The Draft has Come and Gone...Here's the Results

Draft Weekend is over. After many trades of picks and positions in the draft, Dallas walks away with 6 new players, some should be able to immediately lend a hand, while some will probably be on the practice squad for a while.

To start it off, Dallas' first pick was running back Felix Jones from Arkansas. Although the more complete back is arguably Reshard Mendenhall, who was also available, The Cowboys went with Jones, who should prove to be more of a compliment to Marion Barber. I am very excited to see these two work back to back and see how well they do compliment each other.

Dallas' second pick was to provide a little depth at cornerback and South Florida's Mike Jenkins was chosen to represent at this position. With 'Pacman' Jones now added to the cornerback position as well, Jenkins will nicely round out the impressive lineup and allow much more freedom.

Day 1 of the draft ended for Dallas with tight end Martellus Bennett, who some argue is the overall best athlete out of all tight ends in the draft. Losing Fasano just a day earlier made Bennett an easy target for Day 1, and with his potential, Witten and Bennett may be a great duo.

Day 2 saw many trades, but Dallas still retained 3 more picks. Tashard Choice from Georgia Tech gave Dallas another running back, one whose style is closer to Barber. If needed, he will be a nice addition at the 3rd RB slot.

Dallas' next pick added yet another corner back to certainly insure depth. Orlando Scandrick from Boise State will join the ranks of more secondary CB's such as Alan Ball, Quincy Butler and Evan Oglesby.

The last pick for Dallas was pass rusher Erik Walden from Middle Tennessee State. With the guidance of Greg Ellis, Demarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer, Walden should have plenty experienced guidance and abiltiy to make a name of himself in the years to come.

Well that's it. Overall, draft weekend was a success. There weren't too many positions that were in desperate need of players, but the ones that were a little weaker (CB, RB) were both addressed and by the early looks of it, 2008 is the year to bet on.

There should be no more excuses, the pieces are all in place. It'll be the 2nd year of Wade Phillips' reign, and hopefully everyone feels more comfortable in this scheme and are prepared to give it their all. We will see.

Pre-Draft Moves

As the countdown to the draft nears completion, a couple things have happened for the Cowboys' organization.

For one, the 'Pacman' Jones question has finally been answered officially. It appears The Cowboys and The Tennessee Titans have come to an agreement that would allow Jones to be acquired by The 'Boys for a 4th round draft pick and possibly a 6th round pick next year. Pacman would also receive a new contract and I'm sure a hefty salary as well.

As I've said before, Pacman can certainly bring a lot to Dallas. Wether it is a lot of success or a lot of drama is yet to be seen, but the potential for success is definitly there. The way that Dallas seems to rotate cornerbacks (especially late last season,) should lead to Pacman being in a position to make a difference throughout the year.

Also, speaking of last season, Dallas was facing an obvious problem with punt and kickoff returners. It seemed that almost every week there was a different person returning kicks. Was it Miles Austin, was it Issiah Stanback, was it Tyson Thompson... who knows. With Pacman Jones jumping aboard, he could seriously help turn around the return game, most notably, punt returns, where he beat out Devin Hester in average return yards in 2006.

Adam 'Pacman' Jones could provide the perfect tweak to fine tune The Cowboys' game and I'm sure everyone will have their eyes focused directly on him all season long, for good or for bad.

Ok, the other news story from the Cowboys' camp that did shock me a bit was yet another trade with The Miami Dolphins.

It seems Dallas really didn't want to lose that 4th round pick for Pacman, so they got it right back by trading for The Dolphins' 4th round pick. Inside linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano were thrown to Miami in this trade that gives The 'Boys the 100th overall pick.

The Miami Dolphins are now peppered with almost enough former Dallas players to make a Miami vs. Dallas matchup look like a 2007 training camp scrimmage (there isn't a Miami/Dallas matchup this year, however.)

