12 starting position changes next year

[erod]

Jason Garrett continues to work over this roster. Thankfully, there will be a very different looking team next year compared to the lineup that started against the Jets last year.

I suspect we'll see no less than 12 position changes (counting the swap of Smith and Free), and possibly more if Costa does not return to starting center.

Brandon Carr ( formerly Terrance Newman)
Mo Claiborne (Mike Jenkins)
Brodney Pool (Abram Elam)
Gerald Sensabaugh
Demarcus Ware
Bruce Carter (Bradie James)
Sean Lee
Anthony Spencer
Sean Lissimore (Kenyon Coleman)
Jay Ratliff
Jason Hatcher (Marcus Spears)

Tony Romo
Demarco Murray (Felix Jones)
Lawrence Vickers (Tony Fiametta)
Dez Bryant
Miles Austin
Jason Witten
Tyron Smith (Doug Free)
Nate Livings (several)
Frank Costa
Makenzy Bernardeau (several)
Doug Free (Tyron Smith)

Yes, I do think Lissimore and Hatcher will take more prominent, starting roles in 2012. And there could be several additional changes when you consider packages. Mike Jenkins (hopefully they keep him for next year) becomes the nickel. Scandric becomes the dime. Crawford/Wilber could take nickel time from Butler or Albright, or could play as a DT/DE on third down. Connor will play a lot, too.

Likewise, we have no idea who the third receiver will be or if Hanna will see much time. Phillips will be playing Bennett's old role.

This team is getting a drastic makeover, especially when you compare it to Wade's team two years ago.

 

[CaptainMorgan]

I'll go on record here and say Costa will be our starting center as much as everyone hates to hear that. I think he suffered through some growing pains last season. According to many here Kowalski was so much better but apparently not enough in the coaches eyes to replace him, that should be enough to open some eyes.

On top of that I think Costa has a much better year.

 

[erod]

I'll go on record here and say Costa will be our starting center as much as everyone hates to hear that. I think he suffered through some growing pains last season. According to many here Kowalski was so much better but apparently not enough in the coaches eyes to replace him, that should be enough to open some eyes.

On top of that I think Costa has a much better year.

Yep, they like Costa. It's hard for us to evaluate offensive lineman, especially when there was a revolving door at the guards all season to either side of Costa.

 

[The Quest for Six]

I'll go on record here and say Costa will be our starting center as much as everyone hates to hear that. I think he suffered through some growing pains last season. According to many here Kowalski was so much better but apparently not enough in the coaches eyes to replace him, that should be enough to open some eyes.

On top of that I think Costa has a much better year.

If Costa is the starting center for this team, Romo won't make it through half a season,

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I hope Frank is better than Phil.

 

[rickster14]

Good post, but a couple of disagreements here:

1)Connor instead of Carter at ILB. Both will play.

2)Nagy or Bernadeau at C. I just can't see Costa there again.

 

[THUMPER]

I hope Frank is better than Phil.

You and me both! :laugh2:

 

[Lodeus]

I hope Frank is better than Phil.

I think he meant Frank Costanza.
​

 

[CaptainMorgan]

If Costa is the starting center for this team, Romo won't make it through half a season,

How about if Doug Free is starting LT again Romo wont make it half the season.

 

[7footer]

I think Costa will have his work cut out for him with Kowalski. I think there's a good chance he beats out Costa for the starting job, and after the way Costa played last season I don't think it would be very hard to get that opportunity.

I've also seen some people bring up the possibility of moving either Nagy or Arkin to center. I'm not sure if it will happen, but that's another possibility for sure. Not to mention, I think there's a great chance we pick up another center during cuts this year. So basically, if I was to bet on who would be lined up at center with the first team this year, it wouldn't be Costa.

 

[7footer]

How about if Doug Free is starting LT again Romo wont make it half the season.

They already announced Tyron will be the starting LT this season and Free will be moving back to RT.

 

[CowboyMike]

Jason Hatcher was already starting ahead of Spears last year in Week 1.

 

[jobberone]

I'll go on record here and say Costa will be our starting center as much as everyone hates to hear that. I think he suffered through some growing pains last season. According to many here Kowalski was so much better but apparently not enough in the coaches eyes to replace him, that should be enough to open some eyes.

On top of that I think Costa has a much better year.

Costa is above average (generally) in run blocking and improved his pass blocking. I think that is a key for him. I don't have a feel for Ski yet. They will be looking hard at the interior. I love the competition. I just hope it is enough to do the job.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

It should be 13 or 14 new starters, because if Costa, (Frank or Phil) is the starting Center, Romo won't last long, Kyle Orton won't either and we'll be playing with McGee down the stretch.

 

[dffl11]

I hope Frank is better than Phil.

:laugh2::laugh2::laugh2:

 

[The Quest for Six]

How about if Doug Free is starting LT again Romo wont make it half the season.

maybe if you've read anything on the cowboys this offseason, you'd know that Smith and Free were switching posiitons

 

[DallasEast]

With better competition, I doubt that Phil Costa will be the starting center this fall. I could be wrong, but I do not hope that I am wrong since I believe we can provide Tony Romo better protection from the center position and elevate our blocking at same. However, if I am wrong, I will simply be wrong. End of story.

 

[ddh33]

I tend to agree with everyone who thinks that Costa will be starting. I think the biggest push may come from Nagy.

If someone like Leary is very impressive and Bernadeau can play center, that could change things too.

 

[jobberone]

I tend to agree with everyone who thinks that Costa will be starting. I think the biggest push may come from Nagy.

If someone like Leary is very impressive and Bernadeau can play center, that could change things too.

I can't say what the staff is really thinking but I suspect they don't know yet for sure who will start on the interior. I hope they let them compete and the best win. And I pray we don't get significant injuries there this year.

 

[Idgit]

Jason Hatcher was already starting ahead of Spears last year in Week 1.

Caught that one, too. Still, that's quite a bit of turnover from last year. And 7 (10, if you count starting Lisemore and flipping the OTs) of those changes are new for this season. That's quite a bit of change for a group of 22 starters, and it doesn't even address the changes in depth we've made.

How about if Doug Free is starting LT again Romo wont make it half the season.

I wonder sometimes what some of you guys are watching when you watch our games.