ESPN: Tim MacMahon Cowboys Chat Transcript - 06/10/10

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Tim MacMahon (3:12 PM)




Thanks for joining this week's ESPNDallas.com chat. Sorry being pulling a Dez and being a little tardy. Let's get right to the questions.

Jake (iowa)



Why hasn't a team signed Atgowe yet? And the longer he is on the market, is there a better chance of the Boy's signing him?
Tim MacMahon (3:14 PM)




Teams are hesitant to commit to big contracts with the uncertainty of the CBA situation. Atogwe wants a big contract. The odds of Atogwe becoming a Cowboy are slim even if he stays on the market for a little while. They like Alan Ball and see Atogwe as a strong safety, not a free safety. They want a free safety with excellent coverage skills, so Ball fits the bill. Atogwe's ability to create turnovers makes him interesting, but he can't cover slot receivers one-on-one.

Jeff (Houston)



I've seen all these articles about Martellus Bennett focusing a lot more and getting a lot stronger and more mature on the football field. Do you see a breakout season coming for him?
Tim MacMahon (3:15 PM)




In hindsight, I went overboard on the Marty B hype a year ago. He seemed prime for a breakout season and it didn't happen. There's no doubt that the ability is there. Is the attention to detail? If he keeps freelancing and running sloppy routes, his potential will go to waste.

Eric (Texas)



The Cowboys were able to move the ball down the field last year, but they had many problems in the redzone. They were 2nd in total yards, but they weren't even in the top ten in points. How can they fix this?
Tim MacMahon (3:17 PM)




Jason Garrett's answer is that they need to eliminate the negative plays in the red zone. He's referring to penalties, sacks and losses of yardage. Most of those happened due to mental busts, so they need to find a way to be more focused when they can sniff the goal line. And it wasn't all Flozell Adams' fault.

Alex (Scotland, UK)



I dont see Ball being the answer at FS. Whats the chances Hamlin beats him out, hes a ball hawk with playing time. Ball looks more like a CB.Also...I'm coming over for Giants on MONDAY NIGHT (yes 4757 miles for a game) was wandering how easy to pick up tickets?keep up the work! My only source of material!!
Tim MacMahon (3:20 PM)




Alex, appreciate you reading from across the pond. ESPNScotland could be coming soon. Mike Hamlin will have to be outstanding during training camp and the preseason to beat out Ball, who earned the coaches' trust during his four games as a fill-in starter last season. But they do like Hamlin's knack for making plays. As far as tickets go, I'd recommend hitting up StubHub (sponsor of the site) beforehand. I'd hate for you to come all that way and end up empty handed or in the nosebleeds.

Brian (corsicana)



Tim, love your work man and thanx for all the updates at the OTA's! Its the only thing that gets me through work! anyway, why is it that teams dont sign free agents based on their talent. Besides the salary cap issues there are still quite a few good players that could help the boys out. cough cough maybe a kicker or safety. I am no TO fan but i hate that the guy cant catch on to a team, because i think he still has a 1000 yard season left in him with the right QB and system, what do you think?
Tim MacMahon (3:22 PM)




They like their safeties and want to give David Buehler every chance to prove he can handle the FG gig. If he can't, they'll have options in late August/early September. Matt Stover will probably still be available, and a handful of kickers will hit the open market after losing camp competitions. So there's no urgency there. As far as T.O. goes, teams are hesitant to take on a player who has been a divisive influence at three previous stops, especially considering he's in the twilight of his career and still wants to be well paid by NFL receiver standards.

Outlaw (VA)



Should the cowboys cut qb mcgee in order to carry a special teams ace or extra wide out? developmental qb's come and go and there will be alot more pro ready qb's next year in the draft
Tim MacMahon (3:24 PM)




When you draft a QB in the fourth round, it's tough to give up on the guy after one year. If they're looking for room on the roster, I'd recommend keeping nine OL instead of 10. They also might only keep four corners, since Alan Ball and perhaps Akwasi Owusu-Ansah can play there in a pinch.

Jordan (Austin,TX)



How do you see the receiver situation turning out?
Tim MacMahon (3:26 PM)




It's all guesswork at this time of year, but my hunch is they'll end up cutting Patrick Crayton and keeping Sam Hurd. The exact opposite could happen, but I have a hard time believing they'll keep both. If the top three receivers are healthy and Kevin Ogletree continues to develop, Crayton has no role. Hurd is one of the Cowboys' top special teamers, so he contributes even if he isn't in the receiver rotation.

