Cowboys Corner

Who Is He Talking About?

Perhaps Bill Belichik's most interesting point that is more Cowboys-related has to do with the evolution of the safety position.
"In the NFL, there were times when some of the safeties, particularly the strong safeties, fit more almost like linebackers than they did as defensive backs," Belichik said. "That has changed gradually but now to the point your defensive backs either have to cover wide receivers or tight ends who are very, very good in the passing game. Not little guys that are running five-yard hook routes. Tight ends that can get down the field and make acrobatic catches. And get open and beat tight coverage.
"The demands of that position have changed and I think that has changed the evaluation of it. Maybe some of those hybrid guys that have played corner and safety."

Can you name the Cowboy Belichik may be talking about, indirectly?

- Mac Engel

Is that Bill Belichik ... at a podium?

That's it, I think every coach in the NFL has talked this weekend but Wade Phillips. Patriots coach Bill Belichick provided the surprise of the NFL Combine when he agreed to talk to reporters on Sunday morning. Belichick comes from the Bill Parcells school fo less is more when it comes to the evil media. But he talked for about 15 minutes or so today.
No, he didn't say a lot but he did notice that it's rather odd to come to a combine and not see Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Mike Holmgren and a host of other long-time coaches who are unemployed.
"Mike Martz is another Super Bowl winner. Jim Haslett is another one," Belichik said. "As a coach, it's an empty feeling not seeing those guys in the game. They certainly deserve to be at this level. They are great coaches."

- Mac Engel

Jerry Does Talk, Part I

After some serious computer issues here in Indy, I can report that Jerry Jones did talk to the media about 8 p.m. on Saturday night, briefly. He said he'll have more before he leaves Indianapolis.

Here are the highlights:

Did you tell your coaches, including Wade Phillips, not to talk to the media:
Jerry Jones: “We have agreed we wouldn’t meet independently with the media as we go through this off-season as I make these decisions relative to personnel. You can’t get the full picture unless you visit with me.”

Jones is irritated with stories that he feels include "misinformation."

“That’s part of it so you can get the full picture. I kind of know where it all sums up there,” Jones said. “I’m just saying you don’t get the full picture. I’m the guy that’s got the full picture.”

 

“That’s just total misinformation,” Jones said. “That’s not something I would do, discuss the status of another player with another player. It’s wrong, it’s ridiculous for me to consider, I’ve never been that way in 20 years.”

 

- Mac Engel

 

A Combine Shocker: No Comment From Jerry Jones

Apparently the gag order imposed by Jerry Jones applies to himself.
After waiting a long time to finally spot the suddenly reclusive Cowboys owner, he was spotted and tracked down in a hotel lobby at around 1 p.m. on Saturday here in Indianapolis.
After trying to squeeze in two questions, neither of which he answered, he said, "Y'all shouldn't have come up here."
When asked if he was going to talk to the media at all this weekend he said, "Maybe Monday."
He then stepped on a closing elevator and that was it.
My guess is he's not talking at all.
Clearly he's not happy with the negative publicity and the routine beatings he's taking these days, so he's taken to the no-comment policy.
Have zero idea how long it will last.

- Mac Engel

T.O.'s Cap Hit - Once and For All

I have seen that fans have some questions about the accurate salary cap figure regarding Terrell Owens. There have been some conflicting numbers and confusion.
Stephen Jones said the correct 2009 salary cap hit for Terrell Owens, if they were to release him, is $600,000 above the figure if they kept him. That would be just about $9.5 million.
But Stephen Jones did not say they intend to cut Owens. He just said the figure. That's all.

- Mac Engel

Cowboys Talking to Agents for Ware and Canty This Weekend

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said he plans to meet with the agents who represent Chris Canty and DeMarcus Ware this weekend while in Indianapolis.
Ware will likely receive some monster, team-record contract at some point this offseason. The chances of keeping Canty continue to fade.
As for Keith Davis, who manages to keep sticking around, he can be a free agent. He won't command much money, but the Cowboys aren't real sure about that.

- Mac Engel

The Ravens are Talking to Ray Lewis

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said that the team is currently in talks with potential free agent linebacker Ray Lewis.
"I'm optimistic, right now," Newsome said.
"I've always said, 'Right player, right price.'"
The Ravens want to keep Lewis, who has said before he'd consider the Cowboys as a place he could see landing as a free agent.
But the Cowboys are going to be tight against the cap, and they may not have the room to add Lewis if he wants big money. Which he will.

- Mac Engel

Late Blogging: Live from the Combine on Tape Delay

I have good reason why there has been nothing on this blog lately - myself and a pair of other reporters were on a "stakeout" in a hotel lobby on Friday night from 5:30 p.m. until midnight in hopes of finding Jerry Jones.
He never showed. Apparently, the Jones crew arrived shortly after midnight. That's usually how it works.
But Jerry, Stephen Jones et all have made it to Indianapolis. The famous Cowboys bus, however, has not. The custom made luxury bus that usually makes it to wherever the Jones' are going to be for an extended period apparently had some mechanical failures and had to go back to North Texas.

(insert broke down Cowboys joke here)

But sitting in the lobby last night did give me the chance to see one of the more unique sights: Looking at Cardinals owner and noted recluse Bill Bidwill walking about as fast as an amaradillo into the hotel, wearing his Cardinals NFC Champions cap. He was wearing slacks and a red sports jacket, so the hat was sort of an odd compliment. But considering the Cardinals never really had such a hat before, you can't really blame the guy.

- Mac Engel

Canty Coming Back Looks Doubtful

Spoke with the agent who represents free agent defensive end Chris Canty, and my feeling is that there is no way the Cowboys will have the money to keep him.
Defensive ends are always paid big as free agents, and the Cowboys aren't going to have the necessary room to sign him to the type of deal he's going to want.
Canty is not a star, but he's a solid pro.
So, Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, this is your chance.

- Mac Engel

'Survivor' contestant has Cowboys link

Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George revealed to her tribe mates on Thursday night's episode of Survivor that is she is the wife of Eddie George, who won the Heisman Trophy with the Ohio State Buckeyes and finished a strong NFL career with a rather forgettable (3.3 yards a carry, 4 TDs) season in 2004 with the Dallas Cowboys.

Taj is a Grammy-nominated singer and an author and, now that her tribe mates know she is married to George, probably has NO CHANCE OF WINNING A MILLION DOLLARS. But she will compete, saying she wants to win it not for any cause but because she just wants to win.

Taj might have averaged more than 3.3 yards a carry for the 2004 Cowboys, I can tell you that.

A few Survivor seasons back, former Cowboys quarterback Gary Hogeboom competed but kept his identity a secret for the most part.

— Vince Langford