The contract extensions given out to Orlando Scandrick and Gerald Sensabaugh during the 2011 season have been decried by fans and media pundits alike, especially in the face of the Dallas secondary's decline over the latter part of the season. Certainly, there is ample reason for skepticism and dismay: neither Scandrick nor Sensabaugh acquitted himself particularly well over the last six weeks of the 2011 campaign.
This leaves us asking: why did the Cowboys front office dole out these contracts? Are they, as many have suggested, daft? Stupid? Myopic? Perhaps, but I think that's beside the point. The reality is that they had their hands tied. Let's begin by taking a look at all the players on the 2011 roster who are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, as per the DMN:
Alan Ball
Martellus Bennett
Keith Brooking
Derrick Dockery
Abram Elam
Montrae Holland
Jon Kitna
Daniel Loper
Mat McBriar
Sammy Morris
Laurent Robinson
Anthony Spencer
Frank Walker
Bradie James
Rabble tries to make sense of this list after the break...
Had they not been re-signed, both Scandrick and Sensabaugh would have been on this list. For argument's sake, let's imagine that the Cowboys brain-trust allowed them to hit the market. If so, then we'd be looking at following situation in the Dallas defensive backfield:
Cornerback:
Mike Jenkins (under contract through 2012)
Terence Newman (almost certain to be cut this offseason, probably more for his bad contract than his bad play)
Orlando Scandrick (UFA)
Alan Ball (UFA)
Frank Walker (UFA)
Safety:
Gerald Sensabaugh (UFA)
Abram Elam (UFA)
Barry Church (a Cowboy through 2013, when he'll be an RFA)
Danny McCray (also a Cowboy through 2013, when he'll be an RFA)
The key here is Newman. Last offseason, the Cowboys purged several bad contracts--wherein they were overpaying for veterans with declining skills. The one bad contract they kept on the books was Newman (who was the second highest-paid CB in 2011, at 8 million). Because they are rebuilding (and there is no disputing this), I'd bet the master plan was to release Newman at the end of this season, regardless of the level of his play. But imagine what their defensive backfield would look like had they done so: the only corner certain to carry over would have been Jenkins, and the only safeties we'd be certain to see in 2012 would be McCray and Church, who are probably career special tamers (albeit darned good ones).
In order to rebuild, then, they would have had to risk going into 2012 with a defensive backfield comprised of low-level free agents (going after pricey FAs when rebuilding is a recipe for disaster) and whatever draft picks they could muster. But they'd need to find six players, so would have to draft almost nothing but defensive backs just to fill out a roster. As O.C.C. wrote in his excellent Free Agent Primer for Cornerbacks:
Alan Ball and Frank Walker are free agents, and Terence Newman is likely to have played his last season as a Cowboys. The draft will not be sufficient to provide the type of depth the Cowboys will need at corner next season...
If you think watching Alan Ball get beat is hard on your heart, imagine an entire backfield of guys just like Ball. Just too horrible to imagine...and I'd bet that Jerry Jones, Jason Garrett and the Cowboys defensive coaches feel the same way--which is why they needed to extend offers to the two potential departees with the best games. For all their warts, both Scandrick and Sensabaugh are superb athletes (Scandrick has legit 4.3 speed; Sensabaugh set a combine record with a 46" vertical jump) who are superior athletically to the kinds of players who would be available on the market.
Speaking of the market, had either been allowed to reach free agency, they almost certainly would have commanded more than the Cowboys paid for their services. Sensabaugh's deal is for five years, with 8 million guaranteed; Scandrick's is also for five years, with 10 million guaranteed. In other words, both of these can easily be two-year deals, should the Cowboys be able to upgrade the position to the degree that we all hope they can.
A side note re: Scandrick: A lot of folks have complained that Scandrick will be receiving "starter's money," which, as a guy who looks every bit a back-up, he doesn't deserve. On one level this is true; judging from the top cornerback salaries in 2011, his new contract places him 31st, which is where starters live. That said, he'll be taking home just less than Jabari Greer, Sheldon Brown and Drayton Florence. When we think of starting corners, are these the kind of guys that leap to mind? Are they prohibitively better than Scandrick? Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't think so. Good third corners play a lot of downs and are very valuable commodities--probably worth the 5 million per that Scandrick has commanded. So, I wouldn't necessarily pencil Scandrick in as the starter just because of his contract...
What's the takeaway from this? We should look at the Scandrick and Sensabaugh signings not as further evidence of Jerry Jones dementia (there are plenty of other signs), but as a version of the Kyle Kosier re-signing last offseason. Last August, you'll recall, the Cowboys jettisoned several long-in-the-tooth O-linemen with pricey contracts and declining games--but had so many candidates that they couldn't get rid of them all. So, they kept the best and most mobile of them, Kosier, and gave him a contract that wouldn't hurt them if they had to dump him in two years. In other words, Kosier was hired to be a bridge to a better future. Scandrick and Sensabaugh serve the same purpose.
Let's just hope that Dallas can find the secondary's equivalent of Tyron Smith in the next couple of drafts...
7 recs | 202 comments
Awesome
Gave me a new perspective on both deals. I will say that Jabari Greer is a pretty good CB though, and I’d certainly take him over Scandrick without a moment’s thought.
Key19 - January 10, 2012
You can make the same argument for keeping Spencer.
The problem is that on the FA market he might command a lot more money. handling Spencer’s situation will be interesting.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Give me a hungier pass rusher
Spencer too comfortable and has no motor I would draft a young stud and roll with him while addressing the cb need via draft and FA to cover the back end
CowboyWay - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Agree, but we realistically only have Butler behind him and he's not a three down OLB.
Even if we got a better OLB to start, we still have depth issues at the postion.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Butler is solid backup
I can’t say he can’t be an every down player if he had to for a few games because they haven’t had to use him in that fashion yet.
But by drafting a few pass rushers that would aid the depth issues. I think it starts with Spencer though he has to go.
CowboyWay - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Spencer is in his upper 20s right?
