Double Play Notes: Forte Takes Faulk's Old Martz Role

IRVING, Texas - Wherever his high-powered offense goes, Mike Martz usually has a versatile running back.
Marshall Faulk in St. Louis' old "Greatest Show on football jersey
Turf." Then Frank Gore in San Francisco. Now in Chicago, it's Matt Forte.
The Bears' offensive coordinator got 201 total yards (151 receiving, 50 rushing) and two touchdown catches from Forte in last Sunday's 19-14 victory over Detroit. The third-year veteran looks back to his explosive self after hamstring and knee injuries limited him a year ago. In addition to running some between the tackles, Forte is a tough cover for linebackers and safeties.
The Cowboys faced a resourceful running back twice annually in recent seasons. Ex-Eagles star Brian Westbrook required attention on every play because he presented a dual threat out of the backfield.
Same with Forte this Sunday.
"It's a challenge for linebackers any time a back can run what I call 'receiver routes,'" Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips said. "A lot of backs can run normal back routes, but receiver routes are tough to run and he can run those types of routes."
The Cowboys only have five games' worth of film on Martz's Chicago offense (four preseason, one regular season). They have faced Martz's system twice in the last three years, though, with victories over Detroit (2007) and San Francisco (2008).
Veteran quarterback Jon Kina and wide receiver Roy Williams played in the Lions' scheme, and inside linebacker Keith Brooking also faced Martz's Rams several times and said Forte's role is very similar to Faulk's. The key is the linebackers playing with good leverage depending on the coverage and being in position 49ers jersey
to make the tackle.
"It hasn't changed at all," Brooking said. "The routes are the same passing concepts, route concepts. It's very important to really be good this week with our film study and know when they get in certain formations, regardless of how they try to disguise it, what's coming, and just prevent the big play because they're the type of offense that wants to make the big play in the passing game."
Roster Set for Now
Deon Anderson's knee surgery, requiring a 2-4 week recovery, affects two positions: fullback and tight end, because rookie Chris Gronkowski assumes starting fullback duties Sunday against Chicago instead of a dual fullback/tight end role.
Still, Phillips said the Cowboys would not add depth to the active roster this week. A future move is possible, though, because the Cowboys do have two tight ends on their practice squad: Martin Rucker and Scott Chandler.
Welcome Back

The Cowboys had a familiar face in the locker room Friday as rookie cornerback Bryan McCann returned to the team after a two-week absence.
McCann, an undated corner from SMU, was cut on Sept. 4 as part of the final roster moves to trim down to 53 players. While the Cowboys were hoping to get him on the practice squad, McCann was claimed off waivers by Baltimore, where he spent the first week before getting cut on Wednesday.
McCann cleared waivers this time and is now backing with the Cowboys.
"(The Ravens) wanted me to be on their practice squad but I just Saints jersey
thought this was a better situation for me," said McCann. "With only three (corners) here, I think I have a good chance of getting called up here. And this is where I was all off-season and I know the coaches and players. So I'm glad to be back."