Was Paying Costa a mistake?

[erod]

IMO yes - that back thing has me worried


you don't ever recocer from a back injury

Phil Costa was the Cowboys' starting center to begin 2012, but back problems and an ankle injury forced him to miss nine games last season.

It depends on what kind of lower back injury it is? If it's a muscle pull or strain he should be fine. But if it's a degenerative injury relating to the structure of the spine it could be big trouble for Costa

It was was only a muscle issue. He was fine until he got the high ankle sprain.

They love Costa. I hope he can play guard because his shotgun snaps are a bit iffy.

 

[xwalker]

I really hope we don't bring back Cook. His presence was enough to nearly totally shut down our running game all-year long. He is one of the worst run blockers to ever start a game at Center. He is just too tall to get any leverage against NTs and he is so slow to the second level that the LBs all get a free shot at the RB.

Agree. Anybody that prefers Cook over Costa just doesn't get it.

People don't hate Cook because his pass-blocking was decent and his snaps were good; however, his run blocking was by far the worst on the team.

Costa is a good run blocker and has not had issues snapping since the 1st half of the 2011 season.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

Agree. Anybody that prefers Cook over Costa just doesn't get it.

People don't hate Cook because his pass-blocking was decent and his snaps were good; however, his run blocking was by far the worst on the team.

Costa is a good run blocker and has not had issues snapping since the 1st half of the 2011 season.

^^^^ This. Costa showed marked improvement in 2011. He went from awful to decent. Then in 2012 the coaches were delighted with his work ethic and attitude. He was looking like he was going to be the guy when he got hurt. We ran way better with Costa blocking than we did with Cook.

Yes, there are questions with Costa. However, anyone who holds up some bad games from 2011 as proof we should cut him isn't seeing the whole picture. He's definitely done enough to earn a chance to compete in training camp. Is there a chance we cut him? Yes, of course. It all depends on what he shows us in camp. From what we've seen of his work ethic thus far, I'd say it's highly likely he shows us he's worthy of a roster spot.

 

[burmafrd]

^^^^ This. Costa showed marked improvement in 2011. He went from awful to decent. Then in 2012 the coaches were delighted with his work ethic and attitude. He was looking like he was going to be the guy when he got hurt. We ran way better with Costa blocking than we did with Cook.

Yes, there are questions with Costa. However, anyone who holds up some bad games from 2011 as proof we should cut him isn't seeing the whole picture. He's definitely done enough to earn a chance to compete in training camp. Is there a chance we cut him? Yes, of course. It all depends on what he shows us in camp. From what we've seen of his work ethic thus far, I'd say it's highly likely he shows us he's worthy of a roster spot.

once again you are wrong. He was never decent. He was below average at best; just not so noticeable when the rest of the line was no better.

and just because the coaches 'supposedly' like him means nothing. Or do you want to be reminded of how many other DUDS the coaches have 'liked'?

 

[Verdict]

Agree. Anybody that prefers Cook over Costa just doesn't get it.

People don't hate Cook because his pass-blocking was decent and his snaps were good; however, his run blocking was by far the worst on the team.

Costa is a good run blocker and has not had issues snapping since the 1st half of the 2011 season.

I don"t think Cook will be kept as a center. If he is kept it may be for his ability to flex out as an emergency tackle or as the swing tackle, which is far from ideal. If we cut Free, and don't sign a vet, Cook may be your swing tackle which is scary.

 

[CyberB0b]

If Frederick is slotted to be a center, then he needs as many reps as possible, and as many chances to work with Romo, as possible.

If I were King, no one would be penciled in at any position, especially a rookie. OTAs, mini/training camps, and preseason are where the positions get solidified. Once the season starts, there is plenty of time to get on the same page.