Football.com: Dallas Cowboys 2004 Season Preview - Dallas Cowboys Forum

LaTunaNostra · 07-20-2004

Dallas Cowboys 2004 Season Preview
from John Hughes - Dallas Cowboys Correspondent

Can Parcells Work Second-Year Magic Again?

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expected Bill Parcells to have a huge impact when he hired him to coach America’s Team, he just didn’t know it would be so sudden. After watching his Cowboys struggle through three consecutive 5-11 seasons, Jones was just as surprised as the next guy when the Cowboys doubled their win total and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1999. And all that happened in Parcells' first year with the club when history tells us that it’s always Parcells' second season that his teams usually have their breakthrough.
Despite Dallas’ astonishing turnaround last year, both Jones and Parcells knew the Cowboys still needed to improve on an offense that ranked 15th in total offense and 21st in scoring. In order to boost the struggling offense Dallas brought in former Parcells players Keyshawn Johnson and Vinny Testaverde.

They also selected Notre Dame RB Julius Jones along with offensive linemen Jacob Rogers and Stephen Peterman with their first three picks in April’s draft. Dallas also traded next year’s third-round pick to the Houston Texans for former Michigan star QB Drew Henson hoping he will evolve into the teams franchise QB someday.
Defense wins championships though, and it’s Dallas D that has the expectations among fans probably a little too high for next season. The Cowboys already had the No.1 overall defense and they think the addition of Marcellus Wiley will make them even tougher by improving their pass rush. If Wiley can regain his form of a couple years ago, then look for Dallas to make the jump from a great defense to one that can totally dominate games.

Quarterback

Despite Quincy Carter’s ability to “drive the bus” for Parcells’ offense, he still made too many mistakes and didn’t use his athletic scrambling ability enough to put pressure on opposing defenses. The coaching staff love’s his work ethics and attitude, but have been stressing to him the importance of protecting the football. One thing Parcells won’t stand for is turnovers, so Carter must improve on his 21 interceptions this season in order to hold on to his starters job.

Testaverde was brought in as an insurance policy and tutor for Carter and Henson, but he will get an opportunity to earn the starter’s job in training camp as well. Chad Hutchinson had a rough season for the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe and appears to be the odd man out with the addition of Henson. The former Wolverine, who spent the last three years playing 3rd base in the NY Yankees organization, was a standout in 2000 when he led Michigan to the Rose Bowl. And the coaches are also intrigued by second-year free agent Tony Romo, who is expected see some action during the pre-season. This all spells bad news for Hutchinson as his days in Dallas seem to be numbered.

Grade: C+

Running Backs

Usually 972 yards is enough to keep a running back around, but not in Dallas as Troy Hambrick and his 3.5 yards per carry were shown the door. In Big D, where the list of former RBs reads like a hall of fame ballot with names like Smith, Walker, Dorsett and Perkins the shoes are awfully hard to fill. Next in line to try his luck will be the rookie Julius Jones, who will be feeling considerable pressure to succeed after Dallas passed on Stephen Jackson in the first round to trade down and select Jones.

The Cowboys are happy with FB Ritchie Anderson, who could share some of the carries with Jones, is a receiving threat out of the backfield and a great leader in the locker room. But Jamar Martin, who appeared to have the back-up spot secured, has recently felt the wrath of Parcells for being overweight. He will now have to fight for a roster spot with un-drafted free agent Lousaka Polite and Darian Barnes, who was acquired in a trade from Tampa Bay for a 7th-round draft choice.

Grade: C

Wide Receiver/Tight End

The Cowboys traded away Joey Galloway during the off-season for Keyshawn Johnson, a long-time Parcells favorite. What Johnson lacks in speed, he makes up for with intensity and toughness. Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant will vie for the second WR spot, with Glenn as the early favorite because of his relationship with Parcells and Bryant’s inability to control his emotions. Randall Williams is a guy the coaches will really take a long look at during training camp. At 6’3” 225 Williams is a big man, but he has incredible speed and soft hands and he will push for playing time this season, especially should Bryant follow up last year's disappointing campaign with a poor training camp.

Dallas has one of the better and most underrated TE corps in the league. Dan Campbell is one of the best blocking TEs in the game today and another great locker room guy as well. He emerged as one of the true leaders of the team last year. Second-year player Jason Witten turned out to be one of the steals for Dallas in last year’s draft. After a slow start Witten came on strong and finished with 35 catches and a TD. He also showed the coaches his toughness by playing with a broken jaw for six weeks last year. Jeff Robinson and James Whalen will be fighting for the last TE roster spot along with fifth-round draft choice Sean Ryan from Boston College.

