gimmesix
Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life
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First of all, a disclaimer. I think this team is good enough with what it has to be a Super Bowl contender. From that standpoint, I don't expect Dallas to make many, if any, changes to its starting lineup heading into next season.
However, I do believe there are some weaknesses on this team that can be addressed to make it a stronger team. Not necessarily glaring weaknesses, but just areas where we could possibly do better.
Those areas, starting with defense but not listed in an order of preference, are:
1) Ballhawking free safety Ken Hamlin does an excellent job of setting the secondary and handling his assignment as a center fielder and is a better tackler than he's given credit for (although he likes to go for the big hit), but he has never been a ballhawk going back to his days at Arkansas. He's just not a guy who finds the ball well (only two out of seven seasons with four or more interceptions). Not having that center fielder who goes and gets the ball is one reason Dallas' interception numbers haven't been better.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Mike Hamlin Although Hamlin is often viewed as more of a strong safety because he supports the run well but has limited cover skills, he better fits what Dallas is doing at free safety. He is more of a ballhawk (14 interceptions in college) who doesn't match up well in the one-on-one duties the Cowboys demand of strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.
DRAFT NEED Usually, one of the top-tier safeties is available around the time that Dallas picks in the first round, but don't expect the Cowboys to select one then. Most likely, the Cowboys are going to re-sign Sensabaugh and will have good money invested in all four starters in the secondary. A pick from the fourth round on to compete for the fourth or fifth safety spot is a realistic expectation.
2) A younger, faster Keith Brooking Brooking gave the Cowboys more than could be expected this season with his know-how, drive and leadership. He is part of the heart and soul of this defense, and there is no way Dallas is going to replace him. However, the reality is that while Brooking was very good in his first season with the Cowboys, he is not the player he was when he came into the league. The wear and tear shows at times, which should be expected, and he doesn't always have the legs to keep up with his motor. The impossible task would be to find someone who does have those legs, but also has Brooking's knowledge and energy.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Jason Williams The best we can hope for is for Williams to learn from Brooking and become that younger, faster option in a couple of years. Williams appears to have the intensity, and he certainly has the speed, but there's a lot of work to be done on his know-how.
DRAFT NEED It will be a surprise if Dallas adds an inside linebacker after drafting two last year who should make the roster. Of course, 3-4 coaches seem to collect linebackers, so it could happen.
3) More complete nickel linebackers Bobby Carpenter did a much better job in his nickel role than he's often credited for, excelling in coverage for the most part. He also got some pressure when used on blitzes, but wasn't consistent enough in that area and didn't always support the run well. The other nickel job was split by Bradie James and Keith Brooking (although it seemed that Brooking was used more as the season progressed). Neither is an ideal coverage linebacker, although they make up for deficiences through effort more than great coverage skills. Dallas needs to have players in those positions who not only excel in coverage but are excellent blitzers and strong in run support.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge Williams has the speed to handle covering backs and tight ends, but has to get acclimated to the job. He showed his ability as a blitzer in the preseason and was strong in run support in college. Although we didn't get to see much of Hodge, reports were that the former hybrid safety was playing well in coverage, and showing ability as a blitzer and in run support.
DRAFT NEED Again, it's doubtful we draft any ILBs unless it appears Hodge won't be able to bounce back from surgery.
4) A dynamic defensive end Now that not as many fans are demanding that All-Pro nose tackle Jay Ratliff be moved to a position he doesn't want to play, it's time to look for another all-around standout to man one of the end spots. Make no mistake, one of the reasons the Cowboys were so good against the run this year was because of the play of ends Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky. However, the ends also need to be able to pressure the passer in Phillips' version of the 3-4, and the only one who showed much ability to do that was backup Stephen Bowen, who's not as good against the run.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Marcus Dixon This one's a real long shot because Dixon just didn't live up last preseason to the hype heaped on him by Jerry Jones. But maybe Jones and the coaching staff were seeing signs that might materialize on the field this season.
