Per Rainer Sabin from the Dallas Morning News, Stephen Jones indicated on Tuesday that Keith Brooking and Bradie James may have reached the end of their playing days in Dallas:
"Bradie and Brooking are two of the best leaders, personalities I have ever had the pleasure of being around," Jones said. "They're great guys. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. That's what we've got to decide. But no one respects those guys more than we do, our family does, than the Cowboys do. Obviously when you make a decision to continue or discontinue, it is a big one."
Obviously, this doesn't come as news for Cowboys fans, but it is the first time that the Cowboys have been this explicit about the two inside linebackers.
Both are deserved veterans. Bradie James’ six straight seasons of leading the team in tackles is the longest such streak in club history and the six seasons is also a club-high since the franchise started compiling tackle stats in 1979. Keith Brooking joined the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2009 and was the starting middle linebacker for two seasons next to Bradie James. The Cowboys will surely do right by both players as they transition them off the roster, but it doesn't necessarily mean their time in football is coming to an end.
Bradie James just turned 31 last month, and could conceivably look to hang on an extra year or two as a defender for another team. As for Keith Brooking, it's unlikely that he'll look for a roster spot with another team at age 36, but there have been persistent rumors about him joining or transitioning into the Cowboys staff in some function.
So what say ye, would you like to see a Coach Brooking on the Cowboys coaching staff?
0 recs | 178 comments
Definitely!!!
He could be Big Rob’s hype man!!!!
D Rock 76 - February 22, 2012
That's not the quote that had me crying, this is the quote that had me crying:
This franchise is doomed.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
Even if it's just for one year?
That allows them the chance to draft his replacement and groom him to take over at the end of next season?
Personally, I’d rather see Spencer go, and just roll dice with Butler, a Rookie, and Albright.
But I gather what SJ is referring to as protection, is not being forced to abandon BPA in the draft just to find a Spencer replacement.
However, if this leads to a longterm extension, then, my friends, we better worry.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Not if the deal is properly structured.
A long term deal that allows Dallas to cut him with little cap impact after 2-3 years is what the team would likely go for. I still am trying to understand why a guy who led the league in tackles at his position is so disdained. I’m not saying he is the most valuable guy on the team, but still . . .
Tom Ryle - February 22, 2012
Because certain
people on this blog refuse to consider anything other than sack totals as the worth of a SOLB. I’m not saying he is the most valuable on the team either. But because of the scheme Rob Ryan runs, he is probably more valuable to the Cowboys than most other teams. Other teams don’t have Demarcus Ware on the other side either.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
To be in favor of the Franchise Tag you have to think he's one of the most valuable guys on the team
If Franchise tagged Spencer’s $8.8 million would make him the 2nd highest paid player on the team. He’d be paid more than Tony Romo. He’d be paid more than Jason Witten and Tyron Smith combined.
The only player making more than $8.8 million in 2012 would be DeMarcus Ware’s $10.3 million salary cap number.
We’re not talking about retaining Spencer at a $3.5 million veteran deal here. We’re talking about making him the 2nd highest paid player on the Cowboys 2012 roster.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
That logic is a little flawed...
when you consider its a one year deal. Also you have to consider that Tony, Miles, and I believe another player have restructured their deals or that wouldn’t be true. Not like Jerry would be giving him 8 mil a year over 3-4 years. I hear your point but we have had enough of the hope and see approach, see this years G’s and C’s on the O line. If you let Spencer go we are “hoping” Victor or whatever draft pick can come in and be the best run stopper we have, not likely.
COWBOYS DIE HARD SON - February 22, 2012
Pay elite money for average players
Roy Williams
Marion Barber
Leonard Davis
Anthony Spencer
6-10, 8-8, 1 playoff win in 16 years.
Does the round peg fit in the square hole? No. Well maybe the round peg does!
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
Soooooooo
Franchising a player is the same as trading multiple picks for a player and extending him before he plays a down, naw man, not even close. I like how you put the records below up as if the 3 players you named and spencer are responsible for that, funny stuff Brobe Bryant
COWBOYS DIE HARD SON - February 22, 2012
Uh huh. If you don’t see how an inability to sign players in 2010 and 2011 due to the financial situation the team was in led to 6-10 and 8-8 seasons then you have a lot to catch up on before you can contribute to a discussion about Anthony Spencer and the franchise tag.
The reason Alan Ball and Phil Costa were starters for this team getting paid league minimums wasn’t because the Cowboys scouts thought they were the best at their position in the NFL.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
Hahahaha.
That’s a smack down….son.
Nickthegrip - February 22, 2012
Comparing Spencer to
Ball and Costa is a bit much, sure Spencer may be a JAG but he certainly is not a liability like those two.
312GOOSE - February 22, 2012
That's not the implication at all
In the salary cap world every dollar you spend on one player is a dollar you can’t spend on another.
When you pay Marion Barber $7.5 million and Roy Williams $8 million a year that means you can’t afford to sign a new center or a safety. Every dollar you spend is a dollar you can’t spend.
That’s why the team has been forced to press 7th round draft picks and UDFAs making basically league minimums into service as starters. All its salary cap was going to Leonard Davis, Marion Barber, and Roy Williams.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
I get you point.
makes sense.
312GOOSE - February 23, 2012
I thought the stats showed Spencer to be one of the top SOLB.
How can he be an average player if he is the best rated player at his position? I think he does a lot more for this team than he gets credit for.Don’t get me wrong,I want to keep him for less than the $8.8 mil the tag will cost,but I want him on this team!But as always this is JMHO.So I think I am going to have to agree to disagree with the people who want him gone.
NVCowboy4Life - February 22, 2012
No one is saying
to pay him the crown jewels. But he should not be the “straw man” for the fruits of others. He either did the job the employers asked of him or not. They write the checks, so they should decide.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
That is pay for insecurity
It allows us to keep a solid player for a year while we groom his replacement. It is high pay for the ability to keep from having to match a long term contract. It is not pay for performance. It is pay for the losses that he suffers from not being on the open market. He will be a year older and risk injury for the Cowboys having a year to use him, or negotiate a long term contract that fits under the cap.
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
If that security is worth seeing Costa at center again and letter Laurent Robinson walk
Then that’s what it’s worth to you I guess.