T-rom - January 11, 2012
Spencer doesn't work hard enough and too often quits on plays
I rather use two guys one to rush the passer the other to stop the run on 1st down. But I really think Butler could do both. And the run stopping would be less of an issue if a better DE was signed
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Sturm breakdown of Texans
I’d be happy with a replication here this year. The Texans brought in Wade, a very good DC. Then they gave him a first round DE (Watt), a second round OLB (Reed) and a third round CB (Harris) for his 3-4. Then they spent money on Joseph a CB and Manning a S in FA. Jerry and Garrett follow this template for Ryan this year.
TexasGarcia37 - January 10, 2012
agreed....
overhaul the defense
death of the cool - January 10, 2012
gotta fit an OG in there somewhere.
Or none of it will matter.
thebigham - January 10, 2012
+1
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
yeah dallas goofed real hard not getting J Joseph the CB.. he would have made newman ,,go,,, bye bye...
IRONRAVEN - January 10, 2012
Agreed. People keep acting like the defense is beyond repair
and yet there is no better example than the Texans for how a unit can turn it around in a year. You simply have to invest wisely. I don’t know if we have gotten off to a great start giving an extension to Sensabaugh, but there is a lot of time left in the process. Get a FA coup, develop Bruce Carter, and draft well and you could be looking at a much better defense.
Creasy729 - January 10, 2012
Agreed. Used the Texans as an example in my fanpost.
Nassau Cowboy - January 11, 2012
free agency
Will be big this year for us. We need CB help bad. Any ideas yet on who the cowboys could possibly be interested in? And I think elam will be back next year. Dunno why I think that but just have a feeling.
cjs.93 - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Terrell Thomas
Fairly good CB for the Giants before getting injured. Should be fairly inexpensive given his questionable health.
Real issue is that the Boys are gambling, once again, on an injured player.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 10, 2012
I love Thomas, he is a solid CB. Should be a good value
Alpha - January 11, 2012
It's a torn ACL though.
That’s a tough injury to be ready for a year later.
Nickthegrip - January 11, 2012
Sensabaugh is Quietly Better than most think...
Sensabaugh bares a lot of blame that is not his to bare. He is not the greatest safety in the NFL, however, he is far from the horrible safety fans make him out to be.
He often has to make up of lack of CB talent/ability (ie: Newman, Ball) as well as a terrible pass rush.
In fact, he’s done so well that according to PFF’s Premium Stats he was ranked as #10 during the middle of the season among ALL safeties (strong and free)… but towards the end of the year settled in at #16.
Not bad… and for a decent contract too.
Just get us a S, CB, DT, DE, and OLB and we’ll truly help him and Jenkins out back there.
Elam is not the answer.
DCBlueStar - January 10, 2012
Is that a reference to his Mooning prowess?
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
I get it.
That doesn’t really “bare” a reply now, does it?
hookerhome - January 11, 2012
EDIT
Should read he is ranked #16 for all safeties who’ve played at least 75% of the snaps.
DCBlueStar - January 10, 2012
16th out of 36.
I don’t know if that’s good or bad for his contract, but I think it’s important to specify the number of players on the list when you use PFF rankings. As playing time gets less, he moves down the list. When you go to 50% of snaps, which is where you need to be to have about 2 safeties for every team, he is 23rd in the league. Again, I don’t really know the relative pay of safeties in this league, so I don’t know if that is good or bad.
Baked Potato Soup - January 10, 2012
23rd awesome
16 awesome
dude is never where he is supposed to be, is stiff hipped and I am tired of him throwing his hands up in the air like he didn’t know what to do or is blaming someone else
that Giants game, dude was hot garbage
huge game, didn’t show up
I get that people want to root for the Cowboys, but that doesn’t mean you have love every player
Sensabaugh is a JAG, I doubt he would be starting for many teams, not many teams wanted him to begin with
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
I'm not a huge fan of Gerald's
but I will say when he was absent from the field the secondary completely collapsed-see the Lions game (if on the field, he would’ve knocked down that hail mary to Calvin, or at least come close).
However, after 2012, I agree, he needs to go.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Yeah, that didn't sound that great to me, numbers wise.
I mean, 16th out of 36 and 23rd out of 60 is definitely just average. But I don’t know what safeties typically get paid, so I don’t know that his contract is a bad one. He needs someone that can be a field general ala Ken Hamlin back there with him, but with more athletic skill than an aging Hamlin had.
Baked Potato Soup - January 10, 2012
Which is why I specifically stated
that he is having to make up for Newman, Ball and a sub-par pass rush. Can’t blame EVERYTHING on the secondary.
DCBlueStar - January 10, 2012
He didn't have
Jason Pierre Paul making the qb throw under 2 seconds either. If there was a compliment to Ware, that “Hail Mary” to Calvin Johnson, among other passes, never even gets launched. When quarterbacks have all day to throw, even Eli can look like an all pro. A dominant line on either side of the ball can make up for a lot of backfield deficiencies.
GunsUp - January 11, 2012
You think that JPP is superior to DWare?
Baked Potato Soup - January 11, 2012
50% of snaps?
So you would never have 2 safeties out together? Your basis for bumping him down is sorely lacking.
CotySaxman - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Have you ever used PFF?
They have different methods of sorting, as their rankings are cumulative. Their default for positional rankings is anyone who played 25% of their team’s snaps at that position. For example, if your team had 1,000 defensive snaps, and a player was in at Safety for 250 of them, he would qualify. Using that standard, all players that played safety for at least 25% of their team’s snaps, there were 86 qualifying players. Of those, Sensabaugh was the 29th best and Elam was the 55th best.
As stated earlier in this conversation, the qualifier for Sensabaugh being the 16th ranked safety was players that were in at safety for 75% of their team’s snaps. There were only 36 players that qualified under this condition. As most teams start 2 safeties, this is clearly not representative of every starting safety in the league. Some teams had 2 safeties that were in for at least this percentage of plays, including Dallas (by this standard, Elam is the 26th best safety in the league). Somehow, the Giants had 3 guys that qualify. I’m guessing they must use 3 safeties in their nickel package, and go nickel package quite often. 7 teams did not even have 1 player that qualified under this condition.
So, when I say players that played at least 50% of their team’s snaps, that means all players that played safety for at least half of their team’s defensive plays. There were 61 players that qualified under this condition, the closest available sorting method to achieve 64 players, or 2 safeties for each team. With this condition, every team has at least 1 player, and most have 2. 5 teams still have only 1 player that qualifies, while 2 teams have 3. However, this is is the closest offering of the true number of starting level safeties in the NFL. With more qualifying players, Sensabaugh drops down to the 23rd ranked safety in the league, and Elam to the 41st.
