IRVING, Texas - In the last three weeks, the Cowboys have faced three straight quality cornerback tandems.
Philly might have two of the best in Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown, while Green Bay gave the Cowboys fits with Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Last week, Washington's Fred Smoot and DeAngelo Hall limited the Cowboys to just 158 passing yards.
However, it only gets tougher for Dallas, who will now see arguably the best cornerback in the entire league this week.
You might not be able to pronounce Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha, but he's certainly made a name for himself around the league.
Pronounced NAM-dy Awesome-WAH, the seventh-year cornerback from Nigeria figures to hound Cowboys receivers all day come Thursday.
"He's one of the best in the game," said wide receiver Patrick Crayton. "I've faced him just in the preseason and then some in 2005. But on film, you can see he's pretty good. He can cover for sure."
Since the Cowboys haven't faced Oakland in the regular season since 2005 and the preseason games feature mostly backup players, the Cowboys will have to rely on the tape, which doesn't lie, according to quarterback Tony Romo:
"He looks great on tape; we'll have to account for him obviously. At the same point, we have to run our offense and go out there. We'll see what happens."
Asomugha, a first-round pick of the Raiders in 2003, had a breakout season in 2006 when he picked off eight passes and was named second-team All-Pro. Since then, Asomugha has just one interception each in 2007, 2008 and so far this season, but that's not always his fault.
"The last year and the year before that, I didn't really think he got tested that much," said Raiders head coach Tom Cable said. "People have tried him a few times this year. He's made some plays. He's defended balls that have been thrown at him. I think at some point, because of the play of our other corner, Chris Johnson, people have had to say, 'Look, you can only go at that guy so much. He's going to take the ball away from you.' So they've gone back to (Asomugha) a little bit, and he's responded well. He's a very, very good player."
Johnson, the other Raiders starter, has three picks this season for 20 yards.
Board Problems Again?
It's been a while since we even talked about punts hitting the video board at Cowboys Stadium. But it's something to consider again this week with the Raiders coming to town.
Texan native Shane Lechler, one of the NFL's most prolific punters and known for his booming, high punts, could give the board some action on Thursday.
"He might," said Raiders coach Tom Cable when asked if Lechler could hit the board. "He kicks it so high. You're really kind of blessed. Not only can he hit for distance, but he's going to hit it for hang time. He's a special guy. I don't need to really elaborate on that. He's the best there is the game and maybe one of the best ever."
But Lechler doesn't just punt the ball high, but far as well. So far in 2009, Lechler has 33 punts of at least 50 yards, including six in one game against Kansas City two weeks ago. Lechler also has seven punts of at least 60 yards, including a 70-yarder at Kansas City earlier in the season.
Miller Time
The Cowboys have faced their share of quality tight ends this season in Tony Gonzalez, John Carlson and Kellen Winslow.
However, one of the best in the NFL could be heading to Cowboys Stadium this week in Zach Miller, the Raiders leading receiver this year with 34 catches, doubling the next-closest receiver, Louis Murphy (17 receptions).
Miller has a team-high 495 yards with two touchdowns, including an 86-yard scoring strike against the Eagles a few weeks back. In that game, Miller turned some heads, not only taking one the distance against a quality Philly defense, but he also racked up 139 yards in that game.
Cable said he's not sure where he ranks among the best in the game, but thinks Miller is starting make a name for himself.
"Time's going to tell that, but I certainly think he's a terrific, terrific player," Cable said. "I think he's establishing himself every time he goes out as one of the better tight ends in pro football. I think as he gets more comfortable and the quarterback gets more comfortable with him, his play will just get better."
Gradkowski: Part 2
The Cowboys have faced Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski once before - on Thanksgiving 2006.
Gradkowski, then a rookie with the Buccaneers, had 120 passing yards and two interceptions in a 38-10 loss to the Cowboys. Tony Romo tied a franchise record with five TDs.
Last week, Gradkowski replaced former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell and sparked the Raiders' upset win over Cincinnati.
"I think the guy gave them a lot of energy - obviously helped win the game, threw a couple of touchdown passes," Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said. "They haven't been getting that kind of production. And he ran around with the ball and made some plays that they hadn't been making. I'm sure that's why they made the move."
-Rob Phillips
Buehler OK
Cowboys rookie kickoff specialist David Buehler had some soreness in his injured right pinky toe after last Sunday's game against the Redskins, but said he's ready for the Thanksgiving game on three days' rest.
Buehler said he kicked about eight times in Tuesday's practice but rested his foot on Wednesday, as special teams coach Joe DeCamillis prefers on a short week. Buehler had two kickoffs against the Redskins, his second landing three yards deep in the end zone.
"It's getting better every day," he said. "I'm getting treatment on it every day, so that's all I can ask for."
-Rob Phillips
Stadium Lots Open Early
In anticipation for Thursday's 3:15 p.m. (CT) kickoff, Cowboys Stadium parking lots will open at 10 a.m. The plazas will open at noon and the gates will open at 1 p.m.
While there are no major changes to the roadways, fans should allow additional travel time to Cowboys Stadium due to increased traffic in the Entertainment District. Fans should use the Cowboys Stadium parking and traffic site: www.dallascowboysmaps.com and print their directions for arrival and departure.
-Rob Phillips
Reeves Visits
Former NFL head coach Dan Reeves, the father-in-law of special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, visited Wednesdays practice at Valley Ranch. Reeves is working the Cowboys-Raiders broadcast on Westwood One/CBS Radio.
Phillips was Reeves defensive coordinator in Denver and Atlanta, and the Cowboys nearly hired Reeves as a consultant in the off-season.
-Rob Phillips
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