It’s not worth anywhere near that much to me.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
I hear you and agree with you,
but if we don’t work out that long term contract I would rather see the team use that $8.8mil it would take to Franchise him elsewhere (DB, Oline, & Dline) and work on a replacement. Whether or not that replacement is Butler or Albright or in the Draft we still need to draft BPA.
I feel the Cowboys should have allowed Butler the opportunity to play LOLB more often last season knowing that Spencer’s contract was expiring. This would have let them know if they have a viable replacement on staff and would have provided them valuable information on how to proceed with Spencer instead of having that questions mark. It’s also easier to negotiate knowing that you have an alternate solution.
DCB* - February 22, 2012
yes i agree there ......
sad dallas didn’t see that opportunity to see what Butler had , but then.. i also see why too. they were still in playoff hunt right up till last game.
IRONRAVEN - February 23, 2012
I was getting ready to make this point also. That we were in the playoff race till the last game.
Rena - February 24, 2012
same
I don’t’ think Butler is as bad as people make him out to be and it’s a poor allocation of resources to spend almost half of our cap on a mediocre player
somebodyquiet - February 22, 2012
It's a terrible allocation of scarce resources
The expectation is for the Cowboys to have $20 million in cap space this off-season so let’s do the math.
Just to fill out the roster they will need to spend about $11 million:
Backup QB – $1.5 million
Veteran ILB – $2 million
Starting Safety – $3 million
3rd CB – $3.5 million
Fiametta – $1 million
These are just contracts you need to sign to put enough players on the field in September. Even at those low estimates that still only leaves the Cowboys with only $9 million of cap space left.
If you spend $8.8 million on Anthony Spencer then you’re done. No Laurent Robinson. No upgrade at guard or center. Definitely definitely no new starting cornerback. You’d be restructuring contracts just to sign your rookies.
So if you think Laurent Robinson is a scrub and you want to bring back our interior O-line from last year, be all in favor of franchise tagging Anthony Spencer for more of the same from him.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
Laurent Robinson
is not a scrub but may very well end up being the player we really can’t afford to keep. We still have Miles, Dez and Witten. We can find a 3rd WR pretty easy if one looks at the FAs available. Fiametta is nice to have but surely not a necessity. As for Spencer, I suggest you read the following assessment from people who actually do this for a living because I’m sure his agent will. http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/18/making-the-grade-3-4-outside-linebackers/ This report was written in the July, 2011.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
PFF has a lot of holes in their formulas
if you have a single offsides, even if it ended up meaning nothing, it has a huge effect on their ratings.
They also value tackles for loss the same as a sack and that is flat out wrong.
burmafrd1944 - February 22, 2012
so what your saying is that...
If a QB is tacked for a loss of 1 it’s better than the RB being tackled for a loss of 3. This logic is flawed. A TFL IS the same as a Sack because both demoralize the other team. Both instances bring a loss of down and yards and both get the Defense excited/hyped! Explain to me how the two are different, because from what I hear from most Coaches around the league a TFL is a TFL no matter who had the ball.
I would like an upgrade at the SOLB spot but it’s much harder than just plug and play! If RR, D.Ware, & SJ all think it would set the team back by loosing Spencer then get a deal done. But please let it be more manageable than the FT!
mho - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
A TFL is a sack, LOL
that’s like saying a punt is as good as a turnover because in both instances the team is giving up possession of the ball to the other team.
Depending on the QB’s drop, a sack is more likely to lose more yards than a run stuff against a RB whose got forward momentum. I’d venture to say that an average tackle for loss on a running play gets about 1-2 yards while the average QB sack gets a minimum of 3-5 yards. Can someone who has membership to a stats site verify this for me?
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
sounds reasonable BUT some sacks happen with the QB escaping forward (thus 2 yards) or with the RB running backwards (you’ve seen it, don’t deny it!)
AustonianAggie - February 22, 2012
yes I have but what you describe
isn’t what happens on the great majority of plays.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
more likely but not a fact, you said it; DEPENDING ON THE QB'S DROP...
actually saying a sack is TFL makes sense, not saying they’re equal but not a nonsense
ratware - February 22, 2012
If you believe Anthony Spencer is elite and deserves to get paid elite money then that's one thing
I don’t believe he’s elite, I believe he’s very average and I could replace him with a Victor Butler or a $3 million Matt Roth and you would notice little difference.
Then I can take that $5 million saved and get an elite center to keep Tony Romo off IR.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
+1
agree with this so much
somebodyquiet - February 22, 2012
Average compared
to what? Average compared to what?
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
third CB 3.5 million?
the third cornerback should come through the draft, and that won’t cost 3.5 million
and i say the team shouldn’t sign a veteran QB backup, it’s a waste of money
ratware - February 22, 2012
I think this team desperately needs a veteran QB backup
Any NFL game Stephen McGee starts is an automatic loss.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
i do not agree
mcgee sucks but not that much, and a vet backup wouldn’t be a hell of a omprovement, the better one is kyle orton and he’s going to be expensive, besides i think he will be looking for a chance to start, then the better of the list is shaun hill or vince young or some guy in that range, there’s no much difference between those guys and mcgee
ratware - February 23, 2012
-1
Don’t be doomsday about this.
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
You may not want to resign Laurent Robinson
I kinda’ do.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
He would
be nice to have but he is plays a position of strength.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
I hear you, I do want to sign Robinson. There isn't a replacement for Spencer.
Butler? No friggin way man. You want to see rushers get over 100 yards every game?
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
Matt Roth
1 year $2.5 million. Now you have veteran starter to compete with Butler and $6 million more to spend in free agency to upgrade center and re-sign Robinson.
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
Robinson
is a 3RD WR. Robinson was succesful because the Cowboys and the Chargers run the same offense. I can get another Robinson a lot easier than I can get another Spencer.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
I'm just saying
big dog……
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
Response
to Torch.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
if they are gonna only keep spencer for one season at 8 mil.....
cut em loose ….
IRONRAVEN - February 23, 2012
I agree that I don't want to franchise him
but lets stop with the hyperbole.
Its a one year deal. It won’t affect cap space at all in future years. This is likely a far better situation than guaranteeing him 10 million in a 25 million, 5 year contract (which it sounds like Jerry is all for but oh well).
