PoetTree
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It is occurring to me as I watch our movements through free agency, our rather poker-faced stance, that the Cowboys brass may in fact believe that we are a better team than most fans are giving credit for. I'm not so sure myself. But our actions, and some of Jerry's words, would seem to indicate just that.
First, we've been awfully quiet in free agency. I mean, I like the signings we've made. But in truth, neither of them has set me ablaze with anticipation. From an upgrading standpoint, I see numerous players still in free agency whom I would have already inked if I were in charge. I think we're all expecting T.O. (and in truth, we may make a flurry of moves after signing him), but the fact that we haven't is kind of intriguing.
I get the feeling that Bill & Jerry believe we're not that far away, as is, and that a few complimentary pieces... rather than major upgrades... is all we need to compete next season. And to be honest, from what is perhaps my layman viewpoint, that stance scares me a bit.
I mean, okay, the Ayodele signing was a good one. And I like it even more knowing that he'll move inside next to Bradie James. I get a good feeling about those two in the middle & honestly feel James is about to break out in a big way. But that leaves us with a rather glaring vacancy at strongside linebacker, where there just happen to be a few studs in free agency still available.
I'll be honest, I'd give up a lot at this point to sign LaVar Arrington. I know he's stated that he'd rather not be a Cowboy. But I promise you, we could woo him. And there is no denying the man's immense talent. He's just lookin' for some love, and Bill knows how to assuage players. Plus, him & Ware on the outside would be a TERROR for opposing quarterbacks! Remember, the only time Arrington was used as a consistent pass-rusher... as he would be in a 3-4, which he's never played in before... he posted 11 sacks. Um, there's absolutely no guarantee that a draft pick would come anywhere close to that kind of production. He's young, proven, talented and has a chip on his shoulder. GOD! I'd love to have this guy in a Cowboys uniform. Ware, James, Ayodele and Arrington would be a fearsome foursome for an offense to deal with!
But... no....
Doesn't look anywhere remotely as if that's gonna happen. It seems, instead of striving for the spectacular, we'd rather lean on "Mr. Reliable" (Al Singleton) to play the strongside & develop a rookie behind him--if we even take one in the first round, where Jerry clearly stated he rather go offense. At least, that's what it looks like right now. Who knows? But our passivity in free agency seems to indicate this type of thinking.
With such bonafide studs still left in free agency at the exact positions we need filling (all but right tackle), coupled with our lack of activity, it appears that "we" feel the team is further down the road than our record would indicate or that the fans feel we are. And so, we see Washington spending lavishly to improve their team, recognize that they beat us twice last year & did pretty well in the playoffs, scratch our heads in comparative analysis and go... "hmm?".
I don't know. Maybe we are. Maybe we are a better team than we imagine. But it seems like, particularly given Jerry's assertion that he would do "whatever it takes" this season to win, we are being awfully passive when there are RIPE opportunities for major improvement sitting right out in front of us for the plucking.
I mean, which would you rather have?
Terrell Owens and drafting Manny Lawson (without LaVar Arrington) --
or...
LaVar Arrington and drafting Chad Jackson (while still having Terrell Owens) --
Seems obvious to me. But what do I know. I'm just a poet...
Peace and Love
- PoetTree -
It is occurring to me as I watch our movements through free agency, our rather poker-faced stance, that the Cowboys brass may in fact believe that we are a better team than most fans are giving credit for. I'm not so sure myself. But our actions, and some of Jerry's words, would seem to indicate just that.
First, we've been awfully quiet in free agency. I mean, I like the signings we've made. But in truth, neither of them has set me ablaze with anticipation. From an upgrading standpoint, I see numerous players still in free agency whom I would have already inked if I were in charge. I think we're all expecting T.O. (and in truth, we may make a flurry of moves after signing him), but the fact that we haven't is kind of intriguing.
I get the feeling that Bill & Jerry believe we're not that far away, as is, and that a few complimentary pieces... rather than major upgrades... is all we need to compete next season. And to be honest, from what is perhaps my layman viewpoint, that stance scares me a bit.
I mean, okay, the Ayodele signing was a good one. And I like it even more knowing that he'll move inside next to Bradie James. I get a good feeling about those two in the middle & honestly feel James is about to break out in a big way. But that leaves us with a rather glaring vacancy at strongside linebacker, where there just happen to be a few studs in free agency still available.
I'll be honest, I'd give up a lot at this point to sign LaVar Arrington. I know he's stated that he'd rather not be a Cowboy. But I promise you, we could woo him. And there is no denying the man's immense talent. He's just lookin' for some love, and Bill knows how to assuage players. Plus, him & Ware on the outside would be a TERROR for opposing quarterbacks! Remember, the only time Arrington was used as a consistent pass-rusher... as he would be in a 3-4, which he's never played in before... he posted 11 sacks. Um, there's absolutely no guarantee that a draft pick would come anywhere close to that kind of production. He's young, proven, talented and has a chip on his shoulder. GOD! I'd love to have this guy in a Cowboys uniform. Ware, James, Ayodele and Arrington would be a fearsome foursome for an offense to deal with!
But... no....
Doesn't look anywhere remotely as if that's gonna happen. It seems, instead of striving for the spectacular, we'd rather lean on "Mr. Reliable" (Al Singleton) to play the strongside & develop a rookie behind him--if we even take one in the first round, where Jerry clearly stated he rather go offense. At least, that's what it looks like right now. Who knows? But our passivity in free agency seems to indicate this type of thinking.
With such bonafide studs still left in free agency at the exact positions we need filling (all but right tackle), coupled with our lack of activity, it appears that "we" feel the team is further down the road than our record would indicate or that the fans feel we are. And so, we see Washington spending lavishly to improve their team, recognize that they beat us twice last year & did pretty well in the playoffs, scratch our heads in comparative analysis and go... "hmm?".
I don't know. Maybe we are. Maybe we are a better team than we imagine. But it seems like, particularly given Jerry's assertion that he would do "whatever it takes" this season to win, we are being awfully passive when there are RIPE opportunities for major improvement sitting right out in front of us for the plucking.
I mean, which would you rather have?
Terrell Owens and drafting Manny Lawson (without LaVar Arrington) --
or...
LaVar Arrington and drafting Chad Jackson (while still having Terrell Owens) --
Seems obvious to me. But what do I know. I'm just a poet...
Peace and Love
- PoetTree -
