DeMarcus Ware: Is Dallas Cowboys OLB Worthy of Being Named 3rd Best in NFL?

Source: Bleacher Report

DeMarcus Ware received a nice honor by being named the third-best player in the NFL by CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco in his list of the top 100 players. The Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher is the highest defensive player ranked on the list. Cowboys fans must wonder whether Ware deserves to be ranked that high.

To know whether Prisco decided correctly, one must weigh the ranking based on how he judged players for the list. Prisco gave a bit of explanation by saying "it's based on eyes (mine), ears (listening to scouts) and watching hours of tape. ... This is based on actual football evaluation heading into the 2012 season."

To some degree, NFL fans can make what they will of Prisco's list, depending on whether they generally agree with his opinions.

If Cowboys fans are looking for an outsized number of players on the list, they'll be happy. Besides Ware, there's Tyron Smith (No. 38), Jason Witten (No. 43), Brandon Carr (No. 67) and Tony Romo (No. 78).

Telling from many of the comments Prisco made on players, he measured players to a large extent on impact and production. Prisco spoke of Aaron Rodgers' 2011 MVP award, the difficulty of covering Calvin Johnson and Darrelle Revis' ability in man coverage.

Prisco said of Ware, "This explosive pass-rusher has to be accounted for on every play. He missed out on the sack record, but not by much."

Ware is certainly one of the most productive pass-rushers in recent history. He has been in the top three in sacks in four of the last five seasons, leading the league in 2008 with 20 and 2010 with 15.5. In 2011, he was second with 19.5 after leading at midseason with 14.

He had a career-high five multi-sack games. In a Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Ware had four sacks.

Also, he has a tremendous impact on both the Cowboys' pass rush and opponents' game plans. He had 46.4 percent of the Cowboys' sacks. No other Cowboys defensive player had more than six.

Opponents surely recognize that the key to shutting down the Cowboys pass rush is to block Ware. Blocking Ware can lead to an easy time for the passing game. Conversely, failing to keep Ware at bay can lead to the quarterback taking a bit of a beating.

In comparison to Revis, who is ranked No. 5, Ware is inherently a bigger difference-maker. All a team has to do to take Revis out of the game is to have the quarterback not throw the ball in his direction. Teams must often watch for Ware rushing the quarterback, a practically unavoidable task as Ware can rush from various angles, whether in his normal position on the outside or any spot between the defensive ends.

Some might argue Jared Allen is a better pass-rusher than Ware. Despite having 2.5 more sacks than Ware in 2011, Allen's 77.5 sacks in the last five years is 2.5 less than Ware's 80.

Ware is currently at the top of the pile, and with a couple more years at the top of his game, he could hold the mantle as the top defensive player in such a ranking for another two years. Prisco was well in reason to rank Ware No. 3, considering Ware's impact and production.

Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com

The Dallas Cowboys' 7 Best and Worst Moves of the 2012 Offseason

Source: Bleacher Report

The Dallas Cowboys did a pretty good job of drumming up interest about the franchise this offseason. They made a big-splash signing, spent a lot of money and made headlines during the draft.

I would say that team owner Jerry Jones knows how to keep people talking about Dallas. But while the Cowboys were movers and shakers during free agency and the draft, did they make good decisions with their money?

From a fan's perspective, what move would you place on the good or bad list?

Well, I can certainly find a few that I believe will aid the Cowboys in their quest for a Super Bowl, and here are seven of them.

Note: If I did not mention a move or signing, it's because I did not feel it was good or bad.

Begin Slideshow

Hatcher sticks to leadership comment, but says Cowboys going in right direction with Sean Lee, accountability, camaraderie

Source: Cowboys Corner by Star-Telegram

Jason Hatcher still believes in his winter thoughts about the Cowboys’ leadership.

But he also likes what he is seeing right now.

And if that’s a result of what he said in February, that’s fine.

“I wasn’t dogging nobody. I wasn’t dogging the leaders we had,” the veteran defensive end said Sunday night at a benefit in Dallas for the North Texas Food Bank. “I just felt like, you know, guys can do better.”

In February, when Hatcher was asked in a radio interview on KESN 103.3 FM “The Fan” who the team leaders were, he said, “That’s a good question. I really don’t know.” He added that the Cowboys have talent but need a “Ray Lewis type” who “everybody buys into.”

Hatcher told reporters Sunday night that he was speaking from the heart and that he has seen a change.

“Whether it rubbed somebody the wrong way or not, I say what’s on my heart at the time,” he said. “I’m not going to say anything I ever regret. It was on my heart at the time, so I said it. ... Guys have stepped up. I like the way this team is going. We’ve got camaraderie, guys looking out for each other, guys working together. That’s the direction you’ve got to go as far as getting to the championship game. I’m very excited.”