Ratliff’s deal is the type of deal that seriously could hurt a franchise. This is the type of deal that gives you a little less money to spend on this years free agent market, or maybe not if they guarantee the first two years salary and give whoever we sign a big payraise in 2013.
Regardless of the decision. I do not think this is a cap killing move.
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
I don't really think its the cap space that concerns me.
It’s the fact that this team self-scouts a guy like Anthony Spencer and concludes he has real value that can’t be easily replaced. And not only that, but that keeping him is important enough to put off making moves in other areas.
That’s the same type of personnel decision that has plagued this franchise for a while now.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
It's pretty hard to disagree with you.
If they franchise him, it’s the same old mediocre Cowboys.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
if they are so convinced they should sign anthony to a 3-4 year deal paying him around 4-5 per year
ratware - February 22, 2012
Brooking would make an excellent coach
That would be awesome to see him mentor the Inside Linebackers.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I've been onboard with the Coach Brooking idea for a while.
I think he would likely be a valuable addition to the staff. And just discussing it with him would be a great way to show him that the team appreciates his contributions.
Tom Ryle - February 22, 2012
it's going to be a while
before we see him on a sideline again. And I doubt he steps right in as a coach in Dallas. Would be better served to spend a year on a college staff, and maybe stay way from football for a year
AustonianAggie - February 22, 2012
agreed, all for that
in fact, its likely he pretty much is Coach Brooking to our younger guys anyway.
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
James has been a good LB for Dallas and he will be missed.
Brooking i would like to see as an assistant LB coach. he seems like that kind of guy and i do like his fire he has. its sad to watch vets bodies go out on them. whatever happens good luck to both of them
yehti - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I also like James' attitude during the season
he took it like a man and didnt whine or complain. good professional athlete.
yehti - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Absolutely.
Tom Ryle - February 22, 2012
Offer James the veteran minimum to backup
this to me seems like an easy match. Lee/Carter are the starters so why not have James as the backup with limited snaps.
TexasGarcia37 - February 22, 2012
not to mention the lack of back ups as it is
AustonianAggie - February 22, 2012
I just don't know if he would make it out of training camp.
Hard to say, of course.
Tom Ryle - February 22, 2012
You could be right
It just seemed to make a little sense.
TexasGarcia37 - February 22, 2012
he did the best he could this year, i just dont see a fit for him anymore. which is sad
good teams move on from vets that cant perform anymore it needs to be done. find someone thats equal or better but younger and he will be cheaper as well if they are playing for vet minimums
yehti - February 22, 2012 via mobile
How come you
can’t whine or complain if you lose your job? I will whine and complain if I lose mine.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
there jobs are totally different then ours
everyone knows the NFL is young mans game.
yehti - February 22, 2012 via mobile
why?
why do we need Brooking hanging on? Dat Nguyn spent a few years with the Cowboys; he was a good linebacker – but did that necessarily qualify him as a good coach? Just because Brooking took it upon himself to lead the “we gonna stomp on ’em” chants, what other real qualities will he bring? He has had one year in the fat man’s defense. I think if he hangs around, it could impede Sean Lee’s natural assension (in a leadership capacity). Just my opinion. I could be full of shit not knowing what goes on inside the locker room.
camrin55 - February 22, 2012
Um do you know Dat is a coach now...
thebigham - February 22, 2012
and Dat ws a linebackers coach for the Cowboys for a few years
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
yep
not with the boys though – which was where I was going with that point. if he was such a great upcoming coach, why wasn’t he retained? didn’t he make it through a few regimes (Bill Parcells, Wade Phillips)? I’m just saying, I don’t buy in immediately to Brooking’s worth on the sidelines. I appreciate the arguements put forth by Tennesee Jed, and I’ll by the RKG. But ask Hatcher, and he’ll tell you Brooking is not a “leader”.
camrin55 - February 22, 2012
I meant CURRENTLY with the boys.
camrin55 - February 22, 2012
okay I wasn't sure which way you were going with.
I think most player coaches goto the college level for a little bit, a lot less stress to learn on the job. But I really don;t know
thebigham - February 23, 2012
well i think there is a better list of folks we let go of that have gone on and done good things in coaching….
Sean Payton for starters
Todd Hailey
If JJ wants to reward what he considered a good player with a asst LB coach slot, I dont see what the problem is. It does not effect the cap, and if he is only the asst LB coach, he probably could not do much damage, but there could be upside.
BigBad Joe - February 23, 2012
another village is looking for something missing
can you guess what it is?
burmafrd1944 - February 22, 2012
that's funny!!! lol
mho - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
KMA
This is why I never bothered with posting ont this site before. I’ve got better things to do with my time. F.O.
camrin55 - February 22, 2012
You should keep posting
just ignore anyone you don’t want to dialog with.
dunkman - February 23, 2012
Post away if you have a opinion. But personal attacks and language are frowned upon.
Rena - February 24, 2012
Camrin55
Dat Nguyen has been the Aggies Middle Linebacker Coach for a couple of years now. Ever hear of a guy named Von Miller? Dat Nguyin was his position coach in College. Von Miller seemed to turn out pretty good under his coaching.
That’s not to say that Brooking will be a good coach or if he wants to get into coaching, but I’d be happy to give an Assistant Coach position to a guy like him, or Dat, or Zach Thomas (among others) because they were smart prepared players who were RKGs and exhibited character and leadership and intelligence during their tenure in the NFL. You could do a lot worse than giving a guy like that a shot at beginning a coaching career.
Tennessee_Jed - February 22, 2012
Confused on Spencer
I read a lot of stuff that says Spencer is a valuable part of the defense. I have read that he is a league leader in tackles at his position in 2-4 defenses. He causes more fumbles than everyone in his position and that he has had to drop back in coverage twice as much as Demarcus Ware. How do you replace that. Especially when you know that we are not getting pressure from inside and that QB’s are easily stepping up to avoid the pressure, making sacks more difficult to get. It seems to me that we might get a better sack guy on the edge, but lose the run stopping ability, or lose the ability or smarts to drop into coverage. Then we have to put Ware into coverage more. Is that smart.
Lets get somebody with the real knowledge to break down Spencers game. Also, factor in our lack of pressure and lack of CB coverage and see if his sack numbers are really that bad. Can anyone else get sacks in this defense?
