Cowboys Position Series: Defensive Line

In a 3-4 it can often be tough to judge the quality of play of the defensive line. Most of the big guys up front are "supposed to" hold up offensive linemen and create space for the linebackers to do their work. I think that's a load of shit. Why can't your defensive linemen be impact players? It is clear that collectively, this group did not do an overall great job because the Cowboys were gashed by the run and opposing quarterbacks were not under enough pressure. I think there is definitely a need to get at least one more high-motor defensive end and a bigger hole plugger  at nose tackle via the draft of free agency.  J.J. Watt?

Jay Ratliff needs to return to his All-Pro level

#90- Jay Ratliff- NT- Ratliff has been an over achieving beast ever since he broke into the league 7 years ago. This past year he seemed to take a step back. He is under-sized and drew a considerable amount of attention this year which led to him making less plays. (Only 3.5 sacks). You have to want more from your All-Pro NT. Maybe a move to end would help free him up. GRADE- B

#72- Stephen Bowen- DE- Bowen has been a viable rotation DE for the past few years. He seems to come in and hold his own. This year his playing time increased and he is solid against both the pass and run although he is not exactly a beast out there. Still I expect him to be an important part of the defense next season. GRADE- B

#97-Jason Hatcher-DE- Hatcher has been Bowen's running mate the past few years. They have both served well as backups but when both given the chance this year, it was Hatcher who fell short of expectations. He just isn't athletic enough to make enough of an impact in the way the Cowboys would like. I think the Cowboys may look into replacing him. GRADE- C+


#99-Igor Olishanksy- DE- The Crushin Russian appeals to the fans because of his foreign name, his colorful tattoo's and his solid stumpy build. The problem is, it's tough to judge how well he has been because of all the double teams he takes on. He is a big body and seemingly solid against the run. He always seems a step too slow when running down someone from behind or getting after the quarterback but his high motor energy is a plus. Next year, a contract year, will be an important one for Igor. Hopefully he can continue to be a strong force against the run. GRADE- B-

#92- Josh Brent- DT- Brent was one of the young Cowboys that came on strong at the end of the season. He was able to effectively spell Ratliff and was athletic enough to create some pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can take the next step under Rob Ryan.  GRADE- B

#96- Marcus Spears- DE- Marcus has never lived up to his first round billing when Parcells took him at #20 in the 2005 draft. Still people over look how tough he has been against the run and how much room he has given to Demarcus Ware by clogging up the front. He missed most of last season and it diminished the amount of pressure the boys could put on the QB. He is a physical asset and I think that if the Cowboys can bring him back, he would be a nice edition to a defensive line whose depth was lacking last year. GRADE- N/A

#95- Sean Lissemore- NT- The Cowboys have high hopes for the 7th rounder out of William & Mary. They like his motor and think he can be a productive contributor on the interior. Injuries hampered him for much of the season but we saw flashes of why the Cowboys drafted him towards the end. I look forward to his camp this summer. GRADE- N/A

Song Of The Day Doves - Black and White Town - FIFA06 Soundtrack

This British band is relentless in their efforts to produce the best eerie sounding music that I know. The echo's and ambient sounds are mixed beautifully with the steady drum beats and entrancing guitar riffs. They make the listener feel as if they aren't quite of this earth.

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.