As you can see, the more qualifiers you allow, the lower Sensabaugh and Elam’s rankings get. That’s why I say that it is important to state “out of how many qualifying players” when using PFF rankings. Do you really think that Elam is the 23rd best Safety in the league? Or the 55th? I’d say neither, but 41st does sound about right. Same with Sensabaugh. He’s probably not the 16th best safety in the league, but is probably around 23rd.
It doesn’t have anything to do with the number of safeties on the field at one time. Also, I did not compile these rankings, PFF did. So I was not the one that personally bumped him down. I’m just stating what their rankings reflect. I hope that I made this simple enough for you to understand.
Baked Potato Soup - January 11, 2012
I understand what you meant.
But why should we compare him with safeties that play less and are therefore fresher when they play?
Sean Lissemore is an incredible kick returner, if you look at everyone with at least one return.
75% is a good number for a true comparison of starting players. Do you think you could run 75 sprints of 100 meters and have a better average time than a comparable athlete running only 50? Of course part time players will look better. Just think of the great Tashard Choice.
CotySaxman - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I'm going to have to strongly disagree.
1 kick return vs. 50% of plays is vastly different. In fact, it’s ridiculous to even make that comparison. But since you brought it up, Lissemore is only ranked 50th in that case. That’s because PFF ranks are cumulative, not average. The more you play, if you don’t play negatively, the higher grade you should have. So if I run a 4.9 40 and someone else runs a 4.9 40, and we are each given a point for every time we run under 5 seconds, I would think that my grade would be much higher with 25% or more attempts over the course of a year.
Are you saying that you think Elam is the 26th best safety in the NFL because he plays more snaps than guys that do better than him when they are on the field? Does that mean that DeMarco Murray is not as good as any of the running backs that played 50% of the snaps for their teams? Or that Jimmy Clausen was a better QB in 2010 than Tony Romo because Romo was hurt for part of the season? Was Terence Newman better than Orlando Scandrick this year because he played a higher percentage of snaps? Is Greg Little a better WR than Dez Bryant because he played 75% of his team’s snaps and Dez didn’t?
Baked Potato Soup - January 11, 2012
If the 50% guys are so good
Why aren’t they playing the other 50% of the time?
Take that 4.9 40. Run it 75 times. But you’ve gotta finish in 3 hours while being hit. Think the guy who only has to get in 50 reps won’t have a better time? Fatigue has been widely circulated as an explanation for poor play. Isn’t a 75% player more fatigued, in the game and over the course of the season? The cumulative effect of more snaps is not a higher grade if the increase in quantity reduces the quality. Among people receiving similar snaps, he performed well.
We’re not talking darts here. He’s not getting more shots at the bullseye with no physical penalties.
CotySaxman - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Furthermore, his moderation rank as tenth is more accurate,
And serves as further evidence. Subsequent injuries to Church and McCray increased his ansi count and reduced his effectiveness.
CotySaxman - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Midseason.
CotySaxman - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Not exactly well.
Among people playing a similar number of snaps, he was middle of the pack. That’s exactly my point. He was 16th, but that’s out of only 36 guys. When weighed against the number of players in the grouping, 16th is not that great. Just throwing out that he was 16th without specifying the lower than expected number of safeties that he was ranked against is quite misleading.
Most people assume that you are talking about 64 starting safeties in the NFL when you say that he is ranked 16th. That’s not true. He was ranked better than 55% of safeties that played 75% of their team’s defensive stats in 2011, and 41% of safeties with that snap count were ranked better than him. That’s average and that’s what he is.
Baked Potato Soup - January 11, 2012
To be completely fair, that's slightly above average.
And his productivity declined after the injuries to McCray and Church, who spelled him, which lends more credence to the higher snap count resulting in a lower cumulative grade.
CotySaxman - January 13, 2012
One can only hope
It would be awesome if Morris Claiborne would decide to stay in school for another season after that dismal loss last night to the Tide. Although no one could recall a pass being completed against him all night so he did HIS job. It would be great if Kirkpatrick decided to stay too.
However, Wes Bunting has now given them grades for the draft and he normally doesn’t do that until they declare. He did this before the BCS Championship, but I still can’t find anything about them declaring except that Mo Claiborne still hasn’t made up his mind. Deadline is Jan. 15 so we will know by Sunday what the deal is.
ProBowlFactory - January 10, 2012
Why would you want them to stay in school?
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Because I don't think we will have a shot at them without trading up
Then we won’t be missing out on a first round corner in this years draft. BTW, I am not interested at all in Alfonzo Dennard and I am not sure that Janoris Jenkins has rehabbed his image enough yet to improve his draft stock.
Although I am sure at least one of them will enter the draft. But look below and you will see the list you can add them to if one decided to stay, making next year an even better D-back class (probably the best in years), although not all of the names listed will enter the draft…
ProBowlFactory - January 10, 2012
You want them to enter so they can push more elite talent down the board.
It’s not like we are going to get a shot at either of them next year, so why dry up the talent pool in this year’s draft? That doesn’t make sense to me.
Creasy729 - January 10, 2012
Exactly.
The more talent in the draft, the better the talent of the player we pick should be.
Wishing they stay in school is not good for us. And they just run the risk of getting hurt and missing a big paycheck.
Tom Ryle - January 10, 2012
Not to mention
Most if not all of us are hoping for a better season next year which means picking later in the draft so he would be even further out of reach next year.
Anthony_21 - January 11, 2012
+14
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
However, if both decided to stay, or even one
It would make next years draft class that much better. You add Morris Claiborne and/or Dre Kirkpatrick to a list of players like:
Xavier Rhodes (who only decided to stay in school and not enter the draft this year after a talk with his grandmother)
Johnthan Banks
Tyrann Mathieu
David Amerson (13 INT, 2 TD in 2011)
Nickell Robey
ProBowlFactory - January 10, 2012
Problem is that it hurts us this year and we probably won't be drafting high enough next year to get either of them.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Yes, but it most likely pushes these guys down to us next year
And on a side note, I’m calling my shot and saying that we aren’t getting Morris Claiborne or Dre Kirkpatrick without trading up to get them. The only way I say go for that is if we make a HUGE SPLASH in free agency this year…
ProBowlFactory - January 10, 2012
Banks may still declare this year and I think Tyrann is better as a safety ala the Bob Sanders mold.