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
Here is a
review you can read and notice where Spencer is ranked.http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/18/making-the-grade-3-4-outside-linebackers/
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
he only went back on coverage an average
of 4 times a game more than Ware did.
And more than a few of those kinds of people with knowledge do not think Spencer is all that
burmafrd1944 - February 22, 2012
Actually your looking at it wrong.
Ware rushed 70 times more than Spencer did in a 16 game season. Ware was also out of games for 3 quarters of eagles game and about a total of 2 more quarters cause of the neck injury and was out 1 full quarter when he initially got the injury. So numbers look good till you see the whole picture. Plus everyone wants butler to takeover the strong side which has been well known to get way less sacks cause qbs can see them coming. But when butler was in the games for ware what did he do. I believe he had 1 sack no TFL and 6 tackles. On the blind side mind you.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
his 2011 numbers were much less impressive.
How about PFF’s OLB rankings:
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/15/ranking-the-2012-free-agents-edge-rushers/
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
free agent OLB rankings*
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
From another PFF article
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
That about sums it up
He’s reached his potential.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
hello Michael Bennett
wow Marty’s brother has exploded. He was a good player at A&M but largely in Marty’s shadow
AustonianAggie - February 22, 2012
So from off
Pff not off hate this app somedays. Anyways Pff thinks he is the second best 3-4 olb to make the list hmmmm wonder what that tells you. Funny how Pff is used when people want to judge others but when it comes to the hated Spencer its flawed. My view is biased so I try not to express it but I do feel they need to get Spencer a deal made. If Garrett has a long term plan he’s gotta be looking at how he is gonna replace ware in a few years god forbid sooner due to injurys and his other olb in Spencer. Best bet is to sign Spencer to a decent 3 year 21 million dollar deal back loaded to hit hard in 2014 then draft for his replacement before ware. If we hit soon to on a good olb he can take over for Spencer then draft another solb in hopes the new starter will excel and take wares place and already have his replacement on the roster. Spencer will get a payday this year. I won’t be what he is expecting that can be assured. But 5-7 is what he will be getting if he stays that’s not much less than the ft. Just contracting him makes it cap friendly. I for one don’t want to see what Dallas does without him unlike the majority of the community here.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Let me ask this: Why did our lack of interior pressure not prevent Ware from posting almost 20 sacks last year?
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
Because
Ware has the strength, explosion, and closing speed to get to the QB.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Exactly.
He is a good pass rusher. Good (or in Ware’s case, great) pass rushers are athletic enough to get to the QB without any other teammate getting there first. Anthony is not, nor will he ever be, that guy.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
Well no....
Anthony never will be as good at DWare rushing the passer. The question is, can the Cowboys replace what Spencer does provide?
stargazer33 - February 22, 2012
that answer is yes
via the draft and with Butler on board.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I truly hope you're right
I just don’t feel as comfortable with assertion as you. Now, to be clear, I’m not in favor of franchising Spencer. I’m willing to take the risk on replacing him in favor of filling other needs. But, I can clearly envision a scenario where we have those other holes plugged and have a completely new set of holes that we’ll have to live with. I do think Spencers’ outside contain gets glossed over a bit. It would suck to get the middle plugged up, only to have backs start getting the edges on us. But again….franchise him? No.
stargazer33 - February 22, 2012
Absolutely. And once again, just because I am saying Spencer does not have skills that Ware possesses
does not mean that I am saying that Spencer has to be Ware. I don’t know why this confuses so many people.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
OK
So why would you expect anyone to be able to match ware. Rush two olb 99% of the time ware will get the sack no matter who you put in Spencer’s place. Why. Qbs see Spencer and move away from him.right into wares arms. Ware is the best to ever play the game at his position. He makes everyone who plays opposite him look bad cause he is so damn good.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Congratulations on once again using a non-sequitur.
Nowhere in there did I say that Spencer needs to be Ware. Spencer needs to be a good pass rusher, which he is not.
Spencer does not need to put up 19.5 sacks, but it would sure as hell help if he could put up ten.
And your last two sentences make no sense. Are you seriously saying that Spencer is the reason for Ware’s sacks? If not, I suggest you work on your writing skills. Regardless, the point is that good pass rushers are good no matter who is around them. This goes for guys like John Abraham, Charles Johnson, Mark Anderson, etc. The fact that people are blaming Spencer’s supporting cast is the exact indication that he is bad.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
First off my last two sentences are very very clear
And no where in those last two sentences did I imply Spencer is the reason ware is good. I was replying to your good passed rushers getting to the qb before anyone else is able to. In that response I gave you a why. As I said no matter who you put opposite ware he still gets there 99% of the time and again I gave you a why. Don’t be so mean man. Not sure why people feel the need to be so critical of others who are enjoying the same site they are with a diffrent opinion.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Fair enough, your last three or four sentences then. Your logic isn't making sense still though.
You said that Spencer (or whoever is across from Ware) will pressure the QB into Ware and yet are simultaneously saying that Ware will get there first no matter what. But yet by saying that Spencer will pressure the QB before Ware gets there, you are pretty much saying that Spencer will get there first and that Ware takes sacks from Spencer. Something isn’t making sense there.
Regardless, the idea that no one can ever get sacks across from Ware isn’t based in fact. Greg Ellis put up more than 10 across from Ware and Harrison/Woodley seem to have no problem sharing sacks. Great pass rushers don’t always get there, so it’s not as if improving our OLB corp. would be futile. If you believe that then you would also believe that putting Mario Williams across from Ware would have no impact. I can’t get behind that idea.
And as far as being mean, I don’t generally appreciate people misrepresenting my position in an argument so yes, sometimes I can get pretty critical in my tone. If that tone bothers you, and I understand if it does, then you should probably ignore my comments in the future. I won’t be offended.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
My thought process on it like this creasy
If you rush two olb its obvious the qb sees the strong side backer and will either look yo step up in hopes his tackle will make him over pursue or he will look to swing out to his blind side all the while scanning for an open target and reading his blocks in front of him.in those instances pressure from.one side causes a blind side sack. Now since ware is so much more.of a pass rusher than anyone we.could put opposite him which is limited cause of his high cap value alone ware should and would get his hands on the qb before the strong side backer does. Now in our case its opposite of what one might think. Qbs know.to look for ware and when he is on the blind side qbs take more.of a front stance out so he can see bis blind side better. I have always believed that the way our defense was built is for ware when seen to force qbs into Spencer’s contain and allow him to get the sack. Which is why Spencer doesn’t rush as often as ware. Since rob has taken over I’ve seen a different scheme and design. This design is more.of a traditional 3-4 that the Steelers use. Rob sends both more and allowed Spencer to rush alone more. Problem with this design was the lack of push up the middle. Qbs just stepped up then out once the tackle got past him. There is a good reason why Spencer has very expectable pressure but doesn’t get home. It is by design not a lack of talent or motor. Also high qb hits and high pressure and low sack rate is an obvious sign that your secondary is not doing there job. Ware is going to get his sacks and yes woodly and Harrison do split sacks but neither are anywhere close to being the player ware is. That is my opinion.
