Unpopular Opinions on the Cowboys Roster

[Chuck 54]

I think the Cowboys are having a nice season, better than I expected. Winning 4 in a row puts them in elite company...make a list of all the teams who have a 4 game winning streak this year. Yet everyone starts dumping on the Cowboys again and wondering if they've actually arrived since they lost in GB...please...how many teams this season have won 5 in a row? It's a very short list.

That said, I don't think the Cowboys roster is nearly as talented as some fans and media think. Clearly I'm in the minority in this opinion about our roster, so I'm most likely wrong, but fan forums are the place for fans like me, not professionals, to share their opinions...so here goes.

QB: I love our QB, Tony Romo. I don't know just how good he can be because I don't care for our supporting cast as much as others. He's not the steady, strong leader of a more mature Warner or Brees, but he's still a pup and has time to grow.

RB: I'm not in love with our RB group. I like them...I love it when Barber gets a burr under his saddle and runs with such passion; I love it when Felix breaks a big one; I love the way Choice always works for every yard. That said, I don't see a star among them. I think MBIII is way overpaid for a RB with his lack of speed and quickness; I think Felix still has time to prove himself, but a first round RB should be doing a lot more than he has and should be pushing MBIII into the background a little; Choice seems to be a combination of the two...he runs well between the tackles, is a good receiver and blocker, and he has proven he can have the long runs/receptions for TDs with good moves and just enough speed. I'm not living in the past, but we have 3 good RB's...I still lament that big Bill didn't pull the trigger on Steven Jackson...In my opinion, our offense would look very different right now with him.

WR: I hope Miles Austin proves to be a #1 WR, but a true #1 doesn't get essentially shut down two games in a row...he's still got time, but the Cowboys have invested a few years in this kid and his roster spot and how many losses because they wouldn't do what other teams do and gamble on a #1 or #2 draft pick who may have delivered sooner and better. Crayton is a solid guy; Roy is a solid guy who does certain things well, but only a few things...Dallas seems to just be discovering the art of only using him in certain patterns. Despite Austin's explosion in his first two starts (teams seem to be able to shut him down when they game plan for him), I'd still say we have the 3rd best receiving corps in the NFC East...Romo is better than that.

OL: We have a pretty good OL, but it's not among the best, imo. Flozell is frustrating at times, but he's a true bonafide quality LT...he's aging, but he's been excellent for a 2nd rounder. Gurode is a top quality center...another good draft choice. Everyone else is a highly paid free agent, drafted by other teams...Kozier is under-rated but smallish. Colombo is a competitor, but now injured. Davis is a former top draft pick at OT now playing OG for OT money. We're getting older on the OL, and we have very little to show from the draft.

TE: We're stacked with experience and youth...I like this position among the best on the team.

Dallas simply has not used any quality draft picks on the offense. We have refused to take a top RB,WR, or OL in the early rounds. I understand the philosophy that you don't have to find every player in the top rounds, but come on....you can't shop in the bargain basement at every position and expect to have the most dominant team in the NFC, which seems to be what fans expect every year.

IN my opinion, we are a much more talented team on defense than we are on offense...and we definitely deeper on defense than on offense.

Dallas, like most NFL teams, finds success or failure in the trenches. Our DL and LBs are pretty good. Our OL is thin and aging at the most key position. Even if Free finishes the season strong, I think it's time to invest in the OL for Romo's sake and for the sake of our good, but not great RBs.

Just my opinion...I don't think we have as much talent on offense as some like to think. Garrett needs to put these guys in ideal positions to be successful. Without Romo, I think our offense is quickly a bottom feeder, and it's not because we have lousy backup QBs, just average...and average isn't enough with this unit, imo.

 

[jimmy40]

I thought Davis was a top pick at guard to play guard but got switched to tackle because of injuries and then Jerry decided to pay him tackle money to play guard.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I agree that the team overall is not nearly the mega-talented squad so many have claimed, but I don't see how you can say the D has "much more talent" than the offense, either. I would say just the opposite.

 

[TNCowboy]

I agree with much of that, but I do not agree at all on Austin.

I think that the Cowboys are absolutely trying to get the ball to Roy Williams, and the rest of the offense, most noticably Austin, suffers.

At some point, they should realize that regardless of his contract, Williams is just a guy. Austin is not. Given the chance, he shines.

Same at the RB position. Choice and Jones are better than Barber. Barber runs with a "burr" about twice a game. When all 3 are healthy, Barber is the 3rd best back.

Flozell is no longer a quality LT. He's proven that time and again this year. For the most part, our OL is a bunch of overpaid JAGs. This unit more than any on the team needs to be rebuilt.

 

[rcaldw]

Romo is not a pup. By the time the 2010 NFL Season starts he will be 30 years old. Not retirement age by any stretch, but not a kid any more either.

