2013 Official Dallas Cowboys Thread (2 Viewers)

[The Man With No Name]

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[cobalt_27]

I don't get all the optimism here. Until I see substantial personnel changes, it's really hard to look past the glaring holes we have failed to fill for the past 4 seasons. Even with the next Tom Landry steering the ship.

You are the most negative person I have ever met to call themselves a Cowboys fan. This team had alot of holes after the 2009 draft (credit to you for calling it) they have made alot of positive strides since then. For instance MLB was a glaring hole and they answered with Carter and Lee. CB was horrible they fixed it with Carr, Claiborne, Jenkins, and Scandrick. IN past two years they have drafted Tyron Smith, Bruce Carter, DeMarco Murray, Dwayne Harris, Claiborne, Hanna, Crawford, Wilber. With that haul they are at the very least average in drafting certainly not hopeless like you make them out to be.

I honestly don't think it's negative. I think it's being realistic. You make some good points, though. They have addressed many of the holes that were present even before the 09 draft debacle. Still many remain, and a lot of the names you mentioned above only Cowboy fans will recognize because we're hoping the potential equals the reality. Remove 09, I think their drafts have been ok the past several years and honestly better than the Parcells era drafts for the most part. That said, there is still so much to fix with this team, and I feel like each year, we're filling one hole and finding another one or two open up at the end of the season. Our approach to OL in free agency has been maddening, both in securing guys like Free for gobs of $ based on limited exposure, and not pursuing quality starters to protect Romo and support the run game which has been so inferior, save for the Herculean efforts of Murray (whom I honestly don't trust can stay healthy). The DL is a mess, as it was the year before and we did nothing to support or enhance that.

Credit where credit is due: I loved the Tyron, Claiborne, Carter, and Wilber selections when they came down, and hope they pan out. I was not thrilled with Murray, Lee, or Crawford, but at least 2 of those three have been outstanding. Hanna is going to be a good, if not great, TE when Witten retires or breaks down. And the Carr addition, while pricey, has been worth the investment (had no idea his ball skills were so good).

But, I'm selfish and want more. I want to see a philosophy and to build smartly around that philosophy on both sides of the ball. I want this team to embrace an identity. I want to go to games and not have to feel like I'm encouraging others to scream and yell and kick up the volume. We're not entitled to anything, as fans. But, there are certain advantages the Cowboy brand, franchise, resources, and history all have that should translate into better performance on and off the field, and my over-riding feeling about this regime--the past several regimes in fact-- is that we are underperforming with the stacked advantages we have.

Bottom line, other teams are doing a lot more with a lot less. If that makes me negative, so be it. I just think it's a realistic assessment of where we have been and where we are now.

Just my .02.

You and Culdeus are the most negative people on the entire board and it's not even close. I'm pretty sure you're the same person.

My negativity is founded on realism. Assess the team responsibly. I'm not pointing fingers, but there is way too much blind optimism from Cowboy fans. Worse, I suspect our GM suffers from this as well. Not sure the direction of causation, but I choose to believe if fans were more open, vocal, and honest, our GM might dig a little deeper for solutions. Therein lies my optimism. So, get on board.

 

[cobalt_27]

By the way, if anyone wants any section 304 seats for next year, I have 4 season tickets. Just switched last year from the upper reaches of 441, and it's an incredible improvement in the experience. I live in Boston and go to 1-2 games per year, but wife and. I are expecting, so there is no realistic chance I'll be going to Dallas this year. PM if interested.

 

[Bankerguy]

Thought more about Gruden.The one thing that I would really like other then the change to the base offense is that Gruden coming = LESS JERRY.Gruden has a history of dealing with a crazy owner. He knows how to manage that and would ensure he has control.I still don't think it happens.My biggest problem right now is too much Jerry.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Thought more about Gruden.

The one thing that I would really like other then the change to the base offense is that Gruden coming = LESS JERRY.

Gruden has a history of dealing with a crazy owner. He knows how to manage that and would ensure he has control.

I still don't think it happens.



My biggest problem right now is too much Jerry.

Yea. All everybody can talk about is ow Jerry needs to step away and hire a GM. Jerry's response? Full blown micromanaging.

 

[simmonjm]

I don't get all the optimism here. Until I see substantial personnel changes, it's really hard to look past the glaring holes we have failed to fill for the past 4 seasons. Even with the next Tom Landry steering the ship.

You are the most negative person I have ever met to call themselves a Cowboys fan. This team had alot of holes after the 2009 draft (credit to you for calling it) they have made alot of positive strides since then. For instance MLB was a glaring hole and they answered with Carter and Lee. CB was horrible they fixed it with Carr, Claiborne, Jenkins, and Scandrick. IN past two years they have drafted Tyron Smith, Bruce Carter, DeMarco Murray, Dwayne Harris, Claiborne, Hanna, Crawford, Wilber. With that haul they are at the very least average in drafting certainly not hopeless like you make them out to be.

