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Who'll snap the football for the Cowboys in 2012?
A lot of the recent discussion about the Cowboys O-line has revolved around the guard position, specifically around David DeCastro as one option for the Cowboys' first-round pick in the April draft. What has gotten a little lost in that discussion is that the weakest link in the interior offensive line was arguably the center position.
I love an underdog story as much as the next guy, and it would have been a great story to see undrafted free agent Phil Costa succeed as a starter for the Cowboys. And as much as I hope for that story to still come true, the chances of that happening are the source of much contentious debate.
Traditionally, the Cowboys have not shied away from improving their O-line via free agency, so that may very well be an option for the Center position next year as well, particularly as free agency promises a bumper crop of free agent centers: Five of the top six centers as graded by Pro Football Focus are entering free agency this year.
After the break, we look at the free agent centers and see whether there really are as many options for the Cowboys as a first glance suggests
In each of the past two years, the Cowboys have brought in two centers for pre-draft visits, versus none in the two years before. Last year, the Cowboys brought in Mike Pouncey from Florida (whose visit went so well he tweeted that he'd 'be shocked' if he wasn't playing in a Cowboys uniform) and Jake Kirkpatrick from TCU, the year before it was Maurkice Pouncey and J.D. Walton.
Eventually, the Cowboys decided to go with Phil Costa, who graded out with a cumulative -9.7 for the season, according to PFF. That ranks him 29th among 35 centers included in PFFs ranking, and can't be what the Cowboys had in mind for the position.
Free agent centers
Below is an overview of the available free agent centers and their performance fo the year. I've included Costa in the table for reference purposes only. Some quick definitions for the table:
Pass Blocking Productivity (PBP) is a fairly straightforward metric developed by Khaled Elsayed of Pro Football Focus that combines sacks, hits and pressures allowed into one simple number. In Khaled's own words: "We added up all the sacks, hits and pressures an offensive lineman gave up (hits and pressures are valued at 0.75 the value of a sack in accordance with our gradings). We then divide this number by the total number of snaps in pass protection before multiplying by 100 to get a solid number."
Splash Plays: Number of sacks allowed and penalties against
NFL rank: Rank among 35 centers by overall grade
|
NFL Rank |
Player | Team | Snaps | Overall Grade | Sacks | Hits | Pressures | PBE | Penalties | Splash Plays |
| 1 | Chris Myers | HST | 1,060 | +29.8 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 1.6 | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | John Sullivan (re-signed) |
MIN | 956 | +22.5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1.8 | 1 | 5 |
| 4 | Scott Wells | GB | 1,055 | +18.0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1.1 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | Jeff Saturday | IND | 1,001 | +14.2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 1.5 | 3 | 5 |
| 6 | Todd McClure | ATL | 879 | +10.9 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 1.2 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Matt Birk | BLT | 1,088 | +7.8 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1.3 | 4 | 6 |
| 12 | Nick Hardwick | SD | 1,073 | +6.8 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1.1 | 1 | 1 |
| 14 | Casey Wiegmann | KC | 1,087 | +4.5 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1.2 | 2 | 2 |
| 16 | Will Montgomery | WAS | 917 | +3.4 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 1.7 | 2 | 2 |
| 18 | Samson Satele | OAK | 925 | +3.0 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 2.1 | 7 | 9 |
| 27 | Dan Connolly | NE | 784 | -5.0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 3.0 | 1 | 2 |
| 30 | Tony Wragge | STL | 574 | -10.8 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 3.1 | 4 | 7 |
| 29 | Phil Costa | DAL | 1,024 | -9.7 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 2.6 | 2 | 5 |
Most of the stats available for linemen are about the mistakes they make. But sacks, QB hits and penalties only tell a small part of the picture. And in looking at the table above, they really don't tell the story of a Center's performance. Because if that were the case, with just a few less QB pressures given up, Phil Costa would rank right up there with the best in the league. And that's not really the case.
The offensive line is key to moving the ball, either on the ground or through the air. Yet there are no stats that measure in individual lineman's contribution in moving the ball. The best we can muster in individual performance assessment are the PFF grades. They are not stats, but they're the best we have right now. And as the table above shows, there are significant differences between the available centers. So let's break down those numbers in a little more detail:
|
NFL Rank |
Player | Team | Snaps | Overall Grade | Pass Blocking |
Screen Blocking | Run Blocking | Penalties | Age |
| 1 | Chris Myers | HST | 1,060 | +29.8 | +3.7 | +1.0 | +25.8 | -0.7 | 30 |
| 3 | John Sullivan (re-signed) |
MIN | 956 | +22.5 | +2.2 | +1.5 | +16.8 | +2.0 | 26 |
| 4 | Scott Wells | GB | 1,055 | +18.0 | +8.1 | +1.5 | +7.1 | +1.3 | 30 |
| 5 | Jeff Saturday | IND | 1,001 | +14.2 | +6.2 | +1.5 | +5.1 | +1.4 | 36 |
| 6 | Todd McClure | ATL | 879 | +10.9 | +4.9 | 0.0 | +3.5 | +2.5 | 34 |
| 9 | Matt Birk | BLT | 1,088 | +7.8 | +7.2 | 0.0 | +1.2 | -0.6 | 35 |
| 12 | Nick Hardwick | SD | 1,073 | +6.8 | +8.8 | +1.0 | -5.3 | +2.3 | 30 |
| 14 | Casey Wiegmann | KC | 1,087 | +4.5 | +6.1 | +1.5 | -4.4 | +1.3 | 38 |
| 16 | Will Montgomery | WAS | 917 | +3.4 | -0.5 | +1.0 | +3.2 | -0.3 | 28 |
| 18 | Samson Satele | OAK | 917 | +3.0 | -0.5 | +2.0 | +5.7 | -4.2 | 27 |
| 27 | Dan Connolly | NE | 784 | -5.0 | -6.6 | +1.5 | -1.3 | +1.4 | 29 |
| 30 | Tony Wragge | STL | 574 | -10.8 | -5.0 | +1.5 | -4.7 | -2.1 | 32 |
| 30 | Phil Costa | DAL | 1,024 | -9.7 | -5.7 | -2.0 | -3.1 | +1.1 | 24 |
The table shows that each center has a different skill profile. Some are great run blockers, some are good pass blockers, some do both equally well.
[Update: Two readers separately informed me that John Sullivan re-signed with the Vikings in December for a five-year, $25 million contract extension with $10 million guaranteed. Apologies for missing that.]
But what the table also shows is that this year's free agency class looks like a geriatric society. Of the top rated rated players, none is below 30 years of age. The Patriots' Dan Connolly, who is more of a guard, is 29. He subbed for an injured Dan Koppen (32) at center, who'll also be a free agent this year. Another guard who played center is Will Montgomery of the Redskins (28), and he hasn't hit the 30 year threshold yet either.
The Cowboys have recently shown a propensity for filling holes along the O-line with free agents, but the successful signings were all below thirty years of age at the time they joined the Cowboys:
Marc Colombo ('05): 27
Kyle Kosier ('06): 28
Leonard Davis ('07): 29
Montrae Holland ('08): 28
Outside of John Sullivan, who'll likely be the prize of this free agent class, few of the free agents fit the age profile, so a free agent class that looked deep at first glance turns out to be quite shallow.
The advantage of youth is that young players can be mercurial. They can improve suddenly. They can improve exponentially. But only at the beginning of their career. That makes young players much more difficult to scout and to assess. Phil Costa is such a young player. But how much upside has he got left?
It is worth noting that while Costa graded out with a -10.0 for the first eight games, he came in with a +0.3 for the remaining eight games. But will the man his teammates and coaches call 'Bulldog' continue along that trajectory or has he hit his ceiling?
Those are questions the Cowboys need to answer, and then act accordingly. Of course, with the abundance of free agents, 2012 might turn out to be a buyer's market for centers, where a good center can be had for moderate money, and perhaps even more importantly for these free agents, for a one- or two-year deal.
Who do you think will snap the football for the Cowboys in 2012?
4 recs | 326 comments
think we should just let Nagy, Costa, and Kowalski battle it out for the center position
we don’t have the money to sign a center AND a OG, DB, a front seven player, and Laurent Robinson.
Lissyyyyy - January 12, 2012
+1
Full off season with our S&C Coach should help with Costa and Killer K
I think that our FA moneys will need to be spent elsewhere
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
No Better Place
that OLine..or did you enjoy watching this group get Romo sacked? Not a keeper in either of the guys you names..
We need at least two OLInemen..and three would be better..
bevomav - January 12, 2012
Would rather spend on a guard if OL FA
but hey, you are entitiled you your opinion, did you enjoy watching our D get torched ? (See I can do that too) :-)
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
Too Slow.
Nah, Tony’s problem is that he “hesitates” too much. Either he tries too hard or he tries to look real cute. Fact is, Tony is another Drew Bledsoe, he tries to stretch the play and instead gets sacked. I know, sometimes he scrambles and and makes a great play, but those are far from often. Fact is, Tony is not real good in the pocket.
