SPORTSDAY

09/05/2008

Chaplain is a man Dallas Cowboys can trust
When John Weber, the Cowboys' team chaplain, died suddenly from a heart attack last November, he left a colossal void within the organization.

09/02/2008

Dallas Cowboys' hopes for a Super Bowl rest with defense
We all know the Cowboys will have a prolific offense this season. But it's the defense that will determine whether this season has a happy ending.

With Folk, Dallas Cowboys can put best foot forward

JOHN F .RHODES / DMN

Nick Folk has been impressive in training camp and the preseason.

You might take him for granted, but the Cowboys understand the importance of kicker Nick Folk to their offense. His ability to consistenly hit from inside 50 yards gives the offense more confidence and makes it more dangerous, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in this week's installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys.

09/01/2008

Injuries shouldn't stop Dallas Cowboys' offense

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, the Dallas Cowboys averaged 28.4 points per game last season.

The Dallas Cowboys' game against Cleveland really has little to do with Kyle Kosier. Or Miles Austin. Or Sam Hurd, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. It has everything to do with Jason Garrett, the NFL's highest-paid assistant coach. He makes $3 million a year for weeks like this.
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor
Video: Cowboys report

08/30/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Adam Jones can't afford to let his guard down

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Dallas Cowboys signed Adam Jones to a 4-year contract after acquiring him in a trade with the Titans.

Now that's he's been reinstated by the NFL, Adam Jones must continue to do the right thing for his career, writes DMN columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. And his daughter. And his family. He must also do the right thing for the Cowboys, because his talent is too immense for him to have a bit role.
 Blog: Dallas Cowboys

June Jones made right call about SMU's quarterback

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

SMU coach June Jones (left) has a talk with quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell during a break in the second quarter.

June Jones made the right decision when he decided to start SMU's season with a true freshman quarterback for the first time, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Despite a 56-27 loss to Rice, Bo Levi Mitchell proved it Friday night.
Blogs: Colleges | Taylor

08/28/2008

Out pattern: Dallas Cowboys' rash of receiver injuries worrisome

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Sam Hurd (left) sprained an ankle in Thursday's preseason finale, leaving Dallas with two healthy wideouts.

Sam Hurd sprained his left ankle on the Dallas Cowboys' first possession of Thursday's 16-10 win over Minnesota. Suddenly, Dallas is down to two healthy receivers: Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton. That, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, is a scary situation.
Cowboys win preseason finale
 Photos: Cowboys-Vikings
Video: Recap | Fans
Blogs: Taylor | Cowboys

Dallas dad, son reconnect after exoneration

VERNON BRYANT/DMN

Patrick Waller (left) and his son, Chris Henry, are making up for lost time after a wrongful conviction cost them 16 years.
More exoneration stories

08/27/2008

Texas Tech must do more than talk defense
Texas Tech is the sexy pick to win the Big 12 South this year. I understand the logic, but don't accept it, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Spears may finally emerge for Dallas Cowboys
Marcus Spears is finally playing like a No. 1 pick, according to Jean-Jacques Taylor. He's had the best training camp of any defensive player. Now he just has to take it into the regular season.

08/21/2008

Spark needed from Dallas Cowboys' starters tonight

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten says the team's starters need to play better in the preseason.

The Dallas Cowboys don't need to turn in a Super Bowl-winning performance tonight (7 p.m., Ch. 11) against Houston, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. It's just another preseason game. But is it too much to ask the starters to perform as though they'll be ready for the regular season?
Video: Cowboys-Texans preview
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys

08/20/2008

SMU quarterback Willis sticking with the program

TOM FOX / DMN

SMU's Justin Willis (left) has handled his demotion to third-string quarter with class, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.

Just a few months ago, Justin Willis was the face of SMU football, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes. Now, Willis is the third-string quarterback behind a pair of freshmen. It can't be easy. "The best way to handle the situation is to support the team and keep working hard," Willis said. "It'll make me a better person."
Blogs: Jean-Jacques Taylor | Colleges

08/19/2008

Expect real Dallas Cowboys to appear under Friday night lights

Getty Images

You can expect to see much more of Tony Romo and the Cowboys' starters in Friday's preseason game against Houston, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.

The Dallas Cowboys' starters know they have yet to put together a complete performance. They do have pride - even in the preseason. That's why you'll get the best they have to offer against the Houston Texans, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys.
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor

08/17/2008

It's early, but Dallas Cowboys' loss was ugly

Getty Images

Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall gets behind the Cowboys' defense to pull in a touchdown pass in the second quarter.

It's just the Dallas Cowboys' second preseason game, so there's no need to overreact. That said, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes, the Cowboys' offensive and defensive starters turned in a pathetic performance in Saturday night's 23-13 loss to Denver.
Video: Game recap
 Photos: Cowboys-Broncos
Blogs: Jean-Jacques Taylor | Dallas Cowboys

08/15/2008

Darrent Williams' spirit lives on through teen center

Getty Images

Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt graduate Darrent Williams was known as the little guy with the infectious personality, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.