I honestly don't think it's negative. I think it's being realistic. You make some good points, though. They have addressed many of the holes that were present even before the 09 draft debacle. Still many remain, and a lot of the names you mentioned above only Cowboy fans will recognize because we're hoping the potential equals the reality. Remove 09, I think their drafts have been ok the past several years and honestly better than the Parcells era drafts for the most part. That said, there is still so much to fix with this team, and I feel like each year, we're filling one hole and finding another one or two open up at the end of the season. Our approach to OL in free agency has been maddening, both in securing guys like Free for gobs of $ based on limited exposure, and not pursuing quality starters to protect Romo and support the run game which has been so inferior, save for the Herculean efforts of Murray (whom I honestly don't trust can stay healthy). The DL is a mess, as it was the year before and we did nothing to support or enhance that.

Credit where credit is due: I loved the Tyron, Claiborne, Carter, and Wilber selections when they came down, and hope they pan out. I was not thrilled with Murray, Lee, or Crawford, but at least 2 of those three have been outstanding. Hanna is going to be a good, if not great, TE when Witten retires or breaks down. And the Carr addition, while pricey, has been worth the investment (had no idea his ball skills were so good).

But, I'm selfish and want more. I want to see a philosophy and to build smartly around that philosophy on both sides of the ball. I want this team to embrace an identity. I want to go to games and not have to feel like I'm encouraging others to scream and yell and kick up the volume. We're not entitled to anything, as fans. But, there are certain advantages the Cowboy brand, franchise, resources, and history all have that should translate into better performance on and off the field, and my over-riding feeling about this regime--the past several regimes in fact-- is that we are underperforming with the stacked advantages we have.

Bottom line, other teams are doing a lot more with a lot less. If that makes me negative, so be it. I just think it's a realistic assessment of where we have been and where we are now.

Just my .02.

I can get on board with this especially the part about I feel like each year, we're filling one hole and finding another one or two open up at the end of the season.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

By the way, if anyone wants any section 304 seats for next year, I have 4 season tickets. Just switched last year from the upper reaches of 441, and it's an incredible improvement in the experience. I live in Boston and go to 1-2 games per year, but wife and. I are expecting, so there is no realistic chance I'll be going to Dallas this year. PM if interested.

That's a lot of dedication to come in from Boston, and not cheap either. Congrtaz to you and your wife.

 

[culdeus]

I don't get all the optimism here. Until I see substantial personnel changes, it's really hard to look past the glaring holes we have failed to fill for the past 4 seasons. Even with the next Tom Landry steering the ship.

You are the most negative person I have ever met to call themselves a Cowboys fan. This team had alot of holes after the 2009 draft (credit to you for calling it) they have made alot of positive strides since then. For instance MLB was a glaring hole and they answered with Carter and Lee. CB was horrible they fixed it with Carr, Claiborne, Jenkins, and Scandrick. IN past two years they have drafted Tyron Smith, Bruce Carter, DeMarco Murray, Dwayne Harris, Claiborne, Hanna, Crawford, Wilber. With that haul they are at the very least average in drafting certainly not hopeless like you make them out to be.

this hurts

 

[culdeus]

I don't get all the optimism here. Until I see substantial personnel changes, it's really hard to look past the glaring holes we have failed to fill for the past 4 seasons. Even with the next Tom Landry steering the ship.

You are the most negative person I have ever met to call themselves a Cowboys fan. This team had alot of holes after the 2009 draft (credit to you for calling it) they have made alot of positive strides since then. For instance MLB was a glaring hole and they answered with Carter and Lee. CB was horrible they fixed it with Carr, Claiborne, Jenkins, and Scandrick. IN past two years they have drafted Tyron Smith, Bruce Carter, DeMarco Murray, Dwayne Harris, Claiborne, Hanna, Crawford, Wilber. With that haul they are at the very least average in drafting certainly not hopeless like you make them out to be.

I honestly don't think it's negative. I think it's being realistic. You make some good points, though. They have addressed many of the holes that were present even before the 09 draft debacle. Still many remain, and a lot of the names you mentioned above only Cowboy fans will recognize because we're hoping the potential equals the reality. Remove 09, I think their drafts have been ok the past several years and honestly better than the Parcells era drafts for the most part. That said, there is still so much to fix with this team, and I feel like each year, we're filling one hole and finding another one or two open up at the end of the season. Our approach to OL in free agency has been maddening, both in securing guys like Free for gobs of $ based on limited exposure, and not pursuing quality starters to protect Romo and support the run game which has been so inferior, save for the Herculean efforts of Murray (whom I honestly don't trust can stay healthy). The DL is a mess, as it was the year before and we did nothing to support or enhance that.

