Have We Improved? Position by Position Look

[burmafrd]

I think those that are worrying about replacing TO's production should also consider that last year many thought they saw a decline in his ability and capeability of breaking jams and getting free. So comparing what we MIGHT have got out of TO this year to what we get from Roy might be more to the point. I think this could be much closer to a wash then many might have thought. Add to that the real likelihood that we will be spreading the ball around more and running the ball more and there would have been a drop in TO's production NO MATTER WHAT.

 

[UnoDallas]

That is the question I keep asking as I try to figure out Jason Williams, Stephen Hodge and Bobby Carpenter all backing up James and Brooking.


don't forget we also have Matt Stewart I expect him to be a better backup to James an Brooking than BC

LB Stewart signs with Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys have signed free agent linebacker Matt Stewart to a one-year contract. Stewart, who signed Tuesday, was out of football in 2008 after getting released by Arizona in the final roster cuts before the season started. The 29-year-old Stewart was a fourth-round pick by Atlanta in 2001 and played four seasons with the Falcons. He spent the next three seasons with Cleveland. In 93 career games, Stewart has 357 tackles, eight sacks and an interception.

 

[DFWJC]

Nice breakdown Hos.

Here is my take.

QB....better due to maturity and a much better backup
RB....better due to health and felix being more involved
WR...less talent (maybe intangibles will help offset this)
TE....even or better due to Marty growth
Oline...even....due to age...sure hope this is not the case
DLine...even
OLB.....even....I hope
ILB...slight improvement
CB....even to slight improvement (but next year, look out!)
S.....improvement
Special teams....big improvement as explained by Hos
Coaching....improvement, imo. Wade will be more hands on and Sean was humbled and will be more creative (plus we will run more--whcih should help)

Overall, assuming as always that injuries are not major, we should be better. The Oline is a huge swing vote here. If they shine, the Cowboys will really crush some people. A juggernaught running game combined with great field position from strong D and special teams would make life easy for Tony and the receiving group....and disaster for opponents. Otherwise, we will be sitting at home for the playoffs.

Scary thing is...I just described the Giants as well....and philly has none of these issue.

 

[cowboyjoe]

=Hostile;2854804]I totally agree with this on the QB situation. Now only what you said about Kitna, but what Kitna can do in the locker room, on the field giving advice to Romo. Showing Romo to call out players when needed, and helping Tony, Roy Williams and Jason Garrett with his knowledge of knowing what Roy Williams can do and cant do in route running, etc. Added to that, Kitna can help McGee some, as well as Romo. Then on top of that, Kitna can give a better knowledge of some of the opposing teams that we dont play as much.

QB
​

The player I wanted gone more than any other was Brad Johnson. There was of course a 2nd choice, but that hope was way down the list compared to how badly I wanted Johnson gone. Wasn't too keen on Brooks Bollinger either.

While I wanted to get younger, I can't deny that Jon Kitna is a great acquisition. Not only can he give some veteran tips to Romo, he can actually play. We finally drafted a QB and while McGee was not my pet cat in this Draft for QBs I am excited by his potential.

Romo's health is still the key to a great season, but we're in better shape if he gets hurt.

Change from 2008...Improvement.

[/CENTER]

The only changes will be that hopefully no one is called up form the Practice Squad due to injuries. There also could be a changing of the guard at FB or a complete removal of the position from the team. Without a doubt the Offense will be more focused on getting these playmakers the ball.

Change from 2008...Health is the key. This is one of the uncertanities of this team, the fullback position. I can still see our fullback bumping into Flozell on a certain pass play protection. I think what the cowboys might possibly do Hostile, is possibly not even have a fullback, but an extra TE and use him as an hback blocking etc. Deion our FB will be on a short leash this year, but in his favor is his special teams ability. I will get into the TE situation more on your TE addition.

WR
​

I had to say it sooner or later. The Offense will miss TO. It cannot be denied that he is more talented than any of the WRs looking to take the #2 spot. Miles Austin needs to step up. Hurd and Stanback need to contribute on Special Teams and Roy Williams faces an incredible amount of scrutiny after a lackluster arrival.

The real dark horse in this whole issue will be Stanback or Olgetree. Mickey Spagnola said once, this guy can really run, and has superior speed. No one really has his actual timed speed as of up to date so far. The other person that might surprise people is Ogletree, he has superior speed to stretch the field. Ogletree is even faster than Miles Austin. Miles runs the 40 in about 4.43 and Ogletree runs about 4.37. Granted we lose talent somewhat with the departure of T O, but I think Roy Williams, Crayton, Austin, then either Stanback or Ogletree will step up. Change from 2008...Decline in overall talent.