DRAFT NEED Since the uncapped year is looming, it's doubtful Dallas loses any of its ends in free agency, which makes it doubtful Dallas drafts any. A small-school guy with potential could be grabbed in the later rounds to compete for a backup/practice squad spot, but that's all that's likely.
5) A Moose-like fullback There is nothing wrong with Deon Anderson's blocking ability, but it is clear that Dallas doesn't see him as anything other than a blocker. The Cowboys toyed with giving him the ball some in short yardage and throwing to him some out of the backfield, but has done little to establish him as a threat to the defense. A more complete fullback would give defenses one more thing to worry about.
OPTION ON ROSTER? John Phillips Phillips assumed quite a bit of Anderson's load at fullback and appeared to be just as good, if not better, as a blocker. He also has given Dallas reason to trust him as a receiver, so even though it's unlikely he'll run with the ball, at least Phillips gives us a dual-threat at the position. Expect his playing time at the position to increase next season because of it.
DRAFT NEED If there is a stud all-around fullback available, it would be worth Dallas pulling the trigger in the second or third round, but because the Cowboys have Anderson and Phillips, the position isn't likely to be addressed.
6) Better production from the No. 2 receiver Roy Williams will be given every chance to prove that he can be a productive No. 2 option, and he should be. Dallas has to work to see if their investment will ever pay off as well as it should, but be willing to give someone else a chance if Williams doesn't step up quickly next season. I'm not as down on Williams as many are because I believe he's capable of a lot more, but the numbers do speak for themselves: Dallas has to have more from the No. 2 spot.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Kevin Ogletree Although we have no idea how he'd handle a starting role, Ogletree showed plenty to like during his rookie season. He has separation speed, good hands, good field awareness and he runs tight routes. The kid looks like an undrafted free agent find, and Dallas shouldn't hesitate to see if that comes to fruition if Williams has another rocky start.
DRAFT NEED The Cowboys have five guys they feel good about, but should not pass up any steals in any round. This is not strictly a need position, but one where an upgrade could lead to the Cowboys finding a better No. 2 option. However, there is no reason to pick a receiver just to pick one. Dallas can ride with what it's got.
7) A more mobile/agile offensive line The Cowboys' line is a brute force. If the linemen get their hands on defenders, it's over. The trouble is that four of the five linemen have limited mobility/agility to match defensive linemen with good quickness or to make solid second-level contact. Finding linemen with that mobility and the strength to stone defensive fronts is not that easy. Dallas doesn't want five Kyle Kosiers, because Kosier has trouble handling big interior linemen. But there are certain games that show the brute squad is not the way to go, either, and Dallas needs to heavily invest in quicker linemen.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Doug Free and Robert Brewster Free's play at right and left tackle left little doubt that the future is now for the fleet backup. He might still lack ideal power, but he's tough for ends to get around and showed on one dramatic play how he can get downfield to make blocks. Everything we've heard about Brewster is similar to what we've heard about Free: He's got great feet/athleticism but needs to get stronger. That's what he's been working on, so it's possible we'll see another backup who could offer us more than what we're getting from a starter. Either inside or outside, Brewster could be an upgrade.
DRAFT NEED This has to be the top priority. If a top lineman is available in the first round, Dallas needs to take him to eventually rebuild a line that's showing its age and lack of athleticism. Where the Cowboys are drafting, it will probably be easier to land one of the top interior players, but no matter what, the Cowboys have to keep their eyes out for linemen.
8) A reliable kicker We really thought we had this wrapped up with Nick Folk. In his first two years, he looked like a clutch player who would be among the best in the league for years to come. Then, it all fell apart after his hip surgery in the off-season, and Shaun Suisham proved to be similarly off his game.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? None The Cowboys' best bet is going to be either bringing back Folk and getting his problems straightened out or signing a veteran. I've got to believe that Folk will find his form again, but there are no guarantees. Even if Folk returns, there has to be some quality competition for the spot.
DRAFT NEED Dallas could probably get the top kicker available in the fourth or fifth round, but I don't think the Cowboys will want to rely on a rookie or use another draft pick on a kicker.