Credit where credit is due: I loved the Tyron, Claiborne, Carter, and Wilber selections when they came down, and hope they pan out. I was not thrilled with Murray, Lee, or Crawford, but at least 2 of those three have been outstanding. Hanna is going to be a good, if not great, TE when Witten retires or breaks down. And the Carr addition, while pricey, has been worth the investment (had no idea his ball skills were so good).

But, I'm selfish and want more. I want to see a philosophy and to build smartly around that philosophy on both sides of the ball. I want this team to embrace an identity. I want to go to games and not have to feel like I'm encouraging others to scream and yell and kick up the volume. We're not entitled to anything, as fans. But, there are certain advantages the Cowboy brand, franchise, resources, and history all have that should translate into better performance on and off the field, and my over-riding feeling about this regime--the past several regimes in fact-- is that we are underperforming with the stacked advantages we have.

Bottom line, other teams are doing a lot more with a lot less. If that makes me negative, so be it. I just think it's a realistic assessment of where we have been and where we are now.

Just my .02.

You and Culdeus are the most negative people on the entire board and it's not even close. I'm pretty sure you're the same person.

ah, more like it.

 

[cobalt_27]

Is it just me, or do Mondays suck so much more without celebrating or #####ing about the Cowboys?God, I hate no football.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I don't get all the optimism here. Until I see substantial personnel changes, it's really hard to look past the glaring holes we have failed to fill for the past 4 seasons. Even with the next Tom Landry steering the ship.

You are the most negative person I have ever met to call themselves a Cowboys fan. This team had alot of holes after the 2009 draft (credit to you for calling it) they have made alot of positive strides since then. For instance MLB was a glaring hole and they answered with Carter and Lee. CB was horrible they fixed it with Carr, Claiborne, Jenkins, and Scandrick. IN past two years they have drafted Tyron Smith, Bruce Carter, DeMarco Murray, Dwayne Harris, Claiborne, Hanna, Crawford, Wilber. With that haul they are at the very least average in drafting certainly not hopeless like you make them out to be.

I honestly don't think it's negative. I think it's being realistic. You make some good points, though. They have addressed many of the holes that were present even before the 09 draft debacle. Still many remain, and a lot of the names you mentioned above only Cowboy fans will recognize because we're hoping the potential equals the reality. Remove 09, I think their drafts have been ok the past several years and honestly better than the Parcells era drafts for the most part. That said, there is still so much to fix with this team, and I feel like each year, we're filling one hole and finding another one or two open up at the end of the season. Our approach to OL in free agency has been maddening, both in securing guys like Free for gobs of $ based on limited exposure, and not pursuing quality starters to protect Romo and support the run game which has been so inferior, save for the Herculean efforts of Murray (whom I honestly don't trust can stay healthy). The DL is a mess, as it was the year before and we did nothing to support or enhance that.

Credit where credit is due: I loved the Tyron, Claiborne, Carter, and Wilber selections when they came down, and hope they pan out. I was not thrilled with Murray, Lee, or Crawford, but at least 2 of those three have been outstanding. Hanna is going to be a good, if not great, TE when Witten retires or breaks down. And the Carr addition, while pricey, has been worth the investment (had no idea his ball skills were so good).

But, I'm selfish and want more. I want to see a philosophy and to build smartly around that philosophy on both sides of the ball. I want this team to embrace an identity. I want to go to games and not have to feel like I'm encouraging others to scream and yell and kick up the volume. We're not entitled to anything, as fans. But, there are certain advantages the Cowboy brand, franchise, resources, and history all have that should translate into better performance on and off the field, and my over-riding feeling about this regime--the past several regimes in fact-- is that we are underperforming with the stacked advantages we have.

Bottom line, other teams are doing a lot more with a lot less. If that makes me negative, so be it. I just think it's a realistic assessment of where we have been and where we are now.

Just my .02.

You and Culdeus are the most negative people on the entire board and it's not even close. I'm pretty sure you're the same person.

ah, more like it.

 

[oddball]

 

[Hastur]

 

[simmonjm]

Too early to start talking prospective draft picks? I havent really researched much draft information.

 

[cobalt_27]

Lacy @ 1?Been hearing this chatter on him

 

[Ridgelake]

Lacy @ 1?Been hearing this chatter on him

I love the player. I think he'll make a great pro. But is RB really the position holding this team back? Think about what have been the problem areas, the talent available in this draft, and I suspect you may find a different conclusion on likely draft spots.

 

[dhockster]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gavehuge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

 

[Ridgelake]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.

http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013

If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gave

huge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the

cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,

would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.

Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

From BSPN, FWIW:The Cowboys will have to make a number of moves – cutting players, restructuring contracts and/or signing quarterback Tony Romo to an extension – to just get under the $121 million cap. Executive vice president Stephen Jones has acknowledged the cap is more of a challenge this year than in recent years.

The Cowboys will restructure Carr’s contract, which will save about $10.5 million in space, and can look to re-work the deals of DeMarcus Ware and Jason Witten, which would create about $6.5 million in space. A new deal for Romo would likely cut his $16.8 million salary-cap figure in half

Players like Doug Free, Dan Connor, Jay Ratliff, Marcus Spears and Lawrence Vickers could be cut or asked to take pay cuts to remain, which would open up more space.

 

[DevilDog919]

I would say Dan Connor is definitely gone. Ryan Cook may be gone too if that site is correct. Seems like its finally time to cut ties with Spears too. Romo, Ware, Witten, Austin, and maybe Free will get renegotiated. After all of this is done, we will have just enough to sign a few smaller FA's or maybe one impact FA and our rookies. Not going to be a big offseason by any means.

 

[cobalt_27]

Lacy @ 1?Been hearing this chatter on him

I love the player. I think he'll make a great pro. But is RB really the position holding this team back? Think about what have been the problem areas, the talent available in this draft, and I suspect you may find a different conclusion on likely draft spots.

No, I am very clearly in the camp of fix the O and D lines first. But, if the BPA is Lacy where we pick, and this quite possibly will be an option, I wouldn't put it past the DAL brass to fortify the RB position. I'm not convinced the Cowboys feel Murray is the long-term answer.

 

[dhockster]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gavehuge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

Looking a little bit closer at the Cowboys salaries, I realized that not all of the deferred money is from signing bonuses but is more from Jerry re-negotiating contracts to push money into the future to get under the current cap. Because the cap has not really gone up in about 3 years, this is causing a crunch for the Cowboys this year. Assuming the cap starts to go up significantly next year due to the new TV contract, the Cowboys should be okay with the cap in the future.I look for Jerry to extend Romo, and renegotiate some contracts like Brandon Carr to get under the cap. The interesting thing is there was talk about how the Cowboys should cut Ratliff because of what a jerk he is, but really they can't from a salary cap perspective because they will increase their cap hit by $3 million if they cut him.As someone mentioned above, the Cowboys are really not going to have any flexibility to add any significant new pieces this year, other than through the draft.

 

[Ridgelake]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gavehuge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

Looking a little bit closer at the Cowboys salaries, I realized that not all of the deferred money is from signing bonuses but is more from Jerry re-negotiating contracts to push money into the future to get under the current cap. Because the cap has not really gone up in about 3 years, this is causing a crunch for the Cowboys this year. Assuming the cap starts to go up significantly next year due to the new TV contract, the Cowboys should be okay with the cap in the future.I look for Jerry to extend Romo, and renegotiate some contracts like Brandon Carr to get under the cap. The interesting thing is there was talk about how the Cowboys should cut Ratliff because of what a jerk he is, but really they can't from a salary cap perspective because they will increase their cap hit by $3 million if they cut him.As someone mentioned above, the Cowboys are really not going to have any flexibility to add any significant new pieces this year, other than through the draft.

Lets also not forget the Cap hit brought on by Giant's Wellington Mara against the Skins and Cowboys for purported cap violations in the "uncapped" year. That's reduced Dallas' cap this upcoming year by about $5M IIRC.

 

[dhockster]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gavehuge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

Looking a little bit closer at the Cowboys salaries, I realized that not all of the deferred money is from signing bonuses but is more from Jerry re-negotiating contracts to push money into the future to get under the current cap. Because the cap has not really gone up in about 3 years, this is causing a crunch for the Cowboys this year. Assuming the cap starts to go up significantly next year due to the new TV contract, the Cowboys should be okay with the cap in the future.I look for Jerry to extend Romo, and renegotiate some contracts like Brandon Carr to get under the cap. The interesting thing is there was talk about how the Cowboys should cut Ratliff because of what a jerk he is, but really they can't from a salary cap perspective because they will increase their cap hit by $3 million if they cut him.As someone mentioned above, the Cowboys are really not going to have any flexibility to add any significant new pieces this year, other than through the draft.

Lets also not forget the Cap hit brought on by Giant's Wellington Mara against the Skins and Cowboys for purported cap violations in the "uncapped" year. That's reduced Dallas' cap this upcoming year by about $5M IIRC.

