J. Meric - Getty Images
Mike Jenkins shoulder surgery will keep him out for the next 4-6 months; meaning that he will return to the field just in time for 2012 training camp.
A week of news and notes for the Dallas Cowboys, sandwiched between the divisional rounds and the NFL conference championship games.
Saturday
Cowboys covet free-agent-to-be Nicks | ProFootballWeekly.com
Well, that's one piece of the equation down. Now all we need is for Nicks to want to join Dallas more than stay with annual Super Bowl contender New Orleans. From PFW's Whispers roundup:
Already, Cowboys fans are salivating at the idea of signing free-agent OG Carl Nicks, who might be too tough for the Saints to keep. Why Nicks and not, say, Ben Grubbs? Well, now-OL coach Bill Callahan has ties to Nicks from Nebraska, and owner Jerry Jones is said to be a fan of the Saints' power blocker to solidify the middle of his line. If the Cowboys move Doug Free to right tackle, they don't want to saddle him with a weak-link right guard.
Creer's late TD gives West 24-17 victory over East | Sports Illustrated
Pretty good game for the B-level senior prospects for the NFL Draft. The Senior Bowl is next week, where you'll find most of the senior's with a chance to be drafted in the early rounds. In this game, we got to see a handful of midround prospects. Of note: OLB Julian Miller, G Brandon Brooks, DE Tyrone Crawford, DT Dominique Hamilton, CB Shaun Prater, QB BJ Coleman, ILB Shawn Loiseau.
Friday
Mike Jenkins facing 4-6 months of rehab | ESPN Dallas
It looks like the surgery Jenks had on his troublesome shoulder last week will keep the Cowboys top corner (apologies to Terence Newman's agent) out until training camp. This means he won't be able to participate physically in the veteran OTA's and the like. Fortunately, those are learning activities and as long as he's healthy by the end of July, Rob Ryan's Year 1.5 defense should have the opportunity to ingest and commit to muscle memory.
More...
Friday(cont.)
Cowboys' Brooking doesn't want to see Bryant waste his talent | NFL.com
Before Keith Brooking ran out of gas, nine times out of ten he was a stand-up guy. Well, save for the embarrassing "you guys should be playing nice!" at the end of the Minnesota playoff whooping a few years ago. Not in this particular article, but Brooking did call Bryant the most talented individual he's ever played with; which for a 14-year veteran is saying a lot. Brooking also put a bit of sober realism out there, pertaining the young receiver's continuous place in the headlines.
"I mean, guys make mistakes. I'd be a hypocrite if I said, you know, you can't ever make a mistake, you can't ever get in trouble," Brooking said. "But at the end of the day, I mean, eventually, you've got to step up and be a pro and do the right thing.
"There's just so much potential there. I'd really hate to see that go by the wayside."
Thursday
Garrett Introduces New Coaches | The Mothership
I spoke about all the tasty tidbits of info on this week's podcast, but there were solid nuggets in head coach Jason Garrett's presser. Amongst them, confirmation the team is considering swapping left and right tackles Tyron Smith and Doug Free. Also, Jay Ratliff is a versatile lineman that played injured and the team isn't married to a 3-4 scheme and is willing to roll out various fronts. OK, I lied. These are things that we here at BTB have talked about for a while, but I guess now it's officially on record that the team has options. Yeahhhh....
There was actually something interesting to come out of the presser, besides the enthusiasm of Bill Callahan and Jerome Henderson. Garrett says that he is open to the possibility of handing over play calling duties to new offensive coordinator Bill Callahan once he feels there is complete comfort between he, Callahan and quarterback Tony Romo.
Dez Bryant Responds On Twitter | NBC DFW
Dez denies that the dust up at Liv Nightclub in Miami that has made all the Dallas headlines percolate had anything to directly do with rapper Lil' Wayne. Or his leotard pants.
Wednesday
Salary Cap won't be issue for Cowboys | ESPN Dallas
$20 million my, friends. $20 million at least. Dallas has some in-house free agents to consider, but that's plenty to play with. Can we just fast forward past all this playoff stuff to March already?
Tuesday
Position Series: Murray, Jones A Solid RB Mix | The Mothership
DC.com has been reviewing the positions and has a recap of the carousel of both halfbacks and fullbacks that entered the fray on behalf of The Star in 2011.
Dallas lost their Safeties Coach to the Tennessee Titans, as Maxie moved on to become their Secondary Coach.
Monday
What Level Of Performance Can Be Expected From Rookie Lineman? | BloggingTheBoys.com
Unbelievably great piece by our resident stat guru, One.Cool.Customer. Must Read.
0 recs | 92 comments
With salary cap not being an issue
We still don’t have to go all Philadelphia Dream Team.
But signing Nicks, and a capable Safety, mixed in with tough veteran role players should be a priority.
Watching the Nfc championship game today it shows how important a pass rush is. And as much as I like Decastro getting Nicks eliminates the pressing need.
Without question if Nicks is signed first round Pass rusher should be selected Ingram, Upshaw, Stills, Brocker, ect. Followed by a CB and or another pass rushing front seven. Nicks is such a major upgrade a G/C could be selected in the 3rd round to compete or take over for Costs/Kosier
CowboyWay - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Id much rather keep elam
And take a good corner like Finn specially after the mediocor safteys getting 30-50 million last year and our fa crop isn’t that good this year. So sign a guard upgrade at corner and keep Robinson maybe even sign a good hard nosed de that can bit down and take qb with him.
Sado44 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Not opposed to Elam
But the likely hood of getting Nicks and Finn are slim to none. They both will demand top dollar and I would much rather build our defenses meat and potatoes through the draft than signing a bunch of free agents. When I say capable safety I mean someone in the likes of an Elam. But a little more range.
As for Finn I would much rather go after Nicks which would instantly boost the line along with Free and Tyron switching. Couple that with getting CB and Front seven help in the draft. CB is deep and there will be a pass rusher at 14. A better pass rush covers for average CB play. IMO Jenkins is a very good corner add 1st or 2nd round CB with 3 front 7 players drafted to boost the pass rush and you have a solid formula heading into draft weekend. BUT it all starts with Nicks
CowboyWay - January 22, 2012 via mobile
The problem with
the defense is the secondary. Even when the Cowboys led the league in sacks with 59, they couldn’t get out of the first round of the playoffs. When you have a HOF pass rusher like Ware,you will get more 3-5 step drops from QBs. You need corners to cover those routes and safetys to back them up. You can’t use the nuances of the 3-4 if you can’t cover. Rob Ryan needs to take a page from his brother Rex’s book.
jevans1729 - January 22, 2012
While I belive they go hand in hand
Your theory is being debunked recently.
The Niners have an average secondary but an elite pass rush, the giants average Secondary elite pass rush, same for the Steelers. No coincidence since the Packers pass rush disappeared their defense ranked 2nd to last. No coincidence the Patriots lacked a pass rush in the regular season and their defense ranked last.
Rex Ryan would crave for a pass rush. That is what’s lacking in his defense. It’s not all about sacks as much as it is about pressure and getting a QB off his spot. With an added pass rusher there is not need for an expensive corners in the current situation. As there is no safetys on the market that are worthy of big money. The Steelers have been to 3 super bowls with this formula, pass rush first. And we see the trend in today’s Championship games.
If both Claiborne and Kirkpatrick are gone at 14 it only furthermore calls for the best pass rusher and selecting corner in the 2nd round. A quality corner can be had in the top 15 baring trade in round 2
CowboyWay - January 22, 2012 via mobile
with all things being equal, having a top tier pass rush is better than having a
top tier secondary BUT our secondary is so weak that it’s hurting our pass rush. 49ers are getting great play out of their secondary too. Carlos Rogers is having a banner year.
Either way, we need to get more defensive talent
somebodyquiet - January 22, 2012
Yes more talent
But too many times this year I saw qbs have a clean pocket if D Ware wasn’t getting there.
CowboyWay - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I'd rather have brandon carr, he's younger and just about as talented
just4fun - January 23, 2012
I would love to sign Michael Griffin
he had a down year last year but he’s a very good safety. Clear upgrade for us back there
somebodyquiet - January 22, 2012
Lots of good stuff
getting Nicks would sure make our draft better.We could trade up or down as need be and not have to take DeCastro who might be a great pick but would not help much next season.
TCB Orange Dino - January 22, 2012
Totally agree
CowboyWay - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Decastro can walk right in and start
and still be worlds better then any guard we had this year
burmafrd1944 - January 22, 2012
Your first rd pick is expected to start right away and contribute
DeCastro will be penciled in as a starter from day 1.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Guys if we truly fix the O with Nicks and DeCastro, we should be able to get into the playoffs. Once we are in anything can happen.
Improve the D and we can compete. Completely fix the D next year.
pfloyd1 - January 22, 2012
Nicks+DeCastro
Tony and DeMarco would do the dance of joy.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I'd be really upset if we don't give Tony the protection he needs and the O sputters again next year.
I don’t want mediocrity on both sides of the ball again next year. 8-8 or 9-7 are not acceptable.
pfloyd1 - January 22, 2012
If they sign Nicks
I doubt if they would take DeCastro at #14 too if but for nothing else but the cost. I’m not saying they wouldn’t do it later in the draft for another C/G.
jevans1729 - January 22, 2012
Cost of 1st round pick at 14 will be alot less
than Nicks
BigBad Joe - January 23, 2012
I agree but,
“Potential is nothing…Performance is everything” Bill Parcells.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
I will apply this to Brockers
Too much risk with taking him
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
"Potential is nothing...Performance is everything"
~ the man who brought us Bobby Carpenter
CotySaxman - January 22, 2012 via mobile
LOL
BWAREofDWARE94 - January 22, 2012
don't forget Julius Jones
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Honestly my second choice for his title was
“the man who adamantly opposed drafting DeMarcus Ware”
CotySaxman - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Could you imagine
If he succeeded in convincing Jerry that Spears should go first, and then the Chargers end up with Ware?
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I know.
To think, he almost prevented Tila Tequila’s abuse.
CotySaxman - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Bobby Carpenter
The man who intercepted Romo and then ran around and through our entire offense on his way to the endzone. That Bobby Carpenter?
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Blind Squirell finds the nut once in a while
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
+1
one good play doesn’t make him a good player
somebodyquiet - January 22, 2012
We need a few squirrels on our team then.
Mikellie - January 24, 2012
Dez shouldn't have been hanging out with Lil Wayne anyhow.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
I know right!
I never understood whats so fun hanging out in a club or bar til 2am.
thebigham - January 22, 2012
The last call hookup.
That is all.
Nickthegrip - January 22, 2012
they are rich and pro football players
I don’t think they need to wait to last call or even goto a bar, am I right?!
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Remember where the majority of them come from.
You return to your comfort level until you mature. Bryant in particular is not mature.
Nickthegrip - January 22, 2012
I guess.
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Where exactly is it that "they" come from?
Mars?
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
I'll vouch for that- I've had plenty of fun hanging out in a club til 3 or 4am
When I used to club, we didn’t show up until 12-1am most times. There’s a lot of fun to be had.
KD Drummond - January 22, 2012
People need to get out more
Then they’ll understand.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I had my adventures walking the streets
of Waikiki, with a bag of bottles and a guitar. Make all sorts of friends that way. Clubs are for a different type of people, especially in military towns.
CotySaxman - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Ah yes, those were the days
RenoCowboy - January 22, 2012
Maybe not to us. Im married with 5 kids.
I get tired at like 9 PM. But I aint gonna act like it aint fun. Gotta be a lot more fun when you are famous. Good decision, NO. Fun, HELL YES!