However, I do believe there are some weaknesses on this team that can be addressed to make it a stronger team. Not necessarily glaring weaknesses, but just areas where we could possibly do better.
Those areas, starting with defense but not listed in an order of preference, are:
1) Ballhawking free safety Ken Hamlin does an excellent job of setting the secondary and handling his assignment as a center fielder and is a better tackler than he's given credit for (although he likes to go for the big hit), but he has never been a ballhawk going back to his days at Arkansas. He's just not a guy who finds the ball well (only two out of seven seasons with four or more interceptions). Not having that center fielder who goes and gets the ball is one reason Dallas' interception numbers haven't been better.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Mike Hamlin Although Hamlin is often viewed as more of a strong safety because he supports the run well but has limited cover skills, he better fits what Dallas is doing at free safety. He is more of a ballhawk (14 interceptions in college) who doesn't match up well in the one-on-one duties the Cowboys demand of strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.
DRAFT NEED Usually, one of the top-tier safeties is available around the time that Dallas picks in the first round, but don't expect the Cowboys to select one then. Most likely, the Cowboys are going to re-sign Sensabaugh and will have good money invested in all four starters in the secondary. A pick from the fourth round on to compete for the fourth or fifth safety spot is a realistic expectation.
2) A younger, faster Keith Brooking Brooking gave the Cowboys more than could be expected this season with his know-how, drive and leadership. He is part of the heart and soul of this defense, and there is no way Dallas is going to replace him. However, the reality is that while Brooking was very good in his first season with the Cowboys, he is not the player he was when he came into the league. The wear and tear shows at times, which should be expected, and he doesn't always have the legs to keep up with his motor. The impossible task would be to find someone who does have those legs, but also has Brooking's knowledge and energy.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Jason Williams The best we can hope for is for Williams to learn from Brooking and become that younger, faster option in a couple of years. Williams appears to have the intensity, and he certainly has the speed, but there's a lot of work to be done on his know-how.
DRAFT NEED It will be a surprise if Dallas adds an inside linebacker after drafting two last year who should make the roster. Of course, 3-4 coaches seem to collect linebackers, so it could happen.
3) More complete nickel linebackers Bobby Carpenter did a much better job in his nickel role than he's often credited for, excelling in coverage for the most part. He also got some pressure when used on blitzes, but wasn't consistent enough in that area and didn't always support the run well. The other nickel job was split by Bradie James and Keith Brooking (although it seemed that Brooking was used more as the season progressed). Neither is an ideal coverage linebacker, although they make up for deficiences through effort more than great coverage skills. Dallas needs to have players in those positions who not only excel in coverage but are excellent blitzers and strong in run support.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge Williams has the speed to handle covering backs and tight ends, but has to get acclimated to the job. He showed his ability as a blitzer in the preseason and was strong in run support in college. Although we didn't get to see much of Hodge, reports were that the former hybrid safety was playing well in coverage, and showing ability as a blitzer and in run support.
DRAFT NEED Again, it's doubtful we draft any ILBs unless it appears Hodge won't be able to bounce back from surgery.
4) A dynamic defensive end Now that not as many fans are demanding that All-Pro nose tackle Jay Ratliff be moved to a position he doesn't want to play, it's time to look for another all-around standout to man one of the end spots. Make no mistake, one of the reasons the Cowboys were so good against the run this year was because of the play of ends Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky. However, the ends also need to be able to pressure the passer in Phillips' version of the 3-4, and the only one who showed much ability to do that was backup Stephen Bowen, who's not as good against the run.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Marcus Dixon This one's a real long shot because Dixon just didn't live up last preseason to the hype heaped on him by Jerry Jones. But maybe Jones and the coaching staff were seeing signs that might materialize on the field this season.
DRAFT NEED Since the uncapped year is looming, it's doubtful Dallas loses any of its ends in free agency, which makes it doubtful Dallas drafts any. A small-school guy with potential could be grabbed in the later rounds to compete for a backup/practice squad spot, but that's all that's likely.