Chetohimler - January 12, 2012
Facepalm to the extreme.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
+1 to the extreme
White Wolf - January 13, 2012
wow
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
I think this may be how it plays out.
Given Mike Woicik’s reputation, I think the odds are pretty good he can develop at least one of the three into a good (top half of the rankings) center. Put a stud young guard from the draft next to the center and improve the other guard position through the off season conditioning and coaching, and the middle of the line will be shored up significantly.
Tom Ryle - January 12, 2012
I hope so
Take Stanford’s guard at 14, and then address the secondary in free agency. Hopefully with Finnegan!!!
rioplayer7 - January 12, 2012
Pie in the sky
The Boys need help on the interior OL. The need another edge rusher and they needs lots help in the secondary.
birdness - January 12, 2012
more Woicik fantasies
he cannot make steak out of hamburger. Stop dreaming
burmafrd1944 - January 12, 2012
+1
guys you are giving woicik too much credit… he is not improving every poor lineman to decent one…it doesnt work that way
orli - January 12, 2012
Woicik may make them stronger, but he has nothing to do with technique
On the other hand, maybe the guy is Gandalf, who the hell knows
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
They hired one of the best OL coaches in the league this week.
He is really into technique. This is why people are excited about coaching on the young OL this off season.
Rena - January 14, 2012
But is he grey or white?
thebigham - January 14, 2012
White. Belichick is clearly the Balrog, and Woicik has already battled him and come through the other side
Seanrude - January 14, 2012
There actually are...
Steakburgers
rawrrawr - January 12, 2012
steak n shake
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
If a week with Woicik is all it took
Why were the Pouncey’s drafted with 1st round picks? Is Pittsburgh a dumb drafting team?
Or, perhaps, is there a bit more to playing in the NFL than just spending some time in the gym?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
No doubt there is
but I would rather draft an G or spend money in FA on a Guard….and if the S&C doesnt improve play, than why do it, why bother having a S&C coach at all.
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
We're not talking about trying to turn a top-15 rookie into a top-10 player
We’re talking about arguably the worst center in the entire NFL. This is like saying all Alan Ball needs to do is some wind sprints and he’ll be a great starting safety!
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
I am so glad you have brought this up.
It’s so funny the way people think players can develop. It’s like those on here who seem to suggest that we can still expect growth from a guy like Anthony Spencer. For Costa specifically, Woicik may be great, but it’s ridiculous to expect that his workouts are going to unlock some super potential that Costa working out on his own has failed to unlock (it’s not as if he is new to the weight room).
I would be interested to hear examples of players who really struggled upon being put into the starting line-up and then developed into real players. I can’t think of many. Note that this excludes guys like Romo and Miles who excelled right off the bat when they finally got extended time (and I would go so far to say that had they gotten that exposure to the field a year or two earlier, that they would have been serviceable then as well).
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
How many people got better in their third year of the league?
Plenty, especially undrafted rookies
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
I'll say this
Anthony Spencer: been in the league since 2007, and he’s the same player today that he was in 2009 (when he became a starter), average on a good day, mediocre on a bad day.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
It's not just getting better though.
How many go from being a significant liability to a solid player? Off of the top of my head I can’t think of any.
Creasy729 - January 13, 2012
Almost all rookie OL that are drafted and start that year.
Check out OCC’s charts from last off season about the last few years of rookie OL starters, how bad they were and how much better they did after 1-2 years.
Rena - January 13, 2012
and Im not talking about Costa becoming the best C in the league
but we always talk about how players must “show you something” by that magical third year….he is coming up on his, and if the offseason and TC’s dont help players, then why have them…… I dont need the best player in the league at every position, that is a pipe dream, but I do think that he can improve, i would be happy if we could get him or KillerK to be a mid level C, draft or pick up an OG in FA and roll with the rest of the young line……
We are not going to agree on this and Im good with that…..have a great weekend
BigBad Joe - January 13, 2012
Woicik is a miracle worker
Ten days with me, and I’d be able to model underwear
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
The problem as I understood it was that Costa would miss simple reads and miss on delayed rushes.
To many times I was watching and whomever it was that missed did just that,they blocked the wrong guy and somebody came through untouched.Or as with Costa,he would not have an assignment and would help another with his and would not even see the delayed blitzer trying to kill our Qb. All he had to do was be watching and he would have made the block. Can he be taught? Seems to me it would be pretty a easy thing to learn.
IMHO Romo is this team and protecting him is paramount. Without Tony it would get ugly in a hurry,many more hits like he has taken over the last 2 seasons and his career could be in jeopardy.
NVCowboy4Life - January 13, 2012
Not going to happen
With the new deal the players got more time to do nothing. I read Dez on Twitter and he sounds like an 8 year old whining about being bored. You will not fix players with this type of attitude and the new agreement only gives the S&C coach two weeks, in the off season, with the players.
bevomav - January 13, 2012
Yeah
Cowboys have some young talent to groom at the interior of the o-line.
I still think Costa has a fighting chance to be a starting center for most NFL teams. That being said, if the opportunity cost of signing Sullivan or Wells for a few years isn’t bad, then Costa would make a fine back-up. Costa, Nagy, Kowalski, Arkin, they will improve over time. Even Holland could reach the apex of his abilities with someone like Woicik
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Agree Woicik can help address the strength issue
Costa was getting blown off his spot with regularity. But I thought his more problematic deficiency was his relatively shorts arms, allowing Defenders to get into him too easily. Can’t coach size?
tdships - January 12, 2012
They are young, but have no talent
Costa rated 29th of 35 centers in the league. He needs to go not be given another year to suck.
bevomav - January 13, 2012
No talent? Did you read the article where OCC showed that Costa was improving as the season went on?
Rena - January 13, 2012
Totally agree
A geriatric center is not the answer. Let Woicik do his job. With strengthening one of these guys might step up and who knows, maybe Costa or one of the others may help replace Kosier.
I’d rather look at Grubbs or Nicks any way.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
No way...
Nicks is getting PAID, I’d rather use the dollars on Finnegan. I think he’ll cost less and be a better fit for the team. Go for DeCastro in the draft.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
Throw David Arkin in the mix as well.
Smart dude could excel there.
L_Dawg73 - January 12, 2012
its too risky
its a major risk just rolling with costa and kowlaski costa was in his 2nd year he had 2010 to work on strength and conditioning
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012 via Android app
It is a risk, but consider the roster numbers,
if you go stop-gap at C, who do you cut, who do you give up on?
With some positions on the team, it’s easy (if the Alan Ball canary is still in the DB coal mine, we are going to die!!!) but with the C position, unless you draft a C and let ’em compete, a stop-gap solution may do more long-term harm than good.
Cowtoys - January 12, 2012
I'd rather have Nick Hardwick
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
It's risky going with just Kowalski and Costa but Centers over 30 aren't exactly risk free either.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
with Callahan coming in
it wouldn’t shock me to see a big center drafted he likes bigger centers mike Brewster Ohio state is 6’5 305 he looks like a real possibility I am tired if the smaller centers we have
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012 via Android app
I want Konz
but that might be a case of you can’t have both. Best way that happens is by a trade down (which I don’t like to happen) and that only happens if Melvin Ingram, Devon Still, *Morris Claiborne, *Dre Kirkpatrick, and David Decastro are all off the board by the time we pick.
*=still have yet to see reports of draft declaration
ProBowlFactory - January 12, 2012
AP Sources: Claiborne turning pro
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
we have no shot at him, too bad
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
trading down from 14 is a disaster waiting to happen
the Cowboys only hand out on average anywhere from 18-24 at most first round grades
trading down is just a bad bad idea
we aren’t the patriots, we cant make late round picks work
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Chia,
what about if the BPA on the board is Barron would you trade down or pick him?
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
hypothetically you mean IF we trade down?
because I am staying put at 14 unless I get a 2nd round pick
nothing less makes me want to trade down, a 3rd round pick? ehhhh yeah no thanks I am good on that
I love Mark Barron now, I really like him and I would consider him at 14 now
problem is he is a SS, which Sensabaugh is and they just payed him so he is going to be here at least another year
if Barron was a FS, I would run up to the commish to hand my pick in at 14
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
But Barron is a SS
So do you trade down and miss grooming a replacement for Sensi to put an extra pick in your hand?
birdness - January 12, 2012
I dont want my first round pick sitting on the bench this year
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
+1
Whomever he is
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
did you see
Stephen’s comment about moving around on draft day? He mentioned moving up specifically. Wonder who that might be if he’s available at 10 or so. I’m thinking that’s Claiborne but maybe I’m reading too much into it.
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
I agree
maninly because the team has sucked in late round drafting.
bevomav - January 13, 2012
melvin ingram doesn't worth the 14th pick, trade down and pick in the late teens-early20's
ratware - January 12, 2012
That's what I believe
Not that Ingram is worth 14 but that if there are several prospects available with similar grades then trade down for the extra pick. If you have to have a SS and Baron is there then you have to make the pick.
I don’t believe the Boys have to take a C, OG, CB, OLB, DE and S all in the first round, but a trade down better leave at least one of those prospects available.
birdness - January 12, 2012
Check fanshots, we are posting the big ones as they declare.
