Cowboys Corner

Just CHILL: Cowboys Grades at the Midpoint

 

Clarence Hill
 

Here are my grades for the 6-2 and NFC East leading Cowboys at the midpoint of the season:

RUSH OFFENSE: B-- The Cowboys are seventh in the league in rushing, averaging 138 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry. And while the Cowboys are getting decent production from running backs Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, neither are having stellar seasons. A lot of the credit goes to behemoths up front. Center Andre Gurode and guard Leonard Davis are again having Pro Bowl seasons. The return of guard Kyle Kosier gives the chemistry they missed last season. The two-tight end offense also helps as Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett are getting it done in the run game. 

PASS OFFENSE: A--Tony Romo has met the challenge and come out a better man. He is still making plays but he's playing mistake free in the process with 13 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He only has one pick the last four games. It's notable that supposed No. 1 receiver Roy Williams has put up disappointing numbers so far. But it's even more notable that Miles Austin has more than picked up the slack, putting up numbers that Williams and former Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens can only dream about this season. And oh by the way, tight end Jason Witten is again leading the Cowboys in receptions, although he is admittedly having a down year.

RUSH DEFENSE: B+--The Cowboys are ranked 12th in league in rushing defense. But that does not tell the story of how well they have been playing against the run of late. That number is skewed by the embarrassing 174 yards the Cowboys gave up on the ground to Tampa Bay in the season opener. The Phillips' 3-4 has fixed things since. Consider that the Cowboys have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing in five of the last seven games and three of the last four. The Cowboys are giving up an average of 3.8 yards per carry since the season opener. Nose tackle Jay Ratliff, who is the heart and soul of the defense and arguably the best player,  is the key  to everything that is going on up front. And he is flanked by inside linebacker duo are Bradie James and Keith Brooking, who are both tackling machines.

PASS DEFENSE: B--This is another unit that has gotten better as the season has gone on. Remember they went the first two games without recording a sacks and were picked apart by the Giants in Week 2. They now have 21 sacks on the season, including 18 in the past five games combined and 15 during the current four game winning streak. DeMarcus Ware is leading the way again with five sacks. But Ratliff has four and Cowboys have gotten three each from linebackers Keith Brooking and Victor Butler. The Cowboys still need to get some production from much maligned linebacker Anthony Spencer. The secondary has also stepped up in a big way and credit game-changing performances from cornerback Mike Jenkins and safety Gerald Sensabaugh. Jenkins is just in his second year but he is the best cover cornerback on the team. And Sensabaugh is just the ball hawking safety Roy Williams wished he could be, even with a broken thumb. 

SPECIAL TEAMS: A--If you don't think Joe DeCamillis has made  a difference on special teams then consider the fact that wide receiver Patrick Crayton has returned two punts for touchdowns and is among the league leaders in punt returns. Yes, the same slow-footed Crayton that coach Wade Phillips said was back there primarily to catch the ball because he had the most experience doing it on the team. Crayton gets credit for those huge returns because he had to finish the plays but that's how good the blocking was, which is all about DeCamillis. Because of him, special teams are finally important in Dallas again. The Cowboys are winning the battle of field position because of punter Matt McBriar, who has few peers in dropping the ball inside the 20, and rookie kicker David Buehler, who on his way to setting a team record for touchbacks in a season. 

COACHING: B-- It seems so long ago that the natives were restless and calling for Wade Phillips' job....after an overtime win against the lowly Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys haven't lost since and are now in first place in the NFC East with a 6-2 record.  While the fans and the media might not like or respect Phillips, the Cowboys are definitely responding to his coaching and leadership. Phillips' hands all on the turnaround because its been fueled by his defense. He has called all the right signals on defense and outsmarted and outcoached the highly respected Andy Reid of the Eagles last Sunday. If the Cowboys keep this up, all the Mike Shanahan and Mike Holmgren will have to be put on hold and Phillips might not be going anywhere. 

Clarence E. Hill Jr. 

Gurode, Hamlin practicing

Center Andre Gurode (ankle) and safety Ken Hamlin (groin) both were on the practice field. We'll know later how much each was able to participate. As reported on the earlier blog, Gurode said he expects to play at Green Bay while Hamlin said he isn't certain.

Jeff Caplan 

Wrong call?

Mike Pereira, the league's vice president of officiating, said on his weekly NFL Network show that referee Walt Coleman might have erred in his replay review of Donovan McNabb's fourth-and-one quarterback sneak. Pereira said video establishes a point at which the ball could have been placed and then re-measured.

"I think I'd move it," Pereira told NFL Network host Rich Eisen. "...It might have made a difference."

-- Charean Williams

Romo letting hair go

For some reason, Tony Romo is not cutting his hair until the team loses, a superstitious deal that seems a bit corny, but, hey, whatever works.

It seems that sort of thing is usually saved for the other way around, like if the Cowboys had lost four in a row, maybe Romo wouldn't cut his hair until the team won a game.

If the Cowboys keep winning, maybe Romo can consult Dirk Nowitzki for sytling suggestions.

Jeff Caplan

Gurode plans to play; Hamlin uncertain

Center Andre Gurode said he plans to play Sunday despite a sprained ankle suffered in the Philadelphia game. Gurode came out briefly in the game and returned to finish it out. Gurode didn't practice Wednesday and said he said he will practice today.

Safety Ken Hamlin (strained groin) said he'll have to wait and see as the week goes on about his status for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Hamlin has never missed a game because of a football injury and he takes pride in his streak that dates back to 2003. He's played a full schedule in each of his previous six seasons except for 2005 when he played the first six weeks, but missed the rest of the season after sustaining off-the-field head injuries.

Jeff Caplan

Injuries

The Cowboys were missing two starters at practice Wednesday. Safety Ken Hamlin (strained groin) and center Andre Gurode (sprained ankle) were injured in the victory over the Eagles, but both returned to the game. However, coach Wade Phillips said if the Cowboys had played today, Hamlin and Gurode could not have played. Phillips is confident both will play Sunday.

Alan Ball filled in for Hamlin, and Cory Proctor was at center Wednesday.

-- Charean Williams

Just CHILL: Breakthrough performer on offense Miles Austin

 

Clarence Hill

My no brainer breakthrough performer on offense is receiver Miles Austin

What can be said about wide receiver Miles Austin that hasn't already been said. Nobody in league history has put up the numbers he has in the first four starts of a career. He literally won two games with big plays in the fourth quarter and overtime. And while there were frustrations in training camp with Austin not developing as fast as the Cowboys had hoped, his emergence came when the Cowboys needed it most.