Hatcher said linebacker Sean Lee, the team’s leading tackler last year, looks like a born leader.

“Sean’s always been that guy,” Hatcher said. “He will call you out in a second. We just need more guys like that. We can’t accept certain stuff, and we’re not going to do it this year. It’s a totally different team. We’re just taking the approach, one day at a time, we’re all trying to reach the common goal, which is the Super Bowl, so everybody has got to go the same direction. So I’m very, very happy the way this team is going.”

Asked if he’s a vocal leader himself, Hatcher said no, that he leads by example.

“It’s not going to be me making no rah-rah speech,” he said. “It’s going to be the hard-working Hatch that I’ve been since I’ve been here. People saw me work hard. I never gave up. I didn’t get the playing time I wanted, but look at me now. I’m a starter. That’s the way I lead. I can’t give you a rah-rah speech to tell you to get going. But I can every day, work my butt off, and I can be an example for you. If you look at me and step on the field, I’m going to work. You know that. So Hatch is working, I’ve got to work. So if I can lead in that aspect of it, I will. As far as saying something to the team, getting them going? I’m not that guy. I’m just a hard worker.”

Hatcher, a seven-year veteran drafted in the third round by the Cowboys, said he does not mind someone keeping him in line – as long as that someone has credibility.

“If I’m approaching the game wrong, get in my face,” he said. “If you’re working hard, get in my face. But if you’re slacking, you can’t say nothing to me. If you’re not a leader, if you’re not taking care of your business, you can’t say nothing to me. But if you’re going out there working hard day in and day out and I respect you, you can say something to me. And we’ve got that this year. Guys are working hard every single day. And I’ve grown to respect a lot of cats on this team. And we all have. It’s a very, very neat deal. You just see things unfolding in front of your eyes. It’s just one of those things that you pray for at night, and you know what’s wrong, and once you see it starting to fix itself, you say, ‘Here we go, now we’re going in the right direction,’ and I definitely feel that about this team this year.”

Hatcher said the players are getting to know each other better, also.

“It’s hard to play for the man across from you when you don’t know him,” he said. “But if you know him inside and out, you know his family, you know him as a person, you can go to war for him. And that’s what we have right now. Guys have been up here two months working out together. I’m just getting excited right now thinking about it. I’m ready to roll, just to see how this season turns out.”

-- Carlos Mendez

Twitter @calexmendez

Injury delays Cowboys plan to look at Mackenzy Bernadeau at center

Source: DallasNews.com

Cowboys' Jason Hatcher likes the way team is coming together

Source: Star-Telegram by By Charean Williams

DALLAS -- Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware had a family commitment that kept him from playing co-host to the Taste of the NFL, so defensive end Jason Hatcher was the only current player onstage at the eighth annual event Sunday night.

Will Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins show up for OTAs? Jason Garrett doesn't know

Source: DallasNews.com

Cowboys DE Jason Hatcher doesn't regret questioning Cowboys' leadership, says he now sees more of it

Source: DallasNews.com

Mackenzy Bernadeau's injury likely to keep him at right guard

Source: Cowboys Corner by Star-Telegram

Now that hip surgery will keep him out until at least training camp, Mackenky Bernadeau likely will concentrate on right guard. The free agent signee had been a candidate for the starting center job if one of the team’s young guards emerged.

“I think we would be less inclined to play him at a couple of different spots initially because he’s losing this off-season work,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “…We’re disappointed that he got banged up. He’s not going to be a part of this thing, but like with all our injured players, he has to stay close to it – be engaged in the meetings, be engaged in the practices and get as much information as he can – so when he comes back for the start of training camp, he’s ready to roll.”

Bernadeau, who signed a four-year, $11 million deal in March, is expected to miss 10-12 weeks after having surgery last week to repair a tear in his hip.

The Cowboys are hoping to provide Phil Costa with competition at center. Costa started every game there last season but struggled. Bill Nagy and Kevin Kowalski will get some work at the position.

"Obviously, we would rather him not be hurt," Garrett said. "But he did have that hip injury and had the surgery last week. He just has to be aggressive in his rehab and get back as quickly as he can. We have a number of other options in the offensive line, and we're excited to see those guys."

-- Charean Williams 

 

Cowboys "hopeful" Mike Jenkins will show up for OTAs

Source: Cowboys Corner by Star-Telegram

The Cowboys begin organized team activities Tuesday. The workouts are voluntary, but the Cowboys would love it if cornerback Mike Jenkins showed up to be with his teammates at Valley Ranch.

"We're certainly hopeful of that," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said.

Garrett said he has no idea whether Jenkins will participate.