TE
​

John Phillips replaces Shane Hannah and Tony Curtis as the 3rd and blocking TE. The real improvement chance comes with maturation in the Offense by Martellus Bennett. Look for the Cowboys to use his leaping ability in the Red Zone. He might also play some WR. Now couldn't that be fun?

Totally agree Hostile, this is where I think the cowboys will use the double TE formation more and more. To do that, we need a good 3rd blocking TE, thats where the sleepers come in, John Phillips. Granted it takes rookies awhile to get adjusted to the NFL rigors, so another dark horse is Rodney Hannah, whom looked pretty decent last year in preseason, but another year away due to not playing football till his senior year at college. This kid Rodney is very athletic, a great leaper having played basketball, so he could be the sleeper. Remember now, we need a pretty decent 3rd string TE due to Jason Witten getting hurt some last year. In fact, if Deion Anderson doesnt pick things up better in pass blocking etc, you might see the Cowboys keep 4 TE's and not a fullback. You read it here first.

Change from 2008...It all depends on Marty B being in the Offesnive mix.

O-Line
​

Let's be blunt. 2008 was horrendous for the Line. Injuries took their toll. Guys filled in as if they were asleep in meetings. The OL is the key to 2009. They have to keep Tony Romo upright. They have to open holes for the running game. I can't get the image out of my head of Cory Proctor not moving at all on that play against the Cardinals. I hope his music career is better than his football career. Hudson Houck better crack the whip.

Change from 2008...Please let there be. Never did like Proctor, still dont to this day. Its very frustrating to see Proctor get pushed back into romo's face or just stand there while a defensive linemen goes around Proctor and sack Romo. This is the whole key to the Dallas Cowboys on offense, that huge line of the cowboys must get down and dirty. Stay in shape throughout the season, and run block like crazy. Holland must produce, hopefully Doug Free does too.

D-Line
​

The biggest defection is Chris Canty, the abiggest addition is Igor Olshansky. I think that is literally true. I expect improvement at DE because of the arrival of Olshansky who I think is better than Canty and at a much better price.

Tank Johnson is thankfully gone and Junior Siavii apparently has impressed the coaching staff enough that they think he will cement the NT position behind Ratliff.

It's a contract year for Marcus Spears and he remains solid against the run but isn't the spectacular DE Cowboys fans covet. This is where I disagree with you somewhat Hostile. Granted I like Igor, he is a monster at defending the run, but this guy gets tied up too much in the pass rush. I wished he had gone with Marcus Spears to Randy White's big man's camp and got some tutoring on using hand tecnique of martial arts in shedding players holding him. Igor just cant get off of good offensive linemen holding him. I watched 3 games where Igor was playing, and just didnt see it in pass rush. Now on to the NT position, I hope Wade is right and Junior can be that good backup NT to spell Jay Ratliff so he doesnt wear down at the end of the season like Jay did last year. The dark horse for me at NT is Seawright, this guy is huge, something that a NT needs to be to plug up the middle on runs and spell Ratliff. Also, if you look at the New York Giants system in drafting, and signing players, the Giants have always been good at developing defensive linemen. That's where Seawright came from, being on the Giants roster and practice squad roster.

Change from 2008...Improvement because of Olshansky.

OLB
​

Greg "I Like What I Am Smelling" Ellis is gone. Anthony Spencer better step up. You had to know Ellis was goen when we drafted Brandon Williams and Victor Butler. They both led their respective Conferences in sacks.
Totally agree here buddy, never did like Greg's griping and complaining. Yet, at the same time, I remember when during the preseason, Spencer got hurt, and missed a treatment. Softee Wade really didnt get onto him. So, I question Spencer's maturity somewhat.
With word that Wade Phillips was assuming the full time role of Defensive Coordinator there comes hope that the surge of improvement in the pass rush continues. Look for the Defense to be ultra aggressive, especially at the OLB positions.

Call me a homer, but I think starting Spencer is a much needed change to this Defense.

DeMarcus Ware set his goal for 2009 at 25 sacks. He is the best Defensive player in the NFL, in my opinion.

Change from 2008...Improvement, Ellis will not be missed.
I also think that Butler and Brandon Williams will help somewhat on that pass rush.