The most logical reason for these two loses would be confidence in recently acquired players and up and coming players. Recently acquired from Miami, Zach Thomas should provide the needed depth at linebacker. Tight end Tony Curtis, who made an impressive run last season, creating opportunities whenever he was on the field, will fill Anthony Fasano's role perfectly, but will not provide as much depth at tight end.

Regardless, The Cowboys' key players are all staying put, and are all at a top level of play. Minor changes here and there won't upset the formula that's already set up, and it seems that Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips are smart enough to make the right moves to make this team even better.

The draft is tomorrow, and I'll post all of Dallas' selections as soon as the weekend is over and the dust has settled. I expect to see a running back, a tight end, a cornerback and maybe some linemen being drafted. We shall see..

Schedule Released

As we await the draft, and await word on Pacman Jones... The NFL has finally released the 2008/2009 schedule. Without further ado.

Week Date Game Time (EST) Network

1 Sep 07 DAL @ CLE 4:15 PM FOX
2 Sep 15 PHI @ DAL 8:30 PM ESPN
3 Sep 21 DAL @ GB 8:15 PM NBC
4 Sep 28 WAS @ DAL 4:15 PM FOX
5 Oct 05 CIN @ DAL 4:15 PM CBS
6 Oct 12 DAL @ ARI 4:15 PM FOX
7 Oct 19 DAL @ STL 1:00 PM FOX
8 Oct 26 TB @ DAL 1:00 PM FOX
9 Nov 02 DAL @ NYG 4:15 PM FOX
10 Bye
11 Nov 16 DAL @ WAS 8:15 PM NBC
12 Nov 23 SF @ DAL 1:00 PM FOX
13 Nov 27 SEA @ DAL 4:15 PM FOX
14 Dec 07 DAL @ PIT 4:15 PM FOX
15 Dec 14 NYG @ DAL 8:15 PM NBC
16 Dec 20 BAL @ DAL 8:15 PM NFL NETWORK
17 Dec 28 DAL @ PHI 1:00 PM FOX

This is, Pacman

Ah, there's not much better than heading to your local strip club, 'raining' down cash on a big breasted stripper and then smacking her while she tries to grab the money. Yea, there's not much better than that... umm well....

Ok ok, so the smacking part isn't the greatest thing to do. Neither is being involved in shootings the same night at the same club, especially if you're an up and coming star in the NFL, right?

Adam "Pacman" Jones has gone through his bout of legal problems since being drafted in 2005, and after being suspended for the entire 2007 season due to the strip club incident, one can only hope he's matured a bit since all these ordeals.

He's 24 going on 25, and after being suspended, he attempted a brief stint in music and wrestling that both flopped. One of logic should assume that when being given so much, it's best to not take it for granted. Pretty sure Confucius said that. When you do, well, you see here what happens.

The reason I even give a damn about this at all, is because, as you've probably already surmised, Pacman Jones is interested in joining the ranks of The Dallas Cowboys.

Hmm, Pacman Jones rocking the Star on his head... The same Pacman Jones who just a year ago lit up the headlines, sparked controversary, embarrassed the NFL... but also tied the NFL lead 3 punt return Touchdowns and edged out Devin Hester for the lead in average return yards in 2006.

The Pacman Jones who had a game where he ran back an interception for a Touchdown, ran back 70 yards on a kick return and blocked the potential game winning pass. Yea, him.

Hmm... The good seems to outweigh the bad. Morales...Smorales... this is football damnit!

The Cowboys need his return skills and his added depth at cornerback. His suspension has put him lower on a lot of coaches 'want' list, which should help keep his salary reasonable.

I think we'd be a dumb organization if we didn't at least try to tempt him with some sort of meager offer. A year at most, minimum wage and a 'one and done' approach to his bad behavior off the field. I could easily live with that.

Will it happen is the question, and I'll certainly be eager to keep you updated when it is answered... Until then...

More Free Agency

While early free agency moves within the Cowboys' organization proved worthy and kept a large majority of the key components in place, as fast as they're keeping them, some are going away. The latest victims are Special Teams Captain Keith Davis, and Cornerback Nate Jones.