MArk (Orlando, FL)



How do you think the left tackle and placekicker issues will be addressed before training camp?
Tim MacMahon (3:27 PM)




They won't be. The Cowboys will go to camp with what they have.

John (New Jersey)



Would Crayton garner a 3rd rounder if another team's WR gets injured during pre-season and Jerry starts shopping him? Or would Roy be more attractive to another team given that scenario?
Tim MacMahon (3:29 PM)




The Steelers got a fifth-rounder for Santonio Holmes, a recent Super Bowl MVP coming off a 1,000-yard season. Granted, Holmes has character issues, but there's no way a team gives up a higher pick for Crayton. It's unlikely a team would even give up a seventh-rounder at this point, with the possibility of Crayton getting cut and being available for a smaller salary. And Roy Williams' contract is untradeable.

txsports03 (Arlington)



Has Martellus Bennett shown any initiative on rebounding from his lackluster season last year, or is he on a quick trip down the depth chart?
Tim MacMahon (3:32 PM)




I don't see Martellus moving down the depth chart. The question is whether he'll live up to his potential. His work ethic isn't necessarily the issue. He's a Valley Ranch regular during the offseason and took on the challenge of lifting with the O-line this season. The issue is focus. If he's supposed to run a 10-yard in cut, he needs to make a sharp cut at exactly 10 yards, not round if off at 7 or 8. Attention to detail is a big reason why Jason Witten is a perennial Pro Bowler. Marty B needs to learn from that pronto.

mfe31 (rhode island)



Im the biggest Tony Romo fan there is but do you think all of this golf stuff is good for his craft.... if we dont win it all people are going to say he doesnt focus on being the QB of the Dallas Cowboys enough
Tim MacMahon (3:33 PM)




Keith Brooking says he plays golf three or four times per week during the offseason. Anybody want to question his commitment to football? I blogged about this the other day. Romo loves to compete, on and off the job. There are a heck of a lot worse ways franchise QBs could spend their free time. Ask Steelers and Falcons fans.

Alex (Florida)



There have been rumors that despite Felix Jones having a strong chance at nabbing the number 1 spot from Barber, Marion has been back to his previous form. What does the most likely outcome for the running back situation?
Tim MacMahon (3:34 PM)




They might stick with Barber as the starter, but I'm willing to bet that Felix gets more carries over the course of the season. Choice gets the scraps to start, but that could change if Barber doesn't produce or gets banged up again.

Shawn (North Carolina)



What's up Tim? Just wanted to know how Dez Bryant is doing since his scare the other day in practice?
Tim MacMahon (3:35 PM)




The Cowboys aren't too concerned about Bryant's hamstring, but they're exercising caution. He didn't practice yesterday. We're checking to see if he practiced today. (No media access.) Look for an update soon.

Blaise (Bmore)



Hey Tim. Any chance that since Ken Hamlin is still avialable that they bring him back on a 1 yr incentive ladin deal? That is when he was at his best. Or do they view Hamlin as a progress stopper for the younger players?
Tim MacMahon (3:37 PM)




He'd be a progress stopper at this point. There were some Valley Ranch folks who felt that way when he came back from his high ankle sprain last season, but the defense peaked at the end of the season, so no sense ripping the decision to give him his starting spot back.

Nick B. (Grapevine, TX)



Tim:Random question but whatever happened to Allen Rossum? There was so much talk about the dude helping our return game, then get gets hurt on the very first play in a Cowboys uniform, then we never hear from him again. I know he was old, but that's it?!?
Tim MacMahon (3:38 PM)




Rossum pulled a hammy, Crayton did well returning punts and the Cowboys decided they could make better use of that roster spot. That looks like a wrap on the career of one of the better return specialists in NFL history.

Chris (Lewisville)



Do you think Roy Williams is trying to start any type of problems with chemistry with his remarks about Crayton?
Tim MacMahon (3:39 PM)




No, not at all. He was just having fun. It was all said with a smile on his face, as I mentioned on the blog. They're good friends.

Brent (Commerce)



Should we start worrying about Dez being one of those injury-prone players? I mean, he's getting nicked up running non contact routes in OTAs?
Tim MacMahon (3:41 PM)




None of these injuries would prevent him from playing in a game. He's still working his way back into football shape after missing almost all of last season due to the NCAA suspension. Too early for serious concern. If he's riding the bike during training camp, worry away.