Kirkpatrick, Robinson and HIghtower just all declared.
Rena - January 12, 2012
i like Kirkpatrick but he's like 6'2 & wonder how matches up with smaller WRs.
i need to watch some film on him against smaller speedy guys with quick lateral agility. Claiborne looks like the cream of the crop of DBs but it doesn’t mean theres no other ones left in rounds 2-7.
my pet J.Hosley CB from VT. that kid is a beast & i can’t wait to see his vertical jump or all of his measurables. teams will over look him bc he’s not the tallest DB but kid just makes plays, breaks up pass, turns INTs into TDs & has the vision to return punts.
i also like Hightower but thought there was some issues with his speed or coverage skills.
DCNation73 - January 13, 2012
hey chia
What round is that mike Brewster going to go in? I thought he was late 1st? Is trading back from 14 and picking up another 2nd an option?
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
He's a mid-2nd to early-3rd player
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
right now I am seeing 2nd-3rd
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Your on espn!
I always knew they checked here!
Proxy406 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Bringing in Bill Callahan (sp) was a good move to get this OL organized.
i’m not going to look into the crysyal ball but i’d like to see Costa play guard & see what Kowalski looks like after an offseason in the weight room plus a full training camp. Nagy didnt jump off the screen as someone that can play center but i’ve learned never to say never when it comes to undrafted/late rd draft picks. maybe Jerry gets lucky & finds a gem at center in the later rounds that plays for the next decade.
i also agree resigning Robinson is a pretty important bc even though i really like Dez he cant be counted on as a #1 WR as of today. hopefully next season he has that breakout year & gives Romo that target he can count on 3rd & short or long. Austin is awesome after the catch & he would make a great #2 or slot reciever but he wont ever have the natural abilty/eye hand coorination to be a consistent at catching the ball. i always compared Austin as a poor mans V.Jackson bc of the lower body strength, speed & lateral quickness but Austin lacks the consistent hands. back in 2006 Sam Hurd would stay after practice & work with Austin on the Juggs machine for hours trying to get him more consistent catching the ball. Now he’s the highest paid WR on the roster & if he cant produce like one then Jerry better beg Robninson to stay. Romo had a great connection with Robinson & i dont see how bringing in a FA could improve the trust Romo has in Robinson. this unit of Wrs have seen there fair share of injuries (mainly Austin) & with one of those guys down it would make it impossible for Romo to get it done with scrubs like Olgrtree or that slow azz D.Harris (if i see that kid return another punt/kick i’m going go crazy!).
if your going to pass the rock then you need to be 3, 4 & 5 deep at WR (Packers/Saints/Giants). on top of that having 2 TEs that are capable of blocking & being a legit threat in the passing game is the only way 2 TE sets really work. when Dallas uses there 2 TE sets they know Bennett isn’t a threat catching the pass & it allows them to focus on runs to his side or Witten out in a route.
sorry to take up so much space but this team is very close & every poster thats not a troll (oh it Romos fault, he sucks type trolls) knows you must protect the QB with a good OL & on the other side of the ball this defense must get pressure on the QB/sacks/strip fumbles/relentless effort.
DCNation73 - January 13, 2012
HARDWICK!!!
Get behind this peoples!!!!
Tyrone Jenkins - January 12, 2012
I dont know if I can get behind his run blocking
Hell he is worse than Costa.
Antonio S - January 12, 2012
have to take in account how terrible the Chargers o-line has been(injuries accounted) the last few years
starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - January 12, 2012
I'm in fa or of signing Nick Hardwick
I’d like to see his run blocking numbers from the past 4 seasons, but I suspect they were better than this past season. The Chargers had injuries along their o-line this past season, therefore, they struggled in pass blocking and run blocking. That’s another reason why the AFC West’s version of the Cowboys missed the playoffs.
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
Never pay for age... He's 30
just4fun - January 12, 2012
$64.00 question
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
We need a bridge
for about 1 to 2 years until Costa and or Kowalski get better, or until we find someone else.
cmttx - January 12, 2012
Maybe Saturday or Birk?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
Only if there is no confidence in Killer K, Costa or Nagy.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
I agree
im just saying if they dont, then it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign one of these guys on the cheap to get us through this next year or so.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
I'm fine with that as a stop gap.
I woud like to see one or all of them develop rapidly though. I hate to see us with all these yuglies that really go nowhere.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
You have to admire those numbers Saturday put up at his age last year.
I don’t know if a guy like that wants to move, he probably wants to stay and play with Manning another year, if he’s not retiring.
Realist Larry - January 12, 2012
Never pay for age
just4fun - January 12, 2012
Saturday has always seem dependable & would be a great vet leader for the younger OL.
good call on that Tarheel & i couldn’t think of better vet for a center to learn from. dudes a class act & plays the game with passion.
i hate to see the Manning – Saturday split but i would sure welcome Saturday any day of the week. my thought is would Saturday want to play for an owner like Jerry? its not like Saturday is looking for a big payday & a lot of players that are past the greed part shy away from Dallas. i was shocked to see Brooking come to Dallas but i’d bet it had everything to do with Wade. people say what they want but Wade is one of the top 3 best 3-4 coaches/playcaller. he didnt work out as a HC but Houston got a steal hiring Wade as the DC & taking that defense from last to 2nd in 1 season isn’t an easy task. Wades system works & he didnt have nearly the talent Jerry/media/BTB made it out to be. Spencer was a huge underachiever, Jenkins is just slightly above average in coverage & Jerry didn’t leave much meat on the bone after he screwed the 2009 draft up for Ole Roy Worhless.
i have some hope Jerry allows Garrett to do his job unlike he did with Wade.
DCNation73 - January 13, 2012
If i remember correctly
Ray Donaldson was in his late 30’s when he played for about 2 years with us and helped win a superbowl.
cmttx - January 12, 2012
yah and was pretty damn good as well
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
True, but we really had a line then, one of the best, if not the best, ever.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
He was more like 33 or 34, but he did a great job, all pro both seasons in Dallas..
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
Oops, I looked it up, he was in his late 30s.
My bad
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
if you are one player away, you can make and exception, we are not one player away
just4fun - January 12, 2012
No to a stopgap unless they know they are ready to give up
on someone. They made the decision to cut Gurode and go down this road. They knew it would be tough, but felt it was best for the long term. I don’t see them changing that now. I’m all for another young C to compete (draft or UDFA), but no stopgap. Are we really longing for Gurode Version 2.0?
Cowtoys - January 12, 2012
OCC
does PFF have a grade for Kowalski? i know he had limited snaps but he seemed to hold his ground better then Costa. if Dallas get DeCastro then Killer K or Costa for C, and Nagy Arkin for the other G spot
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I really want DeCastro badly. I hope he falls to us.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
same here, i just want the Oline fixed.
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
It's not your dad's NFL anymore
Throw up 40 a game and tell the other team to try to keep up!
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
pretty much
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
exactly
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Make this green!
fs65 - January 13, 2012
DeCastro might be possible but only if they trade back to like 20-25 range.
he is the best Guard in the draft but so was Danny Watkins last season & anyone who saw that guy play was 100% sure he would be in the pro bowl for the next decade. that didnt happen & he even lost his job to undrafted player at one point so thats a HUGE RISK to take on a Guard.
i’m all for protecting ROmo, adding a TE that can block/catch, resigning Robinson, legit FB & even adding a 3rd down back in the mold of a Sproles. L.James in the 3rd round would be awesome or D.Wilson from VT. or some other water bug, scat back that creates huge mismatches seem to be great weapons. cant ever have enough weapons at WR, TE, RB, FB with the style of defenses teams play
DCNation73 - January 13, 2012
Kowalski acquitted himself well in limited playing time
KillerK saw 114 snaps at center and guard, and got a -0.5 overall grade. He graded out slightly above average in pass protection (+1.4). He got a -1.4 for his runblocking in the 49ers game, but otherwise looked okay against the run.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
TY OCC
looks like (in limited reps) Kowalski wouldve been an improvement over Costa. however i know JG and Co. are smarter then me so why didnt he play more?
yehti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Part of it has to do with when he came into the game
Kowalski never started and only had meaningful snaps against the 49ers, the second Philly game and both New York games. At least two of those games were effectively decided by the time he came in. Also, because he came in late, he was fresher than the other linemen – and fresher than the defenders.
This is not a knock on Killer K, but just to point out some of the context of his performance.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
In my opinion
Costa and Kowalski have the same issues, holding strong vs. power rushers at the point of attack. They are both smart by all accounts and good at making line calls, and are both mobile and better at pass blocking.
However, Costa is further along on the strength and conditioning than Kowalski. Kowalski didn’t do well runblocking vs. San Fran, 3-4 team. He was okay vs. 4-3 defenses but still got pushed around quite a bit. Both have potential but I think Costa is further along tapping his own talent.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
The Killer is our C
unless the big boss overrules Garrett. Red is big on his plan and so far I see it working. We may go stop gap at center for a year but coach knows what he wants. Give Woicik and Callahan the chance to work with what we have. As fans we are impatient. It took fifteen seasons to reach the level we hit in Green Bay. Its gonna take time to get out of the hole. IMO the organization is looking for 2013 to start a run and anything else is wishful thinking
sexililkitti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
sounds solid for an undrafted player
a year with the golden strength coach we aquired last year & some work with Bill Callahan could be all he needs.
