2012 Olympic Team vs 92 Dream Team

2012 Olympic Team vs. 1992 Dream Team

Kobe said he thought this years Olympic team would come out on top against the original 1992 dream team and that’s sparked a wildfire of debate. Call me old fashioned but I’m hedging my bets on the original dream team...maybe not every single time but if it came down to one game, give me the most legendary crop of basketball players that ever existed.

I’ll break it down by position but I think ultimately it’s the intangibles that give the 1992 team a leg up.  First the overall talent level is higher but I think more importantly there is more CHAMPIONSHIP experience. Jordan, Magic, Bird and Pippen had all won championships at this point. Robinson would eventually win one. Ewing, Drexler, Malone and Stockton (we won’t count Mullin’s 3 games in 2000) would all play in at least 1 NBA finals. Only Kobe, Lebron and Wade have won an NBA title and Howard is the only other player on the roster to have been to one. Finally, I understand the game has changed and it is played at a quicker pace now and perhaps the athletes today are a bit more athletic but I wouldn’t put too much stock in this. They are not overwhelmingly more athletic (if at all) and the 1992 team has much more size. Also the 1992 team played at a time when there was less on one on and the “team” concept actually meant something. It’s tough for us to understand today because most team’s play via the 1-on-1 method (minus the Spurs who still continue to have success) but I think that team basketball will always win out over ball-hogging basketball.

I’ve broken it down by position below...(I’m stealing this position breakdown idea from thebleacherreport.com but it’s not a patented move by them either)

Derrick Rose (PG Bulls)  vs Magic Johnson (PG Lakers)

Sorry to all the D. Rose fans out there but this one’s not even close. Magic is on another level, even though in 1992 he was beginning his fight with the HIV virus and is older than D. Rose was at this stage, he has a better, more creative , all-around game, and a bonafide champion.

Kobe Bryant (SF Lakers) vs Michael Jordan (SF Bulls)

Kobe hater or not, Jordan is Jordan....Michael is the greatest of all time and he may be the ultimate reason why the 1992 dream team is better no matter what. Jordan was a more complete player, no disrespect to Bryant who is the best we’ve seen since, and Jordan was a great defender. Also consider that Kobe is an old 33 and while he’s most definitely not in the twilight zone he’s past his prime. Jordan at the time was 29 and very much in his prime.

Kevin Durant  (SG/SF Thunder) vs Larry Bird (SF Celtics)

This is another close one but if we look at where they were at in their careers and physically you have to give Durant the edge. Bird’s back was so fucked up during the 92’ run that he would have to lay down instead of sit on the bench when he wasn’t on the floor. Durant right now, is an unstoppable monster. Bird is perhaps the most competitive player in NBA history which makes this close but sometimes you are just too old.

Lebron James (SF HEAT) vs Charles Barkley (PF SUNS)

If this was a contest for who you’d rather hang out with, or who is more comfortable in their own skin, or more of a drunk/ recipient of head from hookers... Chuck all day. When it comes to basketball, however, Lebron James is unquestionably the better player here. He is the most exciting player since Jordan and seems to have finally figured it all out.

Dwight Howard (C Magic-for now) vs Patrick Ewing (C)

Superman versus P-U? Patrick all day. First of all, Patrick taught Dwight everything he knows down there in Orlando, but at the end of the day Howard is just an unbelievable freak of an athlete. He is not necessarily a great basketball player---he is a great defender but other than that he can only dunk. Patrick was a good defender (not as good as Howard) but a more skilled offensive player. He can make free throws, he can attack the rim in any way imaginable and can hit jump shots and the occasional perimeter shot.  Also in 1992, Ewing was very much in his prime and more athletic than some may remember. Ewing also used to have his dick taped to his leg for games and Howard impregnated a Magic cheerleader babe...both also impressive.

Chris Paul (Clippers) vs John Stockton (Jazz)

I think to everyone, old or young, it would seem obvious to give the advantage to Paul and the 2012 squad here. Paul is a more complete and much more physically gifted player. John Stockton’s shorts, however,  are far superior and that makes it closer.  I think Stockton is a good fit for the 92 team because he’s such a smart player and knows his job is to be a professor of distribution. Paul is a more talented player but this matchup would probably even itself out.

