NFL Preview - Cowboys
14. August 2008 by Glendo.
Posted by Matt Quillen
Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions - LB Zach Thomas (Mia), CB Adam Jones (Ten)
Key Losses - CB Nate Jones (Mia), CB Jacques Reeves (Hou), RB Julius Jones (Sea), DT Jason Ferguson (Mia), SS Keith Davis (Mia), LB Akin Ayodele (Mia), TE Anthony Fasano (Mia)
Offense
Last season the Cowboys went 13-3, sent 13 players to the Pro Bowl, and still could not get a ring. Dallas returns everyone who started in the playoff game against the Giants except for two, linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano. In Tony Romo’s 26 career starts he has 19 wins, 2 Pro Bowl berths, 2 playoff appearances and several single-season team records. Romo’s 7 losses all come after Dec. 1, he is 4-7 in the months of December and January. Marion Barber led the team in rushing yards with 975 yards even though he never started in a regular season game. With Julius Jones gone the Cowboys drafted Felix Jones from Arkansas to split the word load with Barber. Terrell Owens and Jason Witten could be the best wide out-tight end combo in the NFL. Witten was Romo’s go to receiver last season and led the team in receptions with 96. Owens had the second most receptions with 81 with 1,355 yards. Owens played well last year because of how comfortable he was with offensive coordinator Jason Garret, Romo, and position coach Ray Sherman. The only thing the Cowboys are worried about with Owens is how many more years he has left. Patrick Crayton was unable to step up and take Glenn’s place last season and is in the third receiver slot.
Defense
OLB DeMarcus Ware was pass-rushing beast last season with 14 sacks and 27 pressures. Greg Ellis who won Comeback Player of the Year had 12.5 sacks in 13 games. To fill the ILB left open by Akin Ayodele departure the Cowboys signed Zach Thomas. The other ILB Bradie James led the team in stops with 101. Roy Williams is one of the best run-stoppers and one of the worst in pass coverage which is why the Cowboys wont have him in on the field in their nickel and dime packages. Terrance Newman played last year with a plantar fasciitis on his foot and still earned a Pro Bowl. Newman is expecting to have a better season this year, which also happens to be a contract year for him. Anthony Henry turns 32 this year and is injury prone, so the Cowboys drafted Mike Jenkins and traded for Adam Jones.
Information by Athlon Sports
Mo Williams to the Bucks
14. August 2008 by gchacko.
Finally the Cleveland Cavaliers are getting some help for LeBron James.
The Bucks, Cavs and Oklahoma city have completed a 3 way deal that sends:
Mo Williams to the Cavs
Damon Jones, Luke Ridnour to the Bucks
and Desmond Mason, Joe Smith and Adrian Griffin to Oklahoma city.
Earlier on the year the Bucks sent Yi Jianlian to New Jersey in exchange for forward Richard Jefferson and added forward Joe Alexander with the eighth pick in the draft.