The actual reduction will be $2.67 million because the Cowboys had $2.33 million in unused 2012 cap carried over to 2013. So the Cowboys actual cap number will be in the $118-$119 million range.

 

[cobalt_27]

Based on this website, the Cowboys are in cap hell this year.http://www.overthecap.com/teamcap.php?Team=Cowboys&Year=2013If these numbers are right, and they look reasonably accurate, I don't know how Jerry is going to get under the cap. It looks like Jerry gavehuge signing bonuses to everyone he signed over the past couple of seasons, meaning they all still have a lot of deferred salary which has to hit the cap. Therefore, there is very few players they can cut which will save a lot of money against the cap. In fact, a large percentage of their players, if cut,would INCREASE the Cowboys cap hit this year because of the deferred money which would hit in the current year.Any Cowboy fans here anything about this from people covering the team?

Looking a little bit closer at the Cowboys salaries, I realized that not all of the deferred money is from signing bonuses but is more from Jerry re-negotiating contracts to push money into the future to get under the current cap. Because the cap has not really gone up in about 3 years, this is causing a crunch for the Cowboys this year. Assuming the cap starts to go up significantly next year due to the new TV contract, the Cowboys should be okay with the cap in the future.I look for Jerry to extend Romo, and renegotiate some contracts like Brandon Carr to get under the cap. The interesting thing is there was talk about how the Cowboys should cut Ratliff because of what a jerk he is, but really they can't from a salary cap perspective because they will increase their cap hit by $3 million if they cut him.As someone mentioned above, the Cowboys are really not going to have any flexibility to add any significant new pieces this year, other than through the draft.

Lets also not forget the Cap hit brought on by Giant's Wellington Mara against the Skins and Cowboys for purported cap violations in the "uncapped" year. That's reduced Dallas' cap this upcoming year by about $5M IIRC.

The actual reduction will be $2.67 million because the Cowboys had $2.33 million in unused 2012 cap carried over to 2013. So the Cowboys actual cap number will be in the $118-$119 million range.

Someone remind me the redeeming value of the current GM regime. Seems most teams sacrifice personnel expertise to get cap gurus, while other teams can evaluate talent at the expense of not being the most cap savvy clubs.We seem to have the worst of both worlds.Ugh.

 

[Ridgelake]

The actual reduction will be $2.67 million because the Cowboys had $2.33 million in unused 2012 cap carried over to 2013. So the Cowboys actual cap number will be in the $118-$119 million range.

Thanks for that tidbit. I was unaware they were able to allocate unused cap space against the penalty. That definitely helps some. Though $2.67M is a RFA level guy. An experienced vet. Not monumental, but potentially impactful.

 

[Texasmouth]

I am actually getting a little excited about the coaching staff moves. At first I was a little pissed about losing Ryan but the more I looked at it and read up, I dont think it is a big loss. The guy pretty much gets a ton of hype based on his name. His defenses have never been great. With all of the injuries this year, a lot of times it seemed to me like he was stubbornly trying to prove he could work his "scheme" with anyone instead of making necessary adjustments to match what he had on the field. Just my opinion of course. I am excited to see what Kiffin and his staff can do. He has a really solid staff of guys around him. The guy is creative. I understand he is old as hell. I dont care. He seems reinvigorated. I actually could care less who calls the plays on offense. I just want Garrett to learn how to be an actual coach and learn to pay attention to friggin game management. He has enough guys on this team around him now that have been head coaches to assist with that. I dont care if he is calling the plays or Callahan. Someone pay attention to the game management. Lock Romo up with a solid long term deal. Maybe he isnt the answer at QB but he certainly isnt the problem either. He is still better than probably 22 other QB. I agree with whoever suggested drafting a RB. I love Murray. Absolutely LOVE Murray, when he is actually ON THE FIELD. The guy is always hurt. I knew he would be. Being a big 12 Homer, I worried about that from day one because OU ran this guy into the ground. Felix Jones sucks. Tanner didnt pan out. Dunbar may be a player. He may not. Not willing to risk him being the bell cow WHEN Murray gets hurt again. It doesnt have to be a first round RB but at least a 3rd. There are some really solid RB in this draft. I would love to see them grab the RB out of Syracuse in the 3rd or 4th round. The Redskins are hot. The Giants are always good. The Eagles are starting over. The cowboys window is closing. This season needs to mean something. I cant see Garrett surviving another 8-8 season, maybe not even a 9-7 season. Im still not really sold on Garrett. This is his time to sell the fans with some success.

