Breaking Down 3 Things Dez Bryant Must Improve in 2013

Tony Romo Jersey

Given room in his initial alignment, Bryant is able to work the middle as well as any receiver. But to be a more complete pass-catcher, Bryant must improve his ability to adjust his routes to multiple pressure and coverage looks. Adjusting his route to the blitz This is an area Bryant has often struggled with throughout his three pro seasons. The 24-year-old had a major issue adjusting his route to the blitz against the Bears in Week 4. The Bears are showing a seven-man pressure front and will bring five on the rush. As the primary outside receiver, Bryant should adjust his route and run an in-breaking pattern to beat the zone droppers. Bryant should see the blitz and run behind it. This would be the hot-read Romo is looking for. All it requires Bryant to do is run his route behind the pressure.

Philip Rivers vs. Tony Romo: Which veteran QB reigns supreme?

14 and tried to wrestle the starting job away from Danny White. That controversy actually caused somewhat of a divided locker room between the players. Both players started games in the 1984 season but White eventually prevailed. In Bill Parcells first season with the team in 2003, Romo was actually a rookie free agent trying to make the squad, but the starting job was up for grabs, too. Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson had a healthy competition for the job but Carter clearly out-performed Hutchinson and won the job, started all 16 games that year and led the Cowboys to the playoffs. Fast forwarding to the current state of the team, Romo is clearly the Cowboys starting quarterback and that wont change. But does he need that backup behind to push him? Some could argue Staubach and White became better players after they won the job outright through a healthy quarterback competition. Sticking with our numerical journey to training camp, lets take a closer look at the number 14: The Cowboys franchise record for consecutive passes completed is 14, set by both Steve Pelluer (vs. Seattle, 1986) and Randall Cunningham (vs. Philadelphia, 2000). Frank Clarkes 14 touchdown receptions in 1962 is the second-most in club history, behind Terrell Owens 15.

14) Does Romo Need Backup QB To Push Him For His Spot?

Of course, Romo’s superb track record in the regular season and two division titles won’t completely absolve him from late-game blunders in some key moments, including a critical interception against the Washington Redskins in last year’s de facto NFC East title game. Rivers is also a proven winner with a distinguished track record, capturing four division titles during his tenure as San Diego’s starter. That’s an impressive haul for any quarterback, particularly one who has dealt with great turnover in the offensive lineup. Rivers not only handles a rapidly changing supporting cast with aplomb, but he displays the kind of leadership most expect from a franchise quarterback. Factor in 16 game-winning drives over the course of his career, and it’s hard to dispute his success. Advantage: Rivers Game Management One of the most important aspects of playing quarterback is effectively managing the game from the pocket. From getting the offense into the proper play at the line of scrimmage against various defensive fronts and blitzes to taking care of the football in key situations, the quarterback is expected to play “winning football” in the big moments. Romo has been one of the best game managers in pro football since becoming the Cowboys ‘ starting quarterback. He sports a fine touchdown-to-interception ratio (177:91) and traditionally keeps his turnovers at an acceptable rate. However, Romo led the NFL with 19 interceptions in 2012, while making a number of questionable decisions under duress. For instance, the aforementioned interception against the Redskins in the season finale occurred against the same blitz the defense had used against him for most of the game.

Tony Romo 15th in Jaws’ QB countdown

I personally feel he does. But what you can’t argue is that Romo has himself to blame for the fact that this can still be the reason for downgrading him on a list like this. All of the things people say in support of Romo are true. He succeeds in spite of a rotten offensive line, makes plays other quarterbacks can’t make when the play breaks down. The one-playoff-win thing can’t be laid entirely at his feet. He led the Cowboys back from behind over and over again last year in real games that counted in the standings in order just to get them into that division title game in Washington. All of that is true. But it’s also true that he threw the three interceptions in that game, after a half-season in which his interception problem had lay dormant. And it’s true that this is the one consistent thing that keeps Romo from the top level of rankings like this — his maddening tendency to make mistakes in these big moments and big games. It is the one thing about his game that he needs to correct if he’s to be ranked among the great quarterbacks in the game today, and even if such rankings don’t matter to him, it’s fair to say that correcting this issue would help him and the Cowboys attain the heights for which they strive.

Tony Romo Had Cyst Removed From Back: Cowboys QB To Miss Workouts After Surgery In April

Richardson for a shot during the first half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Austin, Texas. (David J. Phillip / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat, of France, perform during a practice session for the World Figure Skating Championships, Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in London, Ontario. (Darron Cummings / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim, of the United States, react as they watch their scores during the pairs free program at the World Figure Skating Championships Friday, March 15, 2013, in London, Ontario. (Darron Cummings / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos St. Louis Cardinals’ J.R. Towles (46) reacts after fouling a ball off his foot as New York Yankees catcher Chris Stewart watches in the third inning of a spring training baseball game in Tampa, Fla., Monday, March 11, 2013. (Kathy Willens / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Auburn forward Cabriana Capers (35) crashes into the scorer’s table after saving the ball from going out of bounds during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game against LSU in the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Duluth, Ga. LSU won 65-62. (John Bazemore / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah (13) drives to the basket as San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan, right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in San Antonio. (Eric Gay / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Athletes start the New Zealand Ironman on March 2, 2013 in Taupo, New Zealand.

Machota: Why, right now, Tony Romo is a better QB than Lions’ Matthew Stafford

Jon Machota: Well, if you look around the league, no team is really complete. Because of the salary cap, every team has weaknesses. I just think Romo feels like this team has fewer weaknesses than previous seasons. I think the starting unit is pretty solid, I just don’t know if they have as many valuable reserves as the other top teams in the league. Ronnie … Who is a better QB, Tony Romo or Matt Stafford? Jon Machota: Right now: Romo. The Highland Park product has a better arm than Romo but he is far from having Romo’s ability to escape pressure when the pocket collapses. mike … Please tell me you’re not one of these people who think the defense will be better this year.

