Dallas Cowboys Discussion

[E-Man]

I'm trying not to jinx it, but man Laurent Robinson has to be resigned next year. He's earned whatever he's going to ask for.

[Crimson79]

Wow that was just an amazing throw by Eli.

[dsc1600]

Wow that was just an amazing throw by Eli.

That was a prayer that should have been knocked down by Scandrick. Glad he's signed for 4 more years.

[Crimson79]

That was a prayer that should have been knocked down by Scandrick. Glad he's signed for 4 more years.

I was talking about the second throw on the drive where he had someone wrapped around a leg.

[yanksknicks]

LOL. Same ignorant players making same mistakes.

Another collapse in December.

More excuses to come .... time to clean house.

This group of players VETs is going nowhere and the young guys are mostly ignorant, unreliable players.

[E-Man]

The countdown begins to all the "Romo is a choke artist" claims.

[dsc1600]

Play of the game was Scandrick allowing that play to Cruz. We still had a chance if he knocks that ball own. Which is incredible given how bad the team played in the 1st half.

[yanksknicks]

The countdown begins to all the "Romo is a choke artist" claims.

He did nothing to win the game either. Not saying he should get eviscerated but Eli as an example won the GMen the game with his throws.

Bottom line is we have the same ignorant do-nothing players making the same mistakes and over 16 games it adds up.

Keep saying we need to clean-house and restart it. This cast of imbeciles will never play better.

[dsc1600]

The countdown begins to all the "Romo is a choke artist" claims.

I don't revel in it, but another 1-4 December. Is he down to 8-15 now?

[yanksknicks]

Play of the game was Scandrick allowing that play to Cruz. We still had a chance if he knocks that ball own. Which is incredible given how bad the team played in the 1st half.

Disagree, this game turned on the 3rd down were Newman allows a 18th round TE to leap over him and get the first down. 2 plays later Newman again blows donkey c**k and Cruz scores.

But Scandrick not being able to make a play on the ball in the air and allowing a big play is old. Why Jones signed him is beyond me. A JAG.

Add Sensabaugh also playing horribly. Made zero plays on anything in the air. Always 1-2 steps slow.

[Crimson79]

Tony Romo has been the least of the Cowboys problems.

[yanksknicks]

I don't revel in it, but another 1-4 December. Is he down to 8-15 now?

While Romo's play is very average in December, this team collapses routinely because the team as a whole is mentally weak and filled with losers. Lots of ignant swagga and bling bling BS but they don't back it up with smart, tough play.

So you just get another year of mediocrity with the same losers making the same mistakes yielding the same results.

[E-Man]

He did nothing to win the game either. Not saying he should get eviscerated but Eli as an example won the GMen the game with his throws.

Bottom line is we have the same ignorant do-nothing players making the same mistakes and over 16 games it adds up.

Keep saying we need to clean-house and restart it. This cast of imbeciles will never play better.

I agree on some of the clean house issues, but Romo did well tonight. The offense wasn't out on the field long, but besides that pick and that play where he threw after crossing the LOS he played as well as you could with the time he was given.

I don't revel in it, but another 1-4 December. Is he down to 8-15 now?

No. He isn't 8-15 in December. The Cowboys are 8-15 in December. He's had his share of **** ups, but the dude can't do everything. He is just a scapegoat. Looking at how poorly the D played today it should be clear that it's not Romo that's the problem. Hell they even showed his 4th quarter passer rating as being the highest in the league right now throughout his career. That doesn't matter when the defense gives up big plays in crunch time.

[Crimson79]

Key to the game like it normally is was the Giants winning the line of scrimmage.

The Giants secondary can sit back and let their front four wreak havoc whereas the Cowboys have to blitz to get pressure leaving the DB's on an island.

Team needs to get strong up front on both sides of the ball.

[yanksknicks]

Key to the game like it normally is was the Giants winning the line of scrimmage.

The Giants secondary can sit back and let their front four wreak havoc whereas the Cowboys have to blitz to get pressure leaving the DB's on an island.

Team needs to get strong up front on both sides of the ball.

Well, does anyone realize one of the reasons we collapse Defensively is we have a 290lb NT who makes no plays in the second half of any games?

One of the reasons QB get out and make big plays outside of the pocket is we get no push with Ratliff. If he does not get penetration -- he gets no push.

With two over size OLB trying to get the edges don't get help from the NT/DE .... not a fundamentally sound 3-4 concept.

Again, I don't think we have smart folks in this organization. Same old crap, another year.

[dsc1600]

You guys act as if he's just along for the ride and can't do anything about it. Brady has a worse d than ours, and he finds a way. Romo didn't get it done at all tonight, not blaming him necessarily, just pointing out he didn't come through with the type of superman performance the more elite qbs seem to be able to come through with when needed (see Eli week 14)

[yanksknicks]

You guys act as if he's just along for the ride and can't do anything about it. Brady has a worse d than ours, and he finds a way. Romo didn't get it done at all tonight, not blaming him necessarily, just pointing out he didn't come through with the type of superman performance the more elite qbs seem to be able to come through with when needed (see Eli week 14)

Again, this is why Romo is not elite. He December performances have been mediocre at best.

[TheFinisher]

Sucks but this is pretty much what I expected.

On the bright side we're gonna be picking 14th, maybe that's high enough to land Kirkpatrick.

[yanksknicks]

So where is LL, Pocket, D to tell me I am over reacting and have no clue. Blah blah.

Do folks here still think we are a "few players away?"

I mean how many collapses do you experience with the same core VETs before you say to yourself ... new direction?

[CDCB14]

The sad thing is that if we recover those 2 fumbles that fell into our lap we probably win the football game. Newman is absolutely atrocious and should be cut before the plain ride home. Make him fly out of JFK airport and pay for his own ticket LMFAO.

Get DeCastro with our 1st, and fix the secondary. Come back with a f*ucking vengeance.

[Crimson79]

haha Tom Brady isn't playing behind a patch work OL.

[pocketaces]

Romo has NO Oline. Austin had several drops. Romo is the least of our problems IMO.. BTW we have the 14th pick in the draft.

[yanksknicks]

The sad thing is that if we recover those 2 fumbles that fell into our lap we probably win the football game. Newman is absolutely atrocious and should be cut before the plain ride home. Make him fly out of JFK airport and pay for his own ticket LMFAO.

I'd f*ing shiv him in the parking lots of Newark and put him in a dumpster b/c he is trash.

[dsc1600]

The sad thing is that if we recover those 2 fumbles that fell into our lap we probably win the football game. Newman is absolutely atrocious and should be cut before the plain ride home. Make him fly out of JFK airport and pay for his own ticket LMFAO.

Get DeCastro with our 1st, and fix the secondary. Come back with a f*ucking vengeance.

Regardless of how we played the whole game, it was 21-14 and the giants were on 3rd down when Scandrick gives up that play. We probably lose 24-21 anyway (knowing this team) if he makes a play, but at least it's closer. Haha

[yanksknicks]

Romo has NO Oline. Austin had several drops. Romo is the least of our problems IMO.. BTW we have the 14th pick in the draft.

In this entire stream of thought THE ONLY INDIVIDUAL YOU BLAME IS Miles Austin????????

LOL!

No wonder folks hate Cowboy fans. SMH!

[pocketaces]

So where is LL, Pocket, D to tell me I am over reacting and have no clue. Blah blah.

Do folks here still think we are a "few players away?"

I mean how many collapses do you experience with the same core VETs before you say to yourself ... new direction?

Go buy Madden. You can do what you want. The rest of us like to focus on reality and trading Dez, Romo, Witten, Austin, Ware, Jenkins, Isnt reality! You just dont get it but keep repeating yourself!

[Crimson79]

So where is LL, Pocket, D to tell me I am over reacting and have no clue. Blah blah.

Do folks here still think we are a "few players away?"

I mean how many collapses do you experience with the same core VETs before you say to yourself ... new direction?

The offense isn't far away. Tyron should be able to move to LT and Free back to RT. Draft a center in the 3rd round, and bring in a free agent OG, and I'd say you have the makings of a very nice offense.

The defense needs a ton of help. Definitely not a quick fix. Safety, CB, DE, OLB, and NT all need help.

[yanksknicks]

Go buy Madden. You can do what you want. The rest of us like to focus on reality and trading Dez, Romo, Witten, Austin, Ware, Jenkins, Isnt reality! You just dont get it but keep repeating yourself!

Only person repeating themselves are you guys thinking the players we have are any good. We have some piss poor "Star" players. W went 8-8 playing a last place schedule practically versus and AFC division with three mediocre/bad teams.

And if you care to comprehend, I am proposing restarting the process. That means you trade what you can, when you can for picks.

[yanksknicks]

The offense isn't far away. Tyron should be able to move to LT and Free back to RT. Draft a center in the 3rd round, and bring in a free agent OG, and I'd say you have the makings of a very nice offense.

The defense needs a ton of help. Definitely not a quick fix. Safety, CB, DE, OLB, and NT all need help.

We need 2 Guards, a Center, a RB, and a new TE ... you kidding?

And given what I have seen of FREE is he really strong enough to play RT and is Tyron quick enough to play LT?

Our division is pretty rough on tackles. Orakpo, Kerrigen, Cole, Babin, JPP, Osi ..... pretty impressive.

[pocketaces]

Only person repeating themselves are you guys thinking the players we have are any good.

We have some piss poor "Star" players.

And if you care to comprehend, I am proposing restarting the process. That means you trade what you can, when you can for picks.

Not going anywhere either so....

[Crimson79]

We need 2 Guards, a Center, a RB, and a new TE ... you kidding?

And given what I have seen of FREE is he really strong enough to play RT and is Tyron quick enough to play LT?

Our division is pretty rough on tackles. Orakpo, Kerrigen, Cole, Babin, JPP, Osi ..... pretty impressive.

You can't just replace a whole team.

Did you really ask if Tyron is quick enough to play LT?

[yanksknicks]

Not going anywhere either so....

Not asking you to leave, just telling you the guys you really like on this team -- are not very good.

Sensy sucks
TNew sucks
Bradie sucks
Both starting DE suck.
Spencer sucks.
Ratliff is ineffectual in a 3-4
Ball sucks
Scandrick sucks

Lee, Elam, Ware are the only players worth keeping. Jenkins seems always injured and plays really dumb alot. That is a ton of work to fix it.

Then add the interior OL which I am shocked improved not a whit during the year. We have no RB that can stay healthy. Our TE make no big plays and are average blockers.

Add that we lack team speed in general.

This team is 2-3 draft and FA periods away from anything.

[CDCB14]

With 14th overall I take DeCastro and don't think twice. Our o-line would instantly become excellent.

We need to make 2 major signings in FA in the secondary. Griffin/Landry and Grimes,Thomas PLEASE.

[yanksknicks]

You can't just replace a whole team.

Did you really ask if Tyron is quick enough to play LT?

I am not sure Tyron has the feet but they can't be worse then Free.

Also not sure FREE is strong enough for RT.

Remember, Free's selling point was he had great feet ... not great strength.

He looked awful all year long.

[Crimson79]

I am guessing we can't ban people for being idiots?

[yanksknicks]

With 14th overall I take DeCastro and don't think twice. Our o-line would instantly become excellent.

We need to make 2 major signings in FA in the secondary. Griffin/Landry and Grimes,Thomas PLEASE.

We have Elam and Sensy signed. Sensy made no sense. He sucks. I don't think we go Safety at all. Too much money unless we cut Sensy IMHO and take the cap hit. Right???

Any position of need is good for me. Guard is great. He is the best one maybe since Hutch came out of Michigan.

But we should have FA space this year.

[yanksknicks]

I am guess we can't ban people for being idiots?

Children today only like debate when everyone agrees. Disappointing the illiberal bent of allegedly open minded people.

Diversity of thought is much more important then any other diversity "dogma" you may have chewed on in skroool.

[CDCB14]

We have Elam and Sensy signed. Sensy made no sense. He sucks.

Actually no, Elam is a FA. Didn't sign him. Hes a JAG.

We actually have the 13th pick if the source I saw was correct.... trade up for RG3 anyone?

[yanksknicks]

Actually no, Elam is a FA. Didn't sign him. Hes a JAG.

We actually have the 13th pick if the source I saw was correct.... trade up for RG3 anyone?

Not me, not an RG3 fan. Hate small QB.

Elam maybe a JAG but in comparison to Sensy he is brilliant.

New draft same nees as always, S, ILB, NT, G/C, RB ... and now we need to add CB.

[dsc1600]

With 14th overall I take DeCastro and don't think twice. Our o-line would instantly become excellent.

We need to make 2 major signings in FA in the secondary. Griffin/Landry and Grimes,Thomas PLEASE.

I like interior line in round 1 a lot. It will depend on what we get in fa. If we address ol in fa, then it's pass rushers and corners in the draft and vice versa.

[CDCB14]

Not me, not an RG3 fan. Hate small QB.

Elam maybe a JAG but in comparison to Sensy he is brilliant.

New draft same nees as always, S, ILB, NT, G/C, RB ... and now we need to add CB.

We need to make moves in FA. Who would be your priorities?

[Crimson79]

Actually no, Elam is a FA. Didn't sign him. Hes a JAG.

We actually have the 13th pick if the source I saw was correct.... trade up for RG3 anyone?

No QB is going to look good behind a patch work OL.

We should take the best pass rusher available, then go DB in the 2nd round.

[pocketaces]

Not asking you to leave, just telling you the guys you really like on this team -- are not very good.

Sensy sucks
TNew sucks
Bradie sucks
Both starting DE suck.
Spencer sucks.
Ratliff is ineffectual in a 3-4
Ball sucks
Scandrick sucks

Lee, Elam, Ware are the only players worth keeping. Jenkins seems always injured and plays really dumb alot. That is a ton of work to fix it.

Then add the interior OL which I am shocked improved not a whit during the year. We have no RB that can stay healthy. Our TE make no big plays and are average blockers.

Add that we lack team speed in general.

This team is 2-3 draft and FA periods away from anything.

Wasnt talking about me leaving. I was saying our "stars" arent going anywhere. None of the guys you listed as "sucks" are stars so thats a start

[pocketaces]

No QB is going to look good behind a patch work OL.

We should take the best pass rusher available, then go DB in the 2nd round.

I agree. This D is horrible

[CDCB14]

So indeed we have the 14 pick. If we don't take DeCastro (of course assuming he is still on the board) I will break something.

Also, if anyone was just watching the post game show on DC.com the audio was messed up and it was hilarious.

[yanksknicks]

We need to make moves in FA. Who would be your priorities?

Good ? but I need an FA list to figure out how to patch that together with a draft.

I do think you need to work both at the same time. If the draft is weak in an area of need use FA, if the DRAFT is deep in an area then look at other FA areas.

Iterative process.

[yanksknicks]

Wasnt talking about me leaving. I was saying our "stars" arent going anywhere. None of the guys you listed as "sucks" are stars so thats a start

Pocket seriously, how many times do I need to see Bradie's lack of speed kill us in coverage? Or Spencer taking bad angles and having no gap control? or our DE getting stood up at the line and getting no pressure? Or Ratliff shooting a gap and running into a team mate? TNew playing 10 yards away from a slow WR? Sensy being 2 steps too late on a deep route? Jenkins hot dogging a play? Scandrik not being able to play the ball? Ball being 5 yards behind a WR? Repeated off sides.

... Maddening to see this D play. It really is a cast of dumb players who are unable to correct themselves or improve.

[J-Mike88]

Disagree, this game turned on the 3rd down were Newman allows a 18th round TE to leap over him and get the first down. 2 plays later Newman again blows donkey c**k and Cruz scores.
That's it.
If Newman keeps his eyes open and his head up, at the very least he could have held the 4th string slow TE up for a second til help arrived.
But like most DBs do these days, he closed his eyes and ducked his head down and hoped the guy would fall into/over him. He didn't. That play was very significant.

Then the 2 gift fumbles the Giants tried to offer up, but the idiots were simply unable to fall on a ******* free ball.

Games like this, you have to capitalize on those opportunities.

I don't know why the Cowboys keep choking like this.... so tight. It's not the same coaches as when they did under the Big Tuna, and under Golly-gee Wade.

Seems like they just get tight for whatever reason, and they play like **** in the big clutch moments.

BTW, I don't disagree with the decision to go for it where Romo got stopped on the sneak, but the execution was simply girlish, both by the OL and Romo there. Need more effort for one yard there.

And that long pass to Cruz was part luck, and part horseshit awareness by Scandrick.

There are a lot of bad DB's in the NFL these days, all around the league.
See NE, GB, Detroit, Minnesota, San Diego, Carolina, etc....

[TheFinisher]

So indeed we have the 14 pick. If we don't take DeCastro (of course assuming he is still on the board) I will break something.

Also, if anyone was just watching the post game show on DC.com the audio was messed up and it was hilarious.

There's a reason why Guards don't go that high in the draft, I like DeCastro but that would be an awful way to spend the 14th pick. There's not much difference in the return you'd get on a Guard at 14 vs a Guard in Round 2 or 3. Guards in the 1st are luxury picks, a luxury we can't afford if you've been paying attention to the **** we've been putting out on defense.

We need to come away with an impact player; DL, CB or OLB.

[CDCB14]

Good ? but I need an FA list to figure out how to patch that together with a draft.

I do think you need to work both at the same time. If the draft is weak in an area of need use FA, if the DRAFT is deep in an area then look at other FA areas.

Iterative process.

I agree. On the bright side, there are some things to be happy about.

1. This team finally got exposed of it's flaws. Some core players this team won't let go of will finally be cut (Newman, James, Brooking) and changes will come about. Hopefully Campo and DeCamillis get the shaft. Anything different will help.

2. I know it's thinking like a loser, but we did get the 3rd place schedule in the east because the eagles finish ahead of us on head to head tie breaker.

3. We get the 14th pick in the draft, which isn't half bad.

Next year is ours for the taking. Get a full off-season in Rob Ryan's defense, have a full weight program under Woicik, and hopefully put together a good draft with some key free agents and we should be a legit contender next season.

[HEISMANHERSCHEL]

I think the d is bad, but I for one think BY FAR the most pressing need is interior OL.