 

[Bankerguy]

Very weird, but I haven't been this uninterested in the Cowboys for a long time.Great article by Sturm and it highlights most of my concerns with Garrett the coach that so many seem to be OK with.This is a must read.http://sturminator.blogspot.ca/2013/02/garrett-overview-6-years-of-data.html

 

[cobalt_27]

Very weird, but I haven't been this uninterested in the Cowboys for a long time.Great article by Sturm and it highlights most of my concerns with Garrett the coach that so many seem to be OK with.This is a must read.http://sturminator.blogspot.ca/2013/02/garrett-overview-6-years-of-data.html

36 minutes of TOP with the lead? Half of which came in the Tampa game? Brutal.

 

[Texasmouth]

Very weird, but I haven't been this uninterested in the Cowboys for a long time.Great article by Sturm and it highlights most of my concerns with Garrett the coach that so many seem to be OK with.This is a must read.http://sturminator.blogspot.ca/2013/02/garrett-overview-6-years-of-data.html

Doesnt seem to be just you either BG. Usually this thread is buzzing with draft rumors and off season speculation. Two posts in the past two weeks. Jerry Jones has ruined this team. I fear it will never be the same while he is still alive. We are the NFC East Raiders.

 

[jkruppe]

Very weird, but I haven't been this uninterested in the Cowboys for a long time.Great article by Sturm and it highlights most of my concerns with Garrett the coach that so many seem to be OK with.This is a must read.http://sturminator.blogspot.ca/2013/02/garrett-overview-6-years-of-data.html

Doesnt seem to be just you either BG. Usually this thread is buzzing with draft rumors and off season speculation. Two posts in the past two weeks. Jerry Jones has ruined this team. I fear it will never be the same while he is still alive. We are the NFC East Raiders.

Or maybe we're just sick of the negativity with all the whiny comments. There's plenty of reason for optimism about the coming season. On offense, Romo's contract will get re-done and help with the cap. Miles will still be around, and combined with the emergence of Harris, makes a very good WR squad. Felix and Tanner are probably gone, but Murray should get a new running mate. The O-lineman at the combine looked awesome and we're most likely going to get one of them. And maybe best of all, Garrett won't be calling plays...at least not exclusively. All that, imo, is improvement over last year.On defense, maybe we can finally see what Church and Johnson can do at safety. Carter and Lee at LB. Probably losing Spencer will be a hit, but we probably get a new guy in the draft...lots of depth on the D-line this year. New coaches, new scheme, and I can't imagine the injury bug biting again like it did last year. I don't know what to tell you guys about your waning interest. Go be a Seahawks fan if that's how you feel -- they're on the way up now and maybe that will appeal to you. I'm as big a fan now as I ever was, and as excited about the new season as I ever am in February.

 

[DaWidowMaker]

Or maybe we're just sick of the negativity with all the whiny comments. There's plenty of reason for optimism about the coming season. On offense, Romo's contract will get re-done and help with the cap. Miles will still be around, and combined with the emergence of Harris, makes a very good WR squad. Felix and Tanner are probably gone, but Murray should get a new running mate. The O-lineman at the combine looked awesome and we're most likely going to get one of them. And maybe best of all, Garrett won't be calling plays...at least not exclusively. All that, imo, is improvement over last year.On defense, maybe we can finally see what Church and Johnson can do at safety. Carter and Lee at LB. Probably losing Spencer will be a hit, but we probably get a new guy in the draft...lots of depth on the D-line this year. New coaches, new scheme, and I can't imagine the injury bug biting again like it did last year. I don't know what to tell you guys about your waning interest. Go be a Seahawks fan if that's how you feel -- they're on the way up now and maybe that will appeal to you. I'm as big a fan now as I ever was, and as excited about the new season as I ever am in February.Amen my brother. I tend to think that a lot of the negative Cowboy regulars on this board are a bit older and have been so used to going to the playoffs year in and year out from 1970-1998 that the last 15 years has been just about unbearable. To a point I can understand, but the constant doom and gloom does get tiring to read which makes others not even bother to post (at least during the offseason).

 

[Bankerguy]

I think part of my own frustration has to deal with here on the MBs. I find at times that it's even hard to have an opinion on anything anymore without someone calling you something. I have been fighting trolls all year in game threads and in our very own Official Teeam thread. Call me what you want, but I have been defending the Cowboys for years around here and would like to think I have a decent repuation on the board. Especially with our most hated rivals. What does suck sometimes is being called everything from a homer, Cowboy apologist, doom and gloomer, and now a negative and older fan. I'm just growing tired of having to defend every opinion. I didn't say we suck or something along those lines. why is everything so black and white? I'm just short of 40 so yes I've seen some great years but I was excited even after we went 1-15 in the early 90s. I call it the way i see it. I am super excited about Kiffin and the 4-3 despite the potential humor and Bingo jokes we can make about Kiff. I think there are other bright lights with some up and coming players. I'm hoping for a healthier year to see what we can do. However, on the other hand there is still a ton wrong. Jerry mouthing off saying if we win a SB he wants the credit as the GM. Such an egomaniac and distraction. Huge holes on both lines and the constant problem at both safety positions. I've started to do my draft prep, I'm sure as the date nears my enthusiam will ramp up. At our draft spot, I'm just hopeful we can draft a legit starter in an area of need.

