05/08/2008

Dallas Cowboys wonder: Is there a receiver in the house?

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Miles Austin, who has size and speed, could develop into a receiving threat for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys had hoped to land a big-time receiver in the off-season. Hasn't happened. Now, they're banking on Terry Glenn to be healthy. That remains to be seen. Could help possibly come from within? Todd Archer takes a look at the in-house receiver candidates.
 Tell Us: Who emerges at WR?
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

05/01/2008

Busy times for Dallas Cowboys' Stephen Jones

TOM FOX / DMN

Signing safety Ken Hamlin to a new deal could be challenging because of the high-dollar contracts signed by a couple of other NFL safeties.

With the NFL draft, Pacman Jones, the new stadium, talks about naming rights, bringing events to the new place and his work in real estate and the oil business, Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has been busy. He's sure to get busier, Todd Archer writes, with the team hoping to sign key players to new deals.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/27/2008

Dallas Cowboys fail to grab a receiver 

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The only help Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo (left) and Terrell Owens got for the passing game in the draft was tight end Martellus Bennett.

The Dallas Cowboys would have liked to have found another Terrell Owens in the draft this year. That never happened, writes Cowboys columnist Todd Archer. "We're working on cloning right now though," coach Wade Phillips joked.
 Video: Day 2 review
• Notebook
• Draft grades
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys have their corners covered
At times in 2007, coach Wade Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart felt like their hands were tied on some of the things they wanted to do defensively because they didn't have enough cornerbacks.

04/24/2008

Dallas Cowboys players recall draft-day memories
Terence Newman was nervous. Andre Gurode didn't think his name would be called. Nick Folk called Jerry Jones "coach." Some Cowboys players recalled their NFL draft-day memories to Todd Archer.

04/17/2008

Less time will test Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones at NFL draft

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones won't have as much time to wheel and deal in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.

The NFL is making teams move quicker in the first two rounds of the draft this year. And that means wheeling-and-dealing Jerry Jones will have to cut out the small talk, writes Todd Archer, who ties up some Dallas Cowboys loose ends before the draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/10/2008

Dallas Cowboys might not need to catch WR in draft

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Would a receiver taken in the second round of the draft pick get on the field ahead of Patrick Crayton?

All signs point to the Dallas Cowboys taking a wide receiver in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. That strategy makes sense. Or does it? Beat writer Todd Archer wonders if the team wouldn't be served going in another direction.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/03/2008

How much is Pacman worth to Dallas Cowboys?

Getty Images

Cornerback Pacman Jones hasn't played in the NFL since 2006.

One of the biggest hang-ups in the talks/arguments between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans is over compensation for suspended cornerback Pacman Jones. That makes beat writer Todd Archer wonder: Do we overrate draft picks?
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/27/2008

Dallas Cowboys also have some not-so-obvious draft needs

Getty Images

Could USC's John David Booty be in the mix as a possible backup quarterback for the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys' most pressing draft needs are obvious: cornerback, wide receiver and running back. But help is needed elsewhere, too. Beat writer Todd Archer looks at some other positions that could be addressed on draft day.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/20/2008

Money sacks: Dallas Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware set to cash in

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware had 14 sacks during the 2007 season.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware has registered 33½ sacks in his first three NFL seasons. And those gaudy numbers will eventually lead to a gaudy contract – probably the most guaranteed money in the Jerry Jones era – writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/13/2008

Change will do ex-Dallas Cowboy Julius Jones good

TOM FOX / DMN

Julius Jones had only six carries of 15 yards or more in 2007.

There was a time, Todd Archer writes, when Julius Jones was supposed to be the Dallas Cowboys' next Tony Dorsett or Emmitt Smith. Now, he is a member of the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn't a bad divorce when the Cowboys and Jones parted. They just fell out of love. It happens.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/07/2008

Dallas Cowboys avoiding costly mistakes

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys put their money into Tony Romo (left) and Flozell Adams instead of new players.

Free agency is a week old and the Dallas Cowboys have done what exactly? Played it smart, really, writes Todd Archer. The Cowboys will not overpay for a player they don’t have absolute feelings for.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/05/2008

Green Bay's hopes ride on Aaron Rodgers' arm
Brett Favre’s retirement puts the fate of the potentially powerful young Packers in the untested hands of Aaron Rodgers.

02/28/2008

Zach Thomas brings plenty of drive to Dallas Cowboys

Getty Images

Linebacker Zach Thomas has spent 12 seasons in the NFL, all with the Miami Dolphins.

There are those who believe veteran linebacker Zach Thomas is not a good fit for the Dallas Cowboys. Too old. Too injury-prone ... What those critics are failing to mention, writes Todd Archer, is that the seven-time Pro Bowler is as driven and passionate as football players come.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

02/21/2008

Dallas Cowboys' offense should require only tweaks

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had a franchise-record 36 touchdown passes in 2007 running Jason Garrett's (right) offense.