ILB
​

Part of me wishes Zach Thomas had stayed around, even as a backup. It comes from my respect for him as a player. There will be professionalism in the huddle and locker room from Keith Brooking. It will be demanded and it will be given. Such is the kind of player Brooking has always been. This will benefit Bradie James the most who turned out to be a fine pass rusher from the blitz in 2008.

Will we keep 9 LBs? That is the question I keep asking as I try to figure out Jason Williams, Stephen Hodge and Bobby Carpenter all backing up James and Brooking.
Totally agree on this, I think Brooking will be very helpful in the locker room and on the field. I am going on record and say this. Remember when the Cowboys got Jackie Smith on offense in 1978? Midseason, it was Jackie that stood up in a team meeting and called the players out for not practicing right, etc. Then, the cowboys got serious about football, and the Cowboys went to the super bowl that year. I think this is where Brooking will come in, making plays on the field because I dont think he will wear down like Zach did last year.

Change from 2008...Solid improvement. Brooking is more compatible with Wade Phillips system.

CB
​

Anthony Henry was traded away and Pacman was sent away. The arrival last year of Scandrick and Jenkins is the main reason why. This year we also add Mike Mickens to the mix. He has the potential to be this year's Draft steal. If he stays healthy. Speaking of staying healthy, that's what we need from Terence Newman.
Totally agree here, Mickens reminds me of Ed Reed in being able to attack the football in coverage and get big key interceptions. The Cowboys might now by mid seaon have the most dangerous CB's in the league with Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick, Courtney Brown, and Mickens, dont forget Hawkins either.
Well, that and some dadgum takeaways. How could we have so many sacks and so few INTs? Mind boggling.

Change from 2008...Hard not to improve. It would take real effort.

S
​

Here's the one I have been dreading. Let the Roy Williams burned in effigy continue. There's no denying Sensabaugh's coverage skills are better than Roy's and are a key to this season. Ken Hamlin was a huge disappointment in 2008 and the injuries to our Safeties were off the charts. DeAngelo Smith and Michael Hamlin bring true ball hawk skills to the Defense. Depth is improved.
Totall agree here, was time for Roy Williams to move on, and let a player like Sensabaugh that is great in special teams, very good in coverage and will hit you too. Don't forget Alan Ball either, this guy was very skinny when the Cowboys first drafted him, he has bulked up somewhat, and very decent in coverage, he is always around the ball too.

Change from 2008...Better coverage means improvement.

Special Teams
​

We have a chance to be the best Special Teams units in the NFL. It all depends on the punt and kickoff coverage. Thank heavens Bruce "Lloyd Christmas" Read is gone and Joe DeCamillis has arrived. The man showed up to coach with a broken back and Tom Landry's bullhorn. Is there any doubt coverage teams will be better?

Matt McBriar returns as the most dangerous Punter in the NFC. His loss last year hurt even though his replacement had the biggest hit of the season. That's a sad commentary on 2008.

Nick Folk has established himself as one of the best FG Kickers in the the NFL. Remember when we Drafted him and people were saying he wasn't accurate enough to unseat Gramatica? I often wonder how that crow tasted. If there has been a complaint about him it has been kickoffs were not deep enough.

Problem solved. Welcome to two Kickers and the immortal world of David Buehler. I doubt he can even get close to his predictions for touchbacks but I honestly don't care as long as he gives us some. The longer the field for the opposing Offense the better the benefit for our Defense. That is all I care about.

The rookies from the Draft were selected in part to change the attitude on Special Teams. No wedge on kickoff returns means a focus on speed.
Totally agree on all of this, dont forget, a sleeper might be Willie Reid, this guy reminds me alittle of Kelvin Martin in punt returns and he was very good at returning punts in college. Our special teams should be a force by midseason for sure.
Change from 2008...Oh hell yeah. Improvement.[/QUOTE]

 

[proline]

Matt McBriar returns as the most dangerous Punter in the NFC. His loss last year hurt even though his replacement had the biggest hit of the season. That's a sad commentary on 2008.

I loved that! For those who have forgotten the play ..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z82Ru0C7Qt8

 

[TheSkaven]

Sorry guys, I am still stuck on the wide receiver position. In total, if you are counting people, then I agree that the team had a net improvement. But the loss of a major playmaker at wide receiver can't be good.

I am hopeful like everyone else that Roy Williams will become the #1 we all know he can be, or that Miles Austin will step up. But I think the loss at receiver counts more...

The big "gain" from last year is the guys we get back from injury. I'm really excited about Felix Jones, and hope he can stay healthy. A healthy Felix Jones and Tony Romo last year would have taken this team to 11-5, I firmly believe.

