[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Friday, May 9, 1997

Jones' turnaround could be the best thing for this season

By Brian Comerford

New York

If you were to ask if the Cowboys have had a plan for the previous seasons other than just winning the Super Bowl, the answer would appear to be a resounding no.

The team didn't draft with an eye toward the future, and free agents left the Boys at a rapid rate due to a stifling salary cap. Off the field problems were not dealt with at all by the organization, allowing a smoldering fire to finally engulf the team in what's considered a disappointing 10-6 season. This was a season that included a fifth consecutive NFC East crown, and a resounding wild card win over the Minnesota Vikings. The disappointment came from not only the season ending loss to the Carolina Panthers, but the renegade image firmly hung on America's Team. The disappointment was made greater by the fact that these wounds were self inflicted, and they robbed what chance the Boys had at winning a fourth Super Bowl title in six years. Change needed to take place to make sure another disappointment was not looming.

Based on recent history, it would not seem as if Jerry Jones would be up to the task. He appeared to be more committed to making money, tweaking the NFL and Paul Tagliabue at every turn, and leaving the team status quo as long as he could get away with it. Jones, after seeing the team's image tarnished, the team's talent base eroding, and the abrupt end(by recent standards) to the 96 season, decided to spring into action.

Jones huddled with frustrated star QB Troy Aikman to discuss the future of the team. After promising to clean things up, Jones hired a name from the Cowboy past to start with the image cleansing. Calvin Hill, the first 1000 yard rusher in Cowboy history, was brought in to create a player relations department; a department who's primary purpose is to help keep the players off the field, and off the police blotter. Hill is a man of integrity and character, two things many people feel is lacking in a number of present Cowboy players, and he can only help the situation. It's a start, but hopefully the players as a whole buy into his concept, and make their names on the field, not off it.

The cynical fan would say this is only to protect Jones' cash cow, and he could really care less about the team's image. This time, I think he finally has an eye toward the future. This turnaround by Jones may be the best thing to happen to the organization in years, and it may reap some new fruit this year.

Let's start with the training camp situation. Last year, it was a traveling dog and pony show, with more time spent on public appearances than on the practice field. Based on the performance of the Cowboys last year, specifically the disjointed play of the offense, it was evident. This season, Jones cut the preseason schedule to four games, and the travel schedule down to almost nothing. This will allow there to be two extra weeks of training camp for the Boys. It may not seem like a huge deal, but it's crucial that the camp is longer this year. The work ethic of this team needs to be restored, and there is an even greater need for young players to emerge this season as producers and difference makers. Jones' vision is keeping this in mind, and on paper, it looke pretty good so far.

As was mentioned earlier, there is a need for young players to step up in camp. Also, there was a need to draft players that can contribute now instead of MAYBE later. Although there were choices that I did not agree with, I feel that there are some new guys that can contribute this year. Let's start with David LaFleur, the big TE from LSU. With Eric Bjornson at TE, in my mind, this wasn't a huge need. Now, I can hear the dissenters now saying that Bjornson was hurt all last year, and there was no help behind him. I need to remind them that Bjornson missed almost all of training camp with a hamstring injury, and played essentially out of shape all of last season. A healthy Bjornson is an effective TE in the Cowboy offense, and I think he'll be OK this year. I would have preferred DT Rick Terry of UNC, but LaFleur will be a good one, provided his back holds up. After all, the QB likes him. That's a pretty solid endorsement.

In the third round, the Boys came up with LB Dexter Coakley of Appalachian State, OG Steve Scifres of Wyoming, and CB Kenny Wheaton of Oregon. Coakley is small by LB standards(5'10", 220), but is fast(4.45 in the 40) and strong(400+ pound bench press). Since he'll be a WLB, Coakley will be in space, where size isn't essential; speed and quickness are. He has plenty of that, and his ability to cover slot receivers will be a big help. Scifres is a big, strong(33 reps at 225), intelligent player with slow feet. He can make a good guard, as he's known for his work ethic. Wheaton is a slow CB that has been compared to Gill Byrd, the All-Pro from the Chargers in the 80's. He will compete for time in the nickel(I wanted S Tremain Mack from Miami here, but his track record is pretty bad off the field). Three more potential producers.

In the fourth, the Boys may have made their best choice in DT Antonio Anderson from Syracuse. He's big(6'6", 310) and fast for a big man(4.8 in the 40). With some work, he may help fill the void left behind by Leon Lett. He'll have plenty of competition with a rejuvenated Darren Benson and Mike Ulufale. The Boys also picked up WR Macey Brooks of James Madison and FB Nicky Sualua of Ohio State. Brooks is an Alvin Harper type, 6'5", 220, runs a 4.53 40, and can jump through the roof. If developed, he can be an important cog in the Boys offense, especially with jump balls down by the goal line, something that has been missing since Harper left in 95. Sualua was academically ineligible last season, but in 95, he led the way for Eddie George to win the Heisman. The man can flat out block, and finally may be the heir apparent to Daryl Johnston(he has a lot left anyway) that the Boys have been looking for. Again, more potential contributors in the draft, and we didn't think this was possible from a Jerry Jones/Larry Lacewell draft. Funny how things turn out.

Now, the job is far from done here. There is still the question of developing these guys, finding a veteran WR to be the #2 receiver, and bringing in some LB depth. As far as the WR situation goes, it looks like Anthony Miller will be Dallas bound after June 1st, and Alvin Harper may not be far behind. While this looks good on paper, both of these guys are split ends, and not slot receivers, which is a need at this point. I would prefer Harper, but Miller, with his blinding speed, may add an element that's been missing from the Cowboy attack. This would make the running attack that much more effective, especially since Emmitt Smith is working out harder than he ever has in his life. The offense looks to be on the verge of a major turnaround, and not a moment too soon.

As for the LB depth, Pat Fitzgerald a rookie free agent, will likely make this team as a backup to Fred Strickland. Fitzgerald is a great run stopper, with good insticts, just what the Boys look for in a MLB. A name from the past may be in tote soon for additional depth. Vinson Smith has been working out at Valley Ranch of late, and is rumored to be returning soon. Smith would sure help with his versatility(can play any LB spot), and work ethic. The depth here may be looking good as well.

All in all, things are looking up as compared to this time a year ago. Again, it wouldn't take much. The team, and Jerry Jones, appear committed to erasing the memory of last year's disappointment. So far, it looks like they are off to a good start. Let's hope they keep moving forward from here. Remember, it's still early.

Comments

e-mail Brian.Comerford@MSNBC.com