Official 2010 Dallas Cowboys In Season Thread (2 Viewers)

[Mustang Man]

The drafting credit goes primarily to Jeff Ireland who Parcells brought on board and who followed him to Miami. Since Ireland left (except for the first draft only a few months after Ireland left and that was based primarily upon his draft prep) the drafting hasn't been the same. Last year's "special teams draft" for example was a disaster. Jerry has a decade of bad drafting after Jimmy Johnson left, and then the last couple of years have been relatively poor IMHO too. For example, even if Dez Bryant works out, the failure to draft an OL still warrants criticism given how fundamental those problems are for the offense - it's not like they really needed another WR.

The draft is a crap shoot and yes the "special teams" draft is looking less than stellar but I give Jerry credit for this haul in 2008: Felix Jones, Martellus Bennet, Mike Jenkins, Tashard Choice, Orlando Scandrick, Erick Walden. Only Walden did not make the team. That draft was amazingly good.

Not sure I'd call it a good draft. Choice doesn't play. Bennett wouldn't play if he wasn't pressed into service (waste of a 2nd rounder). Felix Jones should've been Rashard Mendenhall. Mike Jenkins was great in '09 and a flag machine in '10.Just another weak draft with guys either not making the team or not making an impact. Jerry keeps picking players that don't push incumbent starters for playing time.

If you dont call this a good draft you have some very high or unrealisitic standards. Bennett is a HUGE part of the Dallas offense. He is a great blocker and ok WR. Without Bennett Dallas would not be able to run their base offensive set double TE. Choice has shown he can play and is better than alot of the RB picks in recent memory (he is an example of drafting for BPA rather than need). Getting the #2 and #3 CB of the future in a single draft is a coup. I realize Felix had higher expectations but no way do I trade him for Medenhall. He was the lone homerun threat for this offense last year before Dez and Miles emerged. He stretches the defense and forces the defense to take note of his position.

It is all in how you want to look at it. If you want to look at it and say it was not such a great draft you can make points on that behalf and the same goes for the other way. tI was an above average draft and if they drafted like that every year they would be in real good shape. Which they really are now but the record is 1-4 and it is what it is. So till that gets turned around you will have to put up with negative views some deserved and some not so much. Some haters and some pissed off fans. Winning cures it all and they are not doing that now. Good day

 

[Bankerguy]

What to do??

Obviously a new coaching staff. Gruden works for me.

Team needs are O line, CB, ILB, Safety.

We are looking at a top 10 pick right now.

 

[Bankerguy]

Players who need to go:

Scandrick

Davis

Brooking

Barron

Kitna

Mcgee

Barber

 

[culdeus]

No reason to waste any more time worrying about this waste of a season and waste of a coach now. See you all on the other side.

I always considered myself one of Romo's biggest fans. I hate it for this guy, but long term maybe this works out for the best. No reason to risk a more serious injury in a lame duck system.

Lets go Rangers.

 

[Bankerguy]

One last thing......there is NO nastiness on this team. A bunch of nice guys who take defeat gracefully. Especially on defense.

 

[Bankerguy]

No reason to waste any more time worrying about this waste of a season and waste of a coach now. See you all on the other side.I always considered myself one of Romo's biggest fans. I hate it for this guy, but long term maybe this works out for the best. No reason to risk a more serious injury in a lame duck system. Lets go Rangers.

Sadly, he is part of the cultural problems on the team. His play is OK, but NOT a leader of men.

 

[RebelINS]

A football GM, new coaching staff, OL, ILB, S, and more playing time for Tashard Choice. That's what I hope for, only probably 2 of these will be dealt with though I'm sure.

 

[Texasmouth]

Gruden would be a nice start. I would take the Chin. I would take Schotty or his son. Someone with some fire. Get rid of this entire coaching staff. Every one of them.

Brookings has to go. We need a veteran LB to lead this team that isnt 40 and used up.

Scandrick is young. I am not ready to give up on him yet. I like a lot of our pieces in the secondary, they are just young and hopefully since this season is done, I would love to see them get better each week.

Use our top 5 pick in the draft to get a big country mid west corn fed offensive tackle with an attitude. Use our top 5 pick in the second round to get a guard. A big, tough guard. Free is really solid. He has been a lot better than I expected. NO MORE FRIGGIN SKILL PLAYERS.