I have been going back and watching game footage all year. They are continually disrupted by anyone that plays on the d'line interior that is opposite them. We do need things on defense, but everything is a moot point if the interior OL is not fix. If I were Romo or any of the running backs, I would not want to play behind them. The positive to this is OG are usually cheaper than other positions, and you can find studs at OG in the second and third round every year. It is not as difficult as finding OT.

And by the way, I wanted to give Romo some props. I think he played well considering the OL play and his hand. It still looked swollen to me, and I would not have blamed him for not playing if it was hurting bad. But he didn't mail it in. He went out and tried against a DL that he knew was going to hit him early and often. The more I watch of him, the more I like him. And he doesn't get much credit from anyone where I live.

But his career will be cut short if that OL is similar next year to what it was this year.

[yanksknicks]

.....It's not the same coaches as when they did under the Big Tuna, and under Golly-gee Wade.

Seems like they just get tight for whatever reason, and they play like **** in the big clutch moments.....

But it is the same "Team Leaders" which is why I am very down on this squad.

The core of this has been kept and they have always disappointed in big games. Always.

[CDCB14]

Pocket seriously, how many times do I need to see Bradie's lack of speed kill us in coverage? Or Spencer taking bad angles and having no gap control? or our DE getting stood up at the line and getting no pressure? Or Ratliff shooting a gap and running into a team mate? TNew playing 10 yards away from a slow WR? Sensy being 2 steps too late on a deep route? Jenkins hot dogging a play? Scandrik not being able to play the ball? Ball being 5 yards behind a WR? Repeated off sides.

... Maddening to see this D play. It really is a cast of dumb players who are unable to correct themselves or improve.

I agree with this. Ware jumping off sides arguably cost us both games.

His false start in the 1st game negated a snap over Eli's head that would have made it 2nd and 25 when we were up 5 on their go ahead drive, instead the penalty made it 1st and 5 and everyone knows what happened next.

His penalty tonight negated a fumble recovery by Sean Lee. They still stopped them, but it's still a momentum changer and would've left another 2 minutes on the clock.

As for how scandrick didn't bat that ball down to Cruz, I don't understand. An NFL player knocks that ball down.

[yanksknicks]

...Next year is ours for the taking. Get a full off-season in Rob Ryan's defense, have a full weight program under Woicik, and hopefully put together a good draft with some key free agents and we should be a legit contender next season.

I think we have too many weak pieces to expect next year is any different.

Only way we turn things around is if the Offense can become dominant running the ball, we get a RB that can stay healthy and find some interior OL.

To me that is the shortest path to being a quality team.

Think we can turn around the D is impossible. I can justify getting rid of )or demoting) 9 of the 11 starters. That is bad and one off season will not do it. Takes at least 2 off seasons.

[CDCB14]

Not me, not an RG3 fan. Hate small QB.

Elam maybe a JAG but in comparison to Sensy he is brilliant.

New draft same nees as always, S, ILB, NT, G/C, RB ... and now we need to add CB.

Elam missed a pretty easy tackle on bradshaw in the backfield that Sensey would have made. Would've been 3rd and goal from the 8, instead of a touchdown.

[HEISMANHERSCHEL]

I also don't have a problem with going for it on 4th and one. But I would not have ran Romo behind the interior line. It is the weakest part of the team. I thought the play call was horrible. But the call to go for it was solid.

[pocketaces]

Pocket seriously, how many times do I need to see Bradie's lack of speed kill us in coverage? Or Spencer taking bad angles and having no gap control? or our DE getting stood up at the line and getting no pressure? Or Ratliff shooting a gap and running into a team mate? TNew playing 10 yards away from a slow WR? Sensy being 2 steps too late on a deep route? Jenkins hot dogging a play? Scandrik not being able to play the ball? Ball being 5 yards behind a WR? Repeated off sides.

... Maddening to see this D play. It really is a cast of dumb players who are unable to correct themselves or improve.

I agree, ALL of those players need to go! Just stop it with the Romo, Ware, Jenkins, Dez, Austin, Witten Ect Ect These guys are here to stay, like it or not.

[CDCB14]

I think we have too many weak pieces to expect next year is any different.

Only way we turn things around is if the Offense can become dominant running the ball, we get a RB that can stay healthy and find some interior OL.

To me that is the shortest path to being a quality team.

Think we can turn around the D is impossible. I can justify getting rid of )or demoting) 9 of the 11 starters. That is bad and one off season will not do it. Takes at least 2 off seasons.

I agree with you on some points, but now you are over exaggerating. Murray and Felix are fine. Murray isn't injury prone. He missed 2 games in 4 years at OU and someone fell on his ankle wrong in the NFL. That isn't being injury prone. I agree on OL. That's why I want DeCastro.

[yanksknicks]

I agree, ALL of those players need to go! Just stop it with the Romo, Ware, Jenkins, Dez, Austin, Witten Ect Ect These guys are here to stay, like it or not.

Well, I would say the following .... only so many things you can get to and the names you reference above are folks your move if you get bowled over with an offer.

But I am not enamored with any of them. They are an integral part of the failures but we keep letting them off the hook.

[CDCB14]

That's it.
If Newman keeps his eyes open and his head up, at the very least he could have held the 4th string slow TE up for a second til help arrived.
But like most DBs do these days, he closed his eyes and ducked his head down and hoped the guy would fall into/over him. He didn't. That play was very significant.

Then the 2 gift fumbles the Giants tried to offer up, but the idiots were simply unable to fall on a ******* free ball.

Games like this, you have to capitalize on those opportunities.

I don't know why the Cowboys keep choking like this.... so tight. It's not the same coaches as when they did under the Big Tuna, and under Golly-gee Wade.

Seems like they just get tight for whatever reason, and they play like **** in the big clutch moments.

BTW, I don't disagree with the decision to go for it where Romo got stopped on the sneak, but the execution was simply girlish, both by the OL and Romo there. Need more effort for one yard there.

And that long pass to Cruz was part luck, and part horseshit awareness by Scandrick.

There are a lot of bad DB's in the NFL these days, all around the league.
See NE, GB, Detroit, Minnesota, San Diego, Carolina, etc....

You hit pretty much everything on the head. There is just something about this team that causes the worst things to happen at the worst times.

How we don't fall on those fumbles makes no sense. How Scandrick doesn't bat that ball down makes no sense.

I'll say it again, this team is cursed. Those plays just don't happen in the NFL, but they do to us. It's unexplainable.

[yanksknicks]

You hit pretty much everything on the head. There is just something about this team that causes the worst things to happen at the worst times.

How we don't fall on those fumbles makes no sense. How Scandrick doesn't bat that ball down makes no sense.

I'll say it again, this team is cursed. Those plays just don't happen in the NFL, but they do to us. It's unexplainable.

Jimmy Johnson always said he wanted play makers. We have none on Defense IMHO with the exception of Sean Lee. Ware is a reliable player but rarely makes plays that turn games around. Jenkins lack of INT perplexes me after his break out second year. I thought he was on his way to Revis Island status.

[CDCB14]

There's a reason why Guards don't go that high in the draft, I like DeCastro but that would be an awful way to spend the 14th pick. There's not much difference in the return you'd get on a Guard at 14 vs a Guard in Round 2 or 3. Guards in the 1st are luxury picks, a luxury we can't afford if you've been paying attention to the **** we've been putting out on defense.

We need to come away with an impact player; DL, CB or OLB.

I don't agree with this. I'm tired of this ******** where people say positions like S and OG aren't that important. Did you see how much of a liability Bill Nagy was before he got hurt? What about our safety play since Darren Woodson retired?

Everything position on a football team besides QB has equal importance. If DeCastro is there at 14 I take him before they can even say "Dallas is on the clock" unless some elite prospect falls all the way to 14, which won't happen.

[yanksknicks]

I don't agree with this. I'm tired of this ******** where people say positions like S and OG aren't that important. Did you see how much of a liability Bill Nagy was before he got hurt? What about our safety play since Darren Woodson retired?

Everything position on a football team besides QB has equal importance. If DeCastro is there at 14 I take him before they can even say "Dallas is on the clock" unless some elite prospect falls all the way to 14, which won't happen.

Got go with the BP theory on this one ... all things being equal draft DeCastro and plan for 10 Pro Bowl visits.

Best Guard prospect since Hutch. We need it bad.

[CDCB14]

Jimmy Johnson always said he wanted play makers. We have none on Defense IMHO with the exception of Sean Lee. Ware is a reliable player but rarely makes plays that turn games around. Jenkins lack of INT perplexes me after his break out second year. I thought he was on his way to Revis Island status.

Hopefully Bruce Carter turns into one. He has the athleticism for it.

[HEISMANHERSCHEL]

Jimmy Johnson always said he wanted play makers. We have none on Defense IMHO with the exception of Sean Lee. Ware is a reliable player but rarely makes plays that turn games around. Jenkins lack of INT perplexes me after his break out second year. I thought he was on his way to Revis Island status.

I agree to a point. But I think you are being a little bit of a shock jock to say no one makes plays on defense. I think Demarcus Ware has something to say about that. Any team in the league would take him in a heartbeat.

[yanksknicks]

Hopefully Bruce Carter turns into one. He has the athleticism for it.

Tell you what, we need some serious speed upgrades so would be happy to see it happen.

Lee and Carter makes us much better in coverage but I can't see it unless we get a two gap monster to eat up the G/C combo.

[CDCB14]

Got go with the BP theory on this one ... all things being equal draft DeCastro and plan for 10 Pro Bowl visits.

Best Guard prospect since Hutch. We need it bad.

I completely agree. We need DeCastro. 14 is the perfect spot. Don't try to get cute and trade down 3 spots either. Take him and go to bed and wake up for some defense on day 2.

Period.

[yanksknicks]

I agree to a point. But I think you are being a little bit of a shock jock to say no one makes plays on defense. I think Demarcus Ware has something to say about that. Any team in the league would take him in a heartbeat.

I have had this discussion and no DeMarcus, to me, does not make the game turning plays I would expect out of an athlete as good as him.

From day 1, I wanted Ware for SOLB and starting today that is what I want for next year again.

[HEISMANHERSCHEL]

I completely agree. We need DeCastro. 14 is the perfect spot. Don't try to get cute and trade down 3 spots either. Take him and go to bed and wake up for some defense on day 2.

Period.

There is the plan, right there, sir...

[CDCB14]

I agree to a point. But I think you are being a little bit of a shock jock to say no one makes plays on defense. I think Demarcus Ware has something to say about that. Any team in the league would take him in a heartbeat.

I agree and disagree at the same time. Our front 7 makes some plays, but this secondary is just bad at making plays. It would be one thing if they lock their guys down and don't get picks, but they just don't.

When's the last time we had a ball hawk? This secondary has been a mess more a while now. We're never around the ball, ever. Watching other games on sundays you always see tipped balls with 5 guys around it to make the interception. Not us.

I really don't understand our defense. They just play like a pop warner football team. This secondary needs to be revamped. Bad.

[yanksknicks]

And I really do want us to trade something of value and find some 2 nd round talent to shore up RB, ILB, NT or Safety. TE we can use 3rd round.

I assume CB will never happen there.

[CDCB14]

There is the plan, right there, sir...

Are you being sarcastic or actually agreeing with me? Hard to tell online lol

[yanksknicks]

I agree and disagree at the same time. Our front 7 makes some plays, but this secondary is just bad at making plays. It would be one thing if they lock their guys down and don't get picks, but they just don't.

When's the last time we had a ball hawk? This secondary has been a mess more a while now. We're never around the ball, ever. Watching other games on sundays you always see tipped balls with 5 guys around it to make the interception. Not us.

I really don't understand our defense. They just play like a pop warner football team. This secondary needs to be revamped. Bad.

To have the secondary you want

1) You need safeties that can read and react fasssssssssst
2) Your ILB need to be able to intelligently drop back and play zone coverage.

Key to great coverage is to close the gaps in front of you quickly and take away passing lanes like a god Tampa 2 MIKE

[CDCB14]

To have the secondary you want

1) You need safeties that can read and react fasssssssssst
2) Your ILB need to be able to intelligently drop back and play zone coverage.

Key to great coverage is to close the gaps in front of you quickly and take away passing lanes.

I really think this defense can take the next step by adding speed. We agree on that.

If Bruce Carter pans out that helps immensely, then we need to sign either Michael Griffin or Laron Landry at the other safety spot. This defense needs speed.

What a fall from grace for terence newman. 4 years ago he was almost unbeatable (didn't give up a TD in 2 years) and was the big 12 60 and 100 meter champion at kansas state. Now he's slow as hell and couldn't cover a rhino in a phone booth. It's terrible.

[CDCB14]

On Rotoworld it says that michael griffin isn't going to get re-signed by tennessee. Much more durable than laron landry and more consistent in coverage.

Make it happen Jerry.

[yanksknicks]

On Rotoworld it says that michael griffin isn't going to get re-signed by tennessee. Much more durable than laron landry and more consistent in coverage.

Make it happen Jerry.

Why let him go if he is better then Laron?

Any RB we can get in FA you know of?? Real NT?

[yanksknicks]

I really think this defense can take the next step by adding speed. We agree on that.

If Bruce Carter pans out that helps immensely, then we need to sign either Michael Griffin or Laron Landry at the other safety spot. This defense needs speed.

What a fall from grace for terence newman. 4 years ago he was almost unbeatable (didn't give up a TD in 2 years) and was the big 12 60 and 100 meter champion at kansas state. Now he's slow as hell and couldn't cover a rhino in a phone booth. It's terrible.

You could argue his play cost us both GMen game ... not forgetting the dropped pick six in Dallas.

[CDCB14]

Why let him go if he is better then Laron?

Well it says he has had a good season, so maybe he has problems with the front office or coaching staff?

Aaron Ross is also a free agent. I think he is terrible, but anything is better than Newman at this point.

[yanksknicks]

Well it says he has had a good season, so maybe he has problems with the front office or coaching staff?

Aaron Ross is also a free agent. I think he is terrible, but anything is better than Newman at this point.

Hate UoT guys. Pass.

[CDCB14]

Hate UoT guys. Pass.

Agree, I hated him as a prospect. Terrible hips in turn and run with no make up speed.

I have been on the "True NT" bandwagon for a while now. Kills 2 birds with one stone because Ratliff would be a beast DE. A down 3 of Ratliff-True NT-Hatcher with lissemore, brent, coleman and spears rotating in would be pretty damn good. Accompany that with a pass rushing threat in replacement of spencer and bruce carter at ILB, and our front 7 is drastically improved.

We don't be amazing on defense after 1 off season, but we can get significantly better.

[CDCB14]

Adding injury to insult, not that it matters but Kyle Kosier tore his MCL, and Mike Jenkins re-injured his shoulder and might need surgery.

None of it really matters for next season, just though it was worth mentioning.

[CDCB14]

Just read something that said we averaged 3 yards a carry tonight.

A healthy DeMarco Murray along with drafting DeCastro would transform this offense from good to elite. It would be like going Super Saiyan lol.

I WANT DeCASTRO!

[chrlopez1]

Do we go solid OL or solid DE? I think we get the best player on the board at 14. I don't think we draft down. I would like DeCastro, but sure would be nice addition on the DL side.

Pick 14 is a good start I just think he has to be OL or DL. Can we start cutting players now?

Out: Newman and Ball get them a one way ticket out of here.

Anybody know FA for next year?

[yanksknicks]

Do we go solid OL or solid DE? I think we get the best player on the board at 14. I don't think we draft down. I would like DeCastro, but sure would be nice addition on the DL side.

Pick 14 is a good start I just think he has to be OL or DL. Can we start cutting players now?

Out: Newman and Ball get them a one way ticket out of here.

Anybody know FA for next year?

I think Jerry dumped Newman's corpse in the Jersey swamp before boarding the 2:00am flight back to Dallas.

[CDCB14]

This team has 21 free agents I believe. That means this team is going to look very different for the first time in a while.

I have no problem with that.

[CDCB14]

I really think this team can be a whole lot better with changes in the secondary. Let Elam walk, and cut Newman. Fire Campo and possibly maxie.

We just need a philosophy change back there. It's just not working.

On a positive note though, Mike Jenkins played at a pro-bowl level this year. He didn't get picks, but he locked his guy or zone down 99% of the time.

[chrlopez1]

A lot of people talk about him not being a good corner, but I think he is a baller and he comes to play. The reason he gets burned sometimes is that he go up against the number one 1 WR. And since we can't provided a pass rush he can't cover for every. If u notice if the opposing QB is scrambling and it's a 3rd down..they will most of the time throw to Newman because Newman plays so far of his receiver even when the QB is being pressure...that is time u need to be on his hip but Newman does the opposite.

They never throw to Jenkins when the QB is scrambing because Jenkins always has good position on post or fly routes.....he is always there to contest the pass.....

I think most of the FA are backups.....and it very common in football to have a lot of FA....players don't really sign for to many years in this sport unless u are a Pro Bowler.

[Go Cowboys]

I kept my mouth shut for the majority of the season as I don't want to get too into what happens each game. Here are my thoughts on the team for this season. (If anyone cares)

QB - As much as I have been a hater on Romo in the past, I have to say it isn't his fault that we are 8-8. He had a Pro Bowl season but so did a few others guys in the NFC. If Romo can play like that coming off the injury from last year and the ones he sustained this year I am interested in what he can do completely healthy. With that said, with all the injuries I think it is time that we sign/ draft a QB that can win ball games if we he gets hurt; let's be honest here, Stephen McGee is not ever going to be the answer.

RB- Murray was brilliant, wish he hadn't gotten hurt, it will be great to see him back. Everyone is calling for someone to be cut, if anyone deserves to be cut right now it is Felix Jones, he runs more East and West than anyone I have watched in a long time, he costs us yards because he is a too finesse runner. Actually who I really hope we resign is Sammy Morris, he ran like a man that was playing for something everytime he got the ball, there was no taking plays off for him, he played like every play might be his last and that was nice to finally see.

FB- Fiametta isn't bad but needs to get better

WR- I think we are pretty set at Receiver the way Robinson played this year, if we stay healthy I think we could have one of the top corps in the league.

TE- Witten is a Hall of Famer and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down and is a great leader in the locker room. Bennett actually looked a lot better this year, we shall see what happens here though.

OT- I think Doug Free was exposeed as LT this year, he has slow feet and isn't as athletic as a lot of guys he faces but i think he and Smith are solid overall.

OG- We need new starters, they are embarrassing.

C- Need for someone to learn how to snap the ball and block..