David (Vermont)



lonely cowboy fan in patriots country. But hopefully you'll answer my question anyways. I know Roy was given a huge contract and hasn't lived up to expectations, but in the redzone he was clearly our best WR. With the right planning and plays called for him I still think he can be a valuable part of this offense, and not a salary casualty next year... Thoughts?
Tim MacMahon (3:44 PM)




I'd have to crunch the numbers to be certain, but I believe Austin was actually the Cowboys' most effective red zone WR. But that was certainly Williams' strong suit last year. I think Roy will have to have at least 1,000 yards and eight TDs to keep his job another year, maybe more than that.

Diran (Ny)



What Role will jason williams have this year and Brandon williams?
Tim MacMahon (3:45 PM)




Jason Williams is competing with Sean Lee for a spot in their defensive sub packages. There's a chance they could both be out there in passing situations. Brandon Williams is trying to carve out a role as a situational pass-rusher, getting maybe 10 snaps per game to help keep Anthony Spencer and to a lesser extent DeMarcus Ware fresh. Both second-year Williamses need to be special teams studs.

Marcus (Rhode Island)



Who's the leading candidate for punt/kick returner
Tim MacMahon (3:46 PM)




Dez Bryant. He's a definite on punt returns. Kevin Ogletree and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah are other leading candidates on kick returns.

Diran (NY)



I understand giving young players a shot but isn't it a little worriesome to try giving young players a shot with no veteran back-ups when your trying to make a superbowl run?
Tim MacMahon (3:47 PM)




Worked out awfully well with Anthony Spencer and Mike Jenkins last year, right? The coaching staff gets the benefit of the doubt from me on those types of decision due to the success last year.

Shawn ((Ashe NC))



What do you think of Barber's playing ability since he's dropped 10 pounds? Does he exhibit a quicker step at practice?
Tim MacMahon (3:48 PM)




Barber always looks good at this time of year. How will he look after a month of pounding during the season? That's been the problem the last two years.

Bocephus (Illinois)



Do you personally believe Anthony Spencer could become as good as or better than Ware? There seem to be some rumblings that he was the better all around player last year despite lower sack totals.
Tim MacMahon (3:50 PM)




Wow ... not sure I'd go that far. You can make a case that Spencer is a bigger force against the run. In fact, Wade Phillips says he's never had an OLB who is tougher for tight ends to block. But Ware is arguably the premier pass rusher in the NFL. He's on a Hall of Fame pace. Spencer turned it on midway through last season, but how about we wait until he hits double digits in sacks one season before saying he's better than Ware?

Kevin (Wisconsin)



Will Miles Austin be as effective this year as he was last year?
Tim MacMahon (3:51 PM)




I don't believe Austin was a one-year wonder. With his size, speed, work ethic and rapport with Romo, I think he's still a star on the rise. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he matched last year's production, especially since he'll be the go-to guy from the get-go instead of waiting until October to get his shot to shine.

Sam (PA)



I saw the other day that Alan Ball was getting some reps at CB. I know Scandrick is hurt but do you think we will see Ball play the 4th CB position during the year and Hamlin or AOA at FS on those dime packages during the year? That would be a great way 2 those youngsters out on the field w/o pressure of being a FT starter
Tim MacMahon (3:52 PM)




That is the plan. When the opponents go four wide, Ball will be in the slot with Hamlin at safety.

DCFanatic (NY)



McBriar is doing all of the holding for Buehler right? If Buehler struggles do you think they change him out first and go back to Romo?
Tim MacMahon (3:53 PM)




The Aussie is indeed the holder again. I seriously doubt Romo will ever have that role again. That was a desperate attempt to salvage Nick Folk's fragile phsyche last year. It obviously didn't work.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)



How are the Prices at the Cowboys Stadium Concession Stands?
Tim MacMahon (3:54 PM)




Somewhere between exorbitant and ridiculous. Hey, Jerry's gotta get all his money back that he put into that palace.

Tim MacMahon (3:55 PM)




OK, folks, gonna wrap it up now. Thanks for all the questions. Sorry I didn't get to them all. We'll chat again from Valley Ranch tomorrow, taking questions from 10 a.m. until practice starts at 11:00.
 
WoodysGirl;3429953 said:
Tim MacMahon (3:12 PM)




Thanks for joining this week's ESPNDallas.com chat. Sorry being pulling a Dez and being a little tardy. Let's get right to the questions.


somebody please explain the point to this comment. does he really get satisfaction out of making this comment and sounding like he's been out of the loop for the past couple months and just finished reading the reports that Dez was supposedly late to practices and games?:bang2:
 
Gotta laugh at the moron thinking Spencer is better then Ware. Even banged up and limping Ware is better. As he showed last year.
 

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