Your 2012 Dallas Cowboys Starters (I HOPE)

I know

that Stephen said that we can get anyone we want in FA, but can we afford Super Mario? I’d like to see both D-Ware and Super Mario on the same team.

by Praveetheus on Jan 14, 2012 1:12 PM CST reply actions

Not a capologist

but cutting Newman and not resigning Spencer might clear enough cap room

by hbdc on Jan 14, 2012 1:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Well

Mario is a Risky FA…

While I love his skill set (a bigger Demarcus Ware) he does have the issue of multiple injuries

However he is 26/27 years old, and has played in and had success in both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses

I would imagine he will get a Contract in between Ratliff’s and Ware’s, est. 5-6 years @ 50-60 million with 20-30 million Guaranteed….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 14, 2012 7:39 PM CST up reply actions

The issue is, what does he play here?

Yeah he had success as a ROLB in Wade’s 3-4, but a ROLB in wade’s 3-4 is pretty much a defensive end and is rushing every time. Can he play on the strong side opposite Ware and play well in pass coverage if needed (Ware will do this as well much more often than in Wade’s 3-4). Or do we place him in the D-line for a lack of being able to really drop back and defend the pass and/or play well in space.

I’m not sure of his skill set outside of pass rushing so I’m curious about that…

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." –Vince Lombardi

by ProBowlFactory on Jan 16, 2012 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

Mensa has said that Mario does not fare well in coverage

and As he would have more first hand knowlegde in that regard I will defer to him on that….

MArio is considered one of the better Passrushers in the league and is known as a good run defender…

with his Measureables(40" vert, 4.37 SS with a 7.2 3-cone) indicate that he would best be suited on the interior(his 3-cone indicate a lack of ability to “turn the corner”)

Ideal line up would be William at RDE, Josh Brent at NT and Ratliff LDE

with Ware bouncing between either OLB spot, you would have TWO ALL pro DE’s that can consistently beat single teams with Brent anchoring the middle…..

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 16, 2012 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Defense ends are glorified tackles in a 3-4

In a 3-4, the outside LBs are essentially DEs that are lighter and quicker than the DEs in a 4-3. They need to be able to drop back into pass coverage (not always, but at least be capable of it).

In a 3-4, the DEs are essentially the same as DTs in a 4-3. They are inside rushers. Very few inside rushers get a lot of sacks. The reason is easy to understand — it is much easier to double team them with 2 OL. Plus, they don’t have the option of running around a guy. Instead, DTs are limited to bull rushes and swims – which is why they rarely get sacks.

Ideal line up would be William at RDE, Josh Brent at NT and Ratliff LDE

Williams is an outside rusher. The only time he’ll play an end in a 3-4 is when he gets older, slower, and heavier (don’t we all get slower and heavier as we age??). Regardless, nobody is going to pay Williams big bucks to have Williams be an inside rusher — not going to happen.

Along the same line of thinking, this is why you’ll never see big numbers from our lineman so long as we continue to play the 3-4. They are run stuffers and eat bodies. For example, although Marcus Spears is listed as a defensive end, he’ll never have great (or even marginal) sack numbers because he isn’t an outside rusher.

Bottom line — don’t expect sacks from defensive ends in a 3-4. As such, you are not going to be paying megabucks for a player whose talents are going to be wasted on the inside.

You build football teams in the NFL — not by having the best player at each position — but by getting enough impact players at key positions and making sure that you aren’t weak at the other positions. Cowboys already have an impact pass rusher. The Cowboys were tied for 7th in sacks this year with a new defense coordinator/system for which they had zero offseason to learn.

Instead of paying Williams 8-12M/year for 12 sacks, find a guy in the 2nd or 3rd round that you can pay a lot less money for 8 sacks or find a good player from a bad team that didn’t have a chance to shine because he was on a bad team.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 17, 2012 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

Williams is worth the money you move him around.

Two rushers are a lot more effective than one.

But if you want a cheaper player with some upside then you try Jason Jones

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 17, 2012 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

Why are people so unrealistic?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Mario Williams is a bad player or wouldn’t help the Cowboys. However, you can only pay top dollar to one pass rusher on your team. There are a boat load of other teams out there that have a bigger need for an outside pass rusher and have more money to spend than the Cowboys.

Reaslistically, the Cowboys are not going to sign Mario Williams. Besides Drew Brees, Mario Williams might get the biggest contract of all the 2012 free agents.

The question isn’t whether Williams could help the Cowboys, the question is whether or not the Cowboys can be improved more if they spent their money on other players.

You cannot have Pro-Bowl players at every position. If you want to be good (and not put yourself in cap-hades) you need to find lower paid players that produce.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 17, 2012 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

and again Mario (IMO)

is going to get somewhere around 10 million per year….that is cheap for the upgrade that he could give…..

