All the while we have seen our divisional foes make some interesting moves.

• The Redskins new management is shredding themselves of the team’s expensive elder statesmen
• The Giants just signed Arizona’s safety, Antrel Rolle, to a five year deal making him the highest paid safety in the NFL.  (My thoughts on this coming up …)
• The Eagles have been rumored to acquire every big name defensive free agent on the market.  So far they have been left empty handed.

It seems to me the Cowboys are in a good position this offseason.  They do not seem to be in a hurry to “cut” any high-priced, under-performing players at this point.  With roster bonuses not due till later in free agency, I would not expect a Ken Hamlin or Flozell Adams decision to happen in the immediate future.

This offseason has left an uneasy feeling in my stomach due to one particular trade.  Anquan Boldin to the Ravens for a 3rd and 4th round pick.  That has to bother every Cowboys fan out there.  Before the Cowboys traded for Roy Williams, I would argue that over 75 percent of fans would have preferred the physical receiver from Arizona.  This just adds more fuel to the fire for upset Cowboys fans.

Williams will never live up to his contract.  He is just not that talented.  The Bolden trade adds more egg to the already covered face of Jerry Jones.  I love him as owner, but he can make some real boneheaded decisions.  (Like this below)

Here is an interesting thought: All the bad contracts currently in the NFL should square off in next season’s Survivor.  Think about it we could separate the two tribes based on offense and defense.  An offense tribe headlined by Roy Williams, JaMarcus Russell, Eli Manning (kidding Giants fans) vs. Albert Haynesworth, Vernon Gholston, Glenn Dorsey, among others.  I think it would make for some fascinating television.  We see all the fallen stars in Hollywood become regulated to shows such as: Dancing with the “Stars” and guest appearances on Daytime Soaps, so why doesn’t the same happen with NFL bust’s.

It would be exciting television to watch both tribes put up a half-ass shelter, fight over who is finding food and fail miserably at every skill challenge.  I encourage everyone to email CBS with this proposal.

On to more of my Free Agency Thoughts …

As a Cowboys fan, I am happy the Giants decided to sign Rolle over his teammate, Karlos Dansby.  I understand the Giants need secondary help, but in my opinion Dansby would have been the much better sign.  He is a force at linebacker who can rush the passer and play the run.  Furthermore, he has a knack for coming up with timely INT’s.  Rolle on the other hand is a young, solid player but I would question if he is a top safety.  With this signing, the Giants have to be hoping McClain falls to them at 15.  This scenario is made more likely due to Miami scooping up Dansby.  However, if McClain is taken before 15, then the Giants will probably end up reaching for a guy like Brandon Spikes.

Could the Cowboys make any splash in Free Agency?

The most likely scenario for the Cowboys to make some noise would be if they lost Miles Austin or one of their other tendered players.  It seems some teams have shown interest in Gerald Sensabaugh.  However, I would expect them to match almost any offer for him.  Therefore, you can expect the Cowboys to sign a player or two later in free agency, and maybe make one or two high profile cuts.  Beyond that it looks like the draft will provide most of the excitement this offseason.

Later in the week I will focus my attention on the defensive side of the ball.  Stay Tuned!!!

Funny Informant Clip

Stephen Jones spoke on Thursday discussing a number of offseason plans.  Among them, he addressed the Cowboys running back situation …

“I can tell you right now I don’t see it a whole lot different than last year,” Jones said. “All of these guys have gotten opportunities to help us win games. That will continue to be the case.”

So it looks like Barber and Choice are here for at least another year.  That leaves us Flo and Hamlin.  I would be shocked if the Cowboys do not cut Hamlin.  They like the potential they see in Alan Ball, and frankly Hamlin has disappointed since signing the long term contract with Big D.  So for all intensive purposes let’s operate under the assumption that Hamlin will not be back.

Flo on the other hand is an interesting case.  He is a favorite among the players and still is a upper echelon LT.  However, he is 35 years old, and tends to wear down late in the year.  Therefore, expect the Cowboys to take an offensive tackle in this year’s draft.

