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No good FS available only average Nedu Ndukwe & Tanard Jackson as per http://www.fftoolbox.com/football/2010/con...fm?player_pos=S (as a disclaimer dont know how reliable the info is at fftoolbox)
I tend to mostly agree with you. Though it was strongly rumored that Cincy offered a late first/early 2nd for him a couple years ago and Jerry turned them down. They then went and drafted Gresham, so thats no longer available.The guy is very talented. He's been underutilized by Dallas with Witten ahead of him. But given a real chance, he'd very likely be a very productive TE from a numbers standpoint. I think Dallas generally likes what he's been giving them.netnalp said:
Just read that Champ Bailey wants out of Denver, wont resign, and is looking to switch to Safety...Not sure how to view this in a Dallas perspective... any thoughts?any other corners made the switch successfully? would it take longer then 1 year to learn? will he be too expensive?
The best safety that I know of that will be available is Buffalo's Donte Whitner. He's a former top 10 pick who's generally played well though not up to top 10 overall pick standards. I've read that he wants out and won't resign now that his rookie deal is over.As for moving a guy like Bailey to safety. It might work. It might not. A higher risk of a miss converting a guy than taking a guy who's done it his whole life. And I think Dallas needs an experienced safety who knows how to make all the reads and support the corners. I firmly believe that materially stronger safety play will make at least Jenkins if not Newman and Scandrick much better corners. Getting an experienced safety who knows the game and the league should be one of the higher priorities for the team.One thing to consider. The only starter on defense that was different between 2009 when they were #2 to only the Jets in points allowed and this last year's abomination when points allowed was a franchise record high, was free safely Ken Hamlin and Alan Ball. Hamlin was let go because he did not make enough plays. But he was always credited with getting everyone in the right place and reading the offenses well. He didnt make many mistakes. Now I'm saying that all or even a lot of the points decline is from this one change. But I am saying that this defense was clearly much more effective with a savvy guy on the backline. The difference in big pass plays allowed is dramatic and I do put a lot of that on the free safety.
Ronnie Lott and Rod Woodson
I think you mean Ken Hamlin...either that or I totally underestimated Mike Hamlin's value.Ridgelake said:
Jerry didn't trade any picks to draft Felix Jones, iirc.
Traded picks for Roy. USED picks on Felix and Dez.
Yes, Ken Hamlin. Thank you. Mike Hamlin was one of the several members of the 2009 draft class who didnt pan out.
Very
Jerry Jones and his smug ownership style has ruined being a fan of this team (at least for me). I have not met a Cowboys fan who has said that they like Jerry Jones - only that they have to tolerate him. Everytime Jones gets on TV or the radio and dodges questions with his rambling double talk, I lose more and more affection for the franchise. That is really unfortunate because there are a lot of likeable talent on the field in Dallas that could make them very marketable once again. I, like Culdeus, watched less Cowboys football this past season than any other point in my life, including those couple of seasons in the ugly late 80s. I am still a football fan but struggling to remain a Cowboys fan.Oh and I thnk that our order of need goes:O-line (any position), safety and CB depth. Until our offense can scpre points or at least stay on the field for sustained drives of more than 30 seconds, the defense will continue to get winded by the end of the first half and torched as the season goes on.
Gave up = picked in my eyes. He gave up a good pick for a guy of little need. If Jerry can't/won't learn that running a franchise the Detroit Lion way going for the big WR/RB score instead of quality depth at OL/DE early there is really no hope.Build your team with OL/DE in the first 2 rounds and fill in the gaps in the later rounds. When those fail go to free agency. It's a proven system that real franchises have learned and adopted. Thinking that you can just "Go sign a safety" and fix everything is backwards thinking that goes back to the days when people thought Roy Williams (S) was actually the reason the defense was performing well. (he wasn't, and the defense blew)
Must not be a real fan if you are struggling to remain a fan. Real fans are around when the team is down, not just when they are winning superbowls.The offense has been scoring. The defense isnt on the field that much because as soon as they get out there they give up a big play that leads to a quick score. The defense seemed to get better as the game goes on not winded. Not sure if we are watching the same game.
All i know is they cant pick up a blitz or run block. They need O Lineman, the steelers seem to draft one every year in round 1....
Agreed. Quality Oline is needed to make the offense run at full steam.
Cameron JordanDallas has only 1 starter quality DE on the roster (Olshansky). The others are FAs or developmental guys. The OTs don't rate high enough for #9. The CBs are possible, but strong arguments can be made that the secondary improves with better passrush and better safety play. The CBs demonstrated strong ability in the past. There's no compelling reason to believe they can't return to that level, though Newman's age could be a factor.So that leaves DE. Fairley will be gone. Darius? its possible, but I suspect Jordan may be a better fit. Reports that I've read say Jordan is better than Aluala who went #10 to Jacksonville last year and was solid for them this year.
