Post by prossman on Feb 17, 2009 5:08:33 GMT -7
DC.COM: Spagnola: Roster Rundown; Keith Davis Shows His Importance On Special Teams
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Roster Rundown
Keith Davis Shows His Importance On Special Teams
Mickey Spagnola
February 16, 2009 5:05 PM
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing more than 50 players on their impact last season and just how they fit into the team's 2009 plans. Today's featured player is Cowboys safety Keith Davis.)
Name: Keith Davis
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5-11, 207
Experience: Five seasons
College: Sam Houston State University
Key stat: Twenty, as in leading the team with 20 special teams tackles. The Cowboys certainly knew what they were doing when re-signing him after training camp once the Miami Dolphins released the former Cowboys safety/special teams player when it became obvious to them he wasn't going to break into the starting lineup at safety. And this performance in 2008 was not something new. Davis had 18 special teams tackles in 2007 and a career-high 21 in 2004.
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
2008 Impact: Not only did Davis lead the Cowboys in special teams tackles and play on just about every unit they had, but he also ended up starting eight games at strong safety after Roy Williams twice broke his arm and Patrick Watkins suffered through neck problems the majority of the season. Davis played mostly on run downs when starting, and did a decent job, finishing with 40 tackles. He just had problems staying healthy playing such a physically-demanding position along with so many special teams snaps.
Where He Fits: Right back on this team as special teams captain and backup safety. The Cowboys understand how important Davis is to those special teams units, especially after struggling on several of them last year. He brings a little passion and emotion to those units, along with guidance for the younger guys. If all he ended up doing is playing special teams in 2009, Davis would be worth whatever it takes (within reason) for the Cowboys to re-sign him.
Writers' Analysis
Mickey Spagnola: Maybe both sides have learned a free-agency lesson this time around. Davis suffered wanderlust last year at this time, taking the signing bonus money from Miami with hopes of competing for a starting job. The Dolphins never gave him that chance and wound up releasing him before the season began. The Cowboys really never had an opportunity to re-sign him since Davis didn't give them a chance to counter the Dolphins' offer after they had decided to see what market price would be for him. Would behoove both parties this time to get a deal done. If nothing else, the Cowboys need Davis on special teams.
Josh Ellis: With Roy Williams and Patrick Watkins hampered by injury for the better part of 2008, the Cowboys were lucky to have gotten Davis back just before the season. He may not be an ideal starter, but Davis at least offered a veteran presence in the secondary, and he was a better option than youngsters like Courtney Brown and Tra Battle. Of course, Davis' biggest contribution is always going to be on special teams, where he not only excels, but serves the unit's young players as an example of the intensity and preparation required. Davis is also a valuable locker room voice, which puts him on the short list of unrestricted free agents the Cowboys should try to retain.
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Roster Rundown
Keith Davis Shows His Importance On Special Teams
Mickey Spagnola
February 16, 2009 5:05 PM
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing more than 50 players on their impact last season and just how they fit into the team's 2009 plans. Today's featured player is Cowboys safety Keith Davis.)
Name: Keith Davis
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5-11, 207
Experience: Five seasons
College: Sam Houston State University
Key stat: Twenty, as in leading the team with 20 special teams tackles. The Cowboys certainly knew what they were doing when re-signing him after training camp once the Miami Dolphins released the former Cowboys safety/special teams player when it became obvious to them he wasn't going to break into the starting lineup at safety. And this performance in 2008 was not something new. Davis had 18 special teams tackles in 2007 and a career-high 21 in 2004.
Contract Status: Unrestricted free agent
2008 Impact: Not only did Davis lead the Cowboys in special teams tackles and play on just about every unit they had, but he also ended up starting eight games at strong safety after Roy Williams twice broke his arm and Patrick Watkins suffered through neck problems the majority of the season. Davis played mostly on run downs when starting, and did a decent job, finishing with 40 tackles. He just had problems staying healthy playing such a physically-demanding position along with so many special teams snaps.
Where He Fits: Right back on this team as special teams captain and backup safety. The Cowboys understand how important Davis is to those special teams units, especially after struggling on several of them last year. He brings a little passion and emotion to those units, along with guidance for the younger guys. If all he ended up doing is playing special teams in 2009, Davis would be worth whatever it takes (within reason) for the Cowboys to re-sign him.
Writers' Analysis
Mickey Spagnola: Maybe both sides have learned a free-agency lesson this time around. Davis suffered wanderlust last year at this time, taking the signing bonus money from Miami with hopes of competing for a starting job. The Dolphins never gave him that chance and wound up releasing him before the season began. The Cowboys really never had an opportunity to re-sign him since Davis didn't give them a chance to counter the Dolphins' offer after they had decided to see what market price would be for him. Would behoove both parties this time to get a deal done. If nothing else, the Cowboys need Davis on special teams.
Josh Ellis: With Roy Williams and Patrick Watkins hampered by injury for the better part of 2008, the Cowboys were lucky to have gotten Davis back just before the season. He may not be an ideal starter, but Davis at least offered a veteran presence in the secondary, and he was a better option than youngsters like Courtney Brown and Tra Battle. Of course, Davis' biggest contribution is always going to be on special teams, where he not only excels, but serves the unit's young players as an example of the intensity and preparation required. Davis is also a valuable locker room voice, which puts him on the short list of unrestricted free agents the Cowboys should try to retain.
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