If we make the playoffs next year, I be worried that none of them would be available in the twenties. If Banks declares this year we might snag him in the second.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Obviously this is all premature still
We still have yet to see who else will declare. Josh Robinson ended up declaring this year (UCF) and he would have debatably been the top senior corner in next years draft.
ProBowlFactory - January 10, 2012
You're right, I just would like to fill needs ASAP rather than wait a year.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
I wouldn't sweat that draft so much in the future. I want as much talent available at #14 as possible.
Dre and Claiborne (who are never going to be Cowboys anyway) entering the draft will push better guys down the board.
Creasy729 - January 10, 2012
+1
That is why on the draft charts a future pick has less value than a pick this year…..
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
and if we get in the playoffs next year, we would be picking in the 20's well out of reach of
any of them
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
great perspective RR
KD Drummond - January 10, 2012
Quit being such an apologist. Sensacantcatchball had several one year contracts before
this multiyear, multimillion dollar contract. Nothing in his play warranted an offer competition from other teams. Lets keep our perspective and remember this is post season, not pre season.
bresson - January 10, 2012
Too true Bresson
But I think Rabble’s point is that the Cowboys really had no choice. By comparison, Weddle got a $8 mil / yr contract. Sensy was paid about what he was worth.
The real issue is many fans expectation of Sensy. He’s an average safety. That means he makes plays 50% of the time and he misses plays 50% of the time. Some games he plays better than others.
With all the dead money tied up in players cut this past year (Gurode, Davis, etc.), Sensy was the best option.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 10, 2012
Plus you cant replace everyone on the defense in one offseason and draft. We have to
have a depth of talent across the board at all positions and it wont happen in one or two off seasons
StrosSouth - January 10, 2012
Some folks are insatiable.
DCBlueStar - January 10, 2012
Two thoughts
First, I hope the Scandrick and Sensabaugh deals don’t turn out to be the equivalent of the Barber deal – signing a player out of a perceived need to a much too high contract.
Second, and I have no clue how compensatory picks work, but if that crop of free agents find a home somewhere else in the league, there should be a couple of compensatory picks in there for the Cowboys somewhere.
One.Cool.Customer - January 10, 2012
I don't think 4th year + players change their stripes, so I expect them to do no better than they have so far in their careers
But I don’t think their salaries will make them very difficult to cut like Barber or Roy’s contracts.
See fanpost on reportedly leaked contract details here: http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/1/6/2688823/facinating-salary-structure-for-orlando-scandrick-and-gerald
These salary structures show that after year #2 it’s no more problematic to cut them than to keep them. Combined with low signing bonuses we shouldn’t have to eat a bunch of dead money to jettison these contracts.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
These salaries are not that bad considering that they are really only 2 year deals.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Yeah it's 2 year deals with options afterwards
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
JJ needs to be more like Pitts and the Pats and not reward aging Vets with big contracts.
This isn’t the American league where Albert can play as the DH until he’s 40.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
to do what they do
we would have to draft as well and have the replacements for those “aging” vets on the rooster already….and sadly we do not
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
You know why they have their hands tied?
Because they don’t know what they’re doing.JJ gets too close to the situation and let’s his personal feelings take over so that he overlooks flaws in the players he chooses to keep.He knows he has to pay them to keep them.He also knows he can’t replace them fast enough through the draft or get them coached up quick enough to step up.We’re left with average players that can do the job,but never make a difference and get you over the hump.There’s a reason we have won our own division just twice since 2000.The only year we went further than both the Eagles or Giants was 2009.Guess what?We won our big playoff game that year.The key for post season success is winning the division and besting the Eagles or Giants.The reason they have been more successful recently is better coaching and scouting.
Quest For Six - January 10, 2012
A completely different article...
BUT YOU ARE VERY CORRECT!!!!!!
Tyrone Jenkins - January 10, 2012
keep on rewarding mediocrity Jerry
hand Sensabaugh here a contract extension during the season and then he fell off even more
dude is not that good
goofy, uncoordinated, stiff hips
he is a SS playing FS and isn’t the smartest player either
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
He was playing with a foot injury for about the last month of the season
StrosSouth - January 10, 2012
yean, I agree Sensabaugh isn't very good
Terry - January 10, 2012
dude sucks
and he is a strong safety playing free safety
its sad
free agency told me enough about him, nobody wanted him
then we reward he is mediocre play during the season
if I was an average player and I saw Sensabaugh get a contract, I would be like, oh Gerald got a contract and he isn’t even that good, so I guess I am going to get one too
its sad
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
I know it was earlier in the season...
But didn’t you game ball him once?
He is what he is, and is now signed to what is essentially a two year bridge contract.
I’m good with it. Get a DE (The Landry Hat reported talks re Ratliff moving to DE) or an NT that can collapse the pocket and Sensabaugh would look much better.
Nickthegrip - January 11, 2012
he played good earlier in the year, then fell off
Archie Barberio - January 11, 2012
in the RR scheme
isnt the FS and SS almost interchangeable ?
this whole thing comes back to the bad drafts we have had (2009 and backwards)…..they have to keep him or have to sign / draft too many replacements in the secondary in one year……would you have let him go and had no starting safteys for next year on the rooster at the end of this year ? I understand your dislike of his play, and i mostly agree, but the safety position does not exist in a vacum, and all the other needs we have must be taken into account as well
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
In todays NFL, safeties have to be interchangeable in every scheme
Both safeties have to be able to cover and support the run equally as well
Terry - January 11, 2012
If I had to put money it, I think the FA and Draft plays out like this:
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
waiting in suspense !
thebigham - January 10, 2012
sorry, inadvertantly hit send
I think FA and draft plays out the following way:
1) Newman, Elam, Walker, Ball won’t play another game for Dallas
2) I think Tracy Porter, given his age (25) can be had for a modest price given the fact he didn’t have a great yr; however there’s no denying the guy is really talented, fast, and has playmaking ability (he would be an upgrade over Newman).
