field but he was on the side doing conditioning exercises.

2nd year backup DT Chris Whaley suffered a season ending torn Achilles tendon in practice on Monday. It is a really bad break for Whaley who missed his rookie season with a torn ACL. It's a sad example of the old saying, "...if it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.".

Here's a recap of Tuesday's practice from DallasCowboys.com.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/11/tues-practice-recap-randle-returns-limited-role-starters-rested

With Darren McFadden still out with a bad hammy and Joe Randall limited because of pulled oblique muscle the door is open for backup guys at running back to get their chance to make an impression for the coaches. The one guy who be a beneficiary of the depleted RB situation is UFA Gus Johnson. He's a player who tried out for the Cowboys this summer and was signed right before training camp and he's been doing good things in training camp. Johnson come from good ole' Stephen F Austin our SLC buddies up I-45. Here's a nice article from DallasCowboys.com about Johnson needing to take advantage of his opportunity.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/11/former-tryout-gus-johnson-tries-seize-opportunity-rbs-injured

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys play the San Diego Chargers tonight. I don't know the blackout rules or who gets precedence on the broadcast but the game will be on Fox 4 and is being advertised on the NFL Channel. The Fox 4 broadcast is likely going to be done by Dallas area broadcasters like Bill Jones and Bryan Broaddus with Mickey Spagnola as the sideline reporter. Who knows who will do the NFL Channel broadcast.

To me there will be several players I'll be watching to see how they do. The last regular season game between these two was in September of 2013. Dallas jumped out to a 21-10 lead 2 minutes before halftime but from there is was all San Diego who ended up winning 30-21. The Cowboys defense, which ended up 32nd out of 32 teams in '13, couldn't stop Phillip Rivers and the Chargers offense. San Diego had over 500 total yards to just over 300 for Dallas. Phillip Rivers passed for over 400 yards in the game and set a record for highest completion percentage by a QB who threw for over 400 yards with 83%. The main source of the Cowboys problems was two-fold. One, they couldn't mount any pressure on Rivers. No pass rush at all. Two, the Cowboys Bruce Carter just couldn't stop the Rivers to Danny Woodhead combination. This duo just wore out Carter and the rest of the Cowboys D. With that in mind here are some of the players I will be watching tonight.

Sean Lee - How does he look after being off a year with yet another torn ACL. He likely won't see more than a series.
Morris Claiborne - Mo had surgery on both knees in the off season and it will be interesting to see if he's all the way back.
Byron Jones - Dallas' 1st round pick this year, I want to see if he's a workout warrior or a real player.
Greg Hardy - I know Dallas won't have him the first 4 games but I want to see how he looks rushing the passer.
Randy Gregory - Gregory fell to Dallas in the 2nd round I want to see if he's the real deal.
Dallas pass rush as whole - DeMarcus Lawrence, Jeremy Mincey and the interior line, especially Tyrone Crawford have gotten a lot of press in the preseason. I wonder if it's all hype.
La'el Collins - Collins will likely get a lot of playing time since starting RG Ron Leary will likely miss the game. Collins was projected as a top 10 talent in the draft, I want to see it.
Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn - It will be interesting to see if Vaughn has caught up to or passed Weeden. Maybe Weeden has gotten better!
RB Gus Johnson - A UFA who was signed right before training camp has turned some heads in training camp in the last week. He and former Baylor Bear RB Lache Seastrunk should see plenty of time with Joe Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar out nursing various injuries.

This game tonight won't likely be very entertaining. It's preseason. But it will be nice to see football and it will be nice to see the Cowboys on the field. Since the game isn't on until 9:30 I won't watch much more than the 1st quarter but I'll DVR it and have time to really check out the game Friday. I always like it better when Dallas wins but in the preseason I don't care so much as did they look good with the 1st and 2nd units on the field. If they do, I'm happy.

[eagle eye]

Dallas lost to San Diego 17-7 but that's not really important. What is important was how did the team play last night. I think there is good and bad to take away from last night's game. The good was that Brandon Weeden, who started the game didn't do too bad. In fact, his one bad play was actually two bad plays. One was a fumbled snap out of the shotgun and the other was not falling on the ball to keep possession. Instead, he tried to bat the bat forward which I could see not advantage to that either. The only play would be to fall on the ball and live for another down. He didn't do that and the ball went backwards about 30 yards and the Chargers recovered at the Cowboys 33. To give an observation about the game I'll reference the players I said I would be looking at in yesterday's post.
Sean Lee - did not play
Mo Claiborne - did not play
Byron Jones - played a pretty good bit and he looked ok. He was in position on plays for the most part and he didn't look overwhelmed which is great for your 1st pick!
Greg Hardy - didn't get in until the 2's got in the game. Didn't play all that much then. He did ok but no real impact on the game.
Dallas Pass Rush - They did a pretty good job for the most part. Didn't get a sack that I saw but they put pressure on the QB's and forced a few mistakes. Not great but not bad either.
Randy Gregory - He didn't do bad. He crashed the pocket and forced a fumble in the 2nd qtr and I'd say his first NFL action was ok.
La'el Collins = played right guard and he did okay. Never got beat badly and showed power at the point of attack for the most part.
Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn - Weeden I talked about already. Vaughn was good in points but he missed an open receiver a time or two in his reads and he wasn't as accurate as you'd like.
Gus Johnson - Gus did alright for himself including a tough TD run in the 1st half. He didn't get many yards on the carries he had (13-35 for 2.7 ypc). Not a bad outing for a guy only in Cowboys camp 3 weeks.