Dallas Cowboys 2013 Season Preview: Why the 4-3 Defense Will Be Key

In clear air, Carter has really been impressive because of his high closing rate on the quarterback. He is going to be a problem for offenses off the edge on several fronts. Carter’s speed in the 4-3 is best displayed, in the video above, against LSU while at North Carolina in 2011. You’ll notice Carter playing both outside linebacker and middle linebacker. This season, he will transition back into the 4-3 and show off his speed like he did in college. DeMarcus Ware will have his best season ever. DeMarcus Ware played outside linebacker, a position the superstar struggled with at times in the 3-4. Now, in the 4-3, Ware will move to defensive end and will thrive. A specimen at 6’4″, 258 pounds, Ware, who played 4-3 in college, will be able to focus solely on getting to the quarterback. Some believe that Ware will have a better first step in the 4-3. Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli confirms this in a February blog post by special contributor Jon go Machota of the Dallas Morning News .

Former Cowboys LB Dan Connor arrested at airport

The last time the Cowboys were a championship contender, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith was considered the heartbeat of the offense. Smith was the reason that Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman generally didn’t post huge numbers in the passing game. It was never because Aikman couldn’t throw the football better than all other quarterbacksAikman just didn’t have to. Running plays generally don’t gain much in the way of yards. Sure, former running back Tony Dorsett took a carry 99 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota more than 30 years ago, but runs like that are definitely the exception as opposed to the rule. Current running back DeMarco Murray has also shown the ability to go the distance from a long ways out. Tony Dorsett goes 99 yards! But just as important as big plays are the small plays, which the Cowboys aren’t very good at. The offensive line bears most of the responsibility for this weakness, but Garrett’s lousy play-calling over his entire tenure in Dallas is just as problematic. With Bill Callahan calling the offense this season, we’ll soon find out if the Cowboys gain more strength in terms of running the ball.

2013 NFL training camp preview: Dallas Cowboys

Canberra enforcer Josh Papalii has staked his claim for a second Maroons call-up with his brutal defence and a rampaging try lifting his side to a 26-18 NRL win over the Cowboys on Sunday. The victory at Canberra Stadium extended the Raiders’ home record to 11 straight wins and puts them 10th on the ladder but on the same number of points (18) as the sixth-placed Newcastle. Papalii, who played just 11 minutes for Queensland in State of Origin II, hounded Maroons teammate Johnathan Thurston from the get-go as the Raiders burst out of the blocks with three first-half converted tries to set up the victory. “They got at him (Thurston) one-on-one,” Cowboys coach Neil Henry said. “It’s the job of our backrower to help out a little bit and we got a bit isolated there. “We certainly were out-enthused early.” The Cowboys’ slow line speed in defence allowed the Raiders to make easy metres up the middle from their own half. On too many occasions captain Terry Campese was able to launch attacking high balls from sets that began 10m from the Raiders’ own try line. In contrast, the Raiders successfully rushed up on the Cowboys’ backs in defence, while Papalii (136m) and David Shillington (170m) were inspirational for the home side in attack. The tactic to pressure Thurston was evident from the second minute when Raiders halfback Josh McCrone opened the scoring by pouncing on a charge down. Raiders’ wrecking ball Papalii then singled Thurston out in defence, brushing him aside and then stepping fullback Clint Greenshields to extend the lead to 12-0. Raiders coach David Furner expects Papalii to be retained for the deciding clash with NSW in Sydney on July 17.

Cowboys position series: Cornerbacks

Jerry Jones sometimes — check that, a lot of times — interferes with the normal functions of the coaching staff. That one change, Jones ceasing to interfere, is why the Cowboys may still fail to advance deep into the playoffs. Jones stripped Garrett of play-calling, duties Garrett held since 2007. Garrett was actually struggling with those duties. Jones is the owner and it’s within his rights. Its how it was done. And Jones basically told the media before Garrett did. The unusual aspect of Jones actions cannot be overstated. Ask almost anyone in coaching or personnel around the sport and they will say this type of situation is untenable.

Raiders beat Cowboys 26-18 in Canberra

A switchblade was discovered by Transportation Security Administration officers while Connors luggage went through an x-ray machine, according to NBCPhiladelphia.com . Connor, 27, was later released on his own recognizance, according to Philadelphia TV station ABC6. Connor signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Cowboys in March of 2012. He started eight games at inside linebacker and recorded 56 tackles, seeing increased playing time after Sean Lee was lost for the season because of a toe injury. The Cowboys released Connor in March and he signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants a few days later. Carolina selected Connor in the third round of the 2008 draft. He played four years with the Panthers before joining the Cowboys. Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota

Dallas Cowboys Need Shorter Plays To Succeed in 2013

After Kiffins hiring, the Cowboys corners were told to study the schemes in Chicago and Seattle from last season. They saw the standard for cornerbacks in the modern-day version of the Tampa 2. They watched tough, physical playmakers in Seattles Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner and Chicagos Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings . The Cowboys believe Carr and Claiborne can be that of corner tandem. Future forecast: The starters are set for the foreseeable future. Carr, 27, is entering the second season of a five-year deal that was actually negotiated with the expectation that hed play the entire contract. Claiborne, 23, has three seasons remaining on his rookie deal. Scandricks future job security, on the other hand, isnt so certain. He should be a roster lock again next year, when the Cowboys would lose a little more than $100,000 in cap space if they cut him. In 2015, Scandrick will probably have to beat out Webb to keep his spot on the Cowboys roster. The Cowboys could create about $3.5 million in cap space if they cut Scandrick in 2015, which would be the fourth year of his five-year, $27 million deal.

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Profile: Danny Coale

Cowboys quiet on Josh Brent situation following return to Dallas jail

They had an established talent in Miles Austin, and Dez Bryant was still searching consistency at the top of the depthbut aside from them,Dallas was looking for players to step up. Fifth round draft pick Danny Coale was supposed to be one of thosereceivers who fought for a role in the Cowboys offensiveplans last season but injuriescrushed any opportunity for Coale to have any impact. He broke his foot during Cowboys OTAs, then had hamstring issues in training campand later in the year he tore his ACL, soadd Coale to the list of Cowboys who had an injury prone 2012 season. A lot happened in 2012 thatmakes Coale a player who needs a big training camp in order secure a spot on the Cowboys roster when September comes around.Bryant became a star,Austin is still a good wide receiver, Dwayne Harris emerged as a reliable target for Tony Romo, Cole Beasley earned a roster spot andthe Cowboys drafted Terrance Williams. Thats five receivers who are ahead of Coale on the depthchart and even though Coale isnt out of ajobyet, hisstatus is in jeopardy. However, Coale has plenty of promise and he should not be counted out. He hasgreat hands, no fear when going over the middle of the field and has the ability to make the difficult catch.Coales former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said a few months agoit would be a mistake to underestimateCoale and said all he needed was an opportunity. Beamer also said that Coale would be a clutch player for the Cowboys if he could get on the field. Coale will get hischance to be clutch for the Cowboys starting in late July at training camp, and staying on the field would be a step in the right direction. Danny Coale is good receiver and he will befighting for a roster spot this summer and counting him out would be a mistake.

