Trebor Does Dallas

Not to be outdone by my shameless homerism, Trebor stops by today to discuss the current state of the Dallas Cowboys and their plans for the future. Here's his take:

My fellow [Cowboy Fans]: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust [Jerry has bestowed upon me], that we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our [fans are at war with a blonde singer/actress with a big mouth and huge jugs]. Our [Offense is badly weakened, a consequence of having too much talent and greed and irresponsibility on the part of some] but also our [special teams are far from special a collective failure to make tackles and not take stupid penalties.]

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this [Cowboy Fans]: They will be met. [We will win a playoff game before the Lions].

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, [popular team in America]. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing by and doing just enough, [settling for mediocrity] and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking [The Cowboys].

All this we can do. All this we will do.

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This is what I dreamed of, and it wasn’t Wade Phillips delivering this speech but rather an unknown shadowy figure that has yet to been revealed. May not agree with his stimulus plan (308 billion in discretionary spending??) but Obama knows how to talk.

I got to listen to the event live as I was recovering from surgery that day and besides the thought of where is the Obama equivalent in Canada (none of the leaders here inspire anything [Ed. Note - Truer words were never spoken]), was imagine him as a coach and the inspiration he could give players. You hear stories of some of the great coaches and their half time talks, or lack there of (leaving the Superbowl ring on the table and walking out...awesome). I see Wade and can’t help to compare him to George, stammering his way through sentences, making up sayings that don’t make sense and doing a little laugh.

Anyway this big topic is what’s going to happen with Terrell Owens. Should he be cut, traded. To both I say no, he is a distraction and I’m sure his new TV show isn’t going to help things but he’s still got the skills and will remain a threat.

If Jerry is looking at that option, it’s a tough one, because what team would take him. What would you get a 1st round and 3rd round pick ?? Then there’s probably a select few who would actually want the ego in their locker room. Maybe Al Davis wants another shot at an elite wideout. If you can’t trade him you can't cut him. He’s also too good to just let go so keep him for another year, plus I believe by cutting the salary cap would take a hit for what is owed to him.

The Owens/Williams/Witten line could work and could be great. Though not as great as what Jerry thought, because he paid way to much for Roy. And put the team in a bad position for 2009. With Housh likely available that would have been a far better pick.

What the Cowboys need is to get rid of Wade. Sure Jerry said the coaching staff is in place but he quickly went back on that getting rid of the defensive coach and the special teams coach, so why not Wade. With the defensive coach it was Wade’s forte, he wanted a bigger part and too many cooks in the kitchen your left with giving up 44 points in a must win game.

Moving Wade down to defensive coordinator would be great, but would never happen. It’s like a job, if you get demoted you're looking for another job. The demotion itself may not be bad, but going to work with the same guys in that lesser role is tough. So either he’s head coach or gone fishin'. Which would mean only having Garrett stay on with the team.

Promote Garrett??? No, I’m not overly impressed with what he’s done on offense considering the talent that has been given to him. There lacks a certain creativity in his play calling, I’m no Madden extraordinaire but even I could do a good job of calling what play the Cowboys are going to run and I’m not that smart.

Shanahan is out there and originally I was thinking that he would be what the team needs. A no nonsense coach, be able to give the team some leadership. He would have a big back to work with and 2 good back-up options, which would be hell for fantasy owners, but he wouldn’t be changing much in the run first philosophy. The problem might be is that Denver was a zone blocking team, with small o-lineman, Dallas doesn’t have a small O-line. It may not be a big issue considering the talent in the backfield, but I think it’s a pipe dream to get Mike in Dallas, unless he’s still out there in November. If Dallas falters out of the gate I don’t see Wade lasting long.

I think where Dallas needs to improve is on Defense. There are some options out there that may work for them. First of all get a safety, Roy Williams aka Mr. horse-collar, isn’t an option anymore at safety. He’s paid right now like an elite safety which he is not, maybe in a different scheme he can flourish, but not in the 3-4, he’s said so himself. Not sure what I do with my Williams jersey if he’s gone, but there are a lot of safeties out there that could help.

Look at free agents out there. Dawkins is another pipe dream, because he’s likely staying in Philly. Landry might be an option because Baltimore has a lot of UFA’s- Ray Lewis (talk about later), Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs (Ed. Note - Suggs franchised today). Dallas could swoop in and pick up Landry with the attention that will be given to the big 3. Jermaine Philips is an option but I’d much rather see Sean Jones from the Browns. They play the same 3-4 so he would fit in and he can get the int’s, plus he’s young and cheaper than Landry.

As mentioned Ray Lewis is a free agent, and I don’t see him leaving Baltimore. He’s said there will be no home team discount but he’s the face of that team, and maybe it’s time to change that but he’s still a top performer. Maybe he’ll go to the Jets, follow Rex, kinda like Lloyd and Gordon… maybe a place not on the radar.

Since he’s a big name of course Dallas is going to be mentioned. I thought about that right away, since Dallas needs a veteran in there to straighten things up. When TO got traded to Philly, Baltimore was in the mix and I thought he was going to end up there, but then that trade was voided and there was a big mess. At the time though TO didn’t make any friends in Baltimore and has since disrespected Lewis a few times, so it would be interesting. Would I want to see Ray in Dallas… yes and no.

I’ve always liked Ray ever since he beat that murder thing, the problem is where does he play in Dallas? He’s not quick enough to follow the speedy rb’s, you can’t have him covering TE’s. Do you move Brady James over? Can’t really let old man Thomas do that. It would be tough to find a position for him and likely can’t afford him with only 10 million in cap space. If you want a Raven, go after Landry or the newly available McAlister, though there may be issues with his health, he could be a great bargain.

Can’t mention Dallas without mentioning Romo. I like this guy, I think he’s had some bad luck and a lot is thrown on his shoulders. Everyone expects him to be Aikman and that’s not going to happen. The one fault that can be seen is his nonchalant attitude, he’s not devastated enough after a loss for fans. But he’s the starter and one of the better qb’s in the league, what Dallas needs is a qb that can step in when Romo is hurt or thinking of jess (thinking, "damm what happened"), instead of the game.

..........Jess Then......................Jess Now...........

Brad was supposed to be able to step in since he knows the system but they let him go. I’m not sure who’s out there to pick up. Chris Simms may be the only affordable choice, Leftwich may be looking but Dallas needs a qb that’s quick on his feet until the O-line blocks better and that’s not Leftwich.

In the end with the draft coming up and them with the 51st pick, they may get some talent there but nothing to help in the short term. Between the draft and the free agents, I would like to see them improve in the following priority: safety, offensive tackle (to replace Flozell), backup qb, linebacker, cornerback.

Maybe this will be the year, I’m sure they will be one of the favorites again and hopefully they win a playoff game, it’s been way to long.