 

[Bankerguy]

Here's some good news.Schefter reporting we re-did Ware and saved 4 million in cap space.

 

[cobalt_27]

Or maybe we're just sick of the negativity with all the whiny comments. I don't know what to tell you guys about your waning interest. Go be a Seahawks fan if that's how you feel -- they're on the way up now and maybe that will appeal to you.

These are the type of posts BG is talking about. This is the kind of thing that makes me personally embarrassed to be a Cowboy fan. BG has demonstrated over and over his devotion to the boys. This kind of b.s. commentary is totally unwarranted.

 

[cobalt_27]

Here's some good news.Schefter reporting we re-did Ware and saved 4 million in cap space.

Not surprising, but good news. Only about 15 million left to go!

 

[jkruppe]

Or maybe we're just sick of the negativity with all the whiny comments. I don't know what to tell you guys about your waning interest. Go be a Seahawks fan if that's how you feel -- they're on the way up now and maybe that will appeal to you.

These are the type of posts BG is talking about. This is the kind of thing that makes me personally embarrassed to be a Cowboy fan. BG has demonstrated over and over his devotion to the boys. This kind of b.s. commentary is totally unwarranted.

He had just made a comment about how uninterested he's been in the Cowboys lately. Sorry if I see that as a negative, whiny comment. I don't think yours was much better. If you were really sick of the "b.s. commentary" then you could have responded to some of the other things I said in my post. You responded the way you saw fit, which is fine. But then you can't act "embarrassed to be a Cowboys fan" if someone calls you on being negative.I apologize if my comments upset you. Last season ended brutally and I'm more interested in moving forward. And -- again -- I think there is plenty to be looking forward to.

 

[jkruppe]

Here's some good news.Schefter reporting we re-did Ware and saved 4 million in cap space.

Not surprising, but good news. Only about 15 million left to go!

Good start. The first of around a dozen such moves, hopefully.Here's something I think we can all agree on. This mock from Yahoo has us taking Eifert at #18. If that were to happen, then there would be no shortage of negativity...and rightly so.Yahoo

 

[Bankerguy]

Or maybe we're just sick of the negativity with all the whiny comments. I don't know what to tell you guys about your waning interest. Go be a Seahawks fan if that's how you feel -- they're on the way up now and maybe that will appeal to you.

These are the type of posts BG is talking about. This is the kind of thing that makes me personally embarrassed to be a Cowboy fan. BG has demonstrated over and over his devotion to the boys. This kind of b.s. commentary is totally unwarranted.

He had just made a comment about how uninterested he's been in the Cowboys lately. Sorry if I see that as a negative, whiny comment. I don't think yours was much better. If you were really sick of the "b.s. commentary" then you could have responded to some of the other things I said in my post. You responded the way you saw fit, which is fine. But then you can't act "embarrassed to be a Cowboys fan" if someone calls you on being negative.I apologize if my comments upset you. Last season ended brutally and I'm more interested in moving forward. And -- again -- I think there is plenty to be looking forward to.

Oh I forgot Whiny. I'll add that to the list.

 

[Bankerguy]

Dan Connor asked to take a pay cut or be released soon. Dan

 

[cobalt_27]

Based on what my eyes tell me, I'm kind of pulling for the boys to take Cooper at 1.18 and steer way clear of Fluker.

 

[Ariakis]

The Cowboys certainly have other needs but Eifert if he becomes a legit stud TE isn't a bad option both for 2 TE formations and as the heir to Witten. So not my 1st choice but not unreasable ...Are we moving Free to OG and drafting/signing an OT? Beyond that the team needs to stick with BPA although if an interior DT or pass rusher is available that would tempt me more than a top TE.

 

[jkruppe]

More about the switch to the 4-3...maybe planned for quite a while. I think the biggest question will be the pass rush opposite Ware. He needs help.

My link

 

[cobalt_27]

The Cowboys certainly have other needs but Eifert if he becomes a legit stud TE isn't a bad option both for 2 TE formations and as the heir to Witten. So not my 1st choice but not unreasable ...Are we moving Free to OG and drafting/signing an OT? Beyond that the team needs to stick with BPA although if an interior DT or pass rusher is available that would tempt me more than a top TE.

