Cowboys Corner

Zach Thomas up to 240 pounds

  Linebacker Zach Thomas believes the 3-4 defense is the best-fit scheme for him and something he played well in during his last three years in Miami. Thomas is also changing his body in Dallas. He has been working with strength coach Joe Jurazsek, who was at Texas Tech when Thomas was in college, and has muscled up to 240 pounds for the first time in his career. That's well above his usual 225 pounds he played at most of his career.

''I don't want to get too big or too stiff,'' Thomas said. ''I feel good out there on the field.''

Thomas, who is 5-foot-11, says his weakside linebacker spot in the 3-4 is more protected that you would think. Fullbacks rarely get a clear shot at the position because of the stunting on the defensive line. The weakside position was the leading tackler (Donnie Edwards) in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense in San Diego. Last year's weakside guy, Akin Ayodele, was fourth on the team in tackles which helps gives a indication why he is no longer here.

- Rick Herrin

Barber needs new tactic

Newly-signed running back Marion Barber, to no real surprise, didn't have any idea that a new rule will keep him from smacking defenders in the face like he has done often. I've asked him before about those vicious acts of embarrassment he yields on much, much slighter defensive backs with every slap. He often defers to ''man, those are grown men.''

Barber seemed a little worried when told about the Marion Barber Rule. You could see the thoughts of what will I do now running through his head. He says he may offer the elbow as an alternative. Two Cowboys now have their own rules. You know the other one.

- Rick Herrin

Pacman finds inspiration in Prime Time

Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones will wear jersey No. 21 when and if he’s reinstated by the NFL.

Since he’s drawing comparisons to his good friend Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, it might just be a good fit.

Jones was training with Sanders and a few other pro players Monday at SMU as part of Sanders’ Prime U workout clinic.

Jones, a dynamic kick returner and cover corner, might also see action on offense. Just like Sanders did during his time with the Cowboys.

“I’ve been knowing Deion since I was in college. I’ve always respected him and looked up to him as an idol,” Jones told the NFL Network in an interview posted on NFL.com. “He’s been a big inspiration in my life. When I had my down time for a year, he was one of those guys that would call me every week and make sure my spirit’s OK and I was doing alright.”

Here is Pacman's interview.

Clarence E. Hill Jr.

Words from the father

Cowboys new big-time millionaire running back Marion Barber called his dad after signing his deal on Tuesday night. Barber and his father by the same name, who played running back in the NFL, are very tight. When he called, his father took a second to find the words after the emotion then offered some advice for his ever-humble son.

''He was speechless,'' MBIII said. ''He was telling me to keep working and keep staying focused and don't let this bring your game down but elevate it.''

- Rick Herrin

Romo's not always golfing

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo says don't think he's not working like crazy to become a better quarterback or making this team better. But he sometimes gets criticized for doing so many things away from Valley Ranch. Like playing golf and trying to qualify for the U.S. Open, or throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game or being spotted in LA with Jessica Simpson.

''Just because they see you when you go out of town on the weekends, you don't realize how much time and effort you have to put in here. We're up here five days a week. We come up here at night.''

- Rick Herrin

Ready to make call

Had running back Marion Barber remained unsigned and not at Valley Ranch for an extended period, quarterback Tony Romo was ready to step in. Heck, he already had when it came to getting Tuesday's contracts done. He helped get Terence Newman and Barber signed by restructuring his contract.

He wanted Barber involved in the OTAs and getting used to his new role as the starting running back and back with his teammates.

''I was going to give him a call here if it lasted another couple of days,'' Romo said. ''Marion is a guy who loves the game of football and we have a lot of those guys on the team. And anytime you are away from it for awhile it eats at you. I didn't want that to start happening to him.''

- Rick Herrin

Barber's new status

Cowboys running back Marion Barber, who signed a seven-year, $45 million contract on Tuesday, returned to Valley Ranch and participated in his first OTA on Wednesday.
Barber had been training in Miami and was torn from being away from his teammates. He signed his deal at agent Drew Rosenhaus’ house in Miami and flew back to Dallas Tuesday night. Barber is now the team’s starting running back and no longer burdened with questions about whether he should be the starter.
Barber, who has four career starts, was shocked at the millions in his deal, which included $16 million in guaranteed money.
“As long as you take care of yourself in the offseason and stay on top of your game and remember how you get here I think it’s only going to make you better as a player.”

Barber, who is usually too shy to talk extensively with the media, talked at his locker for several minutes Wednesday. And Barber actually seemed more comfortable than normal in front of cameras. Maybe media-savvy Rosenhaus is working with his client.

''I am sweating bullets,'' Barber said during his interview.

- Rick Herrin

Romo believing in Terry Glenn

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is banking on receiver Terry Glenn, who will be 34 in July, being a big part of the team this year. He believes the veteran wideout, who is not participating in the organized team activities, will be back and ready for training camp. Cowboys receiver coach Ray Sherman said during the rookie minicamp that he expected Glenn to be ready for the June minicamp.
Glenn played just two games last season after two knee surgeries. He has been working out at Valley Ranch and strengthening his knee.
“I think Terry Glenn is going to surprise a lot of you guys,” Romo said. “I assume and I think he does too that he will be fine come training camp. I think he will surprise from the level that he will play at.”

- Rick Herrin

Cowboys OTAs tidbits

The media had access to today's Organized Team Activities at Valley Ranch. Here are some of the tidbits from today's open workout....

There were only three notable absences -- WR Terry Glenn, FS Ken Hamlin and SS Roy Williams. Glenn is still rehabbing his injured knee. Williams had an excused absence on a family vacation. Hamlin has yet to sign his extension. CB Terence Newman and RB Marion Barber were in attendance after signing their big deals on Tuesday.

Two rookies did not practice because of injuries -- CB Orlando Scandrick (a 5th-round draft pick) was out with a nasty left eye infection. He hopes his swollen eye is recovered in time to workout next Tuesday in the second week of the OTAs. ... WR Daniel Polk was out with a strained left hamstring suffered in practice on Tuesday. He is day-to-day.

Highlights: First-round draft pick CB Mike Jenkins made impressive play breaking up a pass intended for WR Isaiah Stanback during team drills. ... Safety Patrick Watkins intercepted a Richard Bartel pass and CB Anthony Henry intercepted a pass by Tony Romo intended for receiver Mike Jefferson.

Also, Romo had to skip out on the Colonial Pro-Am Wednesday because of practice.

- Rick Herrin

Bowling with Pacman

   According to his new teammates, suspended cornerback Adam ''Pacman'' Jones fit in well with the Cowboys at tight end Jason Witten's charity bowling event Sunday night.

''He was a nice guy,'' linebacker Bobby Carpenter said.

Although he can't play with the Cowboys yet, he is ready to challenge for the best bowler on the team distinction. Pacman bowled an impressive 189.

- Clarence Hill