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Position Series: Next Year’s D-Line Tough To Predict - Rowan Kavner, DallasCowboys.com
Kavner writes that nobody really has any idea of what the D-line will look like at the start of next season, but points out that the Cowboys defense can’t survive if there's no pressure generated by the defensive line.
Rod Marinelli preaches getting up the field, getting a rush and getting pressure, and he was the only interior player to do that consistently. If Hatcher wasn’t getting pressure, this line wasn’t getting pressure. They need at least one tackle on the inside capable of rushing the passer, and they could also use another pass rusher on the outside. Even if Selvie ends up starting again, the Cowboys need more depth across the line.
Not Too Difficult To Realize Marinelli’s Value - Nick Eatman, DallasCowboys.com
Eatman revisits the Buccaneers' interest in Marinelli and argues that Tampa's interest, coupled with Jerry Jones' insistence on staying with the 4-3, augurs well for Marinelli, and his work with a depleted defensive line shows what kind of an impact he had on the team.
Lovie Smith said he loves Rod Marinelli like a brother but also said "Rod is a Dallas Cowboy." Didn't ask for permission to speak with him
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 6, 2014
#bucs presser: Lovie says Marinelli 'is a Cowboy' & that he never even asked Dallas for permission to interview Rod. #MediaDoneDealsAreFun
— mike fisher (@fishsports) January 6, 2014
High Hopes Remain For DT, DE Additions - Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com
Broaddus writes there is one upside among the many downsides along the defensive line last season: For all the players the Cowboys had to go through during the season, they may have found a couple who may stick.
When you talk to the scouts, they will tell you that they have high hopes for guys like Martez Wilson, Everette Brown and Jarius Wynn playing as defensive ends. They also really like what they were able to see with Frank Kearse and Caesar Rayford as well at tackle. With an entire camp at end, Wilson could develop into a dynamic pass rusher. Along with Brown, they have that explosive first step quickness.
Cowboys Hidden Gems: George Selvie - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Todd Archer looks at some under-the-radar success stories in a season that was largely a disappointment. In this edition, Archer looks at George Selvie and him "one of the Cowboys' most consistent defensive players."
George Selvie Looks to Build on Improbable 2013 - Scott Crisp, NBC 5 DFW
Signed off the street in July, George Selvie came out of nowhere to put together an impressive seven-sack season for the Cowboys in 2013. Selvie feels good about his 2014 performance, but also sees areas he can improve in.
"Pass rush," said Selvie. "That's what I need to do, be more effective in the pass rush. I know that. I'm my biggest critic and I didn't get enough pressure [against Philadelphia] or through the year. I made some plays and that felt good, but I felt like I can do more."
Cowboys face tough cap decisions in 2014 - Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas
Archer details how "with a couple of clicks on a computer," the Cowboys could realize $25 million in cap savings. All capologists take note, Archer is one of the few who actually knows what he is talking about when it comes to the salary cap.
The DeMarcus Ware decision looms as the Cowboys’ biggest of the offseason, especially if he does not take a pay cut. They do not have an in-house candidate to take his spot, and could gamble that he returns to form in 2014.
Getting under the cap will not be an issue. Getting under the cap enough to be able to make upgrades in free agency is another story.
Cowboys, Free-Agent Kicker Bailey ‘On Same Page’ - Mike Fisher, CBS DFW
Bailey, 25, is set to be a restricted free agent. The Cowboys can tender Bailey at $2 million, after which they'll likely try to negotiate a long-term contract, Fisher writes.
Cowboys' grades: Who exceeded; who needs to improve; who's on probation - David Moore, DMN
Moore runs down a lengthy performance review for 61 individual players, and even includes Jay Ratliff, who "failed to meet even minimal terms of employment. Performance and attitude not up to company standards."
When I die, I want to be reborn as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader hula hoop - OCC
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders put a GoPro camera on a hula hoop at their 2014 calendar shoot and then the girls show us that they "like to move it" for two minutes and 33 glorious seconds.
