***Gurode released*** MERGED

[YosemiteSam]

Has anyone else noticed that the underachieving veterans on the offensive side of the ball have been released and the defense has went largely untouched?

Look at it like a ratio of money compared to quality of play. Alan Ball wasn't exactly breaking the bank. Besides, they did sign some new guys on defense. They just aren't of the highest quality. Those are hard to get and come with at a large expense.

I don't know how this will work out, but I can see the dynamic here.

 

[JBond]

Has anyone else noticed that the underachieving veterans on the offensive side of the ball have been released and the defense has went largely untouched?

You can't fire everyone at the same time. Someone has to go out on the field and play.

 

[trickblue]

JG is taking the long view. He'll sacrifice our chances this year to build a competitive squad for years to come. That doesn't mean he's given up on this year but rather that he knows how to prioritize.

ding ding ding...

We have a winner...

 

[Chocolate Lab]

JG is taking the long view. He'll sacrifice our chances this year to build a competitive squad for years to come.

If so, that is crazy. Romo isn't on his last legs yet, but he's not a spring chicken anymore either, and there's no way we should be sacrificing any of his prime years for some future hopes.

If this was about some long-range plan, why not draft a center high and let Gurode go next year?

Is Gurode past his prime? Yes. Did he deserve every one of those Pro Bowls? Probably not. But he was also a certified bad-a in college, an all-America four year starter for very good teams in one of the top conferences in the country. He was also one of the best centers in the NFL for years. People acting like an undrafted second year guy is necessarily going to be better than him is wishful thinking at best.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Its now officially a rebuilding year.

No, they expect to win this year.

 

[Boston Cowboy]

Has anyone else noticed that the underachieving veterans on the offensive side of the ball have been released and the defense has went largely untouched?

I think the defensive side gets a pass given that they are expected to learn a completely new (and from accounts, complex) scheme. The offense will be utilizing the same framework that it has for the past couple of years. The only difference is that now the OC/HC has a greater influence on who his personnel will be than his predecessor.

 

[The Quest for Six]

The eagles will pick him up watch! This team frustrates the hell out of me. Jerry is becoming Al Davis

This is clearly a Jason Garrett decision and I like it, these moves should of started two years ago

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I keep reading he is the answer to the Eagles prayers! Really? They are a power running team? Because that is pretty much all he excels at. If they pick him up...we should expose him in pass protection just like all other teams did.

He may not answer their prayers, I don't think anyone is even saying that so I'm not sure where you got that, but he'll be an upgrade over what they've got currently.

 

[The Quest for Six]

Its now officially a rebuilding year.

so was New England last year, and how many games did they win??

 

[Doomsday]

People were predicting JG would have a surprise cut or two to send a message to this team. I think this one qualifies.

 

[zrinkill]

I trust in Garrett.

 

[Stash]

They probably tried to trade him, but since the Cowboys are so bad at keeping information in house, everyone already knew that Gurode was fidna get released, plus the new team would have to take on his contract in a trade.

I think that's exactly it.

When some people can't keep their mouths shut, the rest of the league knows everything that they're thinking.

And I see no reason why Dallas could not have agreed to pay a part of his salary to facilitate a trade.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I do like the fact that our oline just got a lot younger. So far, Koiser is the only old guy left. He is smart, cheap, and still plays well. (went he isn't injured)

Between Nagy, Arkin, and Costa, even Koiser will be replaced. Likely in the next year.

 

[Zaxor]

I do like the fact that our oline just got a lot younger. So far, Koiser is the only old guy left. He is smart, cheap, and still plays well. (went he isn't injured)

Between Nagy, Arkin, and Costa, even Koiser will be replaced. Likely in the next year.

I can not wait till those guys get a year with our new/old strength and condition coach...plus they will have a year of experience in this offense...whoot happy days are here again

 

[YosemiteSam]

I trust in Garrett.

We don't have much choice, but I do like the message this is sending out. Even established players are no longer established. You earn everything or you aren't a Cowboy.

 

[fanfromvirginia]

If we were in a total rebuilding year I would agree with this, but Romo, Witten and others aren't getting any younger, and Romo's health could be jeopardized as well. Even as it is I'm not opposed to the idea to a point, but doing it all at once with no safety net is pretty risky. I hope I'm looking back at this in a year or two and thinking about what a smart strategy it was, but it could be a big problem in the short term.

I see what you're saying. I have mixed feelings about the move as well but I definitely think that's the thinking here.

Also, it's not quite as polarized as it appears on first glance (and as I may have made it sound). This could pay big benefits as soon as next year. And lowering your chances this year, again, doesn't mean you're giving up. If Ryan gets this D going this year, we stay relatively healthy and the other OL youngsters do pretty well then we're going to have a shot with or without Gurode. If, on the other hand, Ryan's D needs a year and a full training camp to really put things together, then we're likely on the outside looking in with or without Gurode. And whether or not he's still good, he is in fact 33 years old and mismatched with the new, agile line that's being put together.

 

[Gaede]

This will probably bite us in the ***, just like cutting Hamlin.

I think you may be right.

 

[Ken]

The eagles will not sign Gurode. They love their rookie C and Jamal Jackson is backing him up.

The center is not the problem with their line.

 

[Dodger12]

Exactly.

The Eagles are stuggling with their offensive line and we'll hand them a player for nothing.

The Eagles are looking to get younger on their line as well. Jamaal Jackson (C) looks to be the odd man out and has been replaced on the first team by a rookie. I doubt the Eagles would sign Gurode when they have a proven young player like Jackson they can keep as a back-up. Just an FYI, Winston Justice is on the chopping block as well....

http://www.mcall.com/sports/columnists/fierro/mc-column-fierro-0828-20110828,0,1149650.column

Nobody can convert Pro Bowlers into dead cap space like the Cowboys can.

When you send a message like we have in the past where players are not in fear of their roster spot from competition, not to mention wasting a draft on back-ups, it sends the wrong message and promotes an entitlement atmosphere. Is it any wonder why production seems to drop off after some players sign a huge contract? I don't know why anyone would be surprised.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I can not wait till those guys get a year with our new/old strength and condition coach...plus they will have a year of experience in this offense...whoot happy days are here again

I think Arkin, Nagy, and the job Kowalski didn't against the Vikings along with the hold over from last year Costa is the entire reason Gurode and his fat contract got the boot. We've got a lot of young offensive lineman who are showing that they can play in this league.