DE- It's time to move Ratliff to End, he dropped in production at the nose and it's not like any of our Ends have been outstanding.

NT - Let's go draft or sign a big guy to just clog holes, doesn't need to be a spectacular pass rusher just a guy who can stop the run and take up blocks.

OLB - Spencer was average and Victor Butler didn't look any worse. Ware is a top player in the league.

MLB - If any of the want to leave let them leave but if we can keep all of them they don't do a bad job. Sean Lee is a star in the making.

CB- Jenkins was lockdown when healthy, Newman was exposed, but remember we was hurt for the majority of the season, Scandrick played well but other than that it was a rough crew.

S - My thought is maybe move Newman to Free Safety if he is already under contract, he likes to give cushion so let's let him play center field. Sensy and Elam weren't impressive at all.

HC - Can we please fire him? His playcalling is terrible, he clearly doesn't motivate anyone. What is he doing worth keeping him?

DC- Rob Ryan is fine, we didn't have a true offseason for the players to learn his system so give him some time.

GM - PLEASE find a GM and quit letting Jerry make decisions.

Biggest Needs:
Defensive Secondary (3/4 spots)
Guard (Both)
Center
Nose Tackle
Defensive End


14th Pick means there will be some good talent available so let's hope we make some good picks.

[bigbluedefense]

That was a tough break guys. Hopefully Romo gets more respect around the league for playing as well as he did last night.

What surprised me was how flat the Cowboys were to start out the game. How do you come into a game that is essentially a playoff game and come out so flat? That was unacceptable to me.

All week I was nervous bc the Cowboys had a quiet resolve about them, they seemed hungry and were set on proving everyone wrong, prove that they were mentally tough and they can overcome adversity and come into a hostile environment with everything on the line and deliver.

Then they came out so flat. I was shocked. I didn't see that coming. It seemed like Romo was the only one who came out ready to play. And how does that not fire the rest of the team up? Your qb is giving you everything he's got, playing with that hand and you show up flat? How can you do that after seeing how hard your qb is busting his butt?

That was shocking.

I also love Ware, I've stated many times he's a future HOFer, but it's starting to become a pattern for him to disappear in big games. I'll give Ware a pass though, the guy is a flat out monster and probably the best front 7 defender in the league, if not the best, definitely top 3.

But the body language of the Cowboys was shocking to me. I expected more fight. That's a problem that needs to be fixed.

[dsc1600]

One thing that should be mentioned in all this defense bashing. We scored less than 20 on 6 occasions this year. We were 1-5 in those games. And there's a good chance Robinson doesn't sign.

I don't think we can ignore WR and backup TE as a need in the offseason.

[dsc1600]

That was a tough break guys. Hopefully Romo gets more respect around the league for playing as well as he did last night.

What surprised me was how flat the Cowboys were to start out the game. How do you come into a game that is essentially a playoff game and come out so flat? That was unacceptable to me.

All week I was nervous bc the Cowboys had a quiet resolve about them, they seemed hungry and were set on proving everyone wrong, prove that they were mentally tough and they can overcome adversity and come into a hostile environment with everything on the line and deliver.

Then they came out so flat. I was shocked. I didn't see that coming. It seemed like Romo was the only one who came out ready to play. And how does that not fire the rest of the team up? Your qb is giving you everything he's got, playing with that hand and you show up flat? How can you do that after seeing how hard your qb is busting his butt?

That was shocking.

I also love Ware, I've stated many times he's a future HOFer, but it's starting to become a pattern for him to disappear in big games. I'll give Ware a pass though, the guy is a flat out monster and probably the best front 7 defender in the league, if not the best, definitely top 3.

But the body language of the Cowboys was shocking to me. I expected more fight. That's a problem that needs to be fixed.

If you were shocked, you haven't been watching this team. Also, Romo didn't play that well. The offense scored 14 points and zero in the 1st half. Then again, I may have been watching a different game.

[Macarthur]

CB- Jenkins was lockdown when healthy, Newman was exposed, but remember we was hurt for the majority of the season, Scandrick played well but other than that it was a rough crew.

S - My thought is maybe move Newman to Free Safety if he is already under contract, he likes to give cushion so let's let him play center field. Sensy and Elam weren't impressive at all.

Newman is done. Can't run. He is symptomatic of this team - too passive. NO thanks.

HC - Can we please fire him? His playcalling is terrible, he clearly doesn't motivate anyone. What is he doing worth keeping him?

DC- Rob Ryan is fine, we didn't have a true offseason for the players to learn his system so give him some time.

I'm not necessarily defending JG, but I find it odd that the offense was 2nd in the league, yet you want Garrett run out of town and give Ryan a pass.

[TheFinisher]

That was a tough break guys. Hopefully Romo gets more respect around the league for playing as well as he did last night.

What surprised me was how flat the Cowboys were to start out the game. How do you come into a game that is essentially a playoff game and come out so flat? That was unacceptable to me.

All week I was nervous bc the Cowboys had a quiet resolve about them, they seemed hungry and were set on proving everyone wrong, prove that they were mentally tough and they can overcome adversity and come into a hostile environment with everything on the line and deliver.

Then they came out so flat. I was shocked. I didn't see that coming. It seemed like Romo was the only one who came out ready to play. And how does that not fire the rest of the team up? Your qb is giving you everything he's got, playing with that hand and you show up flat? How can you do that after seeing how hard your qb is busting his butt?

That was shocking.

I also love Ware, I've stated many times he's a future HOFer, but it's starting to become a pattern for him to disappear in big games. I'll give Ware a pass though, the guy is a flat out monster and probably the best front 7 defender in the league, if not the best, definitely top 3.

But the body language of the Cowboys was shocking to me. I expected more fight. That's a problem that needs to be fixed.

It shouldn't be all that shocking, it's been the same song and dance with this team year after year. They're mental midgets that can't rise to the occasion on the big stage, this core group has been together for a long time now with nothing to show for it... and that includes the HC. I don't know why anybody would be expecting this team to all of a sudden "get it" and change that pattern over night.

[CDCB14]

That was a tough break guys. Hopefully Romo gets more respect around the league for playing as well as he did last night.

What surprised me was how flat the Cowboys were to start out the game. How do you come into a game that is essentially a playoff game and come out so flat? That was unacceptable to me.

All week I was nervous bc the Cowboys had a quiet resolve about them, they seemed hungry and were set on proving everyone wrong, prove that they were mentally tough and they can overcome adversity and come into a hostile environment with everything on the line and deliver.

Then they came out so flat. I was shocked. I didn't see that coming. It seemed like Romo was the only one who came out ready to play. And how does that not fire the rest of the team up? Your qb is giving you everything he's got, playing with that hand and you show up flat? How can you do that after seeing how hard your qb is busting his butt?

That was shocking.

I also love Ware, I've stated many times he's a future HOFer, but it's starting to become a pattern for him to disappear in big games. I'll give Ware a pass though, the guy is a flat out monster and probably the best front 7 defender in the league, if not the best, definitely top 3.

But the body language of the Cowboys was shocking to me. I expected more fight. That's a problem that needs to be fixed.

I really don't think it was coming out flat, I just think it's obvious that Terence Newman is that bad. He shouldn't even be on a Division III college football team right now.

If he mans up and tackles Pascoe short of the sticks on that 3rd down, the game is COMPLETELY different. Instead he gets hurdled, 3 plays later he got embarrassed by Cruz, and the onslaught began.

It's amazing how one player can cost a team so much, in the ultimate team sport that is football. Not to mention, not falling on those 2 fumbles that a pop warner kid would've recovered didn't help either.

The giants definitely deserved to win, but the stars were aligned pretty nicely for them as well. Jacobs fumble falls right into Sensabaugh's lap, only to get kicked 10 yards back into Eli's waiting arms? If that isn't a movie script i don't know what is lol.

[CDCB14]

Also, does anyone find it fitting that the Giants last 2 games were a stinker against the skins, and an average game against a ridiciously overrated Jets team, but against us they look like the 1985 bears?

Gotta love it. I'm telling you, some lady in lousianna has a voo-doo doll on the cowboys and is laughing hysterically. This team is cursed lol. Those 2 fumbles we didn't recover... I don't even know what to say.

But, I digress.

[yanksknicks]

We don't have bad luck guys -- we have ignorant, stupid, show boating players who should be unemployed. Look at the Jets with their WR Corps ... same story.

Some players are cancerous. We seem to have a few of them. You need to terminate them.

[chrlopez1]

Robinson will be back....All players want is security and he will get a 3 year deal. Their is no reason for him to leave. Every WR can catch the ball the only thing that changes is the system. Robinson has found a system in which he can thrive and remember he is not a 1 and it not like it lit up the stat sheet. Teams will not be vying to sign him.

This is not like Alvin Harper....Teams just don't sign another WR unless they think he can be a solid 1. Teams like drafting WR.

[HEISMANHERSCHEL]

Are you being sarcastic or actually agreeing with me? Hard to tell online lol


I could not agree more.

[Witten4HOF]

Romo isnt the blame of this teams short comings his unique skill set often disguised the holes on the line and he dealt with a revolving door of WR and backs due to injuries. Dez Bryant is good, but is going to have to burry himself in the playbook to make the next step, which im not sure he has the desire to do. Whether it was due to his injuries or the shortened offseason Miles def regressed from the previous two years his timing and hands seemed to be off. Also he failed to produce the type of YAC that we have been accustomed to see. Hopefully, Robinson opts to resign instead of running away for more money.

I really like the combination of Murray, Jones and Fiametta in the backfield. With an improved line I think the offense could be top 5 next season without adding any position players. Personally, I would like to see Nagy worked in as an eligbable TE on jumbo packages, something he did occasionally at Wisconsin. Marty B is gone, Costa should be cut, Arkin is the long term replacement for Kosier, Parnell should continue to swing tackle, Holland or Dockery should be retained for depth and Nagy should be the utility G/C/TE.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the top F/A priority should be signing a veteran center. Costa has been beyond atrocious this year... he can not snap out of the shot gun to save his life, he isn't strong enough to get push on the inside and Kosier is in charge or line adj. What good is he?!?! Everyone seems to be on the DeCastro wagon, but no matter how good he is he will struggle his rookie season unless there is stability and good communication on the line. In addition Jerry better bring back Houck to help these young lineman develop... The improvement in Tyron's footwork has been like day and night compaired to when he came in. Arkin is still a project and even DeCastro could use some professional tips on his technique if he was drafted.

On defense I agree with a lot of what YANKS is preaching: We NEED! a nose tackle, Ratliff is completly wearing himself out fighting through double teams in the middle. Coleman and Spears are mearly stop gaps on the outside who can play the run but dont collapse the pocket or provide pass rush. Adding a NT would allow Ratliff to move around the line to take advantage of matchups just like Rob does with Ware eliminating constant doubles. Spencer has difficulty playing in space and is neutralized by backs and TE's chipping too often to be a consistant pass rusher. The lack of mobility by James and Brooking basically rendered underneath zone coverage useless. Newman clearly regressed throughout the season, Scandrick is a better fit on the outside...using the sidelines to his advantage opposed to reading the WR's movements in the slot and Alan Ball is.... Alan Ball. I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on a guy like Cliff Harris to man the slot, if he is available in the 3rd round.

My Sleeper as a F/A pick up on defense in Calais Campbell, he balled all season for the Cards and is a 5 tech who can be a difference maker. Ask Doug Free how hard he is to block. He has a great athleticism for his size and even when he can't get in the backfield at 6'8 he has the abilty to eliminate passing lanes. James and Brooking should be gone leaving only Lee and Carter to man ILB so I would expect to bring veteran help there. Spencer will test the market and could be upgraded regardless. Corner Will be address in F/A and the draft... Newman will be cut. Sensy and Elam are going to be the starters at safety next year. Elam is the coach on the field responsible for recieving plays and lining everyone up, there is no way he isn't back next year. Sensy is already extended and had a solid season imo, nothing flashy but he got the job done.

[FreshBoy!]

Calais Campbell isn't leaving Arizona....

[yanksknicks]

So, we need play makers on D and we don't have them.

Problem is we really need a ton of talent to get better starters and some depth. 1 DE (new starter), 1 NT (new starter), 1 MLB (new starter or backup with Carter promoted), 1-2 CB (1 starter and 1 back-up), 1 OLB (Butler to WOLB starter and quality backup somewhere), 1 Safety (Sensy sucks, sorry, Starter)....

2 Promotions to Starter from Current Roster (ILB and OLB)
2 Back up Type Newbie Players (ILB and OLB)
4 New Starters (DL, CB, S)

...... damn, that is an off-season of work.

Even with the draft (4-5 make the team), you are talking at least 4-5 more FA type players

[Paul]

So, we need play makers on D and we don't have them.

Problem is we really need a ton of talent to get better starters and some depth. 1 DE (new starter), 1 NT (new starter), 1 MLB (new starter or backup with Carter promoted), 1-2 CB (1 starter and 1 back-up), 1 OLB (Butler to WOLB starter and quality backup somewhere), 1 Safety (Sensy sucks, sorry, Starter)....

2 Promotions to Starter from Current Roster (ILB and OLB)
2 Back up Type Newbie Players (ILB and OLB)
4 New Starters (DL, CB, S)

...... damn, that is an off-season of work.

Even with the draft (4-5 make the team), you are talking at least 4-5 more FA type players

Pretty Much. I've been working on a off-season scenario as well and it isn't exactly cheap.

[Paul]

Thoughts on going after Robert Mathis as an OLB? Might be on the pricey side though.

[MetSox17]

Barely crawling out of my hole after that abortion of a performance Sunday night..


Just wanted to mention how someone here (not sure if it was MOTH, or Thule or someone) after the Lions game said that we are what we are. At that point, we were a .500 team playing great in spurts and like dogshit in longer spurts. Not surprisingly, we end the season at .500 when we had so many chances throughout the year to lock up the division, or at least build a comfortable enough lead to where we aren't gambling our playoffs in week 17.

I'm more disappointed than i thought i'd be, because this team looked absolutely awful. If you weren't hearing it every five seconds from the announcing crew, you wouldn't even know this game was for a playoff berth, since only one team wanted it.

Lastly, i hope Terence Newman dies slowly and painfully in a fire. I've been calling for his head for months, and the **** he pulled Sunday was pathetic. I can't remember the last time i saw a corner see so much playing time looking as awful as he has. Yeah, but forget giving Aso or Joseph a little extra money, let's keep Newman on for $8M! Smh.

[CDCB14]

First off, Victor Butler is not a starter. He is a rotational pass rusher. He would get obliterated in the run on 1st and 2nd down. End of story.

On a side note. I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT SPARANO.

Hudson Houck's contract is up. Bring in Sparano as the OL coach and running game coordinator RIGHT NOW.

Get that done. NOW.

[CDCB14]

Just listened to the Jerry Jones show, and he said he likes what we are doing along the o-line and they should be better after an off-season of strength and conditioning....

I really, really hope that's just a politically correct statement. If we go into next season with bill nagy at LG, we might as well concede defeat and not play.

[MetSox17]

Jerry can go **** himself if he really thinks all the line needs is strength and conditioning.

[CDCB14]

Jerry can go **** himself if he really thinks all the line needs is strength and conditioning.

I really, really hope he was just being politically correct..

What do you all think about Sparano? I want him, and I think it has a good chance of happening. Our running game was dominant in '07, and he made garrett a better play caller.

Houck's contract is up, and it's not like people are gonna be banging down Sparano's door.... It's a perfect fit.

[Macarthur]

I would very much be in favor of Sparano.

[MetSox17]

Yeah, i'm all in favor of Sparano coming back here, but i'm not sure Garrett would be completely on board with that.

[yanksknicks]

Love Sparano. Never happen. Jerry's ego will not get off JG.

He just went on radio talking about how great decisions making processes are with him as GM. ""22 Years" of great decisions!!! ROTLFMAO!!

Man, wow, I guess all we can ask for is a sudden blood clot to work miracles and force his retirement. Dude is delusional and seems to get hallucinations of greatness.

[CDCB14]

Love Sparano. Never happen. Jerry's ego will not get off JG.

He just went on radio talking about how great decisions making processes are with him as GM. ""22 Years" of great decisions!!! ROTLFMAO!!

Man, wow, I guess all we can ask for is a sudden blood clot to work miracles and force his retirement. Dude is delusional and seems to get hallucinations of greatness.

What do you mean dude? Sparano would come in and be the OL coach and running game coordinator. Nothing more, nothing less.

I think it makes perfect sense and is a good possibility.

[MetSox17]

I think what Bob is trying to say is that Jerry will not admit that he has made bad personnel moves, or that the team needs help, mostly because he thinks everything he has done has been great. And i'm gonna have to agree with bob here.

[Macarthur]

I think what Bob is trying to say is that Jerry will not admit that he has made bad personnel moves, or that the team needs help, mostly because he thinks everything he has done has been great. And i'm gonna have to agree with bob here.

Okay guys, I'm as angry as anyone at JJ, but these types of comments really go a bit too far, IMO.

I sincerely doubt that JJ is sitting in his office today thinking that EVERYTHING he has done was perfect.

Also, why would Sparano coming back as OL coach and running game coordinator be a hit to JJ's ego? That makes no sense.

[E-Man]

Okay guys, I'm as angry as anyone at JJ, but these types of comments really go a bit too far, IMO.

I sincerely doubt that JJ is sitting in his office today thinking that EVERYTHING he has done was perfect.

Also, why would Sparano coming back as OL coach and running game coordinator be a hit to JJ's ego? That makes no sense.

If Sparano doesn't come back I doubt it's due to Jerry. I don't think they have bad blood or anything. It's not like Jerry ****** him over by picking Wade over him or something. If they don't bring him back it may be because Garrett wants someone else or that Sparano wants to be somewhere different than where he has been already.

It's too bad that Paul Chryst got the new head coaching job at U of Pitt. I think he could have been a good hire as an OC with his ties to Garrett and how Wisconsin has had one of the most beautiful looking offensive lines in college for a while now. I'd kill for the Cowboys to have a line with great feet like that.

[E-Man]

Also, here's a random thought. Dez is going to be a monster next year. The third year for a receiver is when the big transformation happens, and his numbers were pretty damn impressive for a second year guy. 63 catches, 928 yards, and 9 touchdowns with no real offseason and battling injuries. I'm thinking he puts up some Pro Bowl numbers next year. Something like 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns.