Dwayne Wade (SG Heat) vs Clyde Drexler (SG Trailblazers)

I think we all believe that Wade will go down as the overall better player, but he really became unimpressive at the end of the year. Also I think that if this game were to go down...the refereeing would also have to at least meet us somewhere in the late 90’s early 2000’s so I don’t think D. Wade gets away with all his drawing fouls bullshit. Drexler is somewhat an underrated player and in 1992 he was the MVP runner up to Jordan and probably a better player at that point than Wade is at this very moment. I actually think this matchup evens itself out.

Carmelo Anthony (SF Knicks) vs Chris Mullin (SF Warriors)

As a Knicks fan, there are so many things that frustrate me about Melo...his laziness, lack of defensive prowess, being a team cancer...etc...but the guy can flat out hit paydirt. Mullen made up for his lack of athletic ability with all the qualities that Melo lacks but at the end of the day Carmelo is the more dangerous guy on the floor.

Blake Griffin (PF Clippers) vs Karl Malone (PF Jazz)

Karl Malone in a blowout. Not even close. Blake is ESPN’s golden boy but he really can only dunk. Actually no, he can only dunk. Karl Malone was one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen, much more important than being one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever seen.

Kevin Love (C/PF Timberwolves) vs David Robinson (C SPURS)

The Admiral was a truly phenomenal center but Kevin Love is redefining the position for the next generation. He can score in any way possible but still can play like a true center. He is a more athletic and versatile version of the Admiral and doesn’t deserve to be wasting his talents in Minnesota.

 

Rudy Gay (SF Grizzlies) vs Scottie Pippen (SF BULLS)

The former (thats the first one mentioned for all  you brain surgeons out there) is not quite an elite player and the latter (that would be the second one mentioned) is one of the 50 greatest of all time. Next.

Lamarcus Aldridge (C Trailblazers) vs Christian Laettner (PF Duke)

Christian Laettner? I won’t even discuss this one, you all know where the advantage lies.

Mets Midway

Mets Midway Report

Lets be honest...something Mets fans have gotten ridiculously good through the course of time. NO ONE, expected them to be sitting in the position they are in now, at this juncture in the season. If you are telling people you did, you’re a liar. Personally, I thought they would be competitive and better than the pundits and chris russo had given them credit for in the beginning of the season. But I did not expect them to be within striking distance of first place, and a LEGITIMATE playoff contender. The Mets have played with an energy and tenacity that we have not seen since the 2006-2007 years. Every time it seems like its going to go horribly wrong, re-confirming our greatest and stereotypical Mets fears, they rise from the depths and get on another roll.

Not to say the Mets are a great team, they’re not. They fizzled away against the Yankees, they can’t seem to beat the abysmal Cubbies...they still don’t hit for enough power and their “revamped” bullpen is a colossal joke (4.94 ERA is highest in majors) and their fielding is atrocious and Jason Bay is still on the payroll. (Actually his absence is a legitimate contribution to the Mets success...the mets have sizzled this year with 2 outs and runners on...situations like this have caused Bay to breakout with an allergic reaction in the batters box)  Put all that shit aside though...The Mets are contenders.

There are a great number of reasons for this but Let me throw 5 names out there...David Wright, R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana, Terry Collins and Dave Hudgens....Who is Dave Hudgens you may wonder. He’s the Mets hitting coach and I (as well as my man TC) credit him with the Mets ability to put runs on the board this season. Despite their lack of power, they are working counts extremely efficiently, balancing selective and aggressive hitting impeccably and make EVERY SINGLE AT-BAT COUNT!

David Wright is having an MVP season. This notion hasn’t crossed my mind since he was first rockin the Orange and Blue years ago. He is more relaxed at the plate, striking out less and hitting as clutch as ever and has carried this offense through the thick and thin of this season.

R.A. Dickey has been an aberration. He is having (half-way through) one of the greatest season’s a Mets pitcher has ever had. If he keeps this up, he is in a Seaver-Gooden type of class in terms of single season performances. All the more, he is doing it as an old man who throws the most effective and baffling knuckleball in the history of baseball. I actually think he will have a better second half because I think he has begun to command his knuckler more than it has commanded him....also Tony La Russa is a rotten fungus covered scrotum for not starting Dickey in the all-star game...but i’ll take A Cy Young award instead thanks.

