Todd Archer Columns | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas

09/11/2008

Dallas Cowboys can't afford to take their eyes off Westbrook

MICHAEL MULVEY / DMN

The Cowboys have always had a challenging time trying to contain Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.

The Cowboys will have a plan in place for Eagles running back Brian Westbrook on Monday night: Find him on every play. Of course, finding Westbrook shouldn't be difficult – he's No. 36 in green. Stopping him? Now that's a different story, explains beat writer Todd Archer.
• Gosselin: Westbrook is slightly imposing
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

09/09/2008

Dallas Cowboys' captains taking ownership of team
Last week, the Cowboys voted for their 2008 captains, and coach Wade Phillips made sure the vote was heard. So much so that the Cowboys have eight captains, which is believed to be an all-time high.

09/04/2008

Cleveland's offense can be very Dallas Cowboys-like

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN; Getty Images

Cowboys running back Marion Barber (left) and the Browns' Jamal Lewis both have bruising styles.

When the Dallas Cowboys look at their Week 1 opponent, at least offensively, they will see a lot of themselves, writes Todd Archer. The Cleveland Browns have a Pro Bowl quarterback, a top tight end, a big-play wide receiver and a punishing running back. Sound familiar?
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

09/03/2008

Todd Archer's Dallas Cowboys roster analysis
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones made finding a complement receiver to Terrell Owens a priority during the off-season.

09/02/2008

Dallas Cowboys' defensive line coach faces former team

One of Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham's stops in the last 10 years was Cleveland.

Todd Grantham had a little chuckle in April when he saw the Cowboys would open at Cleveland. From 2005 to '07, Grantham was the Browns' defensive coordinator. But if you're thinking revenge will play a part in Grantham's return to Cleveland as the Cowboys' defensive line coach Sunday, then forget it, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/28/2008

NFL teams shouldn't sweat as much as players over final cuts

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Wide receiver Danny Amendola is vying for one of the final spots on the Cowboys' roster.

The final cutdown day is allegedly an excruciating process for NFL teams. Or is it? The Cowboys have to cut 18 players by Saturday. And beat writer Todd Archer believes the team knows who those 18 players are – and has known for quite some time.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/26/2008

Romo-to-Owens connection goes long way for Dallas Cowboys

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (left) and Terrell Owens connected on 10 touchdown passes of 21 yards or longer last season.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is not worried about missing Terrell Owens against Houston on a deep pass, writes Todd Archer. "I feel like the best thing that happens to me are the mistakes that I make," Romo said, "because very seldom do I make the same mistake twice."
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
Video: Phillips on practice

08/13/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Wilson, Broncos' Cutler cope with diabetes

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson (left) challenges a receiver during a drill.

For a few minutes before Wednesday's practice, Wade Wilson and Jay Cutler chatted not about footwork or arm slots or hot reads, but about dealing with Type 1 diabetes, writes Todd Archer.
Video: Camp report (8/13)
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/12/2008

Software gives Dallas Cowboys film-study shortcuts

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

The DVSport system allows coaches, such as Cowboys tight ends coach John Garrett, to diagram plays, write notes on the screen and print them out.

Long gone are the days of the clack-clack from a projector with coaches having to fast-forward or rewind to study film, Todd Archer writes. This season, the Dallas Cowboys are using DVSport, a digital video software that allows coaches to access video of any play or plays they want with the click of a mouse.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/10/2008

Dallas Cowboys working on defensive communication

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Brian Stewart (left) communicated with Bradie James using a helmet speaker system Dallas Cowboys coach Wade Phillips (right) fought hard to implement.

Brian Stewart and Bradie James had their first in-game opportunity to work with the coach-to-player communication system Saturday in San Diego, and came away knowing they have some work to do before the Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland, writes Todd Archer
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
Video: Camp report (8/10)

08/09/2008

There's a new train of thought for Dallas Cowboys

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Terrell Owens (right) and Ken Hamlin play dominos aboard the train taking the Cowboys from Oxnard to San Diego on Friday.

Instead of flying or busing to San Diego, the Dallas Cowboys, who face the Chargers tonight (9 p.m., Ch. 11) in their preseason opener, rode the Amtrak rails. Most of the sojourn, writes Todd Archer, was about watching the California fields and surf, whizzing by at speeds that topped out at 79 mph.
Video: Riding the rail
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/07/2008

Dallas Cowboys get Hurd's best shot as punt-team gunner
It's not easy being a gunner on the punt team. But Dallas Cowboys receiver Sam Hurd has the attitude, hustle and willingness to be a little 'crazy' that's necessary.

08/04/2008

Dallas Cowboys' defense gets the message

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo was the head coach of the team from 2000 to 2002.

Dave Campo admits he's a talker. From the moment he steps on the practice field to the moment he leaves, the Dallas Cowboys' secondary coach is a chatterbox. But the communication is rubbing off on his players, writes Todd Archer.
Video: Camp report
Photos: Monday
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys rookie Jones making an impact
If early indications mean anything – and sometimes they don't in training camp – then Marion Barber's backup, Felix Jones, might play a larger role on the Dallas Cowboys than expected, even with his first-round pedigree, writes Todd Archer.