Ideal Pick

In a perfect world Texas safety, Earl Thomas, will slip through the draft to the Cowboys at pick 27.  It almost happened during our mock draft but the Packers snagged him with the 23rd pick.  He is a rangy safety that will excel in pass coverage.  If the Cowboys could get him, their secondary would be among the league’s best next season.

Next Best Selections:

Unfortunately, in Fanball.com’s mock draft he did not fall to the Cowboys at 27.  This leaves me with two alternatives.  Select the athletic offensive tackle out of Oklahoma, Trent Williams, or the dynamic wide receiver out of Notre Dame, Golden Tate.

I believe Tate is going to be a pro bowl caliber receiver.  Although he is small for a top receiver, he plays big due to his incredible jumping ability.  He will excel wherever he lands (and I can’t stand Notre Dame).  However, Williams has a chance to be a bookend LT in this league for a long time.  If he falls to the Cowboys at this spot, they will definitely take him.

Thee Pick – Trent Williams

Out of Oklahoma he faced top competition in the competitive Big 12.  He is listed at 6-4, 318 lbs, with a 34 1/4 inch arm length.  That is the body of a bookend left tackle in the National Football League.  There are whispers that he can run the 40 in under 5.0!  Amazing!

He fits the Cowboys because he is a versatile player.  In college he played both offensive tackle positions and also some center.  Therefore, even if the Cowboys decide to retain Flo he can backup three positions.  However, his future is at LT in the NFL.

The Cowboys will be doing backflips if this scenario plays out.  He is thought by many to be a potential top 10-15 pick.  Furthermore, many expect him to have a strong combine to further boost his draft potential.  This selection gives the Cowboys two young tackles – Free being the other – for the future.  It also quiets the critics who believe the Cowboys are to old up front.

Here are some Highlights

- The Seattle Seahawks took Michigan hybrid DE/OLB Brandon Graham with the sixth pick.  That is about 10-15 spots earlier than anticipated.

- The Cleveland Browns took another Norte Dame QB with the seventh pick.  It will be interesting to see fan reaction if this scenario plays out.  I think Jimmy Clausen will be a good NFL quarterback, but the Browns situation is a dicey one.

- The Denver Broncos ignored a slipping Sam Bradford to select mauler guard, Mike Iupati.  Iupati is an interesting selection because I consider him to be a can’t miss lineman prospect.  He will be as solid as they come up front.  However, Sam Bradford might be tough to pass at that point.  Also, Dez Bryant has to be in consideration with the trade whispers of Brandon Marshall. 

- With the 16th pick of the draft, Sam Bradford is finally taken by the 49ers.  Another interesting selection because Alex Smith showed some progress last season.  However, I cannot fault the 49ers for taking Bradford here.  If this scenario plays out, he should compete for a starting job in 2010.

My hope is that Texas safety, Earl Thomas, will be available for the Cowboys with the 27th pick, although it is highly unlikely.  An offensive tackle is also a possibility.  If Thomas is off the board, I would expect the Cowboys to trade out of the first round.  With limited glaring needs, the Cowboys could once again stockpile picks and hopefully get another first rounder for next year’s draft. 

Previously, I discussed the Cowboys strengths and weaknesses for the quarterback’s, running back’s and wide receivers.  Now, I will finish the offense with the tight end’s an offensive linemen.  Rank positional strength 1 being the lowest 5 being the highest.

Tight Ends

Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips

Witten is coming off another solid year.  He was voted to the pro bowl once again and led the team in receptions.  The emergence of Miles Austin led to a strong second half for Witten. 

Martellus Bennett had high expectations heading into last season.  It was expected for him to be highly productive in the red zone, and a big target for Romo on third downs.  He turned out to be a major disappointment for the Cowboys.  He missed a few games due to injury and late in the season was basically another tackle on the field.  Rarely was he used in passing situations.  To make matters worse, rumor has it that the Bengals offered a second round choice for Bennett, but Jerry Jones turned it down.  In hindsight that was probably a bad move.

John Phillips played well for the Cowboys down the stretch.  He supplanted Bennett as the team’s backup tight end late in the season.  Excelling in blocking makes Phillips a solid 3rd tight end for this team in the future. 