Santana is another reason. Its cliché but his presence, just the mere fact that he’s stayed healthy and pitched very well is an undervalued morale boost for this team. He has had his moments where his age and diminished abilities have shown but he is still an elite pitcher. Never more evident than when he pitched not only the first no-hitter in Mets history. It was one of those moments that you’ll never forget no matter where you watched it. (Actually I didn’t watch it live because im in the fucking desert in Abu Dhabi right now so the SNY replays had to do but they still brought tears to my eyes.) 

Finally, Terry Collins has been a godsend. He really has. He has these guys playing so fucking hard, they want to come to the ballpark every day, they truly believe in themselves, the team and their manager. He has adapted his balls-to-the-wall, fiery coaching style to a more player friends but still extremely intense style. He has made a few technical head scratchers this year in the way he’s handled some of the pitching but, the Mets bullpen usually makes all their managers look stupid anyways. He deserves to be locked up for a long term contract as much as any manager in baseball.

Others have contributed to the success. Daniel Murphy has shown signs of greatness and his fielding has improved. Ike dragged us through one of the worst slumps I’ve ever seen but now he’s fucking killing the ball. Ruben Tejada has honestly made me forget about Jose Reyes. No he’s not the flashy, speedy, can’t-miss dynamo that Reyes is, but he’s been a more consistent hitter and a solid fielder. Duda’s power potential is exciting, although he looks like a Clydesdale horse with a glove in the outfield. Niese has shown legitimate signs of taking the next step (I thought he had actually taken it until that last Chicago game) The rest of the Mets, mostly home-grown guys, have all contributed in a positive way and not to many (minus all of the bullpen) have you wondering what the hell their doing on the club. Turner and Nieuwenhuis have had clutch hits, Hairston has crushed lefties. Thole has been solid as usual and Valdespin brings a punk swag to the club that makes for good entertainment.

I think moves have to be made for them to be real contenders, but that’s what real contenders do anyways. Make the necessary adjustments to make that next push. Barring any horrible injury I think this team’s resilience carries them to one of the wild-card spots and finally back to October baseball. CGS on that.

Dallas Cowboys Roster Defensive Battles

Dallas Cowboys-Roster Battles: Defense

While there are needs for improvement on the offensive side of the ball, the Achilles heel of the Cowboys last season was clearly their defense. Rob Ryan talked a big game, as that entire Cinnabon chugging family typically does. The problem was that Cowboys defense, once again, took a siesta in the fourth quarter of games in the most important part of the season. Although they were much better than 2010, they need to improve greatly if the Cowboys are going to be a contender this season. Like his fat brother, Rob Ryan got his stomach tied up this off-season to lose weight. Hopefully his mouth will tie up a bit and the defense’s play can speak for itself. That being said, here are the roster spots that should be claimed on defense.

Defensive Line:

Hatcher & Lissemore will be key DLine figures

Jay Ratliff will once again be a staple at the nose guard position but his age and tendency to wear down late in the season mean others will have to step up. I fully expect that, barring injury, Jason Hatcher has a breakout season at defensive end, and maybe even becomes a defensive leader since he thinks the team is lacking in those. Sean Lissemore should step up this season and play an important role on the defense. Last season he was constantly in the mix creating pressure. Marcus Spears may be overpaid but he is solid against the run and should have at least one more productive season in him. Rookie Tyrone Crawford will see some playing time at D-End while Josh Brent will be the other backup nose guard. The Cowboys like his size and he may get some more playing opportunities this year...

Linebackers:

 This is another area where we will see a changing of the guard. The Cowboys were plagued by the slow play of the nursery combo of Brooking/B. James and the inconsistent and ultimately disappointing play of Anthony Spencer.