Sado44 - February 23, 2012 via Android app
You actually almost got to where I wanted you to go haha.
You admit that QBs can step up to avoid the rush in Dallas. I don’t disagree. But your conclusion is faulty. You conclude that Spencer’s problem is not one of talent, but cite Ware’s talent as the very reason that he can still get sacks despite his poor surrounding cast. As such, it stands to reason that Spencer’s talent is the problem and that if we got a more talented player, that he could generate more sacks despite the lack of interior pass rush just like Ware does.
And no, I am not saying we need two Wares. We need Ware and a guy better than Spencer.
Creasy729 - February 23, 2012
I think what Sado is trying to say is...
Spencer is not Ware. Also, Ware gets there before Spencer most of the time he has a shot at the QB. There have also been multiple times that Spencer has chased a QB into Wares arms.
These are the things I think he wanted to get across. Then again, I could be wrong.
mho - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
I agree with most of what you say here.
However, think about how many times Ware missed a sack because the QB stepped up into the pocket because Rat (who I like) cannot collapse it? Now double that for spencer because the QB always sees him coming. Should we franchise him? No! If he were to sign a fair deal then I’d be happy with that (3-4 year 21-25 mill 7-8 mill bonus). Then over the next few years find and groom his replacement. Right now he should be kept due to other holes in the defense and O-line. This draft Dallas should get a CB, G/C, NT. Just mho.
mho - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
Well I agree that QB's can step up in the pocket in Dallas.
But as you see with Ware, that doesn’t stop good pass rushers because they get there so quickly that the QB has no time to adjust. Spencer’s problem isn’t that QBs can see him (because in fact most QBs would look for Ware anyway), but that he doesn’t have the talent or the athleticism to get there before a QB can adjust. That is the difference between a good and a bad pass rusher.
Creasy729 - February 23, 2012
No that's the difference in shitty secondary and good secondary.
Listen Spencer’s first step is to engage not get past his blocker he engages and looks for run first then kooks for a possible screen. Then he rushes how many seconds do you think a good talented player can do all that in. Less than 2 good cause that 2 seconds puts ware on the heals of the qb and Spencer just now rushing.
Sado44 - February 23, 2012 via Android app
+1
And while QBs might be looking for Ware, spencer is in their vision while Ware is coming on their blind side. No he is not a good pass rusher. However, he is an above average SOLB.
mho - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
Really? Spencer rushed a ton in 3rd down situations from a 4-man line
where all he had to do was rush the passer and not worry about the run at all. In addition, Spencer was blitzed by Rob Ryan in the base package plenty where his main job is to get in the backfield regardless of pass/run.
How you are trying to argue that Spencer’s problem with pass rushing isn’t talent? That’s ridiculous and the most homeristic thing I have read about Spencer. You literally just made up a ton of stuff about football that isn’t true.
Creasy729 - February 23, 2012
Why did I bring up my Spencer rant
in an article here about Brooking and James? Guess it was on my mind!
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
Spencer is a topic of much debate, has been for awhile add to that he is a FA.
DCB* - February 22, 2012 via Android app
yeah thanks Oakster....
I got a ? though, If they did tag Spencer, could they give him any of that as Bonus money, to avoid the entire 8 mill cap hit?
COWBOYS DIE HARD SON - February 22, 2012
its paid out in game checks only
they could tag him then work out a contract which cancels the tag tho
yehti - February 22, 2012 via mobile
not sure on the cap magic
But I think the only way that you dont count toward the cap this year is to give it as a bonus and spread it out over the length of the contract, which in this case is still only one year. Yes it is a big salary cap hit, but on the bright side, there is no dead money if you cut him next year. That is also part of the reason his salary looks high. Other players have a big bonus that is paid up front and spread out over the length of the contract. The franchise tag is all salary, no signing bonus etc.
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
Here's the thing. Garrett and Rob Ryan know more than you and I about Spencer.
It’s their job to know everything they can. They know all the FA’s possible as replacements and the possible draft pics to replace him. They have watched more film of him than all of us put together. If they franchise him or give hime a contract then there are reasons. Trust in Garrett and Ryan!
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
I do!
I want to trust Garrett and Ryan as well. I am just trying to figure out how we are going to draft. And Spencer is a big key to it all.
I think they want to replace him but they know they wont have anyone that is as good as him this year. I think they dont want him long term at the dollars it will take to get him signed. Just my thoughts. I think he is more than good, but less than great. Just doesnt have the motor maybe?
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
Yeah I have such confidence in them
But Garret was the one that wanted to keep Brad Johnson. And he certainly had input when they put scrubs on the O line this year and almost got Romo killed.
$8.8 million is obscene.
Spend the money elsewhere and try Butler.
He can’t do as much damage as Costa did at center.
burmafrd1944 - February 22, 2012
That offensive line coach is now gone
And I am sure that is a part of the over estimation of their abilities. Not having a training camp really hurt them.
Oakster41 - February 22, 2012
garrett
you do realize who costa went up against in practice every day? ratliff. and who knows maybe costa showed well against ratliff. it would make sense as to why they gave him a chance. costa struggled against the larger, stronger dts. that’s not ratliff. and i’m sure they didn’t count on holland showing up out of shape like he did. bottom line- garrett did the best with what he had to work with. some things and players didn’t work out they thought.
maxdout - February 22, 2012
I want to
I’m sure Garrett had a hand in resigning flo, MB3, and maybe some input on resigning TO.
foyesboys - February 22, 2012
Yeah man! Cowboys coaches are never wrong!!
