ESPN NFL

Our latest discussion with Jeff Dickerson on "Chicago's GameNight" at ESPN 1000 generated an interesting question: What should be the top priority for new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery?

I broke my answer into two parts, based on the short and long terms. Immediately, Emery needs to upgrade a receiving corps after an ineffective attempt to bolster last season's group with free agents Roy Williams and Sam Hurd. New offensive coordinator Mike Tice will place a heavy emphasis on the power running game, but he also wants to throw the ball downfield and needs bigger and better targets to do that.

In the long term, however, Emery needs to address a defense built around four Pro Bowl players who are all on the wrong side of 30.

The issue isn't so much that defensive end Julius Peppers, cornerback Charles Tillman and linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are aging. All four keep themselves in excellent physical condition and played at a high level in 2011.

More worrisome is that none of the four have a potential heir on the roster. As a result, Peppers, Briggs, Urlacher and Tillman were all among the 2011 NFL leaders in playing time at their positions. We've already noted that Briggs played every defensive snap this season. The rest of the numbers are in the chart.

Urlacher will turn 34 in May. Peppers just turned 32, Briggs will be 32 in November and Tillman turns 31 later this month. It's important to note that none of them need to be replaced in 2012, at least based on their 2011 performances. But restocking so many key positions is a multiple-year project that hasn't begun.

The job of a general manger is to provide a steady infusion of talent to ensure an orderly transition at key positions, whenever possible. Emery needs to jump-start that process for the Bears' defense. It might not be time to find the next Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs, but the Bears need to at least start thinking about it.

Via ESPNChicago.com, I heard most of the brief news conference Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo held Friday to announce the inevitable and highly warranted decision to waive receiver Sam Hurd. What caught my ear more than anything, however, was Angelo's snappy response when asked if this episode will impact his future with the organization.

"Whistling Dixie," is what it sounded like Angelo said. In other words, you're in fantasy land.

I wonder, however, how Hurd's arrest will weigh on a lifelong football man who never imagined that the acquisition of a No. 5 receiver and special teams contributor would blow up into one of the most embarrassing moments in recent franchise history. By all accounts, Hurd was a well-respected member of the Dallas Cowboys for five seasons and there were few, if any, people around the NFL who would have suspected him of operating a drug distribution ring that undercover federal investigators busted Wednesday night in Chicago.

Angelo downplayed reports this month that he might retire after the season. There are times when sports franchises and private businesses alike oust their top executives at times of extreme crisis, but I don't think this qualifies. If the Bears fire Angelo because he signed a veteran NFL player with no prior history who was later revealed to be a drug dealer, well, that would be a tough blow.

Angelo said Friday that there were "no facts" and "no flags" that "anyone can present tangibly" that would suggest the Bears should have been aware of Hurd's alleged secret life. "We do our homework," Angelo said. "We do our due diligence and we did everything we could possibly do given the information that we can accumulate."

But when you think back just over the past year or so, you recall Angelo explaining a bizarre miscommunication that left tailback Chester Taylor believing he had been released when in fact he was expected at practice. You think of Angelo denying any wrongdoing when a draft-day trade with the Baltimore Ravens broke down without the Ravens realizing it.

Angelo is 62. He has two years remaining on his contract, but you wonder if the Hurd episode is enough to push him over the edge and at least consider retirement. His brief but fierce defense Friday suggested it won't. But perhaps he was the one whistling "Dixie" on that one.

Sifting through Thursday's news bits:

Chicago Bears: There were two big news stories Thursday at Halas Hall. We've covered the arrest of receiver Sam Hurd. We should also note that running back Marion Barber conducted an interview with two reporters Thursday. Via the Chicago Sun-Times, this is what Barber had to say about his late-game mistakes last Sunday in Denver: "My thoughts on it is getting to this next week and just preparing as much as I can to be ready for this game of course."

Detroit Lions: It's going to be tough for safety Louis Delmas (knee), cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder), linebacker Justin Durant (hamstring) and defensive lineman Nick Fairley (foot) to play Sunday at the Oakland Raiders. All missed practice Thursday for the second consecutive day. Cornerback Eric Wright (hamstring) also missed practice. Cornerback Chris Houston (knee) was again a limited participant, and running back Kevin Smith (ankle) also got some practice work in.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers had no changes in their injury report. Running back James Starks (ankle), defensive lineman Ryan Pickett (concussion) and running back Brandon Saine (concussion) all sat out practice. Guard Josh Sitton was a limited participant for a second consecutive day.

Minnesota Vikings: Things continue to look good for tailback Adrian Peterson (ankle) to return after a three-game absence. Peterson told reporters Thursday that he will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Receiver Greg Camarillo (concussion) returned to practice Thursday, and it appears the Vikings will have all players available for Sunday's game.

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith told reporters a few minutes ago that receiver Sam Hurd is still a member of the organization.

I can only assume that's a matter of administrative process and not a reflection of ongoing discussions about Hurd's future. The Bears must distance themselves immediately from a player who allegedly told undercover investigators that he wanted to buy "five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week for distribution" in Chicago, according to the police complaint. At the very least, Hurd should be moved to the team's suspended list within the next 24 hours if he isn't waived outright.

It would be too convenient to come down on the Bears for the quality of their background check on Hurd. Undercover federal investigators don't usually offer prospective employers a heads-up on their work. The Bears might not have seen this coming, but they need to react swiftly to end their portion of it.