5) A Moose-like fullback There is nothing wrong with Deon Anderson's blocking ability, but it is clear that Dallas doesn't see him as anything other than a blocker. The Cowboys toyed with giving him the ball some in short yardage and throwing to him some out of the backfield, but has done little to establish him as a threat to the defense. A more complete fullback would give defenses one more thing to worry about.
OPTION ON ROSTER? John Phillips Phillips assumed quite a bit of Anderson's load at fullback and appeared to be just as good, if not better, as a blocker. He also has given Dallas reason to trust him as a receiver, so even though it's unlikely he'll run with the ball, at least Phillips gives us a dual-threat at the position. Expect his playing time at the position to increase next season because of it.
DRAFT NEED If there is a stud all-around fullback available, it would be worth Dallas pulling the trigger in the second or third round, but because the Cowboys have Anderson and Phillips, the position isn't likely to be addressed.
6) Better production from the No. 2 receiver Roy Williams will be given every chance to prove that he can be a productive No. 2 option, and he should be. Dallas has to work to see if their investment will ever pay off as well as it should, but be willing to give someone else a chance if Williams doesn't step up quickly next season. I'm not as down on Williams as many are because I believe he's capable of a lot more, but the numbers do speak for themselves: Dallas has to have more from the No. 2 spot.
OPTION ON ROSTER? Kevin Ogletree Although we have no idea how he'd handle a starting role, Ogletree showed plenty to like during his rookie season. He has separation speed, good hands, good field awareness and he runs tight routes. The kid looks like an undrafted free agent find, and Dallas shouldn't hesitate to see if that comes to fruition if Williams has another rocky start.
DRAFT NEED The Cowboys have five guys they feel good about, but should not pass up any steals in any round. This is not strictly a need position, but one where an upgrade could lead to the Cowboys finding a better No. 2 option. However, there is no reason to pick a receiver just to pick one. Dallas can ride with what it's got.
7) A more mobile/agile offensive line The Cowboys' line is a brute force. If the linemen get their hands on defenders, it's over. The trouble is that four of the five linemen have limited mobility/agility to match defensive linemen with good quickness or to make solid second-level contact. Finding linemen with that mobility and the strength to stone defensive fronts is not that easy. Dallas doesn't want five Kyle Kosiers, because Kosier has trouble handling big interior linemen. But there are certain games that show the brute squad is not the way to go, either, and Dallas needs to heavily invest in quicker linemen.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? Doug Free and Robert Brewster Free's play at right and left tackle left little doubt that the future is now for the fleet backup. He might still lack ideal power, but he's tough for ends to get around and showed on one dramatic play how he can get downfield to make blocks. Everything we've heard about Brewster is similar to what we've heard about Free: He's got great feet/athleticism but needs to get stronger. That's what he's been working on, so it's possible we'll see another backup who could offer us more than what we're getting from a starter. Either inside or outside, Brewster could be an upgrade.
DRAFT NEED This has to be the top priority. If a top lineman is available in the first round, Dallas needs to take him to eventually rebuild a line that's showing its age and lack of athleticism. Where the Cowboys are drafting, it will probably be easier to land one of the top interior players, but no matter what, the Cowboys have to keep their eyes out for linemen.
8) A reliable kicker We really thought we had this wrapped up with Nick Folk. In his first two years, he looked like a clutch player who would be among the best in the league for years to come. Then, it all fell apart after his hip surgery in the off-season, and Shaun Suisham proved to be similarly off his game.
OPTIONS ON ROSTER? None The Cowboys' best bet is going to be either bringing back Folk and getting his problems straightened out or signing a veteran. I've got to believe that Folk will find his form again, but there are no guarantees. Even if Folk returns, there has to be some quality competition for the spot.
DRAFT NEED Dallas could probably get the top kicker available in the fourth or fifth round, but I don't think the Cowboys will want to rely on a rookie or use another draft pick on a kicker.
what has he ever led his teams too? he's 60+ years old, been in the game for 30+ and just this year got his 1st playoff win.