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 22, 2012
Seems like you could throw some damn good parties
at your own house or at a friends house. Hire a DJ even. Just stay out of the public spotlight when you have a target on your back like all professional rookies do. People and Paparazzi are just looking for something to start.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
so if you're an entertainer
Which includes: athlete, movie star, musician, or singer then you have to stay couped up in your pad?
Just cause we have Drew Magery, Perez Hilton, TMZ, Deadspin, First Take, Inside Edition etc doesn’t mean these people can’t go out and enjoy themselves when they get the opportunity.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
If I had "pads" like those guys,
I’d be glad to stay home and entertain.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Emulate Emmitt Smith.
He stayed in his hotel room and played dominoes instead of going out. During the offseason, you put yourself in the public eye doing charity work. Stay the hell away from anything that could potentially get you in trouble.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Cant sayvim
Upset about Dez. Hell I’ve done all the same shit in fact when I was 22 I had a business trip in California and decided to go have a drink next thing I know I’m drunk got girl and ended up smashing some guys head against his car cause he called this girl a slut whore. Imagine that she was but it happens I missed my meeting spent the night in jail and came back home. It harmless fun the media is the only bad outcome so Dez isn’t the problem media is.
Sado44 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Right. The media is...so stay out of the night clubs and
don’t give them any reasons to write about you.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Your asking
FFor a 23 year old kid to not go out and spend the night on the town. Be realistic is all I’m saying. Don’t get all he needs to stay home bullshit
Sado44 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Remember that "bullshit" when you read their name in the police report.
And then remember that I told you so. After they are done playing they have the rest of their lives to party.
Mikellie - January 24, 2012
Love having FA before the draft again
If this Nicks thing comes to fruition I’d be stoked.
Bermystar - January 22, 2012
I'd rather save some money by signing a C and drafting DeCastro
Get a FA CB/rusher and then in the 2nd round get a rusher/CB
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Saving Money Ain't No Goal
. . . with the new TV deals in the bag (one to go I think) . . . and everything set for the next decade, Dallas is ready to rumble in free agency. They gotta be smart but I expect to see much much more than just an elite offensive lineman. Money, be damned. Add talent. As much as possible in free agency, and this will free up the draft possibilities.
Iowacowboy - January 22, 2012
saving money to put towards a better D player
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Or...
Sign an all pro Guard, draft DeCastro in the first round, a Center in Konz (if we can get him in the second), bring in a free agent pass rusher and corner, and then build the rest from the third round forward. This gives you a starting o-line of T-Rex, Carl, Konz, DeCastro, and Free.
jtgreet02 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
no to Konz
health issues
burmafrd1944 - January 22, 2012
What's the story?
jtgreet02 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
bad shoulder
TheCowboyWay - January 22, 2012
He has had issues with blot clots.
Rena - January 23, 2012
I'm with you Ham,sign Meyers-draft Decastro-resign Holland.O-line is fixed and your young guys get one more year to get ready.Go heavy on defense with the draft.
Maybe get a TE and a QB late.This would leave $ to resign Robinson and Spencer and the draft class.There should be enough $ to sign a pretty big name in FA for the defense.This is my “Perfect Scenario”.
NVCowboy4Life - January 23, 2012
Actually I kind of liked it the other way around.
I think it allows teams to go more BPA than the other way around. Teams can take the players in the draft they consider the best and then use FA to fill the gaps.
Think about the Cowboys this year. If they don’t take a corner in FA, they have to take a corner high in the draft, or play Newman for an additional year. That already limits waht you can do in the draft, and that’s never a good place to be.
One.Cool.Customer - January 22, 2012
The same could be said if it was after the draft..
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Yes I bet the players would rather keep it the way it was last year. Mo Money
staubachfan - January 22, 2012
yeah I like having the draft first too
somebodyquiet - January 22, 2012
Forgive my ignorance
But how much does a top OG make per year? The only free agency I completely understand is baseball, and some of the top guys make 17-25 mil per year. Is that about the same for fir football?
BrickTop - January 22, 2012 via mobile
haha no. That is Peyton Manning money.
thebigham - January 22, 2012
Pmanning with a discount too.
I’m pretty sure anyway that he didn’t take the highest he could have.
willyoubemycharizard - January 22, 2012
Highest paid Guard is The other Saints guard Jahri Evans
He signed a 7 year deal worth $56.7M in 2010. That’s why I can’t see the Saints signing Nicks, that’s a lot of money being invested in 2 guards
KJDH2154 - January 22, 2012
Haha damn
I honestly thought it would cost 12-15 per to sign Nicks. So we could definitely sign Nicks and a cb. Or whatever route they go..
BrickTop - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Mankins signed a 6 year 51 mil deal
I don’t like nicks at those prices, though. I’d like 6 years 25-30 mil.
Blue Eyed Devil - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Nicks > Mankins
KJDH2154 - January 22, 2012
Mankins got
30 mil guranteed and a 20 mil signing bonus. Nicks is better and 4 years younger. I would give Nicks a Mankins deal in a heartbeat. He is going to get those dollars from somebody.
jevans1729 - January 22, 2012
Ignorance forgiven
I don’t know much about wages and salary cap stuff myself.
Bermystar - January 22, 2012
Football is worse.
Spread the 17-25 million baseball players make over 160 games. Then spread that over 16 games for football players.
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Would people complain if this happened?
Dallas trades down in the first with the Pats:
Giving up a 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th for their 2 first round picks? Dallas would end up with:
27, 28-32*(one of these picks), 45, 82, 213 that would be 4 picks in the top 100.
I think it’s worth it. The only caveat being, I’d do this if we sign Nicks in FA.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I like the looks of that trade
You could then use one of those firsts and your second to move up if you see it necessary, say if Konz or Ingram were to fall. With the other first you could get Poe or Gilmore
KJDH2154 - January 22, 2012
NE, notorious for trading back themselves, could be looking at adding 2 1st rounders
to a possible SB champion. Why would they give that up for that haul?
KD Drummond - January 22, 2012
Much o fthe reason NE trades back is based on the salary cap
Which they’re smart with. With the new salary structure in place, I don’t think that NE will be looking to trade back like they used to.
Nickthegrip - January 22, 2012
NE also has 2 second-rounders.
randyd - January 22, 2012
Patriots have the 27th, the Saints pick.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
You're right.
I looked again and they have 27 and 32, not 27 and 22. I had a brainfart.
randyd - January 22, 2012
well
they’ll have another one between 29-32…TBD
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I don't think Bill will hesitate
To trade up and improve his team especially because of the new rookie wage scale.
Given his relationship with Nick Saban, I could see New England trading up for Barron. Prevent Baltimore or Pittsburgh from getting a safety which they’ll covet in the first rd. Improve your team and deny your chief competition a chance to replace an aging star.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I would complain
if Decastro is there and we pass. You do not pass on a once in 10 years player at a position of need.
How often can we expect if we are a decent team to draft in the top 15?
Do not pass up on that. I have no problem trading down when you are in the 20’s since the very best are usually gone by then
burmafrd1944 - January 22, 2012
I left off the other part of the caveat
DeCastro already gone.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
squeelers have to start rebuilding their D
Harrison and Polamolu showed their age late in the season and in the playoff game.
burmafrd1944 - January 22, 2012
Who gives a flying crap about those bunch of losers!
Mikellie - January 22, 2012
Joe Pa died this AM.
Great coach, too bad he had to go out under this cloud of controversy. May he RIP.
pfloyd1 - January 22, 2012
RIP Coke Bottles
Legendary college coach.
Rohpuri - January 22, 2012 via mobile
...
R.I.P
BrickTop - January 22, 2012 via mobile
RIP
although he deserved all the blame he got towards the end
somebodyquiet - January 22, 2012
Too bad he had to go out under a cloud?
He did it to himself by either protecting his football program, or being too chickens**t to do the right thing.
I’m sorry he died, but he is a POS. Protecting children is more important than protecting a football team. Not even close.
fs65 - January 23, 2012
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