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 18, 2012 4:12 AM CST up reply actions

I disagree

First off, Mario is a DT that plays as a DE…@~6-6 290, he certainly has the size of most DT’s (who tend to be in the 280-320 range)

the key thing is this: Mario ran a 4.37 SS time, a drill which focuses on body control in tight spaces. You have to change directions quickly and easily in order to get a low time….and at 290+ anything below 4.4 is outstanding.

However, he put up a 7.21 in the 3 cone drill, which focuses on your ability to “turn the corner”, basically the more flexible, the easier it is for you to do, which leads to a lower time. While that time is still very good for his size, to be a Premier "edge rusher you need to get in the <7.0 to be truly effective there.

Once you factor in his 40 in Vertical(which measures “explosion”) you have a very explosive player that can move easily in tight spaces…the ideal interior Passrusher. and BTW there are very few players that combine, 290+ lbs, 38+inch vert, with a sub 4.4 SS….and most of them are pro bowl interior pass rushers.

You combine Ware, Williams and Ratliff, and you would have a potentially 3 double digit pass rushers.

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 18, 2012 4:10 AM CST up reply actions

You guys aren't reading what I writing

The question isn’t how much Mario Williams will add to the team, the question is how much he would add to the team in comparison to what you have to pay him to get him on the team.

Spencer’s 2011 cap number was $2M. For that $2M, we got a solid but not spectacular player. You add Mario Williams, and you are paying $10M/year and how much more production are you going to get out of Williams? 6 more sacks? 8 more sacks?

Would he be an upgrade? Undoubtedly
Would the money spent be worth the upgrade? Not even close

When the Cowboys are already 7th in the league in sacks, the defensive line is not the problem.

This issue is moot, because as I have written before, there are other teams with more money to spend and bigger needs on the defensive line than the Cowobys. This means that Mario is going to find bigger bucks somewhere else.

Finally, the Cowboys have bigger needs than finding a passing rushing defensive lineman.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 18, 2012 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

Newman

Doesn’t he count againist the cap if he got cut this year? Not that I’m in favor of keeping him.

by Praveetheus on Jan 14, 2012 1:18 PM CST reply actions

Oh ok. Didn't know that.

What would Mario command as an UFA?
8-10 mil/ year?

by hbdc on Jan 14, 2012 1:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

My question is. Is why would Mario cost so much when the past two years he has been injured… No doubt he is an impact player, but injuries slow guys down over time. I wouldn’t give more than 4 mil/yr and if he stays healthy and produces then restructor his contract. A player being able to stay healthy should be a factor in their pay.

by Aaron Burtram on Jan 14, 2012 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

Totally agree

Contrary to popular belief I don’t think he will get a huge pay day. But a respectable one and a respectable one we can afford. Although I’m more in favor of signing Carl Nicks at guard and drafting Melvin Ingram or Upshaw. I believe a hungry, young pass rushing pup to learn opposite of Ware would be better if Carl Nicks is signed.

by CowboyWay on Jan 14, 2012 2:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Mario will get DWARE money.

Which will probably be too expensive with all are other needs..First time playing in asOLB in a 34 this year. 11 tackles 5 sacks 1FF and 1 PD Thats a difference maker.But we can all dream ,

by jp32 on Jan 14, 2012 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

but he only played in 5 games....

add in the fact that since 2008 he has played injured….that is 3 straight years of him being injured….. and has missed 14 games out of 32 over the past two seasons…

NOt Saying that he isn’t very good, but….he probably wont get D-Ware type money….see my post above for my est.

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 14, 2012 7:46 PM CST up reply actions

he missed 3 games in 2010 and 11 this year, from 2006-2009 he started all 16 games a year as a starter

"I got the 9 on me so I think I'm Romo"
Fabolous

by Archie Barberio on Jan 14, 2012 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Mario Williams would be really nice

Would probably provide a nice boost but chances are Texans will franchise him. There was talk at the beginning of the year that they’d move him back to DE when they franchise him to pay him less then if they left him where he is (or maybe the reverse, I did read that a long time ago).

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 14, 2012 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

actually(from what i understand)

His position is Irrelevant, as his tag will be based off his Salary for last year…Which Means his tag Number will be 120% of his Base salary for 2011, Which comes out to 16.4 million I think….

I don’t know what Houston Cap Situation is like, but I don’t think they are going to tag him at that price….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 15, 2012 12:51 AM CST up reply actions

Then I stand corrected.