Carter is an athletic FREAK

Demarcus Ware and Sean Lee will be the two most important players on the defensive side of the ball this year (and Claiborne could be too). Anthony Spencer received the franchise tag (only because the FA field was dreadful) and will start but will be pushed for playing time. Victor Butler will be the one doing the pushing. He seems to always be near the QB in the limited time that he saw the field last season and I think his playing time expands exponentially. The real battle to watch will be between Bruce Carter and free agent pickup Dan Connor. Connor is a Penn St. Alum, who wasn’t sexually molested, and is a very instinctive player. He will be exceptional against the run but lacks the athletic ability that Carter possesses. Carter is coming off a meaningless 2011 where he spent the first half of the season on injured reserve. I think he will ultimately start this year at the other ILB position but both will play a significant role...Rookie Kyle Wilber will be a pleasant surprise I believe. The other two linebackers will be Alex Albright, a special teams stand-out and I do believe that 7^th round pick Caleb McSurdy makes the team because he just sounds like a football player.

Saftey:

The Great White Hope-Matt Johnson

This has been the Cowboys herpes for the past decade. Player after player has been brought in and all have failed to have any lasting success, if they ever had any at all. Gerald Sensebaugh has been retained as the free safety and will start. He is a decent player, nothing great but certainly capable of contributing in a positive way. The Cowboys signed Brodney Pool from the Jets to play the other safety position. If anyone saw him play last year then they know this signing is repulsive. He is terrible and softer than a bag of hair. I think he gets cut. Instead I think Barry Church and rookie Matt Johnson battle it out. Church is very athletic, performed well as a nickel corner last year and has a bit more experience, so I give him the nod. I am interested in Johnson though, he made a ton of plays in college. Danny McCray will take the 4^th spot over Pool...he’s done good things in the past and can contribute on special teams.

Cornerback:

MJ could be the best 3rd CB in the NFL...If he tries

Last season this was the Cowboys weakest position. This season it may be the strongest. The additions of Brandon Carr via free agency and the drafting of LSU phenom Morris Claibourne give the cowboys 2 starters who are significant upgrades over their counterparts last season. To be fair, one of those counterparts, is Mike Jenkins, who is now disgruntled with his ambiguous role in the Cowboys secondary and has asked for a trade...Jenkins performed admirably last season while playing very banged up and his talent is Pro-Bowl calibre when he wants it to be. Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick will play the respective 3^rd and 4^th CB roles and this gives the Cowboys the best depth at the position that I can remember...as long as Jenkins plays hard. After those 4, there a multitude of young cornerbacks to choose from; I think the cowboys carry 6 CB’s with Mario Butler and rookie Isaac Madison finishing out the defensive side of the roster.

Dallas Cowboys: Offensive roster battles

Dallas Cowboys: Key Position Battles- Offense

The Cowboys roster has gone through a major metamorphosis this past off-season. The core is still intact but Jason Garrett and D-Coordinator Rob Ryan have tried to fill the complementary and need spots with “their type of guys.” Essentially this means talented but boring, anti-flash but hard working, grinders. Guys who truly love the game and will check egos at the front door and come do work.  In training camp, Garret and Ryan hope to see who these guys really are as they widdle down the roster. So while we wait anxiously for training camp lets take a look at potential roster spot battles. Offense up first.

QB:

Could be time to put McGee out of his misery

I think Tony Romo is safe to make the team and Kyle Orton is the best insurance policy the Cowboys have had since Staubach and Don Meredith were both on the team.  The third spot will be tricky though. Stephen McGee has not showed us anything worth poppin champagne over and it wouldn’t surprise me if the Cowboys go with only 2 QB’s on the roster or maybe give Rudy Carpenter a chance to supplant McGee for the #3 spot.

 RB:

Phillip Tanner

 Demarco Murray will tear it up this year and Felix Jones will likely play his final season with a star on his helmet. The 3^rd running back spot will be very important, as both Murray and Jones are injury-prone. Phillip Tanner showed good burst last season in limited opportunities but the Cowboys are also high on undrafted rookie Lance Dunbar. I think it will come down to whomever performs better on special teams. I think Tanner ultimately makes the game-day roster but I think the Cowboys will try to retain Dunbar for the practice squad.

FB: Lawrence Vickers

The tight ends will fulfill any other needed fullback duties like they always have but Vickers will be an unheralded hero opening up holes for D. Murray.

Danny Coale...when will the Wes Welker comparisons become over-cliched?