Positional Strength: 4.5

Offseason Moves: None Needed

Tackles

Flozell Adams, Marc Columbo, Doug Free, Pat McQuistan, Robert Brewster

Flozell Adams had a solid year for the Cowboys on the left side.  He has been as consistent as they come throughout his tenure with the Cowboys.  As a run blocker, there are few better.  The Cowboys averaged an impressive 6.3 ypc behind Flo.  Even with another solid year, questions still surround Flo’s future with the team.  Some feel he breaks down toward the end of the season.  Others question his size plus age and think he is a health risk.  The Cowboys have a difficult choice when it comes to Flo this offseason

Marc Columbo is the team’s leader on the line.  He is a bad ass SOB that gives the o-line attitude.  That being said, he did not have a great year.  He missed seven games due to a broken leg.  He will be back with the Cowboys next season, but it might be his last in Big D.

Doug Free filled in at right tackle for Columbo when he went down.  Free played real well.  He showed athleticism at the tackle position we have not seen since Larry Allen was in his heyday.  He still has room for improvement – mainly in physicality – but the future is bright for the young tackle.  Expect him to compete for a starting spot next season.

Pat McQuistan is considered a bust in his time with the Cowboys.  He is a restricted free agent who is unlikely to return to Dallas next season.  Brewster suffered a torn pectoral muscle before the season started and never put on pads for the Cowboys.  It is rumored around Valley Ranch that Brewster might be transformed into a guard. 

Positional Strength: 3

Offseason Moves: Expect the Cowboys to address the tackle position in the draft.  Mock drafts are predicting the Cowboys take a tackle in the first round.  Possible selections include: Bruce Campbell, Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams.

Guard/Center

Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Kyle Kosier, Montrae Holland, Cory Proctor, Duke Preston

Although Andre Gurode made the pro bowl, he did not have a pro bowl type season.  He was pushed back by stronger defensive tackles in a number of games throughout the season.  The Cowboys struggled mightily in short yardage situations and Gurode deserves most of the blame for that. 

Big Leonard Davis made the pro bowl once again for the Cowboys.  Nevertheless, he too did not have a superb season.  He is a superior run blocker when he pulls, but struggles in short yardage situations.  It is imperative to the Cowboys future success for Davis and Gurode to play well.

Kyle Kosier had the best season of any offensive lineman last year.  He is extremely effective out in space.  The lead draw play was a staple in the Cowboys playbook this year due to the effectiveness of Kosier. 

Montrae Holland, Duke Preston and Cory Proctor did not see much time for the Cowboys this year.  That is probably a good thing.  None of these players are starter material.  Cory Proctor is a solid backup because of his ability to play numerous positions, but we saw when Kosier went down two years ago how ineffective he was. 

Positional Strength: 3.5

Offseason Moves: Expect the Cowboys to address the guard position in the draft.  As I stated earlier, the plan was to move Brewster to guard but he is an injury risk.  Idaho’s guard, Mike Iupati, would be an ideal fit for the Cowboys, but there is almost no chance he falls to the Cowboys at 27.  We are seeing with our Fanball mock draft that Iupati is in demand by being selected 12th. 

Next up is the defensive front seven … Also Stay Tuned for the Cowboys selection with the 27th pick in the 2010 Fanball’s NFL Mock Draft. 

Clip from Waiting – Cult Classic (Unrated)

Last season, the Cowboys erased many doubters by winning the division and more importantly tasting some playoff success with their first victory since 1996.  Once again, the pressure is back on the Cowboys to improve on last season’s success.  Let’s take a look at the offense and discuss their overall play.  Rank positional strength 1 being the lowest 5 being the highest.  Today I’ll start with the Quarterbacks, RB’s and WR’s.

Quarterbacks

Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee

Romo is coming off his best season as the Cowboys starter.  He drastically improved on ball security, while still making plays within (and out of) the pocket.  Furthermore, Romo has cemented himself as the unquestioned leader of this team.  He is in his prime and should lead the Cowboys to further success the next handful of years.

Kitna provided a solid veteran presence behind Romo.  His savvy demeanor had a positive effect in the locker room.  Although he received no playing time, the Cowboys seem to think that he can be a capable starter if an injury slows Romo.  I agree with that sentiment. 

