Coaching Shuffle

The Cowboys biggest off season move so far was the firing of Rob Ryan, 2 year defensive coordinator with one year left on his contract.

I must say this came as a bit of a surprise to me, the Cowboys defense was a lot better in 2012. They did show a lack of depth when many players got hurt and gave up a lot of yards in their final two losses of the season, but Ryan really improved this defense since he started. I would have liked to see one more year with him though. He would get guys back from injuries, and with the hurt players this year it showed him where he needed to get more defenders. Getting defenders was already a priority for the off season and I would have liked to see who Rob Ryan would bring in. But the Cowboys defense was lost in their last two games and injuries can not be an argument for failure.


However the Cowboys really made sure they picked up someone who they knew would be great. The Cowboys hired Monte Kiffin which is a very good hire. Many coaches were fired this season and the Cowboys picking up one of them could have definitely been an option. But getting Kiffin is a very good choice. Kiffin has tons of knowledge and experience about football. He has been in the NFL a long time before going back to being the defensive coordinator at USC. His experience would not only improve this defense but also improve Garrett. He could help with giving Garrett advice, since Monte Kiffin has been to the super bowl before and could be a great mentor for this team.


As much as I would have liked to see Rob Ryan stay for one more year, I have faith that Monte Kiffin will really improve this team.

Another big question involving the coaching staff is the offensive play calling. Garrett had a lot of moments in the 2012 season where they had opportunities to win games but just ended up wasting time on the clock. Trying to get one of the coaches that was fired this season would be an option along with college coaches that might have what it takes to coach at the next level.

The Cowboys still have plenty to do, but are already getting things done.

More awards

I gave out my season awards to the Cowboys already, but the players have recently been winning some real awards of their own.

Dez Bryant - Pro Football Weekly's Most Improved Player

Dez is a clear choice for the award he earned. Through out his first two seasons injuries hit him along with dropped balls that took away what could have been amazing seasons. This year Dez showed us why the Cowboys used a first round draft pick on him. Bryant went from 63 catches last year to 92 this year. He went from 928 yards to 1,382. He went from 9 touchdowns to 12. Dez Bryant exploded in the second half of the season and the Cowboys know that they have an amazing talent with plenty of years left on him.

Jason Witten - The Associated Press All Pro Second Team - Bart Starr Award

Jason Witten was really questioned at the beginning of the season with a spleen injury he got in the pre season. But after a few games Witten got back to his former self, a beast. He proved to be Tony Romo's go to guy once again, breaking the record for most amount of receptions in a single season by a tight end. The only reason why he fell 5 votes short of Gonzalez is because he did not have very many touchdowns this year. But he is still a great player, leader, and helps out in his community which is why he got these 2 very amazing awards.

Demarcus Ware - The Associated Press All Pro Second Team

Despite Ware not getting as much sacks as everybody is use two he is still a monster on the field. Offenses need to plan around him and Ware still gets to the quarter back. Ware had yet another double digit sack season and did something that most players on the front 7 for the defense couldn't, he stayed healthy. With his whole team falling to the injured reserve list one by one, Ware stepped up, made plays, and was a leader for all of the young back ups. Which is exactly why Ware gets this award.

Congrats guys!

Surprise Quarterback?

Romo is not getting any younger and waiting to find a replacement at the last second is always a bad idea. Romo will not be retiring in the next 2 seasons but should the Cowboys look for a replacement this offseason?

Kyle Orton the current back up is a good reliable quarter back but he too is getting old. And the free agent quarterbacks this year feature Alex Smith, Mark Sanchez, and Tim Tebow. Both Sanchez and Tebow are not an option what so ever, they both have terrible throwing abilities and both were benched to let a third string quarter back start. Alex Smith is also out of question, he too is getting old and is not an amazing quarterback. He heavily relies on his defense and run game to help and make big plays.

So basically the Cowboys would have to draft a quarterback or sign a rookie free agent after the draft. After all Tony Romo was a rookie free agent and what if the Cowboys find someone like Tom Brady in the 6th round?

Right now I think the Cowboys should have their eyes on 2 quarterbacks.

Aaron Murray - Georgia - Junior
Aaron Murray is a very young quarter back that shows signs that he can be a great quarterback. He would need some development but he already flashes signs of greatness in his play at Georgia. He would also be picked where the Cowboys would not have to trade up any spots. Potentially a 3rd round pick.