I love Leonard Davis but he is done.

ROY has been so much better this year than I have ever seen him play. I am sure he wont be back next year though. Surprisingly, if he plays like this, I wouldnt mind him being around next year.

Dont get rid of MBIII. Call plays that will help him. Let Felix start the game. Let MBIII close it out when the defense is tired. No way we can get anything suitable for him. I like Felix and I like Choice but dont trust either to hold up a full season.

I feel so bad for Demarcus Ware. What a waste of talent and heart to be stick on this team this year. Should be a career year for him.

 

[Texasmouth]

I still love Jenkins. He has been getting flagged but he is aggressive and I like that. Better than Newman, that huge sissy. He would rather jump out of the way than tackle anyone.

Kitna was an INT machine in Cincy, Detroit and Seattle. Long shot to win another game IMO.

 

[culdeus]

No reason to waste any more time worrying about this waste of a season and waste of a coach now. See you all on the other side.I always considered myself one of Romo's biggest fans. I hate it for this guy, but long term maybe this works out for the best. No reason to risk a more serious injury in a lame duck system. Lets go Rangers.

Sadly, he is part of the cultural problems on the team. His play is OK, but NOT a leader of men.

I really don't give a ####. The guy is a championship quality QB ruined by Garrett. I think there is still enough time for this to be proven, maybe.

 

[culdeus]

Seriously. You have a chance to cut this the number of possessions down and you choose to go for it on 4th and 6? Really? What the ####?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

At least we can put this painful season to rest.

I don't understand the decision to not go for the field goal in the 4 th qtr. As I type Dallas just recovered a Bradshaw fumble, they could be down by 2 scores instead of 3.

Kitna looks horrible and the play calling since Kitna's been in has been ugly and unimaginative. I've said this for a couple weeks now I've seen enough, this staff needs to go and bring in someone else.

 

[Yenrub]

Bad play by Eli...nice tackle by Jacobs

Great play by Dez

 

[Texasmouth]

The defense should be flat out embarrassed. They just gave up on this game. Had they played with some heart, this game may have been winnable. Ridiculous to just go out there with no heart. Ware played his ### off even with nothing to play for.

Kitna has looked decent in the second half. Maybe we can beat Jacksonville next week.

 

[Texasmouth]

Stock up Witten for sure....fantasy purposes at least...

 

[bigmurd]

One last thing......there is NO nastiness on this team. A bunch of nice guys who take defeat gracefully. Especially on defense.

Largely true but DEZ is plenty nasty - this kid wants it.

 

[Manster]

this year is OVER for the Cowboys. stick a fork in em they be done!

and next year aint guna be any better unless they can turn the O-line around. not likely.

this team needs to be blown up.

at least jerrah has his billion dollar stadium and a 10 cent team.

 

[Texasmouth]

this year is OVER for the Cowboys. stick a fork in em they be done!and next year aint guna be any better unless they can turn the O-line around. not likely.this team needs to be blown up. at least jerrah has his billion dollar stadium and a 10 cent team.

Time for you to jump off the bandwagon dude. Really?New coach, couple of fresh faces on defense, couple of offensive linemen and this team is in the playoffs. This isn't a complete rebuild.

 

[Urinal Mint]

They need to let McGee start this week against Jacksonville and give him 10 games to show that he has NFL mettle. Having Kitna out there the remainder of the season is a waste of everyone's time.

 

[simmonjm]

Never thought it would come to this but the season is over by Week 7. I dont really know what to say, other than the John Phillips injury was absolutely devastating as it forced Gronkowski to play before he was ready and Romo paid the price. I am in agreement that McGee should be the starter, why not? Makes no sense to start Kitna as the playoffs are not realisitic and any wins at this point are simply hurting draft status. Email from FBG's today said Romo injury was 4-6 weeks but even so wouldnt Dallas just sit him the rest of the year with no hopes of playoffs?

 

[Phurfur]

If this team is as talented as people say they are they should have no problem winning with Kitna. The SB is a little to much to expect but a good solid run at the playoffs is not. If there is any heart on this team they will follow Ware's and Bryant's lead and put together a respectable showing. There is not a bright spot with this injury but the Cowboys should know who to get rid of next year. Keeping guys around just because they are "talented" is not working.