Dallas always finds a gem thats undrafted so this could be it
DCNation73 - January 13, 2012
nick hardwick
I would like that
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Hardwick is thinking about retirement.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
that sucks
he could be cheap
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012 via Android app
Actually, he may be quite expensive. He’s already one of the best paid centers in the league.
Also, the line in SD is disintegrating and the Chargers would hate to lose three O-line starters at once. I think the Chargers may need to open their wallets to make Hardwick stop “thinking about retirement”.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
Hey Herr Kuhl
I’m pretty sure I saw your car while I was driving near Wiesbaden yesterday, license plate:
“DA:TA 374”….
dunkman - January 12, 2012 via mobile
How many Cowboys stickers?
fs65 - January 12, 2012
Just one....
FTS!
dunkman - January 12, 2012 via mobile
OF:T 8888
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
There's another Mr Data in Germany??
There’s a scary thought!
dunkman - January 12, 2012 via mobile
LOL. Digital 8's.
White Wolf - January 13, 2012
if he leaves San Diego
at his age and with some concerns with his health, I just dont see him getting paid that much
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
It's never a good policy to go around handing out contracts to 30 yos
just4fun - January 12, 2012
I think Nagy emerges. At 6-3 315 he's got nice size by all accounts I've seen the
only thing missing from his game was NFL strenght. I think he is going to surprise people.
Coakey - January 12, 2012
He played every position at wisconsin, but ultimately was their center.
ProBowlFactory - January 12, 2012
where did you get those numbers?
I have seen nothing that says he is over 305 at best
burmafrd1944 - January 12, 2012
I think he is a career backup
the Cowboys got a nice depth player but thats about it
I am not placing anything in him for next year
Arkin is the one guy I hope works out, because he needs to
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Yeah, he's a 7th round supplemental draft pick
He was the 3rd to last player taken in the draft. This underlines and underscores the problem in Dallas when fans expect the 253rd best player of the 2011 draft or undrafted guys who’ve never shown anyone any reason to believe they can be quality starters in the NFL (Costa and Kowalski) to become starters.
Believe it or not, there’s a reason why teams spend 1st and 2nd round picks on centers and why guys like Jeff Saturday keep their jobs for over a decade. The kind of guys that can stop a Jay Ratliff attack don’t just come along every day.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
But Rat was a 7th round selection too
and Romo was undrafted….not to say the odds are against guys like that , but you even mentioned one in your post……
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
and how did Ratliff and Romo do when they got the chance to start?
How did Costa do?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
lol
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
I literally just wrote the same thing above.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
Romo and Ratliff produced like Pro Bowlers
When they got their chance. Right away, once they got to play you saw they belonged.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
But...
Jay started in his 3rd year and Romo in his 4th or 5th.
Costa is a 2nd year guy thrown into the fire. I know most people don’t agree with me, but he did better than most undrafted rookies thrown into a starting position along the line.
Costa’s biggest problem is that he didn’t have an extra year as a backup. I think he will be just fine moving forward and did better than many people apparently think
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
as I have been pointing out
as bad as Costa’s PFF grade was, it was still on Par with alot of 1st and 2nd round Rookies at his position…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 13, 2012
And most of his terrible grade came in the first half of the season when he struggled with some 3-4 NTs. He was on par with many centers in the final 8 weeks.
The idea that people think such a young player – undrafted rookie to boot – won’t improve with another full offseason seems hilarious to me
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Even if he improves he'll improve from an embarrasment to a backup player
The way he played this season he doesn’t even qualify to be on the team. He needs to improve just to be a serviceable backup.
I’m still mystified he was never benched. It says a lot about Kowalski they didn’t have faith in him to bench Costa.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 13, 2012
Or your evaluation of Costa as embarrassment vs. the coaching staff's impression
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Saturday was undrafted
and a tarheel by the way.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
Now we're comparing Phil Costa to Jeff Saturday
what website am I on? Is everyone high?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
B. E. D.
Saturday was Undrafted. I think he’s been the best center in football but you can’t use him as an example of OL high draft picks he’s the exception to the rule, the lightning in a bottle the Cowboys keep trying to catch.
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
Jeff Saturday was an UDFA in 1998
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
And when he started in his 2nd season
Wasn’t as dominant as his 3rd, 4th, etc.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
+1
Excited and hopeful to see good progress from Nagy and Arkin.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Honestly
I’m kinda diggin’ John Sullivan, since he is so young and graded out pretty well, but that probably makes him the hottest commodity out there.
ProBowlFactory - January 12, 2012
Just thought I'd stop by and ask
You guys for a lil help during this run for the GIANTS! Show a little NFC east support guys (claps hands claps hands)! And a lil Texas love for them Houston Texans man lets go guys
AHoustonGiant - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I just want the Packers out
That is all I care about, but sorry dude, Ultimately I want some “Who Dat?” in the super bowl this year with the Saints
ProBowlFactory - January 12, 2012
+1
Exactly…..just want the Pack out and Saint for the NFC rep in the SB
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
I hate the aints more than the pack. There were about 50% aints fans last time at Texas Stadium.
I hate all 4 NFC teams but hate the pack the least.
Gonna go with Baltimore on the AFC side. Again, least hatred. Yeah, I was at the last game in Texas Stadium, but NE, HOU and Timmy DEN? No way.
fs65 - January 12, 2012
If that's the case fs
i’m more disappointed in my fellow boys fans down there in texas.. 50% of sAints fans really? How dare u guys let other fans take over our house like that.
DarkKnight88 - January 12, 2012
I was very upset. It was 2006 after Romo took over and we were 8-4.
There were a boat load of NO transplants in DFW after Katrina, but I don’t know why so many locals sold their tickets.
It was my WORST experience at Texas Stadium and I got very drunk after. I now forever hate NO. To me, even worse than BAL beating us in the last game there.
fs65 - January 12, 2012
A season ticket holding 49er fan told me (years ago) that he willingly
missed the Cowboys games at Candlestick because he could recoup his entire season ticket price with that one game. With the economy and job losses being what they are, don’t be too hard on Cowboys fans trying to make it work by cutting their season ticket overhead.
CowboyMan - January 12, 2012
I get that in today's economy.
But the aints game was in 2006. AND the Cowboys were on a roll after Romo took over.
There are always going to be some season ticket holders selling some tickets. But that gets spread out over the 8 games. The aints game was about 50%!
fs65 - January 13, 2012
Asking for support of the Giants around here will not be very effective, methinks
Key19 - January 12, 2012
You have got to be KIDDING?
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
Seriously?
Say the Cowboys were off to face the pack, there is NO way we would get any support from the Texans fans and especially NO support from the Giants… It does take some balls to ask though.
Antonio S - January 12, 2012
You aint a very bright troll, are you?
You were rubbing in the Boys are at home and the Giants and Texans won a playoff game.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
he obviously is begging for attention
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Good luck
I wihs the Boys were playing. I hope the Gmen and new Oilers find a way to advance.
birdness - January 12, 2012
screw the gmen
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
+1.
fs65 - January 13, 2012
i support anything Texas but beyond that, i draw the line loil
IRONRAVEN - January 12, 2012
No chance I support Giants in playoffs...
If I ever were to root for another team in the playoffs with Dallas out…Texans have gone a long way to at least earn my respect.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
I dont normally either
but the rest of my family (father, mother, brother…) are all Packer Fans…….I already had to put up with them winning in Jerry World, I dont want to hear about back to back
BigBad Joe - January 12, 2012
ummm
No thanks.
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
I'll admit that I never really paid attention to Costa when watching the games live
But now that it’s the offseason, I’m going back and re-watching a bunch of games and focusing on specific guys. Costa and Spencer are my current targets. I thought Costa’s play against Seattle was solid. He does get driven back sometimes, but I never saw him make any full whiffs or anything, and he was stout in pass protection on many occasions. He also was pretty good in run blocking that game, opening holes and also getting to the second level to try and block a LB. He isn’t pretty in space, but he was effective for the most part.
That said, I’m now on the Patriots game, and he’s been pretty poor so far. If the rest of his performances are more like this than like Seattle, then I’ll say Center is a big need. But if he plays consistently with the same type of performance he had against Seattle, I think he’s acceptable for now. Could we upgrade even if that is the case? Sure. But I still think CB is the biggest need on the team, and we should have it be our top priority. Costa will hopefully improve with Mike W.
Key19 - January 12, 2012
You're going to have a hard time
getting people to agree with you. Lots of folks around here say he sucks out loud. Personally, i did what you are doing which was watch him while re watching the game. There were only a couple of games where I thought he was really bad. Never thought he was great but I didn’t think he was as bad as some made him out to be.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
I am not a PFF guy
but when they say he is one of the worst centers in the league its saying something
outsiders who are talking about mocking picks to us agree, Costa sucks
I focused on the OL a lot this year, primarily Tyron Smith just to watch my guy, but when I watched Costa it wasn’t good
he was manhandled in so many games
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Is Tryron ready for LOT?
