The entire idea of leaders on a professional football team is overrated. The idea that grown-men being paid millions of dollars need any sort of "on-field" motivation sickens me.
The Cowboys played their hearts out, there was no lack of motivation as a whole. We were unable to generate a pass-rush down the stretch and the only linebacker capable of pass-protection can't defend the entire middle of the field. Our corners outside of Jenkins are not very talented anymore.
As has been done week in and week out, you can throw the ball against this team. Unless we get points on every possession against QB's that know what they're doing (Eli, Brees, Rodgers), the offense is fighting an uphill battle.
There needs to be major personnel changes on the defensive side of the ball. I'm hoping that this offseason will allow Jerry to make huge changes. If anything, the only players that are set in stone on the defense are Ware, Spencer, Jenkins, Sensy, and Lee. Elam should probably stay to provide some consistancy in the scondary, but Newman must definitely be addressed.
Edit: Reading over my post I realized I missed Ratliff as being someone who stays, and the reasoning behind Spencer staying is that while he's not performing to expectations, it's not realistic to expect any sort of replacement matching his production for some time. Also, while some may not want to admit it, Ratliff needs a viable backup to take away at-least 30% of his snaps. We need Ratliff fresh at the end of games when he's capable of dropping players, QB or Rb, in the backfield for drive killing plays.
Overall, a roughly 50-60% turnover of the defensive personnel, a new secondary coach, new d-line coach, and another year under Ryans system. It has to be done.