 

[JBond]

I thought Davis was a top pick at guard to play guard but got switched to tackle because of injuries and then Jerry decided to pay him tackle money to play guard.

Then you thought wrong. No big deal. It happens.

 

[JBond]

Flozell is no longer a quality LT. He's proven that time and again this year. For the most part, our OL is a bunch of overpaid JAGs. This unit more than any on the team needs to be rebuilt.

Are you making ridiculous exaggerations to make a point or do you really believe this stuff?

 

[jimmy40]

Then you thought wrong. No big deal. It happens.

from his websight: 2001 Started all 16 games at right guard … consensus all-rookie selection despite late season back spasms and a tender shoulder … key component of offensive line that allowed just 29 quarterback sacks, second fewest in 16-game season
2002: 2002: Preseason injury to starting right tackle Anthony Clement (torn right triceps) prompted switch to right tackle for first time in NFL career


I knew he played tackle at Texas, forgot he was LT junior and senior year.

 

[gmoney112]

I agree. We have a lot of good players on offense but no GREAT players. I think our line and Romo really hold the offense together. Witten is also invaluable. Austin is coming on but he's no Fitz, AJ, or Moss. Roy is also good, not great, but he and Romo are improving.

We have a solid 3 back system that have experience against elite defenses, but none of them are superstars. Barber isn't the most talented guy but he's a football player. I see potential in Felix once he gets used to playing consistently, he looks inexperienced and his injuries aren't helping him see the field. TC is great, but he's not a phenonemal talent.

I think we have more than enough to get it done, it doesn't take superstars to win a Super Bowl. I'm not saying you can win with nothing, but we have more than enough to get it done, given the right conditions.

I like Felix, but who wants Chris Johnson right now? That kid would be a superstar with a star on his helmet.

 

[ShiningStar]

I think its time someone in the Cowboys organization says hey, its time to start investing in big Oline men and start buidling around both qb;s, and start finding out if McGee can be the next qb or keep drafting til one hits.

Id also start churning RB's and never having a star or franchise RB either. The life expentency has dropped considerably and its not worth dumping money into when you can get quality running in the later rounds.

But than again in my heart of hearts, Id just wish this team would go back to the 4-3 defense and stop this 3-4 crap.

Id also try and get our TE's more involved and if Bennett doesnt want to emerge, than try the Phillips kid, if he proves better, draft another TE next year later in teh rounds and dump Bennett, cant always wait for talent to surface, you have to push it or move on now a days.

 

[NinePointOh]

I think its time someone in the Cowboys organization says hey, its time to start investing in big Oline men and start buidling around both qb;s, and start finding out if McGee can be the next qb or keep drafting til one hits.

Id also start churning RB's and never having a star or franchise RB either. The life expentency has dropped considerably and its not worth dumping money into when you can get quality running in the later rounds.

But than again in my heart of hearts, Id just wish this team would go back to the 4-3 defense and stop this 3-4 crap.

Id also try and get our TE's more involved and if Bennett doesnt want to emerge, than try the Phillips kid, if he proves better, draft another TE next year later in teh rounds and dump Bennett, cant always wait for talent to surface, you have to push it or move on now a days.

Yes, that's the ticket. If players don't show anything as rookies, we should cut them and draft new players! What we need are players like Derek Ross and Anthony Thomas, not scrubs like Tony Romo and Miles Austin who don't contribute right away!

 

[craig71]

I think churning the bottom of the roster at every oppurtunity would go a long ways in helping this team.I don't understand why Phillips is reluctant to churn the bottom of the roster once the season starts.Parcells wasn't afraid to bring in players for a workout and I know for sure that Jimmy would cut a second tier player just to prove a point.Point is this team is not talented enough to say "here it is,let's go" they need to evaluate "on the street" talent and bring that talent in if it is better than what is currently here.If you keep churning the bottom of the roster for better talent you eventually will improve the depth on your team.

Craig

 

[Mash]

Nice OP....

Is it that that talent is overrated or the coahing isnt up to par?

Probably a little of both.

I think our WR's are fine ......would love to have another Irvin....even a Tony Hill

but I think we have some talent at the WR position but like many im disappointed in RW.....more so in his limitations on what routes he can run and im surprised that he is TO like in drops

Our OL IMHO is overrated......standard pass blocking is good....picking up blitz is a crap shoot with this group and our run blocking .....is just average IMHO.

Romo is fine.....we could have a better leader.....but we could do alot worse....we can win with Romo.

I agree with the RB's .......Barber is overpaid and does seem to think he can bounce things outside more nowaday.....is that the lack of blocking? Sometimes yes....but too many times lately Barber is trying to get to cute instead of hitting the hole hard and get the 3 yards the tough way.