Free took a big step back.
birdness - January 12, 2012
Kosier helped free more than most people new
The coaches new that’s why they moved him beside the rookie. Common fact a good smart experienced guard makes your tackles better. Kosier moving hurt free.
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
If you agree with PFF...
PFF also showed he was one of the worst in the 1st half of the season, but had a positive score for the second half of the season.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
Costa
He is getting better. I think he is a legitimate NFL starter. You will notice the bad games when he sometimes gets blown off the line are usually against 3-4 Defenses. I think technique and strength will help him resolve a quick – good- snap and burst up into blocking stance. People forget centers are the only off linemen who has to send arm(s) back before coming up to block.
Costa does better vs. 4-3 and is smart in chip blocks and double teams and line calls. You describe him well. Not pretty on the move but effective.
I think he is the next Cowboys starter that will quietly improve and prove solid but never earn enough respect.
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
what about his 150 mishandled snaps?
I grew tired of watching him snap the ball over Romo’s head, darting the ball on his chest while he was still making calls…
SportsDrunk - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
Is there a player on the Cowboys that you are not optimistic about?
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
lol
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Sure
TNew is done, Sensa is overpaid and not a leader in the secondary, and Fiametta is a little overhyped (though I am optimistic about him). Brooking and James are done, I was wrong about Spears having a slight revival, and Coleman is Igor 2.0.
Just because I don’t call players I am not optimistic about terrible with no chance for improving and then making sure everyone hears me doesn’t mean I think everyone is great and the Cowboys have no issues.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Keg
I’m dying to know your thoughts on Parcells drafts in 2004 and 2006:
Where you optimisitic about Julius Jones and his injury history instead of just taking Jackson when they had the chance?
Where you digging taking Carpenter and Fasano with back to back picks when DB and OL where the team’s two biggest needs?
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Not a fan of Julius jones
Admittedly, I did think Carpenter would have panned out better (not superstar, but better).
Fasano was a head scratcher.
You obviously have to give him some credit for 2005 draft, but in ’04 the misses on Jacob Rogers and Petermen along the OL hurt a lot. And in 04 and 06 the best DBs drafted by the Boys were Bruce Thornton and Pat Watkins…ouch
I also wasn’t a fan of the Skyler Green pick
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
I'll never forget Parcells chewing out Watkins in Philly after his blown coverages
Dude looked like he wanted to cry
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
I do give Parcells credit for 2005
But, the draft looks less impressive when you consider:
1) He took Marcus Spears when Luis Castillo was still available (plays same position as Spears for SD, career #s 210 tackles 19 sacks compared to Spears 190 tackles and 9 sacks).
2) Drafting Kevin Burnett at ILB with Lofa Tatupu still on the board.
3) Had he just taken Steven Jackson in 2004, there would be no need to draft Marion Barber in 2005 (3rd rd). Had he taken Jackson in 2004x he could’ve taken Chris Canty in 2005 3rd rd instead of trading the Eagles a 5th in
2005 and a 4th in 2006 to move back into the 2005 4th rd and take him.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Sensabaugh has a very reasonable deal
I don’t think he’s overpaid at all. He is paid what a veteran of his caliber would be expected to be paid. Can we upgrade? Sure. But re-signing a guy who was noticeably better than him would be noticeably more money, too.
Key19 - January 13, 2012
I'll admit that I never really paid attention to Costa when watching the games live
But now that it’s the offseason, I’m going back and re-watching a bunch of games and focusing on specific guys. Costa and Spencer are my current targets. I thought Costa’s play against Seattle was solid. He does get driven back sometimes, but I never saw him make any full whiffs or anything, and he was stout in pass protection on many occasions. He also was pretty good in run blocking that game, opening holes and also getting to the second level to try and block a LB. He isn’t pretty in space, but he was effective for the most part.
That said, I’m now on the Patriots game, and he’s been pretty poor so far. If the rest of his performances are more like this than like Seattle, then I’ll say Center is a big need. But if he plays consistently with the same type of performance he had against Seattle, I think he’s acceptable for now. Could we upgrade even if that is the case? Sure. But I still think CB is the biggest need on the team, and we should have it be our top priority. Costa will hopefully improve with Mike W.
Key19 - January 12, 2012
Guh, somehow this double posted. Sorry!
Key19 - January 12, 2012
WOW
Lee Steinberg filed for bankruptcy, too much booze kicked hid ass.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
*Leigh
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
A little off topic, but I was just reading Wes Bunting on National football Post re
Top 10 QB ratings in this year’s draft. He has Luck as number one, but states that he doesn’t have an elite arm. RGIII rated #2. Really sounds as though he personally favors RGIII. Here’s the link. http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ranking-the-Drafts-Top-10-Quarterback-Prospects.html&page=2
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
I watch Luck and RG3 a couple of times this year, to me RG3 was the better QB.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
Doesn't this sound a lot like the
P Manning vs Ryan Leaf discussion? Cerebral, accurate QB vs rocket arm?
dunkman - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Big difference, RG3 seems to have his sh!t together.
I’m not saying RG3 is better than Luck, but the limited time I saw them both, RG3 looked better. Both should be good QBs in the league.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
RG3 is pretty cerebral
I already has his under grad degree and is working on a Masters
WB3forMB3 - January 12, 2012
That is my reaction when I read that to lol.
Working on his masters in only 4 years of school. That says pretty smart to me.
Rena - January 12, 2012
Or easy major
Either way, completing a bachelors is more than what most NFL players do.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
He is doing his masters thesis this upcoming semester.
Is any major so easy you can do the BS and a Masters all in 4 years?
Rena - January 12, 2012
Basket Weaving 101
And yes, i have seen that as a major.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
The Master's degree-level basketweaving is doing it underwater.
Pharm.D. - January 13, 2012
Josh Pastner did it playing BB at the U of A
But he didn’t sleep. He’s coaching Memphis now.
birdness - January 12, 2012
Something like communications and psych if you have HS credits.
Either way it speaks worlds about his make up. Even it if wiping your ass 101 type classes, it still takes discipline and focus to accomplish even if you’re not exactly Stephen Hawking.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
His BS is in political science, which I've never heard as overly hard.
His masters is in communication, again, not the hardest thing. I don’t know anything about the masters program he is in, but I do know that there are some 1 year master programs. Now, with all do credit, he did this all while being on the football team which take a fair bit of time. He also graduated high school a semester early. So, he certainly seems very smart.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
I've been thinking that exact same thing lately.
It’s been Luck for two years, it should stay that way.
jazzbo251 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
and yet the Colts have already said
they be taken Luck
I’d hold up on all the praise on Rkg IIi
can he read Defenses
can he call audibles
he never handled call playing at Baylor – the gave him two plays toi run
I hope he goes to Wash an fails
cowboyzz11 - January 12, 2012
I'd hold up on both.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
heisman winners that won super bowls
Reggie Bush
Tony Dorsett
Charles Woodson
Marcus Allen
Desmond Howard
George Rogers
Jim Plunkett
Mike Garrett
Roger Staubach
Paul Hornung
cowboyzz11 - January 12, 2012
ok
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
You're proving Dire's point. Only 2 on that list were QBs.
Hornung “won” a SB, but didn’t play in SB I. He got the “Peyton neck nerve” earlier in the season. He was then picked by New Orleans in their expansion draft but retired during training camp due to the neck nerve. Hornung’s championships were pre-super bowl.
fs65 - January 12, 2012
True, makes RGIII that much more of a hot commodity. Don't think he'll last unit the Skins pick though. I think the Skins will go after Flynn in FA rather than chance waiting for the draft.
pfloyd1 - January 12, 2012
I see the Rams getting a ton for the right to draft RG3.
DIRE WOLF - January 12, 2012
Actually, he does a head to head comparisons and says he thinks Luck is the better prospect.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Robert-Griffin-III-vs-Andrew-Luck.html
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
dont get me wrong I love Luck
but I really like RG3
if I needed a QB, I would make sure i got one of them
Luck is a no brainer but something tells me RG3 would be awesome in the right system
his arm is so underrated
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Center is a tough one. Who wouldn't want an upgrade? It's the key to better protection for Romo.
But we have some young guys there who could improve, and you can’t just keep giving up on the young guys.
Bring in an older guy if he’s cheap, e. g. the San Diego guy Hardwik (I don’t recognize hardly any of these names, who does?) and let him fight with Kowalski and Costa.
Costa has to show a huge improvement in strength to be the starter again tho. Even with the 2nd half improvement, he was still just too weak and easily pushed for this division we’re in.
Gotta plan for the Giants/Eagles.
Realist Larry - January 12, 2012
It isn't just strength.
He has short arms, by the time he hikes the ball and gets his hands on the D guy in front of him the NT is already into his body and is bulling him backwards before he is set.
Rena - January 12, 2012
and we should give him time?
he isn’t going to get any bigger, I doubt he gets any stronger, supposedly he was one of the “strongest” players on the team
the Cowboys made a bad decision, and its time to move on
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
You think it was a mistake to release Gurode?