WR: This will be one of the two most important battles in camp. Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are a given. The third receiver spot is the biggest question mark on this team. I think the train has left the station for Kevin Ogletree…He’s squandered the ample opportunities that he’s received. The Cowboys will have Dwayne Harris, Danny Coale, Andre Holmes and Cole Beasley fight it out with Ogletree. I think all of them have a place on the team, Beasley going to the practice squad.  I think Coale becomes the third receiver in the long run because of his slot abilities but Holmes will be the initial 3^rd WR because of his athletic ability.

John Phillips

Tight Ends:

Jason Witten- next question…John Phillips will secure the #2 spot and have a surprisingly productive year. 6^th round speeders James Hanna will get opportunities to make plays also.

O-Line:

Bill Nagy could add some manliness to the center position

Tyron Smith will turn into an elite left tackle this season and Doug Free will regain his 2010 form back on the right side. I believe newly signed free agents Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau will get their starting guard spots. The real battle will be at center. Phil Costa MUST be replaced he is a complete joke. I like Bill Nagy to win this job…he showed promise at guard last season before breaking his leg. He would be at least a physical improvement over Costa. Some analysts like Kevin Kowalski as a possible solution. Lets hope not…best case scenario is Nagy wins the starting job and Costa backs him up with the ability to fill in a guard. They brought back Pat McQuistian as a swing guard, which is a solid move. Rookie FA Ronald Leary could be a huge sleeper pick if his knee holds up. David Arkin will have to show something to stay on the roster but he should because they’ll likely carry 10 linemen.

Cowboys 2012 Rookie Class...Where they fit

Cowboys Rookie Class

It’s 110 degrees here in Abu Dhabi and I’m falling asleep reading over these reports on Abu Dhabi bank lending tendencies and liquidity issues so the only way to keep myself awake is to write about something much more important. That would be the Cowboys and in particular the potential impact of the rookies that they’ve drafted this year.

Everyone knows that this is a make or break year for the Cowboys and they desperately need some production from these rookies, even if it is small but positive contributions, in order to snatch success from 2012.  OTA’s are done, there will be mini-camps on going and training camp is right around the corner, so lets run down the Class of 2012 and see what we have.

Claiborne is a generational talent

# 1- Morris Claiborne-CB-LSU- This was a huge nut-up move, jumping up to take Claiborne. He was touted as the best defensive player in the draft so the burden of reputation is upon him. People lambasted him for his HORRIFIC wonderlic test scores, but that means fuck-all when you play cornerback. He has the physical tools, and has to rely on reactive instincts. He does not have to call the signals-plus he said he didn’t even bother trying on the test (sounds dubioius but...) in all his interviews he does sound like an intelligent guy. Despite any rookie setbacks he may have (and he will have them as did Patrick Peterson last year)  he will be a large improvement over Terrence Newman, and sooner rather than later he will be a star in this league.

# 2- Tyrone Crawford- DE- Boise State- This is the one pick that I already have my doubts about. If you watch tape of him from his days at Boise State, he doesn’t stand out in too many ways. He often missed tackles or seemed like he couldn’t get involved in the play.  The Cowboys obviously feel that he can be a good pass-rushing end, something they need more of, but I have my doubts. Hopefully I’m wrong because it’s a sad thing to waste your second pick.

#3- Kyle Wilber-OLB-Wake Forest- This could be an interesting, and very much under the radar pick. Wilber is a big body that has a good instinct for the ball and a motor. Former NFL scout and ESPNDALLAS’ in-house scout, Bryan Broaddus, likened him to Aaron Kampan (who was a terrific pass rushing end for the Packers a few years ago and now is a forgotten man in Jacksonville). That is a huge compliment, as high-motor guys will create havoc and he could potentially be our answer to the incumbent and inconsistent Anthony Spencer. Keep your eye on this kid.