 

[Hostile]

Oy, I wish people would learn how to divide a post and still quote it.

It isn't that hard. Instead of {} use []

{quote=Hostile}part to be quoted.{/quote}You makes comments.

{quote=Hostile}next part you want to be quoted{/quote}You make more comments.


It is really simple yet so many can't do it.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

I think those that are worrying about replacing TO's production should also consider that last year many thought they saw a decline in his ability and capeability of breaking jams and getting free. So comparing what we MIGHT have got out of TO this year to what we get from Roy might be more to the point. I think this could be much closer to a wash then many might have thought. Add to that the real likelihood that we will be spreading the ball around more and running the ball more and there would have been a drop in TO's production NO MATTER WHAT.

In 8 games TO had less than 300 total yards receiving. In 10 games, he was still short of 400 yards. Look at his totals from last season, ascending order:

1. 17
2. 31
3. 32
4. 33
5. 36
6. 36
7. 38
8. 38
9. 63
10. 67
11. 71
12. 87
13. 89
14. 98
15. 103
16. 213

Is that the kind of production you want or expect from your #1 WR? How many folks would look at those totals to begin the 2008 season and assume the Owens was nursing a major injury for most of the season?

Do people really think we're going to have such a hard time replacing an adjusted mean per game of 59 yards??? The 213 yards against a 7-9 team that ranked 20th against the pass really skews how far off Owens had dropped last season.

 

[Hostile]

In 8 games TO had less than 300 total yards receiving. In 10 games, he was still short of 400 yards. Look at his totals from last season, ascending order:

1. 17
2. 31
3. 32
4. 33
5. 36
6. 36
7. 38
8. 38
9. 63
10. 67
11. 71
12. 87
13. 89
14. 98
15. 103
16. 213

Is that the kind of production you want or expect from your #1 WR? How many folks would look at those totals to begin the 2008 season and assume the Owens was nursing a major injury for most of the season?

Do people really think we're going to have such a hard time replacing an adjusted mean per game of 59 yards??? The 213 yards against a 7-9 team that ranked 20th against the pass really skews how far off Owens had dropped last season.

That is what I don't get with all the hand wringing. I think they are projecting Roy Williams' 2008 stats out to 16 games and thinking that is all he is capable of. I find that ridiculous. I think he will easily out perform Owens' 2008 stats.

 

[Nav22]

To be fair, 3 of those 36-or-less yards receiving games came in Romo's 3 game absence.

In the 13 games in which Romo was his QB, T.O. had 57 catches, 952 yards, and 9 TDs.

Averaged out over 16 games, those totals accumulate to 70 catches, 1172 yards, and 11 TDs. A little better than his actual 2008 numbers.

Love him or hate him, Owens still has plenty left in the tank. The one team that went away from the jam-with-safety-help strategy (San Francisco) paid dearly.

He served as a very valuable decoy even when we couldn't get him the ball... now that decoy is gone and it'll make things a bit tougher for the rest of our offensive weapons.

Hopefully, the notion that Romo can now liberally "pass to whoever's open" without worrying about #81 reaching his quota is true and it'll make us a better, more efficient offense.

 

[DFWJC]

In 8 games TO had less than 300 total yards receiving. In 10 games, he was still short of 400 yards. Look at his totals from last season, ascending order:

1. 17
2. 31
3. 32
4. 33
5. 36
6. 36
7. 38
8. 38
9. 63
10. 67
11. 71
12. 87
13. 89
14. 98
15. 103
16. 213

Is that the kind of production you want or expect from your #1 WR? How many folks would look at those totals to begin the 2008 season and assume the Owens was nursing a major injury for most of the season?

Do people really think we're going to have such a hard time replacing an adjusted mean per game of 59 yards??? The 213 yards against a 7-9 team that ranked 20th against the pass really skews how far off Owens had dropped last season.

Nice work. I agree the world's not coming to a end with the Cowboys sans TO. But just to fair, I'll point out two obvious things that you already know:
1) TO scored 10 TDs last year on a down season...and 38 total in 3 years.
2) The defensive coverage absolutely was skewed to stop TO and Witten.

Having said that, I'm in the camp that our offense will be just fine if healthy.
Punch 'em in the mouth with the inside-outside running game and our TEs and WRs will cause some damage.

 

[CactusCowboy]

Bennett, imo, will be huge, he and Witten are best TE tandem in football. Bennett has mega talent and it seems he is maturing. He will be one of Tony's main guys this year.

 

[Hostile]

Bennett, imo, will be huge, he and Witten are best TE tandem in football. Bennett has mega talent and it seems he is maturing. He will be one of Tony's main guys this year.

A positive post from you?

What happened?

:wink2:

 

[thechosen1n2]

O-line


changes from 2008: please let there be!


lol

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Good post. Must say you are on a roll Hos with the stuff your posting now that TC is upon us.

i would like to add that I believe DeCamillis was one of the coaches that was in favor of getting rid of the wedge and supported the rules change. If that is the case then I expect he has been thinking for a long time what the best schemes are for KR without the wedge and how to effectively do it.

We may very well be ahead of the curve as the league adjusts to the new rule.

 

[firehawk350]

I always have to start at QB. It's simply the most important position on the field.

QB​

The player I wanted gone more than any other was Brad Johnson. There was of course a 2nd choice, but that hope was way down the list compared to how badly I wanted Johnson gone. Wasn't too keen on Brooks Bollinger either.

While I wanted to get younger, I can't deny that Jon Kitna is a great acquisition. Not only can he give some veteran tips to Romo, he can actually play. We finally drafted a QB and while McGee was not my pet cat in this Draft for QBs I am excited by his potential.

Romo's health is still the key to a great season, but we're in better shape if he gets hurt.

Change from 2008...Improvement.

RB & FB​

The only changes will be that hopefully no one is called up form the Practice Squad due to injuries. There also could be a changing of the guard at FB or a complete removal of the position from the team. Without a doubt the Offense will be more focused on getting these playmakers the ball.

Change from 2008...Health is the key.

WR​

I had to say it sooner or later. The Offense will miss TO. It cannot be denied that he is more talented than any of the WRs looking to take the #2 spot. Miles Austin needs to step up. Hurd and Stanback need to contribute on Special Teams and Roy Williams faces an incredible amount of scrutiny after a lackluster arrival.

Change from 2008...Decline in overall talent.

TE​

John Phillips replaces Shane Hannah and Tony Curtis as the 3rd and blocking TE. The real improvement chance comes with maturation in the Offense by Martellus Bennett. Look for the Cowboys to use his leaping ability in the Red Zone. He might also play some WR. Now couldn't that be fun?

Change from 2008...It all depends on Marty B being in the Offesnive mix.

O-Line​

Let's be blunt. 2008 was horrendous for the Line. Injuries took their toll. Guys filled in as if they were asleep in meetings. The OL is the key to 2009. They have to keep Tony Romo upright. They have to open holes for the running game. I can't get the image out of my head of Cory Proctor not moving at all on that play against the Cardinals. I hope his music career is better than his football career. Hudson Houck better crack the whip.

Change from 2008...Please let there be.

D-Line​

The biggest defection is Chris Canty, the abiggest addition is Igor Olshansky. I think that is literally true. I expect improvement at DE because of the arrival of Olshansky who I think is better than Canty and at a much better price.

Tank Johnson is thankfully gone and Junior Siavii apparently has impressed the coaching staff enough that they think he will cement the NT position behind Ratliff.

It's a contract year for Marcus Spears and he remains solid against the run but isn't the spectacular DE Cowboys fans covet.

Change from 2008...Improvement because of Olshansky.

OLB​

Greg "I Like What I Am Smelling" Ellis is gone. Anthony Spencer better step up. You had to know Ellis was goen when we drafted Brandon Williams and Victor Butler. They both led their respective Conferences in sacks.

With word that Wade Phillips was assuming the full time role of Defensive Coordinator there comes hope that the surge of improvement in the pass rush continues. Look for the Defense to be ultra aggressive, especially at the OLB positions.

Call me a homer, but I think starting Spencer is a much needed change to this Defense.

DeMarcus Ware set his goal for 2009 at 25 sacks. He is the best Defensive player in the NFL, in my opinion.

Change from 2008...Improvement, Ellis will not be missed.

ILB​

Part of me wishes Zach Thomas had stayed around, even as a backup. It comes from my respect for him as a player. There will be professionalism in the huddle and locker room from Keith Brooking. It will be demanded and it will be given. Such is the kind of player Brooking has always been. This will benefit Bradie James the most who turned out to be a fine pass rusher from the blitz in 2008.

Will we keep 9 LBs? That is the question I keep asking as I try to figure out Jason Williams, Stephen Hodge and Bobby Carpenter all backing up James and Brooking.

Change from 2008...Solid improvement. Brooking is more compatible with Wade Phillips system.