The Garrett Guillotine demands more blood!
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 5, 2011 3:30 PM PDT

If you're going to eat poison, you might as well lick the plate.

by Final Frame on Jan 15, 2012 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

Actually about 21 Million

he earned 18 Million last year on his contract and the rule states franchise tag will be the higher salary between the average of the top five salaries at the position (comes out to $10 Million) or 120% of his base salary in the previous season ($21.6 Million). Yeah… no franchise tag for super mario. That is Peyton Manning/Tom Brady money

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." –Vince Lombardi

by ProBowlFactory on Jan 16, 2012 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

GOOD POINTS

I just think his agent will use those numbers in just 5 games to his advantage saying imagine what numbers he would put up in 16. You only need one owner/gm to fall in love with him..Having said that i would agree with Final frame he will be franchised..There are so many directions we could go in the draft but who we sign in FA will dictate that.Cant wait till March 15 !

by jp32 on Jan 14, 2012 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

He won't get D-ware Money

His highest sack total in a season is 14, then 12 the next year. Outside of that he had 9 at most. 8.5 in a 13 game season. 2 season hampered by injury as well. Ware has been in the league one year more than Mario and outside of his rookie year (8 sacks vs. Mario’s 4.5 sack rookie season) he has had 11.5, 14, 20, 11, 15.5, 19.5 sack seasons and lead the NFL twice and been top 3 two more times. He also hasn’t missed a game for injury his entire career, extremely durable. No one else in this league is going to get Demarcus Ware money as a pass rusher except MAYBE Jared Allen.

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle, victorious." –Vince Lombardi

by ProBowlFactory on Jan 16, 2012 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

Yep

all you have to do is look at the large amount of cap space that some teams have to project that he will get top coin

He who laughs last, thinks slowest
"Pleased to meet you, hope you guess my name"
"Really love your peaches, want to shake your tree"

by BigBad Joe on Jan 17, 2012 8:26 AM CST up reply actions

I believe cutting Newman woukd save

4 million this year but carry dead money into 2013

by CowboyWay on Jan 14, 2012 1:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

think I heard we save 4 million by cutting him.

so I guess he still counts around 4 million if we cut 8 million if we play him but we can`t afford to keep him at any price.

by ziggy19 on Jan 15, 2012 10:40 AM CST up reply actions

if I understand it correctly

it depends on when Dallas cuts him….

If done before June 1st then Dallas will not “save” any money on the cap, as his Signing bonus will accelerate Fully into this coming year, which would equal his Salary @ 6 million a piece.

However If Dallas Cuts him after June 1st, then he can split Acceraltion into two years(what Dallas did with Roy Williams….if that happens then they would probably save about 4 million in cap space…..cutting 6 million in Salary, Accerlating 2 million of proration this coming year and 4 million the year after….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 15, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

It could be done… and I would poop myself. Also I don’t want to see Bennett go. I know he’s annoying, but he’s the best blocker on the team and has shown flashes in the passing game. If the cowboys can get a te in the draft late that they like just as much fine but otherwise I’m OK with resigning Bennett.

by stegosaurus! on Jan 14, 2012 1:22 PM CST via mobile reply actions

2 things i see

first the combination of Nagy at center and Arkin at RG is not going to happen. Arkin barely played last year and I highly doubt he’s a starter next year. Nagy when he did play was a LG and not really that good. He would probably be worse than Costa. The highly likelihood is Kowalski starting at one of the guard spots.

second, we won’t be able to afford Williams and he is not a fit for the 3-4. The guy is a 4-3 DE and he knows it. If he leaves Houston it will be so that he can go somewhere to be a 4-3 DE, and like it or not he’s probably going to get Peppers money.

by jack dein on Jan 14, 2012 2:38 PM CST reply actions

I disagree on Mario just being a 4-3 DE

his measurables slot In between Ratliff and Ware(and are better than both in a couple)… guys like that, can play where they want….

and never mind the fact that he got 5 sacks in 5 games played last year, as an OLB (having never played the position before)…..

I would love to slot him in between Ratliff and Ware @ the RDE spot(occupied by Hatcher (he of 4 sacks all year)……

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 14, 2012 7:51 PM CST up reply actions

Like it really matters

We’re not going to sign him anyway. The guy is going to get $100M+. He would be the only player we would be able to sign and still not solve all of our problems. I would rather use that money to sign a couple guys and still have a solid draft.

by jack dein on Jan 14, 2012 8:02 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree

No way is Mario going to get 100 million…..as much as I love Mario, even I know he isn’t worth that much…At best (IMO) he will get 60 million with 30 mill guaranteed….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 15, 2012 12:55 AM CST up reply actions

Mario would be a homerun

Lets say we take Decastro

then we trade up for Jenkins

What other problems do we have??

by Jonathan Stern on Jan 16, 2012 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

Although I agree with you - we're not getting Mario Williams...

…there’s no way he gets $100M. No where near that kind of money.

