Dallas Cowboys 2009 Offensive Team Stats…where do we go from here?

Ok guys! I know that this article might be a little bit late but I figured if I could put last seasons performance in numbers that it would give a clearer vision of where we need to be headed for the 2010 season. I am going to break this down as simple as I can, with highlighting certain areas that I think we all know have been issues.

Offense

2nd in Total Yards per Game- In first place…Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints with 403.8.

14th in Points Scored with 361- This clearly doesn’t match up with our 2nd overall ranking of Yds/Game. To me this shows that we still need a lot of improvement in the Red Zone, which I am sure a lot of Cowboys fans already know. I believe we need to find more plays for Jason Witten to get open in the end zone being he only had 1 TD last year. I also think Martellus Bennett needs to step up more to also fill that role. I do like that fact that the Cowboys have been working more on the “back-shoulder” throw that has been given us our first TD of the preseason to Miles Austin.

6th in Pass Yards per Game with 267.9/ 7th in Rush Yards per Game with 4.8 (2,103 Total Yards)- These are clearly numbers that the Cowboys should be proud of. With a 6th ranking in pass and 7th in rushing, in the same season, shows that Dallas has a great overall offense. They are very balanced and with players looking to be bigger key role players this year. We should look towards a dominating season if Felix Jones and Dez Bryant become that X-Factor that Dallas Cowboys need in order to go over the top.

3rd in Total Penalties with 115/8th in Penalty Yards with 892- For all those people out there that thought Flozell Adams should of not been released should take notice to this. I know that he doesn’t account for ALL of the penalties, but how many times do you yell at the television cringing everytime there is a false start call being made?…KNOWING that it’s Flozell before the ref even has a chance to announce it. Dallas needs to remain more focused and not let stupid mental mistakes keep occuring that keep us from getting into the end zone.

15th in QB Sacks Allowed with 34/16th in QB Hits Allowed with 78- I will give credit to Flozell did a heck of a job, after the ball was snapped, to protect our franchise QB. Now that he is gone Doug Free has not been a “?” anymore. I know that he was the talk of the off-season but has already shown himself to not be that big of an issue during the preseason. Now if we can just keep our O-Line healthy and also keep a secure roster depth at that position, then we should be ok. Not to mention that a lot has been talked about Leonard Davis needing to be as good of a pass blocker as he is a rush blocker.

6th in Time of Possession per Game with 32.17- This is a good stat just need to it as it is.

14th in 3rd Down Percentage with 41%- This stat is NOT so good. Dallas Cowboys were 82/202 for the season in 3rd Down success/attempts. I think that this falls on Roy Williams whom Romo has tried time and time again to go to and build his confidence. We all know the Roy Williams situation, but maybe with Dez Bryant coming in, things could all change.

I think that the Cowboys are doing well on addressing the offensive problems that occurred last season. I know that preseason isn’t looking that great, but it’s PRESEASON! Jason Garrett is clearly not showing all of his cards before the games really count. But truthfully, Dallas Cowboys Nation would like to see better execution in their plays.

My next article will focus more on their defensive struggles and what they need to do to get over the hump there. I know that a lot of rookies from last year will step up this season to really contribute when the dominating starters can’t be in. Plus, I know that we ended the season great, defensively, with a couple of shut outs…but we still need to work on those things that will give our offense a better chance of scoring….turnovers. Luckily, our defense is looking like they are leaving where they left off last year, just only better. I am looking forward to a lot of excitement this year on both sides of the ball…especially if the defense steps up even more.

Dallas Cowboys Stick To Plan, But Did They Succeed?

This was one of the most gut wrenching drafts for me to watch. Mainly because there was plenty of opportunities for JJ and the Cowboys to do as they have done in years past, and completely deviate from the plan, and try to make a splash.

Now I know everyone wanted to see the Cowboys draft a player or players that would have an immediate impact in one or more of the positions of need. I too would have loved to see them land a top notch Safety or O- Lineman to compete for a starting spot. However by the time the Cowboys went on the clock, all of those players were gone. It was at that particular point in time that my heart began to race, for this is the exact spot in years past when management has overreacted and reached for someone. This year however it was different, Jerry trusted his scouting department, and trusted their board.

