I'm not even mad, not even surprised, not even is shock at the way this season ended. I predicted a 9-7 team and was just about right. I knew we would have growing pains with Garrett in charge. I knew their was some fat to trim on the roster and not enough time to do it given the state of the league and the labor agreement. I knew the coaching staff was not complete.
I'm still on board with Garrett, I think he can get this right, I think he learned a lot this season. I'm not going to sit here and tell you his stock did not take a hit in my eyes, it did. I was shocked at ill prepared and undisciplined this team was at times this year. I was shocked at out they rolled over at points in games. Garrett made me out to be fool in that aspect. One thing I promised everyone to start the season is that no matter the record we would see this team play a complete game for 60 minutes. I was wrong.
I'm not going to put all the blame on him. The defense is old and slow at key positions, thin at others and there are more then a few bad apples on this roster that need tossed in the compost.
We arguably started 3 OL who would be backup's around the league in Kosier, Costa and Holland/Dockery. We have a LT who should be playing RT and RT who should be playing LT.
Our best WR was a journeyman FA and while a pleasant surprise and IMO a priority this offseason what does it say about Austin and Bryant? Miles flashed the pre-new shiny contract version of himself, struggling to stay healthy and showing concentration issues that plagued him early on. Dez was disappointing in my eyes. The kid has unquestionable ability but will he ever get it mentally? Don't ask me why, I don't have a solid reason but I get the feeling something is going to change with this group this off season. I just get the feeling we are in for a move that will set this board on fire.
Jason Witten again put up a Jason Witten type season but his blocking has dropped off and it's a trend I fear we need to get used to. Bennett is a mess, he will never get it and it's too bad because he has amazing talent. My biggest question though is where the heck was John Phillips? In another expected and unpopular move look for the Cowboys to draft yet another TE.
Romo IMO has his best year but the clock is ticking. Sure the Detroit and Jets games stand out and with Romo that's what you get. 99% of the time he is going to be money but there are those few occasions every year he is going to make you go flat out crazy.
I'm excited about Demarco Murray, I think he takes back the starting spot next year and never looks back. I also think your going to see Felix slowly weeded out of the process. I fully expect Dallas to bring in another back this off season via FA or the draft. I know Miller was a fan favorite but he did not show enough to keep his spot as the 3rd back.
I don't even know where to begin with the defense. I'm probably most let down by the performance of this unit then any other aspect of this season.
The Cowboys are slow and old at key spots (CB and LB). Nothing can be said about Newman that has not already been said. His career is over, he did not lose a step he lost several of them. Alan Ball and Frank Walker are not quality NFL CB's. Jenkins showed some serious heart this year, not a popular opinion but I do believe Jenkins will return to Pro-Bowl form next year. Scandrick is a devil in black mini skirt. I think he has the ability but we have not gotten the best out of him. To his defense, all he has had is Campo and I'm sorry, you don't want that guy teaching your CB's anything. Why the hell he still has a job in this league is beyond me. I would not all be surprised to see Ball and Walker replaced as well as Campo.
What can be said at LB? Sean Lee is a rock in the middle and while Ware has been taking some heat who else would you want there? Now at the other starting OLB spot and ILB spot all the way down the depth chart there is nothing to speak of. Spencer has been ubber disappointing, offering nothing as a pass rusher and having multiple assignment breakdowns this year we have not seen in the past. Victor Butler all be it IMo under utilized is nothing more then a serviceable reserve. Bradie James who deserves a lot of thanks for his years of service is facing the cold hard truth that he no longer can hold up in a young mans game and Brooking despite an amazing career needs to set his focus to coaching in this league were he belongs. We have no idea what we have in Bruce Carter and I cant even begin to speculate. Even more so then CB, this LB core needs a complete overhaul.
I would talk about the Safety position but I'm sick of it. I have been doing it from the day Woodson left and for some reason despite every fan and every team around the league seeing the issue Dallas just seems to ignore it. I'm doing it anymore and I give up. I think we all know what needs done and no I don't think Jerry will do anything about it yet again this off season.
We have 21 FA's this off season that include Brooking, Bennett, Elam, Spencer, James, Kitna, Kosier, Holland, Dockery and Ball. All of which need replaced. Matter of fact out of the 21 FA's Dallas has which I know is 40% of the roster and turnover that great is unheard of the only three I feel worth bringing back is Robinson, McBriar and Fiammetta.
It's going to be a long off season, I think we are in store for some shockers and lot of activity. I'll leave the Cap situation to Adam but my understanding is it's not as bad as some are making it. Either way, I'm done discussing the season. I have tossed it aside and I'm over it. We got just about what I expected. My expectations for next season will be determined over the next 4-5 months.
Take a breath Cowboys fans, find a hobby, take up the draft, spend time with your family and enjoy the break, I think we all need it.
