From: robert@landru.mtc.ti.com (Robert Treese)
Subject: Re: Dallas Cowboys Q & A
Keywords: n
Organization: Manufacturing Technology Center, Texas Instruments, Dallas
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 18:39:49 GMT

Just my evaluation of where the Cowboys stand right now.

Offensively.  In one word solid and deep.  The line should be improved and
when Step gets in (which I believe he will soon) they will have a very 
impressive line with solid back-up in Cornish and Gogan.  Eric Williams
will struggle a little this year but should be outstanding.  Nate Newton
will get his strength back.  He has always been better in games then practice.

With Montana sliding fast the Boy's have the best 1-2 situation at quaterback.
A third quaterback is unlikely because both Garret and Kupp won't be picked
up and should be around if needed.  Also Jimmy will getting the trading
itch if a backup is needed.

The receivers look in great shape.  Mike will be
in and will play close to last years status.  Harper is improving and the 
quaterbacks should have confidence in him in his second year.  Ace's problems
are many but will make the team.  Everybody knows that he is a tremendous
athlete (benchs' more then Nate Newton at the beginning of camp) but he does
not have natural receiver instincts.  Hands are questionable - needs reps.
His biggest problem in my opinion is Irvins and K-Marts strengths.   When
running pass routes, it is not a full out sprint you must adjust you 
speed in order to make a cut when the defensive back is in the worst position
to cut with you.  This is not a widely talked about technique but it is
quite important.  It is hard to explain with out demonstrations but believe
me setting up a DB so that he can't cut as quickly as possible is enough
for Aikman to get the ball to anybody.  K-mart needs to be on this team
until Jimmy Smith is ready for the big time (next year).

Running backs are set.  Richards is competent and Blake will be back by 
seasons end.  Anyway if Smith gets hurt started looking forward to next year.

 

Defense - scary for me.  The defense line should be better then last years
but mainly against the run.  The Cowboy's used their safeties way to much
to stop the run last year (look how many tackles Washingtion had).  With 
Jeffcoat in and Maryland improving they should be solid against the run.
If they have trouble put Noonan in and he will stop it.  Nobody what
anybody says I believe he could be a star in this league and stopping the
run is his specialty.

The linebackers are nowhere to be found.  Robert Jones looks like he will
be in the middle for years.  He is quick and aggressive.  He is going to
make plenty of mistakes.  Watch for him over pursuing plays.  The outside
linebackers are nowhere to be found.  Vinsen Smith does not make enough plays,
Godfrey Miles and Dixon Edwards are missing the knack to play in the pros.  
I sure hope this will change because physically they are outstanding.  Ken
Norton will be his average self.  At least he makes plays every now and then
and is usually around the ball.

The secondary is weak.  The safeties need to play the run less and the pass 
more.  This should give Ike (please don't let me get toasted) Holt to tighten up
his coverage.  He will have to play there for a while because Smith is been
too banged up to get the practice.  If Larry Brown would learn to turn is head
he could be outstanding.  Safeties are tough to call.  Robert Williams has
been making plays at safety and he has all the physical tools to play it so
I do look for good things from him.  I hope Washington is a smart safety
because he will replace Horton and Horton is an extremely intelligent football 
player.  I sure hope to see Woodson taking heads off before sometime soon.       

 Special teams.  Saxon - above average so no complaints.   I think the 
Cowboys should provide a priest to lead the team in prayer before ever
field goal attempt.

Well that is how I see it.  Right now I say we are in trouble but I have
a lot of confidence in the coaches and expect to see a team ready against
Washingtion.  

Robert
robert@dragon.mtc.ti.com
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro