Cowboys Position Series: Secondary

Jenkins exemplified failure

The Cowboys secondary this past season was arguably their greatest weakness. They were ranked 26th total pass defense and they often played without guts, moxy or heart. They often looked confused and unprepared. An improved pass-rush under Rob Ryan should help the secondary  but new additions will surely be needed. Here is how their current players break down:

21- Mike Jenkins- CB- Jenkins was the poster boy for the Cowboys defensive ineptitude. Among cornerbacks he gave up the second most yards and he was first the the NFL in pass interferences against. A year after making the Pro-Bowl and showing flashes of greatness Jenkins fell far from the top this year. He looked slow and timid. That non-tackle against Green Bay sums it up. Still, his talent is too great to give up on. GRADE- D

41- Terrence Newman-CB- Newman has always been an enigma in Dallas. He has at times played like a All-Pro shutdown corner and at times he has been burnt like a bagel. This past season we saw more of the latter. His age and litany of injuries have been chasing him for some time. He had another mixed-results season but could be worth keeping around for one more year depending on what kind of financial room the Cowboys have. GRADE- B-

43- Gerald Sensebaugh- S- Technically, Sensebaugh may have been the most consistent player in the Cowboys secondary, which is a big problem. He was never terrible but never stood out. He had 5 interceptions  but was late on a lot of coverages over the top and wasn't necessarily a run stuffer. I wouldn't mind seeing him leave but he doesn't need to be first at the out door. GRADE- B-

20-Alan Ball-S- Not to sound like I have a vendetta against Alan Ball but he's downright the softest NFL player I've ever seen. (He makes Bobby Carpenter look like Mike Tyson). He has approximately 5 pounds of muscle  and bounces off receivers like a ping-pong ball...forget about him trying to tackle a running back...I don' think that has ever happened. He was always on the bottom of your TV screen 10 yards behind a touch down celebrating receiver. If he plays for the Cowboys next year I will discontinue this blog. GRADE- F

32-Orlando Scandrick- CB- Scandrick seemingly took a step back this season in his nickel corner duties. Actually he played just as you would expect. He had exceeded our expectations last year and this season he came back down to earth. I think he still has upside and a swagger that will motivate him to get better. He is not a shut-down corner and he never will be but he could be a steady presence in that nickel corner position. GRADE- B-

37- Bryan McCann-CB- McCann was a huge bright spot on the secondary palette this past season. He can be credited with turning two games  around with an interception and punt return for touchdowns. Jason Garrett owes him a ton of credit. Still his coverage skills were inconsistent and will need some toning in the off-season.  I am excited to see what he can bring to the table next year.  GRADE- A-

42-Barry Church- S- Church got a chance towards the end of the season to showcase his talents. He is clearly a great athlete who plays hard and in time could turn into a good player. As long as he stays consistent on special teams he will get a chance to prove himself. GRADE- B

40-Danny McCray- S- Like B. Church, McCray showed a lot of promise. With the Cowboys safety situation in such dire straits, he and Church will get a chance to compete next season but I doubt if either will be fully ready for the challenge.  GRADE- C+


27- Akwasi Owusu-Ansah- S- Akwasi was drafted on potential and for the return game. Injuries plagued his rookie campaign but even when healthy he didn't impress. Don't be surprised if he's not around next year. GRADE- D

TOTAL GRADE: C-

As of today, Mel Kiper Jr. has the Cowboys picking Prince Amukamara at # 9. This would be a great addition to the secondary. So would Patrick Peterson but it is unlikely he will be available. The Cowboys have an even greater need at safety but there are not as many sure-fire prospects in the draft. I think they need to be aggressive in free agency at both positions but especially at Safety. Atogwe seems like a good match and I would be very surprised if the Cowboys don't at least take a look at him.