Hello from Jordan...the country....I'm still going to be looking after my boys from the middle east no matter how much sleep it costs me...
The Cowboys have pretty much finalized their roster and the team that's in camp now is likely going to be the team that heads to NY on September 11th for what promises to be an enthralling showdown. I think that Cowboys fans can look forward to this season with guarded optimism. The Garrett era is in full effect and I think we will see a much more disciplined, physical, and overall better team on the field. Despite the defenses struggles throughout the preseason, I attribute much of that to trying to learn Rob Ryan's defensive scheme in a short amount of time. I think eventually this defense will be far superior to last years.
Here is where some problems lie. Despite a new defensive scheme, the defense suffered from a lack of quality players last year and they still suffer this year. Alan Ball was replaced by Abram Elam at safety (a definite upgrade) and Igor Olshanky (a Wade Phillips guy) was cut and his lack of production will not be missed. Still, his replacement, Kenyon Coleman doesn't really get my blood flowing, and there has been a consistent lack of pass rush this preseason. The Cowboys cornerbacks are not good enough to play man to man and if Ryan can't figure out a way to consistently pressure the QB, the defense will find itself giving up tons of disastrous plays.
On the offensive side of the ball, I think the Cowboys have made every single right move. Romo has looked great this off season, as had Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Miles Austin needs to have a bounce-back year and their lack of depth at the WR position is a serious concern. Their 3rd receiver is the unproven, inconsistent, but highly talented, Kevin Olgletree. The Offensive line was completely overhauled, with last years 3 worst players let go. The problem is that they were replaced with talented but hugely inexperienced players. I would feel better if the Cowboys sign another veteran that can fill in if any of these youngsters falter. Still, the line is much more athletic and the running game should get a huge boost from it.
Speaking of the running game, I think that the Cowboys will catch everyone by surprise in that category this year. The more athletic line will pave the way for Felix Jones and Demarco Murray to have big seasons. Whether Tashard Choice or Phillip Tanner mans the 3rd spot could be negligible, both are tough runners.
The one area of huge concern, and it always is, is the kicking game. It looks as though the Cowboys will go with two kickers on the roster. The incumbent, Buehler, will go back to his original occupation as a kick-off man. With the new kick-off rule, there is no reason why he shouldn't have a touchback every time he boots the ball. Rookie kicker Dan Bailey has been impressive enough in camp (and Buehler has been unimpressive enough) to get a spot on the team as the place kicker. I actually like him kicking the FG's instead of Buehler, but the fact that the Cowboys have to waste a valuable roster spot on another kicker is concerning.
Lets face reality: This is a semi-rebuilding year for the Cowboys and their expectations are vastly minimal to those of the past few seasons. Still, I like being the underdog. As we know, everyone who is picked to win the NFC East every year, somehow falters. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys surprise people by coming out on top this season.
The Cowboys have pretty much finalized their roster and the team that's in camp now is likely going to be the team that heads to NY on September 11th for what promises to be an enthralling showdown. I think that Cowboys fans can look forward to this season with guarded optimism. The Garrett era is in full effect and I think we will see a much more disciplined, physical, and overall better team on the field. Despite the defenses struggles throughout the preseason, I attribute much of that to trying to learn Rob Ryan's defensive scheme in a short amount of time. I think eventually this defense will be far superior to last years.
Here is where some problems lie. Despite a new defensive scheme, the defense suffered from a lack of quality players last year and they still suffer this year. Alan Ball was replaced by Abram Elam at safety (a definite upgrade) and Igor Olshanky (a Wade Phillips guy) was cut and his lack of production will not be missed. Still, his replacement, Kenyon Coleman doesn't really get my blood flowing, and there has been a consistent lack of pass rush this preseason. The Cowboys cornerbacks are not good enough to play man to man and if Ryan can't figure out a way to consistently pressure the QB, the defense will find itself giving up tons of disastrous plays.
On the offensive side of the ball, I think the Cowboys have made every single right move. Romo has looked great this off season, as had Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. Miles Austin needs to have a bounce-back year and their lack of depth at the WR position is a serious concern. Their 3rd receiver is the unproven, inconsistent, but highly talented, Kevin Olgletree. The Offensive line was completely overhauled, with last years 3 worst players let go. The problem is that they were replaced with talented but hugely inexperienced players. I would feel better if the Cowboys sign another veteran that can fill in if any of these youngsters falter. Still, the line is much more athletic and the running game should get a huge boost from it.
Speaking of the running game, I think that the Cowboys will catch everyone by surprise in that category this year. The more athletic line will pave the way for Felix Jones and Demarco Murray to have big seasons. Whether Tashard Choice or Phillip Tanner mans the 3rd spot could be negligible, both are tough runners.
The one area of huge concern, and it always is, is the kicking game. It looks as though the Cowboys will go with two kickers on the roster. The incumbent, Buehler, will go back to his original occupation as a kick-off man. With the new kick-off rule, there is no reason why he shouldn't have a touchback every time he boots the ball. Rookie kicker Dan Bailey has been impressive enough in camp (and Buehler has been unimpressive enough) to get a spot on the team as the place kicker. I actually like him kicking the FG's instead of Buehler, but the fact that the Cowboys have to waste a valuable roster spot on another kicker is concerning.
Lets face reality: This is a semi-rebuilding year for the Cowboys and their expectations are vastly minimal to those of the past few seasons. Still, I like being the underdog. As we know, everyone who is picked to win the NFC East every year, somehow falters. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys surprise people by coming out on top this season.