That would have to be a consideration, no doubt.
I wished for more wins this year but this bunch was entertaining to watch. Seeing new players such as Sean Lee, Dez Bryant was awesome. Cant wait to see these guys develop into something special. Anyhow who do you guys see as possible Defensive coordinators? I know alot of fans covet Dom Capers, Mike Nolan, but I have a feeling that these guys are not going to be let go by their respective teams. I think the most likely at this point is Todd Bowles who could be good but is certainly not a "sexy pick for d coordinator". If Capers and Nolan are not available I wouldnt mind a guy like Greg Manusky who coached the 49ers for the past few seasons.
I am all for one of these big named coordinators but what we have in place may not be the problem. You can only do so much with what you have. Cowboys need to draft a stud DE and maybe a stud free agent DE and a stud veteran free safety. I think that will fix a lot of the problems on defense. I would love to see some youth on the offensive line as well. Romo can make an offensive line look better than it really is so I would like to see them get younger at guard and let Columbo retire and bring in a young talented tackle.
right. that's exactly what he'll have.
Too bad he didnt get the authority to fire the general manager.
1.92.83.74.135.126.117.107.18
Fixed. After Jerry and Stephen deftly trade down.
If the Schefter report is true, go after Nnamdi and don't even think twice about it. Count me in the camp of those that believe our corners are garbage. I mean, from a nice are of town sort of garbage, but they stink nonetheless.O-line has to be addressed, if we want to have any sort of consistency on offense. Get a LT, move Free over to RT and pick up a RG while we're at it.Aside from a few players, the entire defense needs to a face lift. Safety, LB, and DE to go along with the CB needs.Basically, 30-40% of the team needs to be replaced. But, other than that, we're doing great.I want to apologize in advance for the length of my post. I had typed out much of this before but my laptop booted me just prior to hitting post. As well, having a 4 month year old leaves me with NO free time these days. Here is my state of the union-Cowboys style. Offense:I agree with Ridge on a few key points.1) O-line needs some turn over and the right side is the biggest concern.2) Say goodbye to Marion Barber. It’s time to roll with Felix and Choice. If you have 3 RBs, you have none.3) I think contrary to many fans, the front offense finds a way to bring Roy back. Perhaps releasing him and his terrible contract and then resigning him to what he is worth. IMO, Garrett will shift the base offense to the 11 package from the 12. Dez becomes the X and Austin goes to the slot wit Roy playing flanker.4) With the switch in base offense it’s about time to establish an offensive identity. That is about running the ball, ball control and explosive plays. This is my biggest problem with our team over the last couple of years.5) Trading one of Witten or Bennett should be considered as we have a capable back up (Phillips) and should run less 12 and 22 packages compared to last year.6) Gronkowski should be gone before he gets someone killed. 7) Kitna is under contract for 2 more years and should be back.Defense:I have to admit with the prospect of having a pick in the 4-6 range….I had visions of switching back to the 4-3 by taking Nick Fairley at DT giving us 2 studs at DT in a one gap system that fits Ratliff style better. I have been convinced by other fans and experts (called Sirius NFL and discussed it) that we are staying 3-4.If this is indeed true, I hope we don’t fall into the trap of think that the secondary is the biggest priority. I will fully admit that a FS is a big need. However, I am NOT convinced that our corners are totally trash as many others seem to think. To me, our front 3 is the problem. We have a pro bowl NT who should not even be playing there. Teams have figured out that you can double Rat, and NOT Ware. Rat was instrumental in creating havoc up the middle and flushing QBs into Ware and Spencer. Anyone remember Spencer? Yeah, me neither. It all starts with Rat and the lack help he gets at DE. He made Spencer a stud 2 years ago.So the question remains, does he stay at NT or move to DE? Do we target DE with our first pick? As I see it, they will leave Rat where he is, resign Spears and look to draft a replacement for Igor. At ILB we have aging starters with Brooking and James. Sean Lee looks to be the heir apparent to replace Brooking. At safety, Ball was a disaster even despite our lack of a strong pass rush. This HAS to be addressed either through FA or the draft.If we have seen anything this year it is that we are not strong in man-to-man coverage on a consistent basis. This is even more true when our blitzers are not getting the job done. We seemed to be in love with bring our ILBs up to blitz the A gaps, but they were wildly unsuccessful. I really hope our new coaches realize that we have to play more zone (this leads to more ints) and to get more of a pass rush with 4 rushing the QB. If that happens we will be much improved.Here is my ranking of overall team needs:OT DEFSOGSSCBI would not be surprised to see us trade down 4-5 spots to pick up an additional pick. Coaching:Nice to see Jerry get it right for once. I was really worried he would do something stupid and not stay the course. I have a bold prediction. Garrett will be our HC for 10+ years. I LOVE what he brings from a professionalism standpoint and his practice habits. It will be very interesting to see Garrett build his own staff and to see if he continues to call his own plays ala Sean Payton. Some names to watch on the defensive side of the ball are: Todd Bowles, Greg Manusky, Eric Mangini and in a pipedream Dom Capers (would have to give him assistant HC to get him here).Possible Free agents that top my list are:Logan Mankins anyone? Champ BaileyEric WeddleDevin JosephTyson ClaboCarl NicksThat’s it for now
