Fixing the Dallas Cowboys Part I: Self Evaluation and the Facts

As the Dallas Cowboys forge further ahead into the offseason, many issues, concerns and unanswered questions still reside.  Let's return to the scene of the crime and MetLife Stadium. 

The final whistle blows, the December collapse is complete and gone were all the hopes and aspirations of the 2011 Dallas Cowboys and their fans.  The playoffs have come and gone with one game remaining.  The Giants and Patriots will now faceoff in a rematch from the 2007 Super Bowl. 

I find it as no surprise that these two teams are fighting for football's ultimate prize, and the Cowboys aren't.  That brings us to present day and the current state of affairs.  If the Cowboys are going to be in the discussion of consistent relevancy, it must start with the first step:  The self evaluation process and taking the real first steps in fixing this team the correct way.

Forget about all the questions, knee-jerk reactions, quick fixes, talk of firings, mock drafts and free-agency targets for one second.  I've written about how the backup quarterback is a huge need this offseason just to plant the seed for future discussion.  When I get to the later part of my series I will go further and explain as to why the draft and free agency isn't just all about the defense. 

Let's take a peek at all the positions to further expound the current state of affairs of the Dallas Cowboys one step at a time.

Quarterback 

Romo is the starter and not up for debate.  McGee is the backup and Griesen is the No. 3 if camp opened today.  I'm not sold on McGee, and this needs to be addressed both in free agency and the draft.  It simply can't go overlooked when you look at NFC East opponents such as the Giants front seven, Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan at a minimum.

Running Back

With the anticipation of Murray being 100 percent healthy and Felix Jones in the fold, they're solid with their first two backs.  That leaves Phillip Tanner as the third option, and Sammy Morris and Chauncey Washington are not even in the realm of discussion here. 

With the injury history of Jones and now Murray, the unknown factor of Tanner and nobody else in the mix means this area is a need.  There are plenty of day two or three running backs and some veteran free agents under the age of 34 who can create competition and depth.  Tony Fiammetta is a free agent but is vital to the running game.  They need to bring him back.

Wide Receiver 

Austin and Bryant are the starters here.  The key is the status of signing Robinson.  If he signs, then we have a very solid three receivers who will only get better as a group.  The rest of the bunch consists of Holley, Harris, Radway, Holmes and Ogletree if they choose to bring him back. 

I don't know about you, but after the first three, this position could use an upgrade.  Holley might be worth saving due to special teams, and Harris showed some ability on returns late in the season.  Bottom line is you can never have enough playmakers here especially with Austin's hamstring issues and the Bryant's off-the-field issues.

Tight End

Witten is as solid as they come and a great all-round player but is approaching 30.  Bennett is a clown who has not lived up to potential and probably needs a fresh start.  Phillips is a good No. 3 option with the capability of being the backup, but suddenly, this area could use either a draft pick or veteran to bring into the mix.

Offensive Line 

Huge area of need.  Tyron Smith and Doug Free are the bookends and may switch sides which would help out protecting Romo.  The rest of the line consists of Nagy, Kosier, Holland, Dockery, Costa, Parnell, Kowalski and Arkin.  Arkin never saw the field, Nagy was injured, Costa was erratic, Holland and Dockery are free agents, Kowalski is versatile and worth keeping but overall the line was inconsistent.  Overall, this area needs help.  The addition of Bill Callahan will help, but they clearly have to upgrade this area and pronto.

Defensive Line

Ware and Ratliff speak for themselves and are great players that lead by example.  The defensive ends need to be upgraded from Coleman and Spears, and maybe, its time to move Ratliff to end.  Lissemore seemed to come on rather nicely and showed some versatility.  Josh Brent has to show something or be shown the door. 

Can we please see what Clifton Geathers can do or is he just there for decoration.  To put it mildly, the defensive line needs to put more pressure on the opposition and create havoc.  This is a vital area of need, and an improved line will also help out the secondary.

Linebacker

Lee had a breakout year, and Carter will be counted on to start in 2012.  Anthony Spencer is a free agent, and Jerry Jones has a decision to make on him.  The rest of the bunch is Victor Butler, Orie Lemon, Alex Albright and not much else here as James and Brooking will be departing. 

This has to keep Jerry Jones up at night.  Clearly a HUGE area of need and lacking quality depth.  If Jerry has visions of this group becoming like the 49ers, he needs an Amtrack ride back to reality.  I just don't see it.

Secondary

Pardon me while I stop laughing. 

Anyway, Mike Jenkins, Orlando Scandrick and Gerald Sensabaugh will definitely be back.  Newman needs to be shown the door immediately and create cap space. I will personally pay for Alan Ball's plane ticket out of the country, Frank Walker is a joke and Abe Elam is not the answer.  Barry Church, Danny McCray and Mana Silva round out this bunch of non-playmaking misfits.

This is what you get when you ignore the problem for years and are not honest with yourself.  This like a house infested with black mold that needs to be gutted, sanitized and resanitized.  We need tough, fearless, aggressive DB's who are ready to go to war, make plays and hit someone in the mouth. 

Special Teams 

Dan Bailey was a great find, and although he did miss some kicks, he has a great future.  McBriar is a 33-year-old free agent and had some injury issues with his plant foot.  As long as he's healthy, he's worth bringing back.  If not, then Chris Jones gets the job. 

LP Ladouceur is a dependable long snapper.  The only area that needs to be addressed is the return game.  Putting Dez Bryant aside, this organization finally needs to help themselves in this area as it has been lacking.  It's tough to find a Devin Hester, but this area needs to improve.

I feel that the process of self evaluation is never easy for an organization.  The truth and facts are even harder to deal with.  Just ask yourself this.  Before you thought about and read about the mock drafts, the fixes, the targeting of free agents and all the questions that come with a disappointing season, did you perform an evaluation of the 2011 Dallas Cowboys ? 

Once you've done that, you can advance to part II.