San Antonio Express News: Defense Doomed for another bad season

The San Antonio Express News has an article up here that basically says Terence Newman's injury may hobble the Dallas defense enough to ruin its season.

Hey, I'd be the first one to say that Dallas fans should have some concern about the secondary this year. But I'd be the last to say the defense won't do well this year. Of course, the writers ties in the Greg Ellis saga, Isaiah Stanback's injury (this guy doesn't play defense and I wouldn't say he is an intricate part of the team) and the depth problems at cornerback.

Here's a snippet:

But what happens if Glenn goes down? Phillips painted a bleak picture when asked Thursday about the state of the team's corners not named Newman, Glenn or Henry, who opposing offensive coordinators like to pick on so much.
"I like some of the things they are doing certainly, but I don't have a great feeling that we've got four corners or five corners that can really play," Phillips said, making it clear he sees nothing special in Nate Jones, Jacques Reeves, Joey Thomas, Quincy Butler and rookies Alan Ball and Courtney Brown.

The writer, Tom Orsborn, then goes from journalist to columnist with this comment:

But if Ellis doesn't return, Spencer is just so-so and Newman is hobbled, the defense could be in for another disappointing season.

And right there he lost my attention. Thank god the article ended there. Point is, I DO think the defense will be improved this year. By blitzing more and changing the way we use our safeties, I think it will rush quarterbacks and allow for more interceptions and sacks.

Dallas plays Houston tonight in their third preseason game. Tonight we should get a good two-quarter look at starting defense. I'm not about to say Spencer is so-so. I will make that judgment after watching him play in a few season games. But even if he is, I just disagree that will be in for another disappointing season for the defense. We may be in for some disappointment with our secondary.

Is there reason to fret with McNabb's preseason start?

Donovan McNabb has started his preseason with great success. And, quite honestly, this is something to be concerned about. Why? Donovan McNabb has been a Cowboy killer. If he has a healthy season, the Eagles once again are a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East. His stats last night--finishing 6 for 9 for 138 yards, including a 58-yard strike to tight end Matt Schobel--are telling.

Dallas, on the other hand, is looking for rookie Anthony Spencer to shine, especially with the Greg Ellis drama lately.

"I feel like they're counting on me right now," Spencer told DallasCowboys.com.

You're right, Spencer. We are counting on you. It's been awhile since Dallas has had a powerful pass rusher. In fact, our last one is Haley. We have some serious talent who could really make our defense a force. But that's just at the front. When you look past the 5-yard zone, we've got a secondary that hasn't been consistent.

I've hammered on our secondary all year and I won't stop unless I see some big, shut down plays. This is what I am going to concentrate on all year: the secondary.

Spencer is signed for 5 years

Anthony Spencer, the Cowboys' first round draft pick, signed a five-year deal worth $9 million. The linebacker from Purdue also got a $6 million signing bonus. This is great news for the Cowboys. Many expect him to be an impact player right off the bat.

His strength is his speed. He is always around the action and can drop back to cover during pass plays. He's a natural pass rusher, which the defense desperately needs. He's smart and has great instincts.

He is a bit undersized and doesn't have the typical bulk or height teams look for in a pass rusher. What he needs to work on is being able to break away from large lineman.

Nonetheless, everyone seems high on this guy. I am excited to see him play.