The Dallas Cowboy scouting department felt that there was a handful of players that may be available to them with the 51st pick that held 1st round talent, but after that you could throw a blanket over the rest. Simply meaning once the first rounders were gone everyone else was of equal talent. The 2009 NFL draft then became more about “value” than “name”.

As Cowboy fans we have spent much of our time since Jerry took the rains of the team, being upset that they could not separate the difference between a “name” and an actual “football player”.

The verdict on this draft will not be known for at least 3 years. As the draft began to unfold I realized what was happening and could not believe how stupid I was at not figuring out their plan before hand. The plan was a simple one, but like many of you I had become so mesmerized by what positions needed upgrading, that I completely lost focus about what the true intentions of the draft are. The same things I have for years blasted Jerry for doing I was now doing. The art of drafting college players to become NFL players, is an art, and an art not many have had a lot of success doing. Those who have had success will all say that “if you draft out of need you are going to fail, but if you trust your board and take the best available talent that fits your scheme then you are going to succeed.”

In 2008 the Dallas Cowboys had 3 major areas of concern; (1) Special teams (this team lost at least 3 games last year due to there piss poor kick coverage) (2) Secondary (the corner play last year was better, but the lack of a ball hawking safety hurts.) (3) O-Line depth (as you all remember when Kosier went down last year so did the play of this unit)

When the Cowboys time on the clock came, and Louis Delma, Patrick Chung, Darcel Mcbath, Eric Wood, and Max Unger were gone, the Cowboys made a move to collect another draft pick. If you look at the needs of this team, which of the three areas noted could they have the most positive effect on in this draft? SPECIAL TEAMS! This unit has been horrific for several years now, and in dire need of drastic changes. This unit was slow, old, and very poorly coached. The Cowboys took care of the coaching side of things with the hiring of Joe D, and with the exception of the 101st pick (Stephen McGee) they totally revamped the special teams unit. Every single player they drafted this past weekend can be immediate players!

Sometimes in life what we think we want is not necessarily what we need. If this special teams unit plays to there capabilities this year they will impact this team far more than ANY OTHER PLAYER THAT WAS AVAILABLE AT 51. There is no one player that could have made the Cowboys 12-4 last year! but with the load they pulled yesterday this unit could have!

Welcome to the team gentlemen!

Jason Williams – ILB – Western Illinois

Robert Brewster – T/G – Ball State

Stephen McGee – QB – Texas A&M

Victor Butler – OLB – Oregon State

Brandon Williams – OLB – Texas Tech

DeAngelo Smith – CB – Cincinnati

Michael Hamlin – S – Clemson

David Buehler – K – USC

Stephen Hodge – S – TCU

John Phillips – TE – Virginia

Mike Mickens – CB – Cincinnati

Manuel Johnson – WR – Oklahoma

2009 Draft Picks-Time to decide your future

Well the Cowboys waited, they traded, and then delivered in a seemingly common fashion in this year’s draft. It’s no shocker to see that things weren’t as projected. The Cowboys themselves swept us off our feet, following through with 12 picks and none of them necessarily a jaw dropper so I thought I’d go through them and Tell you what I think.

Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois: Projected to be able to dominate the inside with his speed, size, and strength. He’s a big hitter and has the speed to make some plays.

Verdict: He makes the team edging out Bobby Carpenter.

Robert Brewster OT Ball State: Versatile lineman capable of guard and tackle positions but can be sloppy in game scenarios. However, he moves quickly for being 325.

Verdict-Second string option for any position, expect him to start over time.

Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M: Stephen is reunited with Martellus Bennett and a good thing. In the wildcat offense McGee will get his chance and will have a target he’s comfortable with. His speed, size, and arm strength will give us the back up we’ll be looking for and a viable option if Romo goes down.

Verdict: No brainer, he becomes the third quarterback and a franchise back up.