[yanksknicks]

Bringing in Sparano would be to make him OC. Making him OC would be a) a slap at JG, b) an admission we should have had an OC earlier, and c) an admittance that when Parcells left Sparano should have been given the OC job to begin with.

Come on guys. Have any of you ever wielded power over people? Ever? That is exactly how the thought processes work through the entire organization.

Sparano will not be back as OC. Jerrah too egotistical and dumb and Sparano knows he got a raw deal in Miami and will get another shot as a OC/HC ina better organization then this one.

[yanksknicks]

Also, here's a random thought. Dez is going to be a monster next year. The third year for a receiver is when the big transformation happens, and his numbers were pretty damn impressive for a second year guy. 63 catches, 928 yards, and 9 touchdowns with no real offseason and battling injuries. I'm thinking he puts up some Pro Bowl numbers next year. Something like 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Man crushes are so hard to give up.

[Macarthur]

Bringing in Sparano would be to make him OC. Making him OC would be a) a slap at JG, b) an admission we should have had an OC earlier, and c) an admittance that when Parcells left Sparano should have been given the OC job to begin with.

Come on guys. Have any of you ever wielded power over people? Ever? That is exactly how the thought processes work through the entire organization.

Sparano will not be back as OC. Jerrah too egotistical and dumb and Sparano knows he got a raw deal in Miami and will get another shot as a OC/HC ina better organization then this one.

Yeah, I've been managing people for 20 years and one of the best traits a manager can have is the ability to do away with ego. If something makes an organization better, it's your obligation to your employer to do it.

[CDCB14]

Also, here's a random thought. Dez is going to be a monster next year. The third year for a receiver is when the big transformation happens, and his numbers were pretty damn impressive for a second year guy. 63 catches, 928 yards, and 9 touchdowns with no real offseason and battling injuries. I'm thinking he puts up some Pro Bowl numbers next year. Something like 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The thing is, Dez was ready this year. Romo just wouldn't throw him the ball enough. I don't know if it's because of the Revis INT in the first game or not.

Bryan Broaddus, a former scout for the Cowboys who now writes for espn dallas did a review of the cowboys/giants game. He detailed Romo's interception to Antrell Rolle. He said that he was looking to his right, where Dez was wide open after a 12 yard curl route for a 1st down, and he just didn't throw the ball. Instead he makes an asinine no look pass to witten who was 4 yards shy of a 1st down, with no room to run after the catch because he was DOUBLE COVERED and it obviously resulted in a careless INT.

Reading a lot of his write-ups after games this season, it seems like Romo is scared to throw to him sometimes. I remember one play against the Bills maybe where Dez had a wide open 60 yard touchdown and Romo just threw it to Robinson for like 6 yards.

I really think the Revis INT messed with Romo's head. I hope a full off-season to get their chemistry down fixes that. Dez is too good for only 5 targets a game. 5 catches for 65 yards is what Dez should have in the 1st half, not a whole game. We made it too easy on opposing defenses.

[Macarthur]

The thing is, Dez was ready this year. Romo just wouldn't throw him the ball enough. I don't know if it's because of the Revis INT in the first game or not.

Bryan Broaddus, a former scout for the Cowboys who now writes for espn dallas did a review of the cowboys/giants game. He detailed Romo's interception to Antrell Rolle. He said that he was looking to his right, where Dez was wide open after a 12 yard curl route for a 1st down, and he just didn't throw the ball. Instead he makes an asinine no look pass to witten who was 4 yards shy of a 1st down, with no room to run after the catch because he was DOUBLE COVERED and it obviously resulted in a careless INT.

Reading a lot of his write-ups after games this season, it seems like Romo is scared to throw to him sometimes. I remember one play against the Bills maybe where Dez had a wide open 60 yard touchdown and Romo just threw it to Robinson for like 6 yards.



I really think the Revis INT messed with Romo's head. I hope a full off-season to get their chemistry down fixes that. Dez is too goo for only 5 targets a game. 5 catches for 65 yards is what Dez should have in the 1st half, not a whole game. We made it too easy on opposing defenses.

I agree. I think there was a trust factor. Now, I also listen to Broaddus and he did say that Bryant steadily got better and better at route running as the year went along. I think another off season of Tony working with Dez and Dez working on his route running could pay big dividends.

Seems like Dez is starting to get how the little things make a big difference.

[CDCB14]

I agree. I think there was a trust factor. Now, I also listen to Broaddus and he did say that Bryant steadily got better and better at route running as the year went along. I think another off season of Tony working with Dez and Dez working on his route running could pay big dividends.

Seems like Dez is starting to get how the little things make a big difference.

I forgot to add this part. Broaddus would say that Dez was getting better and better and winning almost all of his routes. I really think the Revis INT scared Romo off. Hopefully they correct that.

[yanksknicks]

..... one of the best traits a manager can have is the ability to do away with ego....


And why Jerrah would never go with Sparano for anything but a menial role. He can't do away with his ego.

[yanksknicks]

I agree. I think there was a trust factor. Now, I also listen to Broaddus and he did say that Bryant steadily got better and better at route running as the year went along. I think another off season of Tony working with Dez and Dez working on his route running could pay big dividends.

Seems like Dez is starting to get how the little things make a big difference.

I really hope so.

[Macarthur]

And why Jerrah would never go with Sparano for anything but a menial role. He can't do away with his ego.

But JJ tends to like guys that have a history here. He's brought quite a few coaches back that have had stints elsewhere.

[FreshBoy!]

Cowboys fans are hilarious to me man. I love the team to death, but the fans...some of you guys don't have a realistic outlook on where the team is whatsoever.

Read back 100 or so pages and look at where folks thought the Dallas Cowboys would end up this season, after finishing 6-10 last season. Google any of the "Season Predictions" from any of the national writers, as well as the local....Most folks thought they'd end up EXACTLY where they did...7-9, 8-8, 9-7 range..."too much talent" to be that bad, not enough talent/discipline to make a serious run...But here we are again in the offseason calling for wholesale changes and not charting the course.

This just in: The Dallas Cowboys are in the midst of a rebuild. Like it or not...they are rebuilding. We all have our ideas of what that should look like...I've seen folks want Romo/Ware/Witten traded to just grabbing a few FA's and Draft picks and being back in the hunt.

The problem here is that the Cowboys showed what they're capable of in brief glimpses throughout the season. So seeing that raised fans expectations. But they are what they are, a mediocre team.

I believe in JG, I believe he has an ultimate plan for where he wants this team to go. I have to accept JJ as the GM...because, let's be serious...He's not going anywhere. Call it optimism, but I believe he is allowing JG much more control than he did many of his other coaches (Besides Parcells/Jimmy Johnson)...I think that's a good thing, and I think ultimately JG will reward him for it. My fear is that JG doesn't, and we're looking at another puppet head coach in 3-4 years, but as of right now...after a solid draft last year, a year in which Tony Romo put up pro-bowl #'s despite having no running game for much of the year, and a inconsistent offensive line...I think this team is headed in the right direction.

Again, read back..look at the draft thread when people were second the Demarco pick. I really think with JG and Rob are doing the grocery shopping, and I think we'll start seeing guys in their mold of their offense/defense.

[CowboyFan73]

I believe in JG, I believe he has an ultimate plan for where he wants this team to go. I have to accept JJ as the GM...because, let's be serious...He's not going anywhere. Call it optimism, but I believe he is allowing JG much more control than he did many of his other coaches (Besides Parcells/Jimmy Johnson)...I think that's a good thing, and I think ultimately JG will reward him for it. My fear is that JG doesn't, and we're looking at another puppet head coach in 3-4 years, but as of right now...after a solid draft last year, a year in which Tony Romo put up pro-bowl #'s despite having no running game for much of the year, and a inconsistent offensive line...I think this team is headed in the right direction.


I agree with the your comments. JG has to be given time as HC to grow. The hottest coach on the market hasn't won a superbowl! At the end of the day, we need to sure some areas on the OL. Rebuild the defense. Oh wait.... Its called building a franchise from the inside out. Only changes I see require sending T-New to the pastures. He did his time, its time to move on. Move Jay Ratliff back to his natural positon of DE. Draft a 350+ to clog the middle and look to free agency for more phyiscal corners. It we had the "bend but don't break" defense, I would be all for Jenkins and Scandrick. But there not phyiscal enough. Next year, JG should make EVERY job up for grabs more open competition. Our players are too complacent with their positions. We are heading in the right direction. Hopefully soon, because within the next 5 years will have to start looking for another QB. Romo is 31.

[CowboyFan73]

Typed this up last night after the game and forgot to post it.


TheFinisher's 2012 Off-Season Plan


Cuts/Don't Resign:

Terence Newman- Father time has caught up to Newman and this should be a no brainer at the end of the season. He's been making way too much money for such sub-par play the past 2-3 seasons.

Keith Brooking- Another one who's declined at an alarming rate the past 2 seasons, Brooking might retire before we even have a chance at cutting him.

Bradie James- This is a tough one because Bradie has been a mainstay for a long time but he's just a liability in space and can't be depended on anymore. Maybe we bring him back if he agrees to restructuring his contract.

Anthony Spencer- Spencer hasn't necessarily been bad, but when you look at his overall body of work the past 4 seasons coupled with his comments over the past off-season about "mailing it in" last year he's just not worth the money. Plus it gives us an opportunity to upgrade a position that has been awfully average.

Martellus Bennett- Don't let the door hit ya on the ass.


FA:

Cortland Finnegan- He should be a mid-upper level FA this off-season and fits the mold for what kind of players I want to see added to our defense. As far as Corners are concerned he's as tough as they come and he's still in his prime. A guy like Finnegan who loves to play physical and to compete is just the kind of guy we need to set an example for our younger guys at the position, I think he'd be a great mentor for Mike Jenkins.

D'Qwell Jackson- Knows the system and still has lots of mileage in the tank. He'd be one of those underhyped FA signings that winds up paying off big time.

Nick Hardwick- Phil Costa is close to being the Alan Ball of this season, he has no business being a starter in the NFL. Hardwick has kind of fallen from the Elite status he gained just a few seasons ago but he's still fairly young(30) and would bring much needed stability to the interior line.

*I wouldn't mind some roster churning at the back end of WR.

*May have to sign a low priced ILB depending on Albright and what we think of him, or if we plan to continue development of Barry Church as a nickel backer that should suffice.

*Safety may be added to this list but I'm hoping we bring back both guys on the cheap.



Resign:

Abram Elam/Gerald Sensabaugh- It will be interesting to watch how this unfolds, I really like the way these 2 have complemented each other and would be willing to invest in this combo for a few extra seasons as long as the price is reasonable. Hopefully we can get this done, stable safety play has been a rarity around here.

Laurent Robinson- No brainer, give this kid a legit #3 deal.. he's earned it.

Tony Fiametta- I don't know what's going on with Fiamette and that flu thing he's been dealing with but he's a heck of a lead blocker and I'd like to bring him back if it's possible.

*Wouldn't mind bringing back Coleman if the price is right. If not then I'd replace him with another cheap vet to play limited snaps. Unfortunately we blew our load on Marcus Spears and Jason Hatcher so I don't want to get pricey along the DL this offseason.

*Montrae Holland is welcomed back if he's willing to accept a reserve/spot-duty level contract.


Draft:

1. Courtney Upshaw- Spencer hasn't panned out but that shouldn't stop us from continuing to search for a competant player opposite Ware. Plus I love Saban coached players.

2. Kevin Zeitler- I've had Zeitler penciled in as our 2nd Rounder for a while now because it just makes too much sense to me. He's a Day 1 starter at a huge position of need, and I'm much more a fan of drafting interior OL in the 2nd as opposed to the 1st.

3. Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M- Signing Finnegan would be a great start to fixing the secondary but that's just the tip of the iceberg in this plan. Judie is someone who could challenge for playing time right off the bat and provides much needed depth to a previously thin position.

4. Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame- LOVE the way he's played this season. Smith has all the physical ability to become a longterm starter in the NFL which is just what I'm looking for in safety prospects at this point. Team captain and RKOG so you know Red will love him.

5. Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly- This is another guy who I really like and have followed all season long. I know some may get turned off after we took AOA just 2 years ago but you gotta take risks if you want to reap rewards. He's got talent out the ass both as a cover man and return man, I just hope he doesn't run too fast at his pro day so he stays in the later rounds lol.

6. Rhett Ellison, TE, USC

7. James Brown, OT, Troy


TC Depth Chart:

QB- Romo, Kitna, McGee
RB- Murray, Jones, Tanner
FB- Fiametta
TE- Witten, Phillips, Ellison(R)
WR- Austin, Bryant, Robinson, Ogletree, Holley/Harris
LT- T. Smith, Parnell
LG- Kosier, Nagy
C- Hardwick(FA), Costa
RG- Zeitler(R), Arkin
RT- Free, Brown(R)

5T- Hatcher, Lissemore
5T- Spears, Coleman
NT- Ratliff, Brent
ROLB- Ware
LOLB- Upshaw(R), Butler
MLB- Lee, Carter
WLB- Jackson(FA), Albright?
LC- Finnegan(FA), Judie(R)
RC- Jenkins, Jackson(R), Walker/Ball
Slot- Scandrick
FS- Elam, Smith(R),
SS- Sensabaugh, Church, McCray


I saw this back on page 950. Seems like a sound plan. Except I'll trade down get 2 more draft picks and draft a OL 1 round and a NT(330+) 2 round. Use the 2 other draft picks to pick up an OLB and a FS. It start to rebuild the heart of the offense and defense. Its a start.

[FreshBoy!]

Wes Bunting has done his first mock...obviously extremely early....but has us taking Decastro...

If that happens, that's two OL in the first round over 2 years...Building inside out, and proof positive to me that JG would be running the show.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Stanford QB Andrew Luck
Even with the Peyton Manning decision looming, Luck is still the best prospect on the board at a position the Colts have future questions at.

2. St. Louis Rams: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon
It’s very possible the Rams will at look at USC OT Matt Kalil here. However, they have invested a ton of money on the offensive line in recent years and getting a big-play receiver for quarterback Sam Bradford and then looking to fix the offensive line later on might be a better play.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Southern Cal OT Matt Kalil
Quarterback Christian Ponder has shown flashes in year one, but he needs to stay healthy. Therefore, bringing in the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft who has a chance to mature into a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman seems like an easy selection at three.

4. Cleveland Browns: Baylor QB Robert Griffin III
The Browns need to upgrade the quarterback position and RG3 has the kind of talent, confidence and overall work ethic to make good on his elite upside.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LSU CB Morris Claiborne
Tampa Bay has done a great job over the past two drafts improving the overall talent along its defensive line. Therefore, adding a playmaking corner who can capitalize on all the future pressure is a must for this defense to take that next step.

6. Washington Redskins: Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick
With no quarterbacks on the board worthy of the number six overall selection, look for the Redskins to take one of the best prospects on the board at a key need and try to trade back into the later portions of round one for the quarterback they desire.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery
Coming off his big bowl game performance against Nebraska’s Alfonzo Dennard, Jeffery now has some momentum going his way and could begin to really ascend up draft boards. He’s a long kid with sneaky speed down the field and knows how to go get the football. And he has the talent to instantly improve the Jags' receiving corps.

8. Carolina Panthers: Penn State DT Devon Still
The Panthers need a big body inside who can anchor on contact, push the pocket and find the football. Still isn’t a dynamic pass rusher and there are some other linemen on the board with more talent. But he has the size to fend off blocks inside and in my mind is one of the safer defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft.

9. Miami Dolphins: Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw
Much like the Redskins, with no quarterback on the board worthy of a top ten pick, the Dolphins could be forced to address a need elsewhere. With OLB Jason Taylor retiring, Miami is going to be in need of pass rusher opposite Cameron Wake and Upshaw’s power would be a nice complement.

10. Buffalo Bills: Iowa OT Riley Reiff
Reiff is an athletic tackle with good range off the edge, natural change of direction skills and has the ability to sit into his stance on contact. He needs to get stronger and fill out a bit more. However, this former tight end recruit has the type of athleticism and demeanor to mature into the kind of blind side protector the Bills are looking for.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Stanford OT Jonathan Martin
Martin not only adds talent to the Chiefs offensive line, but he allows them to move LT Branden Albert to either right tackle or left guard.

CoplesICONWhen motivated Coples can be unblockable.

12. Seattle Seahawks: North Carolina DL Quinton Coples
The Seahawks have a real unique blend of athletes on the defensive side of the ball and because of that it makes me think Coples would be able to fit right in and fill a number of roles at both DT and DE. Plus, Pete Carroll seems like the kind of coach that could get the most out of Coples’s talent.

13. Arizona Cardinals: South Carolina OLB/DE Melvin Ingram
Ingram has the ability to play with his hand on the ground or rush off the edge from a two-point stance. He’s a sudden pass rusher with natural change of direction skills, long arms and could offer some talent and versatility to the Cardinals defense on third down.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Stanford: OG David DeCastro
The idea of drafting an athlete like DeCastro and potentially playing him next to 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith at left tackle has to sound mighty intriguing.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Boston College ILB Luke Kuechly
A tackling machine with good size, natural instincts and knowledge to fend off blocks and find the football. Is the kind of talent the Eagles need inside to improve their struggling linebacking corps.

16. New York Jets: Alabama RB Trent Richardson
If the Jets are going to be successful, they have to get back to their ground and pound ways. And the idea of Trent Richardson and Shonn Greene as their one-two punch might be too good to pass up.

[CowboyFan73]

Sounds like a solid plan.

[CowboyFan73]

Should we release Kyle Kosier?

[E-Man]

Man crushes are so hard to give up.

Traditionally wideouts break out in their third season. Dez has looked great in his first two seasons relative to his youth. Given a full offseason with his QB he will do big things next year. Looking at his numbers and talent it's not out of the realm of possibility for him to have a huge season next year. Barring injury I'm counting on it.

Should we release Kyle Kosier?

It depends on how much money he makes. I think they should definitely move towards a new starter, but if he's cheap then they could keep him around as a decent backup. I don't have much faith in Nagy to be honest. I don't know what the coaches saw in him, but he needs some strength and technique work. Arkin impressed me more, but I'd trust Kosier over those two as a backup.

[yanksknicks]

Should we release Kyle Kosier?

