2012 NFL Preview: Dallas Cowboys
By Editorial Staff
Dallas Cowboys
Front Office C
Owner/GM Jerry Jones
Absolute power often destroys. This seems to be the case when an owner also wants to be the GM as well. Name where it works??? It takes multiple people with different voices and skills to run a team properly. Jones does not believe in this. He fired the last man who stood up to him and that person was Jimmie Johnson. Things have not worked out well afterwards for Jones who has one playoff victory in that time span.
Coaching B+
HC: Jason Garrett
OC: None
DC: Rob Ryan
While I do not like Head Coaches having the role of both coach and coordinator, I think Garrett is more than capable. Garrett is well structured, intelligent, and knows how to work with Jones. DC Rob Ryan really brings this coaching staff’s grade up. His jobs at Oakland and Cleveland showed he can get it done with little talent. He will be a HC candidate in the near future.
QB: B
Tony Romo is immensely talented and the hope is Jon Kitna has taught him how to become a leader. Romo is very accurate, athletic, and has a strong arm…problem is inconsistency.
RB: C
Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and DeMarco Murray are all decent but nothing special. They lack an all around talent and the ability to handle a full load. Marion Barber will be released due to his high salary number.
WR/TE A-
Miles Austin is a burner. Guy can run routes and get behind coverage in a heart beat. Austin is complemented by Dez Bryant who, if Dez gets his head right, will be a stud as well. Dez is a huge target who knows how to use his body. Jason Whitten and Martellus Bennett are a great Tight End tandem. Garrett loves to use them both.
OL: C
This unit is filled with old, run down players and very green, young players. Andre Guroude, Leonard Davis, and Kyle Kosier are on their last legs. However, Tyron Smith and Doug Free look to be one of the better young OT duos in the league. I also like their 4th round pick David Akrin…guy is nasty.
DL: C
Jay Ratliff is a stud, but he is wearing down and is the focus of every team. They have no one else. Stephen Bowen, Igor Oshansky can be blocked one on one. This needs to be remedied in year two of Garrett’s tenure.
LB: B+
Rob Ryan will have a field day with these guys. DeMarcus Ware everyone already knows is a stud. Bradie James is always rock solid. But I believe Ryan will get the most of Sean Lee and Anthony Spencer. As an added bonus, Ryan, has Bruce Carter in the wings …though wont contribute much this year.
DB: D
I think Mike Jenkins will bounce back. but Newman is old and they have no talent at safety. Be prepared for a lot of third and long completions.
Last Draft
I thought Tyron Smith was a solid choice. They had a ridiculously old and worn down OL and I also like the selection of David Akrin in the fourth. Bruce Carter and DeMarco Murray in round 2 and 3 are both high risk/high reward players…too risky for my blood though. B-
Sleepers on Offense and Defense
I believe David Akrin has the ability to take over the LG position. His pass blocking needs some refining but should be solid in the run blocking department. Akrin is a hard worker and will bring some nastiness back to the OL.
On defense I think Anthony Spencer will do well with Rob Ryan’s tutelage. Spencer will not be what many thought but 7-9 sacks and consistent pressure is to be expected.
Prediction for the Year 8-8
Romo will always be Romo…good, not great. They will lack a consistent running game which will let Defenses tee off on Romo. Their defensive line and secondary will also lead to many blown games. Give Garrett another year though and I think he will have them in the playoffs…especially if they can retain Rob Ryan
Last Draft
I thought Tyron Smith was a solid choice.They had a ridiculously old and worn down OL and I also like the selection of David Akrin in the fourth.Bruce Carter and DeMarco Murray in round 2 and 3 are both high risk/high reward players…too risky for my blood though.B-
Sleepers on Offense and Defense
I believe David Akrin has the ability to take over the LG position.His pass blocking needs some refining but should be solid in the run blocking department.Akrin is a hard worker and will bring some nastiness back to the OL.
On defense I think Anthony Spencer will do well with Rob Ryan’s tutelage.Spencer will not be what many thought but 7-9 sacks and consistent pressure is to be expected.
Prediction for the Year8-8
Romo will always be Romo…good, not great.They will lack a consistent running game which will let Defenses tee off on Romo.Their defensive line and secondary will also lead to many blown games.Give Garrett another year though and I think he will have them in the playoffs…especially if they can retain Rob Ryan