Nick Eatman does one of the best jobs reporting on the Cowboys and today he breaks down our offensive line woes. From the dallascowboys.com article:
Before [Flozell] Adams' season-ending injury in Week 6, the Cowboys had allowed just 10 sacks in the first five games. But that two-sack per game average increased dramatically after Adams went down, forcing the Cowboys to play Torrin Tucker on the left side, coupled with rookie Rob Petitti still learning his way on the right side.
I guess we never really knew how important Flozell Adams really is to Dallas. We've all complained about him not playing up to his potential, but whatever level he was playing at we need him to come back and do it again in 2006.
On Larry Allen:
The veteran guard is scheduled to count $7.55 million against the Cowboys' salary cap next season, including a $2 million roster bonus that is due in March. If the Cowboys decide to release Allen to avoid the bonus, they would save about $3.5 million in cap space this year, after eating some $4 million in his prorated signing bonus.
I still don't see how Dallas can cut Allen, unless they plan to spend wildly on free agent linemen. I think a restructured contract is more likely.
While the Cowboys have briefly talked with Gurode's agent, and have done the same with linebacker Scott Fujita and tight end Dan Campbell, expect Gurode to probably test the free-agent waters.
If Gurode is re-signed, he likely will still compete for a starting job at either center or guard. He might find another team willing to pay him as a starter.
Get Fujita and Campbell signed, let Gurode test the waters, then see if we can re-sign him at a reasonable price.