Victor Butler OLB Oregon State and Brandon Williams Defensive End Texas Tech: I put these two together because they are very similar. They look to become hybrid players. I’m not sure I like Butler’s chances as much as I like Brandon Williams’ chances to sure up the end. They’re speed is the thing here, both very quick and have the ability to get to the quarterback. Victor Butler has a small problem with strength and open field tackling.

Verdict: Williams makes the team as Second String beating out either Hatcher or Bowen. Butler will have to compete but can surely contribute; his future depends on what the Cowboys are thinking about doing with Ellis.

DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati: The truth is that we need Cornerback Depth and this boy can play. He’s got great ball skills and is a hawk. His speed is an issue but with proper training he’s going to be a good young talent.

Verdict: He’ll make the team because of the lack of depth but contribution will start with the special teams, he controls his own destiny.

Michael Hamlin S Clemson: A Talented safety who was mocked by some to be taken by the ‘boys in the 2^nd. With him you’ll get a safety that can contribute immediately.

Verdict: A lock to make the team but if he becomes a starter will be determined by Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith who may make the switch to safety.

David Beuhler PK USC: A lot view this as Jerry’s fun pick. Not a need at all with Nick Folk being a NFL Elite. Beuhler has the ability to kick deep and accurate, he’s more of a luxury then a necessity.

Verdict: He’s an insurance option, but I can’t see the Cowboys using him for much. I don’t expect to see him on the 2009 roster.

Stephen Hodge OLB TCU: This dude is a speed demon who really can produce on the field. He’s not expected to start but I personally predict him to be a special teams monster. Say goodbye to Keith Davis… Say Hello to his replacement.

Verdict: One of my favorite picks, this Local will be a role player on this franchise and will receive his time to shine.

John Phillips TE Virginia: Blocking Tight end, not very gaudy on his passing game. However, With Bennett and Witten ahead of him, he doesn’t need to be.

Verdict: He’ll compete for the third spot but will need some serious training, He could do it though, but if not he’ll be on the practice squad awaiting his chance.

Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati: STEAL ALERT. This years Scandrick, this player dropped from 2^nd to third round talent. He can play safety or corner; he has speed, he’s aggressive, and can find the ball and makes plays. With mentorship from Terrance Newman, you’re looking at a real potential to be a key player for the Cowboys in the future.

Verdict: Done deal, Mickens will continue to impress and will get adequate opportunities to show what he has. Expect big things from him in a couple years.

Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma: He’s a tough receiver possibly possession style. He has trouble separating which will give him trouble given the type of talent playing DB in the NFC East. It’s hard to expect that much.

Verdict: He’ll have to outplay Stanback, but if he can he’ll be able to show what he has. Coach Sherman is who holds his future.

Final Analysis: Hamlin, Mickens, Hodge, McGee, Brewster, Jason Williams, Smith, and Brandon Williams are looking to immediately contribute. The others all have a good chance but will it will require a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill.

Dallas Cowboys Loaded With Options

With the 2009 NFL draft looming ever so close, we are no closer to knowing what the Cowboys will do. Do they stand pat and make selections as they come? Or do they group some of there later picks together and try to make a move to the first round? Well either way I will not be shocked.

One thing we do know is that Jerry is not a big fan of moving to the first round this year because of the possibility of next year being an uncapped year. Has Jerry ever let his better judgement get in the way of his desire to “Make a splash”? Never! So in that realm of thinking what picks would Jerry need to package to move up to a position to be able to grab a splash maker? and who could that splash be?

When moving into the first round we must first assume that the player that they would be moving up for is one that is going to be a starter and one that can contribute at a high level immediately.

One area that all of us have said needs some love and attention is the Offensive line. Now in order to get into position to grab one of the top four Tackles, Dallas would need to get into the top 15 picks. This would be a costly move, both financially and would cause serious repercussions to the rest of their draft. Once again nothing would surprise me, but this is a highly doubtful proposition. The requirements of such a deal would more than likely be; next years first and this years third.