Overall it was a little disappointing especially for the defense who couldn't consistently stop the run, particularly draw plays. Dallas still can't stop Danny Woodhead as he ran untouched into the end zone for a TD a few plays after Weeden's fumble. I'm not sure if it was because of poor gap control or what but Dallas was getting gashed for 4-5 yards on way too many plays. One bright spot on defense was the play of CB Corey White. He played a lot in the game and he made quite a few plays and he didn't give up anything that I saw.
On offense Terrence Williams had a nice night as did TE Gavin Escobar. Lache Seastrunk had a couple of nice runs as well. 3rd string QB Jameill Showers, a rookie from UTEP, had some nice plays in the 4th qtr and he also played special teams. He made a tackle on a punt return in the first half that was noted by the broadcasters of the game.

All in all, it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. Dallas sat Romo, Witten, Dez, Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Sean Lee, Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick and Mo Claiborne so it was disappointing not to see them play especially Lee and Claiborne but it's still early in the preseason.

Here's a link to what former scout and current writer for DallasCowboys.com thought about the game. BTW, I didn't read the article prior to writing my post so I'll be interested to see if he saw the same things I saw.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/14/broaddus-grading-weems-tackling-problems-among-12-thoughts-san-diego

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys got back to work on Saturday but there were several changes as a result of the game on Thursday night with San Diego.
1. RB Gus Johnson was injured in the 3rd quarter. It's being reported he has a slight separation of the AC joint in his shoulder. There is no time table for his return. It's being reported that the injury is not serious and won't require surgery but it is very painful.
2. In response the Cowboys had worked out some RB's on Friday and ended up signing two RB's. They signed former Missouri Western RB Michael Hill and former Texas A&M RB Ben Malena. Malena was in Cowboys training camp last season. It is thought they are both extra camp bodies to take reps away from the starters to give them a breather.
3. Saturday saw the return of RB's Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. Joe Randall looks to be back maybe as early as tomorrow when practices begin with the St Louis Rams.
4 Today saw the release of WR George Farmer a rookie out of UCLA. The Cowboys thought enough of Farmer to sign him with a $55K signing bonus, most of any of their UFA's but he has not performed up to expectations. To replace Farmer the Cowboys signed rookie WR out of TCU who was recently cut by Denver, David Porter.
5. Dez Bryant is still out rehabbing from a pulled hamstring on Aug 8th. Jerry Jones is not concerned about Dez not being in practice with the team at this point. He just wants Dez healthy and ready for Sept 13th against the Giants.
6. With Rolando McClain out recovering from off season knee surgery Dallas is giving rookie LB and 4th round draft pick out of Minnesota, Damien Wilson, a good look. The Cowboys are using Wilson just like they did with last season's 4th rounder Anthony Hitchens. He's working at all 3 LB spots and like Hitchens he doesn't seem to overwhelmed by the work. The Cowboys are hoping they have hit on yet another Big Ten LB and if he is the Cowboys have seriously upgraded the talent at the position.
7. I heard one DallasCowboys.com writer say that he would not be surprised if DT Tyrone Crawford doesn't lead the team in sacks this year. The Cowboys are really impressed with him in this training camp. Since he was drafted in 2012 out of Boise State he has been used as a defensive end but last season D-coordinator Rod Marinelli moved Crawford to the 3 technique and he has made it his own. So much so that he is the leading candidate for starter on the D-line when games begin for real. Right Now the projected opening day starters are DeMarcus Lawrence at left defensive end, Nick Haden at the 1 technique d-tackle, Crawford and Jeremy Mincey at right defensive end.
8. Speaking of DeMarcus Lawrence, the reporters at camp say that Lawrence looks like a different player. He's put on 15 pounds of muscle and they say he is a real beast. If not for the signing/drafting of Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory the Cowboys may be touting the coming season for Lawrence at right D-end.

Here's a link to Bryan Broaddus' 12 observations at practice yesterday.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/16/broaddus-lb-shuffle-tyron-smiths-absence-highlight-12-thoughts

[eagle eye]

Man there are a lot of players sitting out right now. There will be a list of the injuries in the Cowboys Sunday practice recap linked below.

Cornerback is getting thin and the Cowboys lost 1st round pick Byron Jones during practice when he collided with Morris Claiborne as they were each covering a man in a crossing route. Neither player saw it coming but Jones got the worst of it. After practice the Cowboys said Jones is not serious but he may be out until after the San Francisco game on Sunday. It's ironic that Jones was hurt running into Claiborne who has seemed to be on the wrong end of such collisions in the past. Self described as fully healthy for the first time since he came out of LSU Claiborne has been getting into more and more of training camp activities but he hasn't been in full team drills as yet.

Dallas thought they had their swing tackle in Darion Weems. But he's been disappointing in practice and in the game against San Diego last Thursday. He has been ok at right tackle but he has not done so well at left tackle. Doing well at both locations is what makes you a swing tackle. While La'el Collins has worked at both guard positions so far in camp it could be possible he starts working at tackle to see if he can be the swing man. It's really bad luck that 3rd round pick Chaz Green out of Florida has been on the PUP list since before training camp as he recovers from hip surgery.

