Exit Interview: Cowboys will need to add defensive help in 2012

[Mr Cowboy]

2011 in a Nutshell: Simmer down. Fort Worth isn't going cosmo like Dallas. The Rangers still haven't gotten that last out. Gary Hogeboom isn't coming back. And the Cowboys weren't that bad.

Yes, the team was 8-8. But does any team absorb criticism like this one? Funny thing is, the lambasting of the Cowboys is always pointed in the wrong direction. While Tony Romo catches much of the heat, the real problem for this organization is a lack of accountability and a defense that lets receivers run absolutely wild.

Watching the Giants win it all must have been difficult for the Cowboys. This team was likely one play away from the NFC East title. Still, this squad has only itself to blame for going from the driver's seat to third place in the NFC East. The season was lost on ill-timed, and ill-fated, mistakes.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d826cd476/article/exit-interview-cowboys-will-need-to-add-defensive-help-in-2012

[Fletch]

Thank you Mr. Cowboy for posting that article which hit the nail squarely on the head. In the beginning I was somewhat on the fence about replacing Spencer. Now I am leaping over that fence and hoping the Cowboys replace him some how, some way. If Butler is that guy, then by all means allow him to be that guy. If not, then let's go and get a guy to pair up with Ware.

As for Ball, get rid of him. He is worthless. Again, I was all for him being a nickel and dime kind of guy, but I'm sorry, we could sign Bryant McFadden who just got released by the Stillers to replace Ball and it would be a significant upgrade. Though McFadden and his agent will probably want a sizeable contract to boot.

We desperately need a semblence of an O-line behind T. Smith and Free. Then we definitely need a CB. I cannot wait for FA to begin in March. The draft is going to be even more fun considering we are drafting fairly early after going 8-8.

I'm probably one of the few, but I'm more than happy (after the fact) that we got swept by the E-girls, aka Dream Team and yet they still missed the playoffs. It's a win, win. We still draft ahead of them.

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Like the old saying says defense wins championships. Improve the defense and we could be playing in New Orleans next February.

[Fletch]

Like the old saying says defense wins championships. Improve the defense and we could be playing in New Orleans next February.

True, but we need O-line help in the worst way! Romo ain't getting any younger. And don't you want to see some kind of running game, which just about 95% of every team needs to "help" win a Super Bowl?

[Flinger]

It's sad, it's say, it's a sad, sad situation....

The Cowboys have been looking Woodson's replacement since 2004. It's 2012.

It's sad, so sad....

[CowboyMike]

All Romo haters (and the rest of the media) should read this:

What Went Right: Leave the anti-Romo stuff at the door. Yes, he had some late-game miscues. He also balled out most of the season.

"How many teams have a quarterback that threw over 30 touchdowns (31), 10 interceptions, and had well over a 100 passer rating (102.5), and his team went 8-8? And we kill Romo around here," NFL Network colleague Michael Lombardi said to me incredulously a couple of weeks ago.

Here's the answer to Michael's query: none. No guy has ever posted a rating that high, with that many touchdowns, while not throwing more than 10 interceptions, and gone 8-8 (or worse). That says something about the rest of the team. While Romo's late picks against the Jets and Lions hurt the Cowboys, his brilliant play against Detroit gave Dallas a lead in the first place. He consistently put the team in a position to win, before special teams let Dallas down against the Cardinals and Giants. He also delivered clutch wins against the Dolphins, Redskins and 49ers -- the latter with three broken ribs and a punctured lung.

[casmith07]

It's sad, it's say, it's a sad, sad situation....

The Cowboys have been looking Woodson's replacement since 2004. It's 2012.

It's sad, so sad....

Grinds my gears, my friend.

[CCBoy]

My fixit plan begins and ends with:

Mario Williams
Tyvon Branch
Courtland Finnegan

...and not stereotyping need away during the start of free agency. Use the iron and then upgrade roster strength through the draft/free agency fallout targets of opportunity.

And myself, now, think that Kuechly should be on a short list at the very top of this upcoming April draft.

[Woods]

My fixit plan begins and ends with:

Mario Williams
Tyvon Branch
Courtland Finnegan

...and not stereotyping need away during the start of free agency. Use the iron and then upgrade roster strength through the draft/free agency fallout targets of opportunity.

And myself, now, think that Kuechly should be on a short list at the very top of this upcoming April draft.

That looks like a very nice FA list.