McGee showed in preseason that he is very raw.  With his good size and the veteran leadership in front of him, he should see improvement in the offseason.

Positional Strength: 5

Offseason Moves: None Needed

Running Backs

Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice

Barber is coming off another down year as the Cowboys starter.  As the season progressed, Jones seemed to steal the spotlight at the position.  Barber’s brutal running style is not ideal for a long career.  I think he will be an effective back still for years to come, but he might not fit with this team’s offensive philosophy going forward. 

Felix Jones really hit his stride as the season progressed.  When he is healthy, he is clearly the best option for the Cowboys out of the backfield.  Regardless of what the Cowboys do with Barber, expect to see Jones receive the starting nod next season.

Tashard Choice is an interesting player to follow in the offseason.  I have been hearing alot of rumbling out of Big D that he might moved via trade.  I would advise against it.  Whenever Choice has gotten an opportunity, he has made the most of it.  In 2008, he played great when both Barber and Jones were injured.  He showed effectiveness out of the wildcat last season.  I think he is the perfect complimentary back.  He can do everything well. 

Positional Strength: 4.5

Offseason Moves: I would offer Barber around the league for a 3rd round pick.  Remember the Cowboys drafted Barber in the fourth round, so a 3rd round pick in return would be solid value.  It might be difficult to get that in return do to Barber’s large contract and recent penchant for injuries.  However, it might be time to open the position for Jones and Choice.  I do not expect Barber back with the team next season.

Wide Receivers

Roy Williams, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd, Kevin Ogletree

Heading into the season, most expect Roy Williams to stake claim to the number receiver.  That was not the case.  Miles Austin’s emergence arguably saved the Cowboys season.  Once again, Williams struggled in most games to get on the same page with his QB.  He will enter next season with a ton of money owed to him.  However, it makes little sense for the Cowboys to release him.  He will be back next season, so let’s hope for him to provide a solid number two option for Romo

Miles Austin’s meteoric rise was amazing to witness.  He broke through in his remarkable first start against the Chiefs.  He is a restricted free agent this season do to the labor agreements.  Expect the Cowboys to work out a long term extension for Austin.  Jerry Jones has repeatedly said that was his number one goal this offseason.

Patrick Crayton had a solid year as the slot receiver.  Once he was replaced by Austin, he seemed to play better.  I always thought Crayton was best fit for the slot.  He has excellent hands and is a savvy route runner.  He displayed his worth in numerous games throughout the season. 

Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd are solid 4th and 5th receivers.  While Hurd importance lies on Special Teams, Ogletree seemed to supplant Hurd as the 4th receiver.  He showed promise as a potential starter in this league.  If Williams fails to improve this coming season, do not be shocked to see Ogletree surpass him on the depth chart in 2012. 

Positional Strength: 4

Offseason Moves: Austin and Hurd should both be back with the Cowboys next season.  Rumors have swirled about the Cowboys targeting Brandon Marshall via trade.  That will not happen.  Even though Jerry Jones has said the Cowboys will not be drafting a receiver, I will call his bluff.  I think they should target a receiver like Golden Tate in the second round.

We have witnessed Troy Aikman’s speech when he was a first ballot HOFer a few years back.  Next, we watched uncomfortably when Michael Irvin was on ESPN and did not make the final cut for the HOF two years in a row.  It was not until his third year of eligibility, when the Hall finally came calling.  Then, we were graced by a humbled Irvin delivering one of the game’s most emotional acceptance speeches. 

Just a few days ago the ultimate HOF lock came to fruition.  Emmitt Smithwas the offensive force that was key to the Cowboys success in the 1990’s.  His running style and killer attitude led him to become the NFL’s all time greatest runner of the football.  Many would argue that other backs were flashier and had better all-around skills.  All true.  However, no running back was better at gaining positive yards.  Smith was rarely dropped for a negative gain.  He consistently broke tackles and was able to take a phyical pounding better than any player to put on a uniform. 