Both will be missed, as they appeared up and coming stars and beneficial to some of the team's success. Both players were signed to The Miami Dolphins, who have claimed quite a large number of Dallas' staff since Bill Parcells became God Almighty in Miami.

Let's see, Jeff Ireland became General Manager, Tony Sparano became Head Coach. LB Coach Paul Pasqualoni, Defensive Line Coach Kacy Rodgers and Secondary Coach Todd Bowles, have also all been lured to Miami.

And as for players, Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson, Keith Davis and now Nate Jones are heading to become Dolphins. I admit I'm stealing this from somewhere, but they are slowly becoming the Dal-phins, a sturdy collection of ex Dallas Cowboys.

Well, we shall see how everything else unfolds as the Cowboys' salary cap is almost diminished. I'll keep you updated as more off-season news happens, or a little later (if I'm busy). The draft is right around the corner, so like it or not, the scent of football is already beginning to fill the air.

Bye for now.

Quick Free Agency Update

I wasn't expecting to have another post just 1 day after my last, since it's the off-season and all, but there's been a few things that either just happened or I forgot to mention.

First, I forgot to say that along with Jacquees Reeves and Jason Ferguson parting ways with Dallas, Fullback Oliver Hoyte also left. He was released and quickly picked up by Kansas City. Hoyte was easily beat out of his Fullback job by Deon Anderson who took over when Hoyte was injured early in the 07 season. Anderson did an excellent job filling Hoyte's shoes and brought a much more balanced blocking and receiving role as Fullback, whereas Hoyte never truly seemed to take advantage of this role.

Secondly, the obvious move happened just yesterday. Running back Julius Jones who entered free agency and was not expected to remain a Cowboy, did in fact leave and is now heading to Seattle. He agreed to a 4 year deal for about $12 million.

Julius Jones had an amazing beginning as a Cowboy, and for the first 3 of his 4 years in Dallas, he led the team in rushing yards. Unfortunately the hunger slowly died. Last year in particular, he failed to make the most of his opportunities. Even though Jones started all but the final, post-season game, he failed to shine when he stepped up to bat.

Marion Barber, who shared the carries with Jones, did make the most of his opportunities and aggressively forged a path to the Pro Bowl. With a devastating stiff-arm, an amazing awareness, a natural instinct to break tackles and a deep hearted passion for the game, Barber won over fans and frightened enemies.

His role of back-up is more than likely going to change, and he should become starter with no problem. He's proven himself with practically every carry, and has a fierce desire to win. Given what he did these last two years and what should hopefully be another tremendous year for Barber, he is likely to be listed amongst the greatest of all time.

I hate to crown him before he truly takes the throne, but I've seen him in 2005 when he first stepped on the field with that Star on his helmet. Even in those early moments when he was merely filling time for an injured Julius Jones, his unique abilities and aggressive behavior shined. This kid was definitely someone to keep an eye on, and damnit, I'm glad I always did.

So in closing, I bid farewell to all the lost Cowboys: Jacquees Reeves, Jason Ferguson, Oliver Hoyte and of course Julius Jones. You shall be missed. But I'm still glad we have Anthony Henry, Jay Ratliff, Deon Anderson and, of course, Marion Barber, to fill the holes. Until next time....g'day!

Free Agency Begins... Muahahahahaa

Ok... I figured I would jump back on here and give a brief update of what's been happening in the early free-agency stages of the off-season. It's already been pretty busy around the league, for The Cowboys and others.

When I last posted on here, the news was that L.P. Ladoucear was given a 5 year contract extension and Pro Bowl Linebacker Zach Thomas was interested in joining The Boys.

Well, since then, Zach Thomas did indeed agree to terms with The Cowboys and was given a $3.3 million dollar 1 year contract. A Pro Bowler who spent his last 12 years with the Dolphins, Thomas has always been a Dallas Cowboys' fan as he grew up in nearby Pampa, Texas.

