SPORTSDAY

Posted by Scott @ 2:35 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I would love to hear about how Romo looked, what changes are in for the defense, what some of the sophmore players looked like (Carpenter, Hatcher, Miles Austin, Sam Hurd and Pat Watkins), and if the offense looks any different until Garrett.

Posted by Daniel @ 2:36 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I want to hear how the new holder on field goals does....On a serious note, how the defense will stack up against the rest of the division would be interesting.

Posted by Fred @ 2:40 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I want to know about the athletic ability at the mini camp of the two new OT drafted

Posted by Avery210 @ 2:41 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Can we please not hear too much about T.O. and his finger? I'm in the minority here in that I love T.O. (just like I loved Irvin back in his fur coat days), but I'd rather here about the D. Would love to hear how Phillips will tweak it? How will Roy Williams role change, if at all? This one might be out of left field, but what about Tyson Thompson...does he have something that will allow us to see Julius walk and use Thompson/Barber as a tandem after next season? Will/can the Cowboys resign Newman?

I know there must be some T.O. stories, but if anything, get his opinion on the Eagles taking the Houston QB and what that means for his buddy.

Posted by RT @ 2:43 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'd like to know how active Wade Phillips is during practice. Does he let his assistants do the coaching and he's an overseer, or is he more hands on?

Posted by Andrew @ 2:44 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I don't want to read, I want to see ;)
Let's get some video of these guys matching up against each other etc.

Posted by DCFanatic @ 2:47 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Here's my list.

1. How does Jason Garrett interact with the QB's. Does he focus on Romo or spend more of his time with the young guys because he trusts Romo and his abilities?

2. Where is Bobby Carpenter lining up most of the time - Inside or Outside Linebacker?

3. Free Safety. Hamlin is now the starter I assume from the presser. What kind of attitude is Pat Watkins portraying out there on the field?

4. Marcus Spears. Does he look like he devoted himself to the offseason training program or does he look like he devoted himself to watching golf and eating ham samwiches?

5. Offensive Line - Does Flozell Adams look like he is now 100% once again? Who is now the leader of this unit with Marco Rivera now out of the picture?

6. Size of some of the younger developmental players from last season. Who looks like they never left the weight room over the last few months? Who looks like they never left the break room over the last few months?

7. Atmosphere. We know it's going to be a little more relaxed with Wade now running the show, but it is too relaxed that the players look a little confused about this new environment?

8. Brian Stewart. Is he a rah rah guy? Which defensive unit gets the most attention from him? (this should tell us which unit he thinks needs the most work)

Ok, I'm done. Get to work DMN!

Posted by A. Ganz @ 2:47 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'd like to hear about the first impressions of the new rookies as well as first impressions of the new coaches on the practice field.

Posted by Lunging Wolf @ 2:49 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I want to know what Bobby Carpenter is doing. If this guy is as good as he was in that Seattle game, the opposition is in big doo doo. Also Kevin Burnett. I think we have two LB's here, we haven't even taken advantage of.

Posted by Jeff L. @ 2:50 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

That's great news! No offense to hoops and hockey fans out there, but let's face it...they are secondary sports with seasons that last WAY too long.

As for what to write about...naturally what the rookie crop looks like, especially Spencer. Does Romo look comfortable and in control? I'd also like to hear what the overall vibe and pace of a Phillips practice is.

Posted by Larry @ 2:52 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

First of all Tim, can you tell us if any portion of the mini-camp will be open to the public?

Would like to be kept up to date on who looks good, who looks bad, how the players seem be adapting to the new offensive and defensive systems, and if we have an early indication of how the competition is going. Lots of backup jobs would appear to be up for grabs this year, like the #3 QB position.

Some of the most interesting aspects I would like to be kept up on is the competition at various positions. Looks like there will be a lot of competition, if not for starting jobs, for a lot of back up jobs on this team.

Posted by Jim @ 2:52 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

How is Romo looking and is T.O. catching passes (as opposed to dropping them).

Posted by Marcus W @ 2:53 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I would like to know about the off season improvement (if any) of the receivers behind Owens and Glenn since we did not draft any young receivers. Also, I want to know how Tyson Thompson is doing as well.