Jenkins has been rehabbing from right shoulder surgery at his home in Florida, having avoided the team’s off-season workouts at Valley Ranch. The front office has questioned Jenkins’ absence, saying he needs to return to work.

Jenkins, who enters the final year of his contract, became trade bait after the Cowboys signed free agent Brandon Carr and drafted LSU’s Morris Claiborne. But owner Jerry Jones said recently that Jenkins is a “vital part” of the team’s 2012 plans.

Jenkins is not expected to be healthy enough to practice until training camp, but the team would rather he rehab at Valley Ranch.

He was the team's best cornerback last season despite an injury-plagued season. Jenkins made 22 tackles and had an interception and 10 pass breakups.

-- Charean Williams

Babe Ruth jersey sells for record $4.4 million

Source: Express-News

Babe Ruth jersey sells for record $4.4 million Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Updated 09:47 p.m., Sunday, May 20, 2012

A baseball jersey worn by The Bambino sold for more than $4.4 million Sunday, a record for any item of sports memorabilia, according to the buyer and seller. "[...] a spectacular piece will find a home with one of our private clients who truly appreciates its historic significance," Lelands.com president Michael Heffner said in a statement. [...] Ruth's 1934 New York Yankees cap that was owned by former major league pitcher David Wells sold for $537,278 at auction. The colorful Wells bought the cap for about $30,000 from a collector and famously paid homage to his idol by wearing it on the mound with the Yankees during a game on June 28, 1997. The proceeds will help Young begin a foundation to help kids and student athletes near his home in Ventura County, Calif., SCP Auctions said.

Dallas Cowboys Are Coming to Oxnard, CA: Fan's Look (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

As a football fan, I think one of the best experiences to really get close to the team is an NFL training camp visit. It's a great chance to actually interact with the players in a much less high-pressure environment than found during the regular season. For fans of the Dallas Cowboys, especially those living in Southern California, all it takes is a trip to Oxnard to visit the 2012 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp.

Dallas Cowboys: Tyrone Crawford the Next Jason Pierre-Paul?

Source: Bleacher Report

Tyrone Crawford, taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, has a number of things in common with Jason Pierre-Paul, the New York Giants' latest terror along the defensive line.

While this is no doubt the kind of sports story that drives coaches nuts, given that Crawford hasn’t even played a snap in an NFL preseason game, I am going to go ahead and lay out some comparisons and contrasts between these two players and make a strong case for Crawford’s potential.

 JPP started his collegiate career not at a major athletic program, but at a little school named College of the Canyons, in California. Next, he transferred to Fort Scott Community College and played a season with them. He transferred yet again in 2009, to the University of South Florida.

Crawford started his collegiate career at a Bakersfield College in California. Next, he transferred to Boise State. He played two seasons at Boise State before entering the draft.

JPP played 13 games for South Florida with seven starts and totaled 45 tackles (16.5 for losses), 6.5 sacks, one interception (returned 18 yards for a touchdown), broke up three passes and forced two fumbles. He was named First-Team All-America by Pro Football Weekly, and was also First-Team All-Big East.

Crawford totaled 13.5 sacks, 27 tackles for a loss and 76 tackles in 25 games at Boise State from 2010-2011. Crawford had a production ratio of 1.62, the highest of any defensive linemen in the 2012 draft.

 

Pre-Draft Measureables

JPP: 6’ 5”, 278 lbs

40 time: 4.71, Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches, Broad Jump: 9’7”, 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.67

3 Cone Drill: 7.18, Bench Press: 19

 

Crawford: 6’4”, 282 lbs

40 time: 4.89, Vertical Jump: 33, Broad Jump: 9’5”, 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.44

3 Cone Drill: 7.07, Bench Press: 28

 

Note that Crawford is slightly more compact at 6’4” and slightly heavier, but has a very similar build to JPP. Crawford’s 40 time is 18 hundreths of a second slower, but his vertical is better, his broad jump is only two inches less, his 20 yard shuttle is 23/100ths faster, his three-cone is 11 hundreths faster and his bench press number is much better, at 28.

So in most of these numbers, Crawford is actually better than JPP. What remains to be seen is if there is another level in Crawford that can be developed.

JPP had 4.5 sacks in his first season. It wasn’t until his second year that he really exploded, finishing with 16.5 sacks and a full highlight reel of game-changing plays made throughout the season.

JPP had another level in him to be developed. In high school, JPP’s sport was basketball. He didn’t start playing high school ball until late in his junior year. He was learning on the fly in high school, at two JUCOs and South Florida. There was a great deal of football skill and IQ yet to be cultivated when the Giants drafted him.

Crawford didn’t start playing football until his freshman year of high school in Canada. He also starred in basketball. He also had much to learn about the game in junior college and at Boise State.

