Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Steelers 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

But don’t count Carr amongst those detractors, he for one is excited about Monte Kiffin. Jon Machota, of the Dallas Morning News, interviewed Brandon Carr Friday which brought about several news worthy quotes.

“He seemed like an old-school ball coach, a no-nonsense guy that makes everyone out there accountable for their actions,” Carr said, via Machota. “The short meeting that we had he gave me a lot of information and insight. He let his enthusiasm rub off on me.”

Accountability has always been an issue with the Dallas Cowboys and consistently a knock against the Cowboys leaders, both Tony Romo and DeMarcus Ware.

The Cowboys left Rob Ryan walk because of his overly complex and ineffective defensive schemes. Kiffin brings a shift from the 3-4 Wade Phillips installed to a 4-3 but Carr isn’t as worried about it.

“As far as going from a 3-4 to a 4-3, I guess only time will tell where this progresses,” Carr said. “Just talking to the guys, everybody has a good attitude and we’re eager to get back at it.”

November 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday we saw Brandon Carr champion his Dallas Cowboys teammates for restructuring their deals. By restructuring their deals they were able to lower their impact against the cap and bring some relief to the organization.

The Cowboys started off $20 million over the cap. So they had a lot of work to do, but DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten, Brandon Carr, Miles Austin and Ryan Cook all restructured deals. A few more players might still do that as well, plus an extension with Tony Romo would bring additional relief.

And while Brandon Carr championed his teammates yesterday,  he also champions himself and sings his own praises.

“I restructured my contract basically just to free up some money to get some more players in,” Carr said Friday, according to the Dallas Morning News. “I’m a team player. I believe in getting as many guys as possible that can help us get to our goal, and that’s to win a championship.

“This is another step in the right direction, not only myself, but other guys restructured as well. That’s a good sign that guys are willing to restructure their contracts in order to get new guys in or get better guys in to help us, hopefully, get a Super Bowl.”

In Dallas the culture is always Super Bowl or bust, but they really just fall flat on their faces a lot. But he does have a point that its good guys are willing to restructure their contracts.

But as Brad Biggs of Yahoo! points out:

“We’re not sure how team-oriented it is. Carr didn’t lose any money in the deal. He was due to earn a base salary of $14.3 million this season and that was reduced all the way down to $715,000, according to the report, with the bulk of the base salary converted to bonus money. That spreads the cap hit over the remaining life of the contract.”

But if they win, that selfish perception of Dallas might change to a team oriented perception.

“Hopefully, we’re knocking on the door,” Carr responded. “Hopefully, you’re getting your down coat ready for New York.”

December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) reacts to a penalty call against the Cowboys in the final minute of the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 28-18. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have been restructuring all over the field to try and get some financial flexibility and more importantly get under the cap. Captains DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten were among those to lead the way and the Cowboys are reportedly trying to come to terms on an extension with Tony Romo that would lower his cap number as well.

The Cowboys have also restructured contracts of wide receiver Miles Austin who hasn’t lived up this lofty contract he was gifted after a phenomenal break out season. They also restructured center Ryan Cook’s contract and last year’s free agent prize cornerback Brandon Carr.

And cornerback Carr thinks its a sign of good things from the Cowboys locker room according to a tweet from Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.

“Carr: Its a “good sign” that guys are willing to restructure to help get “new guys or get better guys to help us hopefully get a Super Bowl””

Restructuring those 5 deals helped the Cowboys shed $20 million and get under the cap. The Cowboys aren’t stopping there. In addition to the Tony Romo situation the Cowboys are looking to restructure guards Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings, two other members of the free agent class of 2012.

And as players in Dallas tend to do, they stick up for their teammates. Terrell Owens defended his quarterback and teammate, Tony Romo. And now Dallas Cowboys’ defensive players are speaking out about the firing of Rob Ryan. Most notably, big free agent signing

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan reacts on the sidelines after the fumble was confirmed in overtime against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Carr went on to give other explanations for the defense’s performance.