Here's the Sunday practice recap. Just going by the injury report you'd think Dallas needs a M*A*S*H* unit on site. The Cowboys have been cautious concerning injuries but I want to see these guys back on the field.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/16/sun-practice-recap-after-chippy-practice-cowboys-move-rams

Twelve thoughts from Bryan Broaddus about yesterday's practice.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/17/broaddus-gregorys-growth-unheralded-wr-highlight-12-thoughts

One guy back on the field Sunday was RB Joe Randle so all 3 of the top RBs are back and ready for the fight for the starting spot. I should be a good battle.

Dallas offense and defense got into a little scrape yesterday during practice. Nobody hurt and evidence that practicing against each other every day is getting a little thin. They won't have to worry about that today and tomorrow because they practice with the St Louis Rams. We'll see who is sitting out today with the Rams coming in.

[eagle eye]

Yesterday was an eventful day at Cowboys training camp. First and foremost the Rams and Cowboys got into a huge fight that went way past pushing and shoving. It was so bad the head coaches of both teams decided their joint practice was over. They both finished the day on separate fields. There should be one guy, I didn't get his number, but he should be fined or suspended because during the fight Dez Bryant lost his helmet and while he was talking to someone in front of him a guy came on Bryant's blind side and drilled him in the side of the face. He hit him so hard Dez lost his diamond stud out of his ear. It was a chickensh*t hit and the guy could have done some real damage to a defenseless player.

Earlier All Pro guard Zack Martin suffered a stinger and was down on the ground for about 20 minutes. He ended up walking off the field under his own power but it created a lot of nervousness on the Cowboys side of the field. Martin is apparently okay but the Cowboys will be cautious with him as they have been for all injuries during this off season. It's still possible that Martin will be back in time to play against the 49ers on Sunday.

Byron Jones, who hurt his shoulder in a collision with Mo Claiborne on Monday is going to get a second opinion about the shoulder as a precaution. The shoulder that was injured was the same shoulder that required surgery last year. The injury caused Jones to miss the final 7 games of his senior season at UConn. So, you can understand why Jones wants to be sure everything is alright.

Here's a recap of the practice yesterday including a mention about the fight that ended practice including a video in the article.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/18/tues-practice-recap-constant-fights-end-joint-practice-early

RG Ron Leary has missed a couple of practices with a back ailment and now the Cowboys are going to get an MRI done to see what the issue is with Leary's back. This means that LSU rookie La'el Collins will get a lot more first team reps as a result. The hope was that Darion Weems would step in a become the swing tackle but his spotty performance in camp and in the Chargers game last week are leaving the coaching staff to consider another alternative including using Collins as the swing tackle. It's felt that Collins doesn't have quick enough feet to play tackle but he could be one option. Another option is moving Zack Martin to tackle in case of an injury. Collins has worked at both guard positions during practices which would give at least some credence to that thinking. That would make Collins a swing guard and Zack Martin the swing tackle. Wow, it's never easy is it. The real kick in the teeth is that Dallas selected OT from Florida Chaz Green in the 3rd round of this year's draft but he's out right now recovering from hip surgery and could very well end up on PUP to begin the season. This is liable to be sort of a red shirt season for Green if his rehab lasts too long and it Dallas is filling all it's gaps.

A real surprise in training camp has been the debut of Dallas' newest WR David Porter. Porter was signed to replace the recently released WR George Farmer and he has had quite a 48 hours since he was signed. Check out this article from DallasCowboys.com about David Porter.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/18/dallas-area-wr-david-porter-turns-heads-strong-first-impression

The Cowboys get an off day today and it probably is a welcome day off since they have gone non-stop since last Saturday. Guys who need a day off to let nicks and knocks heal and just a day to decompress after a couple of intense days of practice with the Rams.

[eagle eye]

Dallas resumes practice today after a much needed day off yesterday. The news on Zack Martin is encouraging and he's expected to return to practice soon. As with all the injuries to Cowboys players this summer the Cowboys will be cautious and not hurry his return. Speculation is Martin will be out the rest of this week including the game against San Fran on Sunday with an eye on his return next Tuesday. With Martin out that makes four of the five starters on the O-line out. This is a bit of a blessing as backups, La'el Collins in particular, will get a lot more snaps which, in the long run, is a good thing. Collins has been performing pretty well according to reports and the extra reps should serve him well. It could be that he will also be asked to take some reps at tackle if Darion Weems continues to struggle.
DeMarcus Lawrence could be considered the forgotten man on the Cowboys defensive front because all the attention guys like Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory have gotten. DallasCowboys.com writers have been low key on Lawrence until now when Rob Phillips decided to take a look at Lawrence including improvements he's made in his strength and his overall top notch performance in training camp so far.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/19/after-strong-offseason-sacks-likely-follow-stronger-lawrence

Bryan Broaddus gives his daily 12 thoughts on Tuesday's practice prior to the fights that ended the session for the day.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/19/broaddus-12-thoughts-tuesdays-practice-fights

