With their 8-8 overall finish and 2-4 record within the division, the Dallas Cowboys have the outline to both their 2012 off-season and opponent structure set.
Due to NFL Draft tiebreaker rules, the Cowboys will draft 14th overall in the first round. There were seven teams that ended up with similar 8-8 records, and they will rotate through the seven rounds. In the first round, Arizona gets the upper hand selecting 13th. Dallas will have the 13th pick in the second round, then cycle down to the 18th pick in Round Three.
Tiebreakers
• Strength of schedule for the previous season is the first tie-breaker for teams with the same winning percentage. The team with the lowest strength of schedule percentage wins the tiebreaker and picks ahead of all other teams with the same record.
• Divisional and conference records are the next step in the tie-breaking procedure.
• As a last resort, a coin toss is used to determine the order of selection for teams with the same winning percentage.
As for the 2012 schedule, Dallas finished third in the NFC East, behind the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFC East will face off against the AFC North and the NFC South in 2012. In addition to the requisite six games against their division rivals, Dallas will face the third-place teams in the NFC North and NFC West.
Follow the jump for the 2012 schedule home and away breakdowns.
2012 Dallas Cowboys Opponents
Home and Home
Washington(x2), Philadelphia(x2), NY Giants(x2),
Home Opponents:
Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears
Road Opponents:
Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks
1 recs | 200 comments
wow, Peyton Manning does sound interesting right now..
but does he really want a ring with the Cowboys?
go87 - January 2, 2012
QB is the least of the Cowboys' problems.
Romo is plenty good enough to get it done, but as long as Jerry keeps undermining his head coaches and messing with the draft, another SB is not happening for the ’Boys.
FreedomRide - January 2, 2012
+1
Cowboys_Attack - January 2, 2012
+2
Lord Humungus - January 2, 2012
Anyone who thinks Romo is the problem
knows absolutely nothing about football whatsoever
Terry - January 2, 2012
+1
He is our MVP.
bloodyhanded - January 2, 2012
Its not Romo
I think Romo critics have legit reason for frustration with him, but Romo’s issues are so far down the list of problems, but if you replace him, It’ll take a lot to improve the position AND you sacrifice money, resources, energy, time, and pics that OBVIOUSLY need to be spent on other things. This secondary needs HELP.
Shaymer - January 2, 2012
NOT REALLY TRUE
WELL YOU NEED A SECOND QB THAT CAN COME INTO THE GAME IN KNOW YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN IF THE STARTER GOES DOWN WE DO NOT HAVE IN HAVE NOT IN A VERY VERY LONG TIME. THAT CAN HAPPEN NEXT SEASON. WE SHOULD BE TOP OF THE CLASS IN FOOTBALL BUT WE FALLING SO FAR BACK IN I HATE SAY BUT IT IS TRUE
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
Huh?
I mean you do realize you typed this with caps lock on, and in reference to a post about Peyton Manning coming to the Cowboys, right?
If Peyton is going to be a backup QB, he’s absolutely going to be that in Indy. If Romo is going to be a backup QB, it would be terrible timing as he’s indisputably one of the best QBs in the NFL, and he’s maturing into something really special.
Romo and Peyton don’t belong on the same team. There’s not much more to it.
mcl5000 - January 3, 2012
Try spraying a little cooking spray on your keyboard Shaymer.
Mikellie - January 4, 2012
Sorry. I meant Zackery.
Mikellie - January 4, 2012
+3
Cowboys Dominance - January 3, 2012
Great idea!
lets get an old QB with back problems, and waste about 20% of our cap space doing it while ignoring all our other holes. Brilliant!!!
Lissyyyyy - January 2, 2012
Manning has NECK problems which as everyone knows are at least 80% less serious than back problems.
He is also immobile, making him less likely to take off and run and get injured.
I don’t see how Manning to the Cowboys does not end in Glory.
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
Was this Sarcasm?
I don’t see how Manning to the Cowboys does not end in Glory.
He is also immobile+an OL that leaks like a sieve=No Glory
If I missed the sarcasm, ignore me.
Jace M - January 3, 2012
Per your instructions, I will ignore you
Seanrude - January 5, 2012
Trolling
Go back to Dc.com
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
could you imagine
the hurt Manning would get behind our offensive line? He wouldnt last half the season.
cmttx - January 2, 2012
To be a Cowboy QB
You need to be able to run for your life for 60 min – Peyton never had those skills
tdships - January 2, 2012
lol
MayurP - January 2, 2012
I THINK HE WOULD
PLUS IF HE PLAYED IN DALLAS IN AND A COWBOYS UNIFORM HE WOULD BE THE NEXT TROY AIKMAN! DEZ,AUSTIN,ROBINSON,WITTEN,MURRAY,JONES, COULD YOU BELIEVE THAT FIRE POWER
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
OMG THAT WOULD BE SUPER FANTASTIC LOL
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
I want Peyton.
DCyanks21 - January 5, 2012
oh and marty B is gone. good thing Jon Phillips can take his spot.
go87 - January 2, 2012
I LIKE THAT TOO. SOMEONE WHO REALLY WANT TO PLAY IN WIN. IF NOT PHILLIPS THEN PICK UP SOMEONE OR DRAFT SOMEONE BUT MOVE ON FROM BENNETT
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
I AGREE WITH YOU 1500%!!!!!!!!
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
We're playing arguably
gee-roj - January 2, 2012 via mobile
RIGHT
IN IT WILL NOT HAPPEN ANYTIME SOON TRUST ME
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
I TOTALLY TRUST YOU!!!!
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
We're playing arguably the two best divisions in football next year...
…and our “3rd place schedule” netted us a game against the Bears and a road trip to Seattle. Ouch.
Here’s to hoping their some big improvements on the roster this off-season.
gee-roj - January 2, 2012 via mobile
better than getting the Packers and 49ers
Terry - January 2, 2012
I'm not so sure that the 49ers are not a one- year wonder.
gee-roj - January 2, 2012 via mobile
that D isn't
the respectable offense is I think.
foyesboys - January 2, 2012
I was thinking the same thing
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
Talented but lazy
no Dez how about overrated and immature? Jerry the worst GM in the league takes flash over substance everytime.
The play that describes the last 15yrs of this team is when our gunner runs out of bounds and then is the first to touch the ball to down the punt when there were others cowboys who could have downed it.
Stupid players who care only about themselves and individual glory is the legacy Jerry has given this team. That is a combination that will produce mediocre results if your lucky.
kfell - January 2, 2012
WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT?
I UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE STUFF YOU ARE SAYING YOU NEED TO REMEMBER HE ALSO WERE A PART OF PUTTING TOGETHER THAT TEAM THAT WON 3 OR 4 SUPERBOWLS BACK IN THE DAYS. DON’T FORGET THE GOOD AND REMEMBER ALL THE BAD. YEAH I AM READY TO BE ON TOP AGAIN AND YES THERE GOT TO BE SOME PLAYER CUT OR LET GO AND A FEW ADDED TOO. TALKING ABOUT THE OWNER NOT GOING TO GET ANY OF THAT STUFF STAY FOCUS PEOPLE. PLAYERS WIN GAMES AND LOSE THEM TOO
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
I DO NO WANT TO GET RID OF THE OWNER! I JUST WANT A NEW GENERAL MANAGER!
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
Bloody hell. Turn off the cap lock.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
the entire draft should focus on the defense.
With free agent signings to improve the depth on ol. my head will burst if he chooses any skilled offensive players. Super bowl calibre teams are built on the offensive and defensive lines.
I already hope Tron has been told he will be the starting LT next yr. Free has been the biggest letdown on the offensive side of the football this yr. Free stands for free pass to our QB…
kfell - January 2, 2012
Whats the salary cap situation?
How bad has JJ handled it?
kfell - January 2, 2012
As of Sept. we had $20 (give or take) in cap space and might have more once TNew is released
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
Not to mention..
we have Brady & Brooking gone with no penalty, as they’re both unrestricted. I think we’ll be around 30 mil under the cap, but we need to sign Robinson. We can still do restructures on a number of high $ players, as well. We might just have the money to bring in a couple of really good young players.
Raf is suggesting Calais Campbell. I’ve heard Cliff Avril’s name thrown around. We gotta see whose going to be available, but I’m betting we go for some US
DFA beef.White Wolf - January 2, 2012
Bit didn't the big money cuts
MBII, RWII, Davis and Gurorde carry into 2012 because of the way/when they were released?
tdships - January 2, 2012
they do
but we can work around that by moving money from other contracts forward
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
YEAH
I AM HERE HOPING THAT YOU ARE RIGHT. BUT WE GOT TO GET BETTER CB’S
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
wow, KD, 2-6 division record?
although upon further review i totally agree with you, those two losses to the Eagles were so ugly that they MUST be counted twice…
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
hahaha- thanks for the catch
KD Drummond - January 2, 2012
also you say home and home for our division games
home and away is what we know you mean
thebigham - January 2, 2012
home and home is a commonly used term to describe when two teams face each other in each's home stadium
KD Drummond - January 2, 2012
oh never knew that my mistake
thebigham - January 2, 2012
and yes, keep posting cheerleader pics.
at least they all do what they’re supposed to do, and on a consistent level. unfortunately that’s clearly not the case with some of the players who should tackle the ball carrier, block the rusher,
manage the clock and not freeze our own kicker, etcslowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
haha bgn is way ahead of you
We have been doing that for weeks. It helps….alittle bit.
VRFC8 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
its a lot harder to make the DCC than it is the actual football team...
cowboymikemc - January 2, 2012
Where is thebigham this fine morning?
Wanted to remind my little buddy what I told him two weeks ago. Eagles could end up with the same record and be 2-0 against you….have a fun offseason corky.
VRFC8 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
sweet, we were in it til the end
we improved from last year
we werent the dream team
oh did i say we were in it til the end yeah..
and silver lining after everything we sitll have a better draft pick then you
how do you like them apples
thebigham - January 2, 2012
were we really in it until the end??????
McLovin9 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
yes. it game down to week 17
thebigham - January 2, 2012
mathematically - yes....
Realistically – the back to back butt-f### vs Arizona and first GMen games told us season was over
McLovin9 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
whatever you say man
the giants won 3 of their last 8 games…
I don’t get fans like you, its as your happy the team sucks and glad you predicted it so. Its pitiful.
thebigham - January 2, 2012
uh happy? - do I sound happy??
GMen may have won 3 of last 8 but whenever they needed a win to save their season – they got it
On the other hand – this team has failed miserably in big games FOR MANY YEARS with the only blip on the radar being the 2 Philly games to end 2009…
So until the DNA of this team – and franchise changes – you can expect more of the same
McLovin9 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Yeah you do.
thebigham - January 2, 2012
He's a hater who loves to hate
Terry - January 2, 2012
and conversely, he hates to love. Sad isn't it?
Seanrude - January 2, 2012
hahahahahaha
Oh its about draft picks now. Got it little buddy. Enjoy your offseason. I can’t wait to see jerruh’s draft….they have worked out so well…
VRFC8 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
enjoy your never healthy dog killing pos
you are pathetic
thebigham - January 2, 2012
Wanna play some hide and seek?
Or any other children’s game? Because you are a child and can’t take that your team is really not that good, just hype. I can atleast say the birds improved as the season went on and owned the division.
Enjoy your offseason corky
VRFC8 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
You gloated. Move along.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Like the Eagles aren't hype. Pot meet kettle.
Wayward Irish - January 2, 2012
as an Eagles Fan, I’m surprised you had the balls the even type that……..sleep peacefully dream team
BigBad Joe - January 3, 2012
Didn't improve from last year
…or if they did they’d finished improving by about week 10 and regressed backwards for the rest of the season.
redandy - January 2, 2012
LOL
First it was “Eagles suck this year there gonna have a high pick and we are going to cream them when we play”
now its “At least we have a better pick”???
Face it you guys were overrated (just like us) and were taken to the woodshed TWICE by the dream team, so as far as you guys are concerned WE ARE THE DREAM TEAM.
EagleEyes - January 2, 2012
No, we weren't overrated just like you. Many, if not most, pundits thought the
Cowboys would have an average record this year, even though they overrated their talent level. Most pundits slobbered over the Eagles and picked them as a Super Bowl contender. Enjoy the off season.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
Actually
After the “Sexy” pick of the “Dream Team” winning the divison the Cowboys were picked as the only team that would/could beat the Eagles, specially after the Giants started losing players to injury.By the way 5-1 in the divison.HOW BOUT DEM COWPIES
EagleEyes - January 2, 2012
and how many playoff appearances did that earn you?
you know, one could easily say, how in flying hell do you go 5-1 in the division and don’t make the playoffs.
Didn’t think that far ahead, huh?
KD Drummond - January 2, 2012
There are always reasons that stick out in any lackluster year, you ask, here are some that stick out to me:
Because:
Jeremy Maclin Fumbles in FG range down by one with little time in the 4th against the 49ers
Juqua Parker jumps offsides
Vince Young and his “Dream Team” go Sleepless in Seattle
Mike tells the Coaches he just had “wind knocked out” of him in Arizona so the coaches keep making him pass with broken ribs rather than hand it to our best weapon
Victor Cruz
Early on you guys were stating we were the “2010 Cowboys”, we finished 8-8 with playoff hopes for most of the season, finished with a better record in the divison than you, draft behind you, what does that make you?
EagleEyes - January 2, 2012
"draft behind you, what does that make you?" It makes me happy.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
By all means
Take any Dline/Olineman Andy Reid will be slobbering over before he has the chance. LB/WR should be left at 15
EagleEyes - January 2, 2012
I don't think we were saying you were the 2010 Cowboys
We were saying the roles have reversed. In the past the Eagles always built through the draft, and the Cowboys signed the big FA’s. This year the Eagles signed the big FA’s, and the Cowboys haven’t signed a big FA in a few years now. Semantics, but I don’t think anyone was predicting 6-10 for the Eagles. Not even on this blog. Saying you were the 2010 Cowboys would be predicting you would go 6-10. Or have I missed something?
I honestly never thought your team would do that well this year, just because I didn’t believe Vick was the right guy, and DJ is kind of one dimensional. You also had a linebacker problem. I don’t think anyone was expecting LeSean to blow up.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
You may be innocent of the comparison
but your Brethren cannot bare the same claim.
EagleEyes - January 2, 2012
LOL - it makes you clutching at 'it's not so bad' straws
because you are making silver lining arguments about a season where you thought you were going to win AT LEAST 4 more games and AT LEAST win the division and AT LEAST compete for a Super Bowl.
Doesn’t matter how many single plays you look at to make yourself feel better sparky.
We both missed the playoffs. We both ended up 8-8. We hoped we’d have a better season. You KNEW you were going to have a better season and wanted the world to know.
Period. Point blank. End of discussion.
You can return to your board now.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
Heh. Really good post.
Fernie67 - January 3, 2012
Ya theres not much to hang our hat on
Except for the Dallas games! You couldnt beat us or the Giants, and we are the dissapointment? All you had to do was beat one of us just once.
But yes, we are both on the outside looking in, but, who feels better about their team going forward? See you in April.
EagleEyes - January 3, 2012
The sexy pick for a couple of weeks in the middle of the season. Nothing on
the order of the expectations the Eagles raised before they, ya know, sucked. Throw out lame “Cowpies” insults all you want (consider growing up if you want to debate with the adults), but your team laid an ostrich-sized egg.
Fernie67 - January 2, 2012
typical eagles fan, doesn't care about post-season success only beating the Boys
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
^this so much.
Wayward Irish - January 2, 2012
Last night was really the cherry
On top of the sh!tcake that was the 2009 draft.
Forget starters, this team could have used some solid depth on the O line and secondary.
accidental innuendo - January 2, 2012
well gents would love to say it has been a fun yr
But we all know this yr sucked. Here’s to the offseason.
Cheers
VRFC8 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
one side note:
this was Romo’s best season, at least statistically, and still we finished 8-8 instead of 13-3 (2007) and 11-5 (2009) and not make the postseason. Big Fat Rob has quite a few things to straighten out. let’s start with teaching everyone what their role and assignment is, i hate those plays when the offense is already in snapcount mode and our defense is still trying to figure out how they should line up.
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
Yup. K.I.S.S. Rob Ryan.
At least until your players figure out your system.
VoldeMart - January 2, 2012
Neither Rob nor Jason have had a real off season to get this team to understand what they want from them.
4 players away from being a real contender.
OL, DL, CB, S
staubachfan - January 2, 2012
well, basically that's true for a few other teams, too, huh?
i know it’s chic to mention the Niners, but this time last year their HC was still boxing up his belongings in Stanford, or not?
problem is, this defense has had similar problems last year under Wade, and he had been here for the fourth year back then.
prob’ly JJ should just hire this guy, who made the posts here of the Air Coryell offense and the basics of this game, to have a football fundamentals maintenance course. (i could make a search for his name but i’m too lazy for that.)
and, after that, find someone who can teach how to rush the passer, or how to tackle properly.
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
and i'm glad you didn't mention QB among the needs.
imo we don’t need a new QB, we only need a line and a scheme that can protect him.
slowmotion80 - January 2, 2012
My first round wish list....
With the 14th pick in the draft, we may be able to land ourselves Kuechley, the STUD ILB from Boston College. What this pick may be able to do for us is the key. We move Bruce Carter to Anthony Spencer’s OLB position. This would make our linebacking core, Ware-Kuechley-Lee-Carter. IMO, Bruce Carter has the body and the athleticism similar to a Clay Matthews, and if i remember correctly, I "believe" he played a lot of OLB in college.
CB and safety HAVE to be adressed with picks 2-7 and ESPECIALLY through free agency. This is absolutley the year we need to make a splash
And also, its a no brainer at this point, but Ratliff needs to be moved out to DE. I think we can all agree on that.
descherle - January 2, 2012
I wouldn't mind an ILB
IF Carter can produce at OLB and she address the secondary and interior Oline and Dline (a lot to ask) through 2-7 and FA. Kuechley or Burfict I wouldn’t mind either.
Bermystar - January 2, 2012
No way can Carter stand up to Oline men in the running game.
He played OLB in a 4-3, not 3-4. 3-4 OLBs are usually DEs in college because they have to be big enough and strong enough to take on blocks from Olinemen and TE all game. Carter could be a really good ILB, it would be silly to move him to another position. Same with Ratliff. He is a good DT, but he won’t do as well at DE because he has short arms and he will have to go up against Tackles instead of centers and guards. Draft a good 3-4 DE (or two) to play alongside him, and you will see his production go up. Ratliff played well this year, he is just the only consistent guy on the line that has played well all year.
Yoko Romo - January 2, 2012
So....
You’re advocating taking an unproven first year player (Carter) and having him switch positions to something he doesn’t play to get a rookie in to learn a complicated system. That first year player will then have to stand up to linemen against the run at 250 or so lbs.
Thanks, but no.
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
geeze, when did everyone on this blog become so snarky?
Can’t someone just have an opinion?
Im just looking at some of these possibilities. IMO Kuechley will be a beast and is a RKG and will also possibly be the BPA at our pick. Having him along side of Lee could give us one of the best ILB cores for years to come. So then i thought, what do we do with Bruce Carter’s skill? A “successful” move to OLB would mean GREAT things for this defense. However, i do understand the concern. He is 20 pounds lighter than Clay Matthews, and less than 20 pounds lighter than our back up at that position, Victor Butler. I know these NFL players can control their weight just like boxers if they need to, Butler can put on 12 pounds or so and still be just as athletic.
Its just something I would love to see. A linebacking core that truely brings fear to quarterbacks and runningbacks across the league.
descherle - January 2, 2012
We should have been 11-5
Could have been 13-3
Heck 10-6 would have been plenty for the playoffs
What a season
Defense was painful to watch & agree that should be focus of draft
holycowboy - January 2, 2012
if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.....
No matter what the record this team would have been a one + done in playoffs…
This loss was a blessing in disguise….
Had we won – nobody would be patting themselves on the back more than Jerry….hey- no playoffs last year and we won division this year….we’re headed in the right direction….
It would have set us back 3 years….
McLovin9 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Exactly
All the “any given Sunday” stuff aside, we weren’t going to make a serious Lombardi run this year. We’re better off with a better draft position and realistic evaluations of our talent level.
dteowner - January 2, 2012
While the improved draft position is nice
I can’t buy into this line of thinking. To develop a winning mentality, you have to win. And you’re not going to win if you don’t try.
accidental innuendo - January 2, 2012
After the fact
I think it’s ok for us, as fans, to objectively realize this is the better outcome. For the players to think that would be a problem, but we don’t play…
jrduncans - January 2, 2012 via Android app
And The Eagles "should" have gone undefeated.
Lord Humungus - January 2, 2012
bogus comparison
we had 5 4th-quarter blown leads
just saying that if two of them were W’s we would have been 10-6
but agree that 8-8 & missing the playoffs is a blessing in disguise
holycowboy - January 2, 2012
We could have been 6-10
There were a few games we were lucky to win.
20 other teams could say the same thing.
Lissyyyyy - January 2, 2012
fair enough
but man, we blew 5 games
just preserving 2 of them would have made this a 10-6 season + playoffs
holycowboy - January 2, 2012
Folks, it’s probably doubtful that Carter moves to OLB on a consistent basis. He is playing opposite Demarcus Ware, meaning that he needs to be the run anchor.
The Cowboys scheme calls for 260 lb OLB. Carter is 233. He’s an ILB, Star position LB.
Stranger things have happened, but I seriously doubt a move to ILB is where it’s at for Carter.
KD Drummond - January 2, 2012
Good Point KD
I suppose my desire for a mean SOB like Burfict blinds me sometimes lol.
Bermystar - January 2, 2012
Carter Will Play ILB...not OLB
BC’s ability to defend pass (especially up the middle), (TE, RB, etc), + screens, pass rush, etc, are the reasons he was drafted. Speed is critical. You have it, or you don’t. Blocking kicks is a plus too.
I believe in Carter…worth the wait. Love the pick.
1Bullseye - January 2, 2012
Carter looks nothing like a 3-4 OLB
He’s an ILB. Probably our nickle ILB next year as we sign a veteran free agent to start.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 2, 2012
My preference for #14
In no particular order Kirkpatrick, Burfict, Decastro. I’m hoping J. Jenkins falls at least to our 2nd, character concerns aside, dude is a talented CB, Dre in the 1st him in the 2nd I wouldn’t lose any sleep.
Bermystar - January 2, 2012
DeCastro and trade up for Melvin Ingrahm late in the first.
Or Decastro and sign Calais Campbell.
Omar Little - January 2, 2012
That looks like a brutal schedule for next yr.
kfell - January 2, 2012
That was my first thought, too. Normally you can hope for some bounce after a down year, but I don’t see a single patsy on the slate.
dteowner - January 2, 2012
Totally agree
But for us to get better,we have to play with the big boys. I am hoping a full year in the weight room will help Arkin and Nagy. I think Circle-K will turn out to be a beast. Do Church and McCray
take over at the safety positions next year?
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
No sensi is signed.
thebigham - January 2, 2012
But does that mean he has to be the starter?
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
In today's NFL
Pretty much, yes. Why would they have signed him to the contract if they weren’t gonna play him. Church is a box safety, and McCray is limited. They’re good backups and nickel players, but not good enough to start. If either starts for a long period then the warts show.
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
Oh - and welcome to the blog
I newbie rec’d your first post, it was a good one.
Nickthegrip - January 2, 2012
Stephen Jones will be the key to the upcoming draft.
JJ simply lives in denial about this team.
With Stephen in the mix, HE and JG will steer this team where it needs to go draftwise. Stephen will be right there, over his daddy’s shoulder, to make sure this team’s needs are addressed. Not worried about how JG is going to approach it. Stephen is the key. He has to massage his daddy’s ego to go after what this team really needs and not something JJ thinks it ought to have.
Here’s my beef: When a team puts a player on the roster that under achieves each year ( T Newman) and doesn’t make improvements and yet continues his mediocre play, WHY do you keep putting that player back on the field when you KNOW he’s a liability???? It simply makes NO sense. Yes, I know about free agency and salary cap, but you don’t just keep putting a player in a position where you know he can’t make the play. Yet you do it over and over.
Last night when the camera zoomed into the face of JG, he looked both mad and embarrassed. He had every right to be both. His team embarrassed him on national tv. Yet, after the game, JJ said he thought the “core of this team would go far into the playoffs”. I don’t know what that man is smoking but it must be some really good stuff to keep him in such denial. Everyone but JJ knew this team was mediocre, especially on defense.
The only way this team will make ANY progress in the offseason is through JG and Stephen Jones. And Stephen will spend most of his time keeping his daddy away from personell matters.
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
how many players constitute a core?
not defending what JJ was saying as our weaknesses serve to tear down the strengths of this team.
maybe what JJ was referring to is on offense you have Romo, Bryant, Austin, Witten., T Smith…5 players out of 11. On defense Ware, Ratliff, Lee, and I’ll even toss Jenkins in there as he has actually been a strength of the secondary this year when healthy. Not bad core strength, they just need to build up better complimentary players around them to succeed.
TruBluToTheCore - January 2, 2012
I hear you...
but he seemed almost shocked that his team lost last night. Not many of us are. I’m certainly not. We all knew this team was noting more than mediocre, yet JJ seems to carry on with is fantasy to suit himself.
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
Jerry Jones is PT Barnum
He has to sell this circus, so he will say whatever he can to make a pile of poop sound like an ice cream sundae. I hope you are correct about Stephen, but what makes you think JG can evaluate talent?? I think the best talent evaluators are those that coached in college, and JG missed that part of the lesson.
byopp - January 2, 2012
Actually, JJ did try to replace TNew this off-season
with the attempt to sign NA.
tdships - January 2, 2012
True. No way the would have kept Newman at his salary plus pay NA
I was a was a Newman fan, but he plays like he has schizophrenia. One minute he looks like he is giving it his all and then follows a series of half-hearted attempts. Not even talking about getting beaten. That happens to them all. It just looks like he intentionally tanked some plays.
The end of the first giants game really ended my faith in him. No effort in the fourth and I can still see the long pass to the end zone where he had given up while the catch could have been contested. The fact that it was dropped doesn’t matter.
This game burned all bridges.
StarCity - January 2, 2012
with 14. pick in 2nd round..... is there any chance to get Tannenhill there?
orli - January 2, 2012
As in Ryan Tannehill ?
I’m a big A&M fan, but I don’t think he’s our answer. #1 need is on defense, and even if we wanted a QB there are better answers – RG3 if you insist on “local” names.
If I was lookin’ for the Boys to draft an Aggie I’d look at Fuller. He’s got the tools, but do we need another WR ?
Just sayin’……..
LoboTX - January 2, 2012
So many defensive players to scrap...
2 new safeties, a new CB, 2 new starting linebackers (hopefully one is Bruce Carter), 2 new defensive ends, and anyone to replace Alan Ball.
Lord Humungus - January 2, 2012
First three picks should all be in the secondary
CMDR - January 2, 2012
hey - we extended Scandrick and Sensabaugh
Secondary is fine…
Sincerely,
Jerry
McLovin9 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
false
we need OLB and 5 tec DE
thebigham - January 2, 2012
double false!
Coverage sacks would make Dline suddenly look a lot better.
Secondary has been the team weakness for 5 years in a row.
CMDR - January 2, 2012
coverage sacks arn't the norm as much as a pass rush helping out your CB's
IRONRAVEN - January 2, 2012
We need a stud 3-4 DE like Devon Still ( probably be gone by the 14th pick) to help get pressure up the middle.
Our Defensive line did not get it done this year. We could bring pressure from the outside, but the middle of the pocket was always there to step up into. Before anyone talks about cutting Spencer, you have to admit he could pressure the QB, Almost Anthony just couldn’t quite bring him down or get a hand on the ball. More pressure from the front 3 would leave the QB nowhere to step up, and it would help out Ryan’s blitzes as well- too often there were no gaps for the ILBs or safeties to blitz into because our linemen couldn’t move anybody out of the way.
Yoko Romo - January 2, 2012
Imagine what this team could have done
if they had the defense of the Bears, or Houston or almost any other team.
byopp - January 2, 2012
we will go 6-10....nice
Arthur Harris - January 2, 2012
I will take
alonzo dennard
bruce irvin
this is a good start
oneforthethumb - January 2, 2012
I agree this secondary is pathetic...
however, how about bringing in a DB coach that can actually coach these players up techique wise and actually look for the ball instead of just playing the player? If you want an excellent indictment of Campo…go and re-watch the Jax vs. Pats playoff game from back in ‘07. After that huge mess, I couldn’t believe they brought him back to coach here.
TheCowboyFan - January 2, 2012
need a cocky corner or safety from the U...
Arthur Harris - January 2, 2012
Asante Samuel anyone...?
Alpha - January 2, 2012
Cortland Finnegan?
Alpha - January 2, 2012
current cowboys mock
1/ David DeCastro OG Stanford
2/ Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina
3/ Brandon Lindsey OLB Pittsburgh
4/ Trevor Guyton DE California
5/Rhett Ellison TE USC
6/ Sean Cattouse SS California
7/ Case Keenum QB Houston
Nate Trumble - January 2, 2012
first 3 picks are great
DeCastro would really help our Defense!!!! long drives on the ground by our Offense would be key.
ziggy19 - January 2, 2012
those ur picks?
seems heavy on need and not best athlete
RangerMad - January 2, 2012 via Android app
BOTH sides of the ball need help in the draft and FA
the OL needs help as well as the DL. But what REALLY needs upgrading is the secondary. Newman and Ball are mercifully taken OUT of this lineup. Need a shutdown corner to replace Newman. Jenkins is okay where he is as long as he’s healthy. Need to replace both James and Brooking. Elam needs to go as well. Made NO impact this year.
Restock the OL and DL and shore up the Secondary.
Also sign Laurent Robinson to a LONG TERM contract. He’s simply too good to let go and may be your BEST WR. Murray as well. Put the entire team through a good conditioning program so as to prevent all of these damned hamstring issues. I never saw so many hamstring injuries in one year before this one.
And yeah, I’m going to say it. GET RID OF loud mouth Rob Ryan. Bring in a REAL defensive coordinator with players smart enough to understand the scheme and then let ’em loose.
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
How about giving Ryan a full off season and some actual talent to scheme with first
StrosSouth - January 2, 2012
Actually
for the first time I remember, it was DAL that made the successful adjustments at halftime.
tdships - January 2, 2012
Too little too late, but you are completely right.
It was pleasant for a while.
StarCity - January 2, 2012
I have to ask.....was Newman injured ALL season??
Yeah, I know about the groin thing…..he seemed to have that since last season. But c’mon, the guy just can’t do his job. I don’t know WHO to be more pissed at. Him or the idjit coaches who keep putting him out there expecting him to actually do his job and knowing he wasn’t capable of it. Last night was a showcase in mediocrity. When the tv announcers are talking about the obvious liability of having him in coverage KNOWING the opposing qb is targeting him on almost EVERY play, WTF can’t our coaches see that and make adjustments?? Yeah, I know Ball replaced him a few times, and Ball is all he’s cracked up to be….but when you KEEP putting guys out there that haven’t shown ANY capacity to make plays, aren’t YOU the coach then liable to answer for it?
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
agreed.
I thought Frank Walker would be the obvious substitution there, but alas we got to see Alan Ball in all his glory…again.
StarloverinWNC - January 2, 2012
Walker has been terrible in the 2nd half of the season
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
Newman was benched for almost a quarter last night
But his replacement was worse than Newman was. Once Newman got back out there he did a little better. Newman is gone. Move along.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
its time to spend some money
We have had no significant free agent signings in years. This defense needs an overhaul. We brought back the same darned linemen that can’t generate a pass rush. We get ZERO pressure if we don’t blitz and don’t have the secondary to cover when we do. No one could win with this defense. Its awful.
bewareofdware - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Draft? Ha Ha
We could get the first 11 draft picks and still go 8-8. Thanks Jerry for another great season.