After that, they should be sick about the dichotomy of the swap they made this summer. They allowed receiver/special teams ace Rashied Davis to sign with the Detroit Lions, in essence signing Hurd as a younger replacement. Hurd gave them eight special teams tackles and eight receptions on offense, while Davis took his sparkling citizenship to Detroit and has helped the Lions to their first non-losing season in more than a decade.

You win some and you lose some. And sometimes, you get crushed.

In which we look ahead to NFC North preseason football over the next two days.

Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
Day/Time: Friday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Coach Mike McCarthy estimated that starters will play midway through the second quarter. Although they could see extra time, it's not expected that McCarthy will bring them out for the third quarter. ... Receiver/returner Randall Cobb (knees) and defensive end Mike Neal (knee) aren't expected to play. Receiver Greg Jennings (knee) could join them on the sideline. Running back James Starks (ankle) and linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) should return from a week off.
Focal point: I'm curious to track how the Packers' offense performs when it is not in the no-huddle. That alignment has given them most of their success in the preseason, but I'm assuming they won't be running it every play during the regular season. From a competition standpoint, it's worth keeping a close eye on how tailback Ryan Grant performs and if Starks picks up where he left off before the ankle injury. Could Starks lay claim to the starting job with a strong showing?

Chicago Bears
Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Location: LP Field
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Most starters will play at least a half. ... Receiver Sam Hurd (ankle), linebacker Lance Briggs (knee) and defensive tackle Anthony Adams (calf) have been ruled out. Tight end Kellen Davis (back) could miss the game, while cornerback Zack Bowman (concussion) appears likely to resume playing.
Focal point: The Bears' current offensive line configuration could lock itself into a Week 1 assignment with a solid outing that builds off last week's performance against the New York Giants. On the other hand, receiver Roy Williams needs to make a few catches in order to assure the Bears he is worthy of the starting job they handed him in training camp. Like most NFL teams, the Bears would like to see their offense produce a few touchdown drives before the preseason is over. Finally, I would like to see the Bears' defensive line rotation start shaking itself out. It's not clear at this point if they have a legitimate backup defensive end or if any of their two reclamation projects, Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye, will provide any help.

Detroit Lions
Opponent: New England Patriots
Location: Ford Field
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Starters will play around half of the game... Running back Jahvid Best (concussion) and Maurice Morris (hand) aren't expected to play, so the Lions are likely to start Jerome Harrison. Mike Bell, Aaron Brown and Stefan Logan will be available to rotate in. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (shoulder) is a strong candidate to sit out as well.
Focal point: The Lions' uncertain depth at running back will be on full display. By the end of the night, we should have an idea if they have someone capable of carrying a significant load while sharing the job with Best. On the other hand, fans might get their first look at rookie receiver Titus Young. Meanwhile, the countdown continues for the first preseason hit on quarterback Matthew Stafford. He told reporters this week: "You guys can ask all you want. I don't think about it. I just play football and whatever happens, happens."

Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Location: Metrodome
Day/Time: Saturday/8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Some starters are expected to play into the third quarter. ... The Vikings have a long injury list. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring), linebacker Heath Farwell (hamstring), linebacker Jasper Brinkley (hip), tailback Toby Gerhart (ankle), defensive tackle Kevin Williams (foot) and cornerback Asher Allen (toe) are among those who won't play.
Focal point: The Vikings' first-team offense has produced three points this preseason and isn't likely to be on the field much in the preseason finale. So Saturday night is their best and last chance to build some momentum for the regular season. The offense hasn't appeared disorganized or confused. It just hasn't had much punch yet and its personality is far from defined. It would also be helpful if rookie Christian Ponder can establish himself as the No. 2 quarterback so the Vikings can free up Joe Webb to focus on the Wildcat and other unique packages.

You might have missed it. Many people do when it comes to what Rashied Davis does on a football field. But if you weren't still talking about the Detroit Lions' surgical opening possession of the preseason Friday night, you might have seen Davis sprint 40 yards downfield, converge on Cincinnati Bengals kick returner John Griffin and alertly fall on a fumble at the Bengals' 16-yard line. Four plays later, the Lions had a 14-0 lead.

No matter how many blue-chip players a team might have, it can't win without the "glue guys" who fill in the gaps and keep it all together. Davis spent six years in that role for the Chicago Bears, and when the Bears lost sight of that value this summer, he jumped to a Lions team that was thrilled to get him.

Perspective is necessary here. I don't want to suggest Davis will be the difference between a 6-10 and 10-6 season for the Lions. But here's what I can tell you: No matter where I turned last week at Lions training camp, someone was telling me how excited they were to have Davis on the roster.

"I can't say enough about him," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "That's the kind of pro you want to have. I'm able to show the young guys that this is a 32-year-old veteran that is a special-teamer. Been in this league X amount of years because he just does everything 100 percent and right. That's just been a great example for those guys.

"I think he's somebody to keep an eye on. He's going to be out there playing on our special teams a lot. You're going to see him jump in there on offensive plays and be an effective receiver for us. He's really caught my eye out here an don the field."