For JPP, he was such an athletic freak that after one year of transition to the pro game, he has become one of the most disruptive and productive defensive linemen in the NFL.

Crawford has very comparable measureables, has a similar background of limited exposure to football, worked his way up from junior college to the NFL and is known to have a strong work ethic.

The question is: Will Crawford make the transition as quickly as JPP?

Does he have another level to develop, like JPP did?

Cowboys fans should expect a fair amount of learning on the job this year. Crawford isn’t likely to start for a while, but should be part of the rotation at defensive end early in the season.

JPP finished his first year with 4.5 sacks. If Crawford puts up similar numbers in 2012 and shows flashes of JPP-like disruption, there will be substantial reason for optimism.

Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com

Dallas Cowboys Projects: Aston Whiteside

Source: Blogging The Boys by Archie Barberio

Over the years the Dallas Cowboys have scoured the football world looking for talent to fill out their roster. We have become accustomed to seeing athletic standouts from interesting backgrounds in basically every training camp the Cowboys have held the past few seasons.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft after a productive career for small school football program IUP. Akwasi played cornerback and safety in college, but he was electrifying on special teams. This was the safety that I thought would finally change the position for the Cowboys, but it never

Saints shift executive staff

Source: Express-News

Saints shift executive staff Lauscha will add the responsibilities of overseeing the club's marketing, ticket operations, legal department and community affairs.

Cowboys with no interest in Deon Grant

Source: ESPN Dallas

Free agent safety Deon Grant told Sirius/XM the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are interested in his services. Multiple sources said the Cowboys are not interested in Grant. For the Giants last season, Grant was credited by the team with 58 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and six pass breakups. Grant, 33, plays free safety and with the Cowboys signing Brodney Pool in free agency to pair up with Gerald Sensabaugh it doesn't make sense to sign him.

NFP's Sunday Blitz: Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson fight to overcome size concerns (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

Jon Kitna goes back to high school

Source: ESPN Dallas

When quarterback Jon Kitna was hanging around Valley Ranch he talked about what he would do when he retired: Go back to high school. The Seattle Times' Danny O'Neil writes a good story about Kitna going back to Tacoma, Wash., and teaching at his old high school, Abraham Lincoln. Here's the story. Kitna retired following the season when his back just couldn't respond for him anymore. The Cowboys placed Kitna on injured reserve Dec. 14. He finished his career with 29,677 yards and 169 touchdowns and 165 interceptions.

Consistency Is The Best Medicine For The Dallas Cowboys

Source: The Landry Hat by kimdunning

Considering this year to be the best off-season in a long time it’s time to take a look and see what the Dallas Cowboys need to continue the movement from an average team to a dominate contender to be Super Bowl Champions for the sixth time. … [visit site to read more]

Consistency Is The Best Medicine For The Dallas Cowboys - The Landry Hat - The Landry Hat - A Dallas Cowboys Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Let's see why there's buzz about Andre Holmes

Source: ESPN Dallas

We’re about to finally get a glimpse to see why there’s all this buzz about Andre Holmes. Wednesday’s OTA session, which will be the first one this offseason open to the Valley Ranch media, will be the first time any of us have seen Holmes actually run a pass route. But there will be a lot of eyes on the second-year undrafted receiver because the coaches and front office are so high on him. Holmes was the first name out of Jerry Jones’ mouth at the scouting combine in February when the Cowboys’ owner/general manager discussed the possibility of losing Laurent Robinson in free agency.

What The 2012 Dallas Cowboys Are Still Missing

Source: The Landry Hat by Levi Glenn

What The 2012 Dallas Cowboys Are Still Missing - The Landry Hat - The Landry Hat - A Dallas Cowboys Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Dallas Cowboys Young Guns: Top 10 Players Under The Age Of 25

Source: Blogging The Boys by One.Cool.Customer

Earlier this week we looked at the roster churn the Cowboys have had over the last two years and found that only 24 players who were on the 53-man roster on opening day of the 2010 season are still on the roster today.

And that list of 24 players didn't just feature the current franchise players like Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Jason Witten or DeMarcus Ware, it also featured some of the names that will likely be the Cowboys franchise players in a couple of years: the

NFP Sunday Blitz (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Are Russell Wilson and Kellen Moore big enough? Plus, all the latest dope.

2012 Dallas Cowboys: Why DeMarco Murray's Impact Is Key to This Offense

Source: Bleacher Report

During the 2011 season, the Dallas Cowboys brought new definition to the phrase failure to close out games. Now that we've uncovered their biggest problem and what ultimately cost them a playoff berth, it's also encouraging to see the Cowboys take major steps in rectifying the failures of last season.

