My biggest gripe about 1996 to 2003 was that we did not get ready for post Aikman. Like you, I see that happening again, and I'm not real thrilled by it. Granted, we do not have to face it yet, but it is closer than ever after another season gone. I am very big on drafting a QB high this year. The guy I like the most will go too high for my tastes, but Bryce Petty would suit me fine in the 3rd. I'd like to see more of Buaghan, but less of Weeden. That's just me.
I am a character guy. You know that as great as I admit Irvin was, I am not his biggest fan because of the off the field stuff. Murray is by far the most attractive solution to me, and largely because of exactly that. But I don't want to pay twice as much for his good character either. Not in a year flooded with RB options. If the best we could hope for was a Julius Jones I'd be more willing to pony up. As I mentioned Abdullah is considered a great character guy. I think he could put up 1100 yards or better here. That kind of production on a rookie contract appeals to me.
I think I am most intrigued by Coleman because of his speed. Maybe even more than Gurley.
If we see Murray as the opportunity we can't let go then we need to pay him to stay and bite the bullet on other things that money could do to improve the team. If we win it all, and I honestly do think we have to be the top contender if we have a good Draft and Free Agency, then it is worth every dime and I will never whine. But if we pay him a lot, can't sign a FA DE or DT because of it, and end up losing because we can't pressure a QB, he'd be hung in effigy despite that high character.
It is a Catch 22 and I don't mean Emmitt. You're right, he is no Emmitt. He's damned good though.
Murray is not irreplaceable in my eyes. To be sure.
But...
I see nothing in the character of Randall that makes me want to do cartwheels. And I have now watched a few games where he stepped in. He did something worthwhile in some runs. But I see Julius Jones in his decision making at the line if there is no distinct hole. I don't seem him barrel ahead and push a pile of big sweaty men past the line of scrimmage for a positive yard. I see him more dance around and get caught behind. I also question his decision making in the pass protection game.
Nothing behind him is intriguing to me at all for some of the same reasons. Feast, then famine after famine. And once their speed is not a change of pace, defenses will focus on them.
Drafting has an upside. But it also has a learning curve. So while there is a potential for finding a replacement, how long before that guy can do all the muddy work Murray does? Late 2015? Maybe even mid 2016?
And since we seem to agree the team has painted themselves into a Romo corner, when does that ticking time bomb explode?
We all have to live with the decisions they make. Right or wrong. But my opinion is, you restructure as needed, sign Murray and Dez to cap friendly first two years, sign Free, and use the draft to create a pass rush.
I would investigate Cromartie if he hits the FA market as a replacement for Carr. But pass rush is paramount over cornerbacks, unless you can ship Carr to Siberia and get a competent player for less. Then focus on the defensive line that will create a pass defense. I have been screaming about a defensive line and how it makes everything behind better to the point I wore a sig on this site that said, "No pass rush, no pass defense" for eighteen months.
But, an offense that can post 29 ppg lends to improving the defense. Because you can allow Marinelli to work his magic on lesser drafted players since you can score like a Boss. The defensive improvement to a top 12 is within reach without breaking the bank or getting malcontents like Suh or Fairley and paying a King's ransom.
This team could be in the NFC championship game this next year with the right moves. Shipping off a play maker isn't one of them in my mind. We can discuss how my mind works or doesn't anytime we have a moment.