Posted by Long Ball @ 2:56 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Since you're taking requests for reading material, how about Greg Ellis and Anthony Spencer thumb-wrestling for dibs on first turn at strong side LB?

Posted by Eric @ 2:57 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

The rookies who were considered long shots
Stanback, Anderson, Courtney Brown, Matt Moore, Dagundro, those guys.

Posted by maverick @ 2:57 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Timah!! It would be great to get some "inside" stuff on the players, their goals (esp the rookies), and other preliminary info prior to training camp.

BTW, can we keep Archer and Frenchie out of the blog? They aren't doing anything.

Posted by Bill In DC @ 2:58 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

About how the Cowboys are a lock to win the next 10 Superbowls of course!

Back to reality. I'd like to see some verbiage on the differences between Phillps 3-4 and Parcells, especially how he intends to use the DE.

Posted by Brent @ 3:04 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Lets hear about the background of players on the bubble, and those considered long shots to make the team.

Unfortunately, I no longer get to cheer for JJ Barea, thanks to the Mavs early exit. Who is the Cowboys' Barea?

Posted by james @ 3:07 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

What kind of scheme Jason Garrett will use, who will be calling plays on defense. How players like or dislike new system

Posted by Mike G @ 3:09 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Ellis, Hamlin and the offensive line. I want to know how they are all progressing.

Posted by drhorton @ 3:14 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

What do we WANT to read about, or what are we going to be FORCED to read about?

I want to hear about what the rookies are doing, and how they will fit into the lineup.
I would like to see an up to date line up chart, and it wouldn't be a bad thing to see salary cap numbers and contract years left. As armchair GM, I got to know who to cut in the coming months.

I want to know exactly what is up with Greg Ellis, his attitude and his rehab.

I want to know exactly how the Cowboy's brass is going sabatoge the Cleveland Brown's season, to get a higher draft pick.

Of course, I will probably only get to read articles about TO's fingers, and how Tony and Carrie are getting along. If you must speak of Carrie, please at least put a picture or two of her in there. I get lonely at work.

Posted by Gary Mc @ 3:16 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Tell us if any of the rookies stand out for good or bad.

Posted by Darius @ 3:19 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I would like to know if the young players (drafted or UnDrafted FA's) show enough promise to unseat guys at the bottom of the roster. Like the 2 7th round CB's (Reeves, Jones), or the 6th round FB (Polite). Also, if Spencer looks as good in person as he does on tape.

Posted by Will @ 3:19 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

What I'd like to know is:
1) What does a "Jason Garrett offense" look like? Does everybody wear baseball caps and carry clipboards?
2) How is Phillips going to address the secondary? The Chargers' secondary has been soft against the pass but they hide it by getting to the QB. Dallas can't consistently generate pressure. So . . .
3) Who'll play where on the OL? Are they going to move guys around and find the best lineup?
4) Which backups from 2006 will emerge as key players in 2007?
5) What difference did Parcells have in the last two years where Dallas underachieved, or does the front office still not understand how to effectively identify and cultivate NFL talent?

Posted by Ken In SA @ 3:47 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Please minimize the TO articles. We don't need a quote from him every day. And if he pulls another stunt like the "bicycle" stunt, we don't need that reported, much less played to the exclusion of all other stories (like last year). Some TO is fine. He is one of our two main receivers. But, he's not the team.

Posted by Ray @ 3:47 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Offensive line and defensive front seven are the keys to the season. Also, can Roy Williams also hit with his left shoulder?

Posted by Dave @ 3:48 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Love to hear about how the defense will be different not so much from a scheme perspective, but how Phillips & Co. will use the personnel and how that may change their game impact and careers. Of course, develpoment of the offense with experience-short coaching staff will be interesting, too. Thanks or asking!

Posted by 22 @ 3:52 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I would be interested in hearing about the competition for kicker. Will the draft pick take Gramatica's place on the roster?