“I’m not into pointing fingers,” Carr said, in an in-studio interview with WFAA, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I go out there and try to do the job to my best ability. I believe our coaching staff put us in positions to make plays. Some of that lies on us being accountable for our own actions and not getting the job done on Sundays. Of course, some of that goes back on coaches. It’s a 50-50 split. That decision was made from higher up. As a player, you have to roll with the punches.”

He wasn’t the only player to respond to Ryan’s firing.

“It was a privilege to play under coach Rob Ryan! One of the greatest. Sad day. I’m hurting right now,” Jason Hatcher tweeted.

Cornerback Sterling Moore tweeted, “Not Happy Right Now!”

Bruce Carter, the young budding star who filled in rather well for the injured Sean Lee at middle linebacker simply tweeted: “WTF!”

In Dallas the debate has raged ever since on whether Ryan was really at fault for his defense underperforming considered how decimated they were by injuries on defense. They lost defensive leader Sean Lee, as well as Jay Ratliff among others.

“It played a big part in our season, but our philosophy was next man up,” Carr said. “Coach Ryan emphasized it and hung his hat on the ability that his game plan could put pretty much anybody into the game. Through all the injuries, adversity, tragedy, everything we went through, the last game that we played, we still have a chance to make it to the postseason and win our division. We made do with the pieces that we had.”

But at the end of the day, Jerry Jones had to follow through on his promise and he needed a scapegoat and that man was unfortunately Rob Ryan.

Sep 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in pass coverage during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Buccaneers 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

When Brandon Carr came to Dallas he promised you’d see less salsa dancing from Victor Cruz this season. Carr has been lackluster this season at times and seemingly had trouble with Brandon Marshall but this weekend he faces off with Anquan Boldin.

Boldin isn’t your prototypical big wide receiver but he is physical, and more importantly tough and Brandon Carr is ready for the challenge. They have similar builds, Carr at six foot tall and 210 pounds versus Boldin who is 6-1 and 220 pounds.

“I mean that guy, he’s pretty strong,” Carr said. “You see it on film just his demeanor. He’s a nasty receiver, doesn’t mind mixing it up with the DB, beginning of the route, top of the route, once he gets the ball, he’s a physical run after the catch receiver. Whoever is on him will just have buckle down and be prepared to fight a real dogfight with a real dog, D-A-W-G. I respect the guy but it’s going to be a battle. That’s what we want to see, a good competition. So just studying him on film you have to buckle down for the whole 60 minutes. You can never go to sleep on a guy like him.”

The Ravens also have another receiver in Torrey Smith who is a threat, but that likely will fall to rookie cornerback Morris Claiborne or Mike Jenkins. Boldin has been the more consistent player this year.

Dallas’ defense will have it’s work cut out for it as it looks to rebound from the disappointing loss to Chicago where they let Cutler beat them in the air. Brandon Marshall got wide open for a late score to put the game out of reach. Baltimore’s offense is also playing at a level above than in years passed, but the Cowboys had the bye week to prepare and game plan and that might balance things out.

Aug 18, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Overall it was a quiet preseason game from Dallas Cowboy’s cornerback Morris Claiborne. He had 2 tackles, 1 on a bubble scree and one on a curl. Opposite the field though Brandon Carr had a little more exciting of  a day. He had two interceptions against the San Diego Chargers in the Cowboys’ second preseason game.

Morris Claiborne though said with Carr playing the way he is that he expects more balls to come his way and challenge him. Claiborne also said not only is he ready for it, he’s dealt with it before.

“I told (Carr) that I’ve already been in this situation before where if he keeps going, what he’s doing, people aren’t going to come to him no more. They’re going to start at me,” Claiborne said. “I felt that same situation a couple of years ago with Patrick (Peterson at LSU).”