When you look back to last season, the impact DeMarco Murray had on this team, and not just the offense, was very profound. The Cowboys played mediocre football before he became the starter and plummeted after he fractured his ankle. He was actually the solution to the Cowboys' problems at a point in the season where Felix Jones had failed to put any fear into opposing defenses.

His ability to run the ball effectively late in the fourth quarter not only clinched victories for the Cowboys, but he was probably a huge factor in helping Tony Romo have his best statistical season of his career. What was more amazing is that Murray consistently took on eight-man fronts and was able to successfully run behind a rebuilding and young offensive line. With Murray running loose, the Cowboys found themselves in first place at 7-4. We all know what happened later.

 I see it as no coincidence that the Cowboys lost their final four games after losing Murray for the year.

When the Cowboys drafted Murray, the concerns that accompanied him had to do with his injury history, and that ultimately did prove to be the case last year. I'm sure the questions about his future health will continue to be a hot button topic and should've prompted the Cowboys to do some work in free agency or the draft. Unfortunately, the Cowboys held firm at the running back position, and instead, opted to sign two undrafted free agents.

That decision could come back to bite the Cowboys next year as Felix Jones is in the last year of his contract. Jones will once again find himself in a backup role, but will he play motivated? A player, once thought of as the long-term solution at running back, has seen his career marked by injuries.

The Cowboys seem content to let Jones play out his contract instead of trading him for less value. If he can draw from his motivation and turn in a big year, then it will make this offense even more dangerous. This will also be a big year for Phillip Tanner, who showed flashes of potential last season.

Putting Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner aside, If the Cowboys are able to run the ball effectively in the second half of games with Murray leading the way, then that can be huge in solving their problems of failing to close out games. In a short span last season, Murray showed his ability to simply take over games both as a runner and being able to catch passes out of the backfield for crucial first downs.

When Murray picks up in 2012 where he left off in 2011, his impact on this offense will be even more influential. After having success as a rookie and displaying what his talent means to his offense, I also believed he's learned what it will take from a physical standpoint in terms of offseason training as he heads into his second year. Factor in the addition of Lawrence Vickers and the impact he had in Arian Foster's career, and it's hard not to get excited how Murray's game can reach new heights as well.

Not only will he be able to provide this offense with four to five yards a carry as a runner while being a dangerous receiving weapon out of the backfield, but he will, yet again, help elevate Tony Romo's game. Murray's ability to keep defenses honest will also help the Cowboys get greater and proper production out of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, as teams will have to account for Murray all the time.

His ability to have an impact on the passing game of the Cowboys will not only propel this offense into the top five, but it could be the determining factor in how successful this offense is in 2012.

For Cowboy fans, it's still hard looking back at the 2011 season and how it ultimately ended. But on bright side, the Cowboys were able to establish their running back of the future, and we all saw just a glimpse of his impact.

I think DeMarco's impact not only is the key to this offense in 2012, but it's quite enviable.

Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com

Cowboys Keeping First Round Pick Morris Claiborne Out Until Training Camp

Source: Blogging The Boys by KD Drummond

Well, the kid really wants to play; that much is obvious. Earlier this week, Dallas Cowboys first-round selection Morris "Pick Six" Claiborne announced that he was targeting the team's first mandatory mini-camp for his return to full action from ligament damage in his left wrist. The dates of June 12th - 14th were seared into every anxious Cowboys fans head as the timeframe when they would get their first reports of the secondary's newest toy; one of the key cogs in the transformation of a problem area into a unit of strength.

Apparently, team officials would like to be a bit more cautious with Claiborne and today announced that he would

Dallas Cowboys: Will Andre Holmes Be the Next UDFA Star?

Source: Bleacher Report

Andre Holmes is one of the many wide receivers currently on the roster for the Dallas Cowboys who will be fighting for a roster spot this summer.

He was originally signed as an UDFA in 2011 to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings waived him and Dallas signed him to their practice squad.

Prior to playing the Lions, Dallas used Holmes on their scout team to imitate Calvin Johnson.

Johnson is 6'5", 232 lbs and runs a 4.32

Holmes is 6'5", 210 lbs and runs a 4.45

Former NFL scout, Brian Broaddus, now with DallasCowboys.com, had this to say about Holmes:

Holmes did a nice job of adjusting his body along the sideline to keep his feet in bounds and catch the ball. He played with technique to free himself in routes, using an arm-over move to buy himself some space. He was a willing blocker, not a killer, but more of a get-in-the-way type. His team brought him in motion to crack on the edge.

Holmes did play some on the slot. He used his hands to snatch the ball, and did a good job of getting up field once he had the ball in his hands. He has outstanding timed speed and you see it when he ran crossing routes. He can really cover some ground when on the move and will get vertical.

