Most exciting position group

[Galian Beast]

I still think Tony Romo gives the Cowboys one of the best strengths in any position group, and if Orton decides to play, one of the better backups, with Weeden adding a lot of potential behind them, but I don't think QB is what is exciting going into this camp, and that's probably a good thing.

Here are my ranks for position groups by how excited I am about them

1. WR
2. RB
3. DL
4. OL
5. Safeties
6. Linebackers
7. Corners

The competition for 5th and 6th WR should be really intense. The competition for 3rd running back should also be pretty intense. Basically every position on the defensive line will see competition in some form, which is exciting, since there really hasn't been much change there in a while.

The offensive line excites me, but not because of the competition, though Leary and Bernadeau are obviously going to have to compete, but because the OL might be the team's strongest group, which is a complete 180.

I am excited to see Wilcox, Johnson and Dixon compete out there, and even though we're all down on Jeff Heath, I'm looking forward to see if he can continue to grow in year 2. The reality is Heath had no business being on the roster last year, let alone starting. He was going to be a promising practice squad type guy. Maybe someone who could come in a contribute on special teams if he was on the roster. We were so decimated by injuries at safety last year, I'd like to see us take at least 5 safeties on the 53 man roster.

When it comes to our linebackers and corners, I'm pretty down on both groups. I hope that they can prove otherwise. I think our second team linebacker group could dominate in preseason, especially with what I think our second team defensive line will be. I'm really not pleased with a single corner on the team. I see that as our biggest weakness, when it should have been one of our greatest strengths. But again, that could easily change with players playing to their potential and their original expectations.

This team has a lot of what-ifs, and for this period of time that is exciting, but hopefully we have some positive answers by the time the season starts.

 

[snapper]

Running back.

O-line does not count; they are a bunch of big uglies.

 

[jazzcat22]

Nice write up, I pretty much agree on the competition of the WR's, and RB's, will be some interesting battles, and let's hope that translates into some tough decisions.
DL, yes, been a big change as well as turnover if you include the injured players returning to compete too.
I put S and LB over OL. As you said, Leary and Bernadeau will be the competition. CB's same, Scandrick or Mo, one will start one will be slot, which is still a win / win to me. As to S are more players in the mix. I think anything can happen here.
LB's, I want to see how Holloman progressed. Showed good signs as a playmaker to me.

 

[rwalters31]

Running back.

O-line does not count; they are a bunch of big uglies.

Aaaaaaah, that's mean but true!

 

[jday]

I still think Tony Romo gives the Cowboys one of the best strengths in any position group, and if Orton decides to play, one of the better backups, with Weeden adding a lot of potential behind them, but I don't think QB is what is exciting going into this camp, and that's probably a good thing.

Here are my ranks for position groups by how excited I am about them

1. WR
2. RB
3. DL
4. OL
5. Safeties
6. Linebackers
7. Corners

The competition for 5th and 6th WR should be really intense. The competition for 3rd running back should also be pretty intense. Basically every position on the defensive line will see competition in some form, which is exciting, since there really hasn't been much change there in a while.

The offensive line excites me, but not because of the competition, though Leary and Bernadeau are obviously going to have to compete, but because the OL might be the team's strongest group, which is a complete 180.

I am excited to see Wilcox, Johnson and Dixon compete out there, and even though we're all down on Jeff Heath, I'm looking forward to see if he can continue to grow in year 2. The reality is Heath had no business being on the roster last year, let alone starting. He was going to be a promising practice squad type guy. Maybe someone who could come in a contribute on special teams if he was on the roster. We were so decimated by injuries at safety last year, I'd like to see us take at least 5 safeties on the 53 man roster.

When it comes to our linebackers and corners, I'm pretty down on both groups. I hope that they can prove otherwise. I think our second team linebacker group could dominate in preseason, especially with what I think our second team defensive line will be. I'm really not pleased with a single corner on the team. I see that as our biggest weakness, when it should have been one of our greatest strengths. But again, that could easily change with players playing to their potential and their original expectations.

This team has a lot of what-ifs, and for this period of time that is exciting, but hopefully we have some positive answers by the time the season starts.

I'll admit our corners were bad, and I honestly don't believe we have a true #1 corner who can hold his own against any true #1 receiver. Having said that, much of the issues our corners had, were not their fault. Consider: The Cowboys ranked 25th in sacks as a team, which suggest we were not doing a good job of generating pressure and the defense Marinelli/Kiffin depends on pressure. You simply cannot leave a CB on an island that long and expect them to stop a good QB/receiver tandem.