 I would bet that the Cowboys beat the lowly Chiefs with a healthy Roy Williams on the field. I believe Williams catches those two touchdown passes that Austin dropped in the first half. That being said, Williams didn't play and Austin did.

 I know that Austin broke the team record for receiving yardage in a game against the Chiefs. Williams wouldn't have done that. Nor does he have the run after catch ability like Austin to end a game on one play like Austin did against the Chiefs and Eagles.

It's probably fitting that a rags to riches quarterback like Tony Romo gets a rags to riches receiver like Austin to be his top big play target. The good thing for the Cowboys is they know have a mix at receiver they are comfortable with  _ just not the roles they thought.

 The opened the season thinking Williams would be the go-to guy with Austin mixing in a occasional deep pass to keep defenses honest. Now Austin is the proverbial go-to guy with Williams complementing him as a move the chains possession receiver.

Clarence E. Hill Jr. 

Just CHILL: Best Free agent Addition is Keith Brooking

Clarence Hill

 

Linebacker Keith Brooking has been proven to be the team's best free agent addition at the midpoint of the season.

 

This could easily be a shared award with linebacker Keith Brooking and safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who has been such an upgrade over Roy Williams that its not even funny. The Cowboys no longer have a weak spot in the secondary. Sensabaugh has proven to be a playmaking difference maker in his ability to tackle, cover tight ends and make plays on the ball.

 But Brooking gets the honor for what he brings on and off the field. He leads the team in solo tackles and has three sacks. His previous career high in sacks is 3.5, which he did in 2001 and 2004 with the Falcons. Add that to his leadership in the locker room and his impact can't be disputed. Most players who come to new teams sit back and back try not to step on anyone's toes.

Brooking asserted himself as a leader from the outset and the Cowboys are following. 

 

 Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Just CHILL: Breakthrough Performer on Defense Mike Jenkins

Clarence Hill

Cornerback Mike Jenkins is my breakthrough performer on defense at the midpoint of the season 

There was never any doubting Mike Jenkins' talent. That's why the Cowboys drafted him in the first round last season. But even the Cowboys will admit they didn't expect him to be this good this fast _ especially considering his mildly disappointing rookie season.

Even in training camp Jenkins gave no indication that he would be the team's most feared cornerback eight games into the season. If he did, they wouldn't have fooled around with the silly platoon system with Orlando Scandrick. And if truth be told, it was a bad performance by Scandrick more so that the coaches seeing a light coming on in Jenkins that prompted him to be named the full-time starter.

But he has taken the proverbial bull by the horns since. Jenkins leads the Cowboys with three interceptions and is second in pass deflections even though he split time early with Scandrick. He has covered like a blanket and he has also been physical with receivers.

 Teams are paying the ultimate compliment to Jenkins by choosing to pick on veteran and former Pro Bowler Terence Newman rather than taking their chances on his side of the field. His physical style is also rubbing off on Newman who has playing with more physicality and aggressiveness than any time during his career. 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Just CHILL: Tony Romo is the MVP

 

 

Clarence Hill
 

My midpoint is MVP is quarterback Tony Romo

Tony Romo won't truly shut up his critics until he wins some important games in December and January. You can never be labeled a great Cowboys quarterback if you don't win in the postseason. But it’s hard not to like what Romo has done so far in 2009.

 Criticized for his care free and sometimes careless play, Romo has seemingly found a happy medium between gunslinger and caretaker. He is still making plays but he is not turning the ball over at an alarming rate. As Patrick Crayton pointed out, there is no way Romo can be a bus driver for the Cowboys. He has to be a playmaker and sometimes that means taking a few risks.

 The Cowboys can't win if Romo doesn't play well. You can't say that about anybody else on the team. And certainly nobody on offense.

The Cowboys are playing with three different running backs and getting mixed results from all three, yet they are winning. Tight end Jason Witten leads the team in catches but he has largely been a non factor. Yet, they are winning. $9 million receiver Roy Williams has yet to have a big game. Yet the Cowboys are winning.

 And even though the current winning streak has coincided with a breakout performance from receiver Miles Austin, the Cowboys won two games without Austin being the focal point. And he only had one catch against the Eagles, albeit the game winner.

 But the point is the same, the Cowboys can't win if Romo doesn't play well. And when he plays well, they have a chance to beat anybody (not named the Saints, Vikings and Colts _ at least I'm not ready to go there, not yet).

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Ratliff is the heart and soul of defense

Nose tackle Jay Ratliff is not only arguably the best player on defense but he is the heart and soul of the defense. He gives relentless effort on every play and he is accountable.

Consider this encounter with coach Wade Phillips at halftime of Sunday's game with the Eagles.

"At halftime, we came in and he says, ‘My fault on the running game,’” Phillips recalled about Ratliff. “And I said, ‘No it isn’t your fault.’ He jumps back at me and said ‘ITS MY FAULT’ I said, ‘Ok it’s your fault.’ But he said he would get it corrected. And sure enough they had 16 yards rushing in the second half, so it wasn’t all his fault, he played some things different second half than he did in first half.”

If everybody played with Ratliff's effort and attitude this would be a Super Bowl team for sure.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Free Reign delays release of CD until after football season

Free Reign's record label has pushed back the release date of their new CD until after the football season...January 26, 2010. Members of Free Reign include tackle Marc Colombo, guard Leonard Davis and center Cory Proctor. If you are an optimist it could mean that the release will coincide with the Cowboys first trip to the Super Bowl. To hold fans over they will be releasing FR's single "Tragedy" via iTunes later this month.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hyh0UpCZu8

Here is album cover.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.
 

Roy Williams said he is no T.O. and Tony Romo said there is no controversy in Dallas

Cowboys receiver Roy Williams was in full damage control Thursday.

One day after seemingly pointing the finger at quarterback Tony Romo for his disappointing production and causing a mini national firestorm, Williams again stood up in front of the media and tried to explain himself.

Williams, who has just 14 catches through seven games, said he is not unhappy and wasn't complaining. Most importantly, Williams wants everyone to know he is not trying to be like former receiver Terrell Owens and cause a problem in the Cowboys lockerroom.

