Chat with Ed Werder

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Welcome to ESPNDallas.com! On Friday, ESPN NFL reporter Ed Werder stops by to chat about the 2009 season.

Werder joined ESPN in 1998 and before that he had stints at The Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Send your questions now and join Werder Friday at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET!

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Jon (NJ)


What would you think about Dallas picking up Shawn Merriman? They could use another pass rusher and there is a history with Wade...

Ed Werder
  (10:58 AM)


Good bye-week morning, Cowboys Nation. Let's get started. Shawn Merriman could be traded, although his injury history, previous suspensions and exorbitant salary will make it difficult. The Cowboys had a difficult time choosing between Merriman and DeMarcus Ware in the draft, but made the right decision obviously. Jerry hasn't secured Ware with a new contract that secures his future and makes him among the highest-paid defensive players in the league and there's no way he can afford them both.

jake (tyler, tx)


Ed, do you ever see Felix Jones being a reliable back, or is he doomed to the Reggie Bush injury bus?

Ed Werder
  (11:01 AM)


Reggie Bush might balk at the comparison. Unlike Felix Jones, Bush has played more games than he's missed with injuries _ and he's a proven threat as a punt returner. Jones is the Cowboys' best offensive speed threat, when he plays, which is not often enough. I'm not questioning his willingness to play hurt, but the Cowboys are frustrated with his injury issues. I know in talking to RB coach Skip Peete that he thinks Jones was never hit like in college like he has been in the pro game and has to adjust and protect himself better. The fact the injuries always involve his legs are especially troubling for someone who plays RB, and not all of them are the result of violent contact.

Jon (NJ)


I have heard a lot of complaining about the Dallas defense, and I believe that most of it is deserved. That being said, I feel that they play well on 1st and 2nd down, and on short 3rd downs, but for whatever reason, they always seem to give up the big play on third and long. Over the past 5 or so years, I have always been nervous on 3rd and long, and even more nervous during the 2 minute drill. Do the 'Boys just need to play with the mentality that it is a third and 3? Instead of getting into a defensive set for 3rd and 13?

Ed Werder
  (11:03 AM)


This is one of many mysteries for Wade Phillips to resolve, and one he should be able to find determine a solution since he's described himself as a great defensive coordinator. The Cowboys have not generated a consistent pass rush in these situations and that's where the problem starts.

Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)


Hey Ed. Great work on ESPN over the years. How will Phillips use Austin moving forward? Will he take over for Williams as Romo's number one receiver? Some say he's the second coming of TO. Does he have that potential? Thoughts?

Ed Werder
  (11:09 AM)


I know some of the previous members of the coaching staff believed Miles Austin could develop into a quality starting player. But the Cowboys have not made the position a draft priority and Jerry has always believed that it takes too long for those players to develop and so he has emphasized signing free-agent receivers or trading for veterans, from Joey Galloway to Keyshawn Johnson, Terrell Owens and now Roy Williams. Unless the Cowboys believe Austin's performance in KC was a fluke the result of playing a bad secondary, then he should start ahead of RW. The Cowboys have to reward performance and disregard pedigree. Forget what RW cost in terms of picks and salary. But is Jerry Jones going to be willing to sit a $45 million player who cost him a No. 1 and a No. 3? Maybe that would motivate Williams, who has a reputation for being lazy. The problem is that Austin and RW are both X receivers who run vertical routes. So moving Austin to play Patrick Crayton's position is not something he can do well, according to coaches with whom I've spoken.

Josh (Colorado Springs, CO)


Morning Ed, I was wondering if you think the cowboys will be exploring any type of trades before the trade deadline next week.

Ed Werder
  (11:12 AM)


I've talked to many of the coaches whose teams have played the Cowboys this year, and they all say the Cowboys have one of the most talented rosters in the game. I don't think there's any one player out there who can solve the Cowboys' problems, and I'm not sure that the talent level on the roster is the reason the team remains inconsistent and could underachieve yet again.

ed (charlotte, nc)


what is tony's deal? he seems fixated on certain players (witten, miles last game, crayton past games, choice) and certain sides of the field (THE RIGHT). i have seen bennett wide open at times, tony stare right at him (denver game) and check down to someone else like choice, for no gain. what is the deal? bennett has got to be used more. also, more likely to happen, phillips fired/garrett stays, both fired, or both stays?thanks man

Ed Werder
  (11:16 AM)


First of all, Tony has been inconsistent and I think he's also suffered from mixed messages. The coaching staff is trying to convince him to play against his instincts to protect the ball. Jerry says before last week's game he wants to see Romo, the improvizational wizard. Protection has been a consistent issue and I think if you look at the receivers they have a hard time getting separation. RW and Austin can run deep routes but even they lack the quick acceleration and ability to change direction quickly. So Romo is always throwing to receivers with a DB right on them. Even the two TD passes to Austin occurred with the cornerback in close coverage. But the Cowboys need to self-study and determine whether they've become predicatable. Romo, like most QBs, prefers to throw to his right because that's the side he can see as he makes his drop. That's an easier throw than going backside, but he has to be able to do both.

