The Days of Our Lives...at Valley Ranch

Well, it's been a little busy for me the past couple of weeks so I haven't gotten to post my thoughts on the soap opera that is the Dallas Cowboys. I swear it's something new just about every week. But as far as the past couple of weeks go, there's no shortage of posting material:

Pac Man's Jones has been cleared to play...sort of.

The NFL Commish clear Pac Man to start practicing with the team. He can participate in training camp and even play in preseason games. The Commish will rule on full reinstatement just before the season gets going but I'm willing to bet Jerry makes sure that Pac Man keeps his nose clean so his reinstatement will be a non issue. Pac Man has been working out with the team during OTAs this week and even ran back an interception for a TD during drills.

Make no mistake, I'm on record as saying I didn't want this guy in a Cowboys uni. And really, I still don't. He IS a criminal element (as opposed to TO Owens who is just a petulant child) and "you are what you are" as Big Bill would say. So, I don't really think this guy will change his ways just because he is with a different team. However, the one thing that MIGHT be his saving grace is the fact that he is working out with Deion Sanders. I truly think Jerry called Deion and threw some money his way to come mentor Pac Man. Do I think it will work? Doubtful in the long term. I think Pac Man will keep his nose clean and stay out of trouble 1 year max and that is just because he knows the spotlight directly on him. However, I think the Cowboys will have success this year and go back to the Super Bowl, with the help of Pac Man. Who knows if they will win or not but with that kind of success comes all the temptations he had before except multiplied by a factor of 10...and I don't think he will be able to resist.

However, until he does slip up, he has made Dallas' secondary into the NFC's (if not the NFL's) best. With Hamlin at safety (and possibly moving Anthony Henry back to saftey), Pac Man and Newman at the corners the acquisition of CB Mike Jenkins in the draft plus the benefit of one of the best defensive coaches (but NOT head coach) in the leagues in Dave Campo, the defensive backfield can once again be feared as it was in the early to mid 90's.

Notice I did leave one players name off the list and even though my wife got a Polaroid with him when he visited Baylor hospital, I don't think Roy Williams will be that much of a factor this year (just like last year). If any coach can get it out of him, Campo can but IF Roy doesn't get back to the level he was when he entered the league, he won't be wearing the blue star much longer. My opinion: this will be the last year Roy suits up for Dallas.

TO Owen's new Contract

Another player I was on record saying I didn't want to see wear a blue star was TO Owens. He is high maintenance and pretty childish at times. But, he has produced like no other WR for Dallas and has been an integral cog in the offense (Owens and Romo dang near beat Washington last year by themselves). I feel about Owens much like I felt about Deion when he played for Dallas: I don't like him as a person but I recognize his greatness and, as long as Dallas keeps him happy, I'm glad the Cowboys can utilize his talent.

Owens just got his contract newed and I had not one problem with it. Some people thought he was too old for a contract like this but this is the going rate for a highly productive WR: four years, $34 million (Signing Bonus: $12.9 million). Base salaries: 2008 - $830,000; 2009 - $2.670 million (He will also receive a roster bonus of $3.1 million); 2010 - $7.5 million; 2011 - $7 million. This year's cap number is $5.721 million, followed by $8.995 million (2009), $10.725 million (2010) and $10.225 million (2011). I seriously doubt he will see the end of that contract, due to his age, but right now (especially since Terry Glenn may not get back at all) it's a good deal.

I could also post on the yearly bitch session that Greg Ellis throws out there but I won't except that I will say he needs to quit moaning over his reps in OTAs, get out there and play. He knows he is valuable to this team and wants to get his way but I'm tired of hearing his mouth.

I'm quite sure that the summer won't be quiet around Valley Ranch as Jerry needs to figure out what they are going to do with Terry Glenn and, if he isn't back, what they can do to upgrade their WR spot opposite Owens. I don't think he is done wheelin' and dealin' but it's anybodies guess who will be in that spot on opening day.