"I didn’t complain. I didn’t complain that I didn’t get the ball," Williams said. "All I said was that, when it comes to me, it’s not there. The percentages that you just said back my case. I’m not saying it can’t be fixed, because that’s what we do every day. We try to work on it and get it fixed. I’m not a T.O. or I’m not trying to be a T.O. I don’t know why people are trying to put me in that category, because I’m happy to win. I’ve said that 100 times. I don’t understand why people won’t just say OK and leave it alone. But I’m a professional football player and am trying to get this thing right."

Williams' initial comments raised some eyebrows in the Cowboys lockerroom because it created a perception that there is a controversy.

 The Cowboys weren't happy. Receivers coach Ray Sherman said he talked to Williams about just letting his play do his talking."

Romo defended Williams and the work the two have put in together. He said he will not let this problem divide the team.

"I don't look at the numbers," Romo said. "We've been through this before with people trying to intersect and divide a football team. This team is too strong from the core. I know the media is going to make certain things appear what they may not actually have been or things of that nature. This team is too committed to winning and too committed to improving to let anything like that or anything [the media] may present to us divide this team."

  Clarence E. Hill Jr.

 

Williams story overblown by ESPN and media

ESPN and the media are making a bigger deal of this Roy Williams story than what it was. Williams did not throw Tony Romo under the bus. Williams is frustrated with his numbers but he is not causing problems in the lockerroom nor is he complaining about his role. But he did answer questions honestly about his disappointing production. There is a difference. Furthermore, he is not T.O.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Roy Williams is admittedly frustrated but says he is not mad

Cowboys receiver Roy Williams is frustrated with his numbers and tired of trying to defend himself.

He said he is not complaing or pouting and is continuing to do everything he can to still help the Cowboys win.

But he wants everyone to know it's not all on him_ especially when passes are high or behind him. 

"It makes me look like crap," Williams said. "The only thing that keeps me going is cause I now I'm not. I know what I am. I know what people are trying to make me be.  I know I'm not that."

Williams has no answers when asked to explain the difference between his numbers and those of receiver Miles Austin. Williams has 14 catches for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Austin has 26 catches for 563 yards and six touchowns.

"He gets the ball thrown correctly," Williams said. "I'm stretching, falling, doing everything. My balls are everywhere."

Williams said and quarterback Tony Romo are simply not on the same page _ which is downright shocking to him, considering the work the two have put in together.

 "It's stunning," Williams said. "I anticipated us rolling right now. We are rolling in the win column. But as far as me and Romo's production, we are not even close. I'm not mad or anything by no means. We are just not connecting. I am not going to rant or rave or be pissed off. I'm going to work. I'm just waiting for the switch to cut on on one  day...boom."

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

League of his own

Rookie kicker David Buehler took over the NFL lead for touchbacks this week for the first time this season.

He has 17, a staggering number considering the Cowboys had zero touchbacks all of last season. No other team has more than 13 touchbacks. Buehler, who came into the season, with the goal of leading the NFL in the category said it's time to revise his goal.

"Instead of leading the league in touchbacks," Buehler said, "I can try and push past everybody and be in a league of my own."

Jeff Caplan

Just Chill: Roy Williams remains a mystery but Jerry Jones is not giving up

I will come clean. I have been slow to call Roy Williams a bust because I am an avid Longhorn fan and I watched him dominate too many games to not believe that he is better than we’ve seen so far in Dallas.

But there is no question that Williams has not played well. There is no question that he has to accept some of the responsibility for his poor numbers.

This is a bottom line business. Everybody, including owner Jerry Jones, expected more from Williams.  His numbers are certainly unacceptable in relation to his $9 million annual salary. He is the sixth highest paid receiver in the league. He is tied for 138th in the league with 14 catches. His yards rank 80th.

But before I go further on Williams. I'd like to sidebar on Michael Irvin's latest attack on Williams via his radio show. Irvin said that Williams was not receptive to his advice during a training camp chat.  He said Miles Austin did listen and Irvin can see a difference in Austin and Williams because of it.

 With all due respect to Irvin's three Super Bowl rings and Hall of Fame tenure, why would Williams listen to anything he has to say?

Irvin has long been one of Williams' biggest critics _ not just since he came to Dallas  but dating back to the draft. Irvin called Williams "soft" for going to back to Texas for his senior season even though he didn't lose any money and was still a top 10 pick.  

So with that as a back drop, why would Williams be receptive to anything Irvin had to see even if it was beneficial? From Williams point of view, if Irvin sole purpose was to help him and help the Cowboys, he wouldn't kill him every chance he got.

And regarding Irvin's notion that Austin gets off the ball faster than Williams because of the tips that he gave him training camp, what's also true is that Austin is quicker than Williams. Williams is fast but it takes him a while to work up his speed. He is not quick off the ball and he certainly isn't as quick as Austin from zero to 60.

Bottom line is that it has created a negative environment for Williams. His numbers and play are mostly to blame. But the piling on has begun and he is not going to win the public relations battle.

Consider the unfair boos he received on Sunday against the Seahawks after the first two passes to him were incomplete. One was high. One was behind him. But Williams was booed by the fans at the Cowboys Stadium.

There was no evidence on those two plays of bad or lazy routes, just bad passes. The mystery is that quarterback Tony Romo has no problem throwing the ball accurately to Miles Austin. Those two are simply in a zone.

But he is having problems with Williams. The Cowboys believe its just matter of them continuing to get to know each other better.

 It’s  also not about a lack of work ethic from Williams.

That Williams works very hard in practice is one reason Jones is not giving up on him. The other is that he still believes in Williams' talent. He said the Cowboys graded Williams as the most talented receiver to come out of the draft since Randy Moss. Jones likes his size and thinks he can make big plays for the Cowboys on high balls and when he is covered like Saints receiver Marques Colston. He believes it’s a matter of Romo gaining trust in Williams and giving him more opportunities to catch the ball.

 Jones said if the Cowboys ever put Williams' former Lions teammate Jon Kitna in the game there would be no talk about Williams not making plays. Kitna trusts him and knows how and where to get him the ball. He said the time will come with Romo and Williams.

The good news is the Cowboys are not giving up on Williams. The fact that they threw two passes two him on the first drive against the Seahawks _ no matter how errant _ is proof they are trying to get him involved.

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

 

 

Just Chill: Jerry Jones still laments decision to keep Brad Johnson and wants action for Kitna

 

Jerry Jones just couldn't help himself last spring when he took a shot a former backup quarterback Brad Johnson. Remember Jones' famous quote: "We had a quarterback who was hurt and one who played like he was hurt."

Jones was making a joke but he was oh so serious when talking about how Johnson's poor play hurt the team in the three games Tony Romo missed with a broken finger.

 The Cowboys lost two of three games including a mindboggling loss to the St. Louis Rams who went on to lose 17 straight games before beating the hapless Lions last week.

Jones believes if the Cowboys had a better backup quarterback they might have won that game and then the season ending loss to the Eagles wouldn't have mattered because they would have already qualified for the playoffs.

He fully believes if the Cowboys would have gotten in the playoffs could have made a Super Bowl run. So he is still kicking himself for listening to his coaches who told him that Johnson was still good enough to get the job done. Jones took no such chances in the offseason when he jumped at the chance to trade for Jon Kitna.

Jones possibly could have gotten Kitna on the free agent market because the Lions were going to cut him. But Jones wasn't going to let him slip away or sign with another team. He traded cornerback Anthony Henry to get Jones.

 It was a risky move considering the Cowboys still didn't know what they had in cornerback Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. They cut Pacman so they didn't have a veteran option in case the two youngsters failed to mature.

But Jones was willing to take that chance because he had already experienced life with a backup quarterback who couldn't get the job done.

To that end, Jones was not happy that the Cowboys didn't get Kitna some action in the final moments of the blowout victory against the Seahawks on Sunday. He said the Cowboys might need him one day and wants the coaches to get him games when they can to get the rust off.

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr. 

Just Chill: The season ending loss in Philly was painful but Jerry Jones said it prompted change

There is a lot of talk about the Cowboys heading back to Philadelphia this Sunday seeking redemption for last year's embarrassing and humiliating 44-6 season ending loss. And rightfully so. The players do need to make up for what was an unforgiveable performance in a game with so much on the line. How you could play that badly when you have chance to make the playoffs is beyond me.

But in hindsight that loss and the way they lost might have been the best thing to happen to the Cowboys.

Owner Jerry Jones admits losing like that was hard because of the hopes the Cowboys had for the season. He really thought the Cowboys could make a Super Bowl run. Watching the Cardinals win the NFC title  was even more proof to him that the Cowboys had the talent to get it done.

But he also says that loss forced him to do a lot of soul searching and "prompted" the changes the Cowboys made in the offseason.

 Jones acknowledged that it was indeed a wakeup call for the organization.

So for all you Terrell Owens haters, be grateful for the loss in Philadelphia.  T.O. might still be here if the Cowboys would have won that game and maybe it stunts the growth of Miles Austin. The same Miles Austin is playing better and is more productive than Terrell Owens and Roy Williams combined. 

Pacman Jones might  still be here as well.  And maybe the Cowboys don't see the maturation of cornerback Mike Jenkins who is playing better than any cornerback on the team.

 Even coach Wade Phillips acknowledges that opposing teams are choosing to pick on high priced veteran Terence Newman more so than Jenkins. That's how well Jenkins is playing.

And that's not even considering how much the changes have benefitted quarterback Tony Romo.

So yes, the season-ending loss to the Eagles was a horrifying experience for the Cowboys. It was evidence of abject failure by the coaching staff of getting the team ready for the game.

It also might have been the best thing to happen to the Cowboys going forward. Just call it a Romo-friendly loss.

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Heeere's Romo!

OK, he wasn't nearly as amusing as last week, when he was talking about possible concussions and forgotten breakups. But here you go nonetheless...

On getting on the same page with Roy Williams: "We have to watch the tape. We have to see why certain things are different ways. I missed him on a big route early in the game; I have to bring the ball down some. But he’s doing good. He’s running good routes and he’ll be fine. It’s just a matter of going back and looking at the tape and seeing what we have to do better. It’s just part of growing with a receiver or group."

On what the offense has to keep doing to improve: "I think you’re always looking to never make a mistake, everyone be on the right page, always striving for that each week. The reality is, it won’t happen every week. You want to score a touchdown every time you get the ball. It’s unrealistic, but it’s what you’re trying to obtain."

On Miles Austin: "He's tough to tackle, I know that. He gives you the run after catch, and that’s something that’s been pleasant to see. You saw Sam Hurd, and I think those two came in together. They’ve been fighting for a long time to get on the field, and it’s exciting to see their work paying off."

Some Wade quotes

Here's some of what Wade said today...

On fewer penalties: "How ‘bout that, huh? Everybody pointing at us, but it was them two times in a row. We worked hard at that. We did cut down on penalties the first four games, then a couple games we didn’t do as well. I thought did better this one."

The game overall... "It was a good solid win for us. I liked the way we played. Tony spread the ball around to a lot of different guys and we saw what they could do. The special teams were solid again, same with the defense. Crayton another big punt return for a touchdown, you have to be pleased with that."

-- Tracey Myers

Feeling better, folks?

I asked this on the live chat... how are you all feeling about these Cowboys now?

Happy with this game, or was this supposed to happen against Seattle?

Feeling good heading into Philadelphia next weekend?

Discuss.

-- Tracey Myers

Jerry says roof, doors will be open

If nice weather appears Sunday as it is forecast, Jerry Jones said Friday that the roof and doors will be open at Cowboys Stadium.

Jeff Caplan

Felix Jones will return kickoffs

There’s an argument that it’s too risky to use Felix Jones as a kick returner because of his injury history.

 

The Cowboys don’t think so.

 

When newly signed return specialist Allen Rossum went down in the first quarter last Sunday, Jones replaced him on kickoff returns. Had receiver Miles Austin not have joined the starting ranks, he might have gotten the call.

 

It will be Jones, recovered from a strained posterior cruciate ligament, who will return kickoffs Sunday against Seattle, coach Wade Phillips said Thursday. Jones wants the job despite the risks.

 

“This is a physical game,” Jones said. “You can get hurt walking a straight line. You’re just playing football, there’s no way around getting hurt.”

 

The Cowboys could also use rookie receiver Kevin Ogletree. Active in one game this season, Ogletree has four kickoff returns for an average of 23.5 yards, similar to Jones (23.0) and Austin (24.7).

 

“That’s all you really want to do is help the team win,” Ogletree said. “That’s what I’ve been here for. That’s been my motto. When I get in there, I believe it’s going to be trying to make a play or do something to help us.”

 

Jeff Caplan

Felix Jones will return kickoffs

There’s an argument that it’s too risky to use Felix Jones as a kick returner because of his injury history.

 

The Cowboys don’t think so.

 

When newly signed return specialist Allen Rossum went down in the first quarter last Sunday, Jones replaced him on kickoff returns. Had receiver Miles Austin not have joined the starting ranks, he might have gotten the call.

 

It will be Jones, recovered from a strained posterior cruciate ligament, who will return kickoffs Sunday against Seattle, coach Wade Phillips said Thursday. Jones wants the job despite the risks.

 

“This is a physical game,” Jones said. “You can get hurt walking a straight line. You’re just playing football, there’s no way around getting hurt.”

 

The Cowboys could also use rookie receiver Kevin Ogletree. Active in one game this season, Ogletree has four kickoff returns for an average of 23.5 yards, similar to Jones (23.0) and Austin (24.7).

 

“That’s all you really want to do is help the team win,” Ogletree said. “That’s what I’ve been here for. That’s been my motto. When I get in there, I believe it’s going to be trying to make a play or do something to help us.”

 

Jeff Caplan

Crayton's effort rewarded

Of all ironies, Patrick Crayton, demoted as punt returner when the Cowboys acquired specialist Allen Rossum during the bye week, was selected the NFC special teams player of the week.

 

Crayton returned an Atlanta fourth-quarter punt 73 yards for a touchdown, the first of his career.

Rossum tore his hamstring on his first kickoff return, putting Crayton back in business.

 

It was the first punt return for a touchdown for the Cowboys since Terence Newman returned one 56 yards against Detroit on Dec. 31, 2006, and the longest since Deion Sanders took one back 76 yards at Indianapolis on Oct. 31, 1999.

 

Jeff Caplan

D-Ware gets paid

The Cowboys will announce DeMarcus Ware's new contract at 4:30 p.m. today. It is a six-year extension, through 2015, and includes some $40 million in guarantees. Ware was in the final year of his rookie deal and would have become a restricted free agent in the off-season.

His contract compares to some of the recent contracts paid to the NFL's best defenders, including Washington's Albert Haynesworth (seven years, $100 million, $41 million guaranteed), Baltimore's Terrell Suggs (six years, $62.5 million, $38.1 million guaranteed), Pittsburgh's James Harrison (six years, $51 million, $20 million guaranteed) and Minnesota's Jared Allen (six years, $74.5 million, $31 million guaranteed).

Ware, 27, was the runner-up to Harrison for defensive player of the year last season. He has four sacks this season -- two in each of the past two games -- and 57.5 in his career.

"I've been lucky to be around a lot of good ones," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said Monday. "He’s at the top of the class, and it doesn’t take long to call the roll. ...He’s very special that way. But he’s an all around player, and he plays the run well too. That’s what you really like about him."

 

Ware's deal continues the Cowboys' trend of wrapping up their best players. In recent, seasons they have signed to long-term deals: Tony Romo (six years, $67.4 million, $30 million guaranteed), Marion Barber (seven years, $45 million, $16 million guaranteed), Flozell Adams (six years, $43 million, $15 million guaranteed), Roy Williams (five years, $45 million, $20 million guaranteed), Terence Newman (six years, $50.2 million, $22.5 million guaranteed), Leonard DAvis (seven years, $49.6 million, $18.75 million guaranteed) and Ken Hamlin (six years, $39 million, $15 million guaranteed).

-- Charean Williams

Cowboys wrap up D-Ware

The Cowboys have called a news conference for around 4:30 this afternoon to make a player personnel announcement. That player would be defensive end DeMarcus Ware. The announcement is the finalization of a long-term contract. Ware's rookie deal expires at the end of this season and the Cowboys and Ware's representatives have been in talks for months. Break out your calculators and stay tuned for further details.

Jeff Caplan

Brooking loving this

Any doubt that Keith Brooking would be up for this one? He obviously wanted to get back at his former team, and he talked about that a little after the game:

"The last thing I was told by the (Atlanta) coaches was that it was a young man’s game. I guess an old man can still play in this league. But this isn’t what this is about. This is just me talking. It’s a huge win for our football team. It's such a pivotal moment."

And about the physical factor: "I know Atlanta prides themselves on being physical. They didn’t out-physical to us today. We bloodied their noses and then we stepped on them and kicked them to the ground. That’s a good feeling."

Romo's fun time

Tony Romo was having a ball in the post-game press conference. He said he's fine, that the hit he took early in the first quarter is just part of football. Someone asked something about a concussion (didn't get the whole question), but he had fun with it:

"I don’t remember," he said, before really breaking up the crowd with, "I just broke up with a girl recently..."

Anyway, more Romo:

On Austin: "Miles has been doing good things for a long time and has been waiting for his opportunity. Now that he has it he’s making the most of it. He’s a good guy and he deserves what he gets.:

On his scramble and finding Crayton for that late first-half TD: "When I broke the first (tackle), the first thing that goes to your head is, 'I need to get rid of the ball.' I thought it was a high-percentage chance to wait and get it to Patrick. You have to do something out of the ordinary once in a while."

And in closing... "We’re learning what team we’ve got, and I think any time you have people consistently give you bigger windows, that’s important. I think we have some guys like that. It definitely makes it easier not to have to be perfect."

-- Tracey Myers

Some Wade quotes

Not surprisingly, he's happy with this one. Should be. Here are some of his thoughts:

On Crayton reacting to changes: "He reacted pretty well. He’s the kind of guy you want on your football team. He’s going to work at it, make plays when he has the opportunities. He certainly did that."

On Miles Austin: "Austin had another big game to back up the one he had before. He needed to establish he’s a legitimate threat, and I think he did. That was an important step for us, obviously."

About this game being a shot in the arm: "We needed to get to 4-2, and we had a big obstacle in front of us in Atlanta. They are a good team, no doubt about that. We looked solid in all areas ourselves."

Not too shabby

Hey folks,

We're waiting for quotes, and I'll post some as soon as I get them. But let's take a quick look back at this 37-21 victory:

Happy overall with it?

Does it renew your optimism with this team?

Still skeptical?

Will the 'Boys use this as a confidence builder?

Discuss.

-- Tracey Myers

Wade Phillips is worried about Roy Williams

Coach Wade Phillips pronounced all of his injured players ready to go for the Falcons game, including linebacker DeMarcus Ware (foot), running back Marion Barber (thumb), running back Felix Jones (knee), safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) and receiver Roy Williams (ribs). None have missed any practice this this week.

But Phillips said he is worried about Williams.

Williams has not played since suffering three cracked ribs against the Broncos Oct. 4. He missed the Chiefs game the following week before last week's bye. Williams wants to and plans to play Sunday against the Falcons but he remains sore and in pain _ so much so that the Cowboys don't know how long he will go if he does play.

"Roy is the guy I'm worried about," Phillips said. "We will see how he is. He is in pain."

If Williams does go, he will likely wear a protective padding for his ribs. 

The uncertainty with Williams clouds a roster spot for the Cowboys. They may need to carry an extra receiver to the game in rookie Kevin Ogletree _ adding to the team's 45-man roster conundrum. The Cowboys were already looking for a spot to fit in newly signed returnman Allen Rossum. Now they may have to sit a down a player at another position to get Ogletree to the game.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Ware and Barber hurt

The Cowboys injury report grew on Wednesday when coach Wade Phillips revealed that linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber were added following MRI tests. Ware has a stress fracture and Barber has fractured thumb.

Neither has missed practice and neither is expected to miss any time on the field.  Both will start on Sunday against the Falcons.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Felix Jones, Roy Williams, Gerald Sensabaugh all practice

It appears that the Cowboys will be a full strength on Sunday against the Falcons in what owner Jerry Jones' has already called a game the Cowboys need to win.

Running back Felix Jones (knee), wide receiver Roy Williams (ribs) and safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) all practiced on Wednesday despite the inclement weather. All three missed Chiefs game before the bye. Jones has actually missed the last two games.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Jerry Jones: The Cowboys need to beat the Falcons for credibility

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the obvious when he said Sunday's game against the Falcons was one the Cowboys badly needed to win to establish some credibility as a playoff contender.

Coming off a bye, Jones said the Cowboys are healthy and fresh and should be ready for a prime performance against a quality team.

"I don't think you could draw one up as far as an opponent is concerned and have, for us, any more respect than we have for the Atlanta falcons as a team, and their quarterback," Jones said. That presents quite a challenge for us, but that's a good thing for our team right now, a very good thing.
Coming off this bye, I think we'll be fresh and certainly we all recognize we've got an opportunity here to really create some perceived - by our fans and by other people - some real credibility if we could come in here and beat the Falcons."

 "We we should be prepared and we need to win it," Jones said.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

 

.

 

Look for Tashard Choice to carry a bigger load at running back

 

The Cowboys have already promoted receiver Miles Austin to the starting lineup over Patrick Crayton after his breakout game against the Chiefs before the bye.

Now running back Tashard Choice will be rewarded with more playing time after rushing eight times for 92 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs two weeks ago. A still gimpy Marion Barber will start at running back against the Falcons on Sunday but owner Jerry Jones said Choice will carry a bigger load.

Choice is the healthiest and most explosive runner on the team right now, considering that Felix Jones is still uncertain after missing the last two games with a sprained knee.

"I can tell you Barber is going to be in better shape than he was last week or two weeks ago," Jones said on his weekly radio show. "But Tashard certainly earned and is going to get a big part of the load."

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

No regrets about Roy Williams trade for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

No regrets about Roy Williams

 

It was one year ago Tuesday that the Cowboys traded three draft picks to Detroit for former Longhorns receiver Roy Williams. They also gave him a $9 million annual salary.

In return, the Cowboys have received 30 catches and just two touchdowns from Williams in 14 games since the bye week trade in 2008.

Williams has also been hampered by leg and rib injuries that have limited his effectiveness. Yet owner Jerry Jones said he has no regrets about the trade.

"I'm glad we got him because we got where we want to be - a young wide receiver in Miles Austin on the way up and a chance to stretch the field," Jones said on his weekly radio show, "and then Roy Williams as your No.1 receiver with a chance to have a great year because of how hard he's been working."

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Just Chill: Falcons game is not a must win but it's a game the Cowboys badly need to win

It would be wrong to suggest that Sunday's game against the Falcons is a must win. It's simply too early for that.

But this is a game the Cowboys badly need to win if they are to truly be taken seriously as a playoff contender.

The Falcons are very good team. And it will be a formidable challenge. But the Cowboys are at home. They are coming off a bye week and they have had two weeks to prepare for the Falcons. Also add in the fact that they are getting several injured players back like Roy Williams, Felix Jones and Gerald Sensabaugh and will be as healthy as they have since the start of the season.

Given all that, this is a game they need to win. Just win.
How they do it doesn't matter. Ugly. Pretty. Just win. They need to show they can win back-to-back games. They need to beat a quality team at home, not to mention begin to establish the new Cowboys Stadium as a home field advantage. Remember the Cowboys (3-2) only wins have come against the Buccaneers (0-6), the Panthers (2-3) and the Chiefs (1-5).  Just win.

Now they won't be out of it with a loss but don't expect any real noise from this team the rest of the season if they lose. They will stay in that win-one, lose-one meat grinder, while staring  an 8-8 or  9-7 season in the face.

With the way the NFC is shaking out, 9-7 won't be good enough to make the playoffs. It wasn't good enough last year and it probably won't be good enough this year _ not with the Eagles (3-2), Falcons (4-1), Saints (6-0), Packers (3-2), Bears (3-2), Cardinals (3-2), 49ers (3-2), Vikings (5-0) and Giants (5-1) all in prime contention. 

And that's if they get to 9-7. The Cowboys still have road games at the Giants, who they have already lost to at home, the Eagles, Packers and Saints. If they lose to the Falcons at home, what gives you confidence they can beat any of those teams on the road? Simply put, they badly need a win against the Falcons on Sunday. It will also give the Cowboys a tie-breaker advantage in case the two teams are locked in battle for a playoff spot at the end of the season.
It's a given that either the Saints or Falcons are going to win the NFC South with the loser vying for a wild card spot. The Saints look like the best team in the NFL right now not named the Colts. I wouldn't bet on the Cowboys going to New Orleans and getting a win in December. And with the undefeated Vikings looking the like the class of the NFC North, the road game against the Packers could also have playoff implications. But that's on the road and possibly in the cold. The Cowboys get the Falcons at home.  So again this is one they need to win.

The Falcons game is the first of six until the team's next "pseudo" bye week following the Thanksgiving Day game against the Raiders. They play the Falcons and the Seahawks (2-4) at home then travel to Philadelphia and Green Bay before home games against the Redskins (2-4) and Raiders (2-4).