Pearson: Cowboys will return to glory

There are also those players that are deemed too expensive to keep, the ones whose pay doesnt match their play, as in the cases of Marcus Spears and Gerald Sensabaugh who were salary cap casualties. Earlier this offseason, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett made a statement when the media asked him if he was coaching for his job. In my mind I thought, wait, isnt that what coaches do? Havent they always coached for their job? But, Ive digressed. Garrett answered the question by saying everybody was playing and coaching for their jobs. Ever since I have been in this league as a player, as a coach, I think everybody, each and every day, is playing and coaching for their jobs, Garrett said. Thats the nature of this thing and thats what makes the NFL great. You come here to work every day. We use the word urgency a lot, every day is important, as a coach, as a player we are trying to get ourselves better each and every day to become the team we want to be. Garrett also told the media that he and his staff want to create competition at every position. I think the competition will cost the following five players their roster spot.

Dallas Cowboys center Phil Costa engaged to Brooke Hogan

Training camp for the Dallas Cowboys opens two days after that. Brent, however, is expected to still be on the Cowboys roster on both dates. ESPN.com reported at the time of his return to jail the Cowboys still have no plans to release him. The team apparently was not swayed by the increased attention to Aaron Hernandezs arrest on murder and gun charges last week, or by the Patriots decision to release Hernandez less than two hours after he was taken from his home in handcuffs. Josh Brent returned to a Dallas jail last week after failing a drug test related to his intoxicated manslaughter of Jerry Brown in December. (AP Photo) MORE: Colts’ safety arrested on gun possession | $4,000 jersey? The move has not been received well in and around Dallas; a Dallas Morning News online poll had 76 percent of voters saying that Brent should be released. (Actual voter totals were not available on the site.) The Cowboys made no comment after Brent went back to jail, and the NFL has not made any decisions about him as it waits for the legal case to be resolved. The Patriots notably chose to act on Hernandez without waiting for the NFL to act on him after his arrest. The family of Jerry Brown, Brent’s Cowboys teammate and close friend who was killed in the accident December 8, has requested from the beginning that Brent be embraced and welcomed by his teammates and team officials. Fellow Cowboys have continued to support Brent, who remains consumed with guilt over Browns death, ESPN.com reported.

Dallas Cowboys: Predicting 5 Unexpected Training Camp Cuts

Two dome teams, haven’t played in the cold weather all season, and now they’re going up to Jersey and play in the cold weather. “And that’s only if Houston makes it.” The Texans, who went 12-4 last season and have won wild-card games in each of the last two years, could be a trendy preseason Super Bowl pick. Here’s my prediction: The Cowboys will win the NFC, go to the Super Bowl and coming out of the AFC is going to be the Houston Texans. And it’s going to be an all-Texas Super Bowl in New Jersey — in the winter, in the cold weather, in the snow and all that. — Former Cowboys great Drew Pearson Pearson is really stepping out on a limb with his Cowboys prediction. Dallas hasn’t qualified for the postseason the last three years and has a grand total of one playoff win in the last 16 seasons. The NFC has been represented in the Super Bowl by 12 teams since the Cowboys last made an appearance, when they won their fifth title in Super Bowl XXX. “It’s time, you know? It’s time. They’re due,” said Pearson, an All-1970s receiver who played in three Super Bowls and won one. “Everybody else has had a chance, let’s let these guys have their opportunity.

(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press) By Chuck Schilken July 1, 2013, 9:10 a.m. Phil Costa probably isn’t known by too many people outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But that’s about to change for the Dallas Cowboys center, who recently became engaged to marry Brooke Hogan, daughter of pro wrestling royalty Hulk Hogan and a reality TV star in her own right. Hogan announced the upcoming nuptials to the world via Instagram, posting photos of Costa proposing on one knee in front of the Bellagio in Las Vegas and declaring it the happiest moment of her life. Costa, it would seem, could probably use some happy moments these days, at least based on how his football career has been going lately. After making the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie in 2010, Costa quickly vaulted to the starting center position in 2011, playing in all 16 games and helping the team gain 6,008 total yards — the second-most in a season in club history. But last year he struggled with multiple injuries and played in just three games. And even though Costa is said to be healthy, the Cowboys drafted center Travis Frederick in the first round back in April. That move would seem to bump Costa down to second string if not leave him to fight for a roster spot. At least now the Hulkster’s future son-in-law has a pretty good fighter in his corner. ALSO:

5 Dallas Cowboys Jerseys You Likely Rocked During Your Childhood

Big problems arose in the safety position with awful tackling and poor coverage throughout the season. Although many different strong safeties played after Darren Woodson retired, no one has come close to greatness, including Roy Williams. Church is a sure tackler who can punish receivers going through the middle of the field. He can be inside the box to help support the run defense or he can be used to cover receivers who run short patterns. Even though Church played better in coverage for a few games last year, he still needs to improve on his pass coverage. The Cowboys were susceptible to the long ball last year. Throughout his short career, Church played a lot on special teams. Although he only played for two and a half games at safety, the Cowboys believe that he is the future safety giving him a four-year contract extension last year in October. And the Cowboys cut Sensabaugh to open up cap space.

