Practice Squad Players Signed

The practice squad was announced, and here are the initial players signed to the squad. The practice squad is never a final roster. Players can be signed and released throughout the year. So, don't be surprised if the squad changes a little throughout the year.

The Cowboys opted to sign another TE in Jerome Collins off the Rams waivers, and we passed on NT Montavious Stanley.

QB Matt Baker

G D'Anthony Batiste

LB Carl-Johan Bjork

DE Stephen Bowen

CB Quincy Butler

TE Jerome Collins (was in camp with St. Louis)

TE Tony Curtis

WR Skyler Green

RB Keylon Kincade

Here's Your 53-Man Roster

I think the Cowboys already know who's going to make the team. Here's how I break down the 53-Man Roster.

OFFENSE

QB
1. Drew Bledsoe
2. Tony Romo

RB
3. Julius Jones
4. Marion Barber III
5. Tyson Thompson

WR
6. Terrell Owens
7. Terry Glenn
8. Patrick Crayton
9. Sam Hurd
10. Jamaica Rector
11. Terrence Copper
I think Copper squeeks in via his solid special teams play, Rector beats out Green, and Green could end up on the practice squad

TE
12. Jason Witten
13. Anthony Fasano
14. Ryan Hannam

FB
15. Lousaka Polite

OT
16. Flozell Adams
17. Marco Colombo
18. Rob Petitti
19. Pat McQuistan
20. Jason Fabini
Fabini makes the roster here, but it would not surprise me if he didn't, this will be a close call here

OG
21. Kyle Kosier
22. Marco Rivera
23. Cory Procter

C
24. Andre Gurode
25. Al Johnson

DEFENSE

DE
26. Chris Canty
27. Jay Ratliff
28. Marcus Spears
29. Jason Hatcher

NT
30. Jason Ferguson
31. Thomas Johnson or Montavious Stanley (too close to call)
If Montavious does not make the roster, he will be on the practice squad, he has a lot of upside

OLB
32. Demarcus Ware
33. Greg Ellis
34. Al Singleton
35. Kevin Burnett
36. Rocky Boiman

MLB
37. Bradie James
38. Akin Ayodele
39. Bobby Carpenter
40. Oliver Hoyte
Hoyte has played exceptional on special teams and at MLB, and Fowler could lose out here

CB
41. Terence Newman
42. Anthony Henry
43. Aaron Glenn
44. Jacques Reeves
45. Nate Jones

FS
46. Pat Watkins
47. Keith Davis

SS
48. Roy Williams
49. Abram Elam

DS
50. J.P. Ladoceur

P
51. Matt McBriar

K
52. Mike Vanderjagt
53. Shaun Suisham
I would hope we would not need to blow a roster spot on a kickoff guy, but its looking more and more like we may have no choice, She can't handle both duties

Bledsoe has done well this preseason, but...

Does Bledsoe have "lasting power"? The media wanted to create some QB Contraversy when Romo played in an entire preseason game, but then Bledsoe started again, and dazzled fans and the media with his great passes. We all know Bledsoe is one the most prolific QBs in NFL history, and he's done a lot in this league, so this should not be a big surprise to everyone.

Last year, we saw the same production from Bledsoe early on, but as the season progressed his production topped off and declined. Could this be attributed to the offensive line being decimated by injuries, or is it Bledsoe's "lasting power"

Can Bledsoe keep the same good production from start to end? This year we will see. I think the good thing about this offseason, training camp, and preseason has been Tony Romo. Right now, this is definitely Bledsoe's team this year, but if Bledsoe's "lasting power" fails towards the critical part of the second half of the season we will be hearing the calls for Romo to jumpstart the offense. Whether or not Parcells would pull Bledsoe during the season would be something else. Parcells usually sticks with his guys, but at some point he could do this, depending on the situation.

I like what I see in Bledsoe, the young receivers corps, and the offense as a whole. We should be good. Let's see how this unfolds.

How's That 2004 Draft Class Doing?

Parcells has stated time and time again that you build your team through the draft. Let's take a look back at the Cowboys 2004 Draft Class and see how this crop is doing heading into the 2006 Season.

