Strategy and ‘Insider Perspective’

[Flinger]

Hos, SDogo and Other 'Insiders' – you guys seem to live and breathe Cowboys. Apparently, you both have some access to staff personnel within the organization. While it is apparent you guys want to ‘protect your sources’, you do a nice job of leaking the general thinking and direction of Cowboy’s management as it relates to players, strategy and coaching without compromising confidentiality through specifics.

So, please help me. Clarify a few things for me… Oh - and be gentle, this is my first 'New Thread Posting'... And, I promise to be more brief in the future...

First – let’s look at our own Unrestricted Free Agents: Free, Kosier, Hatcher, Spears, Sensabaugh, Ball, and Hurd.

Question – What gives you confidence the Cowboys can retain the ones they want to retain?

Comment & Question – Our OL needs significant help – on the right side. Free and Kosier play the left side. They are free agents. What if they leave? How many OL players can we change in one year?

Comment & Question – In 2009, Ball was a decent, young backup CB. A month or so ago, an article indicated that management isn’t as down on Ball as fans may be. My take away was that the new coaching staff seems to believe Ball was operating in a system that didn’t capitalize on his skills. What does management think about Ball? Will they retain him?

Second – Let’s look at the top available defensive back Free Agents that could fill needs: Nnamdi Asomuga (CB), Michael Huff (Safety), Eric Weddle (Safety), others…

Comments & Question – It appears FA is rich in quality defensive backfield players. It seems teams can’t ‘hide’ poor defensive backfields in the current pass happy NFL. It seems teams like the Cowboys can’t afford to ‘miss’ with DB’s. It seems having ‘proven’ skilled players is vital in today’s game. So - why not sign Nnamdi (one of the best CB in the league – top 3)? Why not sign a top 10 Safety in Huff or Weddle? Why not resign Sensabaugh to maintain some consistency (he wasn’t necessarily the reason for poor safety play in 2010 and did improve the last half of the season)? With Nnamdi, Jenkins, Huff or Weddle, and Sensabaugh – it would be a top flight defensive backfield. Of course, Newman is cut to clear the salary for Nnamdi. Isn’t that a push? The new guys would bring incredible, ‘proven’ skills to Ryan’s new defensive scheme and could complement newer DL rookies. Of course, Jenkins needs to step up. So, have you heard, is management thinking this way?

Third – Let’s look at the strength of the draft – OL and DL.

Question – Why move up to take Peterson? He definitely appears to be a superstar in the future and is probably the best player in the draft. But, it is still potential. With Nnamdi, isn’t potential realized by a proven, young CB? Once again, are they falling in love with a single potential ‘superstar’ in Peterson and willing to lose draft picks in order to move up (perhaps a 3rd)? Basically, why not Nnamdi instead of Peterson? Experience instead of potential?

Question – Why not move down in the draft, pick up a 2nd or 3rd round draft choice and draft for need in an OL and DL rich draft? It seems many players will be available. We need 2 right side OL players – if Free doesn’t leave. It seems more difficult for the Cowboys to find quality OL players. It’s been proven it can take time to develop OL players. Doesn’t it make sense to draft with quality and quantity in mind for OL? Can the same be said for DL players? We have Hatcher and Spears leaving. We need depth. We could use 1 DT and 2 more quality DE's.

So, strategically thinking – why not use FA for the secondary and the Draft for OL and DL? Why not convert a high pick into several picks for need and increase the likelihood of landing several quality players? (similar strategy as the Patriots, Eagles, etc.)

An inquiring mind wants to know… Thoughts?

 

[Hostile]

Hos, SDogo and Other 'Insiders' – you guys seem to live and breathe Cowboys. Apparently, you both have some access to staff personnel within the organization. While it is apparent you guys want to ‘protect your sources’, you do a nice job of leaking the general thinking and direction of Cowboy’s management as it relates to players, strategy and coaching without compromising confidentiality through specifics.

So, please help me. Clarify a few things for me… Oh - and be gentle, this is my first 'New Thread Posting'... And, I promise to be more brief in the future...

First – let’s look at our own Unrestricted Free Agents: Free, Kosier, Hatcher, Spears, Sensabaugh, Ball, and Hurd.

Question – What gives you confidence the Cowboys can retain the ones they want to retain?

Several factors in play for me. One, our players genuinely like playing here for the most part. Despite the lack of post season success this is one of the more professionally run teams in the NFL. You will never hear stories of broken promises like Logan Mankins, or altered contracts like Lavar Arrington.

Here, the players and their agents are treated with respect and as professionals. There is a reason why agents "leak" info that Dallas is interested. This is directly from an agent btw. One is the hope it will signal Dallas that they are interested. Two because other teams know if Dallas is in the mix they have to pay top dollar.