Sherrington: A few reasons to be optimistic about the Dallas Cowboys heading into 2013

What the team’s fans might lack in diverse jersey choices is made up for by the long list of memorable players. Regardless of what generation one might’ve grown up in, the Cowboys have always had Hall of Fame-worthy players. Let’s take a look at which player jerseys and other throwbacks most Dallas fans likely rocked during their childhood. Roger Staubach A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images Any Cowboys fan who grew up while Roger Staubach was still under center in Big D had to own a replica of his jersey. With the Cowboys’ team legend jerseys available, even young fans nowadays can rock a No. 12 Dallas jersey. No matter how many years removed Staubach becomes from throwing touchdown passes, he will forever be one Tony Romo Jersey of the most popular players in Cowboys history. Staubach was one of the driving forces behind the Cowboys’ emerging as one of the NFL ‘s elite teams, and for that, he will always be loved by the fans. There are few classier jerseys to sport than one with “Staubach” written on the back.

Morris Claiborne: Dallas Cowboys’ 72-year-old defensive coordinator acts like he’s 27

He’s very good eluding the rush from the outside, but it’s almost impossible to avoid when it’s coming up the middle. Also, Randle will be a nice backup RB for Murray. Very productive in college. You forget Dez, who, if he continues to play like he did the second half of last season, could be one of the top three or four WRs in the league. I think the new 4-3 will be very good for both Ware and Spencer. The most important thing any defense can do is put pressure on the QB. Until this season, the Cowboys would make Ware drop into coverage. Why would you make a guy who’s one of the best in the history of the game at rushing the passer do something he’s not very good at, and keep him from doing something so important? Was that enough sunshine for you? Dez seems pretty PO’d that people are talking about his background again.

And many of the questions were aimed at how the team was adapting to their 72-year-old coach. Despite the end of off-season activities, those questions havent stopped. Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne apparently fielded a few more during a recent trip to his hometown, Shreveport. I hear guys saying hes too old, and we should be wearing leather helmets and all that type of stuff, Claiborne said, according to the Shreveport Times . If you go into the meetings with him and on the field with this guy, youd think he was 27 years old. He runs around. Hes always upbeat, and we feed off of that. Hes always screaming, hollering, jumping around like hes 27 years old. Claiborne, who returned to his old stomping grounds to host a football clinic for youths, also briefly discussed the transition from Rob Ryans 3-4 defense to Kiffins 4-3, Tampa-Two scheme, a move that the second-year cornerback said could be for the good. Were just trying to buy into the system as a whole unit, he added, go out and try to win some ballgames. Claiborne, the sixth overall pick in last years NFL Draft, started 15 games during his rookie season, recording one interception, defelecting eight passes and returning a fumble for a touchdown. He missed one game because of a concussion. Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota

Cowboys have to let Josh Brent go

Brent went to the facility to receive treatment for his injuries, and when the offseason began, he was allowed to work out. The Cowboys kept Brent as close to the team as possible, even though he never took the field in an offseason practice. They have waited for the legal system to do its job. They have waited for the NFL to penalize Brent under its personal conduct policy. And now Brent has repaid the teams patience by failing a second drug test. How can the Cowboys ever trust him again? On the field, Brent has shown he can be a productive player. A great player? No. Solid? Sure.

Dallas Cowboys 2013 Breakout Candidate: Barry Church

Returning from his injury, Church can help shore up the strong safety position. After Church got injured, Mana Silva took over, but he was cut from the Cowboys after Gerald Sensabaugh returned from an injury. Big problems arose in the safety position with awful tackling and poor coverage throughout the season. Although many different strong safeties played after Darren Woodson retired, no one has come close to greatness, including Roy Williams. Church is a sure tackler who can punish receivers going through the middle of the field. He can be inside the box to help support the run defense or he can be used to cover receivers who run short patterns. Even though Church played better in coverage for a few games last year, he still needs to improve on his pass coverage. The Cowboys were susceptible to the long ball last year. Throughout his short career, Church played a lot on special teams. Although he only played for two and a half games at safety, the Cowboys believe that he is the future safety giving him a four-year contract extension last year in October. And the Cowboys cut Sensabaugh to open up cap space.

Cowboys position series: Safeties

However, Dallas made two significant moves in the 2012 offseason to bolster its defense at this position. By acquiring Brandon Carr in free agency and Morris Claiborne in the first round, the Cowboys immediately upgraded their secondary. Although neither player really had a breakout season, it was evident the position had improved. With both players being under the age of 28 (Carr is 27 and Claiborne 23), there are high expectations in Dallas for this duo to get even better. They only combined for four interceptions last year, so look for that number to skyrocket in the near future. Dallas has decent depth at the position too. Orlando Scandrick has shown to be a formidable corner off the bench when hes not asked to cover a teams best receiver. The team also has Sterling Moore and drafted B.W. Webb in the fourth round of the draft. With a good mix of experience and youth, the Cowboys cornerbacks will be a solid bunch for years to come.

Dallas Cowboys: Ranking the Top 5 Positional Strengths

“This week we’ve got another big test with Campese there – he’s got a real big boot on him,” said the Samoa representative, who will play the match with a broken nose sustained early against Cronulla. “It’s a big part of the game now, just putting it up and it’s a lottery. “So I think we’ve just got to be confident about getting the balls on the full and backing our ability. If we can catch those balls on the full and contest them, we’ll be all right.” Chief Cowboys kicker Johnathan Thurston has put the trio through their paces this week and is Tony Romo Authentic Jersey confident they will bounce back. “The (Sharks’) kicks were well placed and it’s hard coming forward when you’ve got a torpedo bomb up in the air, so you’ve just got to do your best there (because) they’re very hard to handle, those kicks,” he said. “Our back three have been working extremely hard, after each session they’re out there, and and no doubt that will pay off for us.” The teams go into the match with contrasting fortunes, with North Queensland having won their past two matches and Canberra losing back-to-back games. The Raiders were thrashed 32-2 by South Sydney in their last outing. A win would see the Cowboys leap-frog the Raiders on the ladder and potentially, depending on other results, move into the top eight. Winterstein said belief within the squad was growing.

Cowboys’ center will be Hulk Hogan’s son-in-law

Joe Buck will be frothing at the mouth! shaggyjeff says: Jul 1, 2013 12:03 AM Brookes got issues , I give it 1 year . Jul 1, 2013 5:03 AM Hulkamania Rules Brother! jammer88 says: Jul 1, 2013 5:52 AM This article is just more evidence to prove that the cowboys dont have a quality product to put on the field in at the end of the season they will come in last place in the NFC East. So this is the best they got. canesnut says: Jul 1, 2013 8:36 AM All you guys on here hating on Brooke Hogan only need look for some pictures of her throughout the internet. She is incredibly beautiful, somewhat wealthy and probably quite talented with those assets that she has. I suspect that there is some jealousy going on that a less than desirable (and soon to be demoted) male won the lottery for that definitely built young lady who I would personally go a few rounds with dear old dad to make that love connection. Besides, nothing would give me more pleasure than pulling up a stool with my 5 7 height to get me some of that 5 11 candy. myeaglescantwin says: Jul 1, 2013 10:12 AM I went to HighSchool with Phil.. dude was cool and did whatever he could to help people.