CB​

Anthony Henry was traded away and Pacman was sent away. The arrival last year of Scandrick and Jenkins is the main reason why. This year we also add Mike Mickens to the mix. He has the potential to be this year's Draft steal. If he stays healthy. Speaking of staying healthy, that's what we need from Terence Newman.

Well, that and some dadgum takeaways. How could we have so many sacks and so few INTs? Mind boggling.

Change from 2008...Hard not to improve. It would take real effort.

S​

Here's the one I have been dreading. Let the Roy Williams burned in effigy continue. There's no denying Sensabaugh's coverage skills are better than Roy's and are a key to this season. Ken Hamlin was a huge disappointment in 2008 and the injuries to our Safeties were off the charts. DeAngelo Smith and Michael Hamlin bring true ball hawk skills to the Defense. Depth is improved.

Change from 2008...Better coverage means improvement.

Special Teams​

We have a chance to be the best Special Teams units in the NFL. It all depends on the punt and kickoff coverage. Thank heavens Bruce "Lloyd Christmas" Read is gone and Joe DeCamillis has arrived. The man showed up to coach with a broken back and Tom Landry's bullhorn. Is there any doubt coverage teams will be better?

Matt McBriar returns as the most dangerous Punter in the NFC. His loss last year hurt even though his replacement had the biggest hit of the season. That's a sad commentary on 2008.

Nick Folk has established himself as one of the best FG Kickers in the the NFL. Remember when we Drafted him and people were saying he wasn't accurate enough to unseat Gramatica? I often wonder how that crow tasted. If there has been a complaint about him it has been kickoffs were not deep enough.

Problem solved. Welcome to two Kickers and the immortal world of David Buehler. I doubt he can even get close to his predictions for touchbacks but I honestly don't care as long as he gives us some. The longer the field for the opposing Offense the better the benefit for our Defense. That is all I care about.

The rookies from the Draft were selected in part to change the attitude on Special Teams. No wedge on kickoff returns means a focus on speed.

Change from 2008...Oh hell yeah. Improvement.

I am just going to post the ones I disagree with or have to add.

RB.. Can't say they've changed. However, unless, somebody proves to be a deep threat, what's to stop a safety from creeping into the box to stop the run?

TE... I would have to say upgrade. Bennett is going to be a better player now than he was last year. However, I would be concerned about his maturity. Immature guys let offseason accolades go to their heads and Bennett has had his ego stroked for the whole offseason.

OL... I would have to go with downgrade in much the same way that I went with upgrade for TE. Flozell, I think, has lost a step and Kosier is far from being a sure bet to start the entire season. Sometimes, when a player gets older, he just starts getting nagging injuries (Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas come to this Skins fan's mind). Your line is all over 30, chances are one player will see some injury and how's your depth?

DL... I would disagree. I would say it's a wash. Junior Savaii an upgrade from Tank? Tank wasn't good by any stretch but I don't think we can call Junior an upgrade and I'm being generous. Canty vs. Olshansky, I don't think objectively you can claim this is an upgrade. It's a wash.

LB... Downgrade. Brooking for Zac Thomas? Yeah, probably a wash. However, I think Anthony Spencer has, so far, been a bust. There's no way you can claim he's better than Ellis at this point. I've rewatched a couple of games and kept a close eye on Anthony Spencer and I'm just unimpressed. He doesn't have the hustle and his speed has been underwhelming. It just seemed that once a blocker locked onto him, he was made a non-factor.

Secondary... I honestly don't know. Personally, I thought Mike Jenkins was just mediocre and Scandrick was good, but that was covering 4th and 5th receivers. Bring them up to cover 2nd and 3rd receivers? I don't think you can say they'll for sure be better than Pacman (who was better on the field than most give him credit for) and Henry (I think they will be better than Henry but the combination of the two, I don't know). Sensabaugh WILL be better than the run of guys you had at SS.

Overall... You are definitely less talented. TO was the best football player on the team and is, unless HOF voters hold his antics against him, the only sure HOF on the team. Witten is the second best but can he consistently beat the double coverage that teams will surely roll his way? You can't say that the pick-ups you had in the offseason (a handful of second day picks and Olshansky) will offset the talent loss of TO, Canty, Greg Ellis, Pacman and Tank? I agree completely that they had to be let go (minus Canty) because I just don't think you can sustain long term success with them on the team however, I don't think you can say the Cowboys are a more talented team with them off the roster. Having said that though, it'll be the intangibles that will make or break the season. Mental errors and a lack of a strong coaching staff cost the Cowboys last season and whether that was changed remains to be seen.