**(As an aside, Albert Haynesworth shouldn't have played another down in the 2006 season, at the least)**
He was set to become an unrestricted free-agent but the Cowboys decided they liked him enough to ink him to a multi-year deal. Gurode is young and strong. He can also play as a guard and versatility is always good. But most importantly, this will give the Cowboys some continuity.
Upgrading the O-Line
The Dallas Cowboys signed Marco Rivera to a big deal in the hopes he would anchor the right side of the Offensive line. Instead, he's had two back surgeries (on the same disc) and played "Okay." They let Adams go and replaced him with Kyle Kosier (who did a servicable job) and Flozell was re-signed to a mulit-year deal a couple years back but hasn't played the same the past couple seasons.
This year the Cowboys could improve their O-Line significantly. They must make a decision about Marc Colombo. He's due to become a free-agent and the Cowboys will have to decide if his play is worth a new contract. The rumor mill has been churning with suggestions that tackle Leonard Davis could be brought in (presumably to replace Colombo).
Many mock drafts, including Fox Sport's, suggest the Cowboys will draft Offensive Tackle Justin Blalock (who can also play guard). If that's the case then the Cowboys could let Rivera's massive contract go and insert Blalock in at Guard.
**Potential Lineup 1: Flozell Adams - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Justin Blalock - Leonard Little.**
**Potential Lineup 2: Leonard Little - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Marco Rivera - Justin Blalock.**
**Potential Lineup 3: Pat McQuinstan - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Justin Blalock - Marc Colombo.**
**Potential Lineup 4: Pat McQuinstan - Kyle Koiser - Andre Gurode - Marco Rivera - Justin Blalock.**
Regardless of what the Cowboys ultimately decide to do, they must improve their Offensive Line. While the weakness that it is was somewhat hidden once Romo was inserted it still broke down far too often. I've seen some mock drafts suggesting the Cowboys take a Defensive Back with the 22nd pick but I think if Blalock is on the board then they should take him. Their offensive line isn't going to get better (or younger) on it's own.
Keeping Owens, Dumping Glenn?
I've seen quite a few articles suggesting the Cowboys will have to make a decision on these two. They keep talking about the bonuses they're do and how they're getting older etc. I think it's really a moot point. The Cowboys signed Owens in a cap-friendly way and then re-did Glenn's deal to keep him in Big D for a few more years. They knew what they were doing and I don't think there's any real consideration of cutting Glenn. Owens? Well, with Owens you never know...
Two-Back System Entrenched in Dallas
Julius Jones recorded his first 1,000 yard season this year. He split time with Marion Barber who seemed like the bruiser back while Jones (occasionally) provided some finesse. There were whispers of the Cowboys shopping Julius Jones last year during the draft and I think those rumors will fly again this year.
Even with that 1,000 yard season I don't think the Cowboys are completely sold on Jones. They've got to make a decision soon on the direction they want to go and if Jones is the man to pair with Marion Barber.
If the Cowboys decide to trade Jones there are two free backs that are attractive targets.
First, you have Jamal Lewis. While he's still officially under contract with the Ravens most feel it's only a matter of time before he gets cut. He would be a good addition to the Cowboys and maybe break some of those big runs Jones appers to miss.
Second, there's Super Bowl MVP Dominic Rhodes. It's rare that the player who played the best in the Super Bowl becomes a free agent but these are interesting times in Indianapolis. The Colts have decided to put the tag on Freeney. This may encourage Rhodes to test the market and see what kind of a deal he can score.
If he hits the market then he must command attention from the Cowboys and could be their answer if they decide to move on from Jones.
They could also draft for a running back. They have plenty of picks to tie to Jones and get a nice spot in return. I doubt they'll go this route, however, and all things considered I think they will opt to keep the Jones-Barber tandem. Even if they do trade Jones they'll be looking for another back to pair with Barber and are firmly in the "two-back" camp.
rusirious ... The steps being taken by the Cowboys are the most appropriate ones that should be taken. If they can lock up that line , it'll be good for years to come ! Besides I also believe that they also need to tend to one or two things on the defensive side of the ball. But that'll be down to Phillips to deal with as he sees fit. They are a very good team but obviously they disappointed their fans towards the end of the season the way that they bowed out of contention when it really mattered ! That was more due to inexperience onn the path of Romo more than anything else !
The Cowboys have one position they need to address more than any other. They need to find an extra passs rusher to provide depth incase someone goes down like this year. When Ellis went down their defense went from top five to bottom five.
Tophatal: I certainly think Romo's inexperience had its share to do with the Cowboys losing steam. But I think the collapse of the defense was monumental and disasterous.
Levi: I agree. I think Bobby Carpenter really came on in the last couple weeks as a starter. Ellis will be back but it never hurts to have another pressure player back that. I think they've got to fix their pass coverage too. Can't do it all through the draft so I think they'll sign a "big" name on D.
rusirious ....... Whatever Wade's input will be I'm sure that Jones will listen to him all the way. The defense was supposedly the backbone of this team. But it all seem to come unravelled towards the end of the season. I think that was more out of fatigue than anything else. As the offense became anemic and placed the onus upon the defense for a lot of the plays to be irretrievably dealt with. And then they could only do so much.
I am a FOX sports blogger because I like to talk and have opinions about pretty much anything and everything. I like pretty much any sport but I love football (basketball's a close second). The NFL is the only major sport I watch all season but I watch the others sporadically. My favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Red Wings, Atlanta Braves, and Boston Red Sox.