Cowboys’ back three ready to defuse bombs

Wilcox, who was picked as a project, put himself in that position by making plays during OTAs and minicamp. The front office and coaches are also intrigued by the playmaking ability of Johnson, a 2012 fourth-round pick who had 17 career interceptions at Eastern Washington. The competition for the fifth safety spot, assuming the Cowboys keep that many, is just as fierce. McCray has been the Cowboys best special teams player over the last few years, but his $1.3 million salary makes him the most expensive of the candidates for that roster spot. Hamilton is the cheapest and has the most upside, although he could also be stashed on the practice squad if he cleared waivers. Frampton ($715,000) is a better safety than McCray, but not nearly the special teams demon. 2013 hope: The Cowboys need some playmaking out of this group. The Dallas safeties accounted for only two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season. Thats simply unacceptable. The hope is that the scheme helps present opportunities for the safeties to create turnovers, but the players need to make the plays.

Dallas Cowboys Position Outlook: Running Back

Dallas Cowboys: Ranking the Top 5 Positional Strengths

And that hope is contingent on health. Murray has missed nine games in his first two seasons in the league, and has rightfully earned the title of injury prone. The team needs Murray to stay healthy for the first time in his career. Heres why: When healthy, theres no doubting what Murray can do when hes in the open field. This is a player who showed flashes of greatness when he rushed for over 600 yards in his first stretch as the Cowboys starter. If able to play a full season, Murray has the ability to remind Cowboys fans of the likes of Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. And thats high praise for a guy only entering his third season. The Cowboys are expecting Randle to lessen some of the load off Murrays shoulders. The team drafted Randle out of Oklahoma State, and he possessed similar numbers to the current Cowboys starter in his college career.

Webb in the fourth round of the draft. With a good mix of experience and youth, the Cowboys cornerbacks will be a solid bunch for years to come. 3: Wide Receiver Bryant will be a monster for a long time. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images The Cowboys wide receiving corps is one of the best in all of football. They are an explosive young group that has produced in the past and is looking to do more. Theyre led by superstar Dez Bryant. Through his first three seasons, his numbers have improved in every significant category, and it appears his ceiling has no cap. Bryant ranked sixth in yards and third in touchdowns in 2012. What makes this unit so good is the fact that defenses cant simply try to lock down No. 88. There is too much talent around him. Miles Austin has had his share of injury problems, but when healthy, hes one of the best No.

Cowboys’ center will be Hulk Hogan’s son-in-law

Brent is due back in court on July 19 on a bail-revocation hearing. The defensive linesman reportedly also failed a drug test in May. Brent, 25, was out on bail that was set at $100,000 as a result of being charged with intoxication manslaughter in a December 8 one-car accident in his Mercedes that killed passenger Jerry Brown, a Dallas Cowboys practice squad member. The trial on this charge is scheduled to being in late September. Brents blood alcohol level was 0.18 at the time of his arrest, more than twice the legal limit. He could face up to 20 years behind bars if convicted on the intoxication manslaughter charge. Brent is still a member of the Cowboys and is currently on the teams 90-man roster. According to ESPN , the Cowboys have no immediate plans to part ways with him. About Brents present and future status with the Cowboys, NFL.com adds that Brent is expected to be suspended by the NFL, and Dallas wants to retain his rights in the event he is able to play again. The former University of Illinois football player took over the Cowboys starting nose tackle due to the injury of Jay Ratliff. Brent was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round in the 2010 supplemental NFL draft. Brent has appeared in 39 games for Dallas and over his NFL career so far has 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Cowboys grind down Sharks 24-4 in NRL

cakemixa says: Jun 30, 2013 5:09 PM Jesus, the offseason cant end soon enough. gtorlone says: Jun 30, 2013 5:09 PM Please, the nWo entrance to the wedding would be infinitely better. goldrush36 says: Jun 30, 2013 5:10 PM This Is the one time I WANT to see logicalvoice post but as his original alias. BROTHER djstat says: Jun 30, 2013 5:12 PM I can just picture Jerry Jones and Hulk Hogan in the same suite Jun 30, 2013 5:22 PM In my best hogan voice snap the ball brother. brobroski says: Jun 30, 2013 5:36 PM Wait a minute, Brooke Hogan is married to Bully Ray, you telling me thats false, wrestling is fake?? hatesycophants says: Jun 30, 2013 5:45 PM I was there. Me and my buddy parked cars and barely escaped being taken downtown by an overly aggressive Pontiac PD. vineee1 says: Jun 30, 2013 5:47 PM If the injuries pile up like last year Costa might be lined up next to his father in law! noring4youstill says: Jun 30, 2013 5:54 PM I would try and distance myself from that circus. No not Hogan, the cowboys. EJ says: Jun 30, 2013 5:56 PM Those were the days!