Kosier for the right price is a great back up. Can play any interior spot and is not a moron.

[CowboyFan73]

Its a possible to look to Free Agency if Kosier asking price is too high. Or maybe trading down a couple of pick in the later rounds to pick up another guard. Who can we sign without asking too much as a backup that isn't 30+ years old?

[Macarthur]

Kosier was not good this year. I think he's done.

[CDCB14]

No matter what, Kosier should be kept. He has an average contract for a guard and he provides good veteran leadership and depth. He's smart and can play any position in a pinch. I would like to give Arkin one more redshirt year if we can. I don't know if one off-season will be enough to get him strong enough, and we will probably be getting a new OL coach so he will have to adjust to different coaching as well. Arkin needs to be a future starter, but I think he may need one more year. Kosier has two more years on his deal and then will probably just retire, so that's perfect.

As for Bunting mocking DeCastro to us, GREAT. I want every draft expert all over the media to mock him to us. Get it in Jerry's head. You know someone in the Cowboys scouting department pays attention to what draft experts say. They always take a peek. I hope Mel Kiper and/or McShay go on ESPN and to a live TV mock and have us taking DeCastro. Get that in Jerry's head.

[CowboyFan73]

So now we are back to Nagy, Arkin, or Free Agency if we spend out 1st round pick on a David DeCastro.

[CowboyFan73]

Draftek.com has DeCastro coming to us as well.

[CDCB14]

Draftek.com has DeCastro coming to us as well.

So your a spammer....?

[CowboyFan73]

No. I am new to the board. I am just getting my feet wet.

http://www.drafttek.com/default.asp

[CowboyFan73]

Normally I blog on the Cowboys website but I was tired of the foolish talk. Everything I have read up on the blog so far everyone talks with some type of maturity. I enjoy reading and viewing everyone view on the draft.

[Macarthur]

So now we are back to Nagy, Arkin, or Free Agency if we spend out 1st round pick on a David DeCastro.

Here's the thing, if we don't upgrade at Center, I don't think guard is going to make much difference. I think Center is a bigger need than guard.

[CowboyFan73]

Are there any centers in free agency other than Harwick that we can get? I don't want to only be restricted to just FA and our on team. Thing I don't want is another late round starter fumble his way through the offense.

[Macarthur]

Matt Birk but he's a bit too old for my liking.

[CowboyFan73]

After looking up Free agents. there aren't many centers out there. Is it worth a 1st round pick? Others will probably say a corner but at 14, who is an absolute beast at corner after clayborne?

[CowboyFan73]

DeCastro in:

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2012/nflmockdraft.html

Sounds like the smart move to build from the inside out! Do you hear that Dallas Organization! DeCastro for Right Guard!

[Macarthur]

Who's going to play center?

[CowboyFan73]

is that Kowaski guy any good? I know he was thrown in a RG but I is listed at center. Somebody has to be better than Costa

[CDCB14]

No. I am new to the board. I am just getting my feet wet.

http://www.drafttek.com/default.asp

I am sorry, the link I typed in only had one t and set me to an architectural website lol. That write up for us taking DeCastro has pretty good analysis. People need to remember, Dockery and Holland are free agents. Now, they will probably both be available and cheap, but they were on the street during training camp for a reason. Dockery was a good player with the Redskins, but he is over 30 now.

Anyway, the more mock's with DeCastro to us the better! Get that decision circulating around the web!

[CDCB14]

Who's going to play center?

A better question is could a 4th or 5th rounder at center be better than Costa as a rookie?

You can probably find a center with better physical tools than him in the 4th round. That's something worth looking at. I'd take Konz in a trade down, but that's only if DeCastro is already off the board.

[Macarthur]

is that Kowaski guy any good? I know he was thrown in a RG but I is listed at center. Somebody has to be better than Costa

I actually thought Kowalski looked better than Costa when he was in there. Obviously, the coaches felt otherwise.

[CDCB14]

I actually thought Kowalski looked better than Costa when he was in there. Obviously, the coaches felt otherwise.

This is intriguing. Like almost all of our lineman, Kowalski needs to get stronger. On the other hand though, he does have some good physical tools. In some of Broaddus' write up's he stated that Kowalski might be better than Costa in the long run. The problem with Costa is that he has t-rex arms. They are abnormally short for someone who is 6'3'' and 300+ pounds. Kowalski doesn't have that problem. He's longer, he just needs to add strength. Having them swap roles this off-season wouldn't be a bad idea if Kowalski can add the required bulk.

On the bright side, at the very least they will all make very good back-ups who you can win games with if a starter goes down for a few weeks. We haven't had that kind of depth in a while.

[CowboyFan73]

Thank you. As for now Kolwaski can be a stop gap until 2013 draft.

[CDCB14]

If a running back like Dan Herron is available in the 5th round, I wouldn't mind going that route. I would like a back that we can trust to carry the load if DeMarco and Felix are banged up. A sturdy guy who can get the tough yards, athletic enough to make a play or two, and durable. You can usually find that around the 5th round. Tashard Choice for example, before he checked out mentally lol. I like Tanner's upside, but he isn't an ironman himself and he still has a big jump as far as level of competition.

Looking at the position of our first 3 picks, (14, 46, 78) it looks like there should be good value for the positions we need in the 2nd and 3rd round in CB, S, OL, and a true NT. What i'm worried about is the 1st rounder. The only player that fills a need and has the value of 14 is DeCastro. Unless a 3-4 OLB separates himself from the pack at the combine and post-season workouts/all star games, if DeCastro is off the board I'm all for a trade down for someone like Konz and picking up another 3rd. We could use another 3rd.

Guys like Mercilus scare me, and scream bust. 1 year wonder coming out as a junior, with freakish athleticism that doesn't match production (in his first 2 years) always has major bust potential. I'm not saying he can't be a good NFL player, but with the situation of this roster we need to hit on our draft picks. I'd rather be safe with a player like DeCastro or trade down than reach for someone who is a project, become a bust and our roster is set back because of it. This team isn't in the talent happy squad with the "luxury" of taking any player regardless of position we thought we were a few years ago. Look at the 2010 draft. Dez with the character concerns and not that big of a need at WR, and Sean Lee coming off a torn ACL. Sure they were both great picks and hopefully perennial pro-bowlers for us in the future, but we can't take that chance with the current make-up of the roster.

What this team needs is solid, sturdy football players. We've always had the flash, but have been short on substance. It's time to get guys who don't come off the field, and are just plain old football players. Hence why I really want DeCastro. We need a CB who will probably be a diva lol, but I want to start getting some guys who just put the pads on and play.

EDIT: After watching the Orange Bowl, Irvin is a good player but not worth the 14th pick at all. He had a nice play on that come from behind force fumble, but that is also the exact same player Spencer made on freeman a month ago against the bucs. And he is wayyyy to small to be a 3 down player. If he's there in the 2nd, hell yeah. 14 would be the biggest reach of the 1st round.

[CDCB14]

Wait a mother f*cking minute....

MARIO WILLIAMS IS A FREE AGENT!

STOP EVERYTHING AND THROW THE BANK AT HIM!

[yanksknicks]

Wait a mother f*cking minute....

MARIO WILLIAMS IS A FREE AGENT!

STOP EVERYTHING AND THROW THE BANK AT HIM!

Crazy talk.

[shane_man]

Yeah while I'm a big fan of Super Mario, I do wonder how he would fit scheme wise. Although having another pass rusher from the front wouldn't hurt at all in terms of getting to the QB.

The problem is that we would need to throw the bank at him to obtain him. And there are far too many holes for a DE to fix them in one big hit.(although there is something to be said for it... It worked partially for the Bears)

[CDCB14]

Yeah while I'm a big fan of Super Mario, I do wonder how he would fit scheme wise. Although having another pass rusher from the front wouldn't hurt at all in terms of getting to the QB.

The problem is that we would need to throw the bank at him to obtain him. And there are far too many holes for a DE to fix them in one big hit.(although there is something to be said for it... It worked partially for the Bears)

Mario played 3-4 OLB this year for wade before he got hurt. He had 5 sacks in 5 starts.

Obviously I'm just throwing ideas at the wall here and hoping one sticks. The chances we land Mario are probably 2 percent. But wow would that transform our defense. He's the run stuffer Spencer is if not better, and probably as close to a pass rusher as DeMarcus as we are gonna get and he's only 26. Not to mention that would severely hinder offenses because they have to game plan for both.

[Macarthur]

I think if you have a chance to land a talent like Mario, screw the 'scheme'. We need someone else that can get to the QB; he would more than fit the bill.

But of course, it's going to cost a ton of money. If it would handicap our ability to fill other holes, it's probably best to move on.

[CowboyFan73]

Ok. This is CowboyFan73 first crack as GM. I know some will disagree and some will think I was playing a game of madden. This is a collection of ideas that some people has came up but makes sense even though some may dispute the idea. Its lengthy.

1. Making decisions on the following free agents:

Unrestricted Free Agents
Alan Ball, CB: Cowboys need let him walk and lock the door behind him.

Martellus Bennett, TE: Cowboys should shove him out the door and barricade it shut behind him.

Keith Brooking, LB: Dallas can’t afford to bring the 36-year-old as a backup.

Derrick Dockery, LG: Cowboys should only re-sign Dockery if he’ll take a minimum contract. Youngsters like Kevin Kowalski, David Arkin and Bill Nagy are taking over this offensive line.

Abram Elam, S: Made a huge impact at safety in first season in Dallas. Cowboys would be crazy to let Elam walk.

Montrae Holland, LG: Cowboys should hang on to Holland until young offensive linemen are proven.

Jon Kitna, QB: The 39-year-old’s NFL career is over with back problems. Kitna deserved better.

Daniel Loper, LG: There’s no reason to keep Loper unless the Cowboys aren’t confident in young offensive linemen.

Mat McBriar, P: Cowboys must keep close eye on McBriar’s surgery. Dallas should bring him back if he recovers or move on with rookie Chris Jones if he doesn’t.

Sammy Morris,RB: He made a huge impact in just three games in 2011. Cowboys should bring him back if there’s enough space for four running backs on the active roster.

Laurent Robinson, WR: The Cowboys absolutely cannot let Robinson get away. He’s way too valuable and current receivers Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are too injury-prone for Robinson to walk.

Anthony Spencer, LB: The Cowboys should bring back Spencer unless a much better option falls in Dallas’ lap. Spencer hasn’t been great, but he was a lot better in 2011.

Frank Walker, CB: Unless the Cowboys can’t come up with four new cornerbacks, Dallas should let Walker test the market before offering him a new deal.

Bradie James, LB: Like Brooking, James can’t be re-signed as a backup. His only value is stopping the run; he can’t pass cover to save his life. James’ time in Dallas is up.

Restricted Free Agents

Kevin Ogletree, WR: Ogletree made some strides in 2011, but he can’t be re-signed for big money. He’ll have to take less cash to stay in Big D.

Tony Fiammetta, FB: Jerry Jones has to throw the kitchen sink at Fiammetta. This fullback is the key to DeMarco Murray’s success and Dallas absolutely has to bring him back for as long as possible.

Chauncey Washington, RB: The only way Washington comes back is on the practice squad. ?????

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

Clifton Geathers, DE: If it works out, great. Otherwise, Geathers can find work elsewhere.

Jeremy Parnell, OT: Parnell will have to take a minimum contract to come back to Dallas. He can’t be re-signed to a big deal to be a backup.

Jesse Holley, WR: Holley has earned the right for a decent contract. He could easily be the No. 4 receiver on this team and even the No. 3 if Robinson leaves.

http://www.rantsports.com/dallas-cowboys/2012/01/03/dallas-cowboys-2012-free-agents-who-to-re-sign-who-to-rescind/

2. Release the following players under contract:

Terrence Newman, CB; David Buechler, K; Kyle Kosier, OG; Marcus Spears, DE; Kenyon Coleman, DE; Orlando Scandrick, CB

Either the production doesn’t justify the pay or roster spot (Buechler, Scandrick, Spears, and Coleman); or father time has or will catch up ; over 30 (Newman, Kosier)

3. First day of Free Agency AGGRESSIVELY go after the following players:
a. William G A Y, CB
b. Cortland Finnegan, CB
c. Paul Soliai, NT

4. Move the following players into new positions:
a. Switch tackles Tyron Smith, OT and Doug Free, OT
b. Move Jay Ratliff, NT to Defensive End, preferring the right side to utilize his speed.

5. Draft Day:

(this is where I catch my grief)
Trade, Tony Romo (turns 32: Apr 21, 2012) with (1st and 2nd) 2013 round pick to Miami for 8th pick (referenced the Carson Palmer trade)

1st round: Trade 8th pick and 14th pick to Tampa Bay for 5th pick; select Robert Griffin III, taking him from Washington Redskins.

2nd round: Kevin Zeitler, OG- I've had Zeitler penciled in as our 2nd Rounder for a while now because it just makes too much sense to me. He's a Day 1 starter at a huge position of need, and I'm much more a fan of drafting interior OL in the 2nd as opposed to the 1st. (TheFinisher's 2012 Off-Season Plan) Page 950.

3rd round: Alex Okafor, OLB – if he declares. 6’4” 260 4.62 40time.

4th round: Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, NT – with Soliai with the starting role at NT, move Jean-Baptiste to left defensive end position, giving a Baltimore Ravens type flavor with 690 lbs covering one side of the offense, giving Sean Lee, Bruce Carter and Okafor free rein on the quarterback.

5th round: either Travis Lewis, ILB (Oklahoma) or Tank Carder, ILB (TCU) for depth purposes with the departure of Brookings and James

6th round: any Cornerback/special teams player for depth

7th round: any Safety for depth

2012 Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart:

QB- RG3(R), McGee
RB- Murray, Jones, Tanner
FB- Fiametta
TE- Witten, Phillips
WR- Austin, Bryant, Robinson, Ogletree, Holley/Harris
LT- T. Smith, Parnell
LG- Nagy, Arkin
C- Kowalski, Costa
RG- Zeitler(R), Holland
RT- Free, Arkin
LE- Hatcher, Jean-Baptiste(R)
RE- Ratliff, Lissemore
NT- Soliai, Brent
ROLB- Ware, Albright
LOLB- Okafor (R), Butler
MLB- Lee, Carter, Lewis(R)/Carder(R)
LC- Finnegan (FA), Walker
RC- Jenkins, drafted rookie (R)
Slot- G A Y (FA)
FS- Elam, McCray
SS- Sensabaugh, Church, drafted rookie(R)
K-Bailey
P-Jones

[MetSox17]

Everything was going well until you cut Scandrick and traded Romo. Then **** went haywire.

[Paul]

Why the **** would we trade Romo.

[MetSox17]

Why the **** would we trade Romo.

Ask D-Unit.

[CowboyFan73]

Because he will be 32. At some point we have to address it. Address now or end up like Indy. We will address the problem by draft our new franchise QB before it hit us in the face. Kitna was a stop gap in 2010. What happens if Romo goes down again? Do you really want to see RG3 in a Redskin uniform facing us twice a year? Or you rather have him on your squad for the next 10 years? Romo as anywhere from 3 - 5 years left. Something to think on.

[Paul]

Ah 32 years old, the age where all NFL players lose the ability to play according to fans. I mean look and Tom Brady and Drew Brees, they have struggled big time since turning 32. What the **** man. You said it yourself Romo may have 3-5 good years left, and he's coming off one of his seasons statistically, and you want to trade him? For a Rookie no less? That won't set this team back at all, I mean the heart of this team Ware, Ratliff and Witten will love the idea.

How about we go the sane route and look for a quality young QB in this or next years draft, preferably next years draft because this crop isn't exactly spectacular after RGIII, allow him to develop while at the same time have a competitive team on the field led by the QB who had the 4th highest QB rating this past season.

Something to think on :/

[CowboyFan73]

Best year statisically with an 8-8 record looking at the playoffs. What about the other 2 Brady and Brees? Both are in the playoffs. Both have played a stronger schedule. Both have teams that draft players to compliment the offense. So as we debate about Romo, the heart of any offense is being revamped again. Nothing was mentioned about Peyton. A rookie yes. With the right coaching Rookie QB have played fairly well in the last 5 years. Ryan, Flacco, Newton, Dawton. We have had several opportunities to excell and fell short for whatever reason. You say next year then we will be having the same conversation. 33 Noone wants to address the problem. 34, 35, 36. He is still putting up beautiful stats but what about the future? Noone never want to address the situation until a Retirment announcement(Staubach), ran out of town(White) or a Concussion so serious that it forces retirement (Aikman). Just ride the dog out with no backup plan. We are watched what happened when you prepared for it(Green Bay) and your watching what happens when you don't prepare (Indy). Prepare for the future. If I have a chance of taking one of the most accurate QBs coming out of draft away from the Deadskins. I am jumping all over it.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

HAHA! That list of stuff started out good, and then went nuts with trade Romo! HAHAHA!!

It started out well thought and then it's like ADD kicked in and you rushed it. LOL.

[Paul]

Best year statisically with an 8-8 record looking at the playoffs. What about the other 2 Brady and Brees? Both are in the playoffs. Both have played a stronger schedule. Both have teams that draft players to compliment the offense. So as we debate about Romo, the heart of any offense is being revamped again. Nothing was mentioned about Peyton. A rookie yes. With the right coaching Rookie QB have played fairly well in the last 5 years. Ryan, Flacco, Newton, Dawton. We have had several opportunities to excell and fell short for whatever reason. You say next year then we will be having the same conversation. 33 Noone wants to address the problem. 34, 35, 36. He is still putting up beautiful stats but what about the future? Noone never want to address the situation until a Retirment announcement(Staubach), ran out of town(White) or a Concussion so serious that it forces retirement (Aikman). Just ride the dog out with no backup plan. We are watched what happened when you prepared for it(Green Bay) and your watching what happens when you don't prepare (Indy). Prepare for the future. If I have a chance of taking one of the most accurate QBs coming out of draft away from the Deadskins. I am jumping all over it.

Oh I'm sorry, Romo was solely responsible for 8-8 record? Gotcha, I must have missed him playing in that horrid secondary and mismanaging the games and time on the sidelines. I must have been busy watching him keeping the team in the game late in the season. I'll be more observant next time, my bad.

And uhh, when did I say I was ready to as you say "Right the dog out with a backup plan", exactly? This years group of QB's are not impressive by any stretch of the imagination aside from Luck and RGIII. I like next year's crop more.