Some things I've noticed in the various reports I've seen about Cowboys training camp.
> Randy Gregory is really good, way better than normal rookies so far. I've even heard comparisons to DeMarcus Ware when he was a rookie. Probably a little overblown but a nice compliment for sure.
> The options at safety are limited and JJ Wilcox continues to be a liability in pass coverage. He's good at run support and he hits hard but his coverage ability is really limited and of the reports I've seen and heard likely won't get much better. It's really possible that either rookie Byron Jones or veteran CB Corey White could beat out Wilcox for starting safety job before it's all said and done. In 2016 Dallas may have to finally address safety in a serious way in the draft.
> The if's on whether Darren McFadden can stay healthy is a big deal but since his return he's been able to produce and he's much better in pass protection that Joe Randle. In this RB by committee McFadden could very well be the third down guy. I think Dallas coaches want Joe Randle to start but he's got a long way to go in pass protection to be considered a "bell cow" for the team.
> It's good to see Lance Dunbar, McFadden and Randle to finally kick the RB competition into high gear at last. All 3 guys should see at least a little time in the game Sunday against the 49ers.
> Is it possible that Anthony Hitchens takes over the starting middle linebacker spot even after Rolando McClain returns from his suspension? I think there is a lot of trepidation about McClain because of his injury issues and the fact he hasn't been practicing as he continues to rehab his knee which got scoped way back in May. Everyone is different but why is it taking so long to come back from a very non invasive procedure. Players are normally back from a knee scope way before the 3 and half month McClain has been out. McClain is a physical beast but he may not really want to play football after all. I'm tired of all the players for Dallas on the injured did not participate list. This situation is not acceptable but at least the majority of the players are showing some dedication to getting back on the field. I really wonder how bad McClain wants to play football.

[eagle eye]

There will be a practice today and tomorrow but the Cowboys will do so only in helmets and shells as they prepare for Sunday's game vs the 49ers. There is good news considering all we have really heard about lately is the brawl in practice with the Rams on Tuesday and daily additions to the mile long injury list. There were actually more guys coming off that list for practice today. Here are the guys who returned to practice this week. All of these guys returned to practice yesterday.

CB Brandon Carr (broken hand)
LT Tyron Smith (pulled bicep muscle)
RT Doug Free (foot)
CB Orlando Scandrick (knee)
WR Cole Beasley (sore Achilles tendon)
WR Antoine Goodley
DT Tyrone Crawford (back)

Except for Goodley (ex-Baylor Bear) all are starters or major role players so it's nice to get them back.

One guy that was lost (again) was RB Joe Randle who reaggrivated his oblique muscle. No time table for his return.

Dallas continues to churn the bottom of the roster with 4 subtractions and 4 additions to the rosters.
> Players released - CB Brandon Smith, WR Reggie Dunn, WR Deontay Greenberry, RB Lache Seastrunk (another former Baylor Bear)
> Players signed - LB Dakorey Johnson, WR Phil Bates, WR Edmond Gates
> Claimed off waivers - CB Rod Sweeting

Players who did not practice yesterday - G Zach Martin (stinger)
TE Gavin Escobar (head)
DE Lavar Edwards (back)
CB Morris Claiborne (rest)
LB Sean Lee (rest)
CB Byron Jones (shoulder)
LB Anthony Hitchens (foot)
G Ron Leary (back)
TE James Hanna (knee)
RB Gus Johnson (shoulder)
DT Nick Haden (ribs)
WR Dez Bryant (hamstring)
DE Kenneth Boatright (neck)
DT Terrell McClain (bone bruise/hamstring)
OL Chaz Green (hip)
LB Mark Nzeocha (knee)
LB Rolando McClain (knee)

Quite a list but for most it is precautionary and the injuries are minor. The last 5 guys on the list I think are worrisome. Green won't be back by Week 1. The rest are either rehabbing from surgery or have been injured for a long time with no real time table for return. With the development of younger players on the D-line Terrell McClain may find himself unemployed before Week 1. Nzeocha is someone the Cowboys like and we'll have to see. If he can't make it back to finish training camp he could be a good candidate for the practice squad. Boatright is recovering from a neck injury and he may not return in time either. He may or may not be worth signing to the practice squad. Rolando McClain is dragging out rehab from arthroscopic surgery to the extreme and he's suspended the first 4 games of the season. If he doesn't practice at all in training camp with Dallas put up with that? Or, will McClain's time as a Cowboys come to an end?

Everyone is still waiting on TE Gavin Escobar to finally have that breakout season that was hoped for when he was drafted out of San Diego State in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft. As this article from DallasCowboys.com's Nick Eatman this may be the year Escobar "gets it" and makes the leap the Cowboys have been waiting for.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/20/adding-dez-moves-his-game-escobar-making-steady-progress

[eagle eye]

Okay, I've been browser the tv schedule to make sure of the time and channel for the game tomorrow night and it isn't scheduled (according to the directv menu until 11 pm on the NFL channel. The game is supposed to start at 7 pm and the only game scheduled is on Fox 4 but the game listed is the Rams and the Titans. I would be surprised if that is really the game being shown. In case (heaven forbid) it is the first showing will be the 11 o'clock time mentioned above. If the game isn't being broadcast live you could still follow on any sports site via their gamecast. Little consolation, I know, but you take what you can get. If it isn't being shown I still have The Last Ship and Falling Skies to pass the evening.

