The Cowboys kept two kickers in 2009, using David Buehler as a kickoff specialist. Owner Jerry Jones said don't rule it out again despite a rules chance that moves kickoffs to the 35-yard line from the 30.
"I know this: I’m prepared, if we need to," Jones said. "I’m prepared to have a kickoff man and a kicker. ...Now, I understand [the new rule is] a factor. But I like the idea of bringing that thing out to the 20 every time [with a touchback].”
Last year, they handed Buehler the place-kicking job, too. But Buehler went only 24 of 32 on field goals and missed two extra points. The Cowboys signed veteran Kris Brown before the regular-season finale last season to compete with Buehler, but Brown was released in a salary-cap move before making it to training camp. Oklahoma State rookie Dan Bailey was signed as a rookie free agent and hasn't missed in camp yet.
Buehler said he hopes to win both jobs.
"Obviously, I want the field-goal job," said Buehler, who has had at least one miss in practice every day. "I went through a rollercoaster last year, and I feel like it made me stronger as a person and as a kicker. I learned a lot. So obviously, I want the field-goal job. I'm fighting my butt off to get it. That's what I want to do. Competition brings out the best in everybody, so I'm out here competing for the job. As long as I'm a Dallas Cowboy, that's all that matters, but obviously I want both duties."
-- Charean Williams
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