#4- Matt Johnson-S-Eastern Washington- Everyone, including me, scratched their head when the Cowboys used a 4^th round pick on a no-name, small-school, white kid at safety, a position that has been in need up real upgrades for a decade. Even though Matt has yet to even step on the practice field, (which by the way none of the above-mentioned have yet as they deal with injuries—Johnson is just graduating) I am more optimistic about him as a long term solution at safety. I don’t think he will make an impact on defense this year but I think he will be a special teams stand-out. In the years to come I really believe he has a chance to be an everyday starter. He has great ball instincts, is very fast and is a sure tackler. One of the reasons he was knocked by many scouts was he lacked some punch in his tackling last year—this turned out to be because of a shoulder injury he was playing through. I think he could turn into one of those fan-favorite, hard hitting, white safteys.

If you white...then you Wes Welker

#5 Danny Coale-WR-Virginia Tech- Whenever a small, speedy, and strong, white receiver is drafted, the Wes Welker comparisons always flow in. This is exactly the case here, as we’ve heard a great number of comparisons between Coale  and Welker. Their work ethic, shiftiness, crisp route running, fantastic hands, and overt toughness. I can only hope that Coale exudes some of these qualities, as the Cowboys are in need of a pesky slot receiver who Romo can trust. Romo has not been able to trust most of his 2^nd or 3^rd option receivers since Patrick Crayton. I think Coale could also be a potential hot-find. He is scheduled to rehab his broken foot in time for training camp.

#6 James Hanna-TE-Oaklahoma- Hanna is a big TE who has exceptional speed (in 4.5 range) He could very well turn into a viable receiving candidate. The problem is he wasn’t overly productive in college, his blocking skills are not good and John Phillips (barring injuries) should be the # 2 TE. Phillips physical traits aren’t as pronounced as Hanna’s but he runs efficient routes and can block. I think Hanna will have some trouble getting on the field this year.

# 7 Caleb McSurdy- ILB-Montana- McSurdy is one of those old school type of football players. He is not the most athletically gifted players (hence 7^th round pick) but he has a passion for the game  that translates into good work ethic and a nose for being around the ball. I think he will be one of those second string backers that is a constant force on special teams, and adequate as a situational and replacement linebacker. The Cowboys always need players like this, so I believe this will be a late round pick where real value can be found, and not just a toss-up pick.

There are a few undrafted rookies to keep an eye on, who have a chance of either making the roster or the practice squad.

Cole Beasley- WR-SMU
Lance Dunbar- RB- North Texas
Ronald Leary- G- Memphis

Cowboys Turn the Corner...

The Cowboys may have made the biggest splash in the 1^st round of the NFL draft last night… trading up from 14 to 6 to nab arguably the best defensive player in the draft… Morris Claiborne.  They also traded their 2^nd round pick (45^th). This is a bold, daddy bulge type of move by Jerry and the boys. The Cowboys had Claiborne as the highest rated cornerback since Deion Sanders…Although its hard to imagine that Patrick Peterson (went to AZ last year) wasn’t rated just as high.

The Next Great Corner?

Claiborne has great ball-hawking instincts and a Corvette Engine in the legs. He can flat out cover and has the potential to be a shut-down corner. A shut-down corner isn’t just rare in the NFL its almost non-existent. Revis…Woodson was but probably not anymore. Claiborne, according to Jerry Jones and many others is ELITE.  Forget that horrific Wonderlic test score…Claiborne claims he didn’t give a fuck about it and at the end of the day..that test really doesn’t mean anything when it pertains to football. Cornerback is not a real cognizant position…you just gotta be an athlete. It seems like Claiborne is a good kid whose head and heart are in the right place…he will be motivated and I don’t think the pressure will be too much for him. He will start right away.

Now the Cowboys secondary is looking much more solidified. Brandon Carr (FA from KC) was one of the top free agents this offseason, Orlando Scandrick (possibly the most over-paid nickel corner) is still a good player for what his role is… He is still young and has the potential to be a very good nickel corner. Add Claiborne into the mix and your corners are second to none. Don’t forget about Michael Jenkins too. The former first round pick was a Pro-Bowler as a rookie…then pussified himself in his second year with gutless performances that will forever taint him. Last season…he manned up, played pretty well through excruciating pain. That’s 4 really good corners although I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys try to trade Jenkins (who is a free agent at the end of this season) for a mid-round draft pick.