The Cowboys went to San Fran today but their first stop wasn't their hotel after they left the airport. No, Jason Garrett is making the team go straight to the 49ers new stadium, Levi's Stadium, for a team walk through. Now, you know that JG is getting pretty good at playing those Jimmy Johnson-type head games with his team and I would bet a dollar to a donut that the trip to Levi Stadium is dripping with ulterior motives. First and foremost the obvious reason to get the lay of the land so to speak. There are definite items of concern about the field they will play on. First and foremost is the fact that the people who run the stadium are having hell getting grass to grow on the field. Apparently the dirt and sand that makes up the base for the turf and the turf itself is not all that compatable. I know, messed up right? The biggest item of concern here is that the ground crew just laid brand new turf 6 days ago meaning the footing is likely less than ideal. It would seem impossible for the new grass to take root in less than a week pretty unlikely. Guys with foot, hamstring and back injury concerns are definitely at risk here. So, it makes sense to check out the turf so they can decide just who will play and who will sit out.
The ulterior motive for this early trip to the stadium seems pretty obvious if you give it a second to think about it. Levi Stadium is going to be the site for Super Bowl 50 next February and don't think that Garrett will miss an opportunity in a controlled setting to show the team what their goal is for the 2015 season. He going to tell them, in no uncertain terms, that this is place they are playing this season to get to. I love the movie Hoosiers and when Gene Hackman's character Norman Dale takes his Hickory Huskers into the fieldhouse in Indianapolis where the state championship game will be held and everyone was sort of overwhelmed by the size of the arena. Coach Dale has a couple of players measure the distance from the foul line to the basket and the distance from the rim of the basket to the floor and Dale points out that these are the same dimensions as their gym in Hickory. A really nice psychological plot to get them free of the awe of the building and remember what they are there to do. I don't see this as all that much different. I heard on the Cowboys podcast Talkin Cowboys Nate Newton say yesterday that he has been watching Garrett interact with his team and he proclaimed, "....that (Garrett) is Jimmy Johnson made over." That is certainly scary good if you think about it.

Here's Bryan Broaddus' 12 observations from yesterday's practice featuring observations about 7th round draft pick from Texas Geoff Swaim and backup DT Davin Coleman among the topics covered.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/21/broaddus-swaims-progress-colemans-strong-play-highlight-12-thoughts
(okay, Windows 10 strikes again. I can copy the link address but it won't post as a link. This totally sucks. If you want to read the article you can copy and paste the web address or go to DallasCowboys.com and read it there. Sorry, I swear I'm trying to fix this.



It looks like we will see 2 if not all 3 top RB's tomorrow. Since they all missed the game last week against San Diego I'm sure the coaches want to see how they do outside of practice. The condition of the turf could make it too risky to play Darren McFadden since he's been rehabbing a pulled hamstring but reports are that he will play. It was speculated when Joe Randle returned to practice Thursday that he could play and I, for one, want to see what he's got. Same for Dunbar.

Who will I be watching?
> Randy Gregory - he's been very impressive according to reports.
> DeMarcus Lawrence - Same with D-Law. Want to see him work.
> Starting running back battle
> O-line - with backups likely to dominate the PT Dallas is still looking for a swing tackle and I want to La'el Collins improvement.
> Mo Claiborne - he's scheduled to play and I really am hoping Mo is back better than ever.
> Kyle Wilbur - This guy seems to have a hard time finding a position to call home since he's been drafted. Reports are the Cowboys will start him at MIKE linebacker.
> Sean Lee - with his knee problems I hope he sits. He's been doing great but if the field is bad I see no reason to risk playing him in a meaningless game.

[eagle eye]

Dallas looked like crap for the most part. The D-line had some good moments but by and large it was a forgettable night in the Bay Area. Romo played one series, a 3-and-out, and the backs played some. Joe Randle seemed to be the best of the bunch. It didn't help one bit that the 49ers dialed up blitzes every freaking down. The backups on the O-line were outmatched because of all the exotic blitzes being thrown at them. I can't blame the line for a lot of that. Another problem was the receivers just weren't getting open. One good thing was there wasn't really any serious injuries outside of a concussion to QB Brandon Weeden and a possible concussion to S Jeff Heath. Lousy night in Frisco, forget it and move on.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys had the day off yesterday but it didn't mean writer Bryan Broaddus got a day off. He spent the day looking at game film of the Cowboys-49ers game Saturday night. Here is the link to his thoughts from the game film from DallasCowboys.com.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/24/broaddus-grading-weems-tape-other-top-thoughts-49ers-game

This is the final week of training camp in Oxnard. Dallas has the next 4 days beginning tomorrow to un-suck what sucked last Saturday night. Here's an article from Cowboys.com from writer Rob Phillips about what he thinks the Cowboys will be trying to fix this week.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/24/final-week-oxnard-seeking-improvement-following-preseason-loss

[eagle eye]

By now you know that Dallas has lost it's best CB Orlando Scandrick for the season after he tore his ACL and MCL in practice yesterday. Fortunately, the Cowboys have some depth at the position. Start with Brandon Carr who returned to practice this week for the first since breaking his hand a couple of weeks ago in practice. Morris Claiborne is back in practice this week as well participating in team drills for the first time this summer. Reports are that Mo looks good and seems to have his closing speed back which is a good sign. The Cowboys also have free agent signee Corey White. Dallas actually claimed White off waivers after the Saints let him go this spring. White has been looking good in practice and especially in the 2 preseason games played. Dallas has Tyler Patmon who may be the guy asked first to step up and replace Scandrick. Then there is Dallas' 1st round pick this year from UConn Byron Jones. Jones missed a week of practice after injuring his surgically repaired shoulder but he's back and will definitely play a role this season. Whether it's at CB or Safety remains to be seen. There are a couple of other CB's on the roster who likely won't make the final roster. Bleacher Report is reporting that Dallas is searching for a deal for a veteran CB because, "Dallas just doesn't trust Mo Claiborne.". I personally think the notion that Dallas doesn't trust Claiborne is sort of bogus. The coaching staff has been watching Claiborne all during OTA's, mini camps and training camp and I believe they know what they have. It could be his first real test will come against Minnesota on Saturday in Dallas. That game will answer a lot of questions concerning Claiborne.
Anthony Hitchens bruised his foot pretty severely in practice on August 15th causing him to miss practice ever since. He is finally out of his walking boot and he says he feels good. It's being reported that Hitchens likely won't practice until the week following the final preseason game leading up to the season opener with the Giants on Sept 13. It is being projected that Hitchens will likely be the starting MIKE LB when he returns which is where he was working when he was injured.

Here's a link to Tuesday's practice recap. Notice at the end how the list of returning players is growing longer and the list of players missing is growing shorter. Nice.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/25/tues-practice-recap-cbs-jones-carr-return-claiborne-expects-play

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys were going to have one last practice today but Jason Garrett, ever the psychologist, decided to play a game and he said if one of 6 different guys caught a punt from Chris Jones, the Cowboys regular punter, then practice would be over and they would go back to Dallas today rather than tomorrow. Randy Gregory was the first up and he caught the punt ending the Cowboys stay in Oxnard in 2015. It wasn't a thing of beauty but he got it done and the Cowboys will sleep in their own homes in their own beds for the first time in a month. The Cowboys will likely have a walk through practice at Valley Ranch tomorrow in prep for their game Saturday night with the Vikings. Here's a video of the punt catch by Gregory and a short interview with him afterward.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/08/27/randy-gregory-catches-punt-send-cowboys-back-home

The Cowboys had what turned out to be their final practice yesterday. Here's a couple of links to articles from the Cowboys website. One from former scout Bryan Broaddus giving us his 12 thoughts from yesterday's session and the other a recap of practice yesterday.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/27/broaddus-linebacker-shuffle-romos-arm-strength-among-12-thoughts

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/08/26/wed-practice-recap-jenkins-continuing-shine-while-street-recovers

Training camp may be over but the preparation for the season is definitely not. The Cowboys will have their dress rehearsal game vs Minnesota on Saturday night. The 3rd preseason game is called the dress rehearsal game because it is really the only preseason game teams play their starters for any significant length of time. Normally it is at least the whole 1st half and sometimes extends into the 3rd quarter. It's the final game tune-up prior to the start of the regular season. The last preseason game is for the players still fighting for roster spots. The first player cuts will occur next week, Monday or Tuesday as teams prepare for that final preseason game. The last of the cuts will be Sunday after the last games are played as all NFL teams must get down to its final 53 player limit and begin to prepare for Week 1 of the regular season.

Speaking of Saturday's game, it has a bit of an early start and it will be televised locally live. It will begin at 6 PM on Fox 4. There will be repeat showings, one on Sunday morning at 11 AM on the NFL Channel and one on Monday at 5 PM on FoxSports-Southwest.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys lost their 3rd preseason game at home in AT&T Stadium last Saturday night but the starters played pretty well for the most part. In the race for starting RB Darren McFadden showed up better than Joe Randle but to be fair the O-line looked a little rusty at the beginning of the game and they didn't open the holes like they did later on in the second quarter. Dallas played the Vikings and they first defense looked pretty good too. They only gave up 6 points on two field goals. The only starting unit that didn't look all that great was the special teams unit. On the ensuing kickoff by Dallas after a pretty 60 yard catch and run by Terrence Williams the special teams unit gave up a 107 yard return to Corderelle Patterson. So, Dallas went from a 7-3 lead in the game to a 10-7 deficit in about 11 seconds. After that Dallas took their ensuing kickoff and marched down and scored again. This time from Tony Romo to rookie Lucky Whitehead. The rest of the game was in the hands of backups and apparently the Vikings 2nd and 3rd teamers are better than Dallas bench players.

On Monday and Tuesday Dallas made their cuts and roster moves to get down to the mandatory 75 man roster. On Monday they released 5 players:
> P Tom Hornsey
> LS Casey Kreiter
> CB Robert Steeples
> WR Phil Bates
> DT Carlif Taylor
On Tuesday Dallas made their final roster moves to get to 75 players. DallasCowboys.com's David Helman recaps the moves in article from late Tuesday afternoon.
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/09/01/cowboys-release-four-make-six-roster-moves-meet-75-man-limit