08/03/2008

Nguyen, Thomas are on same page for Dallas Cowboys
In many ways, Dat Nguyen and Zach Thomas speak the same language.

07/31/2008

Bits and pieces from Dallas Cowboys' camp

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Cowboys are looking for Martellus Bennett (left) or Tony Curtis (not pictured) to emerge as the No. 2 tight end.

The Dallas Cowboys' defense is communicating better. Rookie running back Keon Lattimore is making an impression, and the team is looking to see which backup tight end will emerge as No. 2 at that position. Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer offers these insights and more from Oxnard, Calif.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor

07/30/2008

Kickers and their kicks - it's personal
Cowboys punter Mat McBriar has a special relationship with his right cleat. He knows just when his Nike Vapor K is ready for game action.

07/29/2008

WRs not only option for Dallas Cowboys to get end results
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was asked if wide receiver was the only concern he had for his team. "I don't know that concern should be the right word," Jones said. Todd Archer writes that Jones prefers to look beyond Terrell Owens, at the totality of the offense.

07/28/2008

Dallas Cowboys catch some tips from Irvin

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys receiver Isaiah Stanback (left) gets some advice from Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin.

As he sat underneath a tent, doing his daily radio show Monday morning, Michael Irvin got the itch. He couldn't sit and just watch the Dallas Cowboys practice. He had to take part, writes Todd Archer.
Video: Camp report
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/27/2008

Duane Thomas knows how it feels to be misunderstood

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Calvin Hill (left) said he sees plenty of similarities in his former teammate, Duane Thomas, and Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens.

Duane Thomas has never met Terrell Owens, but the former Dallas Cowboys' running back sees some similarities between him and the current Cowboys star, writes DMN Dallas Cowboys beat writer Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/26/2008

Cowboys view first day of camp in different light
The grind of training camp began Friday, and the Sept. 7 season opener at Cleveland seems a long time from now.

07/24/2008

Dallas Cowboys need more than star power to succeed

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Second-year linebacker Anthony Spencer can bolster the Cowboys' pass rush.

The Dallas Cowboys are known for their stars – and their are plenty on the 2008 team, including Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and DeMarcus Ware. But in order for the Cowboys to succeed this season, those stars will need help from the supporting cast, writes Todd Archer.
Photos: Cowboys arrive in Calif.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys | Kevin Burnett

07/21/2008

Dallas Cowboys' rival rushes to address problem

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Flozell Adams (left) and the Dallas Cowboys will face Jason Taylor (right) twice next season after Taylor's move to the Redskins.

Jason Garrett woke up Monday morning feeling pretty good about a lot of things. But if there was one downer, it was the news that he will have to account for Jason Taylor twice a year now, writes Dallas Cowboys columnist Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/17/2008

Not all questions are answered for Dallas Cowboys

VERNON BRYANT / DMN

Can Cowboys kicker Nick Folk duplicate his rookie season, when he made clutch field goals and ended up in the Pro Bowl?

The Dallas Cowboys went 13-3 in 2007, then bolstered their roster in the off-season. So, what's to worry about heading into training camp? Probably not much, but there are always under-the-surface questions that need to be asked. Beat writer Todd Archer has a few answers.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/15/2008

Gamble pays off for Dallas Cowboys' Hamlin

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Cowboys took a chance last season on Ken Hamlin, who missed the final 10 games of 2005 after suffering a serious head injury.

Ken Hamlin signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million with the Dallas Cowboys in 2007, hoping a productive season would lead to a big payday. It worked, writes Todd Archer. Hamlin now has a six-year, $39 million contract from the Cowboys.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

06/19/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Ware adds power to pass-rush package

TOM FOX / DMN

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware is up to 263 pounds.

Dallas Cowboys pass-rushing specialist DeMarcus Ware is getting bigger – but not slower – writes Todd Archer. "I feel stronger and faster, especially when it comes to power and doing a lot of power stuff," said Ware, who had 25½ sacks the last two seasons.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

06/12/2008

Alonzo Coleman hoping to be an eye-opener for Dallas Cowboys

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Cowboys running back Alonzo Coleman saw some action during the preseason in 2007.

Todd Archer writes that some Dallas Cowboys fans probably aren't even aware of Alonzo Coleman. But Jerry Jones has taken notice of the second-year running back. "Did you see No. 30 out there with that 4.3 speed?" said the team's owner/general manager said at a recent workout.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

06/05/2008

Terrell Owens fit for the long haul with Dallas Cowboys

DMN file photos

Jerry Rice (left) set a workout example for former teammate Terrell Owens.

