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IRVING – Cornerback isn't for the meek. It takes excellent footwork, hand-eye coordination and speed to become a shutdown corner in the NFL. A little bravado doesn't hurt, either.

"I love man," Adam Jones said. "I wouldn't mind playing man-to-man every day, every play."

The Cowboys played mostly zone coverage last season. Terence Newman battled a foot injury all season. Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones saw considerable playing time. Both were unrestricted free agents after the season, and the Cowboys let them go.

This season, the Cowboys' cornerback situation is drastically different. With the additions of Jones and rookies Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick, the coaching staff believes the defense can play more man-to-man coverage.

The defense's ability to generate pressure up front is a big reason why the Cowboys feel comfortable playing more man-to-man. But there's another factor; they simply have better players.

Newman is almost fully recovered from a groin tear suffered early in training camp. He's started all but two games in his career and has 16 interceptions. Anthony Henry had six interceptions last season and 28 in his career.

Jones desperately wants to regain his status as one of the most dynamic cornerbacks in the NFL. That's how he was regarded before being suspended for the 2007 season. Right now, he's a backup.

Jenkins had six interceptions and 41 pass break-ups during his career at South Florida. As a first-round pick, Jenkins is expected to push for extensive playing time.

"We're not changing our scheme all that much," secondary coach Dave Campo said. "We've got some guys that I think can lock people down."

Phillips said when man-to-man coverage is executed well, opposing offenses generally complete a lower percentage of passes. However, the interceptions decrease as well.

In zone coverage, the completion percentage rises, but the number of interceptions should, too. Safeties can watch the quarterback and drift toward the ball.

There's nothing wrong with playing zone defense. While defensive coordinator at New Orleans, Phillips' defenses rarely played man-to-man, and the Saints finished in the top five in total defense in 1982, '83 and '84.

"We played zone on every play," Phillips said. "It just depends on what your players can do. If you're versatile enough to have both and execute them both, it gives the offense a hard time."

The Cowboys have played only two preseason games, but we've seen what can happen in man-to-man.

Against the Broncos, receiver Eddie Royal gave a double move and shot past Jenkins for a 35-yard catch. In the second half, Jones read Patrick Ramsey's eyes, closed on the receiver and should have picked off a pass and returned it for an easy touchdown.

That's what playing man-to-man is all about – winning individual battles. If the Cowboys can win more than they lose, the entire defense benefits.