Cowboys Outlook
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Dallas Cowboys Written by Adam Allen Posted on 6/21/2007
Ah, the dog days of June. Free Agency has been zapped clean. The hype around the draft is officially over. From a personnel standpoint, not much is going on. Mini camps and “voluntary” workouts are in full swing, but let’s face it… if your team hasn’t made the moves needed to take that next step, the window is closing rapidly. Oh sure, there will be some veterans that get the ax come June 1st, but for the most part, these will be the older players whose skills just aren’t worth the big bucks anymore.
With that in mind, now seems like a good time to take you on a trip around the league and let you know just how well your team did this offseason. Without further adieu, I present to you… Double A’s Offseason Report Cards. Over the next few weeks, I will document the additions and losses of each and every one of the 32 teams and give them a grade based on their overall performance this offseason.
2006 Record: 9-7
Things that needed to be addressed:
Sure-up the Secondary - I think you can officially say that Roy Williams and Anthony Henry are limited in pass coverage. Both, when challenged, are beat repeatedly and are often times the focal point of opposing offenses’ attacks. The Cowboys need a presence at corner, as well as a safety who can cover deep and allow Williams to play in the box where he is most effective.
Put Romo in the Best Situation to Grow - This can be accomplished in a lot of areas. First, bring in a savvy veteran QB to help mentor him. Next, sure-up that offensive line and maintain continuity in play. Lastly, and obviously, surround the guy with weapons.
Build Depth - While a lot of the starters on this team are set, the squad isn’t all that deep. And with the crop of free agents they lost, it is important to replace their depth.
Notable Losses: Drew Bledsoe (QB); Jason Fabini (OT); Kenyon Coleman (DE); Ryan Fowler (LB); Al Johnson (C); Marco Rivera (OG)
Notable Additions: Leonard Davis (OL); Brad Johnson (QB); Kenny Hamlin (S)
Draft Class:
1 – Anthony Spencer (OLB)
3 – James Marten (OT)
4 – Isiah Stanback (QB)
4 – Doug Free (OT)
6 – Nick Folk (K)
6 – Deon Anderson (FB)
7 – Courtney Brown (CB)
7 – Alan Ball (CB)
Overview:
Jerry Jones made it clear all offseason that the Cowboys roster was set. He almost came right out and said that there was no room for improvement. I think he was wrong. Obviously, they didn’t sit back and not get involved in free agency, but Dallas had some glaring roster weaknesses that teams routinely exploited in 2006, and should have proactively made an effort to address them.
They made a “bang” in free agency with the acquisition of Leonard Davis. While Davis can be a good player (as a guard – not a tackle), he has underachieved throughout his entire career and the Cowboys shelled out WAY too much money for this guy. It addresses a need and solidifies the O-Line some, but I don’t know if I can give them a plus in this regard, considering the dollars they ponied up for this big boy. The Kenny Hamlin move was a nice one and he is a quality player. Hamlin gives them a clear-cut starter at free safety at least. However, he isn’t a rangey complimentary type player to Roy Williams. His strengths lie in his run support and tackling ability. So, the Cowboys may have made their deep coverage issues even deeper. Brad Johnson will prove to be a valuable asset to Romo as a mentor and a guy who can still come in and win a ball game.
Their draft was pretty nice. Anthony Spencer is a quality player and is another playmaker off the edge to compliment Ware in passing situations. Spencer should be a solid contributor right off the bat. I also like the Marten and Free selections, as they can contribute down the road, especially if they don’t resign Flozell Adams next year. The late round corners will most likely add some depth to a struggling spot.
Overall Offseason Grade: C+
I agree that the ‘Boys have a decent roster. However, they overpaid an underachieving player, got a free safety who’s game is opposite of what they needed, and did not even attempt to challenge Anthony Henry’s spot. Throw in that their #1 pick – while a solid player – is a backup (for now). I never condone a 1st rounder who will turn into a backup. There’s always a position that can be upgraded by a Round 1 talent somewhere on your roster. But, all in all, they were active, brought in some proven veterans, and should be one of the better teams in the NFC this season.