Emmitt’s greatness is unparalleled.  He holds numerous single season and all time rushing records and is still vastly underrated.  If you surveyed football writers around the country, many people would leave Smith out of their top five backs.  I remember as a kid when Smith played against the Giants with a separated shoulder for a majority of the game.  He went on to rush for over 170 yards catch 10 passes and lead the Cowboys to an overtime victory and a first-round bye. 

Smith and the 1990’s Cowboys are what make so many people love and hate the Cowboys.  They were brash, immoral and damn good.  They talked the talk and walked the walk.  It was impossible to crack the confidence of guys like Smith and Irvin.  As a Cowboys fan, I speak for the rest of the nation when I say we miss the brashness and the winning attitude. 

Say what you want about character – personally I think its ridiculous we think our sports heroes should lead completely moral lives - the 1990’s Cowboys were all about winning (prostitutes and cocaine).  They had an infamous “White House”, which many people scoffed at the Cowboys for.  They didn’t care.  They dominated teams on Sunday, and Emmitt Smith was a big reason for that.  He might keep the career rushing yard record for awhile.  Running backs are becoming less and less effective after the age of 30.    Congratulations, once again, to an all-time great. 

Post-Superbowl Thoughts

The Saints pulled off the miracle season by beating the “undefeated” Colts in Superbowl 44.  After the first quarter, it looked like the Colts would win convincingly.  However, the Saints dominated every aspect of the game from that point on.  They outscored the Colts 31-7 after the first quarter. 

Three Key Reason the Saints Won

-  Sean Payton Is The Superior Head Coach.  He went for it on fourth and goal on the one yard line with less than two minutes in the first half.  He was unsuccessful in the scoring attempt, but was successful in the coaching maneuver.  By going for it in that situation, the worst case scenario is giving the ball to the Colts with under two minutes in the half and 99 yards in front of them.  A field goal in the spot almost certainly gives the ball back to the Colts with great field position.  In their failed attempt, the Saints got the Colts to punt and were set up with great field position.  A couple short completions later they were able to line up for the field goal with five seconds left.  Brilliant. 

-  Jim Caldwell Showed His Inexperience.  He decided to kick a 51 yard field goal in the Superbowl with a kicker who hasn’t ATTEMPTED a kick from that distance since 2006!  I am sorry you can defend the kick all you like, but you will never convince me that was the right call.  I don’t care if he had the distance.  You either pooch punt or let Peyton try to convert the 4th and long. 

-  The Miami Crowd Made It A Home Game For New Orleans.  You got the sense early in the game, that if the Saints can gain any sort of momentum, they would be tough to stop with the crowd behind them.  It was more of a home game for the Saints then I can ever remember in a Superbowl.  It was also the loudest crowd I can remember.  Once the Saints recovered that onside kick, you got the feeling that they would be in-sync the rest of the way. 

Drew Brees has cemented himself – with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady – as the best QB in the game.  Manning on the other hand is still an all time great, but unless he wins another Superbowl it is unfair to call him the best of all-time. 

By Far The Best SB Commercial

As the season officially closes, it is time to focus our attention on the offseason.  We will begin discussing the draft and breaking down all of the Cowboys needs in the coming weeks.  Stay Tuned!  

Anderson can ill-afford for this to happen.  He plays a position that is becoming more and more irrelevant as football evolves.  It is clear more teams are using one back sets, two tight end sets or empty sets for the majority of offensive snaps.  The pure blocking fullbacks are becoming an endangered species.  If you look at the Superbowl teams (Saints, Colts), neither team uses a fullback for even 25 percent of their offensive snaps. 

Anderson is a good player and had a nice years blocking for Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.  However, as the years grew on, his role diminished.  With this incident, he has jeopardized his career with the Cowboys.  Odds are he will be looking for a job elsewhere.  Unfortunately for him, fullbacks for hire are not a service in demand.

Pro Bowl Experience

A number of Cowboys competed in last weekend’ Pro Bowl.  The first two recorded tackles of the game went to Terence Newman and DeMarcus Ware.  After that the highlights were kept to a minimum. 

Tony Romo played most of the second half and was 13-18 for 154 yards and an INT.  He threw the ball well for the most part, but his critics will point to the game sealing INT he threw with two minutes left in the fourth quarter.  Jason Witten and Miles Austin each had 49 yards receiving. 