Most NFC North fans know Davis' story. Unwanted by the NFL after finishing his college career at San Jose State, Davis played in the Arena Football League and worked in a Best Buy during the offseason. The Bears signed him in 2005, and he played both cornerback and receiver for them while providing a building block for their elite special-teams group.

No one was more surprised than Davis when the Bears replaced him with free agent Sam Hurd, who will presumably take Davis' spot on their special teams and give them a different look on offense.

"If you look at any interview I did before this happened," Davis said, "I did it as if I was still a Bear. I had every indication that I would be a Bear at the end of last season. But God has different plans for you all the time. I just try to go where he wants me to be. I feel like this is where God wants me to be right now for whatever reason."

Lions coach Jim Schwartz developed a long-distance admiration for Davis in 2008, when he was preparing for a matchup with the Bears as the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator.

"We hadn't played the Bears in three years," Schwartz said. "I didn't even know who he was. I mean literally, I remember [current Lions linebackers coach] Matt Burke was doing the quality control and on Monday, he brought me [the scouting report] and I'm like, 'Who is Rashied Davis?'

"He's like, 'Ah, he played Arena ball. He was a corner. And he was a solid wide receiver.' But what I remembered is that he played with such a great mentality. He played with a defensive mentality playing wide receiver. He was blocking, he was finishing plays and all those things.

"I went up to him after the game and I said, 'Man, I never knew who you were but I know now. I've got a lot of respect for the way you played in this game.' It's interesting that four years later, all of a sudden he swings back around."

You're not going to see Davis make 75 catches in the Lions' offense, and you probably won't see him reprise his role as a cornerback. You'll have to really pay attention to see how he makes the Lions better. He'll be in the right position to recover a fumble. He'll always get 6 yards downfield on third-and-5. He'll teach Calvin Johnson something he never thought of. He might inspire one young player to find extra work after practice, as he himself was the day I talked to him.

"I personally feel like every adult has a responsibility to himself and to society as a whole to give back," Davis said. "It's part of my nature and who I am. So I try to show guys by example how to be a professional. ... I always practice hard. I do my best to be on point and be on top of everything and also teach them a few little tricks that I may know, especially the smaller guys.

"They might be little small tricks, little nuances about the game, especially on special teams. I guess I'm really known for being a really good special-teams player. I try to impart some of those things I have learned ... throughout the years, some things that you may not necessarily learn from a coach that's actually out there and the tricks that I've learned and seen other people that have helped them."

The Lions' 2011 fortunes rest on the shoulders of the players we've discussed for months: Quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, Johnson and others. Rashied Davis' job will be to fill the gaps and cover the potholes that get in their way.

"We just have a lot of respect for how he came into the league," Schwartz said. "You can't help but respect that. And then he comes out and works his hardest every single day. That's a great example for our players."

In the chaos of Scramble'11, the Chicago Bears added two big receivers in Roy Williams and Sam Hurd. They re-signed two important role players, defensive tackle Anthony Adams and cornerback/special teams ace Corey Graham. They even added the luxury of a third veteran running back, Marion Barber, who might or might not help them in short-yardage situations.

What they haven't done, however, is substantively address their universally acclaimed roster weakness. Other than their much-debated swap of center Olin Kreutz for Chris Spencer, the Bears haven't added a single guard or tackle to their roster. They reportedly pursued free agent tackle Willie Colon, but ultimately Colon re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During a news conference with reporters Sunday, general manager Jerry Angelo suggested there aren't many intriguing possibilities left on the free agent market and implied the Bears were prepared to take their lumps while developing their own incumbents.

"These offensive linemen are tough to find," Angelo said. "We've got a good nucleus of young guys with traits we look for, but they've got to come together. We can't just run up and down the starting line, get a guy with a few games under his belt, and think that's the answer. They've got to come together. We like our young players. We need to develop some of them. How are you going to develop them if you don't play them? And if you don't play them, then how do they know you believe in them?"

"It's a catch 22. We brought in an experienced center who is in the prime of his career. That's the best we could do."

Angelo went on to chide reporters for identifying problems rather than offering solutions. ESPN.com's free agency tracker will show you all of the offensive linemen who re-signed with their previous teams and those who were willing to jump. That latter list includes guards David Baas (New York Giants), Daryn Colledge (Arizona Cardinals), Harvey Dahl (St. Louis Rams) and Robert Gallery (Seattle Seahawks).

But what's done is done. There is no sense harping on the Bears' decision/failure not to add experienced veterans to this group. It's more productive to look ahead at how the Bears will deal with the hand they've dealt themselves. In short, this situation gives offensive line coach Mike Tice the most difficult job of any NFC North assistant for the second consecutive season.

Once again, the Bears will ask Tice to build a line from scratch in the shortest timetable imaginable. Last season, it took nearly half of the regular season before the Bears found a happy medium between their scheme and personnel.

In addition to working Spencer into the mix, Tice will have to bring along rookie Gabe Carimi, who has opened camp as the second-team left tackle but almost assuredly will replace Frank Omiyale with the first team in short order. Tice will have to coax significant development from left guard Chris Williams and right tackle J'Marcus Webb, and he'll have to hope that Roberto Garza's shift between guard and emergency center doesn't set him back.

I'll agree with Angelo on this much: An aggressive move on free agency doesn't guarantee improvement. As it stands now, two of their five positions -- center and left tackle -- are likely to have been turned over by the start of the regular season. Is that enough? Or have the Bears sentenced themselves to another year of fits and starts on offense?