[yanksknicks]

Trade Romo for Griffin? LOL.

When are folks going to stop sweating the nut sacks of 6'1 athletes playing QB?

[CowboyFan73]

Trade Romo for Griffin? LOL.

When are folks going to stop sweating the nut sacks of 6'1 athletes playing QB?

Look I am not bashing Romo. I realize that majority of our losses were due to the secondary in ability to cover. Why do I have to be on the nut sack of the 2nd best QB coming out this year? The last I checked Romo is 6'2" 225. Your statement is not valid. This is a forum where we are allow to place our ideas correct? WOW anyone that has a paradigm shift in thought you are quick to dismiss. The fact of the matter, if you like or not we WILL have to make a QB change at some point, there is no getting around it. Buffalo, Miami, and Denver spent years of wasted money trying to find a QB to take since the last Franchise QB and never drafted one out of the 1st round! This is the NFL. Montana, Favre, Bledsoe, and other QBs have to face the reality that at some point, the organization has to prepare for it. If Brees goes down, who will fill in? Tom Brady, had a replacement in place with Matt Cassel. Look at Indy now. Regardless noone has said anything about Indy's situation. Do you believe McGee can fill the role if Romo goes down? And no comment after the idea of Romo trade? For the sake of easing your minds:

1st round pick: DeCastro, OG Standford

That way you have addressed the interior line and Romo is still in the QB. Do not resign Holland and Nagy becomes a back up, since he is a 7th round pick. Gheesh.

[Trogdor]

Look I am not bashing Romo...

Sorry when you push ideas like "trade your best players for unproven prospects" you will lose 99% of your audience. I got an idea. Lets keep our proven top 2 all time passer rating QB and draft talent on the defensive side of the ball and interior offensive line. Sound good?

I didn't even need to put the "I'll be GM for a day" line before typing it. :D

Oh and to just curb-stomp the idea of "Romo is terrible" or "Romo should be traded... etc."

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_rating_career.htm

He's top 2 ALL-TIME behind Aaron Rodgers. His performance this year only netted him 4th best in the league (behind Robo-Rodgers, Breejus, and Brady)... His performance THIS YEAR was tied for 35th best EVER. *sigh* *headdesk* I dislike Jerruh Jones but I'm thankful he's GM rather than some posters :D

[yanksknicks]

Look I am not bashing Romo. I realize that majority of our losses were due to the secondary in ability to cover. Why do I have to be on the nut sack of the 2nd best QB coming out this year? The last I checked Romo is 6'2" 225. Your statement is not valid. This is a forum where we are allow to place our ideas correct? WOW anyone that has a paradigm shift in thought you are quick to dismiss. The fact of the matter, if you like or not we WILL have to make a QB change at some point, there is no getting around it. Buffalo, Miami, and Denver spent years of wasted money trying to find a QB to take since the last Franchise QB and never drafted one out of the 1st round! This is the NFL. Montana, Favre, Bledsoe, and other QBs have to face the reality that at some point, the organization has to prepare for it. If Brees goes down, who will fill in? Tom Brady, had a replacement in place with Matt Cassel. Look at Indy now. Regardless noone has said anything about Indy's situation. Do you believe McGee can fill the role if Romo goes down? And no comment after the idea of Romo trade? For the sake of easing your minds:

1st round pick: DeCastro, OG Standford

That way you have addressed the interior line and Romo is still in the QB. Do not resign Holland and Nagy becomes a back up, since he is a 7th round pick. Gheesh.

Let me be clear, Romo is gone if he can gets us Luck straight up. I am just not a fan of short QB like Griffin.

I am not party to other posters who think Romo is untouchable. I think they are silly.

[dsc1600]

Ah 32 years old, the age where all NFL players lose the ability to play according to fans. I mean look and Tom Brady and Drew Brees, they have struggled big time since turning 32. What the **** man. You said it yourself Romo may have 3-5 good years left, and he's coming off one of his seasons statistically, and you want to trade him? For a Rookie no less? That won't set this team back at all, I mean the heart of this team Ware, Ratliff and Witten will love the idea.

How about we go the sane route and look for a quality young QB in this or next years draft, preferably next years draft because this crop isn't exactly spectacular after RGIII, allow him to develop while at the same time have a competitive team on the field led by the QB who had the 4th highest QB rating this past season.

Something to think on :/

For the love of all that's holy, pls stop comparing Romo to Brady and Brees.

[CDCB14]

That wasn't a bad off-season plan until you traded Romo and started cutting guys like Scandrick. Those things aren't going to happen and shouldn't happen, so there really is no point in talking about it.

Anybody have any outside the box ideas on how we should go about this off-season?

[CDCB14]

Asante Samuel is probably going to be a cap casualty in Philadelphia. I personally think he sucks, but he's better than Newman.

[D-Ware Nightmare]

I am gonna give this GM for a day thing a shot!

Cuts/Walk:
NEWMAN!!!! Ball, Kitna, Bennett, Dockery, Holland, Kosier, Spencer, James, Brooking, Walker, Buehler, and its iffy but Elam too. Those cuts would free up around 20-25 million to spend in FA, the cap penalties are minimal sans newman and kosier but neither offer anything to this team anymore and have become a hinderance to developing our young guys.

FA:
I really feel like Jerry has been backed into a corner to make a big splash this offseason, after Nnamdi **** on his doormat last year. With the extended cap and the cuts i would make, as much as 30-35million could be dropped in FA this year. Reality tells me its more like 20-25million available this year. I would love to sign Nicks or Grubbs but at around 8mil/yr i cant see that kind of commitment being made to that position. I would rather use that 8 to get a veteran stopgap C, and a good competitor to start at one of our G spots. Hardwick and Lutui are the two that i would prefer from this class, given our budget. I would then move to the Dline and try to land a true NT, or DE with upside, one or the other though. I think for value of the dollar Aubroyo Franklin is our guy to play nose. His value is way down playing in the saints scheme, and i think could be had for a good price. Eliminate budget and i would take Calais Campbell to play end but i dont think he will be cheap. LB has a hole with Spencer leaving in my plan, obviously Super Mario would be amazing, but i am not that delusional. Overall the pass rushing LB class is pretty weak this year, but i would take whomever BAL lets go in Jarrod Johnson/Sergio Kindle. My moneys on Kindle being let go, so I say bring him home to Texas, at a discount too. CB is where it gets goofy for me. We absolutely need one, but the top of this years class cant sniff Nnamdi's jock, and they will probably fetch around the same contract. So i just have a hunch that we will raid fellow NFC East secondaries and bring in Terrell Thomas, and gasp, Laron Landry. Landry needs a scenery change from washington and would be an all-pro under Ryan, and fix a decade long thorn in the ass in the process. Those defensive aquisitions would run us close to 20 million/yr, i think. Landry-7, Thomas-5, Kindle-2, Franklin-4. Total is close to 25 million/yr spent, which i could absolutely see as a legit budget this year.

Draft:
I really think that FA will shape our draft but i think there are 3 players that would bring a needed nastiness to this team. 1a Decastro 1b Kirkpatrick 1c Poe. Any one of those 3 would be welcome in my book with our #1. My mock
would look like this.
1. David Decastro OG stanford
2. Vontaze Burfict ILB/OLB asu
3. Cliff Harris CB oregon
4. Trumaine Johnson CB/S montana
5. Philip Blake C baylor
6. Brandon Weedon QB oklahoma state
7. Adrian Hamilton OLB prairie view a&m

Decastro in the first = best case scenario, in this guys book. While i think it pretty likely someone jumps on Taze before our second, the guys draft stock is tied to a lead weight atm. However i see lavaar aarington 2.0 when i watch him play. His skillset would allow him to play inside or outside in our 34, if hes gone then i would like the best rated pass rushing LB, maybe curry, irvin, jenkins, or perry. Cliff Harris would be a steal in the 3rd, but lucky for us he is a turd and has a twin turd, Janoris, getting drafted before him. Which will hopefully drop him to us. Trumaine Johnson may very well be gone at our 4th but hes a guy that could play CB or S, i envision him as the sensy replacement. Blake is a guy that needs time and could learn for 2-3 years behind whatever stopgap vet we bring in. Weedon is 28 and will fall further than he should, but the guy screams reliable backup to me, so it fits. And Hamilton is just a high upside pass rusher in my book after he adjusts to better competion.

2012 Depth Chart:

qb- Romo, Mcgee, Weedon
rb- Murray, Jones, Tanner
fb- Fiametta
wr- Bryant, Austin, Robinson, Ogletree, Harris
te- Witten, Phillips
ot- Smith-LT, Free-RT
og- Lutui, Decastro
oc- Hardwick, Blake

de- Ratliff, Hatcher/Spears
nt- A. Franklin, Brent
olb- Ware, Kindle, Butler, Hamilton
ilb- Lee, Burfict, Carter
cb- Thomas, Jenkins, Scandrick, Harris, Johnson
fs- Sensabaugh, Johnson
ss- Landry, Church
k- Bailey
p- Mcbriar
ret- Cliff Harris/ Dwayne Harris

Dont be too harsh cowboynation!!!

[CDCB14]

If that were to all go down I would have no problem with it. Wishful thinking to land all of those players and have those guys fall to us in the draft, but it's possible.

One hitch, Sergio Kindle is an exclusive rights free agent. That means baltimore has the right to offer him a 3 year deal at the NFL minimum and he has to take it or he can't play in the NFL for 3 years. It's the same thing that we have with Parnell. So obviously he's staying in baltimore for the league minimum.

[FreshBoy!]

For those that don't know about the Boys cap situation going into next year:

Norm breaks it down....
http://theticket.com/Portals/2/UserFiles/User104443/Norm-CowboysCapExplained-podcast.mp3

[CDCB14]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689355/jerry-hints-that-coaching-staff-changes-coming

Thank you. We need change. That alone should make us a better team. Thanks Houck and Campo for your 25+ combined years with the team, but the game has passed you by.

[CDCB14]

For those that don't know about the Boys cap situation going into next year:

Norm breaks it down....
http://theticket.com/Portals/2/UserFiles/User104443/Norm-CowboysCapExplained-podcast.mp3

After listening to that, I take away two things.

1. Have to give Jerry and the front office some credit. They played it perfectly.

2. I'm all for Super Mario if he doesn't get franchised by the Texans. We could even sign him and possibly still come away with a solid CB like Terrell Thomas. Super Mario opposite DeMarcus would be ridiculous, and he can be our future because DeMarcus is turning 30.

Nice find.

[Macarthur]

For those that don't know about the Boys cap situation going into next year:

Norm breaks it down....
http://theticket.com/Portals/2/UserFiles/User104443/Norm-CowboysCapExplained-podcast.mp3

This is real good news.

[E-Man]

Asante Samuel is probably going to be a cap casualty in Philadelphia. I personally think he sucks, but he's better than Newman.

He would be better than Newman, but I'd rather have Grimes or Finnegan. Asante's like a better version of DeAngelo Hall. He is a ballhawk, but he can gamble and get burned at times. I wouldn't mind him for the right price because he can at least make people think twice about throwing toward him. Those picks can go a long way. I get tired of seeing quarterbacks throw up prayers and they consistently get answered because the secondary just stares at the ball while it's caught.

[CDCB14]

He would be better than Newman, but I'd rather have Grimes or Finnegan. Asante's like a better version of DeAngelo Hall. He is a ballhawk, but he can gamble and get burned at times. I wouldn't mind him for the right price because he can at least make people think twice about throwing toward him. Those picks can go a long way. I get tired of seeing quarterbacks throw up prayers and they consistently get answered because the secondary just stares at the ball while it's caught.

Dude, both of the prayers to Cruz (1 in the first game on what ended up being their game winning drive and the one on sunday over Scandrick) makes me wonder if the NFL is fixed lol. If your an NFL DB, how do you not bat that ball down? If you put me in the position scandrick was in I would bat that ball down. I almost broke my TV. Your in the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE... how do you not bat that ball down and get off the freakin' field on 3rd down. It blew my mind. A high schooler bats that down if he's in the position Scandrick was in. Just tomahawk his arms for crying out loud if you can't get the ball in the air. The one in the 1st game was sensabaugh I think, and how that ball doesn't get picked off to seal the game makes no sense. It's classic Eli throwing up those balls, but on us they get completed and make him look like a god. On other teams those balls get picked off and that's why Eli gets some of the negative criticism. But not on us. It's always a 40 yard completion.

Scandrick can cover, but his ball skills are beyond inept.

[Macarthur]

I think you make a key point. What we are seeing all too clearly is that there is a big difference in a guy that has the ability to cover and a guy that has ball skills.

[CDCB14]

I think you make a key point. What we are seeing all too clearly is that there is a big difference in a guy that has the ability to cover and a guy that has ball skills.

Completely agreed. It went unnoticed, but do you realize that the last interception we had by a defensive back was in week 11 by scandrick, when he picked off Grossman at the redskins. And besides the, the only INT we had in our last 6 games was that tipped screen pass Sean Lee picked off on Eli in Dallas, back in week 14.

So.... 2 picks in our last 7 games? That's pathetic. It's one thing if you just shut down your man, but we don't do that either. These DB's just aren't playmakers. Jenkins can be, but they just don't throw at him with how bad people like Newman are. It's really sad.

So our secondary had a combined 10 INT's (4 Newman, 2 Sensabaugh, 1 Jenkins, 1 Scandrick, 1 Ball, 1 Walker.) That is just pathetic. In some seasons individual players can rack up 8-10 INT's. I know picks don't tell the whole story, but this secondary just doesn't make plays. I wonder how much of it is coaching though.... Campo is horrific.

Turnovers change games. I used to love the days when Newman didn't allow touchdowns and all that, but we live in an offensively driven shootout league now. A turnover or two can be the difference. You can't just flat out stop people with the rule changes and the spread offenses. If you don't get an INT or two or a fumble on teams like the Packers or Saints, you have no chance. We don't have the DB's to do that.

We need to get guys who make plays on the ball. That's why I'd rather get Terrell Thomas and Michael Griffin in FA, and go OL, ILB, and DL in the draft.

But if there is some guy in the 5th round who has average physical skills but just had a ton of INT's in college, give me that guy. Give me a dude who catches the ball and changes the game. Hosley out of VT comes to mind.

[yanksknicks]

For those that don't know about the Boys cap situation going into next year:

Norm breaks it down....
http://theticket.com/Portals/2/UserFiles/User104443/Norm-CowboysCapExplained-podcast.mp3

The best way to handle the CAP is not to give out bad contracts to begin with.

So we got 20-30 to spend huh?

[CDCB14]

The best way to handle the CAP is not to give out bad contracts to begin with.

So we got 20-30 to spend huh?

That is correct. Would you rather re-sign Laurent and pick up a safety and CB, or throw the bank at Super Mario? We may even be able to land mario and still sign a CB like Terrell Thomas.

Looking at our team, I really think we have to get better by default because of a few reasons:

1. Better assistant coaching. Getting anyone to replace Campo and Maxie in the secondary, Houck along the OL, and DeCamilis on ST has to make those units better. They really can't get worse. Change for the sake of change will make us better on this one.

2. Anyone who replaces Newman, Brooking, Bradie James, etc. will make us better. I don't care if the players that replace them are UDFA's out of Wichita State, anybody will be better than them. (Hopefully we get much better players than that though lol)

[Witten4HOF]

After listening to that, I take away two things.

1. Have to give Jerry and the front office some credit. They played it perfectly.

2. I'm all for Super Mario if he doesn't get franchised by the Texans. We could even sign him and possibly still come away with a solid CB like Terrell Thomas. Super Mario opposite DeMarcus would be ridiculous, and he can be our future because DeMarcus is turning 30.

Nice find.

I agree, I was wrong when I shot down a lot of offseason options thinking we were going to be shot in the butt in cap debt. Really good job of shifting some really bad contracts, hopefully Jerry has learned that teams are built through the draft and capped off with free agents, not the other way.

I would be estatic if Mario became available in FA, he would provide a ton of versatility as a pass rusher from multiple positions. I can already envsion a third down pressure package with Ware/ Butler on the outside, Rat at nose, and Hatcher and Super Mario as the 5 tech =).

[yanksknicks]

I agree, I was wrong when I shot down a lot of offseason options thinking we were going to be shot in the butt in cap debt. Really good job of shifting some really bad contracts, hopefully Jerry has learned that teams are built through the draft and capped off with free agents, not the other way.

I would be estatic if Mario became available in FA, he would provide a ton of versatility as a pass rusher from multiple positions. I can already envsion a third down pressure package with Ware/ Butler on the outside, Rat at nose, and Hatcher and Super Mario as the 5 tech =).

You want to get Mario Williams in FA to be a 5 Tech?

SMH.

[TheFinisher]

There's no way the Texans are letting Mario Williams walk, come on now.

[CDCB14]

You want to get Mario Williams in FA to be a 5 Tech?

SMH.

He mean in 3rd and long pass rushing situations. Obviously in the base defense he would be opposite D-Ware at OLB.

[CDCB14]

Some good and bad news:

Mort and Schefter just said on NFL Countdown it's between us and the Jets for Sparano.

Sparano is from the North East and will probably have more control of the Jets offense, but he does have history here...

Cut the check and get it done Jerry. PLEASE!

[CDCB14]

Another stat I came across that showed why this team struggled:

5 rushing TD's on the whole season... and 1 was a sneak by Romo. Another was a garbage time TD by tanner against the Rams. 5 in 16 games? That's unacceptable. Your not going to win like that. The NFL may be a passing league, but you need a running game.

Go through the NFL history books of how many teams made the playoffs with single digit rushing TD's on the season... I bet you there are less than 5. That's just ridiculous.

Players like AD, Arian Foster, etc. sometimes hace 3 or 4 in one game. We had 5 on the season? This stuff needs to be fixed.

This team just didn't play sound football this year. Hopefully the reviews during the off-season and better coaching fixes that.

[Trogdor]

Another stat I came across that showed why this team struggled:

5 rushing TD's on the whole season... and 1 was a sneak by Romo. Another was a garbage time TD by tanner against the Rams. 5 in 16 games? That's unacceptable. Your not going to win like that. The NFL may be a passing league, but you need a running game.

Go through the NFL history books of how many teams made the playoffs with single digit rushing TD's on the season... I bet you there are less than 5. That's just ridiculous.