It has been 593 days since Darrent Williams' senseless murder, but his spirit remains alive in Denver, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. It lives in the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center. And it lives in the hearts of Denver Broncos teammates such as Domonique Foxworth, who refuse to let Williams' memory fade.
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor

08/13/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Henry takes it in stride

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry led the team with six interceptions last season.

It's easy to underestimate Anthony Henry or take him for granted, because he's so low-key on the field and off, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. "With my personality, that's cool," Henry said. "I let my play speak for itself."
Video: Camp report (8/13)
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

08/12/2008

Don't panic Dallas Cowboys fans; it's only one preseason game

MICHAEL AINSWORTH / DMN

Cowboys running back Felix Jones averaged 5.3 yards per carry in his preseason debut against the San Diego Chargers.

After one preseason game, it seems most of you think Felix Jones is going to the Hall of Fame and Martellus Bennett should be cut. Chill out, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing is concrete after one preseason game.
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor

Dallas Cowboys' James puts team over ego

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Linebacker Bradie James has played his five NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

No doubt exists in Bradie James' mind about his ability to be a three-down linebacker. But he's not going to get a chance to do it this year. The Dallas Cowboys have a bevy of defensive players who must subjugate their egos for the good of the team, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
Blog: Dallas Cowboys
Video: Camp report
Video: Cali fans

08/07/2008

4-gone conclusion is best for Packers

AP

Brett Favre in a Jets uniform may be hard for Packers fans to stomach, but Green Bay is better off without No. 4, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.

Green Bay will be better without Brett Favre, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. Many of you will find that notion preposterous. It isn't - not when you put your emotions aside, as hard as that may be for Packers fans to do, and examine the Favre question from a pragmatic perspective.
 Tell Us: Better without Favre?
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Gosselin: Favre could be in for bumpy ride

Closing time has run out for Texas Rangers' Wilson

AP

C.J. Wilson had a testy exchange with manager Ron Washington in the reliever's last appearance with the Rangers.

C.J. Wilson will never be the Texas Rangers' closer again, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. The closer has to be a guy the manager, players and front office can trust. It's hard to believe Wilson will ever be that guy again for Texas.
Blog: Texas Rangers
Video: Rangers report

08/05/2008

Carpenter hammers away at rap with Dallas Cowboys

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter hopes to prove he's over the pinched nerve that hobbled him for half of last season.

Bobby Carpenter finally bears some resemblance to the player the Dallas Cowboys thought they were getting when they picked him with the 18th selection of the first round two seasons ago, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor in the latest installment of Inside the Dallas Cowboys.
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor

08/03/2008

Private eyes: Dallas Cowboys' Barber runs from glare

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Marion Barber is relentless on the field. Shy off the field, the running back reveals little about himself.

You know all about Tony Romo's love life and Terrell Owens' humble upbringing. But we know virtually nothing about Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber, writes columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor. That's the way this 25-year-old, dreadlocked man of mystery likes it.
 Photos
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor

07/31/2008

Former Cowboy Quincy Carter on comeback trail

Getty Images

Quarterback Quincy Carter, who played from 2001-03 with the Cowboys, had his career derailed by drug addiction.

Who knows if Quincy Carter's workout Thursday the Miami Dolphins will lead to a roster spot? The important thing, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor, is that Carter has progressed enough in his drug addiction that an NFL team is actually considering him for employment.
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor

07/30/2008

Dallas Cowboys' Spencer is key to the 'D'

FILE PHOTO 2007

Dallas' Anthony Spencer had 36 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in limited playing time in 2007.

Anthony Spencer, who doesn't even start, will determine whether the Dallas Cowboys' defense is good or great, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. If he's the pass rusher Dallas believes he can be, the team's pass rush will rival that of the Giants last season when they won the Super Bowl.
 Photos
Blogs: Dallas Cowboys | Jean-Jacques Taylor

07/29/2008

Ex-Dallas Cowboys' presence fixing Parcells' Giant mistake

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Cowboys Hall-of-Fame receiver Michael Irvin (right) gives some advice to receiver Isaiah Stanback during a recent practice.

Former coach Bill Parcells should've done more to embrace former Dallas Cowboys, the way Wade Phillips has done with the likes of Michael Irvin, Erik Williams and Duane Thomas, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
Video: Camp report | Shaky day
 Photos: Tuesday's practice
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

No. 1, don't worry Dallas Cowboys don't have a true No. 2 WR

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Sam Hurd (17) caught 19 passes for 314 yards last season.

Without a No. 2 receiver, the Dallas Cowboys must be content with Sam Hurd, Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton. Not to worry, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes in Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Last season, Dallas had one of the league's most prolific offenses without a big-time No. 2 receiver.
Blog: Jean-Jacques Taylor
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' Roy Williams is reignited

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams had 115 tackles last season.

For years, anger filled Roy Williams' body every time he stepped on the football field. Jesus Christ took the anger away when Williams became a Christian, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Football, for him, is fun again. It hasn't been the past few seasons.
Video: Camp report
Blog: Dallas Cowboys

07/27/2008

Campo never lost passion for Dallas Cowboys 
During the three 5-11 seasons he endured as the Cowboys' head coach, Dave Campo never lost his sense of humor. He still hasn't.

07/26/2008

Trust in Romo ... Dallas Cowboys will end playoff drought