They will then have 10 days before the all important showdown at the Giants to start the December stretch.  The Cowboys need to come out of the next six games with at least a 7-4 mark or they will have no shot at 10-6 let alone 9-7 with their tough December stretch.

That means they must win four of the next six. It doesn't matter who or how. But with four at home and two on the road against the Eagles and the Packers, it doesn't take a genius to figure out which ones are the best bets. The Falcons game is the only home game in that stretch against a team with a winning record. So again this is the critical one.

This is the one the Cowboys badly need. It starts on Sunday.

 

Clarence E. Hill Jr. 

 

 

 

Bennett jokes, but is he really laughing?

Tight end Martellus Bennett likes to joke around. So he did Tuesday at a press conference in Dallas to bring awareness to diabetes.

 

A little girl, Kendall Tubbs, who struggles with diabetes was set to toss a football toward Bennett and former NFL wide receiver Tim Brown. That’s when Bennett cracked his joke, a dig at his quarterback Tony Romo.

 

“I was like, ‘Hey, if she’s Romo she’s not going to throw it to me,” Bennett said. “It was just a little joke.”

But, like all good comedians know, behind every joke lies a tinge of truth. And the truth is that Bennett, expected be a threat out of two tight-end set, has been far more effective as a run-blocker than a pass-catcher with just four receptions for 40 yards in five games.

 

“A lot of people are trying to get me to say, ‘Hey, I want the ball,’” Bennett said. “Damn right I want the ball, but I go about it the right way. I go out and just do my job every single day so when my chances come, you never know when it’s going to be, I’m prepared to make plays.”

 

Jeff Caplan

 

Just Chill: Crayton's downfall, Choice's rise and Ratliff's great play, among other observations

 
* Three years after the crucial dropped pass in the playoff game against the Giants that may have changed the course of history, receiver Patrick Crayton is firmly on the hot seat.

 

Crayton will lose his starting job opposite Roy Williams to breakout performer Miles Austin. Austin needs to be on the field because he is a big-play threat. Crayton will become the third receiver.

 

Remember, also, Crayton had what should have been a fumble on the first series of the game, but the official wrongly ruled that his forward progress had been stopped.

 

Coach Wade Phillips has been defending Crayton's performance as the punt returner for at least that long as well.

 

After his muffed punt against the Chiefs, the Cowboys have found a replacement there. Dallas native Allen Rossum is a free agent and he has history with special teams coach Joe DeCamillis. He will be signed on  Wednesday.

 

* Rossum's return is a nice homecoming for the Dallas Skyline product. But let's not get too carried away about him being a game-breaking returner.

 

He averaged only 21.7 yards on kickoff returns in three games this season, although he did have touchdown returns on kickoffs in 2007 and 2008. As far as punts go, Rossum has averaged less than nine yards a return in five of the last six years and was averaging just seven yards a return in three games this season with the 49ers.

 

His last touchdown on a punt return was in 2004.

 

 * But yes, Rossum still has more juice in his legs than Crayton and might make something happen at times when Crayton couldn't. Crayton has never taken a return to the house. But Rossum's value will be his experience.

 

He will not muff punts. He will not misjudge punts. He will not let balls bounce and give away field position.  On kickoff returns, he will give the Cowboys an option other than Austin and Felix Jones.

 

Austin will be a starter at receiver, so he needs the rest. Jones has had problems staying healthy. Seeing how much they need him on offense, the Cowboys don't need to take any more chances with him on returns when he comes back from the sprained knee. 

 

* What shouldn't be lost in Miles Austin's big day was his horrible start to the game. Never has someone gone from getting cursed out to being celebrated so quickly.

 

Austin dropped two touchdown passes in the first half before the glorious run to history at the finish. He had a 59-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter and then the 60-yard sprint to the end zone in overtime. He is too big of a threat not to have on the field.

 

But his start to the game is proof that he is still a work in progress and prone to inconsistency. As Bill Parcells used to say, let's not put him in Canton just yet.

 

Still, there are legitimate reasons to be excited about his performance. The catch-and-runs for touchdowns were great plays, but he had a catch over the middle where he had to go high for a ball and absorb contact to convert a third down that was pretty sweet.

 

Also, don't forget the deep ball down the right sideline that he simply took away from the defender who was in better position.

 

* Dropped passes were a huge problem against the Chiefs. Austin had two passes he should have come up with in the end zone.

 

Crayton had a drop and a near fumble. Sam Hurd had a drop in the end zone. And Jason Witten let quarterback Tony Romo down by not coming up with a deep pass in the second half.

 

It would have been a tough catch. But it was one a Pro Bowler like Witten should come up with.

 

* Let's just be real here. The Cowboys are too nice. That's the only explanation for Wade Phillips not coming out and saying that Austin was replacing Crayton in the starting lineup. What is this, Little League?

 

It was no different last year when he let Greg Ellis run on the field with the starting lineup, only to replace him with Anthony Spencer when the game started. They are too nice. Too worried about hurting someone's feelings. 

 

Their nice ways are hurting the team. There is no question that Marion Barber is the team's best back when healthy. But he is not healthy right now. And the stubborn decision to continue to start him in front of Tashard Choice hurt the Cowboys the last two weeks.

 

Barber left yards on the field because he is still bothered by a strained quad. Choice should have gotten more carries against the Chiefs, as proved by his 36-yard touchdown and 92 yards on eight carries.

 

Barber broke through the line several times and couldn't finish the play. Maybe if it would have been Choice, we might be talking about him a having a record-setting performance on Sunday instead of Austin. Yes, the Chiefs were that bad on defense.

 

* I talked last week about linebacker Keith Brooking already becoming a leader on this team. Well, he is also quite a player, even at his advanced age. He was all over the field against the Chiefs with 18 tackles and a sack. Look for him to take it up another notch after the bye when the Cowboys face his old team, the Atlanta Falcons, who thought he was too old to still play.

 

* Now that the dam has broke for linebacker DeMarcus Ware, with two sacks against the Chiefs after going sackless for the last five games dating back to last year, look for him to start racking up some sack numbers.

 

Ware has been close all season with pressures and hits on the quarterback. He just hasn't gotten there. So its not like hasn't been playing well.

 

As he showed last year, when the sacks start coming, they come in bunches. Look for him to start piling up the numbers and ringing the cash register as talks continue with the Cowboys for a contract extension.

 

* Jay Ratliff's blocked field goal was a thing of beauty. He sized the Chiefs up earlier in the game. His leap over the deep snapper was timed perfectly. It showed his instincts and outstanding athleticism.