The NFL seemed to find a right place for the Pro Bowl, even though it is moving back to Hawaii next year.  The ratings were up over 40 percent for this years event.  Expect to see it the week before the Superbowl i nthe coming years.

Superbowl Talk

The Colts and Saints square off in the Superbowl in a few days.  This matchup promises to be a high scoring event.  With Dwight Freeney questionable, Drew Brees will have a much easier time moving within the pocket.  If the Saints can play their style of offense, then I think they have a good shot to win.

I will be pulling for the Saints.  They have had a remarkable season.  It would be great for the city of New Orleans for their Saints to win the first Superbowl in the city’s history. 

Score: Saints 37 – 34

MVP: Drew Brees

Up next we will discuss the Senior Bowl, and begin to break down the draft.  Stay Tuned!!

Great Video from the Grammy’s (Lil Wayne is SICK)

- The Dallas Morning News’ Todd Archer reports Cowboys assistant, Dat Nguyen, is not returning for the 2010 season.  Nguyen was a former middle linebacker for the Cowboys last decade.

- The Cowboys Nation Blog breaks down the top offensive tackles in the 2010 draft.  Many are predicting the Cowboys will go that route with their first round pick.  Mel Kiper’s early mock has the Cowboys taking the monster LT from Maryland, Bruce Campbell.

- PTI’s and The Washington Post’s, Michael Wilbon, thinks “the old gunslinger” is too good to retire.  With all the talent in the Vikings organization, Farve will surely return for another shot at the Superbowl.  Sorry Cowboys fans, but here is Farve celebrating after he beat the Cowboys in the playoffs.

- The Sporting News takes a look at the Cowboys offseason and 2010 fantasy prospects.  They talk about Barber having a role similar to the one McGahee has in Baltimore.  That will not happen.  Barber will not be with the Cowboys next season.

- Romo and Jenkins deservedly make it to the pro bowl, reports the Seattle-Post Intelligencer.  Jenkins has been a top three corner in the NFC, and Romo had his best season to date.

In his press conference Wade was asked a number of questions.  Here is what he had to say about wide receiver, Roy Williams. 

“That’s part of what I have to do — take a guy with talent that wants to work hard, which he did. He came in more than two weeks before everybody else last year. That’s why I’m disappointed more in myself than I am with him,” Phillips said. “We’ve got to – I’ve got to – find a way to help him get better within the whole scheme. Now, we still had a prolific offense. We still scored a lot of points. We were third in the league in offense. It wasn’t like it just killed our offense not to have that production, but I think we can have more with him, and that’s part of what we have to do as coaches.”

Now this begs the question: Will Wade Phillips have more of a say on the offensive side of the ball?  This statement might be a subtle jab to Jason Garrett.  Some people around the league think Garrett’s time with the Cowboys might be up.  I do not see that being the case.  He arguably had his best year as play-caller.  Romo improved drastically, which Garrett deserves some credit for.  However, I do believe the head-coach-in-waiting title is now removed from his contract.  With Phillips’ three years extension, Garrett will almost certainly accept a head coaching  job elsewhere before he gets his chance in Big D.

Before I address the upcoming free agents, I would like to wish Conan O’Brien luck wherever he lands.  He is the king of late night.  NBC really messed this up.  Here is a great interview last night on The Tonight Show. 

Let’s take a look at the Cowboys upcoming free agents.

Unrestricted Free Agent

G – Montrae Holland - As the only unrestricted free agent in the organization, expect Holland to land elsewhere.  He Is a backup guard who received no playing time this season.

Key Restricted Free Agents

WR – Miles Austin - He exploded onto the scene after his 250 yard performance in KC.  Jerry Jones has already expressed interest in locking up Austin in a long term contract.  The kid deserves it.  He played extremely well this season, and was arguably the Cowboys offensive MVP.  Expected his star to shine brighter for years to come.

DE – Marcus Spears - Before the season, it was almost a forgone conclusion that Spears would be gone after this year.  However, he had his best year this season and might have done enough for the Cowboys to reward him with a multi-year contract.  However, the dollars have to make sense.  Spears cannot command big money.  If so, he will surely land elsewhere. 