This by itself, is encouraging. The fact that he has good hands to go along with a great combination of size and speed, the fact that he has good technique and the fact that he looks good in crossing routes, are all positives.

More from Broaddus:

He will catch the ball with men on his back in traffic, and was willing to take his route inside, catch the ball and take a hit from the defender. He will lay out for the ball down the field. He knows how to push off to buy himself some separation, and showed the ability to adjust to the low ball. 

He was a raw route-runner in college—there was not much smoothness or purpose in this area. But he was clearly better than anyone who tried to cover him, so he wasn't taxed like he would be in the NFL...

Now, Holmes is over a year removed from the games that I was able to study, so you have to feel like there would be improvements in many of the critical areas that I pointed out. His measurables are quite impressive along with his ability to catch the ball, so he has that going for him.

Much will depend upon his ability to learn the offense, run better routes, block correctly in the run game and above all else, contribute on special teams.

But you have to love that the guy catches well in traffic, can take a hit, lays out for the ball and is scrappy enough to battle with corner backs to get separation.

Holmes has the things you can't teach: size, speed and hands. And Miles Austin can certainly advise him cracking the lineup as an UDFA. If he is quick to pick up the rest, he will not only make the team, but also see some playing time this year.

Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com

Troy Aikman Talks About The Nineties Cowboys Championships - And How It Could Have Been Better

Source: Blogging The Boys by Tom Ryle

What could have been.

That is a thought that can be very dangerous. The whole woulda/coulda/shoulda thing can drag a person down, sometimes all the way. I'm sure you all know people who spend their entire lives blaming past mistakes for the misery of their present, or even worse, blaming everything but their own choices and actions for how badly things turned out. We all have things in our past that could have gone differently and changed everything else. Some handle them well and learn from them. Others don't. And only rarely do they really ruin it all for us, notwithstanding Jackie

Report: Claiborne won't be ready for Dallas Cowboys minicamp

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick Morris Claiborne will not be ready to participate in mandatory minicamp in June as the cornerback previously said, according to DallasCowboys.com

What Will Be The Identity Of The 2012 Dallas Cowboys?

Source: Blogging The Boys by Archie Barberio

The other day OCC posted a great article about what wins games for the Dallas Cowboys. In his article he brings up the merits of whether the offense or defense is the reason for success or failure. That article was truly thought provoking because the argument can go either way. I began to ponder about who exactly the Dallas Cowboys will be in 2012.

Related: Who Wins Games for the Cowboys: Offense or Defense?

Every successful team has an identity. Whether it is an offensive, defensive, passing or

Benson, McAllister Worthy New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Inductees: Fan's Opinion (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

Weekend mailbag: Beatty faces pressure

Source: NFC East Blog

Welcome to the weekend, and to the weekend mailbag, where I try to round up some of your more interesting questions from the week and answer them the best I can. We shall get right to it. Dave from Brookfield, Conn., would have picked left tackle Will Beatty for the New York Giants' entry in Friday's "Pressure Point" series. I went with Ahmad Bradshaw, as you can see if you click on that link. Dan Graziano: That's a great call, Dave, and probably a better one than Bradshaw.

Dallas Cowboys: How Will Felix Jones Respond in 2012?

Source: Bleacher Report

The Dallas Cowboys have a good situation at running backs. DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones are both capable backs who have shown flashes of brilliance in the past.

In seven starts last season, Murray rushed for 897 yards and nine touchdowns, with an amazing 5.5 yards per carry average. Jones started eight games and rushed for 575 yards and a touchdown, with a great 4.5 yards per carry average.

Both running backs have proven that they can grind for hard fought yards on the ground. At this point in time, Jones is the better receiving back and can make some plays in special teams.

However, after an injury to Jones last season, the rookie Murray stepped up and stole the starting job. Actually, he took off with it. Heading into 2012, it appears as if the running back job is Murray's to lose.

But Dallas still needs Jones to contribute to their offense.

In his four NFL seasons, Jones has averaged a consistent 5.1 yards per carry. In 16 career starts, Jones has rushed for 2,326 yards. He has also caught 102 passes for 800 yards in that time span. Jones has gained a lot of yards through the ground and passing game and is a very good player the Cowboys need in their offense.

But after Jones lost his starting job in 2011, he just hasn't looked the same.

In a Thanksgiving win over the Miami Dolphins, Jones got no carries as a backup. Instead, he was a returner for four kicks and had one pass thrown his way. Obviously, Jones was not thrilled to be a starter, get hurt and get no carries when he returned to form. Even when he did get opportunities he didn't steal the job back from Murray like the way it was taken from him.

But put 2011 in the past.