Players like AD, Arian Foster, etc. sometimes hace 3 or 4 in one game. We had 5 on the season? This stuff needs to be fixed.

This team just didn't play sound football this year. Hopefully the reviews during the off-season and better coaching fixes that.

Well the running game isn't going to work with a terrible interior line. Our backs got blown up well before the goal line. Our interior line had no push and coupled with Garrett's insistence on running power up the middle at the goal line... just playing into our opponent's hands.

It's pretty crazy how in the past few seasons a glaring weakness has completely stymied a unit of the team. We've been unfortunate in learning the importance of the safety positions, corner-backs, having more than one pass rusher, and strength along the interior line.

[CDCB14]

Well the running game isn't going to work with a terrible interior line. Our backs got blown up well before the goal line. Our interior line had no push and coupled with Garrett's insistence on running power up the middle at the goal line... just playing into our opponent's hands.

It's pretty crazy how in the past few seasons a glaring weakness has completely stymied a unit of the team. We've been unfortunate in learning the importance of the safety positions, corner-backs, having more than one pass rusher, and strength along the interior line.

Thank you. People are so focused on the glamor positions, but the position that people deem "unimportant" (C,G,S) are the reason we aren't in the playoffs right now and haven't made a deep run since freakin' 1995.

Safeties are suppose to be ball hawking playmakers, and your not going to be able to run the football come december and into the playoffs if you have rag dolls like Costa and Nagy starter on your OL. Those are the positions we need. I don't care if people think they aren't important, we need them. If there is a stud available at those positions in the 1st, take him. You think the seahawks regretted taking Hutch during Shawn Alexander's glory days? What about the Chiefs with Eric Berry, or the Redskins with Sean Taylor before he died? (God rest his soul, what a beast)

Hell no they didn't. Sean Taylor himself beat us. Hutchinson alone made people 1,000 yard rushers. It's time to see the light people.

Give me two good guards, a pro-bowl center, and 2 average tackles before you give me a pro-bowl left tackle, and below average guys along the rest of the line. The team with the former will be running their way into the playoffs, the team with the latter will look flashy through week 6 until they end up finishing 7-9 because football is a TEAM SPORT.

[CowboyFan73]

Give me two 2good guards, a pro-bowl center, and 2 average tackles before you give me a pro-bowl left tackle, and below average guys along the rest of the line. The team with the former will be running their way into the playoffs, the team with the latter will look flashy through week 6 until they end up finishing 7-9 because football is a TEAM SPORT.

So if we get some CBs and a Safety in free agency, should we spend our first 3 rounds on OL? Resigned Sensy to a 5 year deal.

[Witten4HOF]

Thank you. People are so focused on the glamor positions, but the position that people deem "unimportant" (C,G,S) are the reason we aren't in the playoffs right now and haven't made a deep run since freakin' 1995.

Safeties are suppose to be ball hawking playmakers, and your not going to be able to run the football come december and into the playoffs if you have rag dolls like Costa and Nagy starter on your OL. Those are the positions we need. I don't care if people think they aren't important, we need them. If there is a stud available at those positions in the 1st, take him. You think the seahawks regretted taking Hutch during Shawn Alexander's glory days? What about the Chiefs with Eric Berry, or the Redskins with Sean Taylor before he died? (God rest his soul, what a beast)

Hell no they didn't. Sean Taylor himself beat us. Hutchinson alone made people 1,000 yard rushers. It's time to see the light people.

Give me two 2good guards, a pro-bowl center, and 2 average tackles before you give me a pro-bowl left tackle, and below average guys along the rest of the line. The team with the former will be running their way into the playoffs, the team with the latter will look flashy through week 6 until they end up finishing 7-9 because football is a TEAM SPORT.

The type of offense that is ran also dictates what positions on the line are of mor importance. Clearly Costa isnt a good fit for a team that runs any shotgun, Free can't shadow a teams best lineman in the spread and neither guard is a prototype mauler. JG failed to design the offense to help protect the O-line's downfalls often calling for plays with slow developing routes and attempting to run right into the weakest part of the line.

Look at the Packers, their offense of line was practically held together by a bandaid the last two years with injuries to Chad Clifton and Bulaga not to mention the journeymen inside. McCarthy countered the weakness by creating an offense designed to spread the defense with empty backfield and quick hits, allowing his playmakers to create with the ball in their hands. Even in the Red Zone the offense opened in a spread look and motioned players into running plays or letting Rodgers sneak through the middle.

I agree that the Interior line should be addressed in either the draft or Free agency but there is no need to panic and overspend like Jerry did with Leonard a couple years ago. Find players that fit your scheme and JG needs to play toward their strenghts.

[CDCB14]

So if we get some CBs and a Safety in free agency, should we spend our first 3 rounds on OL? Resigned Sensy to a 5 year deal.

Well, if we land a CB and S like Griffin and Terrell Thomas, I wouldn't mind going interior OL with 2 of our first 3 picks. All three would be overkill, but I wouldn't mind two. People are selling the importance of the interior OL short. Especially on this team, because Romo is a short QB. Pressure in his face is what makes Romo make stupid decisions. I know Murray made the OL look a lot better than they were, but with better push up the middle it will make him that much better.

If we were to take DeCastro at 14, and someone like Ben Jones was there in the 3rd, I'd do it in a heartbeat. This is of course only if we didn't address it in free agency. Players like Kowlaski, Nagy, and Costa SHOULD NOT prohibit you from drafting a better player. That's just dumb. If a great receiver were to be there at 14 then obviously you don't pick him because of who we have on this team. The current interior OL situation should not have the same effect on decisions at all. You can't have too many good football players.

Where's Thule? I want to read some of his opinions.

[CDCB14]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689389/jason-garrett-meets-with-coaches

According to that report, Houck and Maxie are going to return. Calvin Watkins is an idiot, so I really hope this is just a reporter making an incorrect assumption.

[E-Man]

Another stat I came across that showed why this team struggled:

5 rushing TD's on the whole season... and 1 was a sneak by Romo. Another was a garbage time TD by tanner against the Rams. 5 in 16 games? That's unacceptable. Your not going to win like that. The NFL may be a passing league, but you need a running game.

Go through the NFL history books of how many teams made the playoffs with single digit rushing TD's on the season... I bet you there are less than 5. That's just ridiculous.

Players like AD, Arian Foster, etc. sometimes hace 3 or 4 in one game. We had 5 on the season? This stuff needs to be fixed.

This team just didn't play sound football this year. Hopefully the reviews during the off-season and better coaching fixes that.

I noticed that too. I thought it was weird looking at Murray's impressive rise this season. He had such big numbers when he started, but he only got 2 touchdowns. The red zone scoring really needs to be addressed. I put a lot of that on Garrett. His playcalling down there was either highly predictable or really mind boggling. The line does need to get better. You can run it up the middle when you have no push, but there also is no need to do some of the things Garrett did at the goal line this season.

[Trogdor]

Dallas is supposedly in the mix for BOTH Sparano and "I got punched by the Tuna" Haley.

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/vidstar/DCC_Parcells-Haley-punch.gif

The fact we are targeting established guys makes me wonder if our game-plans will become more balanced :D

[CDCB14]

Dallas is supposedly in the mix for BOTH Sparano and "I got punched by the Tuna" Haley.

http://i756.photobucket.com/albums/xx201/vidstar/DCC_Parcells-Haley-punch.gif

The fact we are targeting established guys makes me wonder if our game-plans will become more balanced :D

Well according to that report by Calvin Watkins, we are keeping Houck. So if that happens... I doubt it.

We'll see. I hope you are right and he is wrong.

[Trogdor]

Well according to that report by Calvin Watkins, we are keeping Houck. So if that happens... I doubt it.

We'll see. I hope you are right and he is wrong.

Whenever I see "by Calvin Watkins" I skip to the next article. He wildly guesses and his "sources" are only limited by his imagination.

I find Adam Schefter as one of the most reliable and he reported...


AdamSchefter Adam Schefter
"Tony Sparano and Todd Haley have discussed joining forces in 2012 with Sparano coaching run game, Haley pass game, as they did in Dallas."
5 hours ago


Not only that but Watkins is a total douche. He baited, baited, insulted, and baited his way into almost getting beaten by Ratliff.

[CDCB14]

Dude, that quote from Schefter just means they would do it like they did in Dallas during the early 2000's. Not that they are coming back here to do it.

Garrett isn't going to give away that much offensive control. *Sigh* I really wanted Sparano.

[TheFinisher]

Within the last 5 minutes J.J. Watt just reminded me why I wanted him so bad last year.

[boogeydown]

Gone: Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Terrence Newman, Allan Ball, Abe Elam

Free Agents:
OG Ben Grubbs- Holland and Dockery are not starters
LB D'Qwell Jackson-tackling machine and has played for Ryan in Cleveland
FS Michael Griffin- Should improve our coverage
NT Aubrayo Franklin- Stuffs the run and Ratliff can move to DE

Resign: Dan Bailey, Anthony Spencer, Laurent Robinson, Tony Fiametta

Draft:
1:CB Dre Kirkpatrick- size and experience,

2: DT Jared Crick- if he didnt get injured he would be a 1st round pick

3: C Ben Jones- battled tested in the SEC,

4: CB Cliff Harris-troubled player but a great return guy and depth

Best Player available after that

[MetSox17]

Blah, i don't want anything to do with Dre Kirkpatrick. Relies too much on physicality and probably doesn't have the speed to stay manned with the WRs in our division. I love the FA plan though.

[E-Man]

Gone: Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Terrence Newman, Allan Ball, Abe Elam

Free Agents:
OG Ben Grubbs- Holland and Dockery are not starters
LB D'Qwell Jackson-tackling machine and has played for Ryan in Cleveland
FS Michael Griffin- Should improve our coverage
NT Aubrayo Franklin- Stuffs the run and Ratliff can move to DE

Resign: Dan Bailey, Anthony Spencer, Laurent Robinson, Tony Fiametta

Draft:
1:CB Dre Kirkpatrick- size and experience,

2: DT Jared Crick- if he didnt get injured he would be a 1st round pick

3: C Ben Jones- battled tested in the SEC,

4: CB Cliff Harris-troubled player but a great return guy and depth

Best Player available after that

This would be awesome. I didn't think about Franklin, but he'd be a good fit so Ratliff to move out to DE and form an even better rotation there. Can't say I love or hate Kirkpatrick, but I'd be fine with the pick since corner will be a big need with Newman presumably gone.

[yanksknicks]

Gone: Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Terrence Newman, Allan Ball, Abe Elam

Free Agents:
OG Ben Grubbs- Holland and Dockery are not starters
LB D'Qwell Jackson-tackling machine and has played for Ryan in Cleveland
FS Michael Griffin- Should improve our coverage
NT Aubrayo Franklin- Stuffs the run and Ratliff can move to DE

Resign: Dan Bailey, Anthony Spencer, Laurent Robinson, Tony Fiametta

Draft:
1:CB Dre Kirkpatrick- size and experience,

2: DT Jared Crick- if he didnt get injured he would be a 1st round pick

3: C Ben Jones- battled tested in the SEC,

4: CB Cliff Harris-troubled player but a great return guy and depth

Best Player available after that

nice fa list but so unlikely someone here brought up franklin last year. take credit.

not sure about draft. too much sec.

[thule]

Blah, i don't want anything to do with Dre Kirkpatrick. Relies too much on physicality and probably doesn't have the speed to stay manned with the WRs in our division. I love the FA plan though.

I wouldn't be surprised if some teams take a look at Kirkpatrick at safety similar to how teams looked at antrel rolle coming out. I've already seen him ranked as the top safety by some draft enthusiasts. Just some food for thought...if he were available at 14 it'll probably be because he didn't run a sub 4.55 in which case there will be a few teams looking to see if his game translates to safety in the NFL.

[dsc1600]

Mike Smith is making Garrett look servicable with some of these gameday decisions. 2 QB sneaks on 4th and 1? Didn't they watch last week?

[Trogdor]

Posted the main piece in the draft thread but we signed Justin Taplin-Ross (UDFA we were HEAVILY interested in prior to the season but couldn't pass a medical).

Since it was from surgery it's not a continuing concern and having a hard working, tough, 4.5 speed safety to have as a project isn't a bad idea :D

[yanksknicks]

Posted the main piece in the draft thread but we signed Justin Taplin-Ross (UDFA we were HEAVILY interested in prior to the season but couldn't pass a medical).

Since it was from surgery it's not a continuing concern and having a hard working, tough, 4.5 speed safety to have as a project isn't a bad idea :D

These are the HOF type signings Jerry is famous for.

[Trogdor]

These are the HOF type signings Jerry is famous for.

You're are absolutely right. With all of the perennial HOF'ers sitting around the league jobless we went out and signed an UDFA.

Successful troll is successful.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4020/4460134178_102779e9cf.jpg

[Witten4HOF]

anyone interested in the possibility of bringing Shaun Rogers in for depth at NT if the price is right? Has some history with Ryan when they were both with Cleveland and would provide a big body to defend against the run.

[TheFinisher]

CDCB this may explain your curse theory:

http://espn.go.com/dallas/story/_/id/7435424/dallas-cowboys-dip-sports-apparel-business-comes-allegations-sweatshop-labor

hso1Fk4o4HQ




I'm now convinced Jerry Jones is the Anti-Christ.

[CDCB14]

CDCB this may explain your curse theory:

http://espn.go.com/dallas/story/_/id/7435424/dallas-cowboys-dip-sports-apparel-business-comes-allegations-sweatshop-labor

hso1Fk4o4HQ




I'm now convinced Jerry Jones is the Anti-Christ.

I came across that on another site. Hopefully they stop that now and we are no longer cursed!

Hey, one can only hope.

[Macarthur]

Gone: Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Terrence Newman, Allan Ball, Abe Elam

Free Agents:
OG Ben Grubbs- Holland and Dockery are not starters
LB D'Qwell Jackson-tackling machine and has played for Ryan in Cleveland
FS Michael Griffin- Should improve our coverage
NT Aubrayo Franklin- Stuffs the run and Ratliff can move to DE

Resign: Dan Bailey, Anthony Spencer, Laurent Robinson, Tony Fiametta

Draft:
1:CB Dre Kirkpatrick- size and experience,

2: DT Jared Crick- if he didnt get injured he would be a 1st round pick

3: C Ben Jones- battled tested in the SEC,

4: CB Cliff Harris-troubled player but a great return guy and depth

Best Player available after that

I like the way you think here, but I'm not sold on Spencer. He is JAG. I also would like to make a run at one of the FA CBs - Finnegan.

[yanksknicks]

You're are absolutely right. With all of the perennial HOF'ers sitting around the league jobless we went out and signed an UDFA.

Successful troll is successful.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4020/4460134178_102779e9cf.jpg

So you come here pumping an UDFA signing and I am a troll?

[yanksknicks]

..... I'm now convinced Jerry Jones is the Anti-Christ.

I have known it for years.

[TheFinisher]

Nice piece by Bob Sturm that shows just how different our philosophy has been from the Giants when it comes to applying resources to the defensive front.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/01/09/12/The-defensive-front-A-difference-in-phil/landing_cowboys.html?blockID=642488&feedID=4680

This was the most eye opening part of the article for me:

Let's compare the two organizations asset distribution to the defensive front to understand why one team seems to succeed because of its defensive line and the other seems to succeed often in spite of it. Given the difference in scheme, we will try to compare apples to apples and allow OLBs from Dallas if they are primary edge rushers and leave middle linebackers out of the discussion for both sides.

First, the Dallas Cowboys use of premium picks since 2003 on the defensive front:

Year Pick Name
2005 1/11 DeMarcus Ware
2005 1/20 Marcus Spears
2005 4/132 Chris Canty
2006 3/92 Jason Hatcher
2007 1/26 Anthony Spencer


Now, the same chart for the New York Giants:

Year Pick Name
2003 1/25 William Joseph
2003 2/56 Osi Umenyiora
2005 3/74 Justin Tuck
2006 1/32 Mathias Kiwanuka
2006 4/124 Barry Cofield
2007 3/81 Jay Alford
2010 1/15 Jason Pierre Paul
2010 2/46 Linval Joseph
2011 2/52 Marvin Austin


That is a staggering difference in allocation of assets into a defensive front. Ware is the great equalizer in many regards, as the Cowboys have still accumulated an amazing number of sacks given this discrepancy, and finding Jay Ratliff late has been a great help. But, the Giants wanted to build this generation around their defensive front - like the organization did in the 1980's and 1990's with Bill Parcells and GM George Young. In fact, now, given the use of so many draft picks, it makes you ponder their free agency objective as well.

New York Giants Free Agent DL Signings:

Year Contract Name
2009 6/$42m Chris Canty
2009 4/$16m Rocky Bernard


That's right. After spending so many high, premium picks on DL, they also decided before 2009 that they wanted to find even more strength in numbers with the free agent targets of 2 more players - one a reasonably high pick from Dallas.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys countered with this:

Year Contract Name
2005 5/$21.5m Jason Ferguson
2009 4/$18m Igor Olshansky
2011 2/$3.5m Kenyon Coleman

Here again we see that the Cowboys use of free agency goes back to 2005 when Ferguson, Ware, Canty, and Spears were all added in the same spring when Parcells was ready to fully commit to the 3-4. Since then, the draft and free agency have almost completely ignored the front or looked for red-tag discounts.

Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips bragged about finding Igor Olshansky as a perfect replacement for Chris Canty. Nobody would argue that Canty's New York offer would have been mocked had Dallas decided to match it. And it is likely nobody would argue that Canty is entirely overpaid. However, Olshansky made almost no impact whatsoever during his stay in Dallas, and frankly, Coleman's year was largely difficult to detect as well.

Observers often suggest that the DE spot in the 3-4 is not designed for play-making, but in Houston (JJ Watt and Antonio Smith), San Francisco (Justin Smith), Green Bay (Cullen Jenkins for several seasons) and New England (Richard Seymour for years) would beg to differ. Houston is especially notable given that Wade Phillips is asking his DEs to do what he asked Olshansky and Spears to do here - but with largely different results.

[yanksknicks]

Unless elite physical talent or QB, always go big man over small man all things being equal.

[TheFinisher]

Unless elite physical talent or QB, always go big man over small man all things being equal.

