Dallas Cowboys News: Ken Hamlin Finds a Home

Betting on World Cup was almost easier than figuring out where former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Ken Hamlin would wind up. After weeks of no news on the new employer for the Pro Bowl safety, it has been reported that Hamlin has signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Even with his declining numbers in 2009, betting people know that Hamlin in the same secondary as Ed Reed could bolster an already strong Baltimore defense. Hamlin was dropped from the Cowboys roster after a 2009 season that saw 74 tackles with no interceptions or broken up plays.

The oil drilling craze that seems to be sweeping the country has taken hold in Arlington, Texas as well. Betting on NFL games requires considering conditions such as rain, snow and high winds. The city of Arlington recently approved an urban oil well to be built only 3,000 feet from Cowboy Stadium. A second well is being considered. Residents are concerned about having an oil well so close to homes, schools, a hospital and the stadium. Could oil slicks be the new concern for offensive and defensive coordinators?

Prior to any considerations over World Cup final betting, the Dallas Cowboys remember when their practice facility collapsed causing serious injury to several members of the staff. Summit Structures based out of Allentown, PA had constructed the facility, and the company recently declared bankruptcy due to lawsuits stemming from the disaster. Two Cowboy staff members, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and scout Rich Behm, reached out-of-court settlements with the bankrupt company. The terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

In surprise revelation to Cowboy fans and the coaching staff, Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff announced that he has been in tremendous pain with bad elbows for at least two seasons. Ratliff was found to have bone spurs in his elbows, and he kept it quiet so that the staff would not diminish his playing time. The Pro Bowler had surgery in the off-season, and earlier this week he was able to bench press without pain for the first time in two years. Now that the Cowboys know about the problem, they have announced that Ratliff should be ready to go in time for training camp.

The reasoning behind keeping wide receiver Patrick Crayton is starting to become apparent as OTAs and mini-camp come to an end. Crayton has sat out optional and then mandatory work-outs to protest what appeared to be his diminished role in the Cowboys’ offense. But ever since minicamp started, Crayton has been with the team and very quiet. It could be that he has been watching the struggles of receiver Roy Williams and Crayton may be starting to understand why the Cowboys have refused to cut or trade him. Williams is showing problems in running routes, fighting for the ball and getting open.

Crayton could be elevated to third on the depth chart behind the number one receiver Miles Austin and rookie Dez Bryant. Williams had been working as the slot receiver with Bryant and Austin the wide receivers on the outside. But Williams’ struggles may force the Cowboys to make a change.