Landry Jones - Oklahoma - Senior

Like Murray, Jones also flashes signs of greatness when he plays. He was very successful at Oklahoma and has a lot of potential in him. But Jones would also require a lot of development. But he would be a 5th round or 6th round pick so the Cowboys would not have to use up high draft picks to get him.

The thing about picking up a young quarter back in this draft is that it would allow them to also learn from Tony Romo. Like I said Romo still has years left in him and could really help in the development with one of these quarterbacks.

Some people are even saying that the Cowboys could go for Matt Barkley from USC. His stock did go down since the beginning of the season because of some losses but Barkley is a great pocket passer and would take much less development to be ready for the pros.

Do I think they will go for one? I highly doubt they will go for Barkley or Murray. Those would be wasted picks that they could be for drafting offensive lineman or quality run stoppers. Picking a quarterback early on would only be if the Cowboys want an immediate replacement. Landry Jones might be picked by the Cowboys though. They might be able to find a secret talent in the late rounds and potentially Romo's replacement.

Recap 2nd half of the Cowboys Season

The second half of the season had to be almost perfect in order for the Cowboys to attempt to make the playoffs. And to start, they had to play the best team in the league.

Week 9 - After being tied until the 4th quarter the Falcons were able to draw away from the Cowboys a bit. Romo and Ogletree hooked up but the Cowboys fell short once again in the final minutes and suffered another loss. Luckily the Giants also suffered a loss, keeping the Cowboys in the race for the NFC East championship.

Week 10 - This is when the Cowboys make their run for the playoffs. In a must win game to get back in the race the Cowboys destroyed the Eagles scoring on offense, defense, and special teams. The Giants lost again and suddenly the Cowboys looked to be back. They had an easy schedule ahead of them and had the playoffs in sight.

Week 11 - The Cowboys won again but this time it was not as pretty as the game last week. The Cowboys barely beat the Browns in over time. More questions were asked about the Cowboys not being able to find the end zone after going 2-5 in red zone attempts. But a win is a win and the Cowboys were looking like they could pull this off and make the playoffs.

Week 12 - Then the Cowboys did something they have never done before, lose on Thanksgiving with Romo starting. The Cowboys were down huge at half time 28-3, but some how the Cowboys managed to score 28 of their own in the second half but their comeback fell short once again. But the Cowboys still had a chance of making the playoffs, and with 3 struggling opponents up next they knew they could win.

Week 13 - The Cowboys then swept the Eagles to get back in the race for the playoffs. Thanks to a late fumble recovery and touchdown by Claiborne the Cowboys were able to hold on and get the win. The Giants then lost to Washington which put the Cowboys in a better position but the Redskins were also coming up from behind which made it a 3-way race for the NFC East championship.

Week 14 - Tragedy then struck the Cowboys. On the plane ride to their game the Cowboys were informed that their team mate Jerry Brown died in a car accident, driving the car was Cowboys nose tackle Josh Brent. The Cowboys were hit hard from the tragedy, especially the defense. Garrett then told the team that the best way to honor him was to play their hearts out. And the Cowboys did exactly that. They got the win with a last second field goal and kept their playoff hopes alive. Also securing Garrett coaching job.

Week 15 - The Steelers were struggling heading into this game, they got Big Ben back last week but were not bale to get a win over the Chargers. And in the end the Cowboys were able to get the win to get their team to 8-6 and in a good position for the playoffs. The game was won by Brandon Carr, he made a great interception and returned it to the 1 yard line were Bailey easily chipped it in. The Giants also got crushed by the Falcons setting up a 3-way tie in the NFC East.

Week 16 - The Cowboys then lost a very close game with the Saints. Romo led the Cowboys on an amazing come back in the fourth quarter but were not able to get the win in over time. Luckily the Giants also lost their match up with the Ravens which set up another NFC East championship game, this time with the Redskins. And also Jason Witten made more head lines, he broke the record for all time receptions for a Cowboy previously and then broke the record for receptions in a single season by a tight end.

Week 17 - The Cowboys were then heart broken after the game. The Redskins won because of a late interception by Tony Romo. The run defense was terrible because of all the injuries and the Cowboys were out of the playoffs again. The only good thing that happened this weekend was that the Giants did not make the playoffs.