 

[switz]

Players who need to go:ScandrickDavisBrookingBarronKitnaMcgeeBarber

I'm not sure why you include Kitna and McGee on that list. Kitna looked okay after he got into a rhythm last night, and who knows what McGee is yet.Scandrick would be fine as a backup, but he doesn't need to be out there as much as he is.Barron is just a joke, he should never have been signed.Barber looks like he doesn't care at all.The future of this team is Jenkins, Felix, and Dez. They've got a good DL for a few years. But they don't have outstanding young players except for the three I mentioned.

 

[switz]

Dont get rid of MBIII. Call plays that will help him. Let Felix start the game. Let MBIII close it out when the defense is tired. No way we can get anything suitable for him. I like Felix and I like Choice but dont trust either to hold up a full season.

Call plays that help Barber? What kind of plays do you think will help Barber? He's done... it doesn't matter what play they call, he is just no good anymore.Jones and Choice would be fine being used the way they are currently using Jones and Barber, except they should just outright name Jones the starter. It was ridiculous last night that they had two starting short fields after the Eli picks, and Barber cost them a TD on one, and didn't help them get the TD on the other. There is NO reason for Barber to even see the field anymore.

 

[netnalp]

The bright side is that the Cowboys have the opportunity to learn how to win or play well without putting it all on the QB. With the Giants, they lost Plaxico a few years ago and that forced Eli to spread the ball around, he's a better QB for it.

Kitna will try hard and he'll provide more leadership than Romo did.

I'm surprised there's so many posts with people giving up on the season. It's ironic the team is a reflection of the fans, no heart. The Giants lost Phil Simms and won a Superbowl with backup Jeff Hostetler.

I finding it's not so much the Cowboys I dislike, it's their fair weather fans, this doesn't mean all Cowboys fans. So many seem to have jumped on the bandwagon when the Cowboys were beating the Bills in Superbowls. I suspect that all those people that were wearing Raiders garb during Bo Jackson's time and when New Jack City was in theaters gravitated to the Cowboy's when that fad ended, diluting what was a diehard bunch of fans.

EDIT: It was incorrect for me to not differentiate between solid fans of the Cowboys and those that are fairweather fans.

 

[Mustang Man]

The bright side is that the Cowboys have the opportunity to learn how to win or play well without putting it all on the QB. With the Giants, they lost Plaxico a few years ago and that forced Eli to spread the ball around, he's a better QB for it. Kitna will try hard and he'll provide more leadership than Romo did.I'm surprised there's so many posts with people giving up on the season. It's ironic the team is a reflection of the fans, no heart. The Giants lost Phil Simms and won a Superbowl with backup Jeff Hostetler.I finding it's not so much the Cowboys I dislike, it's their fans. So many seem to have jumped on the bandwagon when the Cowboys were beating the Bills in Superbowls. I suspect that all those people that were wearing Raiders garb during Bo Jackson's time and when New Jack City was in theaters gravitated to the Cowboy's when that fad ended, diluting what was a diehard bunch of fans.

That's laughable that because you have fans saying the season is over(which it is) that you want to take a shot at the them. It's hilarious how you as a fan think you have anything to do at all with how your team does. HILARIOUS. I think the season is over and have given up on the fact that Dallas is going anywhere this year but I will still watch and follow them. It is just being realistic and please stop thinking you being such a fan that follows the Giants and so call stick with them no matter what, even if they were 1-5 and still thought they could make the playoffs makes you so much better. All it show is you have blinders on and can't accept it. Guess what, no matter which approach you take it will NOT affect the way the team is going to finish the season or if you are a good fan or not.Get over yourself LAUGHABLE. You my man are a joke and any Dallas fan has the right to be pissed at what is going on and say the season is over as long as they do not change teams. I am not and I would bet none of the others are so stick it up your --- fill in the blank.

 

[simmonjm]

The bright side is that the Cowboys have the opportunity to learn how to win or play well without putting it all on the QB. With the Giants, they lost Plaxico a few years ago and that forced Eli to spread the ball around, he's a better QB for it.