Now the option of moving up into the lower half of the first to grab Max Unger from Oregon is a much more probable idea. I could definitely see a “There has been a trade made” scenario take place where the Cowboys would send the Philadelphia Eagles the 51st pick and the #120 and next years 3rd for the 28th pick of the Eagles. Although I see this as being a very possible scenario, I personally feel the Cowboys would not use the 28th pick on an offensive lineman.

maclin There are two options that I feel may be to tough for Jerry to contain himself on. First scenario would involve some sort of trade probably involving next years 1st rounder and several of this years being shipped to Denver in exchange for there recently acquired 18th selection. While the Broncos could use as many first round picks that they can get, I believe they will trade one of those picks away in order to gather more picks. The Cowboys by making this trade could put themselves into prime position to gather one of the following; (a)Jeremy Maclin (b)James laurinaitis (c)Percy Harvin (d)Eben Britton

Option #2 would be much less risky but could pay big dividends quickly! Better yet it would not involve jumping into the first round! The boys could send next years 2nd round pick and this years 4th #117 to New England in exchange for their first of 2nd round selections this year #47. If a trade like this was done they could leave the second round and fill two major needs and still pick in every round the rest of the way out. They would also leave this round with two top flight players. Now the players that I believe that they could get would be #47 (a)Darius Butler CB UCONN (b)Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest (c)Marcus Freeman ILB USC (d)Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma.

Then follow that selection with the #51 (a)Sean Smith S Utah (b)Jauquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma (c)Louis Murphy WR Florida (d)Louis Delmas FS Western Mich. (e) Darry Beckwith ILB LSU

I understand that none of this means anything as this is mere speculation, and is no different than watching Star Wars and thinking that there may actually be a Luke Skywalker! However since we are only 17 days away from the draft what else am I going to do?

2009 NFL Mock Draft Full 7 Rounds

Riddle Me this Cowboys Fan’s (Draft)

Two years (1992) before the NFL switched to a seven-round draft format (1994). The team actually made 15 selections that year, most notably Darren Woodson in the second round.
[This year the Cowboys are loaded with middle- and late-round picks, having been awarded two more compensatory selections (a fifth and sixth) on Monday. That makes 11 in all -- a second, a third, two fourths, three fifths, two sixths and two sevenths.] Rob Phillips
Dallas highest number of draft picks other than this years since 1994, was 10 in 1995 and nine in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002.
My questions to you all is this; of the second, a third, two fourths, three fifths, two sixths and two sevenths. That Dallas has will they bundle some of them together and move up, and if so how high.
And take a guess for me and tell me what round will we hit on, and that player produce like Woodson, if at all…….
Tell me what you think………

Dallas Cowboys 2009 Mock Draft

darry

As we make the turn towards the final week of March, the next big question for Cowboys fans is what will Jerry and the Cowboys do with their eleven draft picks? We all know the needs, and where they will be making selections, but what we do not know is how will they use them!

I started this project with the thought that I would do two versions. The first version was going to be just using the 11 picks that the Cowboys currently have. Then I thought I would try to mock what the Boys may do, as far as moving up and down. Strange thing happened though! After completing my initial Mock, I realized that if they were able to walk away from the draft with these players, I would be completely satisfied!

Now I understand that this team is not going to draft eleven players, but Jerry can have another very successful draft.

Take a look and let me know what you guys think.

2009 Actual Draft order:

2nd rd. pick #51: Darry Beckwith ILB LSU

3rd rd. pick #69: Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati

4th rd. pick #101: Michael Hamlin SS Clemson

4th rd. pick #117: Xavier Fulton OT Illinois

5th rd. pick #156: Mike Wallace WR Mississippi

5th rd. pick #166: Pat White Ath. West Virginia

5th rd. pick #172: Sammie Lee Hill DE Stillman

6th rd. pick #197: Roy Miller DT Texas

6th rd. pick #208: Andy Kemp OG Wisconsin

7th rd. pick #210: Antonio Appleby ILB Virginia

7th rd. pick #227: Garrett Reynolds OT North Carolina

Here are some other Mock Drafts! Here, Here, Here , and Here

Dallas Cowboys Nation

Category Archives: 2009 Draft