Felix has had injury issues.....seems he is limited in taking to many carries because of it.....as a 1st round pick I expected more touches......then again....Coaches have to make better use of him......but Felix struggles in pass protection and with our issues with the OL picking up the Blitz....u need a back that can be solid in that dept.

Choice is solid....and a good backup.....he isnt starter material in the NFL.

Draft? Think it has been solid the last few years.......and yes....drafting a OL high should be a priority......WR's....? hmmm......such a hit and miss with them in the draft....

 

[ShiningStar]

Yes, that's the ticket. If players don't show anything as rookies, we should cut them and draft new players! What we need are players like Derek Ross and Anthony Thomas, not scrubs like Tony Romo and Miles Austin who don't contribute right away!

and what if Miles Austin was a flash in the pan, thats 4 years, 4 YEARS that could go to another player who will show consistant talent. Players have got to keep showing, if the NFL implemented a rookie cap, thatn we can give certain players certain time, Spears who seems a solid player, but not a first round talent Parcells thought. Spencer seems to be another player. Why did we pay first round talent when other teams are getting the same play out of later round talent?

Your running back shelf life is dissolving and colleges are turning out good RB's each year, why are we paying big bucks to a brusier type RB who might not making another year? Or a shifter back who might be injury prone every year?

Why do you think all of a sudden you cant touch the QB, because now they finally care about human life, no, its the price of QB's that have swayed the rules.

The rules of life and game are changing every so often, you might as well keep current your own economic policy is going to kill the average fan. How much are next year first round picks going to be going for? Do you really want to pay that much for a quality Oline guy that this team needs? Or for a pick who turns out to be a 4th round talent but you paid first round money?

Ill tell you what else is really irking me, everytime we make a big offensive play, it comes back due to penalty. We gotta start fining the players or the coach.

 

[RS12]

Did not seem to me that when I look at teams rosters that have won the SB over the last ten years that they were phenominally stocked with talent. The Pats and the Giants O Lines come to mind, alot of good to very good players who play well together and dont beat themselves. The teams played consistantly well and peaked at the right time. In an 8-8 league, I think that is really what really needs to happen.

 

[ShiningStar]

Did not seem to me that when I look at teams rosters that have won the SB over the last ten years that they were phenominally stocked with talent. The Pats and the Giants O Lines come to mind, alot of good to very good players who play well together and dont beat themselves. The teams played consistantly well and peaked at the right time. In an 8-8 league, I think that is really what really needs to happen.

thats another opinion to look at, does a SB winner need to pay a gabillion dollars to win?

The Giants last SB win was when they decided to win in the playoffs and didnt beat 1 good team that year. Is it coming down to starting to play in december and beating enough bad teams, or when the stars align correctly and you hit good teams at a bad time?

Like i stated before, how much are you going to pay rookies and kill the average fan who wont be able to afford ticket prices?

 

[big dog cowboy]

Did not seem to me that when I look at teams rosters that have won the SB over the last ten years that they were phenominally stocked with talent. The Pats and the Giants O Lines come to mind, alot of good to very good players who play well together and dont beat themselves. The teams played consistantly well and peaked at the right time. In an 8-8 league, I think that is really what really needs to happen.

The Stealers just won a super bowl with a very average o-line. I've heard many say it was the worst line to ever win a championship.

 

[Rampage]

The Stealers just won a super bowl with a very average o-line. I've heard many say it was the worst line to ever win a championship.

it sure was funny last year watching that o-line give up a lot of sacks and commit a lot of penalties than all of a sudden transform into the best o-line in the league and commit zero penalties. in fact they became so good(all of a sudden) that they could protect Ben for 10 seconds while he ran around behind the line until a wr got open. doing all that while commiting no penalties. that sure was amazing.........

 

[T-RO]

Without Romo, I think our offense is quickly a bottom feeder, and it's not because we have lousy backup QBs, just average...and average isn't enough with this unit, imo.

I agree. Our wide receivers are a bit below average and our line is good--not great.

Put another quarterback in there and he would have almost twice as many sacks as Romo has now.

 

[dadymat]

QB: I love our QB, Tony Romo. I don't know just how good he can be because I don't care for our supporting cast as much as others. He's not the steady, strong leader of a more mature Warner or Brees, but he's still a pup and has time to grow"

everyone needs to stop with the Brees love fest....yes hes a bad ***..but he is no better than Romo (who is also a bad ***)...they are practically the same QB....lot of stats, TDs, wins AND INTS...cept Romo seems to be improving on his Ints..Brees does not.......Brees is more accurate and Romo is more versatile...but everyone acting like Brees is 2nd or 3rd best in the league and then wanna say Romo isnt top 10...its BS ......if you ask me (and i know u didnt) Romo and Brees are 4A and 4B in the league...

1) Peyton
2) Brady
3) Rivers
4) Romo-Brees