 

There is not a more athletic nose tackle in the game. Albert Haynesworth, Casey Hampton or Vince Woolfork couldn't do it. But Ratliff did have help from his teammates. Igor Olshansky and Jason Hatcher both pushed their respective blockers down to help Ratliff have a lane to jump over.

 

-- Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Austin takes NFC Offensive Player of the Week award

In his first career start at Kansas City in place of Roy Williams (ribs), Miles Austin's 250-yard receiving performance garnered him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

Austin finished with a career-high 10 catches for a club-record 250 yards with two touchdowns. Remarkably, entering the game, Williams and Patrick Crayton each had just 11 receptions in four games. Austin eclipsed Bob Hayes’ previous club record of 246 yards set 43 years ago on Nov. 13, 1966 at Washington.

Austin's two touchdown receptions went for 59 and 60 yards, the game-tying score and the game-winner in overtime, respectively. His 250 receiving yards marked the most ever by a player in their first career start and he became just the 15^th receiver in NFL history since the merger to reach 250 receiving yards in a single game.

And now, Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has said Austin will play as much as he did in the KC game, although that might not mean he actually starts. Semantics.

Jeff Caplan

Rossum agrees to deal

The Cowboys have agreed to terms with returner Allen Rossum, a Dallas Skyline High School product. Rossum, 33, ranks second in league history with 14,987 return yards.

They cut cornerback Cletis Gordon, who was signed last week, to make room for Rossum. Rossum was waived by the 49ers to make room for receiver Michael Crabtree.

The Cowboys have lacked production from their punt returners. They have averaged 7.3 yards on 11 returns, including 10 for 8.0 yards by Patrick Crayton. Crayton fumbled a punt Sunday, and Terence Newman allowed another to be downed at the 3-yard line.

Rossum, who has eight career returns for touchdowns in his career, also could return kickoffs for the Cowboys now that Miles Austin's role in the offense is increasing and Felix Jones continues to nurse a knee injury.

In another move, the Cowboys re-signed running back Chauncey Washington to their practice squad.

-- Charean Williams

Allen Rossum to sign?

The Cowboys have cut cornerback Cletis Gordon after only a week, prompting speculation that they are about to sign returner Allen Rossum. Rossum was cut by the 49ers to make room for Michael Crabtree.

Rossum, 33, ranks second in league history with 14,987 return yards. The 49ers made him inactive the past two weeks.

The Cowboys have lacked production from their punt returners. They have averaged 7.3 yards on 11 returns, including 10 for 8.0 yards by Patrick Crayton.

-- Charean Williams

Inactives

There are no surprises on the Cowboys' inactive list. Receiver Roy Williams (ribs), safety Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) and running back Felix Jones (knee) did not make the trip. Safety Mike Hamlin (wrist), guard Montrae Holland, tackle Pat McQuistan and linebacker Curtis Johnson (hamstring) also will not play.

Miles Austin will start for Williams. Pat Watkins will start for Sensabaugh. 

-- Charean Williams

Cowboys cut OL

Not wanting to take only two running backs into Sunday's game, the Cowboys promoted Chauncy Washington back off the practice squad. They released center Duke Preston to make room for Washington.

The Cowboys did the same thing last week, moving Washington up to the 53-player roster Saturday, but got burned when the Lions claimed safety Marvin White. Washington played on special teams against the Broncos, making one tackle. He did not get in at running back as Marion Barber and Tashard Choice carried the load.

Running back Felix Jones (knee) is expected to return after the bye.

Preston's release means the Cowboys are comfortable with Andre Gurode (knee). Gurode said Friday he would start against the Chiefs.

-- Charean Williams

Felix, Roy, Sensabugh are likely out

Receiver Miles Austin and safety Pat Watkins are expected to start this week, and Tashard Choice and Marion Barber will have to carry the load at running back.

 

Starting safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who had surgery on his right thumb Monday, officially was ruled out of Sunday’s game. He said earlier this week that he hoped to return after the bye week, which is next week.

 

 Receiver Roy Williams (ribs) and running back Felix Jones (knee) have all but been ruled out. The Cowboys list them as doubtful on their official injury report, and they aren't expected to make the trip to Kansas City.

 

This will be the 12th of a possible 21 games that Jones has missed with injuries since the Cowboys made him a first-round pick last year. Williams, who was traded from Detroit last October, has not missed an NFL game since sitting out the final four games of the 2007 season with a knee injury.

 

Center Andre Gurode (knee) was limited in practice again Friday, and he is listed as questionable. But Gurode said Friday that he will play.

 

-- Charean Williams

Zimmmer's wife dies

Vikki Zimmer, the wife of former Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, died unexpectedly Thursday in Cincinnati.

 

The Zimmer family is close friends with Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo and his family.

 

The Zimmers were married for 27 years and had two daughters -- Corri and Marki -- and a son -- Adam, who is a defensive assistant in New Orleans.

 

“We are heartbroken to hear of this loss, and our hearts go out to Mike, Adam, Corri and Marki,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “We remember Vikki for her vibrant love of life and her loving devotion to her family.”

 

-- Charean Williams

Fines for Ratliff, Spencer

Nose tackle Jay Ratliff was fined $7,500 for his roughing the passer penalty last week. The league ruled he unnecessarily made helmet-to-helmet contact with Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton. Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer was docked $5,000 for his roughing the passer penalty on Orton. Center Andre Gurode was not fined for his tripping penalty.

Cowboys players have been fined $47,500 so far this year.

Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady was fined $5,000 for his tripping penalty on Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware.

-- Charean Williams

 

Todd Haley wonders what might have been...

The KC coach and former Cowboys assistant believes had the snap gone horribly wrong in the playoff game against Seattle that things could have turned out much differently.

"I have great memories of Dallas. The one memory I have that’s not great is the Seattle game because I truly believed in my heart of hearts that if we had kicked that field goal and won the game that we were going to give some people, the Bears specifically, some problems and who knows how that year would have ended up."

Jeff Caplan

Todd Haley wonders what might have been...

The KC coach and former Cowboys assistant believes had the snap gone horribly wrong in the playoff game against Seattle that things could have turned out much differently.

"I have great memories of Dallas. The one memory I have that’s not great is the Seattle game because I truly believed in my heart of hearts that if we had kicked that field goal and won the game that we were going to give some people, the Bears specifically, some problems and who knows how that year would have ended up."

Jeff Caplan