Lastly, it is because the players in that group that you name above feel like they have left something unfinished. They know they have squandered a golden opportunity and as well they see what Garrett and his staff are trying to build.

Some may opt for greener pastures or more chances to be the guy, but some of those players are genuinely loyal to the team and the goals the team has.

Comment & Question – Our OL needs significant help – on the right side. Free and Kosier play the left side. They are free agents. What if they leave? How many OL players can we change in one year?

This is why I have espoused the motto, be prepared. The fact is we do not know what will happen. I think 2 new starters is just about the max you can ask for and not ruin an OL. More than that and you are simply starting over and hoping. Here's something else to consider.

If we Draft Tyron Smith (and despite my unrequited love for Patrick Peterson I do think we will) it will likely mean Colombo is gone. Does this mean we have to keep Davis? Changing the entire right side is a huge risk. Here is what I think happens if Davis is also gone. Free is moved back to RT and Tyron Smith to LT. Then you have Kosier to mentor Smith and Free to Mentor whomever the LG is (John Moffitt I hope.)

Comment & Question – In 2009, Ball was a decent, young backup CB. A month or so ago, an article indicated that management isn’t as down on Ball as fans may be. My take away was that the new coaching staff seems to believe Ball was operating in a system that didn’t capitalize on his skills. What does management think about Ball? Will they retain him?

I do not know the answer to this beyond a comment made in an article some time back. If he is back it won't be as a starter.

I think he won't be back at all. I am pretty sure Sensy will return and team up with Huff. AOA, McCann and Church will continue to be groomed.

Second – Let’s look at the top available defensive back Free Agents that could fill needs: Nnamdi Asomuga (CB), Michael Huff (Safety), Eric Weddle (Safety), others…

Comments & Question – It appears FA is rich in quality defensive backfield players. It seems teams can’t ‘hide’ poor defensive backfields in the current pass happy NFL. It seems teams like the Cowboys can’t afford to ‘miss’ with DB’s. It seems having ‘proven’ skilled players is vital in today’s game. So - why not sign Nnamdi (one of the best CB in the league – top 3)? Why not sign a top 10 Safety in Huff or Weddle? Why not resign Sensabaugh to maintain some consistency (he wasn’t necessarily the reason for poor safety play in 2010 and did improve the last half of the season)? With Nnamdi, Jenkins, Huff or Weddle, and Sensabaugh – it would be a top flight defensive backfield. Of course, Newman is cut to clear the salary for Nnamdi. Isn’t that a push? The new guys would bring incredible, ‘proven’ skills to Ryan’s new defensive scheme and could complement newer DL rookies. Of course, Jenkins needs to step up. So, have you heard, is management thinking this way?

I absolutely believe Huff will be here. The other names I think who are plausible are Brodney Poole and Daniel Manning.

While I would love to get Nnamdi, I doubt we even look at him. His price tag is simply too big. I think we will grab a CB either at #9 or #40. I believe that guy will be counted on to start.

Third – Let’s look at the strength of the draft – OL and DL.

Question – Why move up to take Peterson? He definitely appears to be a superstar in the future and is probably the best player in the draft. But, it is still potential. With Nnamdi, isn’t potential realized by a proven, young CB? Once again, are they falling in love with a single potential ‘superstar’ in Peterson and willing to lose draft picks in order to move up (perhaps a 3rd)? Basically, why not Nnamdi instead of Peterson? Experience instead of potential?

In every personnel decision there are weights and measures. NFL teams are bound by certain realities. Nnamdi will be 30 when the season starts and will cost more than Peterson. That swings the scales heavily to Peterson's side.

All draft picks are gambles. No guts, no glory. Where is the bigger potential glory? In a CB who may give you 3 to 4 productive years? Or in a CB who could give you 10 to 12 productive years?

If Nnamdi were 25 or 26, this quotient changes drastically, but he isn't.

Question – Why not move down in the draft, pick up a 2nd or 3rd round draft choice and draft for need in an OL and DL rich draft? It seems many players will be available. We need 2 right side OL players – if Free doesn’t leave. It seems more difficult for the Cowboys to find quality OL players. It’s been proven it can take time to develop OL players. Doesn’t it make sense to draft with quality and quantity in mind for OL? Can the same be said for DL players? We have Hatcher and Spears leaving. We need depth. We could use 1 DT and 2 more quality DE's.

First you have to have a trade partner. I'm not sure I agree that this Draft is OL rich. DL rich at the top, yes. After that it is also fairly thin. I think this draft is WR rich. But we don't need one, even though I'd love to grab Cecil Shorts in the mid to late rounds.

Also, let's not forget, trading up or down isn't a guarantee of success. In 2009 we made several trade downs. We took 12 players in one draft. 5 of them are gone. Of the 7 remaining at least another 2 are bubble players, meaning their roster spot in 2011 is not etched in stone. 1 of them, the Kicker, is on thin ice if he doesn't show marked improvement. The other 4 are career backups at best.