Like when Alan Ball was going to be a FS!! Or when Miles Austin didn’t deserve to be put in ahead of Roy Williams!! Or when Marcus Spears + Kenyon Coleman > Cullen Jenkins!!
If anything is becoming readily apparent to me watching more football, it’s that coaches don’t deserve to be put on a pedestal as know-it-alls when it comes to personnel decisions. They make mistakes all the times despite having complete information to make their decisions from.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
before I read any comments,
I think KB has an extensive knowledge of the LB spot as well as a 3-4 system. He is intelligent and a motivator. I would love to see him groomed as a coach here in Big-D! Same with James.
mho - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Just for the record
Brooking played the majority of his career in Atlanta’s 4-3. The 3-4 extended his career because it doesn’t demand quite as much range from inside backers. I like his presence, but I don’t know a thing about his coaching potential.
CotySaxman - February 22, 2012 via mobile
This was more of an assumption on my part.
Yeas he spent the majority of his career on a 4-3. However, he played for Wade from ‘02-’03. Then Dallas the last 3 years. I’d say that’s a significant amount of time in a 3-4 defense. It also makes him more well rounded due to his experience in a 4-3 as well. He is also a vocal person and a motivator. He has show the intelligence to be the defensive play caller in both systems. I think he will make a fine coach. Just mho though.
mho - February 23, 2012 via iPhone app
Blue Eyed Devil is right
About having too many holes to franchise Anthony. But, I would absolutely be nervous about stopping so many leaks only to see an entirely new one spring up, as could be the case if we roll the dice with Butler. Haven’t seen him in the same setup as Anthony to be comfortable with him full time. There’s a reason Anthony has so many more snaps….it could be cuz he’s higher paid and higher drafted or other peripherals’, or…., it could be cuz Butler can’t fulfill the same requirements that Spencer does. We’re just simply at the mercy of the staffs’ judgement, I’m afraid. But then again, we always are!
stargazer33 - February 22, 2012
Butler is a pass rusher. He doesn't have the size or strength to hold up to starting against the run.
Wish you guys knew that. Butler won’t do. Either would Ingram. Upshaw might, still a bit short for the position and there are those who think he wouldn’t be able to do well in space against TE.
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
You do realize that Ingram is heavier than Spencer, right?
Wish you knew that.
And who the heck cares anyways. Caring about the running game was so twenty years ago.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
Show me a team whose primary concern is stopping the run
I’ll show you a team that hasn’t won a SB since 2000. Ahem, the Baltimore Ravens.
Crap, I forgot, this is who Jerry Jones wants to model the defense after. He wants to ignore the fact the Giants, Steelers, Patriots, Colts, and Saints combined to win 9 SBs because their defenses’ primary concern was sacking the QB, disrupting the timing between QB and WR, and forcing turnovers.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
shows what you know or lack thereof. any team that consistently gives up over 100 rushing loses
look it up
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
SB Champs's and Run Defense Ranks Since 2001
1) The 2001 New England Patriots won the SB despite having the 19th ranked run defense, allowing 1855 yards at 4.3 ypc, and a 115.9 yards per game.
2) The 2006 Indianapolis Colts won the SB despite having the 32 ranked run defense, allowing 2768 yards at 5.3 ypc and a 173 yards per game.
3) The 2009 New Orleans Saints won the SB despite having the 21st ranked run defense, allowing 1955 yards at 4.5 ypc and a 122.2 yards per game.
4) The 2010 Green Bay Packers won the SB despite having the 18th ranked run defense, allowing 1838 yards at 4.7 ypc, and a 114.9 yards per game.
5) The 2011 New York Giants won the SB despite having the 19th ranked run defense, allowing 1940 yards at 4.5 ypc, and a 121.3 yards per game.
These 5 teams consistently gave up over 100 rushing yards and won the SB despite their short comings in stopping the run. Don’t fall for the Monday Morning QB coach speak about needing to stop the run to win in this league.
In those seasons above, the Dallas Cowboys run defenses ranked 13th in 2001; 10th in 2006; 4th in 2009; 12th in 2010; and 7th in 2011. In each of these 5 seasons, the Cowboys finished with a better run defense than the SB Champs.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
yeah, but
All those teams except the pats had offenses that almost automatically scored 30+ points per game. We dont have that yet
fearthestar94 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Thats part of his point I'd think.
Dump Sepncer and his run stuffing, put the money (assuming here) to OL and maybe Robinson?
Nickthegrip - February 22, 2012
good point
I’d still choose robinson over spencer. I just dont think that there will be enough interest in either to make them unaffordable. There’s just so many good wr on the market with a better track record than robinson
fearthestar94 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Robinson
Had great chemistry with Romo as the team’s number 3 and 2 WR on most nights. If teams are going to game plan for Austin, Dez and Witten, by all means do it, Robinson showed last year just how deadly this offense can be when he’s left one on one. The Giants, Packers, Saints, and Colts have won 4 of the last 6 SBs with more than 2 threats in the passing game. We need to keep up with the times.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
agreed
I think the offense needs to step up its game and become elite like its capable of. Robinson would help tremendously, beating up on nickel and dime corners
fearthestar94 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
The Charger
offense and the Cowboys offense are the same. You can’t get points for playing the same offense.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
That's part of my point
1) Stopping the run hasn’t been a problem for us.
2) We need to improve the oline, which will help keep the offense on the field (increasing time of possession), and keeping our defense rested on the sidelines.
3) We need to improve the quality and consistency of our pass rush. Right now we have one guy who gets anywhere from 30-45% of our sacks in a given year. Ware needs help, so he’s not constantly being worn down by the end of a game fending off double and triple teams.
4) Our secondary has to improve. We need to get better at man coverage, and we need to get better at creating turnovers (the entire defense)-leads to our offense having shorter fields to work with, leading to easier scoring drives.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
Stopping the
run …… etc. So let’s let the best SLOB stopping the run go. Okay……..
2. Improve the O-Line. No argument there.I’m giving Carl Nicks new man’s money.
3. This is a bogus argument. The scheme is designed to do exactly that. What else should the best sack artist in the NFL be doing?
4. Number 4 should be number 1 per Rob Ryan.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
Rob Ryan wants the OLBs to get after the QB
not just Ware
Rohpuri - February 23, 2012 via mobile
Your numbers look ok
But why not through in the pass defense also on those teams. I would be willing to say that they weren’t far from there run defense numbers either.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
This discussion is about Spencer's necessity to the team's run defense
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
I'm sorry then
I thought this discussion was about how run defense doesn’t win superbowls pass defense does. If your willing to give away our run defense which at the moment is all we have for a chance to win a Superbowl then you had damn sure better 100% know you have drastically improved your pass defense.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Read this
http://onefootdown.fantake.com/2010/03/22/chalk-talk-the-nd-3-4-transition-part-iii-outside-linebackers/
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
that's about the college game and playing the option
Rohpuri - February 23, 2012 via mobile
You also failed to add in the 7 teams out of the 12 that didn't fit your argument
Hard to make a point when you only use the numbers that support your argument.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
4 of the past 6 SB Champs have finished in the bottom 15 in run defense.
It’s not a coincidence that these changes reflect the rules changes.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
Look my point is this
Most teams have either or and the few truly elite defenses have both. To win a championship I don’t see it wise no matter what the rule changes suggest to throw away your only strength on defense in hopes to possible improve a weakness. When In reality our sack totals and WB bits and pressure doesn’t rank us below average unlike our secondary which is way below average. Improve the secondary and maintain what we have now. If our plan works and we improve the backfield then we can look to add more production from say Spencer’s spot on the field. But giving away a known commodity for the sole purpose of possible helping (possible being the key word here) a major weakness then your whole outlook is flawed.
Sado44 - February 22, 2012 via Android app
They lose because the other team is ahead by the end and running the clock out at the end.
That’s elementary football knowledge. There have been many statistical studies to show that that running the ball well does not cause winning, but rather that winning is what leads to good rushing stats.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
exactly
Rohpuri - February 23, 2012 via mobile
I also like how you conveniently didn't address the fact that you have no conception of what Ingram brings to the table versus Spencer.
Creasy729 - February 22, 2012
Last I looked
Ingram was in college which means he’s done nothing. Ask Asron Curry and Vernon Gholston about that.
jevans1729 - February 22, 2012
That's not what the original poster said though.
He asserted that Ingram can’t play the run. So, it’s not wrong for me to assert something about Ingram’s future if he does first.
Thanks for jumping into a discussion though and missing the point.
Creasy729 - February 23, 2012
Ingram is 276 lbs with plenty of power
According to NFL.com Victor Butler is 6’2 249 lbs while Spencer is 6’3 257 lbs. That’s only 8 lbs between the two. Watching Butler, I saw him have some mishaps but he’s a young guy learning and I’ve seen Spencer make bad plays too. I would rather roll the dice on Butler and a cheap vet like Roth than pay Spencer elite money.
somebodyquiet - February 22, 2012
Butler is a
weak side line backer. Period.
jevans1729 - February 23, 2012
The thing that Garrett and Ryan know full well is that the team has to be better to hold their jobs.
It’s a given in the NFL that head coaches can and usually do get fired when they have losing seasons or don’t increase their win totals unless they are in the playoffs. Even then, they are scrutinized beyond belief.
Not having a replacement for Spencer is a no brainer. YOU KEEP HIM!! You don’t go backwards. Yeah, it would be nice to have him get 9 sacks. It would be even better to have 6 sacks and limited 100 yard rushing games.
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012
he already
Helps with the latter part of that statement. Mot of the big gashes on the D against the run come up the middle. Without a massive athletic (lateral agility) NT Defenses destroy our DLine. I’d like to get Ta’amu or Poe in the draft as well as Jared Crick or Kendel Reyes. Cut Coleman and Spears and run the line with a rotation of:
LOLB- Spencer
LDE- Rat-Crick/Reyes
NT- Poe/Ta’amu, Brent, Gathers
RDE- Hatch, Lissy
ROLB- Ware
I think we’d have a top 3-5 passrush with those guys.
mho - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
What wins championships for defenses
1) Sacking the QB
2) Disrupting passes to receivers
3) Winning the turnover battle
4) Holding teams to FGs in the redzone
5) Getting off the field on 3rd down
We stopped the run in 9 out of 16 games and still missed the playoffs, down the stretch teams both ran and passed on us at will. Our run defense started to get gashed in the middle of the season, teams started to run on us as well: McCoy 182, Lynch 142, FJax 110.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012 via mobile
Make a decision
dammit!! Rebuilding or going to the SB in 2012? One or the other.
jevans1729 - February 23, 2012
Anything to get more talent on younger players on the roster.
Joe21 - February 22, 2012
Releasing Brooking and James
Obviously means a lot of things, but I’m hoping most of all it means a vote of confidence for Bruce Carter. Backs and TEs’ had way too much early down success against us( a lot of RAC it seemed). Carter needs to be an all around Beast!!
stargazer33 - February 22, 2012
+1 on keeping Keith around as a coach
If he’s as firey at teaching the linebacking position as he was at pregame rallies then that + his experience would be great. He also has some knowledge of the teams in our division.
letsgtld - February 22, 2012
bradie and brooking
I think bradie still has some value left as a early down run-stopper, but brooking just been getting abused in every phase. Keep bradie as a backup, its time to let brooking go
fearthestar94 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
yup, Brady didn't get much playin time. He's a great leader. Hope he signs for the vet minim. rkg. I trust him on containing the run. He sure has proved his worth there.
letsgtld - February 22, 2012
NFL coaches are too smart ...
to let Bradie James only play on run downs. Everytime he is one the field, he is a liability in the pass game, and teams aren’t going to wait until he comes off the field before passing the ball. The NFL is all about matchups and James is a terrible matchup against a TE or RB.
Mind you, I saw this out of James in 2010. Good leaders are great, but if they cannot make plays at their position, you need to find somebody who can.
Conn Cowboy - February 22, 2012
It felt like the Vikings playoff game wrote the book
on how to pick apart the Cowboys defense with Brooking and James on the field.
Rohpuri - February 22, 2012
Passing game
Yeah, but bruce should be able to step in and give us a second solid coverage backer, at least in nickel situations
fearthestar94 - February 22, 2012 via iPhone app
I predicted that James and Brooking ..
were too old 16 months ago. Anybody watching the games can see that they are too slow to cover anybody out of the backfield. When your OLBs are rushing the QB, your ILBs have to cover the RB/TE. They just cannot get the job done.