Offense:1) No arguement here.2) I only cut Marion Barber because of his contract, lets not overlook Felix's injury history3) I for one am a fan of the 12 package with reciever/blocking threats in Witten, Bennett, and Phillips really puts pressure on the defense as Dallas can easily run or pass from this formation4) Everyone wants to run the ball remains to be seen if Garrett can continue with the late season run improvements. Would certainly welcome knowing that this team could convert on a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 5) Disagree here and think 12 package should be base offense package6) I think is a mistake why not give a rookie who by all accounts was not ready to get on the field sometime to learn and develop? I think far too often fans, owners/gms, coaches are too impatient with players.Defense:Coordinator selection along with a consistent pass rush will make or break this team. The glaring holes on this defense stem from a consistent pass rush and questionable safety play. I am certain that if the defense got consistent pressure Jenkins, and the other CB's would revert to their 09 form. I am really hoping for an established D coordinator, I think that D coordinator position is much tougher than an offensive coordinator as I look at the failures of the Eagles D Coordinator McDermott who was able to learn from the late great Jim Johnson, the Giants D-Coordinator Sheridan in (2009), etc. Here is my ranking of overall team needs
EOGFSOTILBSSDont think CB is a position of need as Ball can fill the role of Dime CB.Considering for a moment all of the needs Dallas has, moving down might not be a bad choice as their is NO offensive lineman this year worthy of a top 10 pick, moreover this years picks will likely fall under a rookie salary cap thereby increasing the value of early 1st rd picks.Coaching:I echo your ringing endorsement of Garrett, prior to Phillips dismissal I made comments that if Garrett left it would be Sean Payton part II.At this point I think the odds are as follows:Todd Bowles- 50%Grantham-20%Greg Manusky-6%Eric Mangini-5% Dom Capers- 7% (would have to give him assistant HC to get him here- this is incorrect the NFL only recognizes HC, OC, and DC thus a moniker of Asst HC means no more than OC or DC). Remember that Garrett had originally wanted Capers when he was putting together a staff when he first came to the CowboysOther Candidate-12 %Possible Free agents that top my list areeon Grant- a solid S that would not require a big contractLogan Mankins anyone? - seems like a pipe dream but would love to have him Champ Bailey- would he consider S position?Eric Weddle- no thanks he is no better than SensabaughDevin Joseph- yes please would fill biggest needTyson Clabo- solid starterCarl Nicks- meh
The fact that we had a pass rush in 09 served only to give the impression to coaches, media, and our fanbase that our corners were any good. I want a pass rush, but not as a means to protect bad CB play. I want good cornerbacks. Period. And, we don't have any.
What is Schefter reporting regarding Nnamdi? 30-40% of 55 player active roster equates to a turnover of 15-20 personnel seems a bit much. Would you be making these same sort of claims had Garrett been the coach the entire year and guided Dallas to a 10-6 record? Garrett showed that this roster can play and 2009 was not a fluke. The team under Wade had the mental makeup of a 4 year old but under Garrett they seem to be maturing. This team certainly has needs and an infusion of talent to 6-7 key positions coupled with a 3rd place schedule could easily see Dallas rebound and make the playoffs.
Any CB would have been exposed with the poor play of the Dallas front seven except maybe Revis and Nnmadi. Signing or drafting CB at this point would be a luxury.
Don't get caught up in the numbers. It's a bit of hyperbole. But, the weaknesses we have are glaring, and we have done so little in the last few years to address them. With significant frustration, we blew the entire 2009 draft and failed to do anything about these weaknesses in the 2010 draft, save for maybe getting Sean Lee, whom I remain skeptical about.There are so many key areas to address, I have little faith that we can clean them up in time for next season. But, they have to start grabbing talent that's available. Mankins, Nnamdi would be a great start in that direction. I am one of the guys with rose-colored glasses when it comes to Garrett in evaluating needs and players to fill those needs, so there is hope. But, it is with some hesitation, as I am not sure Jerry and Stephen will listen.
The lack of rebuilding on the offensive line has been maddening, perhaps its a bit nieve but I believe Jerry and Stephen have alot of respect for Garrett and will give him much more authority in drafting players than was given to Phillips. Garrett has had a good eye for talent, IIRC he was high on Desean and Eddie Royal.ETA Dallas does not need to address all deficiencies in order to compete, guys like Ware, Ratliff, Romo can make up for a couple of below average starters on each side of the ball
