Cowboys defensive end Stephen Bowen quietly recorded three sacks, 18 tackles and a forced fumble in 2009 even with limited playing time. Bowen came off the bench while starters Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky saw a majority of the snaps.

Bowen signed a one-year tender this offseason — one worth more than starting DE Spears — but he will not let the money get to his head. Despite being rewarded for his contributions, Bowen plans on going out and competing for more playing time.

“Everybody’s goal if you’re a competitor is to start,” Bowen said. “Of course that’s my goal. But if that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. I’ll still go out there and do what I’ve got to do to help my team.”

Bowen has been referred to as a hard-working and well-rounded player. The 6-foot-5, 306-pound end has even drawn praise for defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni.

“Stephen is working very hard,” Pasqualoni said. “He’s a very consistent guy. He’s a smart football player.”

The Cowboys defensive line is also a close knit bunch. The players are all friends, but that doesn’t stop Bowen from giving it his all and attempting to earn a starting role.

“All of us are very competitive,” Bowen said. “We’re friends on the field to an extent, but when it comes to playing, you’re going to try to outdo somebody to try to show that you can do what you can do to get on the field.”

Bowen knows there is no guarantee for more playing time. All he can do is go out and give it his all during training camp and the practices which follow.

He said, “I’ve just got to go out there and play ball and let the chips fall where they fall. You just try to become a better player. Hopefully I can prove that.”

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins had a sensational sophomore season in 2009 in which he tallied 49 tackles and five interceptions which put him in the discussion as one of the league’s top young cornerbacks.

However, Jenkins recently gave a troubling quote that could allow people to question his hunger and whether or not he wants to get any better.

Jenkins said, “I’ve got a Pro Bowl under my belt, so that’s one of the goals I don’t even have to work for. I feel like my job right now is easier, so I don’t have to work as hard. I can just go on and ride that roller-coaster and keep playing.”

Perhaps Jenkins just spoke without thinking. Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo said that he did not notice a difference in Jenkins’ approach to the game during the recent minicamps and OTAs.

“I don’t think he’s changed at all, to be honest with you,” Campo said. “If you watch him out there, he does everything like he’s going to do in the game. That’s the thing I like about him the best. He really competes. He does not like to get beat.”

Jenkins’ five interceptions lead the Cowboys last season, but he still has a lot to learn. Campo loves Jenkins competitiveness — which was not evident in the Jenkins quote — and he is urging you the corner to work further improve his technique and mental strength for the upcoming season.

With no real threat to his starting job, Jenkins will need to find motivation elsewhere to continue his improvement and quest to be one of the league’s top cornerbacks.