Over all I think the Cowboys learned a lot from this season. In the second half of the season the Cowboys offensive line was able to start improving, the penalties started to decrease, and Romo stopped the turnovers and became clutch when it mattered most. Its just the final drive of the season fell a bit short. Heading into the offseason needs are clear for the Cowboys. Get more depth on defense incase injuries strike them again, and also solidify the offensive line. I think the Cowboys will be able to do great things next season.

Recap 1st half of Cowboys Season

The Cowboys season was on a constant roller coaster, some times they were up, and sometimes down, sometimes for a long time, some times for a short time, here is a recap of the Cowboys season.

Week 1 - The first game of the NFL season was the Cowboys vs Giants. The game was very much talked about with the Giants being the defending super bowl champs and the Cowboys having very high expectations for the season. Many predicted the Giants to get the win especially with Jason Witten not being 100% for the game with a spleen injury. But the Cowboys made Manning look like a fool. Romo out dueled him with Ogletree really stepping up for the offense. And the Carr/Claiborne duo made an immediate impact on the Cowboys secondary. After this game many Cowboys critics started to take back their words how the Giants will easily win the division again.

Week 2 - After week 1 everybody thought that the Cowboys would then crush the Seahawks. But it was not the Cowboys day at all. They were crushed by the Seahawks and the questions about the Cowboys consistency were brought back up. The Cowboys had 2 turnovers along with a blocked punt that went for a touchdown. Mean while the Giants and Eagles both got wins to make the race for the NFC East look like its usual intense self.

Week 3 - The Cowboys got a bounce back win against the Bucs in a huge defensive battle. The Cowboys held the Bucs to just 166 total yards. This game proved that the Cowboys defense was becoming a contender under Rob Ryan. The offense still had some questions going 1-5 in the red zone. And the run game was sloppy accept for Murray's touchdown run.

Week 4 - This game against the Bears brought a lot of hate from people. Romo threw 5 interceptions as the Cowboys loss 38-14. And after the great win against the Giants in week 1 all of the critics were back on the Cowboys, Romo, and their inconsistency. And the Eagles got a win against the Giants and were the new favorites to win the division after week 4.

Week 5 - BYE - The Cowboys then got a very much needed bye week. Romo needed to fix his interception problem and the Cowboys offensive online needed to do a much better job protecting Romo. The Cowboys needed to work hard because they played the mighty Ravens in week 6.

Week 6 - Another terrible loss followed against the Ravens. Romo hooked up with Bryant with 32 seconds left, then failed the 2 point conversion to tie the game. But the Cowboys got the on side kick and then were set up for a long 51 yard field goal in the wind. Bailey missed and the Cowboys suffered their third straight loss and lost Murray with a hurt foot.

Week 7 - The Cowboys were then able to snap their losing streak and win another defensive battle against the Panthers 19-14. The Cowboys were still struggling to find the end zone and ended the day 0-3 in red zone attempts so questions on consistency still remained. And the Cowboys were still not considered a good team, 2 of their 3 wins have come against teams with losing records and the Cowboys team the played the Giants in week 1 were no where to be found.

Week 8 - Critics were on Romo once again after a 29-24 loss to the Giants. The Cowboys run game did terrible forcing Romo to attempt 62 passes and 4 of them were intercepted. And at half way through the regular season nobody thought the Cowboys stood a chance at making the playoffs. The Giants were 6-2 and soaring high and the Cowboys were at a miserable 3-5. But the Cowboys knew that they had a great schedule head of them with a lot of teams with losing records at that point and they knew they could turn their season around.

Stay tuned for the recap of the second half of the Cowboys season!

Why Romo Will Get Paid

If you asked a NFL fan about Romo almost every single one of them will say he is one of the most inconsistent quarterbacks in the league. He can have amazing games or he can really bad games. But Jason Garrett is sticking with him, and I totally agree with this choice.

First of all there are no real options for the Cowboys during the off season. Alex Smith might be the biggest name out there and he is not really any better for the Cowboys. The draft class also features one of the worst quarter back classes. Last year had 5 quarter backs that became starters, this year only one maybe two of the quarter backs have enough potential to start in the NFL. So even finding a potential back up for Romo will probably not happen this year.