Kitna will try hard and he'll provide more leadership than Romo did.

I'm surprised there's so many posts with people giving up on the season. It's ironic the team is a reflection of the fans, no heart. The Giants lost Phil Simms and won a Superbowl with backup Jeff Hostetler.

I finding it's not so much the Cowboys I dislike, it's their fans. So many seem to have jumped on the bandwagon when the Cowboys were beating the Bills in Superbowls. I suspect that all those people that were wearing Raiders garb during Bo Jackson's time and when New Jack City was in theaters gravitated to the Cowboy's when that fad ended, diluting what was a diehard bunch of fans.

I realize Dallas is a team that attracts bandwagon fans but for the most part it has been the same 10-15 posters on this board for the past 3 years+. The truth of the matter is that Dallas is 1-5 and still have to play Saints, Colts, Giants, Eagles x 2, so realisitically they would have to win 4 out of 5 games all while winning against Jax, Detroit, Wash. Thats quite a tall order. Had Romo not been injured I think Cowboys probably win (against Giants) and they are alive but losing Romo and losing against Giants pretty much ends all postseason dreams for even the most optimistic fans.ETA last year Giants started 5-2 and didnt make the playoffs, may want to tone down the tool factor just a bit

 

[Manster]

this year is OVER for the Cowboys. stick a fork in em they be done!

and next year aint guna be any better unless they can turn the O-line around. not likely.

this team needs to be blown up.

at least jerrah has his billion dollar stadium and a 10 cent team.

Time for you to jump off the bandwagon dude. Really?New coach, couple of fresh faces on defense, couple of offensive linemen and this team is in the playoffs. This isn't a complete rebuild.

Lets get something straight, dude. I am no bandwagon fan. I am a diehard Cowboys fan and will continue to watch every week, no matter what.I'm simply venting about a team with lots of potential that is currently in the toilet.

And you make it sound so easy. Call me pessimistic, but i aint so sure about "a couple fresh faces" turning this team around. the coaching stafff has become a lame duck, imo. The O-line is mostly old and HORRIBLE at run blocking. This unit needs a BIG overhaul.

This team looks like they have no heart on the field. Am I wrong?

 

[cobalt_27]

this year is OVER for the Cowboys. stick a fork in em they be done!

and next year aint guna be any better unless they can turn the O-line around. not likely.

this team needs to be blown up.

at least jerrah has his billion dollar stadium and a 10 cent team.

Time for you to jump off the bandwagon dude. Really?New coach, couple of fresh faces on defense, couple of offensive linemen and this team is in the playoffs. This isn't a complete rebuild.

Lets get something straight, dude. I am no bandwagon fan. I am a diehard Cowboys fan and will continue to watch every week, no matter what.I'm simply venting about a team with lots of potential that is currently in the toilet.

And you make it sound so easy. Call me pessimistic, but i aint so sure about "a couple fresh faces" turning this team around. the coaching stafff has become a lame duck, imo. The O-line is mostly old and HORRIBLE at run blocking. This unit needs a BIG overhaul.

This team looks like they have no heart on the field. Am I wrong?

Unfortunately, too many Cowboys fans think that objective self-analysis = being a bandwagon fan. It's an unfortunate aspect of the entitlement culture that seems to be expressed more with Dallas fans than any other team I know.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

The bright side is that the Cowboys have the opportunity to learn how to win or play well without putting it all on the QB. With the Giants, they lost Plaxico a few years ago and that forced Eli to spread the ball around, he's a better QB for it.

Kitna will try hard and he'll provide more leadership than Romo did.

I'm surprised there's so many posts with people giving up on the season. It's ironic the team is a reflection of the fans, no heart. The Giants lost Phil Simms and won a Superbowl with backup Jeff Hostetler.

I finding it's not so much the Cowboys I dislike, it's their fans. So many seem to have jumped on the bandwagon when the Cowboys were beating the Bills in Superbowls. I suspect that all those people that were wearing Raiders garb during Bo Jackson's time and when New Jack City was in theaters gravitated to the Cowboy's when that fad ended, diluting what was a diehard bunch of fans.

Since you don't like their fans, feel free to stay out of this thread as it's loaded with them. What kind of person goes into a thread where the team just lost their starting QB due to injury and the day after rips on the fans, claiming they have no heart. Get the hell out of here and don't let the door hit you!

