Projections (9/02/03)

Passing Stats

Rush Stats

Receiving Stats

Fantasy

Change

Name

Pos

Att

Comp

%

Yds

TD

Int

Att

Yds

TD

Rec

Yds

TD

Pts

#fname# #lname#

#pos#

---#NumberFormat("#patt#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#pcmp#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#evaluate(100*pper)#", '_____._')#%

---#NumberFormat("#pyds#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#ptds#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#int#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#ratt#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#ryds#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#rtds#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#rec#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#cyds#", '__,_____')#

---#NumberFormat("#ctds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#pts#", '__,_____')#

Totals

#NumberFormat("#tot_patt#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_pcmp#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#evaluate(100*tot_pcmp/tot_patt)#", '_____._')#%

#NumberFormat("#tot_pyds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_ptds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_int#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_ratt#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_ryds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_rtds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_rec#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_cyds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_ctds#", '__,_____')#

#NumberFormat("#tot_pts#", '__,_____')#

Quarterbacks
Starter - Chad Hutchinson
Backups - Quincy Carter, Cliff Stoerner

Starting Quarterback: The Bill Parcels era has begun in Dallas. One of the biggest decisions he needs to make will be at quarterback with both Chad Hutchinson and Quincy Carter vying for the position. Right now it appears that Hutchinson will be named the opening day starter but it is still up in the air. Hutchinson has talent and athletic ability but needs some refinement before he will be a solid NFL quarterback. He does have the benefit of a skilled receiver core that should be able to get open on a consistent basis for him each week and that could help his fantasy potential. Still, because of the uncertainty and his inexperience, Hutchinson is the lowest ranked 'starter' on the Footballguys.com list. Look somewhere else to fill your fantasy roster unless you have a spot for a decent third quarterback with both upside and risk.

Backup Quarterback(s): Quincy Carter does have some skill but he is erratic and inaccurate with his throws. He continually missed Antonio Bryant wide open on the field last year causing the rookie receiver to experience much frustration. The Cowboys reached in the Draft to select Carter, and he'll likely be a backup at best throughout his NFL career.

Update - 8/28: Carter has been named the starting QB for the team. He will likely have the occasional good game, but this is definitely not a player you want to rely on this season. He will receive extended work in Dallas' final preseason game. It is needed. There are rumors that Mark Brunell was shopped to the Cowboys, but he does not appear to be in their plans at all. Stoerner has been released from the team.

Running Backs
Starter - Troy Hambrick
Backups - Michael Wiley, Aveion Cason
Fullbacks - Richie Anderson, Jamar Martin

Starting Running Back: In his career, Hambrick has rushed 198 times for 924 yards (4.7 ypc) and three touchdowns, and caught twenty-five passes for 161 yards. Hambrick's a relative unknown: he attended Savannah State, and managed to hide all 6-1, 233 (listed) pounds of him behind the Texas-sized shadow of Emmitt Smith. Now, the spotlight is on Hambrick-not only is he the RB that replaces Emmitt Smith, he's Bill Parcells' running back! He'll be facing immense pressure, but Hambrick has flashed star potential in the past: In the two games Smith missed during Hambrick's career, he rushed for 204 yards on 50 carries, scoring once. Hambrick showed up slightly out of shape in June, but was down to 239 lbs by the end of camp. Parcells is a master motivator, and may lean on his running game more than ever with a very unsettled quarterback situation. The Cowboys have run well in recent years, and expect an improved offensive line this season.

Backup Running Back(s): The 5-11, 203 lb Wiley has been explosive the past two seasons. In just fifty-seven carries over that span, Wiley has recorded three runs of over forty-five yards, and averaged 7.2 ypc. A skillful receiver, Wiley also hauled in 243 receiving yards. While they both appear to be long shots, both Wiley and former Lion Aveion Cason (5-10, 204) will compete for the starting job. Cason is a tremendously fast runner, and his soft hands make him an excellent fit as a third-down option.

Fullback(s): Anderson is a jack-of-all trades veteran, as he can run, catch, block and provide a strong locker-room presence for the 'Boys. A former Pro Bowler, Anderson's best skills are in the passing game (174 receptions the past three seasons), and he will compete with Wiley and Cason for third down duties. Martin is recovering from ACL surgery, but the former Buckeye was considered the top blocking RB in the 2001 draft, and could make an impact in short-yardage situations.

