Dallas Cowboys: Another Year, Another Borderline Playoff Team
Notable Free Agent: WR Laurent Robinson
The Dallas Cowboys have always been that one team that everybody loves or hates (like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Yankees and Detroit Red Wings). They also have been barely a Playoff-caliber team since the glory days of Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin back in the early and mid 90s. This year is no different. Same mediocre offensive line. Same underachieving defense (except DE Demarcus Ware). Same above-average QB Tony Romo. So how does Owner/GM/General Pain-in-the-Backside Jerry Jones remedy this?
By doing virtually nothing. He loves the big Free Agent signing or making the big splash at the draft, but it hasn’t translated to much. With the exception of rookie RB DeMarco Murray (who was a monster in the second half of the year…until he injured his leg and was placed on IR), his draft picks haven’t panned out. Last year’s 1st round pick WR Dez Bryant could turn out to be elite, but he has to stay healthy and out of trouble. First rounder in 2008 RB Felix Jones has health issues and the other 1st round pick CB Mike Jenkins has been less than stellar. You have to go all the way back to 2005 1st rounder Ware to find one that the team really hit a home run.
This year, Jones should draft one of the top offensive lineman or secondary players available because there is not much on the Free Agent market (aside from CBs Cortland Finnegan and Brent Grimes). I could honestly see him drafting someone like WRs Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright in an attempt to make a splash. But he doesn’t need receiver help, especially if he resigns WR Laurent Robinson. If Jones goes for one of the top WRs, the Cowboys will have to suffer through another mediocre season. If he is sensible and gets a lineman or safety, the team will be a little better off and in a better place when (not if) they make the playoffs. Jerry Jones just needs to set aside his ego and be sensible. It’s the only way the ‘Boys will get any better.
On the Clock: Philadelphia Eagles (Pick #15)
