Ladoucer, David Buehler, Dan Baileyīest punter/long snapper combo in the NFL. AOA is one of those lightning rod players that always draws an argument about whether he is any good. The question is how much improvement there is. Sensabaugh looked pretty good in the preseason, and I think the safety position will be less of an issue than last year, although that is pretty faint praise. S (4): Abe Elam, Gerald Sensabaugh, Barry Church, Danny McCray The question is whether Garrett and Ryan are on the same page with him. There might be some pretty good corners that don't make their teams' final rosters, and I think cutting TNew has at least crossed JJ's mind. Jerry was not happy about their injury situation. The biggest issue here is not the backups, it is the starters.
I am making a prediction that Alan Ball will be seen as the Cowboys comeback player of the year, at least defensively, since Romo will also be talked about in that conversation (Break a collarbone and everyone is all impressed when you play well the next season). And when Carter does come back, what position gets cut?ĬB (5): Terence Newman, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick, Alan Ball, Bryan McCann I like Brooking and think he has a future in coaching, if he wants it, but can his body still produce? If James or Lee get banged up and Keith has to play more snaps, the team may have a real issue. The issue will be when Bruce Carter can play again. ILB (3): Bradie James, Sean Lee, Keith Brooking Fourth guy here will also have to be better than what's available from other teams, or he becomes practice squad material.
Solid top three players (despite the Anthony hate out there). OLB (4): DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler, Alex AlbrightĪs Romo is to the offense, Ware is to the defense. Geathers was one of KD's last guys in, and he might be vulnerable to replacement. Rob Ryan is expected to do a lot of shuttling in and out with his line, so all these players should get a lot of time on the field. Now you know why they pay coaches the big bucks.ĭL (7): Marcus Spears, Jay Ratliff, Jason Hatcher, Kenyon Coleman, Josh Brent, Sean Lissemore, Clifton Geathers If he is not eligible, then the Cowboys might think about keeping Parnell on the active roster and trying to stash Kowalski on the PS or dump Young, although KK's performance in the past two games might make him a tempting target for another team. KD quoted the rules here, and I don't know where Parnell stands with regards to an accrued season and games on the active roster. I'm not sure about his practice squad eligibility. The question then becomes what happens to him next. Parnell has great potential, but can you really put him on the field now? Look to him to be a placeholder while the team searches for a good swing backup tackle as the cut lists come out. Since Holland seems to have cemented his backup role, the Cowboys now have a greater need for a backup tackle. OL (10): Doug Free, Bill Nagy, Phil Costa, Kyle Kosier, Tyron Smith, Montrae Holland, David Arkin, Kevin Kowalski, Jeremy Parnell, Sam YoungĬowboys keep 10, which is a bit of a surprise. The team seems to be going heavy on offense and a little light on defense. Phillips, and to a letter extent, Rucker get a chance with Bennett out nursing his high ankle booboo. TE: (4) Jason Witten, John Phillips, Martin Rucker, Martellus Bennett The dropoff to #3 is pretty significant, but the backups are all pretty capable as a third WR. The best one-two punch in football, I think. WR (5): Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Kevin Ogletree, Jesse Holley, Dwayne Harris Felix and DeMarco can strike from anywhere on the field, whether rushing or receiving. Top to bottom, this may be the strongest position on the team. RB (4): Felix Jones, DeMarco Murray, Tashard Choice, Phillip Tanner McGee gets one last chance to show that he is at least backup material, if not more. Kitna is the backup for at least one more year. If Tony has a great year, the Cowboys will likely have one. QB (3): Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee Now that the final cut down is done, let's take a quick look at what we have. And they might bring eight or nine kickers through Valley Ranch. My best guesstimate for possible FA acquisition would be OL, and almost any defensive position if a good player shows up on the waiver wire. This is your 2011 Dallas Cowboys lineup - well, until they make a free agent move or two.