Cowboys Lineman Josh Brent Jailed After Failed Drug Tests

Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston set up two tries in the final 10 minutes to bring what had been a low-scoring affair to life and secure North Queenslands first home win in more than two months. Sharks captain Paul Gallen was ruled out during the week with a foot injury from Wednesdays State of Origin II but fullback Michael Gordon (calf) and Beau Ryan (knee) withdrew from the side on game day. The Cowboys started strongest on their home ground and centre Kane Linnett put them up with just their third set of the game in the fifth minute. Linnett received an offload from back-rower Tariq Sims and had to beat three defenders to put the ball on the line. Luke Lewis evened the score for the visitors after taking a Todd Carney pass with a well-timed run to cross for a try as the teams went into halftime at 4-4. Gavin Cooper restored the Cowboys lead five minutes after the re-start and the teams were unable to breach each others defence for the next 25 minutes. Thurston was the difference in the final 10 minutes, laying on tries for Linnett and Antonio Winterstein while kicking a penalty goal to put his side up to 13th on the NRL ladder. North Queensland prop Ashton Sims might have a date with the judiciary this week after being put on report for a 23rd-minute knee to the head of Sharks fullback Nathan Stapleton. Latest Articles:

Dallas Cowboys D-lineman Josh Brent’s attorney working hard for the money (Video)

Team Report – DALLAS COWBOYS

<img src='http://www.stellasmagazine.com/img/misc/cowboys/cowboys04.jpg&#039; width='200px' style='float:left;padding:5px' Tony Romo Jersey />

He went on to say that Watkins made home page the comments last week while being interviewed on 105.3 The Fan (the Cowboys flagship station). Brent was taken into custody after the second failed drug test, and that violated is bond agreement with his bondsman. Brent is expected to be in court on July 19th when a judge will hear the arguments regarding his failed drug test, but now the defense attorney wants certain aspects of the case to have a gag order in effect. Josh Brent wants gag order Photo credit: Getty Images Brent is charged with intoxication manslaughter. Brent allegedly killed his best friend Jerry Brown Jr. while being involved with a one-car accident. Brent s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit to drive. Milner also said Tuesday that Watkins inappropriately said that Brent was guilty and needs to go to prison and that his drug and alcohol use led to the death of another person. Sounds about right.

Cowboys and Idiots

But I made my way back in and Tom [Landry] made me the starting center in 1970. He also named me as one of the captains. And that was the first year we got to the Super Bowl [V] against Baltimore. While the Colts won that championship title, the Cowboys bounced back the next year and won Super Bowl VI over Miami, 24-3. That was just a culmination of so many years of frustration, coming so close, winning the majority of your games, but never closing in on the big one, said Manders. I think that was just a big relief as well as a feeling of accomplishment. The two seasons Dallas finished in the Super Bowl was also when a rivalry developed between quarterbacks Craig Morton and Roger Staubach. Landry began to alternate them as starters in 1971, and because of the position Manders played, there was literally no one closer to that situation on the field than he was. There was a very intense rivalry, but Tom kept it under control. Whatever he said went, Manders said. I roomed with Craig for seven years and Roger was a neighbor of mine and I never took sides.

as long as they can stay healthy. Which they’ve never been able to do even in college, which is why the Cowboys were able to get them in the second rounds of their drafts: Lee and Carter can be one of the leagues elite linebacker combos. Thats if they can just stay healthy. And thats a big if for a couple of guys that dropped into the second round because of college knee injuries and have had bad medical luck in their brief NFL careers. But the hope is the Cowboys have a couple of linebackers who will be sideline-to-sideline, every-down forces for years to come. If those two stay healthy and the play at Sam is solid, the linebacking corps should be a major strength for the Cowboys this season. Agreed, and Justin Durant at that strongside linebacker spot should be fine, especially if Lee and Carter are on the field with him and performing the way they can. In fact, the more I look at position groups in the NFC East, the more I like the Cowboys’ defense as a whole. I think their starting units are the strongest in the division at defensive line, linebacker and cornerback, and while safety remains a concern, no one in the division looks good at safety. The Cowboys’ defensive success this season rests on the ability of the starters to stay healthy, and we saw what happened last year when they couldn’t do it. There are legitimate depth concerns in the front seven, and it’s hard to predict the kind of charmed season an NFL team has to have in order for all of their starting linebackers and defensive linemen to avoid major injury.

Cowboys wary of Shillington

Theyre living without running water and seeing problems with drugs and booze. But I wanted to be able to show these kids, Fuck that! Youre still warriors, man. And yet, his caricature is about as nuanced as a live-action Warner Bros. cartoon, set within a film that makes a white hero out of the plight of Comanche people (the Lone Ranger is honored for eventually saving the silver that more evil white men were attempting to steal). The plot concerns land expansion and treaty violation, and this movie has the nerve to finagle a happy ending. Dan very dead, says Tonto. Comanche gesture of respect: taste another mans drink, says Tonto. I make urine on it, says Tonto. His one-liners were largely met with awkward silence in the New York screening that I attended.

Cowboys linebackers should be a strength

Johnson was injured as a rookie last year and remains unknown and unproven. Wilcox is a 2013 third-round pick who has been quite impressive in OTAs and minicamp, but is very raw as he played just one season of safety in college after moving over from receiver. FRANCHISE PLAYER: LB Anthony Spencer (tendered at $10.627 million; signed tender March 12). TRANSITION PLAYER: None. UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers) –CB Michael Coe (not tendered as UFA). –OG Derrick Dockery (not tendered as UFA). –SS Charlie Peprah (not tendered as UFA). –LB Brady Poppinga (not tendered as UFA). –DE Brian Schaefering (not tendered as RFA). RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

Cowboys Alumni Series: Catching Up With Dave Manders

David Shillington. Photo: Jeffrey Chan North Queensland Cowboys enforcer Matt Scott expects his former Queensland and Kangaroos teammate David Shillington to use his Origin axing as motivation for Sunday’s match at Canberra Stadium. Shillington will lead a depleted Raiders forward pack missing experienced front-rowers Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Brett White, while Dane Tilse is also in doubt with a knee injury. Shillington was touted as the long-term replacement for Maroons stalwart Petero Civoniceva, but was dropped after Queensland’s loss in game one as selectors went for mobility. Scott retained his place in the side as the Maroons levelled the three-game series. ”He’ll be looking to bounce back from that, he’s had a couple of strong games since then,” Scott said. ”I still think he’s extremely unlucky to be out of the side. He’s one of the best front-rowers in the competition and I’m sure he’s going to show that in the next couple of weeks.” Scott will be reunited with fellow Australian prop James Tamou, who will make his return to the NRL after serving a suspension for an off-field incident. Vaughan has been impressive in his rookie season, while Mataora is eager to make the most of his chance after playing his first game of the year in last week’s 32-2 loss to South Sydney.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders reality show premieres September 6