DE – Jason Hatcher -Hatcher had the epitome of an up-and-down year.  He struggled with injuries early in the season, but came on strong towards the end.  He is a solid pass rushing specialist.  I would expect him to come back at the right price.  Maybe for a one year deal. 

DE – Stephen Bowen -He has expressed a desire to come back, which is half the battle.  He, like Hatcher, is solid in the defensive end rotation.  I think he understands he will never be a full time starter, but can flourish in the right rotational system.  Expect him to come back next season. 

S – Gerald Sensabaugh - He had a nice season replacing the much maligned Roy Williams.  Although he only had one INT, his ball skills and covering ability helped improve the Cowboys defense this season.  He is currently asking for a multi-year contract.  Expect him to be back, either tendered or with a two year contract. 

Possible Cuts

LT – Flozell Adams - He is turning 35 next season, and was forced out of the playoff game against the Vikings because of a leg injury.  Adams had another solid year at LT.  His penalties were down from years past, which was a welcoming sign for coaches and fan alike.  However, with his age, injury concerns and salary I would not be surprised if he got cut before his bonus in June.  Chance for return 40%

RB – Marion Barber - Barber had another unspectacular year.  He was bothered by injuries and at times looked like he lost some of his burst.  Other times, he ran hard and was the bruising back the team has come to expect.  With the emergence of Felix Jones and the all-around game of Tashard Choice, the Cowboys brass has a difficult decision to make regarding Barber.  He has a big contract, therefore, I expect him to get traded or released.  Chance for return 40%

WR – Roy Williams - Williams struggled mightily this season.  He failed to provide the Cowboys with the receiving threat the paid for – through contract and draft choices.  However, I expect him to return for another season.  Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips like his dedication and ability.  Hopefully he will return a solid number two receiver next year.  Chance for return 90%

With plenty of important decision forthcoming, we will be here to cover and analyse it all.  Coming up next I will discuss the draft, possible free agent targets and trade possibilities … Stay Tuned!!

Brett Favre set a personal record for touchdown passes in a playoff game with four.  He torched the Cowboys secondary for big plays on only 24 attempts.  Gerald Sensabaugh got beat on a fade route down the sideline where Favre threw it perfectly to Sidney Rice.  Sensabaugh was running right with Rice but did not locate the perfectly thrown Favre pass.  From that moment on, you knew the Cowboys might be in for a long afternoon. 

Flozell Adams left the game in the 2nd quarter with an apparent calf injury.  He did not return.  The offensive line were awful against the Vikings front four.  Not any positives to take out of this game so let’s just throw out a few observations.

Team Observations

Marc Columbo must have got beat by a speed rush ten times during the game.  He looked slow off the ball.  It was clear his lateral movement was not a hundred percent after his return from a broken leg. 

Romo struggled with ball control when he faced pressure.  He had three fumbles (lost two) and threw an ill-advised interception late in the game.  It is tough to put this on Romo with the offensive line play this inept, but he made some poor decisions which ended any hope for a comeback.  Furthermore, he has to trust Roy Williams when he is singled covered.  Granted, he has had a bad year.  Nevertheless, if he is out there, then you have to trust him enough to look his way. 

Wade Phillips did not bring enough pressure up the middle during the game.  I expected to see a high number of blitz packages.  Phillips thought it better to rush just four or the occasional five.  You have to rattle Favre early on.  The Cowboys defense didn’t and he made them pay.

Final Game Analysis

The Cowboys were beat by a better all-around team.  They were not ready to handle their athletic defensive lineman, therefore, they could not gain any rhythm on offense. 

Several Cowboys were upset with a fourth down touchdown pass by Brett Favre with about a minute left in the game.  They thought it a cheap shot at the Cowboys.  Part of me agrees.  However, this is football.  Who gives a shit if a team runs up the score?  You embarrassed yourselves already by even giving them that opportunity.  So kudos to Favre and the Vikings.  But …, Who Dat?  Who Dat Think They Gonna Beat Dem Saints?