Posted by Timbo @ 3:53 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

What I do NOT want to know is anything related to T.O., unless it is specific to playing football, and then only as a last resort. We had enough TO coverage last year to last 3 lifetimes. Other topics of more interest:
Romo's progress as a starter
OL positioning
Greg Ellis' status and recovery
The QB-turned-WR experiment
Wade Phillips' boot selection

Posted by Bill Reynolds @ 4:00 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Does everyone realize this is a mini-camp they're having? Some of these questions everyone wants to know about can't even be answered until the end of Training camp

Posted by Melonhead @ 4:05 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Tim, thanks for taking suggestions.

Here's what we don't want: hourly updates about all of the players who played high school football in Texas.

Wants:
1. Is TO learning the playbook?
2. Is anyone teaching Julius how to cut towards the hole, not away from it.
3. Is Ken Hamlin the answer?
4. Who plays LG?
5. Have Miles Austin and Sam Hurd improved to the point of contributing?
6. Is either kicker consistent enough to merit confidence?

Posted by Larry @ 4:15 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Wow, just read all these comments. You guys better take the whole DMN staff over there if you are going to be able to report on half the requests -- but what can I say. This is Cowboy Country!
I think the first guy above was kidding, but I REALLY WOULD Like to know how the new kicker looks. I'm still mad at Martin for missing that block in the Seattle game. I know, I know, he tried.

Posted by Scott Myers @ 4:18 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

In order of interest:

1. Jason Garrett's offensive scheme and how Romo and the offense catches on prior to training camp.

2. How the 3-4 defense will be improved with Wade Phillips at the helm.

3. Deep snapper-holder-kicker. How the three pieces of the field goal/extra point department will work together prior to training camp...and afterwards.

Posted by Chris Metcalf @ 4:24 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'd like to know IF Bradie James CAN actually cover a TE or anyone out of the backfield this year. Will he be all mouth and TRY (unsuccessfully) to be a leader again or will he let his "play" do the talking for him until he's actually established some credability with the other players? If he starts talking will Newman slap him like he wanted to do towards the end of last season?

Posted by Zipperback @ 4:49 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'd like to hear something from the assistant coaches (and their take on the personnel, schemes, what they do to improve the Cowboy's play) - assuming they are now allowed to speak.

Posted by Aric A. @ 5:01 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I know training camp is tedious, but some behind the scenes types stories might be good. How are the players training and preparing? How is Tony Romo preparing now that he's the starter? Who's saying what in the coaches' meetings? Who's pissed about their role in the team (BESIDES Greg Ellis) and who's taking advantage of opportunities through some unique training methods?

Posted by chris graham @ 5:01 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

i do want to hear from t.o.and how many touchdownz. he plans on makin,and is he ready 2 shutup the haters.cowboy fans included,stop hes a cowboy now.

Posted by milton thuroughgood III @ 5:01 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Does Tony Sporano roll his eyes when Garrett calls Nintendo plays?

Posted by Not A Cowboys fan @ 5:51 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I want to know with same defense and same offense do you guys think Wade can squeeze out at least 7 wins from this group of can't get it doners

Posted by Jeff in PDX @ 6:20 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Lets see here

What time did TO arive at the Stadium?
What was TO driving?
What is TO wearing?
Was TO on his cell phone?
Did TO smile at reporters while they were covering his arivel at the stadium?
Did TO seek Tony Romo out and say hi with a big hug? (If not I would like a story about the souring of Romo's and TO's realitionship)

....and other important TO stuff.

Posted by Big B @ 6:31 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Amazing, you get paid for these comments....

Posted by JTJ @ 6:59 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'm really interested to hear about first impressions on the rookies, the physical condition of players, and I'm really, really looking forward to hearing from and about the new assistant coaches. I appreciate what Bill Parcells did for the team, and I think Jerry learned a lot about being a "football guy" from Bill. I just like having sources for news about players beyond the Head Coach and GM. It's gotta make the reporter job a little easier.

Posted by BiG mIkE @ 7:48 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

i want to know how the young bucks are doing -our draft picks from this year and also the picks from last year. (2nd year guys) Which of these guys look like they are gonna make the squad?