Also, you want to have your ILBs be fast enough to blitz up the middle on one play or get back into coverage in the next play. You need to have them be able to pursue. For only age 31, Bradie James has really lost a couple of steps. His mind may be willing, but his body just cannot make the plays.
As for Anthony Spencer, I think he has under-performed, but at the same time, I think he is under-rated.
That being said, there is no way the Cowboys can afford to pay him $8M/year — even for one year.
To win in this league, you need a lot of your guys overperform their contracts. You need to have the $500K/year player play like the $3M/year player. You need to have your $2M/year player play like a $8M/year player. There is no way that Spencer is going to outperform the franchise tag.
Victor Butler may be a downgrade, but you can use that $8+M to make a bigger upgrade at one or more other positions.
Getting great (or just very good) players won’t win you a championship if you overpay them.
Conn Cowboy - February 22, 2012
Purposely overpaying Spencer sounds like a flawless plan to me.
Man we are a dumb franchise. Stopping the run is close to pointless these days.
intheclutch - February 22, 2012
I agree that the NFL has changed but the point was about how Spencer holds the strong side very well.
4 forced fumbles, 51 tackles and 6 INT’s. It’s about having a noticeable drop off in talent at that position. This team has too many holes as it sits. Why add another one? Spencer, add FA Center and a mid level CB. Keep Robinson. Add a BPA CB, FS, ILB, TE, DL
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012 via mobile
One Question
could we tag him them trade him? say in the draft? never heard if it before cept in baseball.
Jeff G. - February 22, 2012 via Android app
Nobody but the Cowboys would even entertain Anthony Spencer at $8.8 million dollars
Blue Eyed Devil - February 22, 2012
To answer
your question. No.
jevans1729 - February 23, 2012
Yes you could fade him but you would lose on the return
He might be worthy of a 2nd rounder at best. That would leave Dallas with no one. I’m not convinced on Ingram or Upshaw. There would be a drop in talent.
torchindefenses - February 22, 2012 via mobile
I wonder
Most things i’ve read, indicate the players don’t like the franchise tag, so maybe they are just throwing that out as a way to try and force a more favourable long term deal.
Hotrod - February 23, 2012
I beg to differ,when people say the run game is not important.
How relieved were we when we found D Murray and Fiametta and that running game this last season?What is the biggest problem this offense has had in the redzone the last few seasons? When we played the NYGs the first time on 12-12-11 and Murray got hurt,how well did our team do after that?Our season basically ended right there because Felix couldn’t replace Demarco.IMHO if we hadn’t of lost Murray our offense would have ran all over the Giants in that game.Who’s to say it would not have been the Cowboys in that SB if Murray hadn’t went down.Having a run game is important! And stopping the run is just as important!
NVCowboy4Life - February 23, 2012
Didn't notice who won the Super Bowl?
The Giants were the 32nd team in the league running the ball last year. Let that soak in … they were DEAD LAST in the league in running the ball. They were last in both total yards and yards per carry. Tell me again about the importance of having a run game.
FYI — The Cowboys have more yards and a better YPC than the Patriots.
Also, stop drinking the DeMarco Koolaid.
His last 4 games were
25/73/0
22/87/0
12/38/0
5/25/0
Not very impressive numbers. He had a 4 game stretch where he lit up some bad run defenses. However, don’t make it out like he is the second coming of Walter Payton. For all his yards, he only scoed a single TD.
Sorry, our offensive line wasn’t good enough to run all over the Giants. We could have had Emmitt Smith in his prime running back there and it wouldn’t matter. The run game has a lot more to do with the 5 guys up front than the guy actually toting the ball.
Conn Cowboy - February 23, 2012
Don't care where the Giants ranked in the league.Dead last or not you have to have a running game of some kind. This is the NFL not the Arena League!
NVCowboy4Life - February 23, 2012
I mentioned this in another thread
the issue is more than is Anthony Spencer worth 8.8 million. The Issue is given what Anthony Spencer does, can you upgrade both positions for less than that.
yes I said both positions. Because Spencer in essence plays two positions in the Defense, OLB AND DE. The issue is that Dallas Effectively plays a 4-3 Defense with Ware as RDE, and Coleman/Lissemore as the LDE in the base set. that means that Spencer is playing as a 4-3 LOLB in those. However, When Dallas moves to it “Nickel PAckage” Spencer slides down and Becomes the LDE
So IF you Replace Spencer, you not only have to replace a OLB but you also have to upgrade the DE spot in those situations. So can Butler play Coverage and Run Support as well as Spencer? the Coaches apparently don’t think so…..
I am Ironman!!! - February 23, 2012
Nice
had not thought of it as a two position replacement
BigBad Joe - February 23, 2012
I have gotten a few responses like that
I am Ironman!!! - February 23, 2012
Needless to say
A large contingent of DAL fans are not going to be happy with this outcome, irregardless of what it is. I have consistently sided with the why create another hole argument, which at times is twisted into a defense/apologist for #93.
My views have clarified somewhat in that I see tradeoffs, + & – to both sides of the issue. We’re now to the point where the least bad option wins. If the proponents of jettison at all costs believe an untested or out of position player currently on the roster or a unknown currently available in the draft provides DAL with so many worthwhile options elsewhere, I’m all ears. But this constant debate is beyond tiresome at this point. It’s not a tactical priority, its a circumstantial one and the positions taken in support of change make the case manning it with a lesser player is actually preferable. Meaning its not that great a priority, so why treat it as such?
tdships - February 23, 2012
Simply stated,
whatever the FO does has got to improve the team at every position that warrants change.
If we let Spencer go, we must replace him with a cheaper equal or a better OLB. That goes for any position. The team must improve as a whole or the end result will be the same as last year and we soon will be in a rebuilding mode.
That’s why I’m in favor of fixing the OL so Romo can be Romo and hopefully put up 30+ PPG. Draft or sign a C and OG. Concentrate on D with the bulk of the draft and at the very least we should be a playoff team.
Fail to protect Tony and we are sunk. Our D, IMO, needs help to improve, but I don’t think that it needs a major overhaul except in the secondary (CBs and a safety). Granted the D won’t be elite after one draft, but we can make an impact in FA and the draft.
pfloyd1 - February 23, 2012
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