Cowboy's Say Out with the Old: Time for Youth To Take Over

Out of 32 teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys ranked 13th in total offense and eighth in defense for 2008. They were one win away from the playoffs, but for some reason they dismantled the team. The Cowboys decide to gain youth at the expense of experience and possibly high quality play entering the 2009 season.

The departure of veteran Greg Ellis was an expected, yet disappointing departure. After relentless complaints as an outside linebacker for Coach Wade Phillips 3-4 defense, Jerry Jones announced the release of Ellis. With a flourishing talent in Anthony Spencer and Ellis’ lack of agility due to age and previous knee injuries, Ellis possibly felt expendable. No question the Cowboys appreciate Spencer’s youth and expect him to excel.

Fortunately for the Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware is also returning for his sixth season and expected to make huge head way. Ware ended the 2008 season with an incredible 84 tackles and 20 sacks; two away from breaking Michael Strahan’s leading sack record at 22.5.

Defensively, the biggest questions lie in the secondary. The release of Anthony Henry to Detroit was an unexpected change to the secondary unlike the release of strong safety Roy Williams.

Cowboys hope the signing of Gerald Sensabaugh to a one-year deal, will help conceal many of last season‘s struggles at safety. Returning at corner back, Terrence Newman recently signed a six-year extension deal with the Cowboys. After missing five games for the 2008 season due to a lingering groin and abdomen injury, Newman ended the season with four interceptions and 37 tackles, not too impressive. He just needs to play consistent and hopefully injury free.

Orlando Scandricks expected to win the open corner position opposite Newman. After seeing him at the Cowboy’s first OTA practice, concerns of his size were numbed. After playing all 16 games last season, coaches are confident he will remain consistent.

The biggest battle is solidifying a wide receiver. The absence of Terrell Owens opens a can of worms for the Cowboys' offense.

Returning veteran Roy Williams has a lot to live up to considering his lack of play last season. I would hardly believe blaming an extra few pounds and lack of talent in Detroit on his lackluster play, but I’ll hold off from commenting too much until after preseason.

I must admit I have more faith in new comers Sam Hurd and Miles Austin, than veterans Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams. Crayton continues to drop balls season after season, while Williams can‘t manage to get open. If Williams is unable to enter the preseason, instilling confidence in quarterback Tony Romo that he’s the go to guy, Austin or Hurd can easily move into that starting receiver spot.

During the offseason Hurd easily gained 10 pounds of muscle and where he lacks speed, he makes up for it with his ability to catch balls and fight off defenders. Another competitor, Miles Austin who suffered a knee injury in 2008, had 13 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He had less than half the receptions of both Crayton and Williams, but more than half their total yards and one less touchdown than Crayton and one more than Williams.

Many believe Roy Williams has the starting receiver position in the bag, but I think it is definitely up for grabs.

Beyond that, the Cowboys offense expects to improve its running game tremendously after an unhealthy year. They are hoping Marion Barber finds that spark again and becomes as dominant as he was during the 2007 season, while vying for a starting spot against Julius Jones.

The biggest impact will come from Felix Jones. After injuring his hamstring in game six against the Arizona Cardinals, Cowboys look forward to him picking up where he left off. Not to overshadow Tashard Choice who stepped in and saved the day. Choice was definitely a breath of fresh air.

Is there room for competition at the running back spot? Not likely, unless Barber or Jones suffers from injuries.

Let us not forget Michael Irvin’s reality show, 4th and Long. Many actually expect the winner to not only make the 80-man roster, but also compete for a starting spot. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys explore the option for more competition on the offensive side of the ball choosing a receiver to win it all.

The Cowboy’s search this off-season for the fountain of youth drove away some great veterans, leaving many to question whether the Cowboys are vying for youth over a push for the Super Bowl in 2009.

The lack of experience brings an unconfirmed roster of talent. Could Jerry Jones actually be giving Coach Phillips an opportunity to rebuild? I thought Jerry would definitely eliminate Phillips after this season. I may be wrong.

If the Cowboys decide to rebuild in hopes of making a future Super Bowl, clever. If Jerry gives Phillips time, the Cowboys could honestly be a huge threat within the next year or two.