Dallas Cowboys Offseason & Draft Needs

Cowboys Offseason

Sportsbook Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Where do the Cowboys Need Help?

Let’s face it, the Dallas Cowboys are pretty stacked. When you have the monetary resources that the Cowboys have you can put together a pretty solid team. But there are holes in that armor, and Jerry Jones is looking to address those holes in free agency while building for the future in the draft. So after you place your bet on March madness you can spend some time evaluating where the Cowboys need some help.

Tony Romo took a lot of flack last season for the team’s offensive performance. The team ejected Terrell Owens so that Romo could run his offense without any interference. As the season wore on the glaring holes in the offensive line started to show. On the left side of the line, tackle Flozell Adams was less than reliable and tackle Marc Colombo on the right side is still recovering from injury. Romo has no reliable protection on the interior of the offensive line, and that is what caused the offensive problems for the Cowboys last season. With weapons such as Miles Austin and Roy Williams to throw to and Felix Jones on the ground, the Dallas offense is two tackles away from being potent.

Believe it or not the Cowboys actually need a place kicker. The Cowboys went for it on fourth down in the regular season and the playoffs when they should have been able to rely on their kicking. But Wade Phillips opted to go for the first down rather than the sure points and it cost the Cowboys games. There are plenty of kickers to choose from in free agency this year including Neil Rackers and Dan Carpenter if their respective teams do not re-sign them.

The Cowboys secondary may need some patching up as well. Ken Hamlin is not performing up to his contract at safety, and backup Alan Ball has not shown that he has what it takes to be an NFL starter. Look for the Cowboys to let Hamlin go and replace him with someone like Brodney Pool in Cleveland. The problem is that Pool, like most of the desirable safeties in free agency this year, is a restricted free agent. The Cowboys want nothing to do with a restricted free agent in the year before an uncapped season, so look for the Cowboys to be aggressive with trades during the draft. The Cowboys are not known for starting drafted rookies in their first season, so it would be unusual for them to pick a safety in the draft with the intention of making that draft pick a starter.

It was a smart move for the Cowboys to pick up Jon Kitna last season because there were questions as to what the team would do if Romo got hurt. The team has confidence in Kitna and they have no hesitation in handing the ball to the former starting quarterback if Romo should get seriously injured.

There are only a few places where the Dallas Cowboys need to improve to make themselves a playoff contender. It will be interesting to see if Jerry Jones has the patience to address some of his issues in the draft, of if the Cowboys become active in free agency and through trading.

Dallas Cowboys: Cowboy Corner – The Offseason

COWBOY CORNER – The Offseason

Cowboys Offseason

Sportsbook Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Cowboys Plan To Spend Or Save?

Most fueled by the fact that the salary cap could expire this coming Friday and 2010 could be an uncapped season, there has been a lot of speculation regarding to what the Dallas Cowboys might do.

After all, the Cowboys are usually the big spenders and with an uncapped year, they could be wheeling and dealing.

But for now, a lot of internet betting experts are actually expecting the Cowboys to go in another direction and chop some salary.

The Cowboys have some big names with big price tags that could be set to go. Wide receiver Roy Williams, tackle Flozell Adams and safety Ken Hamlin are among the names to be rumored.

Of the three, Hamlin is the most likely to go.

Williams has a huge contract but a lot of it is already guaranteed. While the recent talk in regards to him is that he won’t even have a starting role next year and that he’ll have to fight for it, it’s unlikely that the Cowboys cut him loose at this point.

Meanwhile, Adams poses another conundrum. There is no question that he is past his prime but the reality is that there isn’t anybody better right now. A lot of people believe that Doug Free could be his successor but at this point, he isn’t the best option. Realistically, though, given the opportunity and playing time, Free could fit the role.

But Hamlin has an ‘x’ on his back. After signing a huge deal a couple of years ago, he simply hasn’t provided the big plays that were expected to come along with it.

The Cowboys don’t have a whole lot of needs areas, which means that a safety could be picked up in the first or second round, and that would likely spell the end of Hamlin in Dallas.

Overall, the Cowboys won’t be a big player in free agency this year and right now, their main and only focus is the 2010 NFL Draft. Vice president Stephen Jones has stated that they won’t be very active – if at all – when free agency opens up on March 5^th

It’s good that the Cowboys finally understand the importance of the draft. Considering how complete their roster is, a championship may be in sight with one more infusion quality young prospects.

Cowboy Corner: Will Miles Austin be a Cowboy in 2010?

Cowboys Offseason

Sportsbook Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Is There A Chance Miles Austin Will Not Be A Cowboy In 2010?

After a breakout, Pro Bowl season, there is no question that wide receiver Miles Austin has plenty of value that the Dallas Cowboys not only want, but rely upon. After Terrell Owens departed and Roy Williams never filled his shoes, Austin stepped up and led the wide receiving corps.

The Cowboys brass is saying all of the right things, but fans can’t help but be a little nervous right now.