For two years, we've been exchanging haymakers about the Chicago Bears' receivers. Most recently, our discussions centered around whether the Bears would (or should) acquire a "big" receiver to complement their current trio of sub-6-footers.

As it turns out the answer was yes and yes.

Not only have the Bears agreed to terms with the 6-foot-3 Roy Williams, but they will also add veteran Sam Hurd, who is also 6-3. Hurd, a former Northern Illinois star, called in Friday morning to ESPN 1000 to confirm the news.

Hurd is also an excellent special-teams player, having totaled 34 tackles over the past two seasons. In some ways, he is a bigger version of Rashied Davis, the Bears' longtime receiver/special-teams ace who agreed to terms earlier this week with the Detroit Lions.

If you're going to add a veteran from outside, it makes perfect sense for that player to offer a different skill set than existing personnel. There is no question about that for Williams or Hurd. They are the Bears' answer for the decision to part ways with tight end Greg Olsen, who provided height and muscle in the passing game, except they won't be asked to block at the line of scrimmage.

I'm guessing Hurd will play a complementary role in the offense. As for Williams, I think we need to see how things shape up in training camp before knowing the extent to which he'll change the Johnny Knox-Earl Bennett-Devin Hester dynamic.

A few years ago, Williams would have arrived as an unquestioned No. 1 receiver. At this point, we'll have to see whether offensive coordinator Mike Martz can revive his career. Martz is said to prefer smaller receivers, but during the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Lions, Williams proved a big man can have wild success in this scheme. In 28 games over that time period, Williams caught 146 passes for 2,148 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Here's the best way to view the past 24 hours for the Bears: They swapped Olsen for Williams. As you know, I thought Martz would figure out a way to better utilize Olsen's skills. But if that wasn't meant to be, and if Williams still has some productive years in the tank, this swap made some sense.

Recent Bears posts: Will running back Matt Forte hold out? This week was a soap opera for Bears tight ends. Why would the Bears part ways with Olsen? The Bears valued scheme over skills. Adam Podlesh is the Bears' new punter. The team is working offensive line targets. Former punter Brad Maynard voiced surprising animosity toward well-respected special-teams coordinator Dave Toub. The Bears have a tough decision on a contract extension for tailback Matt Forte.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Tony Romo has gone to the locker room to have X-rays on his left shoulder and his status is "unknown," according to the Dallas Cowboys. If there are further updates, you'll be the first to know.

The Cowboys just extended the lead to 20-7 on an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown by rookie Dez Bryant. It looked like Duke Calhoun was really the only Giants player to have a crack at Bryant. Sam Hurd put a nice block on Chase Blackburn and Bryant simply had to outrun punter Matt Dodge the rest of the way.

The Dallas Cowboys rested their starters against the Miami Dolphins, but there were still some interesting developments Thursday evening. Third-team quarterback Stephen McGee won't make it to the practice squad after going 27-of-42 for 304 yards and a touchdown. If the Cowboys want to keep him, they'll have to hold a spot for him on the 53-man roster.

Here are some observations from the Cowboys' 27-25 win.

• Apparently the Cowboys wanted to get left guard Montrae Holland a little more work in the preseason. From what I'm told, he has a 50 percent chance of starting against the Redskins with starter Kyle Kosier trying to return from a right MCL sprain. On an early third-and-1, the Cowboys' offensive line didn't get any push and Tashard Choice was tackled at the line of scrimmage. Holland was called for two false starts on the second drive of the game. The Cowboys need Kosier to return in a hurry.

• I liked how outside linebacker Victor Butler pursued the running game from the backside. He came racing from the backside to knock down Ronnie Brown after a short gain. Butler also made some nice plays in coverage. Of the young backup linebackers, Butler's playing with the most confidence. On the Dolphins' first scoring drive, it was Butler who forced the field goal attempt by batting down a Chad Henne pass. Perhaps he's fired up about his alma mater Oregon State playing at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday.

• Rookie safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah appeared to bust coverage against Davone Bess in the first quarter. It was an easy throw for Chad Henne on third-and-long. Owusu-Ansah was fortunate to hop to his feet following a clothesline from Tim Dobbins on a punt return early in the game.

• Tashard Choice was the Cowboys' best offensive player Thursday. Watching him take a short pass and turn it into a 34-yard play was pretty remarkable. Choice couldn't find any holes in the running game. It's time for the Pat McQuistan era to end. The reserve guard doesn't play with any power and he doesn't move his feet very well in pass protection.

• It's obvious that Stephen McGee and Martellus Bennett have some nice chemistry. Bennett does a really nice job of getting separation downfield. If his head is in the game, he could help this team in a big way. I was really impressed with a play that McGee made late in the first quarter to find Manuel Johnson. He extended the play with his legs and did a nice job of throwing on the run. On the next play, McQuistan was beaten badly off the snap. He has really awful balance. And on the next play, Alex Barron was beaten on a speed rush by linebacker Cameron Wake.

• Rookie linebacker Sean Lee is having trouble shedding blockers. On the long run by Ricky Williams at the end of the first quarter, Lee got sealed by wide receiver Marlon Moore. It looked like defensive end Jason Hatcher was trying to come up the middle on a stunt and he got stoned by the center. Beautiful play by the Dolphins, but Lee has to be more physical than that. But he fought back and had a fumble recovery to end the same drive. Butler took over the game in the first half against the Dolphins' starters. Nice strip-sack of Henne early in the second quarter.