Other Cowboys were locked into place. Safety Ken Hamlin was franchised for a 1 year $4.3 million dollar deal.

Marion Barber received the highest restricted free-agency tender which is a 1 year, $2.562 million contract, and also guarantees that if Barber is propositioned by another team and The Cowboys can't match it, they would receive a 1st and 2nd round draft pick in exchange.

Defensive End Chris Canty recieved the 2nd highest tender of $2.017 million and Guard Joe Berger received the minimum tender of $927,000.

Yet, so far, not everyone has stayed put. Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson, who only played a few early games in the 07 season due to injury, was traded to Miami for undisclosed draft picks.

Jacquees Reeves was also signed to the Houston Texans, which greatly thins Dallas' Cornerback depth.

Julius Jones is also preparing his departure. Since free agency began and since he has not received a free-agency tender, he has already visited with Detroit, Tennesee and Seattle. He hasn't signed with anyone yet, but his departure is imminent, mark my words.

That's the extent, thus far, that The Cowboys have taken care of for next season. Why change greatness? The team only needs minor tweaking, and instead of going out and picking up a cornucopia of free agents, they instead worked hard to keep the best players in place... very smart.

There's been a lot of other moves in The NFL, including RB Michael Turner leaving San Diego and getting signed by The Falcons, who also released Warrick Dunn. Ben Rothlisberger got a contract extension of 8 years and $102 million. Asante Samuel was signed by The Eagles, and the Browns locked in Anderson with a new contact extension, leaving Brady Quinn on the bench once again.

And perhaps the biggest news thus far... Brett Favre has decided to retire after a 17 year, instant Hall of Fame worthy career with The Green Bay Packers. He is leaving on a high note, although being only a step away from the Super Bowl, he had one of his greatest seasons ever and broke more than a few records along the way. He will greatly be missed, as not only a great athlete, but a great person. Brett Favre... this Bud's for you... cheers.

Ok ok, so it's early March and there's still a lot of time between now and the draft, and even more time before things really warm up and teams get prepared for their pre-season exhibitions. When more news breaks, I'll update... so, see ya then.

Post Season Hangover and some news

It's still extremely early to be talking about the '08 Season, but here's a few tidbits that have been popping up about random things for The Dallas Cowboys:

-Long Snapper, L.P. Ladoucear, was given a contract extension of 5 years.

-Linebacker Zach Thomas of the Dolphins was recently released and is supposedly interested with joining The Cowboys.

-Julius Jones' remaining a Cowboy seems more and more doubtful as he heads into unrestricted free agency. That coupled with Marion Barber being a sure shot candidate for starting next season, Jones' departure wouldn't be the end of the world.

Nothing else seems to be happening with The Boys, or the NFL for that matter. Football fever has faded in people's hearts, being replaced with basketball and volleyball competitions.

I'm still in the denial stage of the season's end, choosing instead to watch NFL Replay over and over as if I've never seen the games before. I'm still wearing all my jerseys, going nowhere without a Dallas Cowboys hat, and refusing to stop cuddling with a football to sleep, (also, my boss is starting to get annoyed with the cleats.)

But alas, this fever will fade in my heart as well. Someday, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday soon my attention will be elsewhere, and I will barely even remember the name Tony Romo or Bobby Carpenter. I won't be chatting football with the co-workers who I barely know. I'll end up changing my computer desktop from the Dallas Star to a dog wearing sunglasses. That is, until the draft.

Ah, the draft. The defibrillator of the NFL, which pumps life back into the fans who were thought dead by lack of 'Football Fever!' Fans near and far take a look at their team and realize that they need more. They dive deeper than the paparazzi into draft prospects' stats, then refresh their knowledge of their own team's weaknesses and wish and pray that the right players get picked.

Again, it's too early for such talk, so I must bid you farewell for now. If big news comes down the tube, I'll be back, if not, I'll be amongst the hordes that survey all draft information, so in about 5 months, I'll definitely be back to see what college has to offer.