 

[Galian Beast]

I'll admit our corners were bad, and I honestly don't believe we have a true #1 corner who can hold his own against any true #1 receiver. Having said that, much of the issues our corners had, were not their fault. Consider: The Cowboys ranked 25th in sacks as a team, which suggest we were not doing a good job of generating pressure and the defense Marinelli/Kiffin depends on pressure. You simply cannot leave a CB on an island that long and expect them to stop a good QB/receiver tandem.

We've been able to put pressure on quarterbacks, but history we've still had a pretty high defensive qb rating.

This stems not only from inconsistent pressure, but to poor coverage across the board.

Too many years we spent on 3-4 linebackers who could not cover running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers. And only recently have we moved to the 4-3, but the coverage issues still remain.

The one year when we were in the top half of the league (16th), we won a playoff game. The time before (2007), we were top 5, and went 13-3.

Only two times in the "romo era" which we were in the top 16.

This team has for too long overlooked having a steady defense. We're still probably not there, but at least we've made some wholesale changes.

 

[jday]

We've been able to put pressure on quarterbacks, but history we've still had a pretty high defensive qb rating.

This stems not only from inconsistent pressure, but to poor coverage across the board.

Too many years we spent on 3-4 linebackers who could not cover running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers. And only recently have we moved to the 4-3, but the coverage issues still remain.

The one year when we were in the top half of the league (16th), we won a playoff game. The time before (2007), we were top 5, and went 13-3.

Only two times in the "romo era" which we were in the top 16.

This team has for too long overlooked having a steady defense. We're still probably not there, but at least we've made some wholesale changes.

Perhaps it would have been better if I said we haven't been able to "consistently" put pressure on the QB. I'll grant you, Marinelli did a pretty good job of getting the most out of what we had. But there is only so much he could do.

Does anyone have access to info that would answer the question: How much time did QB's have in the pocket versus defenses last year on average? I'm guessing the Cowboys ranked pretty poorly in this department, but without the stats to prove it, that's all I'm doing - guessing.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Excited as far as watching the competition develop? Easily the DL. So many unknowns with a lot of moving parts. Still, even modest improvement from the group could make a major difference in how the team fares overall.

 

[skinsscalper]

Perhaps it would have been better if I said we haven't been able to "consistently" put pressure on the QB. I'll grant you, Marinelli did a pretty good job of getting the most out of what we had. But there is only so much he could do.

Does anyone have access to info that would answer the question: How much time did QB's have in the pocket versus defenses last year on average? I'm guessing the Cowboys ranked pretty poorly in this department, but without the stats to prove it, that's all I'm doing - guessing.

I don't know about time in the pocket but I believe the Cowboys ranked at the bottom of the league in opponent's passer rating. That tells me all I need to know about pressure on the QB. We made guys like Matt Flynn look like lead pipe lock Hall of Famers last year and that's just beyond sad. An actual HOF candidate (Brees) gave his punter the week off with his performance against this defense.

I'm hopeful that we'll see significant improvement with this defense this season but I'm not sure how many people grasp how truly awful this defense was this past season. Our final record truly is a testament to how much this team leaned on Romo and this offense. A middle of the pack defense would have had this team making a serious run at the Super Bowl last year. If we can get THAT this year, I like our chances (providing Romo stays healthy).

 

[DFWJC]

Oline.
If they dominate, look out!

 

[RS12]

O Line. If it doesnt work, nothing works. Behind QB, most important unit on any team.

 

[dstovall5]

I'd say O-Line and WR would be the most exciting to watch. WR mainly because of Dez and the competition between the newly brought in guys and Cole/Harrison. O-Line because it would be hilarious watching grown men getting stone walled by Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and hopefully the rookie Martin.

Tyron Smith, business as usual.

Dez Bryant, making it look so easy.

 

[Bullflop]

Right now, I'd say the OL would be the most deserving positional group to be considered as the most exciting one. The youth and depth has improved significantly enough to warrant at least a reasonable degree of optimism. Let's hope that even though things are looking up at the moment, nothing closely resembling last year's injury situation is destined to repeat itself.

 

[CooterBrown]

I think the running back position will be entertaining to keep up with. Murray, barring injury is a lock. Dunbar would seem to be, but you never know for sure. Malena will probably excel at special teams. Tanner has played special teams. The Williams signing makes this all interesting. It would be interesting to know why he was inactive all 16 games last year. Randle is probably as good as gone. So, do they keep 4 RB again? and, if so who gets cut?.

 

[mitchell2254]

Idk but I sure do dread watching our secondary again. Hopefully Rod can work some magic or develop a killer blitz scheme.

 

[CooterBrown]

Idk but I sure do dread watching our secondary again. Hopefully Rod can work some magic or develop a killer blitz scheme.

I agree with that dread. I have been amazed that our "on paper" all-pro cornerbacks struggle badly and our DB coach still has a job here.