Jason Garrett's debut as a playcaller could not have been much better, Todd Archer writes. The Dallas Cowboys finished with the third-ranked offense in the NFL, and their 28.4 points per game were second most. As Garrett looks to 2008, he said it's likely only minor changes will be made to the offense.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

02/14/2008

Dallas Cowboys face decision on Adams

FILE 2007/DMN

The Cowboys must decide if making Flozell Adams (left) their franchise player would be worth a $9 million hit against the salary cap.

The Dallas Cowboys risk losing Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams to free agency if they elect not to make the 32-year-old their franchise player, Todd Archer writes.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

02/07/2008

Talk of Tony Romo's weekend getaway won't go away

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is subject to feeling the heat on and off the field.

Dallas Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer hits on several topics in this week's column, including the perception of quarterback Tony Romo, the December swoon, and free-agent sales pitches at the Pro Bowl.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

02/01/2008

Dallas Cowboys still dealing with Giant disappointment

AP

An image of the New York Giants is prominently displayed at the Phoenix Convention Center.

For three Dallas Cowboys players who have showed up for Super Bowl XLII festivities, this has been a difficult week. Seeing the New York Giants' logo everywhere in Arizona is a painful reminder of what might have been, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

01/24/2008

New hires can bolster Wade Phillips' job security

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has the opprtunity to build a defensive staff with "his" guys.

No coach ever seems to be on solid ground in the NFL, not even one who goes 13-3 in his first season with a team. However, Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips can improve his own job security by securing the best assistant coaches to fill the vacancies on his staff, writes Todd Archer.
Grantham to coach defensive line
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

01/17/2008

Did Dallas Cowboys let best shot get away?

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Quarterback Tony Romo and the Cowboys were bounced in the divisional round of the playoffs.

All signs point to the Dallas Cowboys being serious contenders in 2008. There is plenty of talent on both sides. And coach Wade Phillips notes that "the arrow is pointing up." But beat writer Todd Archer wonders if the Cowboys didn't whiff on their best chance in this window of opportunity.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

01/16/2008

Dallas Cowboys' roster shaping up well
Todd Archer writes that with one of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be in position to claim NFC East titles – and playoff victories, by extension – with a core of players in or near their primes.

01/10/2008

Folk's foot gives Dallas Cowboys a leg up in playoffs
Dallas Cowboys kicker Nick Folk, a sixth-round pick, has been the Cowboys' best rookie this season, Todd Archer writes. He's the first Cowboy rookie to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl since Emmitt Smith in 1990.

01/06/2008

Will third time be the charm for Dallas Cowboys?

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Dallas Cowboys safety Patrick Watkins (25) intercepts a pass intended for Plaxico Burress in a 31-20 defeat of the Giants on Nov. 11.

In their storied histories, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants have never met in the postseason. That changes next week, writes Todd Archer. The Giants will make their second trip of the season to Texas Stadium after beating Tampa Bay, 24-14.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

01/03/2008

Credit due for Dallas Cowboys' regular-season success

MILTON HINNANT / DMN

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware led the Dallas Cowboys' defense with 14 sacks.

Despite a few bumps in December, the big picture – a 13-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC – looks very good for the Dallas Cowboys. Before the playoffs get started, beat writer Todd Archer hands out some regular-season awards.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/27/2007

Opportunity knocks for Dallas Cowboys' reserves

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Veteran quarterback Brad Johnson (14) is expected to relieve Tony Romo at some point in the Dallas Cowboys' regular-season finale.

There will be nothing on the line for the Dallas Cowboys when they close out the regular season Sunday against Washington. That means some starters – even healthy ones – won't go the distance. Beat writer Todd Archer takes a look at the backups who stand to benefit.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/25/2007

A very excused absence for one Dallas Cowboy

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

While Evan Oglesby (23) focused on football, he also made a promise to his mother that he would graduate.

Evan Oglesby's absence from a recent Dallas Cowboys practice did not create much of a stir. But two days before the Cowboys played Philadelphia on Dec. 16, Oglesby was in Florence, Ala., walking through graduation at the University of North Alabama with a degree in business administration, becoming the first male in his family to receive a college diploma.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/20/2007

Dallas Cowboys' success story authored by many

ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN

Assistant head coach Tony Sparano has had a positive effect on the Dallas Cowboys' offense.

The Dallas Cowboys are 12-2 and have at least 11 players going to the Pro Bowl. So, who deserves the credit for all that success? There are plenty of candidates – and not all of them are obvious, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/13/2007

Role players keep Dallas Cowboys on a roll

AP

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nate Jones delivered the KO hit on Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre during a win over the Packers.

The Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of the best regular season in franchise history because their star players have played like stars. But contributions from some of the unheralded players have put the team over the top, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/11/2007

Outside looking in a tough view for Dallas Cowboys' Ferguson

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Jason Ferguson tore his right biceps in the Cowboys' opener and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

The Dallas Cowboys' 12-1 record brings mixed emotions for veteran nose tackle Jason Ferguson, who is on injured reserve with a torn right biceps. "I don't know to cry or cheer," Ferguson said. "You feel good for the team and the guys. But you're not around. You're not part of it."
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/06/2007

Dallas Cowboys find roster stability

IRWIN THOMPSON / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys have signed just one free agent – defensive tackle Tank Johnson – since the season started.

Building an NFL roster is a never-ending process. But for the 11-1 Dallas Cowboys, there has been very little roster movement this season, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

12/03/2007

Script often dictates direction for Dallas Cowboys

JOHN F. RHODES / DMN

Jason Garrett (right) and Tony Romo have directed the Dallas Cowboys' offense to No. 1 in the NFC in scoring.

Jason Garrett's first year as a play-caller has been an overwhelming success, writes DMN Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer. Tony Romo has thrown a club-record 33 touchdown passes. Terrell Owens has 1,249 receiving yards with 14 TDs. The running game has 1,457 yards and 11 TDs. It could not have been scripted any better.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

11/30/2007

Dallas Cowboys have plenty worthy of trip to Hawaii
When the Dallas Cowboys' special season is over, they'll have plenty of players who can count on making a February trip to Hawaii, site of the Pro Bowl, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

11/24/2007

Dallas Cowboys' long snapper Ladouceur seeks perfection every time
Growing up in Montreal, L.P. Ladouceur dreamt of being Mats Naslund or Guy Carbonneau and playing for the Canadiens, not as the Cowboys' long snapper.

11/23/2007

Dallas Cowboys find out Chris Canty can

ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty has three sacks this season.

The Dallas Cowboys were thought to be taking a risk when they selected oft-injured Chris Canty in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. Now, it might be more of a risk if the Cowboys don't sign the defensive end to a long-term deal, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

11/15/2007

Dallas Cowboys know post-play flags must stop flying

Getty Images

Cowboys tackle Marc Colombo wasn't penalized for this post-play exchange with the Giants' Michael Strahan, but three other Dallas players were caught after the whistle last week.

Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has seen enough of the post-play penalties against his team. He's gone as far as asking his players to put in writing that it won't happen again, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

11/08/2007

Handing out Dallas Cowboys' first-half honors

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Tony Romo (9) is Todd Archer's pick as Dallas Cowboys' first-half MVP.

The Cowboys have hit the midway point of the season at 7-1 for the first time since 1995, which coincided with their last trip to a Super Bowl, writes DMN Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer. It's a little too early to predict a trip to Glendale, Ariz., for Super Bowl XLII, but the Cowboys have been the best team in the NFC from the first week of the season. Here's a list of MVPs and honors from the Cowboys' first half.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

10/26/2007

Ellis' spirits lifted – and so are Cowboys

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Veteran Greg Ellis (98) has bolstered the Dallas Cowboys' defense since his return on Sept. 30.

With a career-threating Achilles' injury and a contract squabble finally behind him, veteran linebacker Greg Ellis is back on the field. And the Dallas Cowboys are a better team because of it, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

10/19/2007

NFL takes drama out of trading deadline
The NFL does a lot of things right. The trading deadline is not one of them, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

10/12/2007

Patriots game will be painful reminder for Cowboys' Spears
When the NFL schedule was announced in April, Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears looked forward to the New England game, for it would mean a reunion with Marquise Hill, whom Spears played and roomed with at LSU. But Hill's life was cut short in a jet skiing accident in May.
Blog: Cowboys

09/14/2007

Lives can change quickly in NFL

AP

Bills tight end Kevin Everett suffered a spinal cord injury in Week 1.

The life-changing injury suffered by Buffalo's Kevin Everett last week served as a sobering reminder to the Cowboys and other NFL players: You're one hit away from disaster, writes Todd Archer. "Not only is the football career done, but life as you knew it could come to an end," said Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter.
Blog: Cowboys

08/31/2007

Cowboys' Phillips keeps his cool

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Wade Phillips wasn't happy with his team's performance against the Texans, but he has remained on an even keel.

People are still learning about new Cowboys coach Wade Phillips. This week, they learned how he reacts after his team plays poorly. Not surprisingly, Phillips kept his cool, according to beat writer Todd Archer. "Wade's good at that part of the game," said quarterback Tony Romo.
Blog: Cowboys

04/27/2008

No columns available
No columns available.