3) This is what I would like to see happen in the draft:
-RD1: Take BPA of (Kirkpatrick, Perry, Ingram, Upshaw, or DeCastro).
-RD2: Chase Minnifield (CB) from Virginia, he can intercept the ball, play in either press-man or zone coverage, he can tackle and help in the run game, and can return kicks.
-RD3: Markelle Martin (FS/SS) from Oklahoma State, he’s a hard hitter who can play coverage, and has a nose for the football, and can tackle.
-RD4: Josh Robinson Jr (CB) from UCF, 4.47 40, 10 career INTs and 36 passes broken up in 3 seasons. Was All Conference USA Second team in 2009, First team in both 2010 and 2011. He’s either just behind Asante Samuel or at least tied his school record for career passes broken up.
From RDs 5-7, just take the bpa pet cat for G/C, and DL/OLB
I think the two areas that need to be addressed heavily this offseason are DB (CB & Safety) + OL (G/C). The team needs to come away with 4 new DBs (FA+Draft) and at least 1 if not 2 Gs in the draft, as those are the areas that need immediate help.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Hmm I see your strategy and raise you a..
Where’s the pass rush? Do we sign Spencer back? No matter the talent in the back end if the front end can’t get there youll lose every time. And its painfully obvious we get zero pressure without blitzing .
thebigham - January 10, 2012
i think you could for a reasonable amount and 2-3 yrs max
yehti - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Ok here's a revised mock draft
RD1: David DeCastro (G)
RD2: Chase Minnifield (CB)
RD3: Vinny Curry (3-4 DE if he adds weight, or 3-4 OLB) from Marshall; he’s 6’3, 263, and runs 4.7 40. He’s NCAA active career leader in tackles for loss with 48 (21.5 in 2011); ranks second among actives for career sacks with 26.5 (11 in 2011); ranks 7th in career forced fumbles with 9 (6 in 2011). Scouts project him to play the Strong Side (Anthony Spencer’s position). Here’s his profile http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1695468/vinny-curry
RD4: Josh Robinson Jr (CB)
RDs5-7: BPA at safety, G/C , DE/DT
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Nice
I am not a draft guy but I am pretty sure I heard this is not a good safety class. I don’t think you can get a starting safety in round 5.
So are you good with Elam/Sensi for the next year while a 5th rounder get acclimated?
Mojoness - January 10, 2012
In my opinion
I’d prefer to spend early picks on DB (CB+SS) and G. We need to sure up these positions. I can see us taking either Mark Barron (SS) in the second Rd or Markelle Martin (FS/SS) in the 3rd Rd.
Just like the safety position isn’t very deep, neither is this a very deep pass rush class.
It all comes down to what the FO prefers. I know I don’t want another season of Elam and Sensi together playing safety. I can live with Spencer and Butler opposite Ware for another season.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Mark Barron is going in the first round
frankly, I wouldn’t even mind taking him in the first since our safeties blow
another position we ignored in the draft
the only safety I remember drafting since Pat Watkins was Akwasi Owusu Ansah in the 4th round and he was a small school CB
I hate that we don’t go after safeties
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
I Completely Agree Chia
Mark Barron (S)
Melvin Ingram (OLB)
David DeCastro (G)
Peter Konz ©
Morris Claiborne (CB)
Dre Kirkpatrick (CB)
Pretty much anyone in that range is going to be a massive help to Dallas. I love this #14 draft pick because I think we’re going to get a cornerstone player like a Sean Lee or a Tyron Smith with this pick no matter how the draft board falls.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Barron is the prototypical STRONG safety
hard hitting, instinctual against the run, etc. Basically, he’s a smaller, faster LB w/ average coverage skills.
That is NOT what Dallas needs as Sensy isn’t really a FS. Markelle Martin would make for a much better fit.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 10, 2012
Sensabaugh isn't on this team in 2014
100% chance of being gone. Don’t make decisions based on him. Make decisions about adding the right players. If you think Barron is an Ed Reed you take him. If you don’t think he’s the best player available, don’t take him.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Damn, I would love to have both Barron and Martin
Martin: 6’1 198 4.47 40; Can play either the FS or SS positions. He’s got good coverage skills; a hard hitter, who tackles well (especially in support); he comes out of the Troy Polamalu mold. In 2009, he had 45 tackles, and 11 pass broken up. In 2010, he had 55 tackles, 3 INTs, and 10 passes broken up. In 2011, he had 74 tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 11 passes broken up. He’s also a RKG, a good teammate and does well in the classroom. I trust his production in the Big 12 as the offensive talent is second to maybe the schools in the Pac 12. Right now he’s projected to go in the top 50
Compare with Mark Barron
Barron is 6’2 218 and runs a 4.56 40; he’s purely a SS, despite not being a very good tackler (takes good angles though), however, he’s a pure ball hawk. His stats: (2011) 66 Tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups, and 2 INTs, and 1 FF. (2010) 75 Tackles, 2 sacks, 6 pass break ups, and 3 INTs. (2009) 76 Tackles, 11 passes broken up, and 7 INTS (125 INT return for TD).
Honestly, I’d be very much in favor of our top 4 draft picks being
RD1: Mark Barron (SS) Bama
RD2: Markelle Martin (FS/SS) Ok St
RD3: Kevin Zeitler (G) Wisconsin
RD4: Josh Robinson Jr (CB) UCF
Rohpuri - January 11, 2012 via mobile
thats what I am hoping for, a cornerstone player
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
There is not a Guard worth a first round pick
especially at No. 14. If they are that good, they are tackles or Centers. You can get a very solid G in the second round. Go Upshaw (If available) first round and go from there. Getting to the QB can make any secondary look that much better.
Terrence Hunley - January 10, 2012
David DeCastro has potential to be one of the best guards of all-time
I’d like to point out that Mike Iupati was drafted in the first by SF in 2010, and the Boys tried to trade up to get him.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Terrence
I asked this question in another thread – interested to hear your thoughts..
There was a player that was the best at his position to ever play for the Cowboys. He had 11 pro-bowl seasons (he only played 12 seasons total), he was a pro-bowler at two different positions, he was 7 time all pro, he bench pressed over 675 and was known for running down and tackling a LB after an INT. He made the NFL 1990 and 2000 all decade teams.