Another significant change this week was that the Cowboys activated LB Rolando McClain off the PUP list and he made his first practice appearance this summer on Monday. McClain has missed all summer activities as he has been rehabbing a knee he had surgery on back in early June. It was reported that McClain had no ill effects from his first practice and he has been needing to get some work in prior to the beginning of the season because he will miss the first 4 games of the season due to his suspension because of substance abuse violation. It's good that Dallas can see him practice and maybe give him some "homework" to do during his suspension since he can't practice with the team or even be at the team facility until the day after the 4th game is completed. That 5th game will be at home against the New England Patriots who have suspension issues of their own.
Dallas will actually have two players miss the first 4 games. DE Greg Hardy will miss the same 4 games due to his suspension for personal conduct violations stemming from a domestic violence issue that occurred last summer.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys and Texans squared off in the final preseason game for both teams last night. Dallas came out on top by a score of 21-14. It was a surprisingly good game. There weren't many penalties, certainly way less than a normal game of backups and scrubs. The game was not a sloppy mess full of mistakes by either side. There were miscues but not really many more than a normal regular season game. It speaks well for both the Texans or the Cowboys depth that it was a such a good game.
> QB Dustin Vaughn looked better than he had all preseason. The Texans harassed the heck out of Vaughn with a relentless pass rush that Dallas' O-line had no answer for. It didn't help that Vaughn had some passed dropped. Vaughn played better than the 11/20 night with no TDs or picks.
> The Cowboys run game did do a good job overall. Both SFA's Gus Johnson and TAMU's Ben Malena looked good and combined for 156 yards rushing. Johnson had 16 carries for 68 yards and a TD while Malena logged 88 yards on 15 carries with a TD. Neither back was involved in the passing game. While I really like Gus Johnson's story I though Malena showed more than him. Malena showed good vision and burst and I saw him finish off two runs where he made the tackler pay a price for that tackle. On the TD run Malena made contact with a safety who had broken down and was apparently ready to make the stop short of the goal line but Malena lowered his shoulder and plowed right through the tackler for the TD. The other one was in the open field around the 50 yd line and it was the same with Malena laying the wood to the tackler to pick up a first down. The problem is Dallas will likely keep 4 backs and they will be Randall, McFadden, Dunbar and fullback Tyler Clutts. You hope one or both of these guys make the Cowboys practice squad. With the injury histories of McFadden and Dunbar both could see the field at some point in the season.
> Byron Jones did a good job but he missed some plays last night belying his rookieness. He was beaten by a TD by Keshawn Martin in the 4th qtr but credit must be given to Texans QB Tom Savage for a perfect throw and Martin for making a nice catch with Jones in Martin's hip pocket. Houston's first round pick Kevin Johnson looked better than Jones but Jones has had to play every position in the defensive secondary and he regularly alternates between CB and S in games and practice.
> The D-line and the defense as a whole looked pretty darn good. The defense accounted for one score on a pick 6 by CB/S Cory White and they caused a turnover on a fumble by Tom Savage caused by Ryan Russell who caused a sack-fumble in the 3rd qtr. The defense had a total of 3 sacks for a total of 4 turnovers in the game. The D-line was relentless in rushing Tom Savage last night. In the 4th qtr Davon Coleman broke through and sacked Savage landing right on top of him injuring his throwing shoulder. Ryan Mallett was forced to come in and finish the game.
> Lucky Whitehead likely solidified his spot on the final 53 with a good performance as both a WR and kick returner. He was the Cowboys leading receiver with 4 catches for 40 yards and he did well on kick and punt returns 2 KO returns for 56 yards and 5 punt returns for 13.
> The backup O-line didn't do much for protecting Vaughn in the pocket. Vaughn was sacked twice in the game but he was hit a lot. Vaughn's night would have looked better statistically if not for several dropped passes on the night.
> Up until last night Dustin Vaughn didn't look good really at all in the preseason games. He did look better and he did it despite a leaky O-line and some dropped passes. There has been talk that Vaughn may be let go in the final cuts with possible hopes to sign him to the practice squad. Who knows how this is going to shake out but by tomorrow afternoon we'll know if Dallas has 2 or 3 QBs on the final 53.

Here are 12 thoughts about last night's game from DallasCowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/09/04/broaddus-12-thoughts-houston-game-focus-who-makes-it-who-doesnt

There are several articles from the Cowboys beat writers on their website that are good reading regarding who may or may not make the final roster. You can get to them all via the link above.

[eagle eye]

I was busy as hell today and I even missed the Lamar game tonight which irritated me to no end. The Cowboys got down to their final 53 today and among the cuts were RBs Ben Malena and Gus Johnson. Both guys looked pretty good in the preseason finale on Thursday vs Houston. Don't be bummed (Boomer) because if I was a betting man I would lay odds that one, or both, end up on the practice squad if they even clear waivers. We'll know by Monday. More on the cuts later.

[eagle eye]

The Cowboys reduced their roster down the 53 man limit as mandated by the league as did all 31 other NFL teams. In this article from DallasCowboys.com by Rob Phillips we get a position by position breakdown of that 53 man roster.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/09/07/closer-look-53-man-roster-position-position-breakdown

As we have already seen the final 53 isn't exactly the "final" 53. Yesterday the Cowboys waived DL Lavar Edwards to make room for the signing of former Texas A&M RB and former 2nd round draft pick in 2013 by the Seattle Seahawks Christine Michael. Dallas never addressed the RB position during the NFL draft which was a real surprise to most people who felt Dallas would select one the 1/2 dozen or so highly touted prospects in this year's draft. Dallas has maintained that they were happy with the 3 guys they already have under contract and they were ready to roll with them. That is until yesterday. Dallas only had to give up a conditional 7th round draft choice which is pretty good value for a 2nd round draft choice IMO. In his two seasons in Seattle Michael was the third option behind Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbine. Why Seattle was willing to let Michael go is a bit of a puzzle because the Seahawks placed Turbin on IR due to an ankle injury. The Seahawks made a move of their own on Sunday signing FA RB Fred Jackson who was released by the Bills on Friday. The Seahawks will roll now with Lynch, Jackson and Thomas Rawls a rookie RB from Central Michigan. You kind of want to ask the question, "Why get rid of a guy who's been on the roster for 2 years and was such a high draft choice in the first place?". I can't answer that right now but if you look at Bryan Broaddus' scouting report on Michael you can see how he fits into the Cowboys scheme. He looks like a short yardage specialist who will help get the "dirty yards" DeMarco Murray was so good at getting last year. It also signals a change from the belief around Dallas they were 1) not going address the RB position this year and 2) they were only going to carry 4 backs on their roster. It's clear the Cowboys saw value in Michael enough so they were willing to go a little short on the D-line to get an extra back on the roster. Here's a link to Broaddus' breakdown of Michael as a player.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2015/09/06/scouting-report-evaluating-game-tape-new-rb-christine-michael

