From: mas@aero.org (Marcus A.Shaw)
Subject: Dallas *iced Notes*
Organization: The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 00:13:10 GMT

Lots of Dallas news to go over, so let's get on with it!

1) First and foremost, Carlos Huerta was released in San Diego today, and I 
can imagine where his first stop might be!  I am excited about this 
possibility, I enjoyed seeing him kick in Miami and win games for them.  
He may not have Daluiso's cannon, but he has kicked under heavy pressure 
and is ready for the NFL.  Another possibility is Ian Howfield (formerly 
with the Oilers et al.) but he is far from a proven quantity.

2) As far as the kickers that the Cowboys already have, I thought it 
interesting that Daluiso kicked extra points and kicked off, and that Elliot 
got a try at FGs.  JJ looked very supportive of Elliot after he missed his 43 
yarder, but not supportive AND enthusiastic.

3) Novacek should be packing his bags if he is not going to take the 
Cowboy's final offer.  The take it or leave it offer has been denied by his 
agent, an agent who has held out 2 other NFL players in past years.  The 
$2.44 million the Cowboys are offering is far less than the $3.2 million he 
wants.  Novacek's agent is comparing his deal to Brent Jones in San Fran 
who got $2.5 million over 3 years.  The Cowboy's say that their offer is 
equal to that of Jones due to the lack of an income tax in Texas, and the high 
tax in California (tell me about it!)  Novacek is not buying and is looking at 
a short ride outta town or a long wait...

So, what should Dallas get for Novacek.  His status as a veteran makes him 
worth less considering that free agency is just around the corner.  He would 
be eligible in its first year.  Still, I think that Novacek is worth a
#1 and a #3. 

As far as trades go, I like the Keith Jackson for Novacek+ more and more.  
Although I don't think the Eagles will go for it, Jackson is a TE worth 
paying a lot more than Novacek due to his versatitity.  To make losing 
Novacek even worse, he and Aikman are very good friends.  To offset that 
loss, getting Aikman's college target and friend Jackson (Oklahoma St.) 
may make the difference in this pivotal season.  

4) Who will hold for the kicks?  Beurlein has been doing an adequate job 
and will keep the job by all accounts.

5) Injuries include:

Jimmy Smith out with a fractured leg (2-3 weeks)
Russell Maryland out with a dislocated toe (will miss Chicago)
Godfrey Myles is day to day with a flexor strain
Gogan is day to day with a knee injury
Casillas is day to day and may miss Chicago (lower back)

6) The defensive line continues to be a source of strength for the Cowboys.  
J Jones is called the DL with the most talent on the team, but moving him 
from T to G continues to give him fits.  He needs a starting spot but can't 
quite play End and can't beat the Tackles.  He is the team's best inside 
rusher.  I see him in a platoon role, coming in with the nickel unit and on 
other passing downs.  He will start for this team eventually.

The Cowboys now appear willing to keep 9 DL, although this could be a 
smokescreen to work up a trade.  Any of the 9 DL that could stick is up for 
trade now, except for JJ's favorite Maryland.  The price of the newly 
rejuvenated Noonan is up to a #2 pick according to reports, and there 
probably won't be any takers.  He will be the 3rd and short or goalline run 
stuffer that might make a big difference.  Tolbert has been all but given his 
starting job back with the movement of Jones back to tackle.

JJ always liked keeping a fresh stable of DT on the field at Miami and he 
has that luxury again, with a small (if any) drop in talent between the 
players.

7) If Dallas does keep 9 DL, it bodes ill for the linebackers.  There
will then only be 5 LB slots left,with Bates playing the middle on nickl downs 
until Woodsen comes on.  To that end, MLB Bernard Clark was released.  
The U of Miami product had hoped to be #6.  The roster exemptions for 
Tolbert, Kupp, and Crum (2 weeks) may keep Crum around for a while 
longer....

8)Thoughts from the Denver game:

* E. Smith looked very good

* The offensive Line looked even better, although Aikman continues to take 
shots to the chin.  Beurlein is playing like a backup and is no threat
in a QB controversy.  He better stop playing, he is costing himself FA
money. 

* Beasley has talent, he may play somewhere else.  Best of all this means 
that the line can block for anyone.

* The Cowboys second string DL made lunchmeat of some very good 
linemen for the Broncos (granted, MOST were second string).

* Saxon looks very good

* Martin looks like Michael Irvin as open as he is getting.  He can't do 
much after he catches it, but boy can he catch!  He did miss 2 balls that were 
in his hands as he was hit by Broncos players.  

* Wright did not make much of his opportunity to be a star (2 catches) with 
Harper out.

* WR Gerald Alphin didn't play much, although he has the talent to make 
the team if Irvin continues to sit.

* Robert Jones looked average which is excellent for a rookie.

* Smith was hot and cold.

* Norton looked good as did V Smith.  They need the next two weeks and 
will be back in form for the start of the season.

9)  TE Rob Awalt who the Cowboys lost on Plan B has been called the 4th 
TE on the Broncos roster.  If this is the case, I hope to see him back in a 
Cowboys uniform.  I believe he could be as good as Novacek in the role the 
Cowboys give to their TE.  Bartlweski is not the answer.

10) Rice signed, 3 years for 8 MILLION DOLLARS.  Irvin will want this 
and it doesn't help trying to get him in.  His dollars look puny by 
comparison.  Still, look for him to get in before the Washington game.

11) Stepnoski says he will sit out the season as well.  Cornish and
Gogan are the centers for now.

that's it for now!

*ice*
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro