Cowboys Release CB Jemeel Powell; Captains Named

[Jon]

Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Sept. 11, 2004, 6:49 p.m. (CDT)

MINNEAPOLIS -- Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells had been overly patient with Jemeel Powell all last season and through the cornerback's struggles this preseason.

But that patience apparently ran out as the Cowboys released the second-year cornerback Saturday, the day before the club's season opener against the Vikings.

Powell did not make the trip with the team and after learning of his release Saturday morning, hours before the team departed for Minneapolis.

The Cowboys needed to clear one roster spot before Monday, when defensive tackle Leo Carson returns from a one-game suspension, forcing him to miss Sunday's game against the Vikings.

And cornerback was a position where the Cowboys were heavy in numbers, keeping six on the original 53-man roster, including three rookies -- Bruce Thornton, Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones.

Earlier in the week, Parcells said there were a few players on the team who were not 100 percent health-wise and apparently Powell was one of them, although he didn't miss any time during the preseason.

But Powell had his own problems during the preseason, giving up several big plays, including an 89-yard touchdown pass to Oakland's Doug Gabriel in the second preseason game. In fact, Powell started that game against the Raiders, while Pete Hunter, who was named the starter at right corner this week, earned the three starts in the preseason on the right side.

It appeared Powell was one of Parcells' favorite players, even dating back to last year. The Cowboys signed him just before the start of the season, after Powell was released by Detroit.

He only played three games with the Cowboys, mostly on special teams. But with the right cornerback spot in limbo this off-season, he was given the chance to compete for the job with Hunter and Thornton.

While Hunter will start, it's likely Thornton will be the team's nickel cornerback, with Reeves, who said Friday he will be returning kickoffs, will likely backup at both spots.

Captains Named

The Cowboys have named their two captains for the 2004 season, and it's no surprise both were the most productive returning players on each side of the ball.

The players voted for middle linebacker Dat Nguyen, who led the team with 140 tackles last season will be the defensive captain, while fullback Richie Anderson will captain the offense.

Anderson, a captain along with safety Darren Woodson last year, wasted no time establishing himself as a leader with the Cowboys, despite it being his first year with the team.

The 12-year veteran led the team with 69 catches for 493 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for another 306 yards and a score.

Woodson, who will miss at least the first five games after undergoing back surgery to repair a herniated disk on July 27, has been a defensive captain for several years, but his injury obviously paves the way for Nguyen.

In the preseason, Parcells rotated his captains in the games, using veterans such as Greg Ellis, Dexter Coakley, Larry Allen and Flozell Adams.

[cowboy4322]

I for one am so glad Powell is gone, he was such a waste of roster space, I think the rookies will show more.

Cowboy4322

[Rack Bauer]

So that made room for the DT we traded for. Who gets cut tomorrow? It'll probably be either Eaton or Stewart.

[Hostile]

I'm not surprised Powell is gone. We have one more to go Monday when Carson is back.

Who do you think it could be?

[dallasfaniac]

So that made room for the DT we traded for. Who gets cut tomorrow? It'll probably be either Eaton or Stewart.

Bye Stewart, have fun in Arizona.

[cowboy4322]

I'll bet it's Stewart if he doesn't show anything. I like Eaton, he will be good at plugging up the middle.


Cowboy4322

[CowboysNumeroUno]

So this all but garuntees that B.Thorton plays in the nickel package tomorrow? What about 4 reciever sets? Will Reeves or Jones have to play?

[Unforgiven]

So that made room for the DT we traded for. Who gets cut tomorrow? It'll probably be either Eaton or Stewart.

Considering Eaton is starting tomorrow, I don't think he will be released Monday.

[NOVA 22]

i don't really question too many of our moves, but the timing of so many of them just seems so bizarre to me. maybe powell can't become a top level player. but isn't it safe to assume he got the majority of the reps with the nickel this week. why not use him tomorrow and then let him go.

[Kevlee06]

Since Eaton's salary will be guaranteed after tomorrow, I dont think its him. Probably one of the rookie CB's.

[Unforgiven]

We really need to make a run at McKenzie.

[MichaelWinicki]

I'm not surprised Powell is gone. We have one more to go Monday when Carson is back.

Who do you think it could be?


That was one Bill couldn't work his magic with.

[Eskimo]

This is just plain bad. Within the past week we have released our #3 (Mitchell) and #4 (Powell) CBs. All we have behind them are three second-day rookies (Thornton, Jones, Reeves). On top of that, we don't have one safety with even average cover skills.

Just shudder to think what will happen if TNew goes down. It'll be the 2000 season all over again.

This is poor planning, management and talent evaluation. Sorry to all you BP deifiers, but he has really screwed this situation up big-time.

[Unforgiven]

This is just plain bad. Within the past week we have released our #3 (Mitchell) and #4 (Powell) CBs. All we have behind them are three second-day rookies (Thornton, Jones, Reeves). On top of that, we don't have one safety with even average cover skills.
Just shudder to think what will happen if TNew goes down. It'll be the 2000 season all over again.

This is poor planning, management and talent evaluation. Sorry to all you BP deifiers, but he has really screwed this situation up big-time.

I still have some faith in Keith Davis. I have seen some things I like. He may suprise some of us. I predict he will be the starting Safety opposite Roy by week 3.

[Nors]

Why Is this not adressed already?

Next week we need to address this.

[MichaelWinicki]

I still have some faith in Keith Davis. I have seen some things I like. He may suprise some of us. I predict he will be the starting Safety opposite Roy by week 3.


But that isn't going to help our corner situation.

[Tio]

You just gotta believe were gonna make a run at mckenzie...

[MichaelWinicki]

Why Is this not adressed already?

Next week we need to address this.


Cupboard is pretty bare Norsey.

[Nors]

Cupboard is pretty bare Norsey.


We can debate till the cow comes home.

But having Law at RCB tomorrow would have added a swagger and over the top bravado to this team. Price too high but would have made a bold statement. We want to win NOW.

I'm starting to agree, you are right that we are giving up 04 for 05.

That said I'm pis#$%

[Eskimo]

So what is the nickel situation tomorrow?

My guess is Hunter goes back to nickel CB and Thornton moves in as RCB. Since Jones appears the more ready of the two 7th rounders, I guess he may dress as the #4 CB.

[big dog cowboy]

I'm starting to agree, you are right that we are giving up 04 for 05.


The Cowboy front office spin doctors won't like that very much. Despite all evidence to the contrary.

[The Fonz]

what is next ? releasing someone tomorrow after the first half...!!! still evaluating who might be your starters at this stage is not a good sign

[Midswat]

You know . . . sometimes Bill really makes some headscratching decisions . . .

Powell sucked . . . but you mean to tell me he's worse than Reeves or Jones?

And if so . . . why did it take until the Saturday before our first game to figure this out?

Hunter would be so much better off had he gotten more reps in training camp, and not had to split so much time with Powell . . .

And all the time, we see Powell getting abused. Bill keeps saying how Powell is doing a good job.

?????

[dbair1967]

You know . . . sometimes Bill really makes some headscratching decisions . . .

Powell sucked . . . but you mean to tell me he's worse than Reeves or Jones?

And if so . . . why did it take until the Saturday before our first game to figure this out?

Hunter would be so much better off had he gotten more reps in training camp, and not had to split so much time with Powell . . .

And all the time, we see Powell getting abused. Bill keeps saying how Powell is doing a good job.

?????

it is kinda strange...the guy went from potential starter (albeit a potentially bad one) to gone, one day before a game...maybe we have another move coming at CB Monday or Tuesday

hey Mid, delete some PM's from your box, I tried to reply to one but cant...

David

[MichaelWinicki]

it is kinda strange...the guy went from potential starter (albeit a potentially bad one) to gone, one day before a game...maybe we have another move coming at CB Monday or Tuesday

hey Mid, delete some PM's from your box, I tried to reply to one but cant...

David

Me thinks this wasn't one of Bill's best coaching or talent evaluation jobs...

[jterrell]

After watching Powell play I thought he was just a decoy used to motivate Hunter a bit more. He didnt show enough speed for the size he has.

My guess is the next cut is a WR maybe Randall Williams or Dedric Ward.

[ddh33]

Like others said, the timing of this is more surprising than the move itself. Bill says he has to go by what he sees, and with Powell he most likely saw a kid who seemed to be close - but never got it.

[big dog cowboy]

My guess is the next cut is a WR maybe Randall Williams

Please????

[Sarge]

This is just plain bad. Within the past week we have released our #3 (Mitchell) and #4 (Powell) CBs. All we have behind them are three second-day rookies (Thornton, Jones, Reeves). On top of that, we don't have one safety with even average cover skills.

Just shudder to think what will happen if TNew goes down. It'll be the 2000 season all over again.

This is poor planning, management and talent evaluation. Sorry to all you BP deifiers, but he has really screwed this situation up big-time.

I agree 100%. BP has dropped the ball when it comes to our CB situation.