 

[onehung]

The defense should be flat out embarrassed. They just gave up on this game. Had they played with some heart, this game may have been winnable. Ridiculous to just go out there with no heart. Ware played his ### off even with nothing to play for. Kitna has looked decent in the second half. Maybe we can beat Jacksonville next week.

Uh...no way...they did not give up ! I just got the real poop from Wade's presser. He said the team played hard the 2nd and 3rd quarters but they suffered a "mental letdown". Thats how the Giants ran that score up. Dang I thought they weren't playing hard....shows what i know ! edit to add....should the CIA add listening to a Wade Phillips press conference to their interrogation routine to be used right after water boarding?

 

[Ariakis]

You know, MB3 should become the passing specialist FB. He is a great blocker and solid receiver and can pick up a few yards in short yardage. That would help protect Kitna and get Choice and Felix more carries while still giving MB3 a role.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

You know, MB3 should become the passing specialist FB. He is a great blocker and solid receiver and can pick up a few yards in short yardage. That would help protect Kitna and get Choice and Felix more carries while still giving MB3 a role.

True but will it happen with Jones wanting to see how good Felix Jones is? No way Kitna survives the season from this point on. Romo was getting hit and he is an agile QB, Kitna is going to get hammered and it's only a matter of time before he is out. Things are ugly and they will continue to be ugly. Expectations were so high that it's virtually impossible to stop this thing from getting out of control at this point. Too much money, too many egos, not enough leadership to get this thing steered in the right direction.Time to rebuild. We need a new coaching staff and a dedication to run the football and play defense. With the way the Cowboys run the football, they have no chance of winning consistently.

 

[Ridgelake]

There are many, many issues with this team. But to me, the biggest is the offensive line having declined so dramatically over the last 2-3 years. They cannot run block, especially against faster fronts. And they cannot pass protect, especially against blitzes.

Garrett cannot run the same offense that he ran back in 07 when they were near the top of the league in scoring. He cannot make the consistent downfield throw playcalls that were so effective back then. He knows his QB wont have time. So he doesnt try. He's had to protect his line and QB by calling all the short screens, flares, 3 step drops, etc.

People are saying Dallas should get back to the run game now. Guess what? They can't run the ball. The line misses too many blocks. It wouldn't matter if CJ or AP were back there. The yards are not there because of the line.

Garrett will be gone next season. But to me, he's doing exactly what he has to do to maximize his team's chances to win. And that's call a bunch of short passes. There are no better options available given the effectiveness of the line. And this offense will not be more than average unless and until this line is completely overhauled. It is completely hamstringing the offense and the rest of the team.

 

[Sudsy]

All Dallas needs to do here is to get Mike Lynn to be the GM of the Vikes again. One Mike Lynn trade and the Cowboys should be good to go again for another generation.

 

[simmonjm]

There are many, many issues with this team. But to me, the biggest is the offensive line having declined so dramatically over the last 2-3 years. They cannot run block, especially against faster fronts. And they cannot pass protect, especially against blitzes.

Garrett cannot run the same offense that he ran back in 07 when they were near the top of the league in scoring. He cannot make the consistent downfield throw playcalls that were so effective back then. He knows his QB wont have time. So he doesnt try. He's had to protect his line and QB by calling all the short screens, flares, 3 step drops, etc.

People are saying Dallas should get back to the run game now. Guess what? They can't run the ball. The line misses too many blocks. It wouldn't matter if CJ or AP were back there. The yards are not there because of the line.

Garrett will be gone next season. But to me, he's doing exactly what he has to do to maximize his team's chances to win. And that's call a bunch of short passes. There are no better options available given the effectiveness of the line. And this offense will not be more than average unless and until this line is completely overhauled. It is completely hamstringing the offense and the rest of the team.

BTB posted something similiar to this a couple of days back and I couldnt agree more. To the common NFL fan Garrett, looks like an idiot with his 17 flare passes to Felix against the Vikings but those in the know understand that the inability of the offensive line precludes Garrett from throwing down the field where Romo is very effective. http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2010/10/26/...-fears-realized

Just in time for Halloween...

In the first five games of the season, Jason Garrett and his offensive staff have played it close to the vest. His strategy has been run the ball when possible, throw lots of short- and medium-range passes requiring short drops, and avoid getting into unmanageable third and long situations. For various reasons, this strategy has been received with much consternation by Cowboys Nation: it has resulted in an imbalanced run-pass ratio; the dink-and-dunk philosophy fails to utilize the available talent meaning Dallas' array of playmakers have had their hands cuffed, with the result that there has been a noticeable dropoff in explosive plays; there's also been an unfortunate disconnect between yards gained and points scored.

And finally, against Minnesota, we saw the epitome of the 2010 Cowboys offense: somewhere between twelve and seventeen screen passes (opinions differ on whether some of these were merely checkdowns running backs). In the Vikings game, it was patently clear that Garrett didn't trust his offensive line to give Tony Romo the protection he needed to complete passes downfield. Many fans--rabble included--grumbled that he was still psyched out from last year's playoff game, in which the Minny D-line absolutely manhandled the Cowboys' big uglies.

Cheap psychoanalysis of Garrett aside, the Minnesota game proved once and for all something that I had suspected all season: Garrett simply doesn't believe the Cowboys' O-line can hold up enough for him to run his offense. At first, I had figured this as a temporary problem, a byproduct of the discontinuity brought to the position group by multiple training camp injuries. After seeing seventeen screen passes, however, I suspect that Garrett, offensive line coach Hudson Houck and the rest of the offensive staff realized in training camp that this o-line was more likely to be the group that was whipped against the Vikings than the one that ran roughshod over Philadelphia.

If you pop in the tape of last year's season-ender, you'll see a Tony Romo who is under duress almost the entire game. Look at the tape from the Chargers and Texans preseason games--the Houston game in particular--and you'll see a similarly overwhwelmed group--and a Romo who has no time to do anything other than duck and cover. Garrett had certainly looked at those tapes, probably more times than he cared to. My guess is that he thought that Romo's health was in danger. And that, without Romo, the season was lost. So, Garrett's gameplan each week was based on one central tenet: to keep Romo upright. Minimize the risk, thus giving his star QB the opportunity to win games at the end of the season.

Many of the offensive decisions that have made us scratch our heads recently can be explained by this goal. Wonder why Barber starts? He's the best pass protector of the running backs--by far. Why Witten hasn't done much in the red zone? He's been staying in to help protect his buddy in an area of the field when rival defensive coordinators like to bring heat. Better to settle for three than lose your Pro Bowl quarterback. Now, we'll all live inside Jason Garrett's head for a while. I'm betting the image that we all saw at the 12:07 mark of the second quarter is the image that has haunted Garrett since the middle of the preseason--if not longer.

And now we'll see just how "overrated" Romo is. In 2006, when Romo became a starter against these same Giants--on Monday Night Football, almost exactly 5 years ago to the day--the offensive line immediately got better. Number nine has superb feet and an uncanny ability to avoid pressure in the pocket. Now, with the comparatively statuesque Kitna and/ or the still green Stephen McGee, we are likely to see just how bad this line really is. Want a scary Halloween? You got one--and it's all trick, no treat.

Take your time coming back, Tony; there's no reason to rush the healing process. We'll see you (and a new coaching staff, and about three or four new linemen) next year

 

[Ridgelake]

So how might the Boys improve their Oline next year? Lets first look at what they have.

Doug Free is a keeper at tackle. He played R last year and has played L this year.

Kosier is their best interior lineman when healthy. But his contract expires after this season. He's 33 years old, I believe. I doubt they resign him.

Gurode cannot deal with speed anymore and his knee is arthritic. His contract goes through 2012. Time to move on.

Davis has completely lost his ability to deal with speed. He can no longer be trusted to make blocks in space. He is the most obvious cut.

Columbo tries his best. He's got attitude. But he can't handle speed anymore either. Just like Gurode, contract goes through 2012, but its time to move on.

Holland, when healthy, is showing himself to be serviceable. He's under contract for next year and probably sticks around as a starter at Guard next season.

Costa is getting his first game reps now with Kosier and Holland hurt. We'll find out if he's got any game. He's the most likely replacement for Gurode at center going forward. His play over the next couple weeks will tell us a fair amount about his future.

In summary, the team needs 4 new starters to join Free. Holland might be a 1 year stop gap at guard. Costa may or may not prove capable of succeeding Gurode. So for sure, we'll need a guard and a tackle. And this is just to fill out the starting lineup.

Assume they have a top 10 draft pick. Rafael Vela, at his new website, has a draft series going on with Wes Bunting. This linked post discusses top OTs. http://www.cowboysnation.com/2010/10/wes-w...mos-injury.html According to this article, this tackle class is not on the same level as last year's crew. The best of the bunch appears to be Sherrod from Miss St. A natural LT. While the article gives him a mid-first grade, its possible we force him and take him top 10. Plug him in at LT and slide Free back to the right side where I actually thought he was better last year.

But Dallas may go with a higher rated prospect in the Top 10. Either a CB or DE may provide better value (and fill other needs). According to Bunting's research, the tackle class' value is in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Dallas may use its ~40th pick for a RT and leave Free at LT. Then come back to the interior in rounds 3 and beyond. Bunting's post here, discusses some of the oline guys. http://www.cowboysnation.com/2010/09/wes-b...oys-o-line.html. It does not appear that there are elite guard or center prospects that warrant late first, early 2nd round grades as is often the case. No Iupati's, Pouncey's, Mangold's.

What it looks like based on Buntings evaluation of the draft class is that the value will likely be in rounds 2-4. I'd expect Dallas to take at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds and probably at least 1 late round pick as well. So lets assume Dallas does take 2 guys in the first 4 rounds. Either a round 1/2 OT and a round 3/4 G/C.

Their line now looks like: Free LT, rookie LG, Costa? center, Holland RG, and Rookie RT. My take is Romo doesnt make it through the season next year with this line. So the only available option is free agency. I would not be surprised to see them sign someone to play inside at a moderate contract like Kosier was. Especially if Costa proves incapable.

Its looking more and more like this line will take a couple of years to remake.

 

[Mustang Man]

So how might the Boys improve their Oline next year? Lets first look at what they have.

Doug Free is a keeper at tackle. He played R last year and has played L this year.

Kosier is their best interior lineman when healthy. But his contract expires after this season. He's 33 years old, I believe. I doubt they resign him.

Gurode cannot deal with speed anymore and his knee is arthritic. His contract goes through 2012. Time to move on.

Davis has completely lost his ability to deal with speed. He can no longer be trusted to make blocks in space. He is the most obvious cut.

Columbo tries his best. He's got attitude. But he can't handle speed anymore either. Just like Gurode, contract goes through 2012, but its time to move on.

Holland, when healthy, is showing himself to be serviceable. He's under contract for next year and probably sticks around as a starter at Guard next season.

Costa is getting his first game reps now with Kosier and Holland hurt. We'll find out if he's got any game. He's the most likely replacement for Gurode at center going forward. His play over the next couple weeks will tell us a fair amount about his future.

In summary, the team needs 4 new starters to join Free. Holland might be a 1 year stop gap at guard. Costa may or may not prove capable of succeeding Gurode. So for sure, we'll need a guard and a tackle. And this is just to fill out the starting lineup.

Assume they have a top 10 draft pick. Rafael Vela, at his new website, has a draft series going on with Wes Bunting. This linked post discusses top OTs. http://www.cowboysnation.com/2010/10/wes-w...mos-injury.html According to this article, this tackle class is not on the same level as last year's crew. The best of the bunch appears to be Sherrod from Miss St. A natural LT. While the article gives him a mid-first grade, its possible we force him and take him top 10. Plug him in at LT and slide Free back to the right side where I actually thought he was better last year.

But Dallas may go with a higher rated prospect in the Top 10. Either a CB or DE may provide better value (and fill other needs). According to Bunting's research, the tackle class' value is in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Dallas may use its ~40th pick for a RT and leave Free at LT. Then come back to the interior in rounds 3 and beyond. Bunting's post here, discusses some of the oline guys. http://www.cowboysnation.com/2010/09/wes-b...oys-o-line.html. It does not appear that there are elite guard or center prospects that warrant late first, early 2nd round grades as is often the case. No Iupati's, Pouncey's, Mangold's.