AJay Signing Off...

Super Bowl XLII Review & Early Off-Season Thoughts

SUPER BOWL XLII REVIEW (NY GIANTS 17, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 14)


Ok, it's over. Congratulations to The New York football Giants on their upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII (42.) In the end, Eli Manning led his team over 80 yards for the winning Touchdown with under 2 minutes left in the game. They entered the playoffs as a wild card team, they started the season 0-2, and they came into this match-up as 12 point underdogs.

The Giants proved that underdogs have big bites. The defense was incredible and the Eli Manning led offense made the plays when it mattered most, converting crucial 3rd downs and capitalizing when in the Red Zone. The Patriots' undefeated season ends, and The Giants win their 3rd Super Bowl Championship Title.

LOOKING AHEAD

So what does this mean for my Dallas Cowboys for the 2008 season?

Well, not much. Dallas will of course play The Giants twice, and both games will be important because they are divisional match-ups. After this loss in the playoffs, it may hopefully give The Boys more incentive for revenge. We shall see.

Other than The Giants and the rest of the NFC East, there's a whole slew of rivals to worry about. The competition this year is going to be the AFC North (Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh,) and the NFC West (San Fransisco, Seattle, Arizona and St. Louis.) Tampa Bay and Green Bay will also be added to the schedule being the next two highest seeds going into the playoffs.

There are also some internal problems, which include a few coaches leaving, and a few rumors floating. Tony Sparano and a few assistant coaches left for Miami, Jason Garrett got promoted to Assistant Head Coach and Dave Campo came back to town to coach the 'sometimes struggling' secondary.

The rumor that floated was that Jerry Jones was interested in a trade with Miami. The deal would give The Dolphins, Marion Barber and at least one first round draft pick for their overall first round pick, enabling Dallas to snatch up RB Darren McFadden. This was proven untrue by Jerry Jones himself.

Thankfully, some things about the team are extremely impressive and need only fine tuning. Tony Romo for example is resilient enough to come back strong in '08, as well as Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, the entire Offensive Line, Marion Barber, Greg Ellis, Bradie James, DeMarcus Ware, Terence Newman, and of course, Nick Folk.

Players I think could use some work are Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback, Anthony Spencer, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Fasano. To a lesser degree, Patrick Crayton could use some lessons in humility, Tank Johnson needs to get back his spark and Terry Glenn has to get back in sync. To a higher degree, Jacques Reeves, Julius Jones and Roy Williams can either step it up or get the stepping (If you ask me.)

The pieces are there, this team is a work in progress that's almost complete. It's hard to say what will happen in the off-season since it's only a few hours since the Super Bowl ended, but if Dallas continues on this path, success can only follow. With heartbreaking disappointment comes experience, and this team has 2 years full of experience to build on, let's hope the best in the 2008 season.

Playoff Wrap Up/Superbowl Preview

Ok, it's been a while since I last posted, which can't be too good for my Dallas Cowboys, can it? No, it can't, and no it certainly wasn't.

Dallas was once again denied a Playoff victory for the 2nd year in a row. This year, instead of The Seahawks it was The New York Giants who held their ground and Tony Romo, who couldn't connect with a Wide Receiver in the potential game-winning throw, which ended up being intercepted.

In the Championship Games, Green Bay couldn't beat the cold or The Giants. The Patriots also cruised right past The San Diego Chargers, which makes SuperBowl 42 a match-up between The Giants and The Patriots.

Tomorrow is the big-game, and personally, I'm at a stand-still as to who I'd rather see win. It doesn't matter to me either way really. If The Patriots win, it will be exciting to witness history as they sail to an undefeated Regular and Post-Season. But, if The Giants win, it will be nice to see the underdog upset one of the greatest teams ever, and manage such an impressive finish to their season.

I expect The Patriots to win, although I would put money on The Giants covering the 12/13 point spread. It should be a defensive game, and in that case, I'd also take the under (52.) Whatever happens, it should be a good game.