Star-Telegram: Looking for proof positive of progress?

[tr1]

By RANDY GALLOWAY

Star-Telegram staff writer

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/randy_galloway/story/221375.html

From that first July day in San Antonio to Thursday night in Minneapolis, the training camp/exhibition season for the Cowboys stretched over 5 1/2 weeks and about a million miles of local newspaper print and TV minutes.

Now that it's done, and with the regular season, thank gawd, beginning in a week, what was learned and how does it relate to what is important?

Important, as in maybe winning a playoff game in January, or, keeping it real, just making the playoffs.

This is a team without a postseason victory in 10 years, and now you suddenly want to talk Super Bowl? Get outta here.

But what follows is a review of the Top 10 priority items, in order, for the Cowboys' summer, and basically, I think what turned up was more positive than negative.

The envelope, please...

(1) Injuries

An NFL summer is about front-line roster survival, and this went extremely well for the Cowboys. There were no season-ending wipeouts, and even better, not even one starter is currently listed as not available for the Giants next Sunday.

Beyond that, the injury situation is still a bit murky, particularly involving two key defensive elements. Who knows what on linebacker Greg Ellis, and cornerback Terence Newman may become a week-to-week sweat. As you've been told repeatedly, if Newman ain't right, the defense won't be right.

The word is that receiver Terry Glenn, who disappeared early in San Antonio because of a knee scope, will be ready to go again next week. But health is always an ongoing issue with Terry.

(2) All things Romo sits to pee

In general, it was a positive summer for Tony, although the doubters had an opportunity to yelp after the Houston game.

Beyond the talent aspect, however, the successful quarterback must have the respect and confidence of his teammates. This is Romo sits to pee, now more than ever, and much more than last season.

For a guy with 11 career starts, he has quickly become a team leader because the players who matter believe strongly in his ability and his mental toughness.

The doubters have a target on the wrong guy here.

(3) All things defense

Much glee was registered locally after the Broncos game -- the mighty "Phillips 3-4" had arrived.

But no, not yet. Not even close.

Actually, the most disappointing aspect of the summer was the lack of pressure on the quarterback in the Houston dress rehearsal, which may or may not mean anything when the real games start.

But names we wanted to hear called repeatedly this summer -- Williams, Spears, Canty, Spencer, etc. -- weren't heard from on a regular basis.

Not a good August, overall, for the defense, particularly when you consider that four of Denver's top seven offensive linemen didn't play in that particular game. And then on Saturday, the surprise release of Aaron Glenn left the secondary very thin.

(4) New head coach impact

Wade Phillips is here because, in his own words, "I'm considered a great defensive coordinator."

Jerry Jones wants him to fix "that."

But this team, as with any team, needs a real head coach. Whether Jerry knows it or not, he also needs a real head coach.

Here's the good news.

Phillips has had an excellent six months in this vital role.

The team loves his style. The players respond to him. That's all you can ask.

One disclaimer, however.

It is now September. Only now, and continuing for the next four months, can we really judge Wade Phillips, new head coach.

(5) Jason Garrett impact

All signs are good, but get back to me on this one.

There is no reason at the moment to doubt Garrett as the new offensive guru, but much more evidence is necessary before declaring this gamble a good one.

(Not that it means anything, but I thought Garrett, with his local roots, would be the summer's media star. Maybe wisely, Jason has somehow managed to avoid that spotlight.)

(6) Offensive line

For like the ninth consecutive summer, Jerry Jones opened training camp by declaring this area "a real team strength."

So far, Jerry hasn't been right yet.

There was nothing this summer to suggest he will be this time.

OK, I'm giving the OL time, and giving coach Tony Sparano breathing room until, well, next Sunday night.

(7) Backup receiver

This doesn't mean Patrick Crayton. This means finding someone below him in the pecking order. Someone who can play. With the age on the two starting receivers, it figures an injury will happen at some point, and that fourth receiver becomes No. 3.

Based on August, maybe Sam Hurd, huh?

Maybe. But still an area of doubt.

(8) Kicker situation

Personally, my theory is to ignore the kicker until he misses twice in a real game. Then there's concern.

But, of course, these little fellows are always vital to a successful season.

Nick Folk is a rookie, but I won't have a negative comment on him until, yes, he misses twice in a real game.

(9) Jerry, the TV star

Is it troubling for a team when the highlight of August is the owner's TV commercial for a pizza company?

(10) Big Bill backlash

Unless I missed somebody, not one guy who publicly blamed Parcells for his own failures last season had an August worth remembering.

Hey, fellows, if you are gonna talk it, you need to walk it, and you need to get started walking it next Sunday night.

[tr1]

Frankly, this team is a bit worse off then when it started last year.

Nicked Ellis and Newman and no pass rush should be very ugly for the pukes.

And, Romo sits to pee looks to continue to have turnovers...

