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.

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.

Song Of The Day: Thrice - For Miles

Thrice- For Miles off of Vheissu.

This is one of the great songs off of (in my opinion) the best album of the 2000's. The build up and climax in this song are incredible.