Offseason News

The Cowboys have picked up the option for Wade Phillips.  He will be back at least one more season to coach the Cowboys.  No news yet whether they plan to extend his contract or keep him a lame-duck. 

Look for Miles Austin to receive a nice contract in the offseason.

Marion Barber’s days with the Cowboys might be finished.  With an uncapped season on the horizon, the Cowboys might look to dump Barber’s salary.  This move might seem unlikely, but with a number of draft pick and Choice and Jones in the backfield, it seems logical.

With their first round pick look for the Cowboys to upgrade their offensive line or secondary.  If Taylor Mays (safety out of USC) is available he would be a great fit in Wade Phillips’ defense.  But also look for them to maybe add a defensive end with Spears, Hatcher and Bowen in limbo.

Plenty more to come this offseason.  I will begin to evaluate position by position and offer insight into what moves I would make to tweak this roster.  It was a successful season for the Cowboys winning the division and a playoff game.  Hopefully a good offseason will help them by Superbowl contenders in 2011.  Stay Tuned!!

In arguably his finest season ever, why do I think the Cowboys hold the advantage at quarterback?  Let’s evaluate…

Cowboys Advantages

Quarterback - Momentum is a key intangible when playing quarterback.  No QB in the league is playing better right now than Tony Romo.  He has led the Cowboys on a four game winning streak – all meaningful games.  During that stretch, he has played extremely well.  The Cowboys offense offers a plethora of weapons, but Romo is what makes the offense go.

Favre has had a tremendous year.  However, his team has been faltering as of late, and they do not seem to be as strong as they were earlier in the year.  In the past few seasons, the knock on Favre was that he tended to break down physically at the end of the season.  It seems that might be the case again this year.  Although his arm has still got it, it is clear his legs have lost their mobility.  It will be difficult for him to avoid the Cowboys devastating pass rush.

With offensive weapons being a wash, I think Romo has the better skill set now of the two QB’s.  He is more apt to avoid the rush to make a play downfield.  Therefore, the Cowboys hold the slight edge under center.

Linebackers - As I have been preaching all year, the Cowboys set of linebackers are the best in the league.  With the starting four and Bobby Carpenter coming in on nickel, this group has grown stronger as the season goes on.  They will tested big time this week by running back Adrian Peterson.  He is a top back in the league and the best the Cowboys faced all season. 

The Cowboys have not allowed a hundred yard rusher all year.  That stat is a bit deceptive because they did not face a top back all season long.  This will be a big test for the guys inside – namely Bradie James and Keith Brooking.  They have to get off blocks, and stop AP before he reaches the secondary.  For the Vikings to win, they know they have to establish the running game.  It will be a huge test for this front seven.

Secondary - The Cowboys secondary is miles ahead of the Vikings.  With Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins on the outside, it gives the Cowboys a legitimate shot to stop any set of receivers.  They have been playing at a high level the past five weeks and it has helped the Cowboys defense tremendously. 

For the Vikings, they have been slowed with injuries throughout the year in the secondary.  Lately, the have given up a ton of yards through the air.  Antoine Winfield – their number one corner – has been beat deep a handful of times in recent weeks.  He has been struggling so much that the Vikings relegated him to nickel in team’s last game.  However, he is expected to start against the Cowboys.  Do not be surprised if the Cowboys attack the Vikings through the air early and often.  This is the biggest hole in their defense, and we know Jason Garrett loves to call those passing plays. 

Final Analysis

Marion Barber practiced yesterday and is expect to play this week.  That is a big boost for the Cowboys.  Even limited, Barber can contribute in short yardage and goal-line situations. 

Expect to see Roy Williams receive a number of balls in his direction on Sunday.  I think we are going to see a safety over top of Miles Austin, which would leave Williams singled up on the other side. 

Look for the Cowboys to run a number of draws and tosses as the bulk of their running attack.  The Vikings are big at defensive tackle, but you can run effectively outside the b-gap 

Prediction

With the Cowboys rolling in all phases of the games, I think they will give the Vikings their first loss in the Metrodome this season.  The Cowboys ability to rush the passer with only four defenders is the key to their defense.  I think DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer will be too much to handle for the Vikings tackles

Cowboys 27 – 23