Elwood62 - January 2, 2012
semi unrelated post
Jamie Dukes has to be the biggest idiot on tv. His key to Dallas making a Superbowl run next year? Offensive Coordinator………………..
just4fun - January 2, 2012
that`s a bold statement by you.
there are many idiots on the various NFL shows. We should set up a poll to see who would win…. I mean lose. My vote would go for Sapp…or Deion…or Faulk.
ziggy19 - January 2, 2012
actually the 14th pick is better than the 13th
cuz you get the two highest picks in the two most important rounds. After the second round it is a crap shoot.
Lissyyyyy - January 2, 2012
Excellent point
Didn’t even think about it that way, but i’d take 14 and 13 over 13 and 18.
Bermystar - January 2, 2012
That is a great point.
staubachfan - January 2, 2012
Spags gone from the Rams...if RR gets a head coaching gig(don't laugh)
we need to hire him. I think Philly will grab him though.
fiverings37 - January 2, 2012
has he ever coached a 34?
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
Plain and simple
We need a GM, in 15 years and only one thing has been the same JJ with his control issues. I really wish this guy would just admit to himself that he’s not a good GM, and hire one.
1. Get new GM
2. Fix the DB problem
3. Get O coordinater
4. Pass rush
Won’t happen though
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
Damn right it won't happen...Jerry is too much of a micro manager
He’ll never be able to sit back and let someone run his team
Terry - January 2, 2012
Stupid is as stupid does
Currently we have a nice mix of dumb and slow. Some of the dumbest players in the league on defense have created the perfect 4th quarter storm over and over and over. They don’t study, and they get totally confused on the field. Couple that with a lack of speed and you get what you got. Two defensive coordinators in a row could not teach these clowns the art of defense. Spencer, Ball, Newman, Walker, Coleman, Spears, & Elam, there’s the door. We need smarter players. Gifted physically yes, but dumb studs are duds.
How in the world do you replace that many players with one draft? You don’t. Not when you need at least one more blue chip offensive lineman. We need to make some roster space so we can sign some F/A’s. We look to be about 20 mil under the cap. Get that to 30 mil under the cap, and we can bring in some young veteran talent. We’ll retool this defense aggressively, much like we did the offense last season. The most frustrating season of my life is behind us now, and we can get to the job that we all knew we needed to do.
One more thing. This was a different team when Murray was in there. We ran tough. We had a very successful ground game which complimented our very good passing game. It allowed the defense to catch their breath. It also allowed Felix to be our primary kick returner, which was starting to show signs of life. We don’t have to be as bad as all that next year. Many of our problems can be improved in a single off-season. Perhaps not all, but most. It comes down to having a great off-season. We need to spend some money for the right kind of guys in free agency, and we need to have a great draft.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
not to burst your bubble..
but most of that was running against the Rams of the NFL…..so you should be able to run on those guys anyway. The first Philly game showed we are still very vulnerable in our run game because of a lackluster OL.
WIth Fiametta back…and Murray signed long term, and a re-vamped, big burly, push the line forward OL, the running game would pump new energy into a one dimensional offense. Couple that with Laurent Robinson also with a new long term contract….a HEALTHY austin, dez , Romo, and you have a very dynamic offense to use.
The big HUGE problem facing us all….is an utterly incapable defense. How can ANYONE expect to go anywhere in the post season with such an awful display that we have on defense? If I’m Romo, I’m pissed at all of ‘em. 12 points against the G men in the first game and you can’t protect it with 4 mins to go? Pathetic. AN OVERHAUL IS NEEDED BADLY.
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
Not true on Murray
253 of his 897 yards came against the Rams. That’s not MOST of it. He averaged 5.5 ypc, and added 26 catches in 7 games started. This was a very different team with Murray in there. Only one other RB came anywhere close to what Murray did against the Rams, so its not like the Rams were regularly giving up huge running games. Against the Eagles, Murray had 8 carries for 74 yards when JG had to abandon the run game because the score was getting out of hand.
The kid had 900 yards rushing in 7 games. He would have broken 1000 yards in half a season.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
I agree he would have gotten more
Murray is a BEAST….but when Fiametta went out….the running game disappeared. I love the kid and can’t wait to see him running behind a re-vamped OL….
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
Agree
There is and has been a high degree of dumb on this team for a while.
tdships - January 2, 2012
What do you guys think the market value would be for Dez, Witten, or Austin?
Im being serious here. I think we have to consider all avenues when thinking of obtaining the resources to overhaul this defense. The offense could survive without one or even two of those weapons. If it meant we could have one of those drafts where you pick 5 times in the top 75 it would be worth it.
You have to trust your player development though. You’ve gotta be confident that a Dwayne Harris, Raymond Radway, or Andre Holmes can be a serviceable #3 WR. And that you could get someone who could back up John Phillips at TE assuming Martellus is gone. You also have to trust that the team can get this offensive line to a level where we can lean on the running game a bit more.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 2, 2012
I'd shop
Austin before Dez or Witten. Flash in the pan.
MGlover54 - January 2, 2012
Agreed.
He’d be my first option to dump.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 2, 2012
I'd consider everyone for trade.
Including Ware.
nspirals - January 2, 2012
Interesting. Me too.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 2, 2012
I'd trade Bryant, Robinson clearly outplayed him this season
Witten is one of the few players that is untradeable, him along with Romo are the heart and soul of the team
Terry - January 2, 2012
SMH...