He was drafted in the 2nd round but if you KNEW he would be that good, how high of a pick would he be worth? 14? 5? 1?
That player was Larry Allen. One of the few players to have a similar career is Richardson, of whom DeCastro is being compared to.
Tyrone Jenkins - January 11, 2012
And keeping Romo up will win us more games.
thebigham - January 11, 2012
simply not true at all
Terry - January 11, 2012
Terrence, Respectably disagree.
See- Larry Allen. I am not saying DeCastro is the next LA, but I am al in favor of using our #1 pick on him IF he is still there.
Although I do like the ideas of some of the other posters here, Chia, Rohpuri, and the Bigham all have floated some very good scenarios that I would be in favor of. It is just that my personal opinion isthat I would prefer to see the O-Line finished off and then move on to the D. I think that since we started working on them last year, if we can get DeCastro, It will bolster our running game, our passing game, and keep our players healthier and extend the career of one offensive player in particular, which is something that would make a lot of us happier, esp. Terry!LOL.
We need one guy to finish up making a stellar, very dominant O-Line, we need more than that on our D.
If we Get Decastro, then we don’t have to worry about the O-Line for the next decade, and use the rest of the draft and FA to shore up the D.
JMHO, and as always, YMMV
Willy H - January 11, 2012
BTW, after having said all that
I think that the boys will pass on him if he is there, not just because of the JJ likes Glitz myth, I just think they will go D with the Best D player available
Willy H - January 11, 2012
I saw Curry play
here in Houston this season. He is going to be the real deal. Small school with a rebuilding program is going to push him down in the draft but dont let that fool ya. From what I have been able to gather he is one of those RKGs too. He would be a nice complement to DWare just gonne need a year like Lee did.
sexililkitti - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Thanks for the tip on Curry
Rohpuri - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Keep Robinson and McBriar from that list.
Send the rest of them packing.
Mikellie - January 10, 2012
Hmm McBriar is most likely gone too.
I love the guy but this seems like a injury that will just never leave him the same.
thebigham - January 10, 2012
I agree ham.
Sad but true.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
that drop foot is more serious than we thought
he’s not going to be the same Mcbriar unless the Germans pull off some miracle on his foot
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 10, 2012
everything i have read about "drop foot"
pretty much says you’re never the same.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
I also beleive Sensabaugh was re-signed because he can play strong or free safety
I think the Cowboys kept Sensabaugh not because he’s skilled but because he’s flexible.
I think their plan is to draft/sign the best SS/FS for the money they can find. They want to be flexible in adding talent to the secondary.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
good call
makes sense
yehti - January 10, 2012 via mobile
This is why
I can see either Mark Barron (SS) in the second round, or Markelle Martin (FS/SS) in the third round.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
I don't think there's anyone in the 1st round we won't draft
Everyone is focusing on DeCastro because of need but I don’t think that’s how the Cowboys will think. I think they will literally construct their board ranking the best players and take literally the best player available when he comes up.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
I agree
my guess is we have some young interior linemen and now a new OL coach so they are gonna develop what we have, pass on DeCastro, and get the best availible corner. I seriously think Jason has a specific plan in mind and he is exactly where he should be no matter how frustrating it is tol the fans.
sexililkitti - January 10, 2012 via mobile
thats the problem
he isn’t a FS, he plays there but that doesn’t mean he is good there
he is a strong safety playing out of position
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
He's not a very good at strong safety either
I think the idea is instead of signing 2 players to long-term contracts to fill holes, let’s find the 1 right guy and use Sensabaugh as the bridge to signing the 2nd guy in 2012.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
good point
Just a hunch, but I think he’ll play free next year…
rabblerousr - January 11, 2012
Keep 2, dump 12
How long to replace 12 men? And then the ones next year? And the ones after that?
stubabe - January 10, 2012
Hudson Houck retiring
I dont know how I feel about this.
Mort “Legendary Cowboys line coach Hudson Houck retires after 29 yrs; Bill Callahan (Jets) wll replace him.”
DonMoosavi - January 10, 2012
I feel good about it
I think his ideas were outdated. He stressed “positional flexibility” and touted Kosier who’d never snapped a football before as our backup center in 2010. He talked about how he trained Leonard Davis to be ready to take over at right tackle. Davis was too slow to be a guard, could you imagine him at tackle?
Houck seemed to be out of touch with a world where specialization was increasing because skills were increasing. So his focus on flexibility left out young linemen with fewer specialized skills.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Nice Read... Rec'd
It was not a pretty end of the season and changes do need to be made. But…
Quite a few people are getting emotional tramping about with their torches and pitchforks ready to ax players. I often happen to appreciate the dissenting opinion. The thing I love about this site is the depth of exploration when it comes to football. We go over every option… Every reasonable permutation…
Articles like this are great for their insight and maybe even for thinking out of the box…
Mojoness - January 10, 2012
I'm Glad Jerry's Senility is Finally Discussed as Fact
And very few people are left defending him.
Lord Humungus - January 10, 2012
just heard Hudson Houck has retired. from DcblueStar
salas88 - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Oops a little too late
salas88 - January 10, 2012 via mobile
thank god
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
Tony Sparano
Your table at Valley Ranch is ready.
TexasGarcia37 - January 10, 2012
Bill Callahan (Jets) will replace him
DonMoosavi - January 10, 2012
wow just read that
oh well, no Sparano I guess but Callahan I will take
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
They had a great O-line in the Jets and Callahan did so well in 2008 they interviewed him for the head coaching job
Losing eventually to Rex Ryan
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Jerome Henderson from Browns new secondary coach
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/7448558/hudson-houck-retires-dallas-cowboys-hire-bill-callahan-staff
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
Doubt Sparano comes now
Reportedly Jets Bill Callahan will replace Houck. Gang Green Nation is upset with this move.
They seemed to have respected his work. Some wanted him to be the OC there.
nycowboysfan - January 10, 2012
What do you guys know about Jerome Henderson?
