Time to Make Things Right Set the Left

Frankly, Greg Ellis’ drafting in 1998 instead of Randy Moss’ was shocking and maddening.  On film Randy Moss had superstardom written all over him.  At Marshall Moss caught an inside screen and took it to the house, Moss made the unbelievable acrobatic catch look easy, Moss sped by everybody on the field.  Greg Ellis was just another name (I did not keep up with the draft back then like I do now).

Considering what has happened the last eleven years maybe, and that’s a big MAYBE, the Cowboys made the right choice.  Ellis has been the consummate professional (for the better part of his career), has produced, and has been a good albeit outspoken teammate.  Randy Moss is a special receiver and has shown no signs of slowing down.  His character is questionable; therefore he is on his third team.  Both had an outstanding 2007.  However, many people (including myself) would have taken Moss.  It’s tantalizing to wonder how Moss would have produced with Aikman, Irvin, and Smith and beyond (along with all the drama).  But that’s purely speculative and another story.

All that being said, it’s time to cut ties with Ellis.  His production has slipped dramatically, his insecurities have affected team chemistry, and his whining is as annoying as Tucker Carlson’s bowtie.  A team can deal with a player’s whining and insecurities if the player produces at a high level (well, maybe not; look at TO).  However, Ellis’ playmaking days are over and so should his career with the Dallas Cowboys.  Why would a team need a slow, aging OLB that can’t play in space?  Some people will say that he’s still serviceable as a “pass rush specialist.”  Ellis did not prove that last year.  Add one more football year to his age and the task becomes even harder.  Give Ellis his walking papers; the team will benefit from it and so will Ellis.  Maybe he’ll find a team that can still use him.  How will Ellis’ release benefit the Cowboys?  It will open the door for Anthony Spencer as a full time starter without having to look over his shoulder.  Spencer is big, fast, and showed ability as a pass rusher, a solid complement to Ware.  What about a back up for Spencer?  There is always the draft.  I’ll let you do the research!  Nonetheless, it’s time to fix the LOLB.  It’s time to make things right and set the left.  Imagine what Ware can do with a "Robin!"