Cowboys football blog

Cowboys are their own worst enemy in another loss

Super Bowl or bust? How about just putting together a solid preseason performance? The Dallas Cowboys struggled once again in Saturday’s 23-13 loss to Denver at Invesco Field at Mile High.

Quarterback Tony Romo and the first-team offense looked out of sync; the Cowboys’ pressure defense didn’t get to Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler — he completed his first 12 passes while leading the Broncos to a 14-0 lead — and ultimately couldn’t get off the field. Continue

'Camp Marshmallow' will pay off for Dallas Cowboys, Phillips says

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips made a crack during the first episode of Hard Knocks that this was Camp Marshmallow. But was that really a joke? It truly was more like Soft Knocks than Hard Knocks in training camp when it came to hitting, but Phillips wanted it that way. He didn’t want to overwork his team or get players hurt. He feels he got the needed work and has a fresh team steadily building toward the Sept. 7 opener at Cleveland. Continue

Starters shine, backups struggle in Cowboys' preseason loss

The Dallas Cowboys were sharp and showed a glimpse of their potential for almost 10 minutes against San Diego. The rest of the night with the backups was a lost display of turnovers, breakdowns and lack of play-making. San Diego pounded the mostly-listless Cowboys 31-17 Saturday night at muggy Qualcomm Stadium in the preseason opener for both teams.

One drive by the starting offense and defense was about all Wade Phillips could be happy with. It could force him to dial up training camp workouts this week to address the execution issues of the reserves. Continue

Dallas Cowboys' rookies to be tested in preseason opener

The Cowboys' rookies won't be eased into things as the team opens the preseason today at San Diego. Cornerback Mike Jenkins will start, and other first-year players such as running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, safety Dowayne Davis and wide receiver Danny Amendola will be given an opportunity to show the coaches what they can do.

"We want to see how they play against NFL competition," coach Wade Phillips said. The team's core veteran players will probably play about a quarter or less. Phillips said certain players will participate in different personnel groups, and that will affect how much a given player plays. "We're ready to get started," Phillips said. Continue

Carpenter hammers away at rap with Dallas Cowboys

Bobby Carpenter finally bears some resemblance to the player the Cowboys thought they were getting when they picked him with the 18th selection of the first round two seasons ago.

Carpenter, working as a backup at both inside linebacker positions, has done a good job in the first two weeks of training camp. That's good for a guy who had to be considered a little bit on the bubble when training camp began. He has been aggressive against the run, which he has not done in the past, leading to criticism. And he has been active in the passing game. Continue

Dallas Cowboys' Barber runs from glare

You know all about Tony Romo's love life and Roy Williams' commitment to his faith. You know about Terrell Owens' humble upbringing in Alexander City, Ala. You also know about the impact Jason Witten's grandfather has had on the tight end's life.

But we know virtually nothing about Marion Barber, aside from his father being a former running back with the New York Jets and Houston drafted his brother in the sixth round a few months ago. That's the way this 25-year-old, dreadlocked man of mystery likes it. Continue

Dallas Cowboys' Spencer is key to the 'D'

The player who will determine whether the Cowboys' defense is good or great doesn't even start. His name: Anthony Spencer. Seriously. If he's the pass-rushing difference-maker Dallas believed he'd be when it took him with the 26th pick of the first round in 2007, the Cowboys' pass rush will be every bit as good as the Giants' pass rush was last season when they won the Super Bowl. Continue

Cowboys' Terence Newman out 3-4 weeks

Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman’s groin injury was not believed to be too serious at first. But MRI results Tuesday revealed a slight tear and he will be out at 3-4 weeks. Newman suffered the injury to his left leg during Monday morning’s first practice when he was hit awkwardly. Cowboys coach Wade Phillips called it a “significant” tear.

Newman was on the field during practice Tuesday helping with the cornerbacks and talking with secondary coach Dave Campo. He didn’t seem overly worried about the injury and even gave the fans two thumbs up when they were shouting to know his status. Continue

Cowboys CB Newman injured during morning practice

The Cowboys suffered their first significant training camp injury on an overcast Monday morning. Cowboys Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman strained a groin and the severity of the injury is not yet known. He left the morning practice early after an awkward hit while he was on the ground and did not return.

Newman received treatment in the athletic trainers’ tent twice during practice, but remained out. He untied his shoes and remained on the sidelines with a towel around his neck. Newman didn’t appear to be limping but was walking gingerly. Continue

Jenkins bringing a family feeling with him to his new football family

With the stroke of a pen, 17-year-old Mike Jenkins could have been on a plane flying to Lincoln, Neb. — or wherever — to go to school, play football and be away from the tough realities of his youth. He grew up with a mother who was fighting diabetes and high blood pressure, and a father who was in and out of jail. Jenkins easily could have left to pursue a more conventional college experience.

On the table were scholarship offers from Nebraska, Iowa and a handful of other attractive schools far away from his home in Bradenton, Fla. "It’s your life and you need to make the decision that is best for you," his mother told him. "I’ll back you 100 percent." Continue