Jones is entering the final year of his contract and will have a lot to play for in 2012. He should show the Cowboys how valuable he is, but he can also try to earn a big pay-day come March. He knows his role is diminished but how he responds remains to be seen.

But the NFL's all-time leading rusher doesn't want Jones to back away. Emmitt Smith wants to see Jones step up, according to ESPN, and take back what was once his. Jones is a multipurpose player and he can make plays in a variety of ways.

And competition makes everyone better.

If Jones and Murray push each other and both play great football, the Cowboys will have a great situation. Whichever back they put into the game will be hungry and willing to fight for every yard to prove their worth. Both Jones and Murray have a lot of value to provide the Cowboys, but they must battle it out in training camp to see who gets the workload on Sundays.

So the job looks like it's Murray's to lose at this point in time. Jones can either accept his role as a backup and try to prove himself for free agency. Or, he can step up and compete for carries. He has shown that keeping him on the bench hurts the football team and has proven to be an electric player.

The choice is up to Jones. Nothing will be handed to him based on his past success. He must come into camp in shape and with a chip on his shoulder. The Cowboys are primed for success and maybe a reemergence of Jones puts them over the edge in 2012.

Read more Dallas Cowboys news on BleacherReport.com

The Cowboys Are Getting Strong At Safety

Source: The Landry Hat by Keith Peavy

In 2011, the Dallas Cowboys secondary fell flat on its face, and cost the team 4 out of 5 losses in the final few games of the season.

Jerry Jones, Jason Garrett, Rob Ryan, and newly hired secondary coach Jerome Henderson have committed … [visit site to read more]

The Cowboys Are Getting Strong At Safety - The Landry Hat - The Landry Hat - A Dallas Cowboys Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Dallas Cowboys Headlines: Pressure On Rob Ryan, Tyron Smith Ready To Break Out, More

Source: Blogging The Boys by One.Cool.Customer

Pressure point: Cowboys - ESPN NFC East Blog
Dan Graziano looks at who faces the most challenging season for the Dallas Cowboys and why, and suggests it may be defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Ryan's got to show something really impressive this year, because if the Cowboys' defense is costing them games again in December, his record and his pedigree aren't going to be enough to spare him the blame.

NFC East offseason report

Triplets ponder Cowboys' downfall on Eisen podcast

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin won three Super Bowls in Dallas, but rarely sit down as one to recall those days. The Rich Eisen Podcast reeled them in for a must-listen.

Cowboys' Mackenzy Bernadeau has surgery on hip

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

Cowboys guard Mackenzy Bernadeau reportedly underwent surgery last weekend to repair a tear in his right hip.

With Brees negotiating, Chase Daniel is Saints' quarterback for May practices

Source: Star-Telegram by By BRETT MARTEL

Chase Daniel, from Southlake Carroll, is eager for the opportunity but mindful it's Drew Brees' job.

NFL notes: LT's ring put up for auction

Source: Star-Telegram

Notes

Arkansas' Smith eager to prove himself in the SEC

Source: Express-News

Arkansas' Smith eager to prove himself in the SEC Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Published 12:05 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2012

The interim Arkansas coach is not renowned for his offensive prowess or defensive scheming. Beneath the laughs, though, is a coach brimming with every bit the competitive nature of Petrino — his ousted predecessor with the Razorbacks — or Saban, Alabama's three-time national championship coach. Arkansas hired Smith last month to replace the disgraced Petrino, who was fired following his affair with football department staffer Jessica Dorrell and after initially misleading the university and public about Dorrell's presence at his April 1 motorcycle accident. The two coached together at four different schools — Idaho, Utah State, Louisville and with the Razorbacks — and Petrino treated his mentor with nothing but respect, allowing Smith to do his job while consulting him when needed. To many, he was the goofy coach who had a "meltdown" during a halftime television interview against Ohio State in 2005. The coach once revered as a maverick, the likeable fellow who enjoyed skydiving, mountain climbing, riding in jets and jungle safaris was thought to have outlived his coaching shelf life. Smith was his usual effusive self during his introductory news conference with the Razorbacks, cracking jokes, raising his voice and letting Arkansas know his personality was indeed larger than life. Smith left behind a four-year, $130,000 annual contract at Weber State to come back to Arkansas, where his return has been anything but a smooth ride. In the email, which was obtained by The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request, Hilburn said Smith "was a total failure" as the team's special teams coach the last three seasons and that he didn't agree with bringing Smith back from Weber State. The Razorbacks led the SEC with four punt returns for touchdowns last season, were third in kickoff coverage and fourth in kickoff return average. Branch struggled with his grades early on with the Cardinals, but Smith showed just the right mix of support and tough love in steering Branch back on the path to success.