Posted by Mike C. @ 7:50 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

We Dallas fans have been through a lot of highs and lows in the past year. Mavs in the Finals up 2 games then losing 4 straight. Tony Romo coming out of nowhere to play great for a few weeks, then there was the Saints game, then the Seahawks game. Terrell Owens. Parcells out, Phillips in. Mavs start 0-4, but go on to win 67 games and get #1 seed in the conference only to get ousted n the first round by a team that barely made the playoffs.

Posted by Gary M @ 8:19 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

how both lines look against each other...as much as i would like the defense to be fierce, i think if the o-line handles them, it's a good sign

Posted by Brad @ 8:31 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

I'd like to know...

-Tony Romo's demeanor
-Greg Ellis' health
-an early depth chart
-list of potential FA to fill depth, i.e. DT, blocking TE, etc.
-potential new holder?
-who showed up in shape, who didn't
-it maybe too early to tell, but can you see a connection between ray sherman and TO?
-who stands out amongst the rookies/2nd yr guys
-Health of the OL

Thanks for letting us give our input. Go Cowboys.

Posted by Brad @ 9:36 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Has anyone picked up Ramonce Taylor out of Texas? I know that he has some character issues, but so does the new fullback out of UConn. I would rather have a potential stoner(Taylor) than a guy who exposes himself to women(new fullback). He would be a nice help in the return game.

Posted by rellison @ 9:41 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

who has the best golf cart? J.J. or Phillips
are the rookies allowed to leave campus for lunch?
will Jerry hem and haw or studder and stammer on the teams initial throw down of the off season?
Does Romo practice his wedges (short game) on the sideline when other QB'S are taking snaps?
Will T. Glenn be looking to buy any real estate from his team mates?

I, for one can't wait for the answers to these and many more unanswered questions about this team?

Posted by JLM @ 11:45 PM Fri, May 04, 2007

Let's see, we've got a number of competitions going:

1. RB
2. FB
3. LG (possibly with Kosier v. McQ)
4. WR (no competition but a lot of young potential)
5. DE
6. OLB
7. ILB (specifically where Carpenter and Burnett are playing and to what extent)
8. FS
9. K

That should be plenty of fodder...

Posted by Mike Stevens @ 12:38 AM Sat, May 05, 2007

Let me start with what I don't want to hear from local Dallas reporters.

That would be T.O. Stuff. (get saturation coverage of him from the National meadi)

From Dallas News reporters I want to hear stuff about the unsung heros and that don't draw a crowd of National media because they do their job and stay out of controversy. I want a microphone stuck in their face and open-ended questions asked to draw out their opinions. It might seem boring to you guys in the media but trust me, the really loyal and objective fans that make up your constituency will prefer this to the sensationalistic stuff.

Posted by Shawn @ 3:28 AM Sat, May 05, 2007

anyway you could get some video footage of training camp? I think that'd be pretty cool.

Posted by Mark @ 7:41 AM Sat, May 05, 2007

Jamel Richardson

Nothing has really been said about the guy since he signed.

Posted by Dudley Lance @ 10:51 PM Sat, May 05, 2007

Are there any indications of how Garrett will utilize the talent on the offensive side of the ball, specifically the play calling and how it will impact the future of JOnes and Owens? I'd like to see Jones stay and Owens go after next year. The pluses don't outweigh the minuses with Owens...with Jones he did OK in Parcells "between the tackles" smash mouth approach. I think he will flourish in a different offensive scheme that is less pedictable.

Posted by johndeeree @ 12:47 AM Sun, May 06, 2007

The development of Canty and Spears just like parcells said last year the season hinges on the both of them

Posted by Ray Mahar @ 10:23 AM Sun, May 06, 2007

I would like to know if we have any plans to use Doug Free as a second tight end and run the ball, I would like to see us running the ball with a fullback, and the big fast O-line man moving down the field, take as much time grinding the ball down the field, and then let the Defense have at them, that would make for a great game from my standpoint, keep the ball for ten minutes, and let them have it for three.

Posted by ivolution @ 7:08 PM Mon, May 07, 2007

i cant believe no one has mentioned Leonard Davis yet we making the highest paid guard in the NFL i want to see if he is a beast at guard or is he just a waste of money. Also i want to hear about Anthony Spencer and Marcus Spears!!!