LDVFootball - January 2, 2012
Roy E Williams
Someone in that building has to tell this guy that he’s not the answer at GM. You own the Cowboys everyone knows that and respect that. But yet he has to be on camera every second, making comments after games, what owner gives injury reports during the week? I can’t be the only one who see something wrong with the way he’s been running things
For example, the big a$$ screen in the middle of the stadium was such a bad idea. When your fans are too busying looking up to actually cheer and make noise. Say to me that it more of a distraction then a asset. Big and flashy!
Another example, extending Scandrick and Sensabaugh coming off a season where the secondary was an issue is mind blowing. You have Jonthan Joseph sitting out there we didn’t make an offer, instead we go after Nmandi, why you say beacuse its big and flashy!
Every true Cowboys fan knew from last years offseason what this team issue were, and yet the man making the decision sadly didn’t.
For things to change gotta start at the top. Since you can’t fire the owner, maybe the owner should take a back seat, be seen and not heard.
djthumpl - January 2, 2012
we kinda had to extend those guys
otherwise you’re bringing in new guys to learn a new system in a shortened offseason. It was maddening to think that we really thought that simply signing Abram Elam (our only move in the secondary) was going to fix this unit. Arrogance at its worst…
phoenix11 - January 2, 2012
Advice Needed
I don’t really follow college football, so will someone advise me on which bowl games to watch for potential draft picks?
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
al of them
CMDR - January 2, 2012
Today
Georgia for OL, Nebraska for one CB, S. Carolina for pass rusher, Stanford for both offensive guards.
Record all of the bowl games, Sr. Bowl, etc. Plenty of hard drive space now that I don’t have to record this years NFL playoffs. .
1Bullseye - January 2, 2012
Thanks, the DVR will be set
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
Hey KD
You got one error in your title. I believe you meant 2012 not 2011
Aaron Burtram - January 2, 2012
d'oh
multiple errors- just continuing the tradition the team has set forward.
thx
KD Drummond - January 2, 2012
Well played, sir.
White Wolf - January 2, 2012
Options for our 1rst rd pick
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2012
8 Devon Still DT Penn State
9 David DeCastro OG Stanford
10 Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama
if any one of these 3 are still there we would be running to the podium IMO. After that it get`s sketchy.
11 Quinton Coples DE North Carolina would he fit in a 3-4?
14 Melvin Ingram OLB South Carolina Spencer`s replacement
16 Fletcher Cox DE Mississippi State True DE in a 3-4
17 Nick Perry OLB Southern California Spencer`s replacement
19 Jerel Worthy DE Michigan State would he fit in a 3-4?
20 Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska massive over haul is needed in secondary
21Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama Spencer`s replacement
22 Landry Jones QB Oklahoma QB of the future
23 Cordy Glenn OG Georgia solidifies the line
25 Peter Konz C Wisconsin solidifies the line
26 Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama massive over haul is needed in secondary
27 Dont’a Hightower OLB Alabama really ILB but has played some OLB
30 Dwayne Allen TE Clemson What an upgrade over Martellus
32 Sam Montgomery OLB LSU Spencer`s replacement
34 Dontari Poe NT Memphis Ratliff looked spent yesterday.
35 Whitney Mercilus OLB Illinois Spencer`s replacement
36 Jared Crick DE Nebraska True DE in a 3-4
37 Mark Barron SS Alabama weak S class
ziggy19 - January 2, 2012
Informative. Thanks ziggy19!
Also, I agree with your comments after #30 Dwayne Allen. Martellus Bennett has been almost invisible since his rookie season, and ever since I saw video of him in practice, I’ve disliked him. Just seemed lazy and uncoachable—made all the worse because he has so many physical gifts.
We may not need a tight end in the first round, but I’ll take almost anyone as his replacement. Meanwhile, John Phillips is (I think) greatly underrated—good blocker, good hands, intriguing potential. I hope he stays healthy.
VoldeMart - January 2, 2012
Not at all impressed with either Dennard or Ingram
DarthGrumpa - January 2, 2012
devon still is being described as a mediocre pass rusher, stout against the run
we’ve got too many of those guys playing DE for us
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
does anyone know
where to find a spreadsheet or something that shows the contracts of the dallas cowboys players? Specifically whos contract is up?
jberg75 - January 2, 2012
try this
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/
not sure how accurate or up to date.
ziggy19 - January 2, 2012
Sensabaugh is signed long term
ziggy19 - January 2, 2012
I use this site
Rotoworld.com
Fairly up to date, and accurate, plus gives quite a bit of Detail on the contract
I am Ironman!!! - January 4, 2012
Is there truly a reason
That we resigned scandrick? Even before his extension he was awful in coverage and his completion percentage was around 60%…
xQuinnx - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Yep....your Genius DC Rob Ryan
he’s on record saying that Scandrick is a “great corner” and other such BS. It makes me wonder if he says all this crap for motivational purposes?
Cowboy88 - January 2, 2012
he has potential
plus if we cut Newman, the only corner we had on contract would be Jenkins since Scandrick’s contract runs out after this season
somebodyquiet - January 2, 2012
PLEASE
CUT KICK HIM OUT DO WHAT EVER JUST LET HIM GO! WHERE I DO NOT CARE JUST OFF OUR TEAM I HAVE SEEM HIM LOOK BAD ALL SEASON ENOUGH NOW MOVE ON
Timothy Zackery - January 2, 2012
Scandrick was re-upped
He’s not expiring?
Rome One - January 2, 2012
I see anothet 8-8 season in 2012
RangerMad - January 2, 2012 via Android app
Ummm, people... can we at least see who we sign as FA and in the draft before predicting records for 2012
those are factors that might be important.
KD Drummond - January 3, 2012
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