• That was a gorgeous throw from McGee on the 43-yard touchdown pass to Sam Hurd. Hurd did a really nice job of accelerating when the ball was in the air. Cornerback Sean Smith had good coverage until just before the ball arrived. Going to be tough to cut Hurd after watching that play.

• Second-year linebacker Jason Williams tried to cover a running back on a wheel route late in the first half and he never attempted to play the ball. Williams was called for pass interference.

• Big confidence booster for David Buehler to nail the 51-yard field goal at the end of the half. Wade Phillips gave special teams coach Joe DeCamillis a fist bump and appeared to shout, "Yeah baby!" Really good night for Buehler. He also made a 45-yard field goal. I still want to see what he does in the regular season, but this was an excellent tuneup for him.

• After tonight's game, I feel like Butler can give the Cowboys between seven to 10 plays per game and he could fill in nicely if someone gets injured. It looked like DeMarcus Ware loved watching Butler fly around Thursday evening.

• Sean Lee showed some excellent closing speed to sack Tyler Thigpen in the third quarter.
  

• I liked the way Manuel Johnson fought for the football tonight. The former Oklahoma receiver probably doesn't have a spot on this team but he gave some other teams something to think about. Speaking of other teams, I know a couple of scouts from around the league who are very interested in Cowboys rookie cornerback Bryan McCann. He'll get scooped up if the Cowboys try to sneak him through to the practice squad. Early in the fourth quarter, McCann didn't take away the inside against Marlon Moore and was burned for the touchdown. Terence Newman met McCann on the sideline to explain what he should've done.

• Quite a battle between Hurd and Jesse Holley on Thursday. Hurd had the big touchdown catch, but it was Holley who made play after play in the second half.

• Herb Donaldson might be a good practice squad candidate. He had some nice runs in the second half.

• I thought reserve cornerback Cletis Gordon had a rough night. He was beaten for a long pass by Roberto Wallace late in the third quarter and he just seemed a step slow in this game. And late in the game, Wallace reached up and caught one over Gordon's head. He just didn't make plays on the ball at all. And this is after he had a ton of interceptions in training camp. Really nice second half for Wallace. He beat rookie cornerback Jamar Wall on a back-shoulder route on the goal line.

• Big night for Buehler going 4-for-4 on field goals and nailing the game-winner. That has to make Phillips feel a lot better about his kicking situation.
• Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton wants to be released, his agent, Fred Lyles said.

Dallas Cowboys

Potential unrestricted free agents: G Montrae Holland

Potential restricted free agents: NT Junior Siavii, WR Miles Austin, DE Stephen Bowen, CB Cletis Gordon, DE Jason Hatcher, WR Sam Hurd, T Pat McQuistan, C Duke Preston, G Cory Procter, S Gerald Sensabaugh, DE Marcus Spears, S Pat Watkins, K Shaun Suisham.

What to expect: Anything is possible with Jerry Jones in charge, and the Cowboys could make a big splash after an underwhelming offseason a year ago. But in terms of team needs and what is required to take the next step, Dallas really doesn’t need much. A big-time impact safety makes some sense and could make a very good defense great, but that might be a project for the draft in a trade-up scenario for someone like Earl Thomas. But Darren Sharper might pique their interest. They also need to get younger along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, but that seems like a draft-day project, too. Maybe Jones gets real aggressive in the wide receiver market, as Roy Williams certainly is not living up to his billing, but the Cowboys are still rather stacked with pass-catchers. All in all, this is a team that is sitting pretty and doesn’t have a prominent unrestricted free agent who is poised to leave.

New York Giants

Potential unrestricted free agents: QB David Carr, LB Danny Clark, P Jeff Feagles, DT Fred Robbins

Potential restricted free agents: WR Domenik Hixon, TE Darcy Johnson, DE Dave Tollefson, G Kevin Boothe, S C.C. Brown, DT Barry Cofield, CB Kevin Dockery, WR Derek Hagan, WR Sinorice Moss, T Guy Whimper, LB Gerris Wilkinson.

What to expect: Big things could be in the works here, as there are already rumors swirling that New York could be a prime suitor for linebacker Karlos Dansby. An impact linebacker is certainly near the top of their wish list and Dansby fits the bill. Plus, he is extremely versatile. Getting faster on defense is a huge priority with new coordinator Perry Fewell stressing the ability to cover a lot of ground. However, Dansby isn’t really the thumper they need in the middle and is more of an outside linebacker for this system, although he would be great on passing downs. This is a group of decision-makers who might be starting to feel some heat, so do not rule out a big move or two.

Philadelphia Eagles

Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Jason Babin, S Sean Jones, LB Jeremiah Trotter, LB Tracy White

Potential restricted free agents: LB Akeem Jordan, P Saverio Rocca, WR Jason Avant, C Nick Cole, LB Omar Gaither, LB Chris Gocong, CB Ellis Hobbs, G Max Jean-Gilles, TE Alex Smith, FB Leonard Weaver.

