LopaKa
August 7th, 2008, 09:59 PM
* i know its madden 08 but i cant get madden 09 so i guess im stuck with this.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Dallas_Cowboys_helmet_rightface.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/NFCE-Uniform-DAL.PNG
Americas Team: A Dallas Cowboys Franchise
The Dallas Cowboys 2006 season ended in perhaps the worst way imaginable when a bobbled extra-point ended the team's short stay in the NFC playoffs. But the good news is, the Cowboys appear to be a team on the upswing. A few significant changes, however, will directly affect this team in '07.
What's New?
A new coaching staff is in town, led by former Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who promises to bring a more aggressive approach to the team's defense. His prior record as a head coach, however, is less than awe-inspiring.
The Cowboys addressed their two biggest roster needs -- free safety and offensive line -- by signing veterans Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis. And they traded in one aging statue for another by signing Brad Johnson to replace Drew Bledsoe as the backup QB.
The team also picked up tight end Adam Bergen from the Cardinals and offensive tackle Jim Molinaro from the Redskins.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB Purdue
3rd Round - James Marten, OT Boston College
4th Round - Isaiah Stanback, QB/WR Washington
4th Round - Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois
6th Round - Nick Folk, K Arizona
6th Round - Deon Anderson, FB UConn
7th Round - Courtney Brown, CB Cal Poly
7th Round - Alan Ball, CB Illinois
Who's Gone?
The tenure of Bill Parcells was brief, and the club didn't ascend to the heights many anticipated when Tuna took over the team in 2003. But there's no denying this is a far more talented team than the one he inherited. The big question now is, can Phillips keep this franchise going in the direction Parcells had them headed?
Players of note who are no longer on the team include offensive linemen Marco Rivera and Jason Fabini, along with quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Drew Henson.
What Needs to Change?
The Cowboys struggled in a couple areas last year, most notably on the offensive line and at free safety. Ken Hamlin was acquired to solidify the latter problem, and big Leonard Davis was paid handsomely to help shore up the interior line.
The team also had trouble generating a consistent pass rush in 2006, but Phillips' version of the 3-4 is a bit more aggressive, utilizing a one-gap approach as opposed to the two-gap the Cowboys played last season.
Under Pressure to Perform
Tony Romo - After a hot start, the league seemed to catch up with Romo late in the 2006 season, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts this year. Will he continue to progress and become one of the game's better signal callers, or will he have problems with consistency? I believe it will be the former.
Terrell Owens - As an offensive weapon, Owens is still among the best in the league. But he was a huge distraction off the field last year. And he does hold the dubious distinction of leading the league in drops in 2006. But the team picked up a $3 million bonus earlier in the year anyway in the hope that he gives them more of the good than the bad.
Leonard Davis - The shift to offensive guard should help Davis, who never lived up to his potential as a tackle in Arizona. And it better, because the Cowboys are paying him Steve Hutchinson-type money to play the position.
Julius Jones - Marion Barber is breathing down this guy's neck, and if Jones doesn't show a spark early in the season, he may just lose his starting job.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 5th (360.8)
Rushing Offense - 13th (121.0)
Passing Offense - 5th (239.8)
Overall Defense - 13th (322.8)
Rushing Defense - 10th (103.7)
Passing Defense - 24th (219.1)
Prediction - Phillips' attacking style is a good fit for the personnel on the Cowboys defense and the unit should make more big plays this season. I am a bit concerned, however, about how the rest of the team continues to grow under a guy who doesn't have the most convincing track record as a head coach.
Record 10-6 and second in the NFC East.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/77/Dallas_Cowboys_helmet_rightface.png
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/NFCE-Uniform-DAL.PNG
Americas Team: A Dallas Cowboys Franchise
The Dallas Cowboys 2006 season ended in perhaps the worst way imaginable when a bobbled extra-point ended the team's short stay in the NFC playoffs. But the good news is, the Cowboys appear to be a team on the upswing. A few significant changes, however, will directly affect this team in '07.
What's New?
A new coaching staff is in town, led by former Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who promises to bring a more aggressive approach to the team's defense. His prior record as a head coach, however, is less than awe-inspiring.
The Cowboys addressed their two biggest roster needs -- free safety and offensive line -- by signing veterans Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis. And they traded in one aging statue for another by signing Brad Johnson to replace Drew Bledsoe as the backup QB.
The team also picked up tight end Adam Bergen from the Cardinals and offensive tackle Jim Molinaro from the Redskins.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Anthony Spencer, DE/OLB Purdue
3rd Round - James Marten, OT Boston College
4th Round - Isaiah Stanback, QB/WR Washington
4th Round - Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois
6th Round - Nick Folk, K Arizona
6th Round - Deon Anderson, FB UConn
7th Round - Courtney Brown, CB Cal Poly
7th Round - Alan Ball, CB Illinois
Who's Gone?
The tenure of Bill Parcells was brief, and the club didn't ascend to the heights many anticipated when Tuna took over the team in 2003. But there's no denying this is a far more talented team than the one he inherited. The big question now is, can Phillips keep this franchise going in the direction Parcells had them headed?
Players of note who are no longer on the team include offensive linemen Marco Rivera and Jason Fabini, along with quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe and Drew Henson.
What Needs to Change?
The Cowboys struggled in a couple areas last year, most notably on the offensive line and at free safety. Ken Hamlin was acquired to solidify the latter problem, and big Leonard Davis was paid handsomely to help shore up the interior line.
The team also had trouble generating a consistent pass rush in 2006, but Phillips' version of the 3-4 is a bit more aggressive, utilizing a one-gap approach as opposed to the two-gap the Cowboys played last season.
Under Pressure to Perform
Tony Romo - After a hot start, the league seemed to catch up with Romo late in the 2006 season, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts this year. Will he continue to progress and become one of the game's better signal callers, or will he have problems with consistency? I believe it will be the former.
Terrell Owens - As an offensive weapon, Owens is still among the best in the league. But he was a huge distraction off the field last year. And he does hold the dubious distinction of leading the league in drops in 2006. But the team picked up a $3 million bonus earlier in the year anyway in the hope that he gives them more of the good than the bad.
Leonard Davis - The shift to offensive guard should help Davis, who never lived up to his potential as a tackle in Arizona. And it better, because the Cowboys are paying him Steve Hutchinson-type money to play the position.
Julius Jones - Marion Barber is breathing down this guy's neck, and if Jones doesn't show a spark early in the season, he may just lose his starting job.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 5th (360.8)
Rushing Offense - 13th (121.0)
Passing Offense - 5th (239.8)
Overall Defense - 13th (322.8)
Rushing Defense - 10th (103.7)
Passing Defense - 24th (219.1)
Prediction - Phillips' attacking style is a good fit for the personnel on the Cowboys defense and the unit should make more big plays this season. I am a bit concerned, however, about how the rest of the team continues to grow under a guy who doesn't have the most convincing track record as a head coach.
Record 10-6 and second in the NFC East.