Dallas Cowboys: At 1-6 Should They, Gulp, Tank the 2010 Season?

I hate using the term "tank" when talking about sports. I hate it even more for having even suggested it about a team I grew up loving. But with a 1-6 record and the face of the franchise, Tony Romo, out seemingly for the rest of the season, it's time to think about the future of the team.

I'd like to think of some of the positives from the Cowboys losing a majority of the rest of their games this season and what it could potentially bring.

First things first: Wade Phillips would be fired.

I was never a big fan of his and I thought maybe he could be demoted to the defensive coordinator position, but after watching that debacle on Monday night, I realized the defense is nothing like it was last season; that fire is gone and there are many glaring needs, especially in the secondary.

That starts with the cornerback position. Terence Newman isn't getting any younger and looks like an injury threat every time he walks onto the field. Opposite of him, Mike Jenkins looks like he has regressed exponentially, with five pass interference penalties in the past four games, the former first-rounder looks lethargic and unprepared.

Which brings us to the safety position. When the Cowboys cut Ken Hamlin they did so for monetary purposes. He was a defensive captain of the team and brought a lot of energy to the unit. He was overpaid from the extension he signed, but there is an obvious gap in coverage since his departure.

Alan Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh are not the players the Cowboys coaching staff thought they were. Orlando Scandrick is clearly more of a gunner/special teams guru and hence the Cowboys can't play the pass.

With the 2011 draft rapidly approaching, it's time to start looking at prospects for the future. One name that rings loud and clear for what this team needs is Patrick Peterson. Probably the best cornerback prospect to come into the draft in a long time, it would be wise for the Cowboys to do everything they can to ensure his arrival into Arlington.

Not only would he help the secondary immediately, but he is a vicious punt/kickoff returner. This would allow Dez Bryant to concentrate on his route running and becoming the No. 2 receiver in the offense.

And if that isn't feasible there is always Prince Amukamara. Another cornerback that is surely to go in the top 10 in the draft. His potential might not be as high as Peterson's, but surely a top prospect to keep an eye on. All this because this upcoming class features no legitimate offensive linemen, another gaping hole in the Cowboys problems.

Which leads me to my next problem: Jason Garrett. This guy is supposed to be the head coach waiting in the wings? He can barely muster enough courage to rush the football on a team that features the best trio of running backs in the NFL.

But he chooses to have Tony Romo throw the ball 45 times a game? Give me a break. He needs to go just as much as Wade Phillips does. And with those two gone, it opens the door for, say, Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden to take control of the team.

Two hard-nosed defensive guys that will demand the discipline the Cowboys need to make a successful run in the postseason next season.

With all the being said, it might not be the worst idea to "tank" the remainder of the games. I understand all the credibility issues it will bring up and how many will criticize the substance of what I'm saying, but let's be realistic.

The playoffs are no longer within reach with Jon Kitna at the helm and a defense that will be on the field for 35 minutes a game. They deserve better, and if that means dropping a couple more games to get there, go for it.

I won't mind witnessing a 3-13 season. As long as the team gets the players needed to field a Super Bowl-contending team.

So that at this time next year, I can once again say, "How 'bout them Cowboys?"