And see what Costa had? Not me. Even if Gurode was here we would still be 8-8.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
regardless of what happened
it was a mistake to rely on Costa and Costa is a mistake
it needs to be fixed
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Can't really argue with those points. He looked awful. Also,
I was consistent when they cut Gurode that that was a step too far. I would have kept him one more year. That’s an important position, and that one extra cut on the OL cost big time.
Realist Larry - January 12, 2012
hey they tried something and it failed
its time to move on
I would be shocked to see Costa and Kowalski as the C battle next year
thats asking for failure
they get greedy with this UDFA thing, yeah it works sometimes but its not going to work every time, some times you have to actually spend money or draft a player
they expect to hit gold in the UDFA market every year and that is a bad model to follow
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Gurode also sucked...
Cutting that guy was a good thing for this team.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
Yup, but the Cap makes everything a cost/benefit analysis
If a decent guy is there at the right price go for it.
Kowalski may not be a bad backup to be developing though
Realist Larry - January 12, 2012
protect Romo
he got injured three times this year. Last year he was knocked out for the season. We lose Romo and the season is OVER.
We cannot MAKE do with a lousy center
burmafrd1944 - January 12, 2012
I dont think we can make do either
I mean we have legit tackles, but G and C is looking like a problem
this 2009 draft is showing its head again, no depth because of it
imagine if we drafted a OG that worked out instead of Robert Brewster
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Montrae Holland
Montrae didn’t originally come to the Cowboys as a free-agent. Jerry got him for a fifth round draft pick from the Broncos.
Mighty Blue Star - January 12, 2012
winner winner chicken dinner
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
The more I watch teams like New Orleans, Green Bay, and Detroit ...
I can’t help thinking what this team could do with a high quality offensive line.
I’m not saying an improved secondary wouldn’t help, but I would love to see the Cowboys with a top-5 o-line.
jazzbo251 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I know what you mean
when I watched the Saints last weekend and I saw the kind of Time and the amount of space that Brees had, I just couldn’t help but think of “wow, what if Romo had that.”
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
yes that is quite fun to think about
let’s start by taking Carl Nicks from the Saints. They can’t afford to sign him after that huge contract they gave to Jahri Evans, he’s an All-Pro G, and he’s only 26. Sounds great to me! obviously it’s not a done deal but I really hope it happens
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
I'm hoping Carl Nicks enjoyed playing for Callahan at Nebraska.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
o ya thats right didnt think about that connection
maybe that was one of the things the cowboys had in mind when hiring callahan?
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
Hopefully it is at least a happy coincident.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
Apparently Nicks and Suh really don't like each other.
That means to me that he’s got mean streak. Suh’s a bully, Nicks wasn’t feeling that.
Nickthegrip - January 12, 2012
I'd rather draft DeCastro and sign a top-end FA CB
than the other way around (CB at #14, sign Evans). Think you’re getting better value at #14 by taking the premier OG than taking probably the 3rd CB off the board.
Key19 - January 13, 2012
Why not sign Nicks, play him at LG next to Smith
and draft DeCastro, play him at RG next to Free?
And also sign Finnegan in FA, then use 2nd rd pick on FS Markelle Martin, and 3rd rd pick on a corner.
Quick solution to Oline and Secondary
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
This seems nearly perfect to me
Why not get one of these older center/guards to play on our line for a couple of years. We can groom and draft young talent to take their spot. The price should be cheap because there are soo many free agents. We can let Kosier go if we sign a 30-32 year old center / guard. Then we can still draft whom ever we want. We have 3 spots on the line and one of them is filled by the short contract of an aging vet. Fill one through the draft and pick the best of the youglies to to start at the final spot.
Oakster41 - January 12, 2012
I look around at the elite teams, or playoff teams
they all for the most part have a good or stable center
I would even take STABLE, it doesn’t have to be All Pro, but its important
Costa is just not that guy
he is obviously not very smart, he was fooled all year long and constantly snapped the ball high or low
I mean I understand it early on in the year, but week 17 and you are still snapping the ball when Romo isn’t ready or high or low, that is a major problem
teams know how to attack us now, they look at Costa on film and say THAT GUY, you attack that guy
stunts or bull rush, Costa is beaten
this isn’t a rookie who missed an offseason program, this was his 2nd year, 2010 he had the whole year to beef up and get his conditioning down, he didn’t
if you are a smaller center like Costa, you better be damn smart and use technique to win, because you don’t have the size to use to your advantage
personally i am tired of smaller centers, it hasn’t worked out
get me a 6’4 or 6’5 guy, screw it
teams are attacking up the middle, problem is our guards aren’t that good either
bad center with mediocre guard play is a recipe for disaster
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
A bit of an oversimplification...
Mediocre/bad play anywhere is a recipe for disaster. I think they’d be best advised to go for broke on getting an elite OL in the draft, I think FInnegan and Bruce Carter will provide enough improvement on the defense that an elite offense will allow for the team to still win 12 games or so.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
No
The D folded too many times last season.
No pressure on the QB + soft coverage in the secondary = 4th quarter losses
birdness - January 12, 2012
The defense played quite a bit better than a lot of playoff defenses.
Better than New England’s, Green Bay’s, and St. Louis’. It’s really “lack of QB protection = inability to score in the 4th” What did the Cowboys do in the second half against Detroit, New England, and the Jets? Nothing. They weren’t able to keep up with the Giants the second time around, or Philly the first time around. They need to score more points, defense really doesn’t matter that much anymore.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
You get down on a guy and you really go after him don't you?
Other than the 1 game he wasn’t bad snapping. Yes he occasionally had a bad snap, as Gurode did before him. But it isn’t like he was spraying them all over the field like you are making out.
He is said to be very smart and yes, this is his 2nd year. How long do most OL take to develop before they hit the field? 2-3 years? Other than 1st rounders of course and even then almost all 1st rounders suck the first year or two.
We took him and threw him to the wolves, the start of his 2nd year. He improved as the year went on. Lets see how he does with the off season to work out and the new OL coach. He might surprise you.
Am I suggesting we just hand him the job next year? No, I would like to see better C play as well as better OL play overall. By all means, have open competition and potentially even sign a older vet as a bridge for a year to two if the coaches think it necessary.
However there is a difference between a developing, improving young guy and throwing them out when you have other major holes on your team.
Rena - January 12, 2012
BS
he wasn’t a rookie who missed an offseason workout, he was a 2nd year player who had 2010 to work on his conditioning and so forth
that is such a lame excuse for him
yeah because the guy sucks, 30th rated C on the great PFF
he is awful
he is an UDFA small center, why waste time on him
he won’t surprise me, and he was having snapping issues all year, it wasn’t just one game
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
You have to think though Chia
an UDFA as further to go to get to an NFL level, see Austin, Romo, etc.
Very Rarely does a UDFA come in and play at a high level straight off… as I noted many times, on a per game basis Costa wasn’t absolutely Horrible, grading out slightly below the average for a 1st/2nd rounder…..with another offseason I would bet that he could get an average (for a first rounder) grade.
I am Ironman!!! - January 12, 2012
well I dont buy into
oh he is a Dallas Cowboy so I should defend his honor theory
I call it how it is, if a guy is suspect, he is suspect
I am not going to root for or like a player just because he is a Cowboy
Costa is a huge problem, huge
I could live with Spencer another year before I live with Costa for another, at least Spencer has shown spurts of goodness, Costa was pretty bad all 16 games
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
3 players I am done talking about
Phil Costa
Gerald Sensabaugh
Anthony Spencer
I am done talking about them, I have wasted enough time talking about all three of them and I will do no more
2 of them are backup players who should not be starting in the NFL and the other is just average
I am done talking about what problems they are, their performances speak for themselves
I won’t trash a player like Scandrick because he has athletic ability and has shown some glimpses of what can be
I won’t trash a player like Jason Hatcher for the same thing
guys like that I can get behind and stick up for, but I am just done talking about those three players, nobody is changing my mind on them but the player themselves, if they have amazing seasons it would erase my mind of their 2011 performances but that won’t happen
Marty B is another guy I am done wasting my time on
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
I will gladly remind you if you suffer a relapse.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
lol thanks
but yeah I am done wasting my time on them
too much stress from 4 players
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
hahahaaaa
IRONRAVEN - January 12, 2012
He was done with Romo early in the season to.
Rena - January 12, 2012
done with his stupid mistakes
then he stopped making them
oh gosh what a sunrise heads bringing up some old nonsense what else is knew
#lame
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012 via Android app
I wish i had a better memory
But could have sworn it was during gurode starting time frame but Romo was asked about him snapping the ball when tomorrow isn’t ready he said he was already ready but he fry’s to make it look like he isn’t so it throws the defense off a bit. Just a thought. And then again this might have been another qb talking too I just don’t remeber
Sado44 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Is there a scenario where we can get a plus pass rusher & a starting center in the draft?
hbdc - January 12, 2012
Possibly, but the top C is Konz and he is being projected to the end of the 1st round.
Keep up with Raf’s chats with WB, they are discussing all this.