When this trade/draft first occurred I was hesitant to applaud it because I thought that with the number of holes the Cowboys have it was dumb for them to give up a second round pick. Now I am back-tracking because I think Claiborne could be so good that it will be worth it…plus I fully expect Jerry to trade back into the second round…possible to grab Wisconsin Center Peter Konz.  Good first pick but theres still a ton of holes to fill. 

Return of the Blog...Cowboys 2012 Offseason

Cowboys Blog

After months of being away for the majority of the NFL season followed by months of lazy idleness, I am ready to revive the Cowboys Blog that has been knocking on death’s door the past half-year.

First things off…we don’t need to dive too much into how much of disgrace the Cowboys were last season. Despite some positive changes by Garrett and noticeable improvements over Wade Phillip’s bulimic system from 2010, the Cowboys are still absolutely gutless. To make matters worse, this was the first year that I could say without equivocation that they are not nearly as talented a team as they have been touted over the past half-decade. Particularly when their defense took the field and all of a sudden it looked like a tombstone banquet.

Without breaking down the many negatives and few positives from last season its time to focus on the team’s weaknesses and what they’ve done to address them in free agency.

Brandon Carr is a great improvement over Terrence Newman

I think that despite his flaws as a coach, Jason Garrett has a very good plan in place to bring the Cowboys back to glory. He has made a point to make this team younger and replace some of the complacent players of the Wade era.

On the defensive side, the most obvious hole to caulk was the secondary. Terrence Newman got hurdled twice in the last game of the season…Finito! Nice career but he was beyond terrible last year and the fact that he’s gone already makes the Cowboys better. But, the fact that they have replaced him with Brandon Carr, one of the best young corners in the league, now makes their defense even better. (Many thought the Cowboys should have pursued Cortland Finnegan—who signed with St. Louis—but Carr is younger and more suited to play outside corner, whereas Finnegan is more of a slot corner)  Orlando Scandrick is now cemented as the slot corner and this should be his best year ever. The cowboys have replaced the forgettable Abram Elam with Brodney Pool. Pool played under Rob Ryan in Cleveland which is a positive…but he looked like a huge pussy for most of his snaps with the Jets…a negative. We’ll see how that works. (Drafting Alabama Saftey Mark Barron at 14 could be a good move!)

The other issue the Cowboys were facing were the two senior citizens that split time at middle linebacker. Keith Brooking is 37 and Bradie James is 32. Neither could cover a bed last season and their inability to be agile affected the run defense. The Cowboys have signed former Panther Don Connor (Penn St.) to compete with Bruce Carter to start alongside Sean Lee. I like this move as Connor is a young, tough run stopper and will push Carter to work harder and move his way into the starting line up. The line-backing depth is definitely improved. On a sad note…the Cowboys franchised Anthony Spencer who has never lived up to expectations, but there just wasn’t anyone better in FA that would have come at a comparable price. (This could be another high priority draft position)

On the Offensive side, the Cowboys replaced the retired Jon Kitna with a younger and more talented Kyle Orton for the backup QB position. Should Romo go down this year at any point, I think it’s safe to trust Orton to come in and run the offense efficiently.

The Cowboys have also begun to address their most glaring needs, in the interior of the offensive line. They received terrible play from the Guards and Center last season. They have now signed Mackenzy Bernadeu from Carolina to help push some of the younger lineman and perhaps compete for a starting spot. It’s more likely that he’ll be a valuable backup. They have also signed 3 year Bengals starter, Nate Livings, who has a big frame and should instantly improve the offensive line. (They also released veteran Kyle Kosier, who was good but never healthy) The Cowboys still must address the Center position in the draft ( The Wisconsin Center in round 2 would be nice) since Phil Costa is a joke of an NFL player.

The Cowboys have also signed FB Lawrence Vickers (Texans) who should help improve the size of the holes that Demarco Murray and Felix Jones will penetrate.

With all of this in mind, the Cowboys still need to continue to address the Offensive Line depth as well as the defensive end and cornerback positions and they need to find a blocking tight end to replace Martellus Bennett and a 3^rd receiver to replace Laurent Robinson who is now being overpaid by Jacksonville.

We’ll see what the draft holds but I think the Cowboys are maneuvering in a very prudent and wise manner this offseason.