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray 2013 Projection

Photo by Alexandra Olivia Katy Marie auditions for the Cowboys Cheerleaders at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX on May 18, 2013. ARLINGTON Back for its eighth year, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making The Team will bounce through eight episodes as women vie for a coveted spot on America’s Team’s cheer roster. The premiere is September 6 on CMT. We photographed part of the auditions in May , and competition really is tough: Hopefuls can toss their hair all they want, but if they don’t have the precise moves and look, they don’t make the cut. Nearly 500 women auditioned, coming from as far as Japan and Australia, for just 37 spots. The show features director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell, according to a press release. “A lot has changed in the sports world since the DCC came on the scene, but one thing remains a constant: The Dallas Cowboys are still considered ‘Americas Team,’ and their cheerleaders, the best in the business,” reads a statement. So there. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders hopefuls dance for the stars

DC, VA, MD. DeMarco Murray 2013 Projection Home There were high hopes for running back DeMarco Murray heading into the 2012 season, but another injury forced him out of six games. After rushing for only 663 yards, Murray isnt getting the same love as he did prior to the year. But why not? Hes still a big, fast running back with youth on his side. The key to projecting Murray in 2013 is determining his snap count. Thats also the hard part. Most will argue that you cant project Murray to play all 16 games because hes injury Tony Romo Nike Jersey prone, but thats really difficult to argue. Yes, hes suffered injuries in his first two seasons in the league, but he could just be unlucky, too. Two seasons is hardly a significant enough sample for us to declare with any sort of confidence if Murray is injury prone or not.

Breaking Down the ‘Boys: What Cowboys’ first-down focus should be

In March 1984, Pearson was driving an automobile that crashed, killing his brother and ending Pearson’s NFL career. Unlike Brent, Pearson was not arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. And while Pearson says he sympathizes with Brent, he says it’s time for the Cowboys to release the 25-year-old defensive tackle. “I have much sympathy for what he’s going through but I have more sympathy for the potential of something else happening because it doesn’t seem like he has learned his lesson,” Pearson said Monday on the Fitzsimmons and Durrett show on 103.3 KESN-FM. “I have more sympathy for Jerry Brown and his family because losing the life of someone, I mean, that just doesn’t stop. Then for them to see Josh not repenting this as much as some of us believe he should by violating his probation and those kinds of things, that to me is something that should be very troubling to the Cowboys, but you don’t turn your back fully on him. Let him know that our counseling is still available to him, but as far as continuing as a Dallas Cowboy, we just have to cut our ties at this point. “The problem is, every time you see his name come up now in the paper you see him as a Cowboy. The difference with Aaron Hernandez and some of these other guys that just recently got released, is that they seem him when it comes up in the paper as ex-New England Patriot. And I think that makes a big difference.

Drew Pearson: Dallas Cowboys have done all that they can with Josh Brent, but ‘sometimes you have to cut that cord’

He’s the founder ofThe DC Timesand writes forDallasCowboys.comand theNew York Times. He’s also the author ofFantasy Football for Smart People. He can be reached at jonathan@thedctimes.com. You can follow him@TheCowboysTimes. In 2012, the Cowboys ranked 15th in the NFL in points scored and 11th in yards per play, yet they managed to rank third in an important offensive category: three-and-out percentage. The Cowboys went three-and-out on just 17.2 percent of their offensive possessions-the third-best mark in the NFL, behind only New England and Green Bay. Nice company. If you’re curious, the league average was 22.7 percent, while the average for the playoff teams was just 20.6 percent, per STATS, Inc. So why were the Cowboys so good at starting drives?

Tony Romo: ‘I’ve been a gym rat since I’ve been here’

Writer: Tony Romo right with Cliff Harris, Chuck Howley among most underrated Cowboys of all time

“Nobody was real concerned about it,” coach Jason Garrett said. “We felt like it was better to get it taken care of sooner rather than later. He was doing everything in our offseason program. He’s back to doing a lot of that stuff right now as he’s getting better.” Backup Kyle Orton will take most of the snaps in Romo’s absence. A healthy Romo, now the highest-paid player in franchise history, will be a huge factor for Garrett, who is unlikely to return if Dallas doesn’t make the playoffs in 2013. The last time Romo missed significant playing time, former coach Wade Phillips was fired and replaced by Garrett in the middle of a 6-10 season in 2010. Romo was out 10 games with a broken collarbone. Romo played through a broken rib early in the 2011 season and stayed healthy last year. Both seasons ended with losses to NFC East rivals in finales with playoff berths on the line. “We’ve always been very cautious this time of year with our players, making sure they’re 100 percent healthy and get them back when they’re ready to go,” Garrett said. “There’s going to be plenty of work once he comes back, a lot of training camp work prior to that first game.” The Cowboys and Romo could have done what the Ravens and Flacco did – play out the final season of a contract and see how it goes.

Cowlishaw on Tony Romo not making players’ top 100 poll: ‘I can’t think of anything less significant’

(Victor R. Caivano / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Serena Williams reacts after winning a point against Dominika Cibulkova, of Slovakia, during the Sony Open tennis tournament, Monday, March 25, 2013, in Key Biscayne, Fla. Williams won 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. (Lynne Sladky / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Austria’s Wolfgang Loitzl soars through the air during his competition jump of the third stage of the four hills ski jumping tournament during foggy weather in Innsbruck, Austria, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. (Matthias Schrader, AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Sweden’s skip Margaretha Sigfridsson shouts during her gold medal game against Scotland at the 2013 world women’s curling championship in Riga, Latvia, Sunday, March 24, 2013. (Roman Koksarov / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere makes a diving catch of Will Middlebrooks’s seventh-inning fly ball in a spring training baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Clearwater, Fla., Sunday, March 24, 2013. (Kathy Willens / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos North Carolina coach Roy Williams cheers on his team during the second half of a second-round game against Villanova in the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 22, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. (Charlie Riedel / AP) Best 2013 Sports Photos North Carolina’s Dexter Strickland (1) and Reggie Bullock (35) stretch before practice for a second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo.

Too bad no one ever mentions the fact that almost no starting quarterbacks in the NFL are ever asked to hold for kicks. If Romo is really as terrible as people say he is, then why don’t people hate Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson or Drew Henson ? Because they stunk.” “Interesting Sidenote: An explanation for Romo not being a “Top 100 player” is that he isn’t clutch, like an Eli Manning . Take a wild guess who the NFL’s active leader in fourth quarter passer rating is … as in, higher than Brady, Brees, and Eli? Yup, it’s Romo.” Miles Austin at a career crossroads? – CBSSports.com With training camps around the corner, former agent Joel Corry examines 15 big-name players who enter 2013 at a career crossroads. Among them: the Cowboys’ Miles Austin , who Corry believes hasn’t lived up to expectations after signing a seven-year, $57.268 million contract in 2010. “Austin has become more of a secondary option with Dez Bryant’s emergence and tight end Jason Witten operating as Tony Romo’s security blanket. Nonetheless, Austin was one of the NFL’s most productive No. 2 wide receivers with 66 catches, 943 yards and six touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys News & Notes: Tony Romo All-Time Underrated, Miles Austin’s Future, More

“While the Cowboys have a myriad of issues, be it offensive line, DeMarco Murray’s health, or a defense that couldn’t stop anyone last year, Romo was not the problem,” Harrison wrote. “He’s been a solid citizen in Dallas and a very good player, if not great. His most famous miscue — the dropped snap against the Seattle Seahawks — was bad. Too bad no one ever mentions the fact that almost no starting quarterbacks in the NFL are ever asked to hold for kicks. If Romo is really as terrible as people say he is, then why don’t people hate Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson or Drew Henson? Because they stunk.” Romo joined an underrated list that included Chuck Howley, Cliff Harris, Darren Woodson and Everson Walls — some pretty elite company. But Harrison says Romo’s 95.6 passer rating (which ranks fifth all-time among quarterbacks) and his 55-38 record as a starter are proof that he’s far outplayed his reputation. Harrison also has an interesting rebuttal for the players who didn’t vote Romo on the NFL Network’s Top 100 list recently. “An explanation for Romo not being a ‘Top 100 player’ is that he isn’t clutch, like an Eli Manning,” Harrison wrote. “Take a wild guess who the NFL’s active leader in fourth quarter passer rating is …

Tony Romo Had Cyst Removed From Back: Cowboys QB To Miss Workouts After Surgery In April

And he can do that, for sure, but it’s just a guess right now. Besides Ware, Dez, and Witten, are there any other Cowboys players you would have in your Top 100? Probably not but after this season Morris Claiborne makes the list. Too much attention to the play calling and we don’t even know how this will play out. Callahan is competent Offensive Coordinator. He should do well. I want to know about the status on the defense side. How are the players reacting to the new coordinator? All they can do at this point is talk about Kiffin and say the right things. They do that.

Mailbag: Why doesn’t Tony Romo declare himself elite?

Costa will be his backup. As I mentioned earlier, Leary has a chance to beat out Mackenzy Bernardeau or Nate Livings, especially if the veteran guards continue to be hampered by injuries. @CBA_Haynie: Why is Alex Albright making everyone’s 53-man roster predictions? Doesn’t seem like a 4-3 guy at all unless it’s at DE. The more you can do, the better chance you have of sticking around. Albright can play middle linebacker, strong side linebacker or defensive end and is one of the Cowboys best special teams players. Heck, he even worked some at tight end in camp last year. Plus, hes a classic Garrett right kind of guy. @Keiricha: Will Jerry fire Garrett midseason and appoint himself interim coach? I sense a little sarcasm.

Brooke Hogan engaged to Dallas Cowboys center Phil Costa

New jobs for Cowboys’ Ware, Spencer

In the pic, Phil Costa, 25, is seen on one knee, presenting a diamond ring to a very shocked Brooke, who is covering her mouth with her hand. Happiest moment of my LIFE. I am marrying my best friend. I wouldnt choose anyone else. I am so lucky and so grateful,the reality star wrote on Instagram. In another photo of Phil putting the ring on Brookes finger, she writes,”I look scary but this is the face of total SHOCK. Brookes dad Hulk Hogan has yet to tweet about the happy engagement, but her brother Nick Hogan, 22, did. MY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS BROOKEY!!!!! he said. Brookes mom Linda Hogan also shared her excitement on Twitter.My Brooke is getting married!! Phil proposed to her last night! Brooke appeared on VH1s”Hogan Knows Best”from 2005 to 2007. She then starred on her own spin-off show,”Brooke Knows Best,”from 2008 to 2009. Brooke currently works for TNA wrestling. Philis entering his fourth NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys Most Under and Overrated Offseason Additions

The starters are DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer , who were the pass-rushing outside linebackers in the 3-4 but now will line up exclusively with their hands on the ground and rush the passer from the line of scrimmage. Spencer Ware In many ways, as Tim MacMahon writes , the change is likely to simplify things for Ware and Spencer, as they’ll no longer have to worry about complexity of scheme or coverage responsibilities and can focus simply on getting to the quarterback. But there are questions: On the flip side, opposing offenses wont have to wonder where Ware or Spencer are coming from. Wade Phillips and Ryan were able to occasionally get them unblocked or matched up one-on-one against a tight end or running back with scheme deception. Another question: Will tangling with offensive tackles every down take a toll on Ware or Spencer? It’s this last that I think bears examination. Ware and Spencer are skilled enough pass-rushers (Ware is an all-time great) that I think they’ll be able to pile up sacks even though opposing defenses can see where they are before the snap. The question is whether either or both can handle the physical demands of lining up right in the faces of the league’s biggest, strongest, most athletic offensive tackles on every play without wearing down over the course of the season. This has already been an issue for Ware at the end of the past two seasons when he was standing up and moving around the front. And while the nagging injuries of 2011 and 2012 are not guaranteed to repeat themselves in 2013, the new arrangement isn’t going to make them easier to avoid.

So much for that. I completely support the idea that you need a star player’s replacement in hand as soon as possible, a strategy very hard to employ in the NFL. Nonetheless, it’s necessary in today’s watered-down, salary cap era of the NFL. So have the future at quarterback in place when you candraft numerous pass-rushers, even if you have a potential Hall of Fame player already on board. But tight end? Jason Witten isn’t done playing football, and this simply wasn’t a position of need at all. Before you suggest that drafting for need is a bad idea, I’ll say this: Everybody drafts for need; otherwise, there wouldn’t be a draft. If Dallas needed anything at tight end, it was a run-blocking type like Alabama’s Michael Williams. By the way, Williams was taken in the seventh round. Will Escobar end up a plus for the Cowboys?