8-8...at best.

[DWinzit]

(10) Big Bill backlash

Unless I missed somebody, not one guy who publicly blamed Parcells for his own failures last season had an August worth remembering.

Hey, fellows, if you are gonna talk it, you need to walk it, and you need to get started walking it next Sunday night.

This is a great point. It seems like too often the whiners get the change they were hoping for, only to find something new to whine about! Who will be the next for them to trash? Perhaps it will be old starting WR's, the OL, DB's, PK, Garrett, Romo sits to pee, Wade.....?:hammer:

[Ken]

Frankly, this team is a bit worse off then when it started last year.

Nicked Ellis and Newman and no pass rush should be very ugly for the pukes.

And, Romo sits to pee looks to continue to have turnovers...

8-8...at best.

I won't dispute that without Ellis and Newman, we are in trouble.

The good news, from my perspective, is that neither is out for the season. Newman will play week 1 and Ellis is a matter of time. He just got good news that his heel only has bursitis and has no structural damage. Frankly, he should get out there and work through it.

Ellis improves our run D on the right side and helps our pass rush. If he cannott play, we have a real issue early on, on the right side. Spencer still is learning his position, and from what I have seen, is struggling playing the run.

[tr1]

I won't dispute that without Ellis and Newman, we are in trouble.

The good news, from my perspective, is that neither is out for the season. Newman will play week 1 and Ellis is a matter of time. He just got good news that his heel only has bursitis and has no structural damage. Frankly, he should get out there and work through it.

Ellis improves our run D on the right side and helps our pass rush. If he cannott play, we have a real issue early on, on the right side. Spencer still is learning his position, and from what I have seen, is struggling playing the run.

Sorry, but a nicked pro-bowl CB = average CB.

As for Ellis, I wouldn't hold my breath. His confidence in your training staff right now is at an all time low...he doesn't believe what they say considering the amount of pain he suffered his first time out during training camp.

I doubt you see him until week eight.

[ArmchairRedskin]

That secondary is in big trouble. I mean, unless their front 7 can get monster pressure in record time consistently, it's open season back there.

[ExoDus84]

That secondary is in big trouble. I mean, unless their front 7 can get monster pressure in record time consistently, it's open season back there.

Bombs away for cooley and moss. Mark my words: cooley will have a career day. 287 yards, 6 touchdowns and a 22.3 YAC.

Championship.

[Gilgamesh]

If Newman has a bad wheel all season, that turns the Cowboys secondary from solid to very poor in short order in terms of coverage. Newman is a top shelf coverage cornerback, and if he can't take out a team's #1, Dallas will have to rely on crazy sell out blitzes to offset it's secondary problems, which means huge plays for the opposition. All this and no nickel back on the roster.

[Barney B]

Randy Galloway does good work. I'm glad he's in Dallas beating up on the Girls instead of in DC beating up on the Skins.

And it's no wonder that Dallas' O-line stinks - Tony Soprano is the line coach. The O-linemen are probably afraid that if they give up a sack, they'll end up sleeping with the fishes.

[dfos81]

By RANDY GALLOWAY

Star-Telegram staff writer

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/randy_galloway/story/221375.html

This is a team without a postseason victory in 10 years, and now you suddenly want to talk Super Bowl? Get outta here.

the injury situation is still a bit murky, particularly involving two key defensive elements. Who knows what on linebacker Greg Ellis, and cornerback Terence Newman may become a week-to-week sweat. As you've been told repeatedly, if Newman ain't right, the defense won't be right.

Actually, the most disappointing aspect of the summer was the lack of pressure on the quarterback in the Houston dress rehearsal, which may or may not mean anything when the real games start.

But names we wanted to hear called repeatedly this summer -- Williams, Spears, Canty, Spencer, etc. -- weren't heard from on a regular basis.

Not a good August, overall, for the defense, particularly when you consider that four of Denver's top seven offensive linemen didn't play in that particular game. And then on Saturday, the surprise release of Aaron Glenn left the secondary very thin.

(4) New head coach impact

Wade Phillips is here because, in his own words, "I'm considered a great defensive coordinator."

Jerry Jones wants him to fix "that."

But this team, as with any team, needs a real head coach. Whether Jerry knows it or not, he also needs a real head coach.

Here's the good news.

Phillips has had an excellent six months in this vital role.

The team loves his style. The players respond to him. That's all you can ask.

One disclaimer, however.

It is now September. Only now, and continuing for the next four months, can we really judge Wade Phillips, new head coach.

(6) Offensive line

For like the ninth consecutive summer, Jerry Jones opened training camp by declaring this area "a real team strength."

So far, Jerry hasn't been right yet.

There was nothing this summer to suggest he will be this time.

(10) Big Bill backlash

Unless I missed somebody, not one guy who publicly blamed Parcells for his own failures last season had an August worth remembering.

