Cowboys Getting stronger at DE
Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 9:43 pm
Sarah Piland
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Aug. 11, 2004, 6:13 p.m. (PDT)
OXNARD, Calif. -- As the first preseason game approaches, Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells' roster has a few spots open for the taking, especially on defense. One of the most surprising battles for a starting job may come between Marcellus Wiley and Kenyon Coleman at defensive end.
On paper, the two are an unlikely pair to be in competition. Wiley was a Pro Bowler in 2001 and 2002 before having a disappointing year in San Diego last season. The Chargers released him because his salary cap charge was set to increase significantly, and they didn't feel he was worth the money. The Cowboys signed him as an unrestricted free agent on March 11.
The Cowboys traded two draft picks to Oakland for Coleman in 2003 - a seemingly risky proposition since he was only active for one game and posted just one tackle with the Raiders the previous season. Coleman did play in all 16 games with the Cowboys last year, but did not start a game.
So what's the big idea, putting a two-time Pro Bowler in competition with a should-be scrub who hasn't even had time to prove himself worthy of the starting position?
It seems Parcells has no choice. Kenyon has gotten good.
"I think I'm gonna use both of those guys, I really do," Parcells said in his press conference here on Wednesday. "I think they're both gonna play a lot. Kenyon is doing too good. That's a very improved player right there for the Dallas Cowboys right now, Kenyon Coleman."
Coleman has improved a great deal since coming from the Raiders in 2003. His strength is what has Parcells so impressed, and it's not just one-dimensional power. Since he and Wiley are competing for the strong side defensive end position - the left side - Coleman's power has as noticeable stopping the run as it is rushing the passer.
Parcells says Coleman can get it done.
"He's powerful. He's probably our strongest defensive guy - in both areas," Parcells said of Coleman's ability to play the run and pass. "He's carrying a lot more weight better. He came here 280, and he was fat and soft. Now he's 290, and he's powerful."
Coleman has come out of practically no where, hasn't played much in the NFL and he's giving a big-namer a run for his money. And for now, Wiley has his hands full.
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Aug. 11, 2004, 6:13 p.m. (PDT)
OXNARD, Calif. -- As the first preseason game approaches, Dallas Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells' roster has a few spots open for the taking, especially on defense. One of the most surprising battles for a starting job may come between Marcellus Wiley and Kenyon Coleman at defensive end.
On paper, the two are an unlikely pair to be in competition. Wiley was a Pro Bowler in 2001 and 2002 before having a disappointing year in San Diego last season. The Chargers released him because his salary cap charge was set to increase significantly, and they didn't feel he was worth the money. The Cowboys signed him as an unrestricted free agent on March 11.
The Cowboys traded two draft picks to Oakland for Coleman in 2003 - a seemingly risky proposition since he was only active for one game and posted just one tackle with the Raiders the previous season. Coleman did play in all 16 games with the Cowboys last year, but did not start a game.
So what's the big idea, putting a two-time Pro Bowler in competition with a should-be scrub who hasn't even had time to prove himself worthy of the starting position?
It seems Parcells has no choice. Kenyon has gotten good.
"I think I'm gonna use both of those guys, I really do," Parcells said in his press conference here on Wednesday. "I think they're both gonna play a lot. Kenyon is doing too good. That's a very improved player right there for the Dallas Cowboys right now, Kenyon Coleman."
Coleman has improved a great deal since coming from the Raiders in 2003. His strength is what has Parcells so impressed, and it's not just one-dimensional power. Since he and Wiley are competing for the strong side defensive end position - the left side - Coleman's power has as noticeable stopping the run as it is rushing the passer.
Parcells says Coleman can get it done.
"He's powerful. He's probably our strongest defensive guy - in both areas," Parcells said of Coleman's ability to play the run and pass. "He's carrying a lot more weight better. He came here 280, and he was fat and soft. Now he's 290, and he's powerful."
Coleman has come out of practically no where, hasn't played much in the NFL and he's giving a big-namer a run for his money. And for now, Wiley has his hands full.
