CrazyCowboy
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Dallas http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL+Zone/Team+Reports/default.htm?mode=nfceast
Reasons for optimism: Continuity and talent, despite the coaching changes, are major factors that lead many to think the Cowboys can bounce back from a disappointing season. Phillips is expected to change the style of 3-4 defense from one that asked its line to clog lanes and hold the point of attack to one that slants and attacks upfield more and “one-gaps” less. It’s a style that turned the Chargers’ defense into one of the more feared. And there’s enough offensive heft to make this one of the league’s higher-scoring units.
Causes for concern: The assumption is that the offensive line is an improved unit, but there is only one new starter — Davis — unless someone beats out OLG Kyle Kosier, or there are injuries. Despite the success of the running game in ’06, you’d be stretching it to call the line a power-running unit; short-yardage situations were not a strength. And there are some who feel that QB Tony Romo, intermittently great and horrible in his first year starting, has much to prove this season.
Battle to watch: There are some spots up for grabs — including backup nose tackle, Nos. 4 and 5 receiver, fullback and backup center — and we’ll keep an eye on whether LOLB Greg Ellis can return healthy, or if Spencer will be asked to play a major role immediately. But the most significant battle, sexy or not, might be at kicker, where vet Martin Gramatica tries to fend off strong-legged sixth-rounder Nick Folk, who struggled with his accuracy through parts of the team’s minicamps.
Don’t be surprised if … rookie Isaiah Stanback makes the transition from college quarterback to NFL jack-of-all-trades. He looked raw catching punts in OTAs, but he’ll be tried there, as well as on coverage, as a wideout and in trick-play packages. There’s no doubting Stanback’s ability to run with the ball in his hands, and he could carve out a do-it-all role similar to the Jets’ Brad Smith.
Reasons for optimism: Continuity and talent, despite the coaching changes, are major factors that lead many to think the Cowboys can bounce back from a disappointing season. Phillips is expected to change the style of 3-4 defense from one that asked its line to clog lanes and hold the point of attack to one that slants and attacks upfield more and “one-gaps” less. It’s a style that turned the Chargers’ defense into one of the more feared. And there’s enough offensive heft to make this one of the league’s higher-scoring units.
Causes for concern: The assumption is that the offensive line is an improved unit, but there is only one new starter — Davis — unless someone beats out OLG Kyle Kosier, or there are injuries. Despite the success of the running game in ’06, you’d be stretching it to call the line a power-running unit; short-yardage situations were not a strength. And there are some who feel that QB Tony Romo, intermittently great and horrible in his first year starting, has much to prove this season.
Battle to watch: There are some spots up for grabs — including backup nose tackle, Nos. 4 and 5 receiver, fullback and backup center — and we’ll keep an eye on whether LOLB Greg Ellis can return healthy, or if Spencer will be asked to play a major role immediately. But the most significant battle, sexy or not, might be at kicker, where vet Martin Gramatica tries to fend off strong-legged sixth-rounder Nick Folk, who struggled with his accuracy through parts of the team’s minicamps.
Don’t be surprised if … rookie Isaiah Stanback makes the transition from college quarterback to NFL jack-of-all-trades. He looked raw catching punts in OTAs, but he’ll be tried there, as well as on coverage, as a wideout and in trick-play packages. There’s no doubting Stanback’s ability to run with the ball in his hands, and he could carve out a do-it-all role similar to the Jets’ Brad Smith.