Rena - January 12, 2012
If Konz is there late in the first and a team wants to trade out of the first I say pull the trigger.
Omar Little - January 12, 2012
Let other teams move up.
Not many pass rushers I would want at 14. Is it a DE or OLB? Will Spencer be around?
birdness - January 12, 2012
No to Konz
our luck + his medical history = bad things
burmafrd1944 - January 12, 2012
who's this RAF
I keep hearing about and what’s the wb? Did miss the acronyms and glossary pages?
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
Raf is a dumb@$$ who used to be a writer on this blog
He consistently attacked anyone who suggested that player for the cowboys wasn’t a future probowler.
An example would be Jason Williams, who couldn’t even play special teams his first year, I suggested he would be gone after that particular season. Raf stated that I didn’t know what I was talking about because he personally watched the practices and I didn’t. He went on to assert that J. Williams would be starting by mid season,and would be a future probowler… We all know how that turned out. Be glad you don’t know Raf, avoid him at all cost.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
He could be abrasive at times and he surely didn't get everything right
but his breakdowns and draft talk are pretty top notch.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
It's one thing to look through rose colored glasses.
It’s another to ignore obvious signs that a player is struggling and then attack anyone who disagrees. His breakdowns were worthless, as everybody on the team was awesome and we were going to the superbowl for sure. That’s not analysis that is worthless cheerleading.
just4fun - January 12, 2012
He's a former writer for the site. He has his own blog at Cowboys Nation.
Very good writer. I would suggest reading this site and that site.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
And WB is Wes Bunting, I think.
fs65 - January 13, 2012
As others have mentioned Raf is a former front page writer here with his own blog now.
He holds talks with a draft guy, Wes Bunting from the National Football Post.
Here is a link to his chat from today, they discuss among others Hightower vs Upshaw. WB really likes Hightower, says he has great instincts.
http://www.cowboysnation.com/2012/01/bunting-part-i-can-bama-backer-answer.html
Rena - January 13, 2012
Look at OCC and BTB goin all hollywood
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/35167/of-the-cowboys-offensive-line
Not the first time ive seen him link to BTB but it just makes me smile everytime I see it.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 12, 2012
nicks and konz
Is like to go and get Carl Nicks in free agency. He is 26, and a monster at rg(6’5 343) and can anchor that side with Free at rt. Then draft Konz at center, maybe even trade back to get him, and have nagy,arkin, or killa kowalski compete for that LG position,next to Tryon Smith. That gives us a very formidable line, and a chance for our offense to flourish.
gogokroz - January 12, 2012 via mobile
I like it but ...
What happens to the D?
birdness - January 12, 2012
The D can wait
At 14 there’s not much of a sure thing on defense. but DeCastro is there.
Rohpuri - January 12, 2012
Update on John Sullivan
Two readers separately informed me that John Sullivan re-signed with the Vikings in December for a five-year, $25 million contract extension with $10 million guaranteed. Apologies for missing that.
One.Cool.Customer - January 12, 2012
good signing
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Yeah good signing
Hopefully that sets the cieling and the 30-year-olds such as the HOU, SD, and GB centers will be willing to take a $12 million 3-year deal or thereabouts.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
But let'
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
But let's be serious here
If we’re paying Sensabaugh $4 million per, we should be able to spend AT LEAST $4 million a year on a top-tier center given how Costa was arguably the worst center in the league last year, sabotaging our offense and breaking Romo’s hand.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
well Kitna just retired, that frees up another 2.7 million dollars for free agency
we need a backup QB, people have been talking about jason campbell and I would like that idea
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Backup QB is frightening
The Brad Johnson games still haunt my nightmares. I think the Cowboys made a great decision with Kitna. Let’s hope they can pull another rabbit out of their hat.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
No, I don't want Jason Campbell
Have you seen him play? The guy is Alex Smith 2.0 with much less mobility.
I’d rather spend a late rd draft pick on a guy like Case Keenum or Russell Wilson and let Jason Garrett and Wade Wilson work with him.
Rohpuri - January 13, 2012 via mobile
Nice contract for them. $5 million a year average, I would have loved him for that.
Rena - January 12, 2012
This is the guy we want to roll with again?
http://vimeo.com/34295539
Come on Costa defenders, wake up. If this guy was in an Eagles uniform we’d all be laughing about how Ratliff destroyed him. He’s the Alan Ball of the offense and just as Alan Ball hasn’t changed, Costa won’t change.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
Oh my god you're right he is totally terrible
Have to admit it was hilarious when Costa just got completely flattened by that guy on the skins in the video
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
Yeah, it's bad - real bad
And the funny thing? We didn’t even play the best 3-4 teams! Can you imagine what the Steelers, Ravens, or Packers would have done to Costa if we would have played them?
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHA
people need to watch that and then tell me you think Costa is good or should be starting next year
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW
dude is awful, thanks for that BED, I needed a good laugh today
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Thought you were done talking about him?
fs65 - January 13, 2012
Just on play...
Yeah, he looks terrible on this Murray 91 yard TD run. Watch some Felix and murray highlights from this year and tell me if Costa is terrible.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/09000d5d82364718/WK-7-Can-t-Miss-Play-Murray-s-91-yard-sprint
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
I have never seen a center get blown up like that in my life
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
wow Costa was awesome there
his man was double teamed until the last second and then Costa finished him off
please get outta here with this Phil Costa is good stuff, he is awful
you like PFF, what is he the 30th rated center on PFF?
he is bad
he makes some good blocks, on occasion
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Or is he OK with a few bad blocks on occasion
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
No, he's pretty terrible
with some good blocks in there… against the 1st and 2nd worst rush defenses in the entire leauge last year in the St.Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
OK some of the time with a few bad blocks sprinkled in is pretty much the definition of bad.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
thats what I thought too but hmmm yeah
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
lol he is terrible
like you my friend, I watched every game this year and watched them again
Phil Costa is not a starting NFL caliber center, never will be
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Clearly we disagree
Kegbearer - January 12, 2012
yeah, I would just say we disagree and call it a night
no need to debate over Costa, he isn’t worth our time
I am sure we could discuss something way more fun
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
If Costa had a green Eagle helmet we'd all be laughing at him
But because he has a star on the helmet the Cowboy homers immediately get blinded. There’s no way if JimmyK came on this website and that video above was of an Eagles player would anyone be begging Jerry to trade for Phil Costa.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
word
if that was an Eagle or Giant we would be making fun of him
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
HAHA
Yeah, Jason Kelce who allowed the majority of the Eagles sacks in 2011 is a dynamo compared to Costa.
Keep it up fellas, it lets me know more about your judgement of centers.
Kegbearer - January 13, 2012
Agreed.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
didnt realize until now - Bill Callahan is our offensive coordinator too?
orli - January 12, 2012
I just read that too.
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
really? that's good I guess
can you post a link?
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689513/cowboys-announce-callahan-and-henderson-hires
Grimlock83 - January 12, 2012
Thanks Grimlock
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
Very interesting, ty.
Rena - January 12, 2012
Just by looking into it for a few seconds
quick first impression I got is that people don’t seem to think that Garrett is giving up play calling, just that Callahan will be instrumental in helping develop the game plan. Why can’t Callahan just call plays and obviously as the HC Garrett can overrule?
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
This are great news !!
salas88 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Other spots along the O-line, Cornerback, Safety, and a pass rusher are all more important right now than Center is
Go in house (Costa and Kowalski) for Center unless we can find a good guy in the draft without putting it before our other needs. If we are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can draft a solid center or sign one then that’s great but like I said before and Im sure most people agree with me on this that our several other needs that are more important than center right now.
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
sorry that last line didnt make too much sense
what i was trying to say is that we our other needs are more important than center and that those needs should be addressed first
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
2012 Fix - in my hopes and dreams
1.Go after CB Leon Hall and pay him. Bye Newman
2. Try to pry Mario Williams from Houston, put him at Spencers position. OR Whitney Mercilus from Seattle. Bye Bye Spencer
3. If Dallas cannot get either of the above or can somehow miraculously fit him under the cap, go after S Troy Polamalu. See ya Elam
4. Draft (depending on free agency)
R1. Courtney Upshaw, OL, Alabama, David DeCastro, OG, Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama or Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
R2. Robert Lester, FS, Alabama, Brandon Washington, OG, Miami or Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State
torchindefenses - January 12, 2012
Polamalu
Is one wrong tackle or hit to the head away from retirement
Mullin - January 12, 2012
I have to agree
weird hair Polamalu is not the answer. He throws his body around like a rag doll and is close to retirement.
sanhoo - January 12, 2012
agreed
And he’s getting up there in age and he’s too much of a free lancer and and and. Don’t get me wrong, if this was 5 years ago I’d love to have him and build around him but his type of play won’t fit without having the right system.
CDMac24 - January 12, 2012 via iPhone app
Ya that would be nice but Hall just got a huge extension this year from the Bengals
He won’t be a free agent until 2016 and by then he won’t be useful
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
They resigned Troy Polamalu, so yes that is a dream
djthumpl - January 12, 2012
costa can't @&%$ snap!