Grade: B+

Offensive Linemen

Larry Allen seems to have finally gotten the message that if he wants to continue playing in the NFL he has to work harder now than he did when he was 25.

After a rough start to the off-season, Allen is reportedly in the best shape he’s been in for quite some time. His pro-bowl berth last year was based on his name more than his play and he’ll be pushed this year by the rookie Peterman. Andre Gurode shared the Parcells doghouse last year with Allen by making senseless penalties at seemingly the worst times. He has unlimited potential but needs to step his mental game up a notch to keep his job. DeMingo Graham and Torrin Tucker will also be in the mix at the guard position.

At center the Boys’ are desperately hoping that Al Johnson can return from micro-fracture surgery on his knee. He had basically won the starter’s job after just two practices last year only to have his season come to an abrupt halt due to the injury. Matt Lehr and Gennaro DiNapoli did a respectable job filling in last year and were expected to compete with Johnson for the starter’s role this year. But DiNapoli will be sidelined for 4-to-6 weeks with a stress fracture in his right ankle (he’ll likely miss the first week or two of training camp) and Lehr is currently penciled in at the guard spot. That leaves Tyson Walter as the only competition for Johnson as training camp opens.

The Cowboys took a beating from the media last year when they signed Flozell Adams to a long-term deal. But the left tackle proved Dallas and Parcells right by earning his first pro-bowl appearance and becoming the leader and anchor of the group. There will be a fierce battle for the right tackle position between the rookie Rogers and incumbent Kurt Vollers with Javier Collins also getting a look from the staff.

Grade: B

Defensive Linemen

The signing of Wiley was two-fold in that the team hopes he can regain the form he displayed a couple years ago and that his presence will also open things up for Greg Ellis. Regardless, he should still be a huge upgrade over Ebenezer Ekuban. Eric Ogbogu and Kenyon Coleman have also caught the coach’s eye during mini-camps and should be a part of the rotation going into next season. Ogbogu actually finished third on the team last year by recording three and a half sacks in a limited role.

La’Roi Glover is a perennial pro-bowler at DT despite being consistently double-teamed. His sack totals have dipped since coming to Dallas from New Orleans three years ago, but he’s still been the most dominant defensive lineman on the team. Willie Blade is the favorite to win the other starting job, but will be challenged in camp by Leonardo Carson, Daleroy Stewart and Shaun Smith.

Grade: B+

Linebackers

Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley are the leaders of the linebackers and huge contributors to the leagues No.1 ranked defense. It is no secret that Parcells prefers big LBs, but Coakley and Nguyen have made believers out of him with their play on the field. Al Singleton is the other starter and provides experience and stability to go along with the size that Parcells prefers. Second year pro Bradie James should see a lot more action this year and could even oust Coakley or Singleton from their starting job. Markus Steele and Jamal Brooks provide excellent depth for the Cowboys.

Grade: A

Secondary

With Roy Williams, Terence Newman and Darren Woodson manning the secondary, it’s no wonder the Dallas Cowboys led the league in pass defense last season. Pete Hunter will be asked to take over the right CB spot for departed Mario Edwards and the coaching staff loves his combination of size and speed. Add in the return of Donald Mitchell and rookie Bruce Thornton along with Lynn Scott and Keith Davis, and it’s no wonder why Parcells considers this to be the strength of his top ranked defense.

Grade: A

Special Teams

Billy Cundiff had a solid sophomore campaign, proving he can be a consistent place-kicker. He tied an NFL single-game record by making seven field goals versus the NY Giants on a nationally televised Monday night game, including one from 52 yards out with no time left to tie the game. The Boys’ will go with Mat McBriar at punter this year after releasing Toby Gowin. Zuriel Smith, Michael Bates and rookies Jacques Reeves and Patrick Crayton will all compete for return duties during training camp.
Grade: C

Final Prediction
Dallas didn’t make as big of a splash in the free agent market as many expected. Then when they passed on Stephen Jackson in the draft, most experts (especially Mel Kiper) questioned their strategy. But Jones and Parcells realized that Dallas overachieved last year and they weren’t just one or two players away from competing for the Super Bowl.