Day1
2 (11, 43) - Julius Jones, Notre Dame (starting RB)
2 (20, 52) - Jacob Rogers, USC (Injured,Cut,Bust)
3 (20, 83) - Stephen Peterman, Louisiana State (Cut)
DAY2
4 (25, 121) - Bruce Thornton, Georgia (Cut)
5 (12, 144) - Sean Ryan, Boston College (Injury Riddled, may not make the cut this year)
7 (4, 205) - Nathan Jones, Rutgers (Probably makes the cut)
7 (15, 216) - Patrick Crayton, NW Oklahoma State (#3WR)
7 (22, 223) - Jacques Reeves, Purdue (Probably makes the cut)


When you look at this draft class, you truly see an average to good crop here. RB Julius Jones headlines the group. Julius is in his 3rd year, and has yet to have that "magical" year, the type of Emmitt Smith year we have not had since the '90s. Jones has the potential, but he has been sidelined the last two years by bad luck.

Rogers was injured before we drafted him, and he never became anything but a complete and uttter BUST.

Parcells stuck by Peterman despite his injuries, unfortunately time ran out on Peterman. Cory Procter overcame him on the depth chart, and Peterman was released today.

Bruce Thornton had big potential coming out of college as the team captain of the Georgia Bulldog defense, unfortunately Thornton never developed into anything.

Sean Ryan is another player that has been given plenty of time to contribute and make the team, but this may be the year he is cut. Ryan has been on and off the roster the past couple of years. His days are numbered with the drafting of Fasano and the signing of Hannam.

Nate Jones is the man of mystery, he never gets any attention at all, good or bad, but Parcells recently stated that each year it becomes harder and harder to cut Jones. Jones will be cutting it very close this year. He may or may not make this team this year, we'll know in the coming days.

Patrick Crayton was the 2nd day gem in this draft class. Crayton came into camp and turned heads ever since. He has solid hands, and makes plays after the catch. As a former QB, Crayton knows where to position himself when he runs his routes. The only knock on Crayton is his durability. Patrick Crayton and Julius Jones share the same hardships, just wishing to complete a full season.

Jacques Reeves continues to make the team every year due to his committment to the game, he's a solid back up and a versatile player that Parcells likes in the secondary. Reeves should make the team once again.

Summary:
Day 1 is a near washout with the exception of Julius Jones. Day 2 is interesting, the last (3) picks were 7th rounders and all remain on the team, unlike the higher picks before them. If you remember Parcells made some trades to acquire those 7th rounders, once again applying his theory of being in the "Talent Acquisition Business" even during the NFL draft back in 2004.

Inching Closer to More Roster Cuts

Aug. 29th - Cut down to 75
Sept. 2nd - Cut down to 53

Last night there were several players that did not play, and when you're not playing in a preseason game, you're in trouble - on the bubble.

Some notable players that did not play against the Saints were: OG Stephen Peterman, QB Drew Henson, QB Matt Baker, WR JR Tolver, LB Carl-Johan Bjork, TE Erik Jensen, and K Mike Vanderjagt.

Henson and Vanderjagt make the roster, but the same cannot be said about the rest of those guys. Most notable is OG Stephen Peterman, a former 3rd round pick. Peterman has been riddled with injuries, and this year it appears that Cory Proctor is poised to beat him out.

Marcus Coleman is going to be suspended for (4) games for violating the leagues illegal substance policy. He's going to be cut.

LB Oliver Hoyte is doing everything possible to stay on the team, he's been a tackling machine, and will at least make the practice squad. WR Miles Austin has done his part as well, and could be on his way to the practice squad as well.

WR Battle: Rector vs. Green
Rector has made some great catches, but he has also dropped a few passes during practice. Its a tight race between Rector and Green for one of the last WR spots. This is too close to call at this point, I honestly don't know which of these two makes the team.

Charlie Adams Fails Cowboys Physical

This trade has been voided, we get our draft pick back; however, looks like the Cowboys are still looking for more options at WR.

Cowboys Acquire Denver WR

The Cowboys traded a conditional 7th round pick to the Broncos for WR Charlie Adams. This is a camp body, he has some special teams experience, and I wouldn't expect much else out of this trade...

Additional Notes:

Position: WR
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Born: 10/23/1979
College: Hofstra
NFL Experience: 4

Englewood, CO (Sports Network) - The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Charlie Adams to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick.

Adams played in all 16 games -- and two playoff contests -- for Denver last season. He totaled 21 receptions for 203 yards and also netted 351 total return yards in 2005.

Over the past several years, Adams has been up and down between the practice squad and the active roster before he finally became Denver's third receiver last season.

No news from the "Scout Swap" we had with the Patriots as of yet.