O'Brien keeps message fresh in selling Penn State

Source: Express-News

O'Brien keeps message fresh in selling Penn State Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Published 11:05 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — After three weeks of crisscrossing the Northeast to rally and re-assure the Nittany Lions faithful that all will be well in Happy Valley, Bill O'Brien still had fresh material when the Penn State coaching caravan reached its 18th and final stop. The school's new football coach pulled off his sport coat, stepped to the podium and immediately fixed his attention on Terry Pegula seated in the front row among 150 alumni in a suburban Buffalo ballroom. The purpose of this O'Brien-inspired goodwill tour was instead to begin mapping a post-Joe Paterno future at a school and in a fan-alumni community still shaken by the child sex abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. There was no deviation from the message O'Brien delivered at every stop — from Richmond, Va., to New York City, Cleveland, and now Buffalo — when it came to upholding Paterno's legacy, how he's come to revere the tight-knit Penn State community, and how important it is for everyone to begin looking ahead. O'Brien, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator, is now five months into his tenure and three months from making his head-coaching debut on Sept. 1, when the Nittany Lions host Ohio. [...] he was praised for preserving the uniform, and that includes not having a player's name on the back of the jersey. "[...] there was a legendary, iconic head coach here for 46 years named Joe Paterno who did so many things for this university, this football program, college football," O'Brien said. In September 2010, he donated $88 million to fund the construction of a new campus ice arena and establish men's and women's Division I hockey programs. [...] Pegula was on his way out of the hotel when he waved goodbye to O'Brien, who was about to board the bus for the four-hour ride home.

LT's ring put up for auction

Source: Star-Telegram

Notes

Tebow lawyers threatening to sue T-shirt makers

Source: Express-News

Tebow lawyers threatening to sue T-shirt makers NEW YORK (AP) — Lawyers representing Tim Tebow have issued a cease and desist letter to a T-shirt manufacturer which they say is illegally using the name of the New York Jets quarterback to sell products. Tebow's attorneys threatened to pursue legal action against the company for "using the name of Mr. Tebow" on its site "to promote, advertise and sell numerous T-shirts."

Jets make Bauer director of college scouting

Source: Express-News

Jets make Bauer director of college scouting Jets make Bauer director of college scouting FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have promoted Jeff Bauer to director of college scouting, filling the vacancy created when Joey Clinkscales left to become Oakland's director of player personnel.

Dallas Cowboys Have To Wait While Other Teams Sign Rookies At Record Pace

Source: Blogging The Boys by One.Cool.Customer

The rookie pool established in the new CBA has taken all the suspense out of the the NFL rookie contracts. The contract numbers are now determined based on the number, round and position of a team's selection choices in the draft. This means that there is virtually no room for negotiation between a player's agent and the teams, as there is only a fixed amount of money available even for top tier picks. As a result, teams are signing their rookies at a record pace, as NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted earlier today:

Drafted players signed thru last night: 147. Thru May of 2010? 13. May of 2009? 11. 2008? 7. 2007? 25. 2006? 2. 2005?

Lions' Johnson homers at Comerica

Source: Express-News

Lions' Johnson homers at Comerica The star wide receiver from the Detroit Lions took a few swings at Comerica Park on Friday night before the Tigers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Johnson even hit one ball over the fence in left field.

Prisco's top 100 ranks Brady No. 2; Romo at No. 78

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

While we have yet to see where (or if) Peyton Manning will be on NFL Network's "Top 100: Players of 2012," Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has already ranked him at No. 33 on his own list, though Manning didn't play a snap in 2011.

Daniel eager to work with Saints' starting offense (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

METAIRIE, La. (AP) Chase Daniel has completed 75 percent of his passes during his first three years in the NFL, which would rank him among the league's top quarterbacks if not for the fact that he's only thrown eight passes.

GM says Super Bowl ads too expensive and bows out

Source: Express-News

GM says Super Bowl ads too expensive and bows out Associated Press Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Updated 05:07 p.m., Friday, May 18, 2012

The Detroit automaker said Friday that it won't be advertising on the Feb. 3 spectacle because of a steep price hike demanded by CBS, the network broadcasting the game. A person with knowledge of advertising costs said Friday that CBS wants 25-to-30-percent more for air time than NBC charged during this year's game. GM advertised on this year's Super Bowl with a spot that rankled rival Ford Motor Co. One of GM's ads implied that its Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was more dependable than Ford's F-Series pickup. Hyundai Motor Co., which had five spots before and during this year's Super Bowl, is willing to pay the price increase for next year's game, Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing in the U.S., said Friday. The Korean automaker has used Super Bowl ads for the last several years to help build its image and raise its U.S. market share. Chrysler Group LLC has used lengthy spots during the past two years to highlight its comeback from bankruptcy protection.