Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Preview: Part I

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Williams ran down the field for Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna. I felt for you in Detroit, Roy, so there really is no comparison.

No excuses for Williams this season about splitting catches or not knowing the system. He has had an entire offseason to prepare himself and to get acclimated to Romo’s passing tendencies.

I’m expecting at least an 1,100-yard season with eight touchdowns and 75-plus catches from Williams. Owens was able to do it when he stalked Texas stadium, so why can’t you?

2. With the departure of Greg Ellis, Chris Canty, and Zach Thomas, will the Cowboys miss their production?

Greg Ellis could still be a Cowboy—well, at least in theory—if he had accepted his role as a 33-year-old defensive end. He didn’t, so now he’s off to Oakland.

Zach Thomas was great last season for the Cowboys, logging 94 tackles and one sack. He was paired with Bradie James in the middle, and they both enjoyed great statistical seasons.

Statistically, Chris Canty only had three sacks and 37 tackles, but he used that leverage and bolted for the Giants and more money, which I can’t blame him for

But he was vital on the line for the Cowboys last year and had his best games against the Cowboys' biggest foe in the beast.

The New York Giants.

So how does a team replace a combined 167 tackles and 12 sacks?

Youth is one answer. Anthony Spencer is finally getting his chance to start, as he will replace Ellis on the line and standing up. Spencer matched Ellis’ output in tackles with 34 but came up empty on sacks and interceptions.

Also, Spencer is only 25 years old and has three years of NFL service on his joints and muscles.

I don’t believe that the team will miss Ellis as much as Thomas or Canty. Ellis is on the downside of his career and only had maybe two good seasons left in him.

Thomas is just as seasoned as Ellis but seems to have more of an upside than Greg.

I’m sure team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Wade Phillips are not looking forward to seeing Canty twice a year now that he’s in New York.

He can be a monster on the line, as evidenced by his two-sack game against the Giants early last season.

Thomas is the type of player that you want and need in your locker room just because of the experience and leadership he brings. Maybe this season Thomas would have had a calming effect on a volatile locker room that has been tamed by Jerry’s son Stephen.

Stay tuned for Part II...

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?