[chicago JK]

Surprised by the timing also.

BTW, I always thought Mario Edwards was underrated on this board. He is nothing but a average corner who had too many interference calls. With that being said he was left alone a lot and didn't self destruct out there. With our cB situation right now I would feel a lot better if we had Edwards as our slot DB. Not sure if he could even play the slot, but he would give some insurance in case the young kid Thornton or other loses their confidence early. A young corner with Confidence issues is a bad thing.

[MichaelWinicki]

I agree 100%. BP has dropped the ball when it comes to our CB situation.


Are you saying that our situation at corner is perhaps the worst we've seen in years?

Is that what you're saying Sarge?

[big dog cowboy]

I agree 100%. BP has dropped the ball when it comes to our CB situation.

I think they underestimated the cost and were blown away with what the CB's in free agency were getting. Somehow they convinced themselves they could get by with guys like Mitchell and Powell. In retrospect they do look a little foolish now. There is still time to fix the problem. McKenzie or some other CB perhaps. Going into week 4 (our bye week) we will really know how much the ball was dropped.

[chicago JK]

I think they underestimated the cost and were blown away with what the CB's in free agency were getting. Somehow they convinced themselves they could get by with guys like Mitchell and Powell. In retrospect they do look a little foolish now. There is still time to fix the problem. McKenzie or some other CB perhaps. Going into week 4 (our bye week) we will really know how much the ball was dropped.
I don't have an interest in Mckenzie or Law for that matter. McKenzie just left his teammates out to dry when he still has three years on his contract. Plus GB wants a number one. No thank you. Doesn't seem like a Parcells player.

Law is a 30 year old cb who wants Bailey money. No thank you. We already have a shutdownn corner. We need to develop a solid number two. If worst comes to worst, Law will be released this offseason. Although I doubt we offer him big money even if he was released. I think we go hard after the front four in the draft if there is talent there. Give me young, big athletic freaks upfront to go with our talent already and our pass defense gets that much better.

[Big D]

Nyse choice BP!

http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/writers/don_banks/11/24/banks.shots/p1_nguyen_all.jpg

[Chocolate Lab]

I didn't think it would happen, but you know the saying... Better late than never!

[Hollywood Henderson]

Hey guys,
Its way too early to jump ship now...
I like the kid Thornton...He plays with some swagger...

Who knows why the moves were made now, but lets play the first game before we say the season is lost...

I would like to see the new Thornton's & Davis play in Nickle & dime pkgs...
This is where guys make their names...Lets see if we stand tall before we say were doomed...

I think Both Eaton & Stewert are safe...As is Williams...

One of the rookie DB's is probally gone come monday...(Reeves in my bet)

[dbair1967]

Are you saying that our situation at corner is perhaps the worst we've seen in years?

Is that what you're saying Sarge?

It's not that bad...Newman is the best CB we've had since Deion pre-injury...

its nowhere near as bad as it was from 99-02

David

[dbair1967]

I agree 100%. BP has dropped the ball when it comes to our CB situation.

I wouldnt say he dropped the ball...they tried to get involved with signing a couple people but the cost got to stupid levels...other than that he's said all offseason he thought Pete Hunter could do the job, so now we'll find out...even if Hunter plays poorly it doesnt mean Parcells dropped the ball...sometimes you have to go with young guys and rely on your ability to coach these people up...

its also not Parcells' fault that Darren Woodson needed back surgery, and having DW back there would certainly help our cause...

David

[Eskimo]

I wouldnt say he dropped the ball...they tried to get involved with signing a couple people but the cost got to stupid levels...other than that he's said all offseason he thought Pete Hunter could do the job, so now we'll find out...even if Hunter plays poorly it doesnt mean Parcells dropped the ball...sometimes you have to go with young guys and rely on your ability to coach these people up...

its also not Parcells' fault that Darren Woodson needed back surgery, and having DW back there would certainly help our cause...

David

The issue actually isn't about the #2 CB spot, it is about the #3 and #4 CB spots. I agree with letting Edwards go (would have paid $2M/yr) but I disagree with not bringing in people either in FA or the draft who were capable of doing the job.

Now maybe Thornton, Jones or Reeves can do the job, but I don't recall any of them getting starter reps during the preseason - this is a major projection. We are going to get caught with out pants down for the first part of the year.

It is going to be bad. I've downgraded my projected win total to 7 wins. If TNew gets injured, say hello to a top 5 draft pick (not Buffalo's).

[big dog cowboy]

I like the kid Thornton...He plays with some swagger...

You know if Texas they call that.......walking. :D