Cowboys stick with plan to go with ability over experience

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

SAN ANTONIO -- One year after the Dallas Cowboys struck gold with a commitment to developing young, promising players by releasing progress stoppers at receiver, cornerback and outside linebacker, they are looking to hit it big again.

Just as they did with receiver Terrell Owens, linebacker Greg Ellis and cornerback Anthony Henry following the 2008 season, the Cowboys got rid of tackle Flozell Adams and safety Ken Hamlin this past spring in favor of unproven players with high potential.

They are hoping tackle Doug Free and safety Alan Ball are this year's version of cornerback Mike Jenkins, linebacker Anthony Spencer and receiver Miles Austin.

"You try to get your best guys on the field," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said. "It doesn't matter what age they are or what year they are, if they're your best athlete or your best player, you try to get them on the field. Experience means a lot in some cases, but ability means the most."

Jenkins and Austin became Pro Bowl performers last year in their first season as starters. Spencer might have been the team's best defensive player at the end of the season.

But they wouldn't have had those opportunities if the Cowboys hadn't made a commitment to their development by removing aging, but proven, veterans in front of them.

It's not an easy move to make, especially for position coaches who traditionally show... -- Continue reading at the publisher's site