Ask Coach Parcells
editor@dallascowboys.net
By DCW Staff


Q: Given his track record, do you have any concerns about Julius Jones and his health?
- Reggie Joseph, Allen,

A: I don't think concern is the right word. I would be concerned if I didn't see him working every day at a high level. I think he has something to prove to himself, as well. But I do see that, so I'm not as concerned about him. Durability is a big thing in the running back position. He had a little tough luck a couple of times, but I think things will get better for him. I do think that.
Running back is a tough position, and it takes a little while sometimes to get established there and learn how to do exactly right by it. I think he is a kid that has the mental capacity to understand it and is trying to do the right thing. He's not a big man, but I don't necessarily think that he's injury-prone. Injuries are not a problem for him; they are a problem for anyone in pro football.

Playing running back is one of the most demanding jobs in pro football. It is hard on a young kid starting out, and it's not something that you can easily explain to them what it is all about no matter how hard you try. I have a lot of experience doing it with some of these kids and it is still tough. You try to tell them this is what it's going to be like, and you tell them why they have to do the things that I am asking them to do.
I can tell them to believe me because I can point to specific players I coached and let our guys know that this worked for this guy, and this other guy and this other guy and it will work for them too. It's what I know to teach you to do and no matter how hard you try to do that, it takes a little while before they really get it.
The pressure on these runners is really difficult. They have to block the blitz, they have to catch the ball and they have to run the ball 25 times a game. That all adds up on these guys.

Q: What do you know about Bobby Carpenter based on your familiarity with his father, Rob?
- Jamar Thomas, Milford, Ohio.

A: I knew there would be discipline because that was in the family. I knew his mom, too. I knew that he would be taught right from wrong. He's probably been spoken to on a few matters. I have a very high regard for his father. His father was one of the key guys for me. I was fortunate to have him come along at the right time for me along with Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor and few of those to really get me started coaching in this league. I give him as much credit as I did several of those others that were kind of the nucleus for us. He was very good with young players when he was a veteran. He was a good player himself.
I know he has coaching experience. He coached all those years. He's got four boys, they're all playing football now too. Football was something that was really pretty important in that family. I kind of like that. I like the player as an athlete. He's a real pure linebacker.

Q. What concerned you the most going into camp?
- Ray Kuale, Tualatin, Ore.

A: There are several positions where we have a degree of uncertainty, a couple on the offensive line and maybe one position particularly in the secondary. We are going to have some transition at a couple of linebacker spots.
Every year is different. It always unfolds differently as you go through it. You don't know what is going to happen during the course of camp that could cause you problems. Right now, there are still a couple of places where I feel like we've got to get something done. I'm not sure what those answers will be just yet.

I do think I have a good class of kids on my team. Players that want to work hard. I think each year we have been here we have improved that. We have several young guys now who are really starting to come as real good players in the league. They have a couple of years in now, and that kind of encourages us. They have a pretty good ceiling to get to. They haven't gotten there yet, but a couple of them are headed that way.

Q: Terrell Owens has been in a West Coast offense his entire career. Do you change what you want to do because of that or do you work him into your system?
- Omar Hollard, Floresville, Tex.

A: We want to use the player's assets. We would be foolish not to try to do that. I have a general idea of what he does well from having played against him. But I have to see what he thinks about things like I would any player that's experienced. I need to learn what routes he likes. What he feels comfortable with and what routes he struggles with.

You know, they all have them. They don't just come in and say, "I can do anything you want me to do." We go over things and say, "How do you feel about this? How do you feel about that?"
I would do that with any player that was a veteran that we were trying to integrate into our scheme. I've done that over the course of my career. I remember vividly the day I got Shawn Jefferson. I said, "Shawn, what do you like?" He said, "Sevens, eights and nines, Coach." That's a tree route. Sevens, eights and nines. He said, "I can run those for you all day." I asked him, "Well, what about a four?" He said, "I can run a four." I said, "Well, what about a six?" He says, "I'm not in love with a six." So along the way I get an idea about what he can do, what he likes. I haven't had that conversation yet with Terrell.

That Worm Hansen

For the record, Dale Hansen is a mere maggot of a reporter. I do not like him and I know the Cowboys as a Organization do not care that much for his reporting and line of questioning.

“Basically, Bill Parcells is a d---.’’ Channel 8 sportscaster Dale Hansen, explaining why he made a point in the press conference to direct questions at owner Jerry Jones and not at Parcells. Channel 8 is also trying to make a point about the restricted coverage of the NFL now allowed by the league – and the further restrictions placed on the media by Parcells.

This guy has no class at all. You're a gutless worm.