DonMoosavi - January 10, 2012
Parcells guy I think, seems pretty bright, I like him
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-center/videos/Browns-Insider-Jerome-Henderson/544ace86-b55d-4e22-b474-2909f412425c
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
this is cool
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/media-center/videos/Defensive-Drills-with-Jerome-Henderson/acf31899-af74-46c5-a345-3216c0e55007
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
oh I like this guy
please watch that
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
god I would kill to have TJ Ward
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
You sure are doin a lot of killin lately
Anything you need to get off your chest?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
nope
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
just checkin
you can’t defend your Fan Poster of The Year title from prison.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
lol, not unless I have a great lawyer
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
Or great internet access
to keep posting from the prison library.
hookerhome - January 11, 2012
with today's prisons
he probably could
BigBad Joe - January 11, 2012
lol
Archie Barberio - January 11, 2012
good video
i like the drills, hopefully Dallas will reap the results
yehti - January 10, 2012 via mobile
I thought it was cool
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
oh man now that's is good
I mean I’m going to miss Campo’s “hey as long as you’re in the general area of the receiver, dont bother turning around and looking for it, wait till he catches it then make a half ass attempt to tackle him as you watch him waltz down towards the endzone” philosophy, but I like the new guy already
DonMoosavi - January 10, 2012
(it meaning the ball- no ball awareness at all by any of our DB's...it's only an INT if it falls into their lap)
DonMoosavi - January 10, 2012
yup
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
Recent ESPN New York blog post
from Jan. 2 has a couple of O-Linemen from the Jets say he is the best O-line coach they have ever had,career saving for one of them. Hope that bodes well for us.
nycowboysfan - January 10, 2012
Jets had one of the best O-lines in the league from 2008-2010
Let’s see what he can do here.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Why did they regress this year?
Creasy729 - January 10, 2012
Talent
Damien Woody retired from the RT spot, and Wayne Hunter had a poor year replacing him. Matt Slausen was average at best at LG, and Nick Mangold missed time at C.
MilesAhead - January 10, 2012 via Android app
Also, Mark Sanchez makes any O-line look worse when he's asked to carry the offense
so it’s tough to tell
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
This.
MilesAhead - January 10, 2012 via Android app
Moore looked terrible after last year"s surgery and Turner was hurt along with Mangold.
and Sanchez sucks.
pfloyd1 - January 10, 2012
Alot of dysfunction within the offensive side of this years Jets team.
Questionable play calling and very poor execution contributed to the fall off IMO. This also seems to be the opinion of some posters on Gang Green Nation.
nycowboysfan - January 10, 2012
More breaking news: Adam Schefter reporting Jerome Henderson hired as DB's coach
DB’s coach in Cleveland for the last 2 years. Cleveland was 2nd in passes defended this year and Henderson helped turn Joe Haden into one of the league’s premiere shut-down corners.
I’m a fan of this move because Joe Haden played like the best corner since Darrelle Revis this year. Dave Campo never turned any rookie into a shut-down corner. This can only help the Cowboys!
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Little late Devil
Someone beat you to it up above.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
I like the interview too.
But defending the Steelers & Ravens WR’s is not the same as PHI & NYG WR’s. They are the real deal. But he sounds a lot better than Campo.
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
Steelers WR's are pretty good
But i get what you are saying. The bigger problem with our secondary is lack of talent. Plain and simple.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
Yeah, but better coaching never hurts.
Tom Ryle - January 10, 2012
A coach can only unlock talent, he can't make it
All he can do is get the max out of a player, it’s the player that determines how high his ceiling is.
I love the idea of giving Scandrick and Jenkins (who have higher ceilings than they’ve consistantly played at) a full off season with Henderson.
How much of a different will it make? I don’t know, but I’m anxious to see because it could be a huge difference from old man Campo’s 20-year-old techniques in a leauge that’s passed him by.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
I just don't see it could hurt.
I think replacing Campo is certainly an upgrade, and Callahan will likely also improve things, although not as dramatically. Both hires give me a good feeling.
Tom Ryle - January 10, 2012
No way possible it hurts.
I think the Devil and I are just stating the obvious. No matter how good the coaching is we still have to add lots of talent back there.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
Yeah, I really like the signing
Couldn’t think of a better fit. I love this guys’ philosophy from the little bit of reading I’ve done in the last hour and I think he had a great thing going in Cleveland.
Love both of these hires. Add them to Woicik and Jimmy Robinson and boy am I excited about our positional coaches.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
I am in favor of the hire
Just saying our CB’s will do better against Pitt & Balt’s WR’s next year than the Giants and Eagles WR. But if we don’t get alot better on the OL they will kill Romo.
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
I like Jerome Henderson
I’m not too big on Bill Callahan.
Quest For Six - January 10, 2012
any reason?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
I just love how fast Jerry and JG got this done
I absolutely love it. It re-affirms to me to me that they have plan and they are wasting no time getting started on the future.
I just really love both of these hires. Callahan brings a ton of experience. Not only has he directed one of the best olines in the game the past few seasons but he’s been a play caller for many years. That can only help JG.
Hiring Henderson to replace Campo was the perfect fit. Bringing in a guy that is already familiar with Robs system just makes too much sense. That in itself is going to help with the “communication” problems. Maybe the communication problem wasn’t just with the players. The defensive staff needs to be on the same page as well.
We have a long ways to go till next season but I smell hope on the horizon. Thats why i love the off season. I can get all giddy about moves they make without being slapped in the face by reality on Sunday.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
This is good Jerry
We stole Jimmy Robinson from the best WR corps in the league
We stole Bill Callahan from arguably the best O-line over the last 4 years in the league
We stole Jerome Henderson from one of the best up-and-coming secondaries in the league
We stole Mike Woicik from the perennial superbowl-bound Patriots.
And we didn’t give a single one a promotion, we got them all in lateral moves.
That’s Jerry doing great Jerry things. Convincing the best guys in the league to stop what they’re doing and come to Dallas.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
Jerry gets an "A" here
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
JJ does deserve some credit.
I don’t know if the hires were his idea, or if JG, RR and/or Stephen had something to do with them.
But I bet it was JJ’s wallet that closed the deals. He does know how to put his money to good use sometimes.
Tom Ryle - January 10, 2012
Robinson for sure was Garrett.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-cowboys/headlines/20110218-garrett_s-work-ethic-a-big-reason-why-packers-coach-joined-cowboys.ece
Baked Potato Soup - January 10, 2012
I don't see anything happening here...
