Song Of The Day- The Allman Brothers Band - Blue Sky

Fucking awesome song

Atogwe signs with Redskins

I know there is all this uncertainty with the impending lockout but I feel like Jerry Jones has already made a fatal error in the most important off-season since the mid 90's. Oshiomogho Atogwe, recently released by the Rams was signed to a 5 yr.  26 Million dollar deal with none other than the Redskins.

I know it is not a time to just spend money foolishly but the Cowboys safeties are both terrible and Atogwe is the best free agent available. (Bob Sanders is way too injury prone.) With a weak draft class at that position it seems to me that common sense would dictate at least bringing in Atogwe for a visit. Instead Jerry did nothing and now he's playing in our division. Not a great start to the off-season.

Cowboys Position Series: Outside Linebackers

In the 3-4 defense the outside linebackers are arguably your most important players, and they certainly have to be your most gifted athletes. On one side the Cowboys have a supreme sackmaster in Demarcus Ware. Unfortunately he can't play both OLB positions and the rest of the group lacked in production this year which ultimately failed to veil their disgusting secondary. Although there are more pressing needs on defense, I wouldn't be opposed to the Cowboys drafting a Vonn Miller; someone who can come in and immediately contribute.

DWare of the Dog

# 94- Demarcus Ware- OLB: Demarcus has been one of if not the best pass rushers in the NFL since he became a full time starter. He has 4 consecutive double-digit sack seasons and has twice led the NFL in sacks(08,10).  Despite leading the league in sacks this year, Ware actually had a down year in my estimation. He was unusually quiet in some big games this year and wasn't a consistent presence. Despite this, he is second to none at his craft. GRADE- A-

#93-Anthony Spencer- OLB: Spencer has to be one of the great disappointments of the 2010 season. After he finished  the 09 season on fire, sacking QB's in his last 10 games at a vascillating pace everyone expected his production to carry over to this season. He fell way short of expectations, accruing  only 5 sacks, also mostly in unimportant situations. Technically, in 3 years as a starter, he's only played well in 10 games. The one thing he had always been good at was run-stuffing, and this year he could be counted on to over run the ball carrier all the time. I hope Rob Ryan can get this guy to play to his potential or else we may have only seen a quick lightning strike 2 years ago. GRADE- C

# 57- Victor Butler- OLB- It's been tough for Victor to get consistent time on the field with Ware and Spencer out there, but every time he plays he makes the most of his time. He is super athletic and has gotten to the QB in his limited opportunities. This year will be a big year for him. I believe he has earned more playing time and we will find out if he can be a real player in this league. GRADE- B+

#59- Brandon Williams- OLB- Williams missed the entire 2009 season with a torn ACL. He had a tough time getting on the field last year and didn't have any meaningful stats. Still, the Cowboys like his athleticism and he will get a chance to compete at camp. It will be tough for him to see playing time in the defense but he can still be a valuable special teams player. GRADE- B-

Song OF The Day- Animal Collective - For Reverend Green

Off of Strawberry Jam, this song is unlike every other Animal Collective song because it is loud, in your face and fucking rocks. Animal Collective is usually a little too hipster for me with all their electronic garble, but this song is sick.

Cowboys Position Series: Inside Linebackers

If healthy, Sean Lee can have a great year

The interior linebackers weren't the most gaping hole in the Cowboys beleaguered defense but it was clearly and area that took a step back from 2009. The main reasons for this were age. It is an area of concern but not the most pressing need.

# 51- Keith Brooking- ILB: Keith Brooking's rejuvenation stopped last year and never came back. He was like the Rocky Soundtrack. Useful in pumping you up but ultimately old and overplayed. GRADE: B-

#56- Bradie James- ILB: Brooking wasn't alone in looking old...Bradie James, who for years has been underrated, looked a step slower this year. He's still in his 20's but the NFL runs in dog years. He was inadequate in pass coverage and neither starter was the run stuffer that they used to be. I'm sure many Cowboys fans were surprised by this notion but...they could have used Bobby Carpenter this year! As soft as he is, Bobby had found his niche as the nickel LB and had excelled at covering tight ends and running backs over the middle. No one stepped up into that role this year.
 GRADE- B

#50- Sean Lee- ILB: The Cowboys do have a potential stud in the making in Penn St. graduate Sean Lee. When Lee was on the field he flat out made plays. (See Indianapolis game). If you have a young play maker in the middle of your defense, that can set the tone for your entire team. (See Urlacher). However, Sean Lee seems to be VERY injury prone and he still needs to gain some size before I'm buying fully into him.  GRADE: B

# 54- Kenwin Cummings- ILB- As of now he is listed as the backup to Bradie James, but he did not see any action last season with the Cowboys. Will have to fight for a roster spot in training camp.
GRADE-N/A



# 52- Leon Williams- ILB- He has been a decent player on special teams and has shown in the past that he can be adequate as a reserve but he does not have much upside, which is why the Cowboys did not tender him. Most likely will not be back with the team.

GRADE- C+

DRAFT?- This is a low need for an inside linebacker at this moment. Yes, Brooking needs to be replaced but if healthy, Lee will be ready to step up and be a more productive player. All the backups can be found in FA.

Melo debut: Come Get Some

Ever since Donnie Walsh saved the NY Knicks from the idiotic and slimy clutches of Isiah Thomas, the fans have been waiting for the day when we could put a star-powered, championship contender on the Garden floor. That day is not here yet, but the star power is. Stan n Melo are in place and the Garden was buzzing like crazy before tonight's match-up against the Bucks even started.

As expected both Melo and the 5x Allstar throw in, Chauncey Billups (Awesome addition) have showed some rust and the Knicks have looked a bit out of synch the entire night. Still there is so much talent for the Knicks that they have been able to score a prolific amount of points. (Everyone seems to forget how talented Toney Douglas is...Shawne Williams is a solid shooter and defender as well) No one should be worried that Melo isn't having a great shooting night...He will put up points in the 24 remaining games. (Even with a poor shooting percentage he managed 27 points and 10 boards)The big question is: will the new-Knicks be able to mesh in time to make a serious playoff run? They will have to work fast but I think that Amare, Melo, Billups and Fields are all smart enough to make it happen.

The one problem that will persist for the Knicks is defense. Their defense looks awful against an offensively anemic Milwaukee team. They've had players wide open the entire night. The Knicks were not a great defensive team before the trade but they are an even worse one now. Melo will have to buy into playing defense and Walsh will need to get us a real center in a matter of 24 hours for this team to go deep into the playoffs. Still, Donnie Walsh has 2 important phases of his plan completed; The stars are in place, now we need to reassemble a bench and gain size in order to present a championship caliber team.

Song Of The Day- Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stone

Although perhaps not their most pop-friendly song, this is the corner stone of the Rolling Stones career. It is perhaps my favorite song of all time and one of their most well-written, provocative efforts. Off of Let It Bleed, it captured the essence of the late 60's with all of the unrest due to race relations and the Vietnam War. Merry Clayton's voice crack at the songs climax is one of the moments in recorded rock history.