Everybody Loves Witten
There are several people in everyone’s life that are just perfect. They are great at what they do, pleasant to be around, never complain, and they help others. Sometimes we actually dislike those people because they make us ashamed that we are not like them. Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is the golden boy among those people. Witten is one of the best tight ends in the game, he is a comical individual, and he is one of the most active NFL players off the field in his respective community. (more…)
Atogwe Not on Jones/Cowboys Radar
I’m not sure If I believe it, but last week Owner/GM Jerry Jones says the Cowboys are “ready to go” with the safeties they have on the team. With O.J. Atogwe still looking for a home, my instincts say that Jones is just trying to stay low key on his intentions with Atogwe.
There are plenty of teams looking for Atogwe’s services this upcoming season, none of which have been linked to the Cowboys. If Dallas were to bring in Atogwe, it would sure up a defensive backfield that has had plenty of problems in the past. The team must be pretty confident in our youngsters if they’re aren’t even entertaining the idea of bringing in a proven vet.
The price tag Atogwe wants may be the reason teams haven’t pulled the trigger on signing him. He wants somewhere in the range of seven million a year. He’s an elite safety, but not that elite. I know bringing him would inhibit the growth of some of the younger guys in big D, but for an immediate upgrade we should consider signing him.
There hasn’t been much to work with for free agents this offseason as far as safeties go. Sharper would have been an upgrade, but he was old and coming off an injury. Atogwe is still young (28) and he could have his best years with a star on his helmet.
I’m not saying we should definitely sign him, but the front office better take a long hard look at this guy. If this upcoming season our safeties are getting torched by the likes of the Colts, Vikings, and Saints (all of whom are on our schedule) I’m going to look at this missed opportunity as a key source to our problems.
Cowboys Swap Carpenter for Barron
The Bobby Carpenter era in Dallas has finally come to an end. This was long overdue, as he was one of the biggest busts the Cowboys have had in years. Parcells did a lot of good drafting in his tenure, but this was definitely one he got wrong. Carpenter was never a fit for the 3-4 defensive scheme the Cowboys run.
Trading Bobby Carpenter for Alex Barron gives the boys’ that much more depth on the offensive line. Both are considered “busts”, but the jury is still out on both of them. A change of scenery for Barron and a change of scheme for Carpenter, could be just what the doctor ordered.
We know that Barron has started at both left tackle and right tackle. This increases his value to the Cowboys tremendously. Another swing tackle on the team would really help in case of an injury down the road. We also have one of, if not the best, offensive line coaches in Hudson Houck. A tinker here and there and maybe Barron could give Doug Free a run for his money at left tackle in training camp.
The offensive lines depth is pretty solid now. Granted, none of our backups are pro bowlers, but I like the mix of younger guys with potential. I think Barron can possibly turn his career around in Dallas like Leonard Davis.
If you remember a few years back when we acquired Davis, he was considered a bust. After being drafted 2nd overall in the 2001 draft, he never really panned out for the Cardinals. When he came to Dallas everything changed. He switched positions and now Davis has become a perennial pro bowler. Maybe Barron can have the same kind of luck.
Either way I am thoroughly pleased with the trade. We didn’t need Carpenter now that we drafted Sean Lee. Dallas gave Carpenter a chance to resurrect his career. While getting rid of a player the Cowboys don’t need, they addressed a position of need. Instead of releasing Carpenter, we at least got some value for him. Even if Barron is only a backup, I think he will contribute more this season than Carpenter would have.
Cowboys Picking Up Darren Could ‘Sharp’en Their Tools
If the season started today, the Dallas Cowboys would be fine with the safeties they have on their team. I have been the biggest advocate of letting our younger players develop and let them fill the void Ken Hamlin left. That being said, I think picking up Darren Sharper, for a reasonable price, would turn a position we’re just ‘fine’ at to a position of strength.
The future Hall of Famer, Darren Sharper is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He’s also coming off a knee surgery and that can be scary enough to shy away from him all together. If the Cowboys decide he’s going to come back strong, why wouldn’t they entertain the idea of acquiring him?
Our young guys have definite potential. I’ve said in other blogs, Alan Ball completely exceed expectations last season. Ball started some games last season and played surprisingly well. The one thing missing from our stellar defense though was takeaways. Darren Sharper almost had as many interceptions by himself (9), than our whole team (11). We need a safety that can play deep and that’s a ball-hawk.
If we sign Sharper and he’s beat out by one of the younger guys, so be it. We can release him and let him go elsewhere. I’m sure we would never tell him that when and if we sign him, but position battles are the theme of this offseason. The boys’ don’t have many needs on defense, but I would say safety is the only position that is sort of a question mark on the defensive side of the ball.
What I mean is, at this point it’s hard to tell who’s going to start at that position. I’m unsure if that’s a good thing or bad thing. I guess my point is that Darren Sharper can still play at high level. He’s not a permanent fix at safety, but he does allow for more competition and more time for the younger guys to develop if need be.
The only thing I’m trying to convey is that we should take a long look at Darren Sharper. I’m not saying we “have” to have him to be a contender for the Super Bowl. Jerry Jones should at least flirt with the idea though. Sharper could be that missing piece. What do you guys think?
Cowboys Continue Addition By Subtraction
This hasn’t been the most glamorous of offseasons’ for the Cowboys. In fact, this is arguably the most quiet Cowboys offseason I can remember in recent years. One thing I learned last year though, addition by subtraction can be just as effective as any big splash.
Besides the Gaither trade rumors (which have yet to die) or the the comtemplation of one of our running backs getting traded, the Cowboys could be described as living under the radar. Before earlier this month, when we released Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin, most Cowboys fans were only concerned with the draft and resigning Miles Austin.
Even now, as we have definite areas to address (LT & FS), things seem unusually quiet around valley ranch. I personally like having many of our starting spots locked up, especially as you see teams around the division making moves left and right. I think with McNabb in Washington, the Cowboys are the unquestionable favorite to take the division again.
Let’s reflect on last year though. We got rid of T.O. and now with Austin, you see why. I’d love for one of our in house safety’s to step up like Miles did this year. That may be a bit of stretch, since Austin had a year that even some of the best receivers in the NFL would love to have. Hey, I can dream though.
Another great move was trading Anthony Henry. Mike Jenkins stepped up big time and is arguably the best corner we have on the team. Not to mention, getting some insurance in Kitna if Romo had to miss a couple games. The thing I love the most is how we’re getting younger and better at the same time.
I have complete faith in our front office. I know they’ll show us this coming year that the players that aren’t here…are not here for a reason. Addition by Subtraction doesn’t mean you don’t get anyone at all. What it means is the biggest moves we make this offseason, could be the ones that don’t add to the roster.