Bad snaps kill drives. Costa did them in shotgun formations. Romo could have been killed, which really kills drives.
jdg4660 - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Oh yeah, to add answer to the article above
Draft
R3. Ben Jones C, Georgia or wait until the 5th and get Phillip Brewster, C, Baylor
torchindefenses - January 12, 2012
Today on NFL Live one of the guys said that this is a very good draft for getting QB's in the later rounds
I think we should draft one. Tony’s not getting any younger and while I think he still has a good number of years left in the tank, I think that by the time his playing days are over whoever the QB that we draft this year is will be ready to take over.
Nets2410 - January 12, 2012
HEY OCC
Congrats on getting this mentioned (and more) on NFC East Blog!
maculis - January 12, 2012
Here is what I thought...
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/1/12/2703587/going-after-difference-makers-for-dominance-or-improvement
ScarletO - January 12, 2012
good stuff on Callahan, who will take OC title, Jason still calls the plays
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689512/damien-woody-lauds-bill-callahan
that is great, at least we have someone in the booth now and will do a lot of the prep work through out the week
great hire
he is a west coast guy and with Romo’s quick release, this could be a thing of beauty if we give Romo time to throw the ball
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
I'm not sure how I feel about West Coast,
Even if it is only incorporating elements
NYHorn - January 12, 2012
well Coryell has West Coast influences
honestly, I love the deep throws in Coryell, I wish we used them more
but the way this team is built and with Romo’s quick release, I wonder if a WCO is more plausible
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
I love it actually.
I haven’t really written it out, but I am starting to wonder if the reason our offensive line’s issues get magnified is because of how Jason (and Tony to an extent) call the games. Against the Giants, we ran some route trees that were on the longer side despite our offensive line getting whipped. Romo didn’t have the requisite time and sure enough, those plays failed a lot. There is a lot to like about JG, and I am firmly in his camp, but I wonder if incorporating more west coast elements would give us an offense that can cover up its O-line better. I am not saying we have to run the offense we trotted out with Kitna in 2010 (all short, quick throws), but I feel more WCO elements might go a long way towards beating better pass rushing teams and also getting the offense in rhythm (so we can avoid games like the second Washington game).
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
I agree
I am all for more WCO
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
I was so sick of watching sheli make quick throws right before we got to him.
And then watching Romo have to wait for our long routes to develop and get hit.
fs65 - January 13, 2012
Costa's Gotta Go
One thing the stats don’t reveal is the damage done by bad snaps. I don’t know how many he had but there were games where Costa had more than two. Often, these bad snaps were in the shotgun formation. In all of those, Romo stood an excellent chance of being killed, which should maybe count a little bit against Costa, huh?
I hope someone can work a miracle in the weight room with him but I’m not sure what dumbells will do for snapping the football.
I do like the Cowboys trying to build their line in the draft and there’s no reason they can’t find someone now and then in rounds 4-7 or as an undrafted free agent.
jdg4660 - January 12, 2012
Not the player, it's the coaching. So Costa stays
We got a new OL coach, so if Costa performs badly again next season, we will keep spinning that Coaching Carousel until he improves or retires.
sanhoo - January 12, 2012
interesting piece on Robert Callaway
his college coach is basically talking about him taking up a lot of space, sounds like a 3-4 guy
conditioning was a problem for him before, and he is saying after 2 years on practice squads that he doesn’t need anymore conditioning and he is ready
http://www.nfldraftbible.com/NFL-Insider-Insider-info/small-school-sleeper-robert-calloway.html
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Convinces me
more and more that they think Brent is ready and the RAT is gonna be the DE. DWare coming from one side and Ratliff the other should give us an improved pass rush especially if we can push the middle back so people like Eli cant step up.
sexililkitti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
just an interesting tidbit
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
While I certainly hope this a signal that Dallas is planning on moving Rat to DE and someone takes beastly take NT
I would actually like to see Rat and Ware on the same side. One of the biggest knocks on the Rt to DE move is that Rat couldn’t handle tackles. If Ware is right next to him, the tackle will more than likely go for ware, not Rat. I think this would work out in a similar fashion as the Justin Smith/Aldon Smith combo in SF.
Grimlock83 - January 13, 2012
We sign one of these top centers and then draft DeCastro
We instantly are in the Packers and Saints class offensively.
Terry - January 12, 2012
if our OL is solidified I would agree
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
thats the approach
that we have taken for fifteen years. We sign this guy and it makes us elite. Heck we said it when we drafted Dez and again with Tyron. We said it with Williams and with Barber. It doesnt work. If just drafting high caliber talent worked the Lions would have a playoff win somewhere in our lifetimes. We have to build a team of guys who play together not 53 high priced superegos. Two studs at tackle a competent center and the kids at guard with proper coaching and conditioning is the way to go.
sexililkitti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
we have
enough high priced talent on offense that we need to develop the supporting cast there and save the money for the D. Its high priced but not much talent IMO
sexililkitti - January 12, 2012 via mobile
Shouldn't be that expensive
Arguably the best center in this free agent class re-signed for $5 million per.
We’re already wasting $7 million on Scandrick next year and $4 million on Sensabaugh. If we’re going to be throwing away money I’m absolutely fine with throwing $4 million per year for a top-5 center that’s 30-years old. That’s an amazing deal compared to Sensabaugh’s 4 mil for sure.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
you have no clue if that is true and don't pretend like you do
Seanrude - January 13, 2012
Laughable
I can’t help but laugh at all the comments regarding the Cboys. Everyone blames one thing or another, and everybody is an expert on every position. The fact is the Cboys lose their swagger once the opponnets hit them hard. We are too soft. A couple of years ago, we had a big O-line, todays is smaller (but faster)…it don’t matter. We still can’t get into the damn playoffs. Some go as far as to blame J. Jones, come on! Old fart does’nt suit up, does he? Sometimes the best talent are unknowns..remember Austin? No one knew him until his breakout year, last year. Fact is, it seems like the Cboys don’t care if they ever win another Superbowl. Why? Well, they’re already Dallas Cowboys.
Chetohimler - January 12, 2012
What is swagger? What do you mean they are too soft?
Were they too soft when they played the 13-win 49ers with both their starting WRs injured and a QB with a punctured lung and broken ribs?
If the team was “soft” that would be the game to give up, they had every reason to give up in that game. And not only did they win, but they had to keep fighting all the way through overtime.
It’s not about “soft” or “leadership” or any other such meaningless terms. It’s about talent. It’s about the fact that Vince Wilfork vs. Phil Costa is a gigantic mismatch in Wilfork’s favor. It’s about the fact that Newman vs. Hackeem Nicks is a big mismatch is Nicks’ favor. And no amount of “not being soft” is going to give Costa a better anchor or Newman better breaking speed.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 12, 2012
Ding ding ding we have a winner.
Even in the last game of the year, the Cowboys couldn’t be described as soft. We went down 21-0 on the road and make the game close.
Creasy729 - January 12, 2012
I would describe a lot of the Cowboys soft that game
besides Romo and a few others, I dont think anyone showed up to play
Romo made that game 21-14 and the defense was so bad it couldn’t do anything
coming out 21-0 was flat, how a team comes out that flat in a huge game is beyond me
Archie Barberio - January 12, 2012
Flat and soft aren't the same.
That Giants game looked like it was headed towards being the 34-7 beating the Eagles gave us earlier this year (which was just a good old fashioned beating in the way they exploited our weaknesses) or even the season-ending-game-that-must-not-be-discussed from 2008. Instead, the Cowboys got back in the game and were, in all honesty, one bad play by Orlando Scandrick from making that game into a nail-biter.
Creasy729 - January 13, 2012
Who was soft?
Was Scandrick soft? No, he was fighting to stay with Cruz he just wasn’t skilled enough to undercut the ball and make the interception.
Was Newman soft? No, he was fighting, he was just too slow.
The Green Bay game in 2010 was a team being too soft. That was a team absolutely quitting. Mike Jenkins running away from Chris Johnson in the 2010 Titans game instead of tackling him is being soft.
This year I saw a team trying hard every game, they just weren’t skilled and talented enough.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 13, 2012
I agree. I think the 'soft' label is just a complete cop-out in most instances it's used.
Creasy729 - January 13, 2012
Why ignore the Charger's backup center?
Mruckzowski. He’s also hitting free agency the same time as Hardwick, and he’s a year younger. He started most of the ’09 season when Hardwick was injured, and played great.
Could be a steal.
danielt - January 13, 2012
Stop throwing money away at the Defense
The investment to be made is in the Offense. We can turn the corner by pulling money out of an inept Defense that isn’t going to get better for years to come, no matter what Free Agency and the draft will bring. We should spend bottom dollar money on the Defense. This is their worth and this is what they have earned.
And instead, shore up the only bright spot in this franchise—the offense. A good back up/replacement at the Tight End spot and QB spot, add a speedy 4th reciever(wes welker type), resign Robinson,keep DEZ and Austin,VETERAN center(no rookies or projects),shore up the OLine, and we might just find ourselves able to get in front of our division.
sanhoo - January 13, 2012
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