DMN: George Chat Wrap: Here's the Cowboys' strongest and weakest positions - 06/19/13

[WoodysGirl]

SportsDayDFW.com
Published: 19 June 2013 10:33 PM
Updated: 19 June 2013 10:33 PM




Beat writer Brandon George answered questions in a chat Wednesday. Here are some highlights.

pkinsa ... I think that Costa is a good fit as a moving guard in a zone-blocking scheme. I think he and Frederick and Leary could provide better performance than last year's interior OL. What do you think?
Brandon George: The Cowboys feel like Ron Leary is ready to contribute after not playing much in his first year last season. Frederick should be an upgrade at center. And Costa as a backup center/guard gives the Cowboys versatility inside. So, yes, the Cowboys should have upgraded some along the interior of the OL, but they expect the same two starters at guard in Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings.

Clay ... Do you think the Cowboys offense will change any or all of the following: snapping the ball before the play clock winds down, Romo getting rid of the ball faster instead of scrambling around, more screen passes, more deception? Thanks in advance.
Brandon George: I think you will see more of the faster-paced offense for the Cowboys, perhaps more no-huddle and allow Tony Romo to dictate the pace more. Romo has more say-so than ever in the Cowboys' offensive game plan and the Cowboys using a hurry-up pace more often is likely. For sure, the Cowboys will use more two tight-end sets this season.

Ryan H. ... In your opinion, as of right now, what is the strongest position group for the Cowboys? How about the weakest?
Brandon George: The strongest would have to be either defensive end or linebacker when you consider they have two of the highest-paid defensive ends in the league in DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer and two of the best young linebackers in the league in Bruce Carter and Sean Lee. Still, there are some depth concerns at each spot. The weakest, to me, is still the offensive line.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CHAT

 

[VACowboy]

"...Cowboys didn't do much to upgrade this roster..."

Not sure I agree with this.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

If we go into the season with both Bernadeau and Livings starting, I think it's not a very good sign. Livings was serviceable when healthy but Bernadeau was bad, and both have dealt with injuries almost the whole offseason.

If Leary, Costa, Kowalski, etc can't knock at least one of them out....ugh!

 

[Eddie]

"...Cowboys didn't do much to upgrade this roster..."

Not sure I agree with this.

OK, where are the upgrades ???

 

[TheRomoSexual]

OK, where are the upgrades ???

Um, you mean besides at OLine, RB, TE, LB, WR, CB, and safety?

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

If we go into the season with both Bernadeau and Livings starting, I think it's not a very good sign. Livings was serviceable when healthy but Bernadeau was bad, and both have dealt with injuries almost the whole offseason.

If Leary, Costa, Kowalski, etc can't knock at least one of them out....ugh!

This statement is balls on accurate IMO. This is the key to the season, along with being able to stay healthy along the line. I still do not like our depth there so yeah, we live and die on these young guys IMO.

 

[dogberry]

Who starts if Bern and Living are still hurt deep into camp?

 

[Seven]

Um, you mean besides at OLine, RB, TE, LB, WR, CB, and safety?

Curious. Where are the upgrades at those positions? Un-proven rookies don't count. Yet.

 

[Doomsday101]

Curious. Where are the upgrades at those positions? Un-proven rookies don't count. Yet.

True but then when trying to upgrade often times it is through the draft.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

Curious. Where are the upgrades at those positions? Un-proven rookies don't count. Yet.

Yes, they do. I also think it's hilarious how posters in this site will often (1) decry our cap situation while (2) complaining that we didn't "upgrade our roster" enough through free agency.

 

[Stash]

This statement is balls on accurate IMO. This is the key to the season, along with being able to stay healthy along the line. I still do not like our depth there so yeah, we live and die on these young guys IMO.

I agree with that too. That's why I'm still holding onto a glimmer of hope that they will yet sign Brandon Moore who I feel is miles better than either Livings and especially Bernardeau.


Lots of fans of Pro Football Focus rankings here, they had Moore ranked as the 3rd best right guard in the league last year.

 

[Seven]

True but then when trying to upgrade often times it is through the draft.

Agreed.


Still, I'm Missouri...........the show me state. I am stoked about this draft (Frederick) and it's possibilities but let's not count our chickens...............


Before TC, even? That's a stretch, IMO.

 

[21Savage]

Agreed.


Still, I'm Missouri...........the show me state. I am stoked about this draft (Frederick) and it's possibilities but let's not count our chickens...............


Before TC, even? That's a stretch, IMO.

If rookies don't count then wouldn't every team that didn't fill their holes by signing premier FAs at those positions (whoever that might be) get the same failing grade?

 

[sureletsrace]

Curious. Where are the upgrades at those positions? Un-proven rookies don't count. Yet.

Oh for the love of god. I guess nobody upgraded their roster this offseason then.

You cry too much.

 

[Seven]

If rookies don't count then wouldn't every team that didn't fill their holes by signing premier FAs at those positions (whoever that might be) get the same failing grade?

Yep. Except I'm not passing nor failing anyone at this point.

 

[Seven]

Oh for the love of god. I guess nobody upgraded their roster this offseason then.

You cry too much.

uh....who's crying?

And I don't give a rats rump about other teams.

 

[Seven]

Yes, they do. I also think it's hilarious how posters in this site will often (1) decry our cap situation while (2) complaining that we didn't "upgrade our roster" enough through free agency.

Neither of which I did. It ain't my money. They've done nothing. Yet.

 

[TheRomoSexual]

Neither of which I did. It ain't my money. They've done nothing. Yet.

So, your point is basically that you have no point, correct? Interesting.

 

[sureletsrace]

So, your point is basically that you have no point, correct? Interesting.

Stop making sense in this thread!

 

[Zimmy Lives]

This statement is balls on accurate IMO. This is the key to the season, along with being able to stay healthy along the line. I still do not like our depth there so yeah, we live and die on these young guys IMO.

I agree! Center is a definite upgrade but counting on both of last year's starters to be solid this year would be foolish. One of the young guys has to step up and move one of them out and into a backup role.