Mark (Rockville, MD)


Better yet, what is the status or Barber's quad and Jones knee? How long are we looking at until they are healthy enough to really contribute? Will Choice's role expand?

Ed Werder
  (11:19 AM)


Marion Barber has not been the same player since he virtually collapsed during that run against the Giants several weeks ago, and now RB coach Skip Peete is saying it could linger into December. Yikes. The Cowboys are going to put Jones back on the field as soon as possible because he's one of the few players who can make the big play. But he's not going to get more than 10 or so touches, so Tashard Choice seems like he should get more opportunities _ and, like Miles Austin, he deserves them because he's earned it through performance.

Xavier (Thomas)


Based on thier porformance would you rather have T.O. or Roy Williams

Ed Werder
  (11:24 AM)


I would say that, right now, neither of them is worth the $9 million salary the Cowboys were scheduled to pay them. The Cowboys released TO because he undermined Tony Romo, created a locker room problem and was viewed as a descending player who would become more volatile as his skills diminished because he never accepts responsibility for his failure. It appears they were right about him since he barely has 200 yards receiving in Buffalo, although part of that is the Bills are a dreadful team. Williams is puzzling. I thought he'd be motivated with all the offseason criticism from former Cowboys Hall of Famers and would rise to the occasion to fill the TO void and justify the trade that Jerry Jones made for him. So far, he's closer to losing his job than he is to accomplishing any of that. I will give him credit for taking a shot in the ribs against Denver to catch a ball that the play before Patrick Crayton would not in the interests of self-preservation. That was just another example of what the Cowboys seem to lack _ a determination to play for each other.

Strib (Flower Mound)


Ed have you stopped fouling on the basketball court? Second did you know that Felix is my cousin?

Ed Werder
  (11:25 AM)


I don't miss your shoulders and elbows working my teeth. Just because we never call offensive fouls doesn't mean they're not being committed. I didn't know Felix was your cousin, although with your whining about injuries I'm starting to see the resemblance. Haha

Spencer (Orlando)


Hey Ed, if the Cowboys have a disappointing year we can assume that Wade Phillips will be replaced. Who do you think would be the front runner for next year?

Ed Werder
  (11:29 AM)


There's little doubt in my mind that Jerry Jones is going to replace Wade Phillips unless the Cowboys make a deep playoff run that is beginning to seem unlikely. I predicted an 11-5 season. I'm sure Jerry would have been even more optimistic. Unles the CBA uncertainty and the possibility of a lockout in 2011 causes Jerry hesitation, I think he will compete with Dan Snyder and others for one of the Super Bowl-winning coaches on the sideline _ Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher. I think Holmgren should be the favorite, although he will have to convince people he's going to work like he did with the Packers in the 1990s. With Jerry's money invested in the stadium and the Super Bowl there next year, Jerry's going to want buzz.

Xavier Thomas (Greensboro NC)


Is it just me or does Roy Williams disappear sometimes?

Ed Werder
  (11:32 AM)


I don't recall Roy Williams being targeted 15 times in a single game as Miles Austin was in Kansas City. Romo kept providing Austin opportunities even after he had twice failed his quarterback on potential touchdown plays. Not only does Williams fail to create separation, but I'm told he's not a good route runner, which means the QB is going to have to make a tight throw and can't be sure RW is where he's supposed to be. Roy has been offered insight on how to become a better receiver, but I'm told he's shown little interest. And I know he's coming up in a chat here soon

David (Patterson NJ)


If a coaching change was to happen would it take place after the season if the Cowboy's miss the playoffs and if so would he get rid of everyone? CheersDavid

Ed Werder
  (11:35 AM)


Jerry Jones has defended Wade Phillips and insisted he would not make a coaching change during the season even if they had lost in KC, and I believe him. That almost never works, although he once believed Jason Garrett was next in the line of succession so it seems apparent he's not so sure about that any more either. The fact is that Jerry could end the speculation by picking up the option he has on Wade's contract but has so far chosen not to do so. He's keeping his options open for a reason. That's all the time for this week. Thanks for your questions, and catch me on with Randy Galloway and the GAC staff on Tuesdays and with Michael Irvin and Kevin Kiley on Thursdays. Have a great weekend.

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