Makeup of Cowboys' Opponents Studied
By Mike Rabun

Anyone who follows any of the NFL teams closely can rattle off multiple story lines worth exploring as the upcoming season draws near.
A resident of Green Bay, for instance, might be able to regale us with tales of kicker Ryan Longwell, who made four of his five attempts from 50 yards or more last year. Or the Packer fan might want to talk about the fact that the team gave up the fewest aerial yards in the NFL during the 2005 season but had only 10 interceptions - tied for worst in the NFC.
Outside Wisconsin, however, the first thing that would come to mind when the Packers are mentioned would probably be this:
"Why did Brett Favre come back and what happens if he throws 12 interceptions in the first three games?"
It's like that with every team. Overriding all the ins and outs that go into the makeup of a club is one item that captures the attention of the far away observer.
At the moment, the item in Dallas attracting the most attention is Terrell Owens. But you already knew that.

What we are going to do here is glance at the teams the Cowboys must deal with this season and, in effect, mention the first thing that comes to mind. At least they will probably be the first thing that comes to the minds of Dallas fans.
We start with the NFC East.

Eagles
Has the window of opportunity officially closed? When Donovan McNabb threw the interception against the Cowboys and was injured trying to make the ensuing tackle, the Eagles cratered. They did not win a division game in 2005.
Once things start to go wrong, it sometimes gets into the minds of players that they can not become completely right again. Is that the way it will be in Philadelphia?

Redskins
Has the worm turned?
For the first time since 1995 and for just the third time ever, Washington defeated the Cowboys in both of their regular season meetings last season.
If Dallas plans on winning a division title, losses to the Redskins cannot become a trend. So when Washington comes to call for a Sunday night game during the second weekend of the season, it will be a very big deal.

Giants
Eli Manning. The younger brother of Peyton did not have a gaudy quarterback rating in 2005. He barely completed half his passes. Yet he threw for 24 touchdowns, tied for most in the NFC.
Manning got the ball into the end zone and the Giants won the division. Can he do it again?
The Dallas schedule will be filled out with the following:

Jaguars
Is this a team poised for greatness? Last season's playoff appearance has Jacksonville expecting much more this year and Dallas visits the Jaguars right out of the box. Whatever the best effort from Jacksonville might be, the Cowboys are likely to see it on Sept. 10.

Titans
Vince Young. Dallas plays Tennessee in the fourth week of the season, so the jury will still be out on whether the former Longhorn will alter the game as we know it. Maybe he will, maybe he won't. But until we figure out the answer, Young will be one of the chief characters in pro football.

Texans
Are they doomed to a generation of failure? Houston did not draft Reggie Bush. Houston did not draft Vince Young. Their quarterback has absorbed as much abuse as any in the history of the league. They have changed general managers. The future just doesn't look very good.

Panthers
Can they do anything but get close? Steve Smith delivered more yards and more touchdowns than any other NFC receiver last year, but it takes more than one guy. Carolina is a solid team. Just about as solid a team as there is in the league. But it appears the Panthers do not have the one explosive quality that can vault them to a Super Bowl title.

Cardinals
The new stadium. A glance at the Arizona website these days can cause a shock to the system. The first words one sees on the Cardinals' site are these - "2006 season sold out."
Arizona will have a true home field advantage as well as an improving team. The Cowboys should certainly not expect their trip to the Valley of the Sun this season to be a piece of cake. The fact that it will be the third straight road game for Dallas will make it only more difficult.

Colts
Can they win the big one? This was the question that haunted the Cowboys as the 1960s turned into the 1970s. Dallas finally got over the hurdle, but Indianapolis has yet to do so. Winning the first 13 games of the season is one thing. Losing to Pittsburgh at home in the playoffs limits a team's hope for greatness.

Buccaneers
Defense. Tampa Bay led the league in that department last year in winning the NFC South. The Bucs, however, won five of their games by four points or less. Winning teams have to have some breaks go their way and Tampa Bay got some in 2005.

Saints
What's to become of this team? The Saints' future is immersed in the future of its surroundings. No one wants the franchise to leave a city that nature has left as only a shadow of its former self. But, in time, it could happen.

Falcons
Is the bloom off Michael Vick. When Vick was healthy during the early stages of his career, Atlanta prospered. When he was injured, things turned bleak. Vick was relatively OK last season and the Falcons went 8-8. Playing in a division with Carolina and Tampa Bay means Atlanta needs the very best of Vick - and everybody else.

Lions
Is a brighter future in sight? It has been six seasons since Detroit has won more than six games. They have a four-game playoff losing streak dating to 1991. History has become weighted against them and the weight will probably remain heavy this year.