What to expect: There are questions on the offensive line, but overall, the Eagles are in a prime situation to improve their defense, particularly up front and at safety. Remember, they have quarterbacks to dangle as trade bait and really do not have any unrestricted guys that they need to bring back. This is a possible landing spot for Julius Peppers and he would be terrific on the opposite side of Trent Cole, who is among the most underrated players in the game and could blow up with someone taking pass protection attention away from his side. Count on the Eagles being aggressive in the free-agent and/or trade market. It might just be enough to get them that ever elusive Lombardi trophy. Stranger things have happened.

Washington Redskins

Potential unrestricted free agents: LS Ethan Albright, DE Phillip Daniels, T Levi Jones, C Casey Rabach,
P Hunter Smith, T Mike Williams, DE Renaldo Wynn, TE Todd Yoder.

Potential restricted free agents: DE Lorenzo Alexander, T Stephon Heyer, LB Chris Wilson, QB Jason Campbell, S Reed Doughty, DT Kedric Golston, LB Rocky McIntosh, DT Anthony Montgomery, C Will Montgomery, CB Carlos Rogers.

What to expect: This is a difficult team to get a grasp on in terms of what they might do in free agency, but I think it is safe to say that ownership will not hold Mike Shanahan and company back from opening up the check book and signing (and even overpaying) players whom they desire. It would be wise for Washington to have an excellent idea of what they are going to do with the fourth overall draft pick in terms of going quarterback or offensive tackle before really devising a free-agency plan. Rebuilding the offensive line is a must and Shanahan needs lighter, quicker (and younger) linemen than are on the roster. A running back they can trust wouldn’t hurt either, although it looks as though Clinton Portis will return, which they may regret. But don’t forget, this is a team that -- unwisely in my opinion -- is switching to a 3-4 scheme, so inside linebacker help is required, as are defensive linemen who fit the new scheme. The Redskins have a long wish list, but also have the ownership to endorse big spending when free agency opens.

Speaking to reporters at Valley Ranch on Thursday, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo lent his support to wide receiver Roy Williams, saying that he would not stop throwing in his direction. Of course, recent numbers suggest that Romo has already decided to lean on other receivers, which is quite understandable given Williams' penchant for dropping balls this season.

"No one has lost any confidence in Roy," Romo said Thursday. "Roy is going to be a huge part of this going forward. He knows that. Hopefully, we're all going to have some good football ahead of us."

Meanwhile, ESPN's Ed Werder has delivered a strong piece on Williams this week. He thinks Jerry Jones' refusal to admit his mistake with Williams and Wade Phillips' belief that the wide receiver should receiver an "E" for effort could undermine the Cowboys in the playoffs. And Werder brings up another strong point. Here, I'll let him say it:

"Not only has Williams' ineptitude provided Austin the opportunity to become the Cowboys' most feared offensive player, but Jones is already confronting the reality that Austin is seeking $10 million a season to sign a long-term contract extension, according to league sources," writes Werder. "Unless the Cowboys remove Williams and his guaranteed money from the roster, they are going to be taking an indefensible position on negotiations with Austin.

"Austin is the player Roy Williams was supposed to be. Meanwhile, Williams is trying to avoid becoming the next Sam Hurd, a wide receiver whose career is devoted to covering kickoffs."

Hey, let's not drag poor Sam into this. He's an undrafted player who's doing a superb job on special teams. I don't think Williams can fill that role, either. But strong work by Mr. Werder, as always.

	Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
	The Cowboys have elevated receiver Miles Austin to the starting lineup, but the team's handling of the situation could have been better.

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

IRVING, Texas -- Dan Snyder was one of the best things that ever happened to Jerry Jones. If not for Snyder's bumbling treatment of Washington Redskins "head coach" Jim Zorn, folks might be focused on the Dallas Cowboys' apparent communication failure at wide receiver.

I think we all assumed Miles Austin would crack the starting lineup when he had 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-20 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs two Sundays ago, but the Cowboys have been guarding it like a state secret. Asked about the prospect of Austin replacing Patrick Crayton in the starting lineup Wednesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reacted with an impressive barrage of "uh's" before escaping with a "There's no need to!"

First of all, do we think Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith is losing any sleep on whether Crayton's out of the Cowboys' starting lineup next Sunday? Of course not. This is just another instance of Wade Phillips' ham-handed ways of communicating with both his players and the media.

Crayton, a seventh-round pick in 2004 who has been a very serviceable player, became a prominent member of Terrell Owens' camp from '06 to '08, so he knows a thing or two about questioning the coaching staff. He pretty much knew he was going to lose his starting job based on his poor performance against the Chiefs and Austin's record-breaking day. But he felt like he at least deserved a heads-up from either Phillips or offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

	Tim Heitman/US Presswire
	Wade Phillips claims the Cowboys talked to Patrick Crayton about his demotion.

"I would have loved it," Crayton said. "It would have been real standup. That's not what happened.''

Phillips was then asked repeatedly by reporters during his daily news conference Wednesday why no one thought to tell Crayton of his demotion before he had to find out during practice. He stumbled around for a bit before offering a firm, "We discussed it with him. I have no doubt about that."

Some of my colleagues in the Dallas media quickly pointed out that this type of miscommunication would never happen in the Bill Parcells regime, but that sounds like revisionist history to me. I recall former starting defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban finding out that he was inactive for a road game when he showed up at his locker and realized his uniform was missing. Ekuban had the nerve to complain about Parcells' manners, which didn't exactly help his career in Dallas.

Whether or not you think Crayton deserved better, it's obvious the Cowboys continue to fumble even the smallest of situations. Phillips eventually got around to explaining that Crayton still could be in the starting lineup Sunday if Roy E. Williams (ribs) isn't ready to go. And if he'd said that first, he could have avoided a hissing contest with Crayton.

With Phillips as the head coach, there's a leadership vacuum at Valley Ranch -- but I've written that column at least 11 times since the inception of the Beast and I need to let the last one breathe a little longer. On Wednesday, Jones used a misdirection play to throw reporters temporarily off the receiver trail. He decided to drop in a little nugget that another team had contacted him about trading a premium draft pick for a "key player" on the Cowboys' roster.

Thanks to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, we now believe that player's name is Martellus Bennett. I'm trying to find out exactly what the compensation would've been, but a second-round pick sounds about right for the talented Cowboys tight end. Jones wanted the story out there because it suggests that other personnel departments covet his players.

Bennett might be the most impressive four-catch tight end in the league. The entertaining player told me Wednesday that a fifth catch might transform his career. But it's not a funny topic to Cowboys fans. Their team has been awful in the red zone, where tight ends such as Jason Witten and the 6-foot-6 Bennett might come in handy. So far this season, Bennett's had one red zone throw in his direction.

But I get it. Why would you throw to those guys when you have Sam Hurd in one-on-one coverage with Champ Bailey?

OK, don't answer that.

	Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
	Quarterback Tony Romo and the Dallas offense had no answer for the Broncos defense Sunday night.

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

DENVER -- If you looked at the schedule in April and chalked up Sunday as a win for the Cowboys, at least you have company. But this team took a 17-10 loss to the Broncos in stride, perhaps because no one in charge expected anything more.

Maybe it's time we forget about the immense potential that the '07 team displayed and realize that the current Cowboys were fortunate to even stay on the field with the 4-0 Broncos. That's right, Josh McDaniels has put his team in the playoff conversation the old-fashioned way: by alienating and then trading his bonus-baby quarterback for a bus-driver with a prominent neckbeard.

Week 4 Coverage • Walker: Mendenhall mends fences in victory • Mosley: Cowboys adjust expectations • Williamson: Putting the 'D' in Denver • Graham: Brady is back • Kuharsky: Garcon, Collie producing • Seifert: Bears build swagger • Sando: Rams looking for answers • Wojciechowski: Bears give Chicago a break • Reiss: Patriots-Ravens game a classic • Watkins: Cowboys offense sputters • Clayton: Colts running away with division • Pasquarelli: Embattled Zorn adjusts • NFL Nation: Reactions | Wrap-ups | Live • MNF: Packers, Favre can bury the hatchet

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a man who naively believed that his players would perform to the level of a $1.2 billion stadium, went completely soft after the game. To listen to him, you'd think the Cowboys ran into John Elway and the Orange Crush circa 1984.

"There's a reason they're 4-0," Jones kept repeating as he sucked on an orange. "The Broncos are better than what anybody would have thought."

Jones didn't seem one bit surprised the Cowboys would surrender a fourth-quarter lead and lose to a team from the AFC West. Judging by his reaction, the Cowboys would've uncorked champagne at Invesco Field had they been able to escape with a win. As it stands, the Cowboys are a 2-2 team in search of an identity.

In their previous two games, the Cowboys appeared to have one of the most dominant running games in the league. And on Sunday, they fed off the energy of Marion Barber, who was returning from a left quad injury. He delivered blows to Broncos defenders in the first half and then did forward rolls in celebration. Barber had 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown in the first half, helping the Cowboys take a 10-7 lead and wearing down the Broncos' front seven.

Then in one half, the Cowboys' offense pretended it was December (it was brisk) and pretty much fell all over itself. After touching the ball 12 times in the first half, Barber only had one carry the rest of the way. Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett indicated that Barber's injury was a concern, but the head coach and owner acted as if that was news to them.

The Cowboys only ran the ball seven times in the second half, with limited success. Through 14 quarters, Garrett had been remarkably balanced with his play calling, then for no apparent reason he abandoned the running game. It wasn't as if the Broncos were putting eight players in the box to stop the run. They brought their fair share of blitzes, but they also stayed back in coverage for most of the game in an effort to take away the deep ball.

The Broncos sacked Romo five times, but at least three of those were coverage sacks. He was 14-of-18 for 134 yards in the first half because he was simply dumping off the ball to his running backs. He made a good throw to Roy Williams on the sideline to set up the Cowboys' only touchdown, but that was the longest throw he made.

For no apparent reason, Garrett basically put the game in Romo's hands in the second half. And despite a brilliant throw to Sam Hurd for a 53-yard gain on fourth-and-3 with 1:16 left, it should've never come to that. The Cowboys had the ball at the Broncos' 17-yard line early in the second half when Romo threw a pass to the sideline that was picked off by Champ Bailey. Several people in the locker room told me that Miles Austin turned the wrong direction on the route and that it wasn't Romo's fault, but it was still a huge play.

Romo was 11-of-24 in the second half and he kept hanging his receivers out to dry. Just ask Roy Williams, who took what he called the hardest hit of his life from Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams. He returned to make a clutch catch on the Cowboys' final drive, but he was on the sideline when Romo fired two passes into the end zone from the 2-yard line. Williams would've been a nice option on a fade route. Instead, Romo threw two passes to Hurd, who was blanketed by Bailey.

The Cowboys are obviously more explosive with Felix Jones (left knee) in the lineup, but I'm not convinced Garrett would've had him in the game. We somehow deluded ourselves into thinking that the Cowboys have a lot of weapons on offense. They appear to have three talented running backs and an excellent pair of tight ends. But there's no one at wide receiver who poses a consistent threat. Nothing against Hurd, but is he really the best option on consecutive plays from the 2-yard line?

The Cowboys' defense performed admirably for most of the afternoon, but it cratered at the worst possible moment. And if you're pinning your playoff hopes on the defense holding the opponent to seven points each week, you're dreaming. After putting 31 points on the board against the Giants, the Cowboys' offense has managed a combined 24 points against the Panthers and Broncos. It was a pitiful game plan in the second half -- and the execution wasn't any better.

"We had limited opportunities [in the second half]," Garrett told me after the game. "But you have to take advantage of those opportunities."

It did look like Garrett was ready to commit to the running game early in the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty on Martellus Bennett wiped out a 17-yard run by Choice. The Cowboys would've had the ball first-and-10 at the Broncos' 44. Instead, they were forced to punt and the Broncos tied the score on their next possession.

As he loaded up on Vitamin C, Jones kept repeating the Broncos' record as if that should explain everything. I guess we should've known that the Broncos' wins over the Bengals, Browns and Raiders had placed them among the NFL's elite. Jones even attempted to attribute the loss to the Cowboys' change in philosophy.

"That's part of the plan," he said. "There's more running and less depending on the pass."

And how's that working out for you, Jerry?

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Former Cowboys great Emmitt Smith has been making the media rounds the last few days and he's not too optimistic about his former team. He was actually fairly positive on a a Sirius NFL Radio interview with Rich Gannon and Adam Schein, but then he changed directions while appearing on ESPN Radio with Colin Cowherd.

	US Presswire
	Former Cowboy great Emmitt Smith called out Wade Phillips and Roy Williams in a recent interview.

"Realistically, I think that the Cowboys can win seven games," Smith said.

Really? Seven games? With a relatively easy schedule out of the gates, the Cowboys would have to completely collapse to end up with seven wins. Even the most cynical pundits (like this one) have the Cowboys winning at least nine games. So what does the former "Dancing With the Stars" winner think about the Cowboys' current locker room chemistry sans Terrell Owens?

"I mean, when I start hearing things are going to change, I keep asking myself as a player, how much are they going to change?" Smith said. "Are you going to be a hard-nosed coach now since things are going to change? Are you going to be more focused than you were last year? Those kind of things, I'm like, 'C'mon.' This is not a game where you can just turn it on and turn it off."

Sounds like that criticism was lobbed in the direction of coach Wade Phillips. And Smith wasn't finished. Before he hung up the phone, he took a few parting shots at wide receiver Roy Williams.

"The question is, can Roy step up and be what they need him to be?" Smith asked. "I don't know. I don't know if it's possible. I do not see him as a No. 1. I never have saw him as a No. 1. Never have. When I say No. 1, I mean your No. 1 go-to guy. He's not your No. 1 go-to guy."

Thanks to my guy Andrew Fitzpatrick over at Sirius, I also have a transcript of what Smith said about Tony Romo's leadership skills:

"Demand excellence. Demand excellence," Smith said of Romo. "That’s what you’re asking. You’re asking him to demand excellence. I used to send Tony Romo texts throughout the season just to encourage him, just to wish him luck and just to tell him to get on his offensive line. I hated watching this young man get sacked as much as he did, especially when it came down to big games. I know how important it is to have your quarterback standing upright. Matter of fact, I know how important it is not to allow someone hit on him period because I want him to think that this pocket is completely safe, no one is going to get to me and I got all the time in the world to make whatever decisions I need to make.

"That did not happen for Tony Romo. The sad part for me is just what you’re talking about, Rich (Gannon). I never saw him go snatch somebody up and say, 'Hey, we can’t win like this. We can’t have guys jumping off-sides. I can’t have somebody coming at me unabated. Who is making the mistakes up front? Why aren’t you picking this guy up? This is not going down this way. If you can’t get your job done get off the football field.’ And that’s the thing that I believe you touched on, Rich, that is missing at that position which boils back down to one word -- leadership."

This is the same thing Smith was saying last season. He wants Romo to holler at the offensive linemen more. Big deal. Would that make Cowboys fans feel better to see Romo screaming at his linemen? What do you think? And here's something else I thought you'd find interesting. Although Smith told Cowherd he thinks the Cowboys will win only seven games, he told the guys at Sirius that Dallas could challenge the division favorites:

"I think they can be good enough to challenge the Giants and the Eagles," Smith said. "When you think about what the Cowboys have offensively -- you have to start there -- they may not have the guy that can stretch the field for them, even though they have Miles Austin who is pretty fast and Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd can move the chains for them along with Jason Witten. But I think the stars that you should see this year, and if (offensive coordinator) Jason Garrett is looking for that balance and looking to protect the football a little bit is to lean more on Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. I think those three running backs make the Cowboys offense potent, very potent."

Well, at least Smith's being consistent.