The Dallas Cowboys didn't hesitate to give Terrell Owens a four-year, $34 million contract – even though the receiver will be 38 at the end of the deal. Perhaps, Todd Archer writes, it's because the Cowboys see a fitness commitment in T.O. similar to that of the great Jerry Rice, another wideout who defied age.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

05/29/2008

Dallas Cowboys' differences with Glenn, Ellis all about protection

DMN file | Getty Images

Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn (left) and linebacker Greg Ellis have played a combined 22 seasons.

The Dallas Cowboys are keeping wide receiver Terry Glenn off the practice field. Linebacker Greg Ellis is sitting out this week – because he chooses to do so. The potentially volatile situations are all about protection, writes Todd Archer.
• Glenn's status
• Ellis unhappy
Blog: Dallas Cowboys | Cowboys Insider

05/22/2008

Newman's deal with Dallas Cowboys is one for the ages

TOM FOX / DMN

Cornerback Terence Newman participated in the Cowboys' organized team activities this week.

The Dallas Cowboys don't seem concerned that cornerback Terence Newman will be 36 at the end of the six-year, $50.2 million contract they just gave him. That's because the Cowboys already know what they have in Newman, writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

05/08/2008

Dallas Cowboys wonder: Is there a receiver in the house?

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Miles Austin, who has size and speed, could develop into a receiving threat for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys had hoped to land a big-time receiver in the off-season. Hasn't happened. Now, they're banking on Terry Glenn to be healthy. That remains to be seen. Could help possibly come from within? Todd Archer takes a look at the in-house receiver candidates.
Tell Us: Who emerges at WR?
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

05/01/2008

Busy times for Dallas Cowboys' Stephen Jones

TOM FOX / DMN

Signing safety Ken Hamlin to a new deal could be challenging because of the high-dollar contracts signed by a couple of other NFL safeties.

With the NFL draft, Pacman Jones, the new stadium, talks about naming rights, bringing events to the new place and his work in real estate and the oil business, Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has been busy. He's sure to get busier, Todd Archer writes, with the team hoping to sign key players to new deals.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/27/2008

Dallas Cowboys fail to grab a receiver

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The only help Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo (left) and Terrell Owens got for the passing game in the draft was tight end Martellus Bennett.

The Dallas Cowboys would have liked to have found another Terrell Owens in the draft this year. That never happened, writes Cowboys columnist Todd Archer. "We're working on cloning right now though," coach Wade Phillips joked.
Video: Day 2 review
• Notebook
• Draft grades
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys have their corners covered
At times in 2007, coach Wade Phillips and defensive coordinator Brian Stewart felt like their hands were tied on some of the things they wanted to do defensively because they didn't have enough cornerbacks.

04/24/2008

Dallas Cowboys players recall draft-day memories
Terence Newman was nervous. Andre Gurode didn't think his name would be called. Nick Folk called Jerry Jones "coach." Some Cowboys players recalled their NFL draft-day memories to Todd Archer.

04/17/2008

Less time will test Dallas Cowboys' Jerry Jones at NFL draft

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones won't have as much time to wheel and deal in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.

The NFL is making teams move quicker in the first two rounds of the draft this year. And that means wheeling-and-dealing Jerry Jones will have to cut out the small talk, writes Todd Archer, who ties up some Dallas Cowboys loose ends before the draft.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

04/10/2008

Dallas Cowboys might not need to catch WR in draft

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Would a receiver taken in the second round of the draft pick get on the field ahead of Patrick Crayton?

All signs point to the Dallas Cowboys taking a wide receiver in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. That strategy makes sense. Or does it? Beat writer Todd Archer wonders if the team wouldn't be served going in another direction.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
More draft coverage

04/03/2008

How much is Pacman worth to Dallas Cowboys?

Getty Images

Cornerback Pacman Jones hasn't played in the NFL since 2006.

One of the biggest hang-ups in the talks/arguments between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans is over compensation for suspended cornerback Pacman Jones. That makes beat writer Todd Archer wonder: Do we overrate draft picks?
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/27/2008

Dallas Cowboys also have some not-so-obvious draft needs

Getty Images

Could USC's John David Booty be in the mix as a possible backup quarterback for the Cowboys?

The Dallas Cowboys' most pressing draft needs are obvious: cornerback, wide receiver and running back. But help is needed elsewhere, too. Beat writer Todd Archer looks at some other positions that could be addressed on draft day.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/20/2008

Money sacks: Dallas Cowboys' DeMarcus Ware set to cash in

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware had 14 sacks during the 2007 season.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware has registered 33½ sacks in his first three NFL seasons. And those gaudy numbers will eventually lead to a gaudy contract – probably the most guaranteed money in the Jerry Jones era – writes Todd Archer.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

03/13/2008

Change will do ex-Dallas Cowboy Julius Jones good

TOM FOX / DMN

Julius Jones had only six carries of 15 yards or more in 2007.

There was a time, Todd Archer writes, when Julius Jones was supposed to be the Dallas Cowboys' next Tony Dorsett or Emmitt Smith. Now, he is a member of the Seattle Seahawks. It wasn't a bad divorce when the Cowboys and Jones parted. They just fell out of love. It happens.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys