Phillips says Cowboys must improve running game

Jul 29, 2009

It’s no secret that Cowboys coach Wade Phillips will have complete control of the defense this season.

What wasn’t known until Tuesday is that he also will apparently have a big say in the team’s offensive philosophy as it attempts to bounce back from last season’s disappointing 9-7, non-playoff season and snap a 12-year drought without a playoff win.

Speaking at the club’s state-of-the-franchise news conference at the Alamodome, Phillips made it clear he wants a dominant running game in place when the Cowboys open Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay.

“We’ve got to establish a stronger running game,” Phillips said.

How strong?

“We need to get in the top 10 (in the league),” Phillips said.

With that said, much of training camp will be devoted to finding a rotation that maximizes the talents of runners Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, a chore that falls to OC Jason Garrett.

The first practice is set for 2:15 p.m. today at the dome.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.