Update - 8/28: It appears this will very much be a committee. Hambrick is still the starter, but Anderson and Cason will get a few touches as well. There is still a chance that Hambrick will take advantage of the opportunity to shine, but that is definitely not something to bank on. Adrian Murrell has been signed by the team and has a chance to make the roster and contribute. Michael Wiley has been cut by the team.

Wide Receivers
Starters - Antonio Bryant, Joey Galloway
Backups - Terry Glenn, Ken-Yon Rambo, Reggie Swinton

Starting Receiver(s): While Joey Galloway's 2002 numbers (61 receptions for 908 yards and 6 touchdowns) may not seem impressive at first glance, remember that the Cowboys' passing game was in complete disarray last year, as the team worked on developing young QBs Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson. More importantly, Galloway stayed healthy for the whole season, and his 14.9 YPC suggests that he's got his world-class speed back. Galloway, while undersized, runs razor sharp routes and can get separation on most corners, if HC Bill Parcells can work his magic, Galloway could surprise.

Lining up alongside Galloway is second year receiver Antonio Bryant. As a receiver, Bryant has the total physical package (6'1", 192 pounds); he can out leap defenders to go along with game breaking speed. Bryant was among the league leaders in % of receptions that went for scores (14%) and big plays (20%) - i.e., receptions of 25 yards or more. If the Cowboys can establish a bona fide quarterback, there is very real potential for fantasy value, and Bryant should certainly rate highly on dynasty lists.

Backup Receiver(s): Bill Parcells is known for bringing 'his' guys into the fold whenever he takes over a new team. However few imagined that one of 'his' guys would be Terry Glenn, who was acquired via trade with the Green Bay Packers. Glenn is as talented as almost any receiver in the game, but his production has consistently been hampered by a combination of attitude problems and lingering injuries. If anyone can get Glenn back to his Pro Bowl form, it is Parcells. If Glenn has his head on straight, he could make a big impact for the Cowboys this year, as either the third receiver or as a starter should Galloway find himself hurt, which happens all too often. Rounding out the receiving corps are Ken-Yon Rambo and Reggie Swinton, both third year receivers with minimal on field experience.

Update - 8/28: Antonio Bryant has quickly become a Parcells favorite, and may flourish under the disciplined tutelage of the Tuna. Earlier in the preseason, Bryant actually had surgery to remove bone chips in his hand, and returned to practice that day. The only thing keeping Bryant from being a force this year may be the lack of consistent quarterback play, but he has a bright future in Dallas. Mercurial Terry Glenn had a quiet training camp; which should be considered a good thing. Glenn should contribute immediately and provide solid insurance against injuries to Bryant and Galloway. Randal Williams, considered a long shot to make the team, has been impressive this preseason (a team leading 6 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown) and has the inside track for the fourth receiver slot.

Tight Ends
Starter - Daniel Campbell
Backup(s) - Jason Whitten
Dan Campbell was signed in the off-season to be the starter. His numbers were decent with the Giants (22 grabs) playing behind Jeremy Shockey, but Campbell is a blocking TE and should not be relied on to be a fantasy starter. Backup Jason Whitten has great potential as a receiving TE, but may not see the field enough to be worthy of a spot on your roster.

Update - 8/28: This still appears to be the Campbell / Whitten show. Or 'no show' depending upon your point of view.

Place Kicker
Billy Cundiff: Cundiff struggled last season in his rookie season. Don't be shocked if Parcells brings in someone to challenge Cundiff. The Tuna won't put up with an iffy kicker. Regardless, look elsewhere for a kicker this season.

Update - 8/28: It's still Cundiff, but only Bill Gramatica from Arizona ranks lower in our PK rankings.

Offensive Line
C-Tyson Walter; G-Larry Allen; G-Andre Gurode; T-Flozell Adams; T-Ryan Young
The only holdover left from the glory days of the Cowboys is Allen who is entering his tenth season. He was the best in the NFL at one point but he has lost some steps over the last several seasons. He is still a solid player though and is the anchor of this young line. Gurode is an athletic, young talent who will continue to improve with playing time. Adams can play at a high level but at times seems to doubt himself on the field. Look for another average season at best.