Therefore they resisted the urge to throw money at high priced free agents, instead continuing to build through the draft. And with two first-round picks in next year’s draft, it seems apparent the Boys’ are building for the future.

But Bill Parcells’ influence and the history of success he’s had during his second year with teams shouldn’t be overlooked. Neither should the fact that Dallas plays seven non-playoff teams from last year in their first eight games and do not have any back-to-back road games on the schedule this year. Expect a quick start and a strong finish by the Cowboys this year. And while they’re not quite a championship caliber team just yet, Dallas should be able to duplicate last year’s 10-6 record and contend for another play-off berth.

Overall Grade: B

http://football.about.com/od/teamsco...a/aa071904.htm

adbutcher · 07-20-2004

Great Read! I love positive press; eventhough it has no bearing on the season I still love it and for the life of me I can't understand why some fans don't.

JBell523 · 07-20-2004

I agree 100% with the grades he gave to each position and the final record/prediction...

That's exactly what I would have given

Doomsday101 · 07-20-2004

I pretty much agree with the article and the grades. I'm a little skeptical giving the secondary a grade of A right now due to the uncertainty of Hunter taking over one of the CB slots but other than that I think this was a fair assessment

Mattsdad · 07-20-2004

10-6 would be great this year! Cant wait till we get this thing started!!

LaTunaNostra · 07-20-2004

Anyone have any feelings on how the new NFL secondary coverage rules (no chucking, rerouting, jersey grabbing, or other egregious manhandling after the first five yards - and this time they sound like the MEAN it), will effect our receivers and our secondary?

**trickblue** · 07-20-2004

Now I certainly enjoyed the read... but how can you possibly assign a grade before the season starts?

Sorry... pet peeve...

He could have written the article and left the grade off and it would have worked just fine...

Doomsday101 · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Anyone have any feelings on how the new NFL secondary coverage rules (no chucking, rerouting, jersey grabbing, or other egregious manhandling after the first five yards - and this time they sound like the MEAN it), will effect our receivers and our secondary?

I think it will have a big impact on secondaries around the league and seeing how it is something the officials will look at closely I think we will see more ticky tac fouls than ever before. I guess the best you can hope for within a game it the officials calling it call it the same for both teams. Last season alone I felt Edwards was nailed on several questionable calls

**trickblue** · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Anyone have any feelings on how the new NFL secondary coverage rules (no chucking, rerouting, jersey grabbing, or other egregious manhandling after the first five yards - and this time they sound like the MEAN it), will effect our receivers and our secondary?

It will make it tough on players like Law and McKenzie... IF ENFORCED... It will probably be the same ol same ol and they will pick out a few (Edwards) to flag every other play while leaving the "stars" alone...

This will work well for Dallas on paper...

The Dallas WR corp is primarily a finesse group... so hopefully it will benefit us...

Newman is a technique guy so it should not affect him... Hunter is the unknown... if he is not careful he could get the "Edwards Reputation" early on... basically ending his career as a starter at DB... his future will then be at safety (which it may be anyway)

Doomsday101 · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickblue

It will make it tough on players like Law and McKenzie... IF ENFORCED... It will probably be the same ol same ol and they will pick out a few (Edwards) to flag every other play while leaving the "stars" alone...

This will work well for Dallas on paper...

The Dallas WR corp is primarily a finesse group... so hopefully it will benefit us...

Newman is a technique guy so it should not affect him... Hunter is the unknown... if he is not careful he could get the "Edwards Reputation" early on... basically ending his career as a starter at DB... his future will then be at safety (which it may be anyway)

Only finesse WR on the team right now is Glenn. No way Keyshawn could be called finesse nor do I think Bryant is a finesse WR although I do think he has to learn a bit more of using his body to sheild the the defender

LaTunaNostra · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomsday101

I think it will have a big impact on secondaries around the league and seeing how it is something the officials will look at closely I think we will see more ticky tac fouls than ever before. I guess the best you can hope for within a game it the officials calling it call it the same for both teams. Last season alone I felt Edwards was nailed on several questionable calls

Yeah, it will impact everyone but some teams more than others. Miami's Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are in for some retraining.

The Pats safety Rodney Harrison was on NFL network last night and even tho it's the Pats who perfected the jersey grabbing and jamming 15 yards downfield, (see Marvin Harrison), Harrison took a pretty stoic approach, saying he knows "the public wants to see offense". He also knows he's got a HC who will come up with something new to beat the receivers.