I'd rather trade up for one guy who gives us 10 years of starting than grab 8 guys who are career backups at best. We have proven we can fill roster spots with UDFAs.

So, strategically thinking – why not use FA for the secondary and the Draft for OL and DL? Why not convert a high pick into several picks for need and increase the likelihood of landing several quality players? (similar strategy as the Patriots, Eagles, etc.)

An inquiring mind wants to know… Thoughts?

I am hopeful I have answered this in the breakdowns.

 

[Flinger]

Excellent - you did, thanks for humoring me. So, without Peterson, do they keep Newman? Or, are you hearing he is gone?

 

[Hostile]

Excellent - you did, thanks for humoring me. So, without Peterson, do they keep Newman? Or, are you hearing he is gone?

I think it is highly likely Newman is gone no matter who we take at 9 and 40. I like him but as I said about Nnamdi, his age and contract make him unlikely to be here.

 

[Hostile]

I want to make a follow up comment on this if I may. It was barely 2 years ago that people thought Doug Free was a wasted pick. I posted that the Cowboys were very high on him and a couple of posters thought it was madness.

The Cowboys are very high on Travis Bright, Robert Brewster, Phil Costa, and Sam Young too. Just because guys are made inactive or are on the PS don't dismiss them. Especially on the OL. The fact is teams activate other positions more readily than OL because OL is rarely substituted for.

In other words, you send in a WR to give someone a break. Rarely is this the case for a Guard. They come out for being injured, ineffective, or because the game is out of reach.

Also, and I don't agree with this at all, Alex Barron is seen as a safety valve due to his starting experience at the NFL level.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I want to make a follow up comment on this if I may. It was barely 2 years ago that people thought Doug Free was a wasted pick. I posted that the Cowboys were very high on him and a couple of posters thought it was madness.

The Cowboys are very high on Travis Bright, Robert Brewster, Phil Costa, and Sam Young too. Just because guys are made inactive or are on the PS don't dismiss them. Especially on the OL. The fact is teams activate other positions more readily than OL because OL is rarely substituted for.

In other words, you send in a WR to give someone a break. Rarely is this the case for a Guard. They come out for being injured, ineffective, or because the game is out of reach.

Also, and I don't agree with this at all, Alex Barron is seen as a safety valve due to his starting experience at the NFL level.

Doug Free was one of my pet cats when he was drafted, remember his nickname at college Hos?

But the safety valve of Cowboys thoughts of Alex Baron to me stinks! I am anxious to see what Parnell OT does this year that we got from the Saints.

I still have hopes for Travis Bright and Costa, Brewster I am not sure, but does take offensive linemen 3 years or more to settle in. Just look at Doug Free, took him 4 years, maybe whovever we draft in offensive line, that Nate Newton goes to training camp again, and tells us what he sees of the young linemen. Remember Hos, when Nate said Doug Free had something to him, but McQuistan kept making same mistakes over and over?

 

[Hostile]

Doug Free was one of my pet cats when he was drafted, remember his nickname at college Hos?

Doug Freak.

 

[Flinger]

I want to make a follow up comment on this if I may. It was barely 2 years ago that people thought Doug Free was a wasted pick. I posted that the Cowboys were very high on him and a couple of posters thought it was madness.

The Cowboys are very high on Travis Bright, Robert Brewster, Phil Costa, and Sam Young too. Just because guys are made inactive or are on the PS don't dismiss them. Especially on the OL. The fact is teams activate other positions more readily than OL because OL is rarely substituted for.

In other words, you send in a WR to give someone a break. Rarely is this the case for a Guard. They come out for being injured, ineffective, or because the game is out of reach.

Also, and I don't agree with this at all, Alex Barron is seen as a safety valve due to his starting experience at the NFL level.

You know - I read and hear all of the negative posts about these guys, but from my perspective, each one of those offensive linemen you mention seem very competent to me. They are young and will take time to develop. I've been rather quiet thinking that perhaps my judgment isn't sound. I'm really glad to hear the organization thinks so highly of those guys. And, I really appreciate your insights. Thanks so much...

 

[Primetime42]

I think it is highly likely Newman is gone no matter who we take at 9 and 40. I like him but as I said about Nnamdi, his age and contract make him unlikely to be here.

What's the thought on him restructuring? I feel like he would be the type of guy to.

I would hate to lose him now. I definitely think he has enough left in the tank.

 

[Hostile]

What's the thought on him restructuring? I feel like he would be the type of guy to.

I would hate to lose him now. I definitely think he has enough left in the tank.

If I were him I would, and I hope that is an option. I think if we lose him we better knock QBs down in 2 seconds or we'll get shredded.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Doug Freak.

yep, The Freak!