Hey, fellows, if you are gonna talk it, you need to walk it, and you need to get started walking it next Sunday night.

Very much what I've been saying and many others this whole offseason but we'll see very soon if any of this will hurt the Cowgirls this season.

I've been quoted for picking Dallas to be 8-8 at best along w/ Tr1 and I don't belive we have waivered from that statement.

I didn't know 4 out of the Broncos 7 top O lineman didn't play, lets get this season going. I can't wait to see the G-MEN! hand Dallas a nice little :whippin: come opening game.

[dwdj75]

But what follows is a review of the Top 10 priority items, in order, for the Cowboys' summer, and basically,I think what turned up was more positive than negative.

An NFL summer is about front-line roster survival, and this went extremely well for the Cowboys. There were no season-ending wipeouts, and even better, not even one starter is currently listed as not available for the Giants next Sunday.

(2) All things Romo sits to pee

In general, it was a positive summer for Tony, although the doubters had an opportunity to yelp after the Houston game.

Beyond the talent aspect, however, the successful quarterback must have the respect and confidence of his teammates. This is Romo sits to pee, now more than ever, and much more than last season.

For a guy with 11 career starts, he has quickly become a team leader because the players who matter believe strongly in his ability and his mental toughness.

The doubters have a target on the wrong guy here.

I wonder why none of this was highlighted ?

[dfos81]

I wonder why none of this was highlighted ?

Did you see what forums you were on. :doh:

[tr1]

I wonder why none of this was highlighted ?

Hey, you highlight what you like, I highlight what I like.

I usually highlight things that contradict puke fan doctrine in ATN...it's very easy because it's everywhere...but especially in the Texas press.

[Fred Jones]

I wonder why none of this was highlighted ?

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[dfos81]

Hey, you highlight what you like, I highlight what I like.

I usually highlight things that contradict puke fan doctrine in ATN...it's very easy because it's everywhere...but especially in the Texas press.

I wonder if he saw what messageboard he was on. :laugh:

[tr1]

I wonder if he saw what messageboard he was on. :laugh:

I don't think puke fans can see burgundy and gold colors... :laugh:

I still don't understand why they come here looking for love.

[dwdj75]

I don't think puke fans can see burgundy and gold colors... :laugh:

I still don't understand why they come here looking for love.

Nope, just respect, and since 99.9% of the posts on ATN are Cowboys dominant. I see it very well. :applause:

[ArmchairRedskin]

Nope, just respect, and since 99.9% of the posts on ATN are Cowboys dominant. I see it very well. :applause:

I see math isn't your strong suit. :laugh:

[dwdj75]

I see math isn't your strong suit. :laugh:

I've seen threads about the Eagles AND the Giants turn into threads about the Cowboys.

I've seen threads that were just plain NFL related turn into a Cowboys thread.

99.9% may be a slight askew, but not by much.

But good for you to go off-topic.

[ArmchairRedskin]

I've seen threads about the Eagles AND the Giants turn into threads about the Cowboys.

I've seen threads that were just plain NFL related turn into a Cowboys thread.

99.9% may be a slight askew, but not by much.

But good for you to go off-topic.

Off topic? I responded directly to your post.

Slight askew? First off, puke fans are by far the most active on this forum, so their input influences the direction of a lot of threads since they're so insecure they have to dispute every little thing.

Secondly, which other NFCE team is in the news more? We just report the news around here and then comment on it. For instance when TO was doing his thing in Philly, the threads around here were TO heavy.

See how that works?

[dwdj75]

Off topic? I responded directly to your post.

Slight askew? First off, puke fans are by far the most active on this forum, so their input influences the direction of a lot of threads since they're so insecure they have to dispute every little thing.

Secondly, which other NFCE team is in the news more? We just report the news around here and then comment on it. For instance when TO was doing his thing in Philly, the threads around here were TO heavy.

See how that works?

So there are five to ten more reporters in Dallas than Philly and New York combined ?

Going off this board there seems to be.

But as I said, I'm not surprised. The Cowboys are a franchise everybody loves or loves to hate. And as I've posted before, I never saw the Cardinals get this much attention, or hate. The Cowboys must be doing something right.

[ArmchairRedskin]

So there are five to ten more reporters in Dallas than Philly and New York combined ?

Going off this board there seems to be.

But as I said, I'm not surprised. The Cowboys are a franchise everybody loves or loves to hate. And as I've posted before, I never saw the Cardinals get this much attention, or hate. The Cowboys must be doing something right.

The Cowboys are in the news. Between the crappy performance against the weak ass Texans in a dress rehearsal to the HGH suspension of your QB coach, there's plenty to talk about.

The Cards aren't in the NFCE so why bring them up? This section is called ATNFL, but it's really more like ATNFCE.

A few days ago it was ATMikeVick. You just have a complex and can't see any different.