Austin is a free agent, although he is of the restricted variety. The good news is that the Cowboys can use a tender on him and it would take an opposing team to really make an effort above and beyond the call of duty to pry him from the Cowboys.

But that is possible – just ask the Seattle Seahawks when they lost Pro Bowl guard Steve Hutchinson in a similar situation a few years ago.

The best way to secure Austin would be to either sign him to a long term contract or franchise tag him. The latter method would cost the team just under $10 million, which isn’t appealing and the former way is dicey considering there is no collective bargaining agreement beyond this year.

Right now, Austin is in the driver’s seat. Whether he gets the franchise tag or a long term deal, or is courted by another team for a lucrative contract, he should be thinking big for his next contract.

What the Cowboys are most likely to do is give him the highest restrictive free agency tender, which would mean two things:

For starters, any team that signed him would have to give a first- and third-round pick to the Cowboys in return if Austin did leave and sign with the new team and also, the Cowboys would have the option to match any deal that Austin would agree to with the new team.

Most NFL picks are expecting the Cowboys to use that tender because there won’t be many NFL teams that want to give up first and a third for him. At the same time, most NFL teams won’t find a receiver as good as Austin in the first round of the 2010 draft, so they might be tempted.

At the end of the day, expect Austin to be a Cowboy but there is some anxiety considering he isn’t locked up quite yet.

Cowboy Corner: Dallas Cowboys Offseason Report

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (BetEd Reviews): Cowboys +685

Is Miles Austin A One-Hit Wonder?

While most people were expecting Roy Williams to step up and replace the contributions of Terrell Owens entering the 2009 season, it was a different Cowboys wide receiver that stepped up and became a star. Now that Miles Austin has one fantastic Pro Bowl season under his belt, the speculation has already begun as to whether he can do this again.

The good news is that Austin is saying a lot of the right things after going from being a little-known third receiver to the Pro Bowl. Austin has already talked about not resting on his laurels and working even harder this offseason. He won’t be a kept secret next year and he’ll be the focus of plenty of defensive attention.

One big help to Austin would be for Williams to finally play up to his potential. If he can play like the Pro Bowler that he once was, opposing defenses wouldn’t be able to double-team Austin regularly. Or if they did, Tony Romo and Williams could burn them.

Deon Anderson’s Status In Question

Fullback Deon Anderson didn’t exactly grab many headlines during the regular season for the Cowboys but since the team has hit the offseason, he has been a key story.

Anderson pulled a gun on a valet at a local Dallas restaurant and clearly there are some ramifications that come with those actions.

The team and the league are letting the matter play out legally before anyone makes a decision. Clearly, the result of that will likely result in Anderson receiving – or not receiving – team and/or league sanctions.

Anderson was a starter last year so he is an important team member.

Tashard Choice Trade Rumors

Internet betting fans have heard the trade rumors blowing early this offseason as the Cowboys have been linked in deals with the San Diego Chargers regarding Cowboys running back Tashard Choice and Chargers defensive back Antonio Cromartie.

So far, those rumors have proven to be just smoke but as we all know, where there is smoke there tends to be fire.

The Cowboys are in a position of desperation so they definitely don’t need to make a move but keep an eye for these rumors to heat up as the NFL Draft approaches.

The reality is that Choice, while he’s a good back, is third on the pecking order and the Cowboys could dangle him to improve their roster somewhere else.

Cowboy Corner: Cowboys Offseason Report

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (BetEd Reviews): Cowboys +685

Return Of Folk Just A Folk Story

It is the offseason, which means that there will be lots of rumors and conjecture flying around. Case and point: recently, there were rumors that the Cowboys may bring back kicker Nick Folk into the fold.

On the surface, it might not seem that crazy considering Folk was a Pro Bowl kicker just two years ago but the reality is a little bit further from that. Folk struggled mightily this year to the point where he cost his team games. The Cowboys, who have been a little on the frail side mentally in past years, can’t afford to lose confidence because of missed field goals.

Folk blamed punter/holder Matt McBriar for his misses.

Regardless, it is very doubtful that Folk comes back for a tryout of any sorts.

On that note, kicker Matt Stover, who was steady for the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts this year, expressed interest in kicking for the Cowboys next season. The 42-year-old was the oldest kicker in the league this year and the Cowboys may opt to go younger.

Felix Jones The Starter?

The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of depth in their backfield and many Cowboys fans are starting to draw up the pecking order for next year. One thing is for sure: Felix Jones definitely deserves a bigger role.

Jones could very well be the starter heading into the 2010 season as Marion Barber really tapered off to finish the year while Jones came on. Barber is supposed to be the power back but he struggled in short yardage situations in 2009, which really opened some eyes.

The biggest dilemma at this point is the fact that the Cowboys have three excellent running backs but none of them seem to stay healthy. Jones is the most explosive weapon but he has played in just 20 games through two seasons. Marion Barber, who is supposed to be the hammer, was nicked up this year while Tashard Choice also missed some time.

Internet betting fans know that the Cowboys plan to be a Super Bowl contender in 2010 but they have to figure out their backfield situation to start.