Elam is great in this defense, Sensabaugh is decent in this defense but they are no Roy Williams. Sensi continues to get picks, TNew gets picks, these guys all look like they might stick… go back to the Landry teams or Jimmy Johnson teams, they all had big defensive playmakers at corner and safety. That’s what we need, at least 1 Dennis Thurman and 1 Everson Walls… how bad are we at getting turnovers? Add Michael Downs to that mix and in 1981 they had 27 INTs combined. TNew, Jenkins and Sensabaugh had 7 this year.
As good as the offense was in not turning over the ball, it didn’t matter much because we didn’t get enough on the defensive side. Has the NFL changed that much? Dallas led the league in INTs with 37 in ’81, this year the Packers led the league with 24.
OK, how about a starter in the secondary with more than 4 INTs? Do we give these guys 1 more year in the Ryan system? Or dump them all now?
I just don’t see Ball and Scandrick going anywhere, and who do you replace TNew and Sensi with that will actually be an upgrade?
scraig - January 10, 2012
not sure there will be many big names coming to Dallas via FA
They have only 18 million in cap room (25 million in dead cap money) and already 14 spots that need to be filled. How does the saying go? Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it
082288 - January 10, 2012
What ever is left on our slary cap space when this league year ends rolls over into next
season and we also are about to cut bait with several players like T-Old which saves even more money plus i believe all teams get an exception (or something of that nature) to use for cap space too. Cowboys will be just fine
StrosSouth - January 10, 2012
I thought I read somewhere that the 18 million is with the roll over
There are teams like Tampa that will have well over 40 million in cap space
082288 - January 10, 2012
From what i have read
i think you are correct. I’ve been hearing that they will have 18-20 mill of cap space next year. But i think they can get a lot done with that.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
When i last chekced in Sept.we would be right around $20 mil give or take a mil or two
not counting T-New being cut or any other contracts that have been reworked since or yet to be redone
StrosSouth - January 10, 2012
So does that mean that a team like Philly whoes cap number for 2011 was 80
or, 46 million under the cap will roll over to 92 million under the cap for 2012?
082288 - January 11, 2012
The Eagles are nowhere near that figure.
A quick google search could have shown you that. At the latest count, the Eagles are $5.3 million under the cap. Here’s the link to the latest list for all teams.
Of course, each team can restructure contracts to create more space should they need to.
One.Cool.Customer - January 11, 2012
outstanding foresight rabble! keep it up!
mho - January 10, 2012 via iPhone app
Jerry isn't always the dumbass that he gets labeled.
But when he makes a Roy Williams mistake it takes a couple of years to overcome.
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
JJ really made that mistake twice
Joey Galloway
082288 - January 10, 2012
3 times a charm
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
Oh crap
I guess this means he’s overpaying to retain Laurent Robinson’s services.
Rohpuri - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Well, he'd have to find someone to take two first rounders for that to count
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Or at least a 1st and 2nd
and maybe a conditional 6th rounder for good measure. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys can keep Robinson. I hope so, but something tells me they will not be able to afford him unless he is willing to take less to stay.
082288 - January 11, 2012
This team has been making good personel decisions since JG took over.
I can’t remember a bad personel decision in the last year and a half. I wonder who is really making these calls?
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
In JG I trust
Now if we can just get that whole time out thingy worked out.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
Ratliff Extension
Small nose tackle who’se been declining over the last 3 years and still has 2 more years on his current contract. Jerry extended Ratliff for another seven years. Jay Ratliff is under contract until he is 39. He is guaranteed until he’s 35.
Think there’s any chance an undersized nose tackle who’se production is declining might underperform that contract. Didn’t we just see another undersized player who takes a lot of damage turn into a gigantic albatross in Marion Barber?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
I think a better GM would have traded Ratliff for a 1st round pick this year instead of extending him
But that’s why we get stuck with Larry Allen and Marion Barber contracts and the Patriots get to have superbowls.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 10, 2012
nobody was giving up a first rounder for Ratliff
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Maybe he moves to DE
But that contract seems to be pushing the envelope a bit.
cowboy1966 - January 10, 2012
Looks like Brett Maxie might be moving on
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689451/brett-maxie-to-interview-in-tennessee
It makes since for him. It would be a promotion.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 10, 2012
good, dude is a Maxie Pad
now go get a good safety coach
gotta admit that Jerry is doing a great job with this coaching staff
Archie Barberio - January 10, 2012
Hey you know that team with really bad safetys? Let's get him to coach our secondary.
just4fun - January 11, 2012
These recent assistant coach hirings should clue us in
Concerning draft & free agency
Expect changes in the secondary and the guard position.
Those expecting a stud pass rusher at end or OLB might have to temper expectations. If anything, I think Spencer is brought back if team isn’t confident Butler can replace him.
Rohpuri - January 10, 2012 via mobile
Sparano has joined the Jets.....
salas88 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
that explains the Callahan move
I’m sure JG gave it his best shot, but Sparano must’ve wanted more of a name for himself. This is Garrett’s offense. He’ll get more credit if the Jets improve, and more of a chance to be a head coach again.
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Saw that as well
Anyone think Cowboys might still be looking at Haley as rumored?
westsidewolf1989 - January 11, 2012
Supposedly Haley is looking to return to AZ
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Great, now every Cowboys reject
at offensive line will find his way on the Jets
Rohpuri - January 11, 2012 via mobile
I was waiting to see if the two coaches that obviously needed to go went
The only thing that would make this better would be replacing Joe D. Like the replacements, excellent choices. It shows that Garrett has a whole lot of influence on this team.
just4fun - January 11, 2012
Good god let Alan Ball
Go that guy was complete garbage all season long. And when he is packing take Terrance Newman with you.
beerman2619 - January 11, 2012
Ball was rated higher than Scandrick, per PFF.
Baked Potato Soup - January 11, 2012
cornerbacks
All I know is that the secondary sucks big time… Jenkins is a question mark with his shoulder banged up… he might not be willing to tackle… thats why the cowboys need to draft 2 corner backs in the first 3 rds and 1 more in the 6th or 7th round and invite 3 or 4 others corners who wasnt drafted.
1st and goal cowboys - January 11, 2012
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