No on Eifert for me. First, we have significant needs on OL and DL, as well as LB and S that should take priority at 1.18, IMO. Second, I love Hanna...can't be covered in practices, really skilled passs catcher, and signed through 2015. We're fine there.Moving Free to Guard might work. Still need a dominant G on the other side. Take Cooper or go DL.

 

[cobalt_27]

Guards Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings were also reported to have restructured their deals, although there was no announcement by the team to that effect.

Why the heck are these jokers even on the roster, let alone getting restructured contracts?

 

[Ariakis]

I probably agree that an OT makes the most sense but if there is a run they need to stick with BPA if there is a clear choice and not reach.Anyone have the updated cap figures for the Cowboys with all of the renegotiated contracts? Can we afford to retain anyone that matters or even go out and get anyone of note afterall?

 

[Ariakis]

I probably agree that an OT makes the most sense but if there is a run they need to stick with BPA if there is a clear choice and not reach.Anyone have the updated cap figures for the Cowboys with all of the renegotiated contracts? Can we afford to retain anyone that matters or even go out and get anyone of note afterall?

 

[Ridgelake]

I probably agree that an OT makes the most sense but if there is a run they need to stick with BPA if there is a clear choice and not reach.

Anyone have the updated cap figures for the Cowboys with all of the renegotiated contracts? Can we afford to retain anyone that matters or even go out and get anyone of note afterall?

From BSPN...IRVING, Texas – By restructuring the contracts of Brandon Carr, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten, Miles Austin and Ryan Cook, the Cowboys are under the $123 million NFL salary cap.

But not by so much that they can be active shoppers when free agency begins March 12 and not enough to where they can place the franchise tag on outside linebacker Anthony Spencer for the second straight year.

The five announced moves Thursday cleared roughly $23 million against the cap, leaving them with about $5 million under the cap. They would have to create another $6 million to fit Spencer's $10.6 million tag under the cap.

The Cowboys have until Monday to tag Spencer.

The $5 million figure does not take into account the restricted free-agent tenders for Phil Costa, Danny McCray and possibly Brian Schaefering at $1.323 million each. It is possible the Cowboys do not tender Schaeferung, a late-season pickup in 2012.

To clarify an earlier report, the Cowboys have the OK to re-work the contract of guard Nate Livings, which would create roughly $740,000 in space, but they have yet to send in the move to the league. They could gain $1 million by re-doing Mackenzy Bernadeau's contract. Because Bernadeau hit on a play-time incentive, his base salary is set to increase to $2.25 million in 2013.

The Cowboys have also talked to the agents of Jay Ratliff and Orlando Scandrick about re-structuring their contracts, which would create another $3.8 million in room.

The moves made Thursday also allow the Cowboys to keep Tony Romo on the books for $16.8 million and Doug Free at $10.02 million in 2013. The Cowboys and Romo's agent have yet to have substantive talks about an extension, but the team is hopeful it can reach one in the near future.

 

[Ridgelake]

A few thoughtsoug Free does not have the strength to effectively play guard. He's an OT or he's nothing.The 18th pick should be the BPA at position of need. This includes OL, DL, and Safety.In most drafts, there are typically 18-22 playerx who receive first round grades. Dallas picking at 18 should be able to get the back end of this range. The depth of DL and the general disinterest in guards, would seem to suggest those two positions as likely opportunities for draft choices at 18.This does appear to be a very good year for drafting as the apparent depth of talent at various positions matches well with Dallas' needs. DL, guard, and safety.Part of me is concerned about extending all thees contracts of guys who are clearly on the decline. Another part of me is less worried as there is always a future to push money into. I havent fully sorted out my thoughts on this.

 

[Concept Coop]

Doug Free does not have the strength to effectively play guard. He's an OT or he's nothing.

 

[Bankerguy]

A few thoughtsoug Free does not have the strength to effectively play guard. He's an OT or he's nothing.The 18th pick should be the BPA at position of need. This includes OL, DL, and Safety.In most drafts, there are typically 18-22 playerx who receive first round grades. Dallas picking at 18 should be able to get the back end of this range. The depth of DL and the general disinterest in guards, would seem to suggest those two positions as likely opportunities for draft choices at 18.This does appear to be a very good year for drafting as the apparent depth of talent at various positions matches well with Dallas' needs. DL, guard, and safety.Part of me is concerned about extending all thees contracts of guys who are clearly on the decline. Another part of me is less worried as there is always a future to push money into. I havent fully sorted out my thoughts on this.

.....all of it.