Dallas Cowboys Written by Adam Allen Posted on 6/21/2007
Ah, the dog days of June. Free Agency has been zapped clean. The hype around the draft is officially over. From a personnel standpoint, not much is going on. Mini camps and “voluntary” workouts are in full swing, but let’s face it… if your team hasn’t made the moves needed to take that next step, the window is closing rapidly. Oh sure, there will be some veterans that get the ax come June 1st, but for the most part, these will be the older players whose skills just aren’t worth the big bucks anymore.
With that in mind, now seems like a good time to take you on a trip around the league and let you know just how well your team did this offseason. Without further adieu, I present to you… Double A’s Offseason Report Cards. Over the next few weeks, I will document the additions and losses of each and every one of the 32 teams and give them a grade based on their overall performance this offseason.
2006 Record: 9-7
Things that needed to be addressed:
Sure-up the Secondary - I think you can officially say that Roy Williams and Anthony Henry are limited in pass coverage. Both, when challenged, are beat repeatedly and are often times the focal point of opposing offenses’ attacks. The Cowboys need a presence at corner, as well as a safety who can cover deep and allow Williams to play in the box where he is most effective.
Put Romo in the Best Situation to Grow - This can be accomplished in a lot of areas. First, bring in a savvy veteran QB to help mentor him. Next, sure-up that offensive line and maintain continuity in play. Lastly, and obviously, surround the guy with weapons.
Build Depth - While a lot of the starters on this team are set, the squad isn’t all that deep. And with the crop of free agents they lost, it is important to replace their depth.
Notable Losses: Drew Bledsoe (QB); Jason Fabini (OT); Kenyon Coleman (DE); Ryan Fowler (LB); Al Johnson (C); Marco Rivera (OG)
Notable Additions: Leonard Davis (OL); Brad Johnson (QB); Kenny Hamlin (S)
Draft Class:
1 – Anthony Spencer (OLB)
3 – James Marten (OT)
4 – Isiah Stanback (QB)
4 – Doug Free (OT)
6 – Nick Folk (K)
6 – Deon Anderson (FB)
7 – Courtney Brown (CB)
7 – Alan Ball (CB)
Overview:
Jerry Jones made it clear all offseason that the Cowboys roster was set. He almost came right out and said that there was no room for improvement. I think he was wrong. Obviously, they didn’t sit back and not get involved in free agency, but Dallas had some glaring roster weaknesses that teams routinely exploited in 2006, and should have proactively made an effort to address them.
They made a “bang” in free agency with the acquisition of Leonard Davis. While Davis can be a good player (as a guard – not a tackle), he has underachieved throughout his entire career and the Cowboys shelled out WAY too much money for this guy. It addresses a need and solidifies the O-Line some, but I don’t know if I can give them a plus in this regard, considering the dollars they ponied up for this big boy. The Kenny Hamlin move was a nice one and he is a quality player. Hamlin gives them a clear-cut starter at free safety at least. However, he isn’t a rangey complimentary type player to Roy Williams. His strengths lie in his run support and tackling ability. So, the Cowboys may have made their deep coverage issues even deeper. Brad Johnson will prove to be a valuable asset to Romo as a mentor and a guy who can still come in and win a ball game.
Their draft was pretty nice. Anthony Spencer is a quality player and is another playmaker off the edge to compliment Ware in passing situations. Spencer should be a solid contributor right off the bat. I also like the Marten and Free selections, as they can contribute down the road, especially if they don’t resign Flozell Adams next year. The late round corners will most likely add some depth to a struggling spot.
Overall Offseason Grade: C+
I agree that the ‘Boys have a decent roster. However, they overpaid an underachieving player, got a free safety who’s game is opposite of what they needed, and did not even attempt to challenge Anthony Henry’s spot. Throw in that their #1 pick – while a solid player – is a backup (for now). I never condone a 1st rounder who will turn into a backup. There’s always a position that can be upgraded by a Round 1 talent somewhere on your roster. But, all in all, they were active, brought in some proven veterans, and should be one of the better teams in the NFC this season.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:10 PM
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