Not to mention playing with Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu last season. But what I like about this comment is the foresight on Claiborne’s part. He is anticipating the ball and anticipating to be challenged. Claiborne is preparing for it, and with a cool quiet confidence as well.

“I was looking for them to come after me every snap,” Claiborne said. “I just tried to play as honest and as square as I could.”

That kind of “swagger” and confidence is something the Cowboys have needed from that position. And if Carr keeps playing at this level throughout the season the Cowboys should be much better against the pass. The Cowboys last year were 23rd against the pass and allowed 244.1 yards per game last season.

“It was the first time playing in a game since the national championship,” he said, “but just being out there with my teammates, running around with those guys, it was fun.”

Morris Claiborne also isn’t worried about his injury plagued offseason so far.

“That’s behind me now,” Claiborne said. “I missed a lot of time, but I can’t sit back and dwell and wish I could get those snaps back. I wish I could but I know I can’t, so it’s time to move on from there and continue to battle with my teammates every day.”

Nevertheless he is ready for whatever will come his way.

July 30, 2012; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive back Brandon Carr (39) signs autographs on opening day of training camp. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys made cornerback Brandon Carr a $50 million man during free agency as they hope to turn around their secondary from NFL bottom feeders to an elite group. Carr is hoping to live up to the claim that he is this year’s best free agent signing and he wants to do so by becoming the best cornerback in the game.

Carr knows that he has a lot of work to do and acknowledges that New York Jets All-Pro Darrelle Revis is the best corner in the game today but he is ready to work hard to claim that title.

“My next goal is to become the best cornerback in the NFL, point blank. And get some Super Bowls on the way,” Carr said, via CBS-DFW. “It’s Revis Island right now, so he has the throne, but that’s why I’m out here working every day, grinding and working.”

It’s great to see that Carr is not satisfied being second to anyone. The greatest athletes always have that fire inside of them to show that they are the best and they will not stop until they get that recognition. Carr has that personality trait and it is a great sign for the Dallas Cowboys and their fan base.

Dec. 25, 2010; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

This past week, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins made it clear he wants out of Dallas after his team acquired Brandon Carr via free agency and Morris Claiborne in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Of late, a potential suitor has emerged in the Indianapolis Colts who could certainly use help in the secondary and especially at corner where their current starters Jerraud Powers and Kevin Thomas are less than NFL caliber to be generous. There’s just one problem – the Dallas Cowboys are adamant that Jenkins, a former first round pick from the 2008 draft, is unequivocally staying in Dallas.

There have been comments all over the internet from “unidentified sources” saying that the Cowboys are currently unwilling to part with Jenkins for multiple reasons including the health concerns surrounding Morris Claiborne. However, it seems there is more to it than that. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the issue is price. Simply put, the Cowboys don’t want to move Jenkins for cheap in the way division rivals Philadelphia shipped off Asante Samuel to Atlanta for practically nothing.

Three things are clear – the Indianapolis Colts want Mike Jenkins on their team, Jenkins wants out of Dallas and the Cowboys won’t let their #3 cornerback go without getting a good deal in return. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see who quits first – odds are that for the meantime Jenkins will remain a Dallas Cowboy.

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Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the field before Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke to the NFL Network Tuesday at the owners meetings in Atlanta about the Dallas Cowboys and their shortcomings in the postseason since winning 3 Super Bowls in the early 90s.

“Well, my window is getting shorter. Time goes by,” Jones told NFL Network at the owners meetings in Atlanta. “I do feel real pressure because we do have players not only in (quarterback) Tony Romo, but (tight end) Jason Witten (and outside linebacker) DeMarcus Ware, to leave out several that are (also) in the prime of their career. And we need to strike and strike soon with those guys.”

“(Coach) Jason Garrett feels exactly the same way about it and understands how urgent it is. Candidly, you’re looking through rose-colored glasses if we all don’t realize that now is the time to compete on the field.”