Now Romo is a type of quarterback that can be amazing if everything around him his clicking. For example, when Murray was healthy and starting, if he ran for at least 1 touchdown the Cowboys won the game. That happened a total of 4 times. You see if the run game works, Romo and the Cowboys will not have to rely on the passing game as much. Which will decrease the amount of interceptions thrown. The offensive line also needs to be a lot better for Romo. It is hard for any quarterback to throw while under pressure or on the run. Romo was great this year when escaping the collapsing pocket by the offensive line needs to get better.

Then from weeks 2-9 Romo took a ton of heat from critics when he had his 5 interception game against the Bears and other multiple interception games. But from weeks 10-16 he made up for those mistakes. He led the Cowboys on a 5-1 run to get them into position for the playoffs. He silenced his critics, became clutch in the times when it mattered most and was winning games.

A loss then to the Redskins brought all of his critics right back. He threw an interception in the final minutes to end the game and season for the Cowboys.

But I firmly believe that Romo next year will be better then ever. This season he really learned from those big interception games and turned this team around from 3-5 to get them to a win or go home game. Romo had 4,903 yards the most in his career. He just got unlucky in the Redskins game that got his critics right back on him. And then the Cowboys could really be set up to have a perfect draft to help fix the offensive line and get some help for Murray in the run game. At 18th in the draft I think the Cowboys could trade up and go for one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft Taylor Lewan. With this the Cowboys would most likely just have to trade their first round pick and give their second round pick to the team the traded with. Then in the third round of the draft they could look to get Stepfan Taylor or Montee Ball, some of the best running backs in college. They could then look to add more Offensive lineman, more run stopping defensive lineman and maybe some playmakers on offense later on in the draft.

If the Cowboys did do this and pick up Lewan and Taylor/Ball in the draft. The run game would be much more consistent with 2 great running backs. And the offensive line would be much more solid. Romo would then not have to throw the ball as much and have more time to throw the ball. Which is why Garrett is sticking with Romo, he has much potential and can fix the running backs and offensive line easily in the draft.

Season Awards

The season is over and it is time to give out awards to players who really stood out.

Most Valuable Player - Jason Witten

The Cowboys wide receivers had a lot of up and downs. Miles Austin was doing good in the 1st half, Dez Bryant amazing in the second half. Jason Witten was consistently Tony Romo's go to guy. Not only did he lead the Cowboys in receptions by , but he broke the previous record for catches in a single season by a tight end with 110, also becoming the all time leader for receptions in Cowboys history. He had the most receiving yards by a tight end, 5th most receptions in all of the NFL, and 20th in receptions yards including wide receivers. Jason Witten is not only a great player but he is also a leader for this team. He has many years of experience and if he keeps playing like this he will definitely find himself in the hall of fame and the Cowboys ring of honor.

Offensive MVP - Dez Bryant

Yes I gave Witten MVP but that is because he is also a great leader, I am giving Bryant offensive MVP because of his ability to make big plays. Dez Bryant finished 6th in reception yards, got well over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and had 12 touchdowns which went for 3rd best in the NFL. Not to mention he played through a broken finger in the last few games to help his team. Bryant is a player that shows a lot of talent. He is young and has the ability to become one of the best receivers in the entire league. He was a great weapon for the Cowboys especially in the second half of the year. He can even make great plays for returning punts or kick offs but those days are coming to an end. He is now the number 1 wide receiver for the Cowboys and has become a reliable asset for Romo.

Defensive MVP - Anthony Spencer

Not only did Spencer lead the team in tackles, but he really stepped up in a time of need. The Cowboys were getting so many injuries to their line backers and defensive line man. Spencer stepped up and started to become the play maker on this defense. He was only 1 sack away from leading the team in sacks. Everybody is use to Ware being the dominate player on this defense. But Spencer stepped up and showed us why the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him. He had the second most tackles for loss, defended 3 passes and forced 2 fumbles. If the Cowboys can start to stay healthy, their run defense will be amazing led by Spencer and Ware.

Rookie of the Year - Morris Claiborne

Claiborne wins this award with ease, the only other rookie who really played was Crawford with 20 tackles. Claiborne was maybe not the amazing shut down corner they were looking for. But Claiborne was still able to help a lot with the Cowboys pass defense. He had 8 passes defended, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries and one of them going for a touchdown. Claiborne was not amazing but he also has a lot of room to grow. Brandon Carr who made a huge impact for the Cowboys could help teach Claiborne to become better.

Go Cowboys!