Here's doubting Thomas would help Dallas Cowboys
by Jean-Jacques Taylor, columnist for The Dallas Morning News
The Cowboys do not need Zach Thomas. If New England wants to sign him, so be it.
He used to be a terrific player – a high-energy, high-motor player who made more plays with desire and intelligence than athleticism.
But he's 34 now. He's 228 pounds or so, which makes him extremely undersized for an inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. And he's coming off a concussion that limited him to five games last season.
He's not going to be the difference between getting to the Super Bowl or not. I know Wade Phillips loves him. And I know Phillips has had undersized linebackers like Donnie Edwards in his scheme before, but Edwards was more athletic than Thomas.
That said, it just never seems like a good idea to bring in an older veteran who was cut from a 1-15 team and make him a starter. Rest assured, if Thomas signs with Dallas it's not to be a role player and play on special teams. It will be to compete with Akin Ayodele and Kevin Burnett for the starting spot.
Somehow, that just doesn't seem like the best way for this team to get better.
The Cowboys do not need Zach Thomas. If New England wants to sign him, so be it.
He used to be a terrific player – a high-energy, high-motor player who made more plays with desire and intelligence than athleticism.
But he's 34 now. He's 228 pounds or so, which makes him extremely undersized for an inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. And he's coming off a concussion that limited him to five games last season.
He's not going to be the difference between getting to the Super Bowl or not. I know Wade Phillips loves him. And I know Phillips has had undersized linebackers like Donnie Edwards in his scheme before, but Edwards was more athletic than Thomas.
That said, it just never seems like a good idea to bring in an older veteran who was cut from a 1-15 team and make him a starter. Rest assured, if Thomas signs with Dallas it's not to be a role player and play on special teams. It will be to compete with Akin Ayodele and Kevin Burnett for the starting spot.
Somehow, that just doesn't seem like the best way for this team to get better.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:59 PM
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