What it looks like based on Buntings evaluation of the draft class is that the value will likely be in rounds 2-4. I'd expect Dallas to take at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds and probably at least 1 late round pick as well. So lets assume Dallas does take 2 guys in the first 4 rounds. Either a round 1/2 OT and a round 3/4 G/C.

Their line now looks like: Free LT, rookie LG, Costa? center, Holland RG, and Rookie RT. My take is Romo doesnt make it through the season next year with this line. So the only available option is free agency. I would not be surprised to see them sign someone to play inside at a moderate contract like Kosier was. Especially if Costa proves incapable.

Its looking more and more like this line will take a couple of years to remake.

WOW going into week 8 and we are talking about the draft. Man never woulda thunk it. It is what it is.

 

[Texasmouth]

I think Kitna plays well from here on out and Dallas actually wins some games they are supposed to. If the defense can step it up, I could see this team finishing close to .500., starting with beating Jax this weekend.

 

[humpback]

I think Kitna plays well from here on out and Dallas actually wins some games they are supposed to. If the defense can step it up, I could see this team finishing close to .500., starting with beating Jax this weekend.

This would be the worst possible outcome for Dallas, which means it's probably going to happen. Gives JJ another reason to think the crappy season was only due to injuries, maybe he keeps the coaching staff around, it screws up their draft position, etc.

 

[Hastur]

:sigh:

 

[fasteddie_21]

:sigh:

But, at the same time, maybe this is what the team needs to get the right pieces in place. This season has been lost for a while now. So whatever needs to happen to get Wade & Garrett out, I'm in favor of.

 

[switz]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in?

STUPID!!!!!!

 

[Judge Smails]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in? STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in? STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

Yeah...no chance to establish the run when the defense is giving up touchdown after touchdown and the offensive line is getting blown up.

 

[switz]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in?

STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

You mean didn't try to run the ball. Garrett gives up on the run like it's a bad disease to get rid of quickly.

 

[horadadude]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in?

STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

You mean didn't try to run the ball. Garrett gives up on the run like it's a bad disease to get rid of quickly.

If they had a decent running back to carry the rock they would - there is no way that the overrated Jones should be anything more than a change of pace back

 

[switz]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in?

STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

You mean didn't try to run the ball. Garrett gives up on the run like it's a bad disease to get rid of quickly.

If they had a decent running back to carry the rock they would - there is no way that the overrated Jones should be anything more than a change of pace back

Puh-leaze.... The OL is the issue, not Jones. Hard to get traction when you get only 8 carries.

 

[cobalt_27]

Not having Romo sucks. But, that's no excuse to lose to the Jags. The team is so unprepared, it's on Wade. We need better players, sure. But, Wade's legacy will forever be doing less with more.

 

[Tyrion]

Not having Romo sucks. But, that's no excuse to lose to the Jags. The team is so unprepared, it's on Wade. We need better players, sure. But, Wade's legacy will forever be doing less with more.

Yeah I can't believe Wade made those WRs keep on tipping the balls up in the air to be intercepted. What kind of game plan is that?

That being said the players obviously need new blood on the coaching staff on both sides of the ball.

I think this is a grande conspiracy started by the Players Association. Now hear me out.

No way the players can be playing this poorly without outside influence. I think the whole team is taking a bullet for the union so that Jones gets a top 3 pick.

Why?

They know that if Jerry has a top pick, he will do everything possible to get the collective bargaining agreement ironed out before he has to sign the contract. No way JJ wants to sign a rookie to a huge contract the year before a rookie pay scale is established. Devious and clever. I didn't think the players had it in them.

 

[horadadude]

Fire Garrett. What kind of OC throws the ball 75% of the time with a backup QB in?

STUPID!!!!!!

One who's team is down 28-3 and couldn't run the ball to start with.

You mean didn't try to run the ball. Garrett gives up on the run like it's a bad disease to get rid of quickly.

If they had a decent running back to carry the rock they would - there is no way that the overrated Jones should be anything more than a change of pace back

Puh-leaze.... The OL is the issue, not Jones. Hard to get traction when you get only 8 carries. When you get the call - please rush for more than 3.4 yards -Jones is a bust - its official