The early speculation is that Jones will start and Barber or Choice may be traded in the offseason. But if the Cowboys truly plan to contend, keep all three for depth would be the best move.

Super Bowl XLV 2011 – Cowboys Stadium

Next year Dallas will play host to the 2011 Super Bowl and I thought we should take a look at 5 things that could make the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium interesting. The only information that we know for sure so far is that the game will be at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on February 6 2011. Nicknames for Cowboys Stadium include the “Death Star” and “Jerry World”. The game will be on the FOX TV Channel and the TV Announcers will be Troy Aikman and Joe Buck.

If the Cowboys do make the Superbowl and are able to pull of a win, will Jerry pick up Wade just like Drew Brees did his son? Probably not, but below you will find some definite possibilities:

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Cowboy Corner – Cowboys Offseason Report

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Early Mock Drafts Have Cowboys Addressing Lines Of Scrimmage

While some casual fans may think it is a little early to start speculating about the 2010 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys have already begun their scouting and they are filling out some early reports on who can help their team.

The Cowboys will first hit the podium when the 27^th pick overall is called and a lot of early mock drafts are speculating that the Cowboys end up with someone helping them along the line of scrimmage.

Some NFL predictions believe that the Cowboys will address the defensive line by adding a proven commodity like Alabama Crimson Tide nose tackle Terrence Cody. It would definitely make Jerry Jones happy to see another Crimson Tide member on his team.

There are some Cowboys fans who might be wondering: why draft a defensive tackle when the defensive line is already a position of strength?

One possible option is to move Pro Bowl tackle Jay Ratliff to an end spot, where he might be more effective. Another theory is that you always want to draft for depth and (preferably) never for need.

While some people are expecting the Cowboys to draft for the defense, another option is for the offense. Considering how the offensive line was manhandled in the Cowboys playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a lineman might make sense.

A guard like Mike Iupati from Idaho would make a lot of sense but it’s unlikely that he falls that far considering how well he performed at the senior bowl. Another option might be guard Joe Asamoah from Illinois.

There is also some depth with talent at safety, which may appeal to the Cowboys as well.

When you look at the Cowboys overall picture as far as the upcoming draft, the Cowboys don’t have a lot of holes.

With the emergence of Miles Austin, there isn’t a great need at wide receiver. The backfield is set and even the offensive line is pretty good, but could be addressed.

On defense, the story is pretty much the same. The cornerback crop is fine, the linebacking corps is very good and the line is set. A safety would help but it’s not the most pressing need.

The Cowboys strategy will change as the offseason progresses but if the draft were in a week, they would probably be taking an offensive lineman given how they performed in the playoffs. In April, it could be a different story.

Jay Novacek’s Wife Found Dead – LeAnne Novacek

Jay Novacek’s wife LeAnne Novacek was found dead this morning in a relatives Burleson home. It is believed that LeAnne Novacek died at her relative, Sonia Lynn Gumfory’s, house at 9 AM on February 1st 2010.

*Note* February 1 2010 5:11 PM CT
1310 The Ticket has reported that the cause of death is believed to be a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Hwever they did state this was from TV channel 8 news and not official word from the police.

Here is part of the article from the Dallas Morning News: article Wife of ex-Cowboys player Jay Novacek found dead

BURLESON – LeAnne Novacek, the wife of Jay Novacek, a former Dallas Cowboys tight end, was found dead Monday morning at a Burleson home.

NBC Dallas reported, citing a Tarrant County Medical Examiner report, that Novacek’s body was found in the bedroom of home in Burleson just after 9 a.m. The Tarrant County Appraisal District said the home belongs to Sonia Lynn Gumfory, who is believed to be a relative of LeAnne.

The cause of death has not been released, though police did say that foul play is not suspected in connection with Novacek’s death. The medical examiner said an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Cowboys in the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl

The Dallas Cowboys will have 9 Players in the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday. No that was not a typo the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl will be this weekend in South Florida, not Hawaii. The NFL has moved the Pro Bowl up so that it is part of the festivities leading up to the Super Bowl.

This is a good move by the NFL, it will create buzz and people might actually watch the game this year. I know if I am around the house on Sunday I will be watching the game. Before this move the Pro Bowl was often forgotten because it came after the Super Bowl which for most of us signifies the end of the NFL season.

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Cowboy Corner: Dallas Cowboys Offseason

Cowboys Offseason

Super Bowl Odds (for XLV): Cowboys +1215

NFC Odds (5Dimes Reviews): Cowboys +685

Heading Into The Offseason

The general NFL betting crowd may not see the difference between how the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2010 offseason versus the 2009 offseason, but the true fans of America’s team have a completely different mood.

In 2009, the Cowboys were blown out in the final week of the regular season and were kept from the playoffs. They headed into the offseason wondering whether Tony Romo was a franchise quarterback, whether Wade Phillips is a reliable head coach and whether the psyche of the team was strong enough to win in December and January.

Heading into the 2010 offseason, the feeling is completely different.

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