Enemy Camp

[monk81]

Here's some fun stuff regarding the Cryboys as they enter camp. Maybe we can have some fun bashing and trashing the Boyz. Here are some "highlights"

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/f...p.33280d2.html


Uncertainty centers on the addition of three rookies expected to either start or see significant playing time as the Cowboys switch from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4 look Parcells favors — defensive end/linebacker Demarcus Ware, defensive end Marcus Spears and linebacker Kevin Burnett.

To ease the transition, Parcells dipped into free agency to add three veterans — nose tackle Jason Ferguson and cornerbacks Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn.

"If (the defense) didn't change, the fortunes of the Cowboys wouldn't change," Parcells said. "It's obvious you can't give up 25 points a game and expect to win."

Said Jones: "We've got to get people off the field."

While Ware, Spears and Burnett look forward to playing in the 3-4, the same can't be said of Glover, a five-time Pro Bowl choice, and Ellis, the team's sack leader the past four seasons. Both lack the size required for the 3-4 and Parcells says he wants to reduce their playing time by 15-20 percent.

Ellis, who will move from left end in the 4-3 to right end in the 3-4, revealed recently that he had a heated exchange with Parcells about the topic during minicamp and does not expect to remain with the team through the length of his contract. Ellis, a first-round draft pick in 1998, is entering the third year of a six-year, $24 million extension that runs through 2009.

Another potential headache is in the secondary, where Parcells and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer must find a starting free safety from a field of mediocre candidates. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wants to move strong safety Roy Williams closer to the line of scrimmage. The plan works if the free safety isn't a liability. The problem is none of the candidates — Izell Reese, Keith Davis, Lynn Scott and sixth-round draft pick Justin Beriault — inspire much confidence.


The biggest question facing the offense in Oxnard will be whether the line can jell to give quarterback Drew Bledsoe the protection he needs to lead a unit that will rely heavily on second-year running back Julius Jones.

The Cowboys signed Bledsoe, 33, after Buffalo released him. Although he's eight years younger than Testaverde, Bledsoe may be less mobile and is only the sixth quarterback since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to be sacked at least 400 times.

With that in mind, the Cowboys can't afford to enter the season with right tackle unsettled. The top candidates are Torrin Tucker and Kurt Vollers, although Parcells could ask left guard Larry Allen to man the position.

One thing is certain: If either Tucker or Vollers or any other player falters during camp, Parcells won't be afraid to make another move.

"I don't know what's going to happen (this season)," Parcells said, "but at least we're trying to create a good situation."



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