Christine Michael was not the only move Dallas made yesterday. They signed a QB from Detroit named Kellen Moore. He's a 4th year QB that the Lions signed as an UFA in 2012 after he had a very successful career as QB at Boise State leading the team to a 50-3 record during his time there. In his first two years Moore played under then Detroit OC and current Dallas OC Scott Linehan. Dallas release both Dustin Vaughn and Jameille Showers. It could still be possible that Dallas will sign Showers to the practice squad although it seems less likely with Moore now on the team. Vaughn did little to distinguish himself during training camp and I really doubt Vaughn has a future in Dallas.

There are rumors that RB Gus Johnson will be signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers. He was impressive especially since he was a last minute addition to the Cowboys training camp roster to replace Darren McFadden who suffered a hamstring injury just prior to camp. As for Lavar Edwards he could find a place on the practice squad too as he showed flashes during training camp. It's my opinion that Dallas will sign Englishman Efe Obada to the PS too. Obada is a raw player who didn't even have the benefit of playing college ball in England but he has the size and athleticism enough to impress Cowboys coaches this summer. He is definitely a developmental player but you can't coach size, speed or athleticism and Obada has all three. We should see official signings to the practice squads around the NFL as early as today.

Another guy I hope gets signed is 2nd year RB Ben Malena formerly of TAMU. He really showed some spark in training camp and IMO it would be hard to sign Gus Johnson and not Malena. This was Malena's second year in training camp with Dallas. In 2014 he was signed as an UFA but injuries kept him from showing anything at all. Another D-lineman Ben Gardner was cut on Saturday and I would be surprised as heck if he doesn't make the practice squad. By far the D-line was the deepest position group on the team and a lot of guys like Gardner and Edwards were tough cuts. We'll see how it all shakes out, maybe even today.

Dez Bryant, who has missed the last 2-1/2 weeks of training camp with a pulled hammy will practice with the team when they begin their practice for the NY Giants on Wednesday. Even though the players have off today I'm sure they are at Valley Ranch lifting weights or getting a run in. They are probably doing film study as well as they begin their normal weekly routine for the regular season. Tuesday is usually an off day and practices for the next team up begin in earnest on Wednesdays. Three other players who have missed practice are OG Zack Martin (neck stinger), WR Devon Street (ankle) and LB Anthony Hitchens (foot) all look to be back at practice Wednesday as well meaning the Cowboys will be at full strength going into the Sunday Night Football game with the Giants----THIS FREAKING WEEK!

[eagle eye]

I'm going to bring my input into this thread to a close today with these last little tidbits as the Cowboys tweak the roster.

> The Cowboys have claimed OT Jordan Mills off waivers from the Chicago Bears who let Mills go. Mills was 5th round draft pick by the Bears in the 2013 draft and he started all 16 games with the Bears his rookie season. His play dropped off last season and he failed to win over new head coach John Fox as he was cut on Saturday. Dallas has been looking for a quality tackle to handle being the "swing tackle" meaning a guy who could come in a do a serviceable job at minimum at either left or right tackle spots if needed. The Cowboys were hoping that Darion Weems would be that guy but he just never was consistent enough to make the Cowboys feel warm and fuzzy about their depth at tackle. Arguably, the swing tackle spot is critical for a team's success and will likely get a call sometime during the season. When RT Doug Free went down last year with a foot injury Jermey Parnell came in a did a decent job replacing Free for the rest of the season. Parnell did well enough that he got a nice free agent deal from Jacksonville this past offseason. Some may remember Mills from his days at LA Tech. To make room for Mills on the roster Dallas let LB Jasper Brinkley go giving him his outright release. Dallas will need to eat some dead money there because Brinkley was signed as a free agent this past spring. Dallas may still hold out hope that Weems will get better and thus they have retained him on the roster. Weems was a rookie in 2014 but he missed all of his rookie season due to injury. The wild card here is Dallas' 2015 3rd round draft pick Chaz Green. Green missed all of training camp after having to have hip surgery. Green was a very good tackle from Florida that I'm sure the Cowboys were counting on heavily when they drafted him. His spot wasn't quite as solid though after the Cowboys landed La'el Collins from LSU as an undrafted free agent. Green will begin the season on reserve/Physically Unable to Perform mean he will miss the first 6 weeks of the season and Dallas has another six weeks to decide if he can play this year before they release him or place him on IR. Sorry, that was way too much info about a backup tackle.

The Cowboys have yet to finalize their practice squad but QB Jameille Showers, RB Gus Johnson, WR Vince Mayle (from Cleveland), S Tim Scott and OT John Wetzel have been confirmed as having been signed.

As for Christine Michael, the Cowboys will be slowly working him into the Cowboys playbook. CCO Stephen Jones said that it's highly unlikely Michael will play this week against the Giants.

Dallas seems to be full speed ahead even though they continue to churn the bottom of their roster. It sure has been a long 7 months since that fateful day in Green Bay ended the Cowboys 2014 season. Here's hoping that Dallas can not only equal their 12-4 mark from last season but build even more on it by going deep into the playoffs. Maybe even, dare I say it? Super Bowl 50.