Saturday, February 4, 2012

Offseason Preview: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys' Offseason "To Do" List


We all know that the Dallas Cowboys is a star-studded franchise.  We see them shell out top-dollar to their players, create the most expensive stadium known as "Jerry World" and put that big blue start on their helmet.  That's how it's supposed to be.  After all, this is "America's Team."  But something is wrong.
Dallas is one of the most talented teams in football.  In a pass-friendly league, they have a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, two supremely gifted wideouts and a physical tight end to control the middle of the field.  They also have to best pass rusher in the NFL in Demarcus Ware.  It seems like a recipe for success.

The Cowboys showed flashes again this season.  They handed the 49ers and early season loss, they also showed fight in a gutsy loss to the AFC Champion Patriots.  The problem, they often look to roll over when things are tough.  The exact opposite of division rival and NFC Champion NY Giants.  Also, while I highlighted strengths of the team, there are glaring weaknesses.  

The biggest weakness falls on their head coach, Jason Garrett.  He is a disciplinarian and has an excellent football mind, but Garrett is often too consumed with play-calling duties to adequately fill role as head coach on game day.  It is often a bad idea for head coaches to become play-callers, especially early in their careers.  I think taking on such a role contributes to clock management issues. 

The interior of their offensive line is also lacking.  Romo, like most quarterbacks, is not a fan of pressure right in his face.  Bill Callahan comes over (replacing Hudson Houck who retired) from the New York Jets.  He will bring a slight philosophy change but an entire personnel change will not be necessary.  

The secondary is in shambles right now.  It could be the scheme of first year defensive coordinator, Rob Ryan.  It could be the need for blitzing to create pressure, leaving the back end vulnerable.  Jerome Henderson has been hired as the defensive backs coach.  He has a relationship with Rob Ryan from their Cleveland days.  This is a move to help bring continuity to the defense.  If the Cowboys want to be a consistent team, they will need to limit the big plays.

Dallas has the fourteenth overall draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Expect secondary or guard to be addressed with that pick.  Dallas is also reportedly in decent cap shape, which is different from most years (they usually head into the offseason over the cap).  A slew of roster moves could free up more cap space before the free agency period begins.  So let's check out the Cowboys' "To Do" list:

Cut CB Terence Newman: His play has slipped.  Some believe it was due to injury.  That may be the case, but there were blown assignments all over the Cowoboys' back end.  A lot of those were Newman's.  It is always better to get rid of a cornerback a year early, rather than a year late.  The problem is if Dallas can wait until June 1st to cut Newman they will save an additional $2 million.  I say sever ties, and move on.

Get Secondary Help: With no Newman, Dallas will have one more hole to fill.  They seem intent on Sensabaugh being a solid safety.  He will still need a partner-in-crime.  Safety and corner will need to be addressed.  Possible free defensive back agents on the market include Tyvon Branch (Oakland), Brandon Flowers (Kansas City), Carlos Rogers (San Francisco), Tracy Porter (New Orleans) and Dashon Goldson (San Francisco).  They should also look into re-signing Orlando Scandrick and/or Alan Ball It's a good thing they signed Orlando Scandrick to a five-year deal because a completely new secondary will not bode well for a playoff push next season.

Upgrade Interior OL: This could be addressed through the draft w/ a player like David DeCastro (Stanford), Peter Konz (Wisconsin) or even Cordy Glenn (Georgia) who might have Dallas fans thinking about Larry Allen.  There could be some mid-rounds options available in a deep draft class for OL.  Free Agency is an option as well.

Rush LB: This is a move that could be addressed as easily as re-signing Anthony Spencer.  He's a capable linebacker, who makes it hay stuffing the run.  Dallas could look for a more explosive pass rusher to replace him.  In the end, I expect Spencer to be back with them possibly looking to draft a pure pass rusher in the middle to late rounds of the draft.

Running Back: Dallas found Demarco Murray in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.  Before his injury, he looked to be the lead back of a stable group.  Felix Jones spent more time in the training room than on the football field.  They have another young back from Middle Tennessee named Phillip Turner.  With durability concerns and inexperience, the Cowboys don't have a reliable back.  They should look for a veteran back like Thomas Jones (Kansas City) or Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay) that is durable and capable of handling a load if they need to.

Final Thoughts
Dallas has become a team that has a goal of "Super Bowl or Bust."  When they don't make the playoffs, you get the feeling heads will roll.  There have been no "wholesale" changes.  Owner, Jerry Jones recognizes this is a football team that just didn't get it done last year.  Although Jones will never say it publicly, I believe another season ending without a playoff appearance will have Head Coach Jason Garrett at the unemployment line.  The NFC East will be a tough division once again.  Dallas will have to win the close ones, if they expect to be on top of that division next year.









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