Hitting on those picks is obviously just as important. The Giants scouting department has hit at a fairly high rate when you look at that list, while we whiffed big time on 2 of our 1st Rounders. Not good when you only spend 5 premium picks over the course of 9 drafts.

[D-Unit]

Nice piece by Bob Sturm that shows just how different our philosophy has been from the Giants when it comes to applying resources to the defensive front.

http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/01/09/12/The-defensive-front-A-difference-in-phil/landing_cowboys.html?blockID=642488&feedID=4680

This was the most eye opening part of the article for me:
DL are more valuable in the 4-3 than in the 3-4. So it's not surprising at all. When we first transitioned to the 3-4, it was not nearly as popular as it has become. So comparing the way they used their resources to the way we used ours is an unbalanced argument. It used to be that 3-4 DL were tweeners that fell in the draft, or were cheaper to get. ie. Jay Ratliff, Chris Canty, Kenyon Coleman.

They weren't the big named glamour players of the league puffed up by fancy stats. Those are what 4-3 DL were... stat hogs... but 3-4 guys went under the radar because they were the unsung heros who could have a 1.5 sack season and still been very successful at doing their job right. So in terms of drafting, 4-3 teams always invested more highly into DL than 3-4 teams did.

But nowdays, there are more and more 3-4 based defenses and now teams and more aggressively pursuing these guys. They have gotten extreme attention and teams have ruined the fun of being a 3-4 team. Now everybody seems to be in the act and trying to scoop up these tweeners or forcefully fit them into their schemes.

When the Chiefs took Tyson Jackson that became the poster child for the new age way teams look at 3-4 DL. It completely sucks for us now, but that's the way it is.

So back to the NYG vs DAL philosophy of using premium picks on DL... it's just a mistake to compare the two teams in that regard. History showed that 3-4 DL could be had later in the draft, and that's part of why we moved in that direction. Things have since changed but to compare historical philosophy differences is painting a flawed picture.

[Macarthur]

depressing.

[leroyisgod]

DL are more valuable in the 4-3 than in the 3-4. So it's not surprising at all. When we first transitioned to the 3-4, it was not nearly as popular as it has become. So comparing the way they used their resources to the way we used ours is an unbalanced argument. It used to be that 3-4 DL were tweeners that fell in the draft, or were cheaper to get. ie. Jay Ratliff, Chris Canty, Kenyon Coleman.

They weren't the big named glamour players of the league puffed up by fancy stats. Those are what 4-3 DL were... stat hogs... but 3-4 guys went under the radar because they were the unsung heros who could have a 1.5 sack season and still been very successful at doing their job right. So in terms of drafting, 4-3 teams always invested more highly into DL than 3-4 teams did.

But nowdays, there are more and more 3-4 based defenses and now teams and more aggressively pursuing these guys. They have gotten extreme attention and teams have ruined the fun of being a 3-4 team. Now everybody seems to be in the act and trying to scoop up these tweeners or forcefully fit them into their schemes.

When the Chiefs took Tyson Jackson that became the poster child for the new age way teams look at 3-4 DL. It completely sucks for us now, but that's the way it is.

So back to the NYG vs DAL philosophy of using premium picks on DL... it's just a mistake to compare the two teams in that regard. History showed that 3-4 DL could be had later in the draft, and that's part of why we moved in that direction. Things have since changed but to compare historical philosophy differences is painting a flawed picture.

D hit this one on the head. It's not a fair comparison and isn't an apples to apples comparison. If you want to compare us up against Green Bay, Pittsburgh, etc then go ahead. It's just not the same.

[D-Unit]

Our defensive front 7 is ok. It could use some help, but the thing that makes Rob Ryan's defense go is the exotic schemes he uses when he calls upon DBs to blitz. There is no one in our secondary that is really capable of it. They are way too finesse or brittle in nature. We need DBs that can lay the wood.

I've mocked him several times, but every time I watch him play Brandon Boykin screams to me of a player that would fit what Rob wants to do. Boykin may not be the biggest guy, but he's not afraid to mix it up and lay the wood. He's an elite caliber nickel corner and I would love to have him play for us.

http://media.govolsxtra.com/media/img/photos/2009/10/10/utga_atb_07_t607.jpg

Another guy is Greg Reid. He may not have a long career because he sacrifices his body so much to lay big hits, but he's also mutlidimensional like Boykin. I just question if Garrett wants a guy with a troubled off field history.

[leroyisgod]

Our defensive front 7 is ok. It could use some help, but the thing that makes Rob Ryan's defense go is the exotic schemes he uses when he calls upon DBs to blitz. There is no one in our secondary that is really capable of it. They are way too finesse or brittle in nature. We need DBs that can lay the wood.

I've mocked him several times, but every time I watch him play Brandon Boykin screams to me of a player that would fit what Rob wants to do. Boykin may not be the biggest guy, but he's not afraid to mix it up and lay the wood. He's an elite caliber nickel corner and I would love to have him play for us.

http://media.govolsxtra.com/media/img/photos/2009/10/10/utga_atb_07_t607.jpg

Another guy is Greg Reid. He may not have a long career because he sacrifices his body so much to lay big hits, but he's also mutlidimensional like Boykin. I just question if Garrett wants a guy with a troubled off field history.

Would Roy Williams have fit into his scheme well?

[D-Unit]

Would Roy Williams have fit into his scheme well?
Maybe in 2005. If Barry Church can find a spot on this roster...

[CDCB14]

Reports are that Campo got the axe. Thank God, at least we are finally making some changes. Our defense has been the same since since Wade got here, and has allowed offenses like the Giants and QB's like Eli to know what's coming, and surgically pick us apart without problem.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. Bout time we did something. Accompany this move with replacements for Bradie, Brooking, Elam, Newman, Ball, etc. and our defense has to be better by default, let alone good replacements.

EDIT: As for the CB I want in free agency, it's really Terrell Thomas or bust to me. Finnegan and Grimes, while both solid players and obviously are better than Newman, they are both relatively undersized, overrated, and both kind of knuckleheads (Finnegan way more than Grimes.) With the market value nowadays, both players will be way more expensive than they are worth. I'm not giving a player of either of their quality 6-8 million a year, and on this market that's what they will get. Not worth it at all. Thomas is the best of the bunch in my opinion because he is just a good, solid starter. He won't be that expensive because he wasn't Darelle Revis to begin with and he missed the season with a torn ACL. It also kills two birds with one stone because it instantly makes a secondary a lot better, and hurts the Giants. Jerry needs to find out whatever the Giants are offering, and give him just that bit more to make him come here. We have plenty of cap room, there really is no excuse.

[D-Unit]

Not really picky on FA names. I always feel like no matter who I mention, it's a shot in the dark anyways. So I get depressed when we look in another direction. Just tired to seeing the guys I hate get resigned for way too much money and no namers come through FA. When it comes down to who they're rumored to be looking at, at that point I'll share an opinion. Needless to say, my confidence in the Dallas operation is shot.

[CDCB14]

Not really picky on FA names. I always feel like no matter who I mention, it's a shot in the dark anyways. So I get depressed when we look in another direction. Just tired to seeing the guys I hate get resigned for way too much money and no namers come through FA. When it comes down to who they're rumored to be looking at, at that point I'll share an opinion. Needless to say, my confidence in the Dallas operation is shot.

I agree to some extent, but I think things are getting better. I think Garrett is a smart guy with a solid plan. Getting rid of over priced veterans and coaches like Campo is a start.

Not to mention, our front office handled the cap situation beautifully with the ability of only this year to have the free money carry over into next years cap, so we cut all of those guys without even needing to eat the dead money. Have to tip your had the Jerry and Co. there.

[dsc1600]

I think the team realized after 2010 that they were screwed, had all these overpriced vets and underachievers, and worse yet, they were f'ed for cap space. So they did a good job understanding the new rules and allowing them to spend some money this year. Jerrah had sucked in this role before, so there's no reason to beleive he'll be any better this go round. But I do think after listening to the Hitges thing that they did a good job making good out of bad.

[dsc1600]

Our defensive front 7 is ok. It could use some help, but the thing that makes Rob Ryan's defense go is the exotic schemes he uses when he calls upon DBs to blitz. There is no one in our secondary that is really capable of it. They are way too finesse or brittle in nature. We need DBs that can lay the wood.

I've mocked him several times, but every time I watch him play Brandon Boykin screams to me of a player that would fit what Rob wants to do. Boykin may not be the biggest guy, but he's not afraid to mix it up and lay the wood. He's an elite caliber nickel corner and I would love to have him play for us.

http://media.govolsxtra.com/media/img/photos/2009/10/10/utga_atb_07_t607.jpg

Another guy is Greg Reid. He may not have a long career because he sacrifices his body so much to lay big hits, but he's also mutlidimensional like Boykin. I just question if Garrett wants a guy with a troubled off field history.


I don't see our front 7 being adequate at all, at least in generating consistant pressure. I think we need an upgrade in the Spencer role and if James and Brooking never see the field again, I'd be fine w/ that.

[shane_man]

A few years ago, one of Parcells' picks was telling a non-Parcells pick how the coach would make them run a sprint to the fence at training camp as punishment if things weren't going well. The non-Parcells pick said he never would have let a coach do that to him.

That tough-talking player is no longer a Cowboy, but it spoke to the difference in mentality that seeped into the locker room not long after Parcells left.

"Most of them are pretty talented," Parcells said of the players who remain. "You don't play for that length of time in the league without being talented. But I'd like to think that maybe I helped them get started and put a little foundation in a few of them that maybe helped them go forward. That's the only thing you can hope for. I'm not saying I did, but I'm just hopeful."

That right there is your problem boys and girls. And this has nothing to do with Parcells. This is about the attitude of said player. If Coach tells you to do a lap. You do a lap. Whether it's Parcells, Chubby Wade, Jason Landry or Jerry Jones himself. When your boss says Jump. You don't question whether it should be done. Your only question should ever be "how high sir?"

[D-Unit]

I think the team realized after 2010 that they were screwed, had all these overpriced vets and underachievers, and worse yet, they were f'ed for cap space. So they did a good job understanding the new rules and allowing them to spend some money this year. Jerrah had sucked in this role before, so there's no reason to beleive he'll be any better this go round. But I do think after listening to the Hitges thing that they did a good job making good out of bad.
Somebody summarize the Norm Hinges thing to me. I didn't bother with the link.

[D-Unit]

I don't see our front 7 being adequate at all, at least in generating consistant pressure. I think we need an upgrade in the Spencer role and if James and Brooking never see the field again, I'd be fine w/ that.
I think with an improved secondary, that our guys up front have more success. Are they the best? No. Is there mediocre players there? Of course. But we don't even have mediocre players in the secondary. They just flat out suck. Every single one of them. Newman is a joke. Jenkins is soft as Charmin. Scandrick is a smart player but lacks in the talent department. Sensy and Elam are the definitions of a JAG. We need a rehaul, but it ain't happening. Scandrick and Sensy just got extensions. Elam will probably be resigned and Jenkins is looking at an extension himself. I doubt we let him go. We have 1 starting spot to upgrade... Newman's. But I wish we were upgrading both safety spots and our nickel CB too.

[leroyisgod]

I think it's premature to assume that Elam gets resigned and that Jenkins gets an extension. Let's see what happens in FA and the draft first.

[Macarthur]

Somebody summarize the Norm Hinges thing to me. I didn't bother with the link.

Basically, the Cowboys couldn't say it, but basically we took it in the shorts this year to improve our cap situation going forward. And our cap moving forward actually looks really good. We should have somewhere north of $20 million and that does not include some cuts that will most likely happen. And once all the dead money is gone after next year, our cap should be in very very good shape.

I think we've all seen that you can get by in this league without great players in the secondary. But what you must have is guys that get pressure. I think what we need to do is go ahead and pay the money for Mario. I know he's not a prototypical 3-4 OLB, but the guy is a beast rushing the passer. He and Ware would be formidable. I know it's going to cost big money, but I think it could be back loaded to help with the cap. Mathis could be an option, as well.

Here's the thing, I think we need to get back to being aggressive. Let's suck it up and go out and get players that make an impact.

[FreshBoy!]

^^^Yep


Bryan Broadus(for those who don't know..google him).....apparently tweeted the Cowboys are looking to move(or discussing) Ratliff to DE next season.
That's HUGE news...and what we do in FA/Draft regarding the NT position will be very telling. Going after a true NT in FA, finding a pass rusher and working on the secondary could change the defense literally overnight.

We're seeing changes fellas....from the top down, let's hope that continues.

[Macarthur]

^^^Yep


Bryan Broadus(for those who don't know..google him).....apparently tweeted the Cowboys are looking to move(or discussing) Ratliff to DE next season.
That's HUGE news...and what we do in FA/Draft regarding the NT position will be very telling. Going after a true NT in FA, finding a pass rusher and working on the secondary could change the defense literally overnight.

We're seeing changes fellas....from the top down, let's hope that continues.

A. Franklin would be a good signing for that NT spot. He went to NO on a one year deal and I think is not playing his natural position in that defense.

[Macarthur]

Also, Garay or Pouha would fit the bill nicely.

[CDCB14]

^^^Yep


Bryan Broadus(for those who don't know..google him).....apparently tweeted the Cowboys are looking to move(or discussing) Ratliff to DE next season.
That's HUGE news...and what we do in FA/Draft regarding the NT position will be very telling. Going after a true NT in FA, finding a pass rusher and working on the secondary could change the defense literally overnight.

We're seeing changes fellas....from the top down, let's hope that continues.

That is great news. I just went and found the tweet, and it also said expect more of lissemore at NT. I hope that's not a permanent switch. Lissemore is a beast, but enough of the undersized dudes at NT. We are moving ratliff for a reason... He's been playing great at DE in limited action, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

He also talked about DeCastro a good amount... hopefully that means it's circulating around the front office.

Campo fired, Ratliff possible switch to DE, DeCastro buzz... I'm liking the off-season so far!

[Macarthur]

Yeah, I like Lisseomore as a rotation guy, but he's not a difference maker.

[CDCB14]

Broaddus actually just tweeted back at me. He said they need to way the option of the 2nd best CB (kirkpatrick) vs the #1 OG in DeCastro. Hopefully they are at least thinking about DeCastro. Not bad.

[leroyisgod]

Broaddus actually just tweeted back at me. He said they need to way the option of the 2nd best CB (kirkpatrick) vs the #1 OG in DeCastro. Hopefully they are at least thinking about DeCastro. Not bad.

I know some people on here aren't high on Kirkpatrick because they seem him more as a S in the NFL and some character concerns. However, D-Unit I think maybe onto something when talking about the type of player we need in the secondary. We need guys that can blitz and aren't necessarily finesse players. Kirkpatrick could be one of those guys that comes in and starts at CB for a few years and then moves to safety.

[D-Unit]

Basically, the Cowboys couldn't say it, but basically we took it in the shorts this year to improve our cap situation going forward. And our cap moving forward actually looks really good. We should have somewhere north of $20 million and that does not include some cuts that will most likely happen. And once all the dead money is gone after next year, our cap should be in very very good shape.

I think we've all seen that you can get by in this league without great players in the secondary. But what you must have is guys that get pressure. I think what we need to do is go ahead and pay the money for Mario. I know he's not a prototypical 3-4 OLB, but the guy is a beast rushing the passer. He and Ware would be formidable. I know it's going to cost big money, but I think it could be back loaded to help with the cap. Mathis could be an option, as well.

Here's the thing, I think we need to get back to being aggressive. Let's suck it up and go out and get players that make an impact.
I just can't subscribe to the idea that you can get by in this league without good secondary play. I can't imagine the nightmare we would've seen on defense if we faced Green Bay or New Orleans. Had we had them on our schedule I think the need would've seemed MUCH MORE obvious.

Generating pass rush is a need that I can't ignore. Spencer has been a flop and his run stopping isn't all that some Cowboys fans like to crack it up to be.

But that said, I still can't say teams can get by without great players in their secondary. Let's look at the Giants who everyone can acknowledge as a team with good pass rush. Well has anyone noticed that they have a secondary that has 4 1st rounders (Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle, Aaron Ross, Prince Amukamara) and Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas... 2 excellent finds who outplay the value of most 1st round CBs.

In a league dominated by passing offenses (or Tim Tebow...lol), having both a pass rush AND strong coverage is necessary. One cannot operate at full capacity without the other's help. They go hand in hand. In our case, our secondary talent is several levels below the talent we have in the front 7.

I'm encouraged by the rumor that Ratliff is moving to DE because we've been clamoring for that for years now. Paired with the emergence of Hatcher, the solid play of Coleman and adequate depth in Lissemore and Spears... I think DE gets resolved on it's own, just by that move alone.

In the draft it should simply boil down to which need we can fill with the BPA with an eye on the depth of the draft at that position.

[bigbluedefense]

I don't think you guys should look at exclusively 3-4 talent. I've been saying it for 2 years now, I think the Cowboys should transition to a 4-3 defense.

RE: Ware
UT: Ratliff - his best natural position
NT: Spears - his best natural position
LE: Sign or draft someone

WILL: Carter
MIKE: Lee
SAM: draft someone/Ware on joker packages

Why can't it work? I think it's a better fit for your talent.

[MetSox17]

I honestly wouldn't mind going back to the 4-3. Not sure how a change in philosophy would impact our team, but i'd be down. We could even re-sign Spencer and keep him at LE where he would be a very solid to above average player. Pipe dream i know, it'll never happen, but it would be nice.

[Macarthur]

I just can't subscribe to the idea that you can get by in this league without good secondary play.

D, that's not what I said. I didn't say they didn't have to be good. I said they didn't have to be great.



But that said, I still can't say teams can get by without great players in their secondary. Let's look at the Giants who everyone can acknowledge as a team with good pass rush. Well has anyone noticed that they have a secondary that has 4 1st rounders (Kenny Phillips, Antrel Rolle, Aaron Ross, Prince Amukamara) and Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas... 2 excellent finds who outplay the value of most 1st round CBs.

The Giants secondary is not that great. TT is good, but has missed the whole season. Ross is terrible. Prince may be fine, but he's a rookie.


In the draft it should simply boil down to which need we can fill with the BPA with an eye on the depth of the draft at that position.

Agree.

Just want to make sure you don't reframe my argument. I'm not saying we need to ignore the secondary. I'm just saying that if we ignore the pass rush, I don't care who we sign or draft in the secondary; it ain't gonna matter.