The Cowboys finished last season 1-4 in the last 5 games, mainly to blowing leads in the game including a crucial week 14 loss to the New York Giants, a game they led by 12 points with 5 minutes left in the game in Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys also were 23rd in the league as a defense against the pass allowing 244.1 yards per game.

To fans of America’s team last season was a big disappointment after the Cowboys brought in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to fix what has long been viewed as an underachieving squad. In this offseason they’ve reloaded the defense, and mainly the secondary. They added free agent cornerback Brandon Carr from Kansas City. The Cowboys traded up in the draft to acquire corner Morris Claiborne from LSU. And to further fix the secondary the Cowboys signed free agent Safety Brodney Pool who has played for Rob Ryan in Cleveland and Rex Ryan in New York.

With that said, the Cowboys have addressed their defensive needs and have virtually eliminated the excuses for underachieving.

The core for the Dallas Cowboys, Witten, 30, Romo, 32, Ware, 29 are in what could be the last few seasons of their prime. Their window is definitely closing.

The rest of the roster is filled with talent that is young across the board. Dez Bryant is only 23, and Miles Austin is still young at 27 years. Running backs DeMarco Murray is 24 and Felix Jones is 25, and the guy guarding Tony Romo’s blind side, Tyron Smith is only 21 years old.

The Cowboys have a talented defensive core that is young as well. Sean Lee, who had a breakout season last year as a MLB, has emerged as a defenisve leader and is only 25 years old. Not to mention a young trio of corners: Claiborne, 22, Carr, 26 and Scandrick is only 25 years old.

So Jerry Jones might be talking about his window, or Tony Romo’s because the Cowboys looked poised to be talented for a while.

But even if that is true, Dallas and Jerry Jones are growing more and more uneasy with the lack of playoff success since their last Super Bowl victory. And frustration might soon be reaching a boiling point amongst Cowboys fans.

The problem is that a lot of these Dallas Cowboys are more content with the celebrity of being a Cowboy then actually being part of a legacy of championship and postseason success.

Tony Romo at times seems to focused on golf and his celebrity datings. Dez Bryant is always getting himself in trouble whether financially or being banned from a Dallas area mall. Miles Austin admittedly wasn’t prepared or in shape for last season. But that mindset might be changing.

“It’s about time that we go to that next step and I think our team is going to be ready for that,” Tony Romo said roughly a month ago.

Jerry Jones echoed that statement.

“We have experienced at least a couple of the most disappointing seasons that I’ve ever had because we had great play from Tony and we still didn’t get it done,” Jones said. “What we’ve got to do is, while we’ve still got him on the job, we’ve got to come with the rest of it and position us to better compete for a Super Bowl. I have a lot of confidence in Tony.”

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Nov 25, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

The Dallas Cowboys traded up in the 2012 NFL Draft to acquire LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. Claiborne filled a huge need in the team’s secondary, but his selection has upset another defensive back on the team, Mike Jenkins, who now plans to boycott OTA’s and request a trade from the team.

Not only did the Cowboys add Claiborne through the draft, but they signed Brandon Carr to a huge free agent deal. The two acquisitions have made Jenkins fall from a Pro Bowl talent starting cornerback to a backup.

The Cowboys have also signed Orlando Scandrick, the team’s slot corner, to a long-term deal, so Jenkins is more than expendable.

While the Cowboys can afford to lose Jenkins and he has shown his desire to move on from the team, owner Jerry Jones has publicly stated that he has no intentions or desire to trade his former Pro Bowl corner.

“He’s a vital part of our plan,” Jones said. “We know that we’ve got a situation where we can identify what we are on defense by having three corners in there a lot I see short-term and long-term with Jenkins. We’ve also got Scandrick, we got some room if somebody gets nicked not to have to adjust. We can come out there and spend some time really utilizing where we are at corner. The decision to bring Claiborne in was a big part of that. There’s no interest on my part at all of trading Jenkins. None.”

No matter what happens on the Jenkins front, we know that the Cowboys will have a much improved, new look secondary in 2012.

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