"No one ever accomplishes anything alone in football. We all like to think that we can, but that's just not true. It's always been a team game, always will be." - Tom Dempsey

"Leadership is getting someone to do what they don’t want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve." - Tom Landry

by jakezze01 on Jan 17, 2012 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

I thought they saw something in Nagy

and i thought he was a center in college. Maybe Arkin starting is wishful thinking but who would u like to see realistically, lining up opposite DWare

by hbdc on Jan 14, 2012 2:50 PM CST reply actions

Would love to see Melvin Ingram

by CowboyWay on Jan 14, 2012 3:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Football Mensa syas Super Mario is too big to play OLB

I think Mario was already playing OLB in the 3-4 and was doing alright, but some people think he is out of position and can not or will not make the transition.

I’m excited about the possibility. If we don’t get Mario, I hope we go for Carl Nicks.

by florida dodger on Jan 15, 2012 1:48 PM CST reply actions

PS-- The cap money is there so don't worry about it.

by florida dodger on Jan 15, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

Cowboys aren't going to sign Mario Williams

Not going to happen

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jan 15, 2012 2:26 PM CST reply actions

you never know....

If you were him, wouldn’t you jump at the chance to play with Demarcus Ware?

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 15, 2012 3:38 PM CST up reply actions

You have no idea if the Cowboys will sign Mario Williams and don't pretend that you do

Lifelong Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/

I would love to show you the finer points to a muay thai clinch whipped knee to the face seanrude
by matt575 on Nov 22, 2011 3:09 AM EST

by Seanrude on Jan 15, 2012 5:02 PM CST up reply actions

Scandrick at staring corner... Not going to work!

And we not getting Mario forget about it

Billion dollar dream and hundred dollar nightmares

by djthumpl on Jan 15, 2012 3:22 PM CST reply actions

As soon as I saw Mario Williams I knew this was a dream

I’m late to the game here, but as many people have already stated, signing Mario Williams will cost the Cowboys huge money. Not going to happen with the holes that they have to fill.

As for anybody who thinks that Williams is not going to get paid big bucks, let me introduce you to a guy named Dan Snyder. Pass rushers get paid big bucks.

Jason Babin was signed by Philly for 5 years and $27.725M while having 30 sacks over 7 years. His best year (before this year) was 12.5 sacks. His 2nd best year was 5 sacks. Jared Allen signed a 6 year $73.26M contract. Mario is both young and productive (53 sacks in 7 years). He’s getting get close to $10M/year if not more.

If you are going to find somebody to fill the spot opposite of Ware, find somebody whose numbers weren’t that great because his defensive line sucked and he was getting constantly double-teamed. Ultimately, for a player opposite Ware, you want more than 6 sacks (i.e., what Spencer gave), but I would be extremely happy with a 8-10 sack/year guy. Only 9 players got more than 11 sacks this year.

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Cowboys get DeCastro in the draft. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Cowboys sign somebody like Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs to solidify the line. For the price of Mario Williams you can sign a pro-bowl caliber guard and a very good (albeit not great) safety or corner, which is where I think the Cowboys should go. I think we have a chance for Nicks and Grubbs because NO and Balt also have to sign Brees, Marques Colston and Ray Rice among others that are free agents.

As for Jenkins and Scandrick, they are probably going to be the starters. Although everybody thinks they stink, let’s face it, with the exception of just a couple of teams, everybody’s corners stink. Let me rephrase that – everybody’s corners are going to give up plays because this is a passing league and the rules are designed to facilitate the passing game. Our defensive backfield is going to need (serious) help, but I expect that in the form of a decent safety and a different 3rd corner back (since I cannot see Newman staying).

I would take a flyer on LaRon Landry. Granted he’s been injured. Granted he was a Redskin. However, the guy brings the wood and relishes making a big hit – something that cannot be said about any of our current secondary. Sensabaugh is supposedly a natural free safety and Landry is supposedly a natural strong safety, so that would be a good fit.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 15, 2012 9:10 PM CST reply actions

just so you know...

If you are going to find somebody to fill the spot opposite of Ware, find somebody whose numbers weren’t that great because his defensive line sucked and he was getting constantly double-teamed. Ultimately, for a player opposite Ware, you want more than 6 sacks (i.e., what Spencer gave), but I would be extremely happy with a 8-10 sack/year guy.

That is Mario Williams to a “T”…..while I agree that with his injury history, he would be a risk, you can mitigate it by tying the Guaranteed Money to “performance escalators”….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 16, 2012 1:23 AM CST up reply actions

Cowboys are not signing Mario Williams

Put it in the book. Somebody has to play the strong-side linebacker, which means covering the TE on occassion. Neither Williams or Ware are built for that.

Regardless, Williams is a #1 rusher and will get paid like one by one of the many teams in the league that need a #1 rusher. The Cowboys need a #2 rusher, and can only afford a #2 rusher.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 16, 2012 6:15 AM CST up reply actions

I dis agree

Ware would be a beast on the strong side….

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 16, 2012 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

Pay free agent $$$ to Nicks and Grubbs then go balls out in the draft on defense while fi ding a center

I’d be perfectly happy with this scenario

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."