From what I understand the more egregious offenses have been credited to the onslaught of big receivers into the league, and secondaries trying to deal with it. But it's been the smaller guys like Marvin Harrison who ended up really getting mugged.

I kind feel since Tnew and Pete are stil learning on the job, and haven't noticably been shirt pullers or late jammers, we will feel the impact less than muggers like they have in NE and Miami. Also, the league isn't coming down on the kind of big clean hit Roy and Woody are famous for, just the kind of borderline man-to-man we don't seem to overindulge in.

This new ruling is going to put more premium on size at corner. Another plus for Pete.

As far as our receivers are concerned, I think Terry is quick enough off the LOS to not suffer unduly. He'll get jammed legally in the first five, but will thrive if defenders can't grab his shirt, or in his case, backside as Mike Minter did last year.

Won't matter how slow Key is off the LOS..no one wants to tangle with him anyway.

I'm kinda seeing this needed rules change ( the jersey pulling and late jamming detracts from the game - I love D as much as O but the manhandling has gotten ridiculous) as of particular benefit to our team. The change is also going to step up the need for successful blitzing, and a quicker more efficient pass rush, which hopefully we get with Wiley this year.

LaTunaNostra · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickblue

Hunter is the unknown... if he is not careful he could get the "Edwards Reputation" early on... basically ending his career as a starter at DB... his future will then be at safety (which it may be anyway)

Yeah, that's a concern. What he does early in the season, when the officials are really going to be enforcing, could set him up for a long time. Poor kid.

**trickblue** · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomsday101

Only finesse WR on the team right now is Glenn. No way Keyshawn could be called finesse nor do I think Bryant is a finesse WR although I do think he has to learn a bit more of using his body to sheild the the defender

I said PRIMARILY... and Key was the exception... AB certainly has the body to be physical but as of yet is not... Glenn, Ward, Smith certainly aren't... no one knows what Randall Williams is yet...

Of the new crop Newson, Crayton and Copper have size but have not made the team yet...

James and Middleton are both smallish... and again... have not made the team...

Doomsday101 · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaTunaNostra

Yeah, it will impact everyone but some teams more than others. Miami's Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain are in for some retraining.

The Pats safety Rodney Harrison was on NFL network last night and even tho it's the Pats who perfected the jersey grabbing and jamming 15 yards downfield, (see Marvin Harrison), Harrison took a pretty stoic approach, saying he knows "the public wants to see offense". He also knows he's got a HC who will come up with something new to beat the receivers.

From what I understand the more egregious offenses have been credited to the onslaught of big receivers into the league, and secondaries trying to deal with it. But it's been the smaller guys like Marvin Harrison who ended up really getting mugged.

[View Full Quote]

Myself I don't like the rule because the officals let the WR get away with pushing and being physical with the CB. Face it if a WR and CB are both pushing and being physical the CB will get the foul 9 out of 10 times and being that interferance can be a 50 yard foul or more is just not right given the ticky tac nature of many of the fouls I see through out the league. I like the old way better and what college still uses which is a CB can make contact the entire way until the ball is in the air then the DB can't touch the WR. Also things like the 5 yard bump rule is called sometimes but not most of the time. Personally I think the officals get overloaded with all the rules and rule changes. What is the old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

LaTunaNostra · 07-20-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomsday101

Myself I don't like the rule because the officals let the WR get away with pushing and being physical with the CB. Face it if a WR and CB are both pushing and being physical the CB will get the foul 9 out of 10 times and being that interferance can be a 50 yard foul or more is just not right given the ticky tac nature of many of the fouls I see through out the league. I like the old way better and what college still uses which is a CB can make contact the entire way until the ball is in the air then the DB can't touch the WR. Also things like the 5 yard bump rule is called sometimes but not most of the time. Personally I think the officals get overloaded with all the rules and rule changes. What is the old saying "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

I do think the league needs to keep in mind that the 'public' likes defense too.

I have no desire to see the NFL become the NBA of a generation ago, no D, and guys just running the length of the court, scoring. Mike Riley's in my pantheon for helping turn that around.

Does seem most of the receiver inteference was reactive tho, not proactive. That too should diminish by extension, and it will be so much more obvious that it should get as consistently called as well.

I think at this time the league is acting wisely. I love D, but I don't want to see the amount of grabbing the Pats got away with last year.

Clayton did a piece on it lately - I don't think it got posted here, I am going to find it and post it.