By Roger Corralez
Roger Corralez
Well, it looks as though my boundless optimism just wasn’t enough to carry the Cowpokes this year. The ‘Boys got shaken down by the Giants and this inglorious season has now come to an end. There were some obvious dark spots on the year but also some bright ones.
Let’s start with the bad.
Some of these Cowboys need to go. Namely on defense. As much as I like Keith Brooking and Bradie James, it’s time for a change. I think Brooking will retire and James still has some gas in the tank but isn’t the Bradie of a few years ago. And with the emergence of Sean Lee and the potential of a Bruce Carter and Victor Butler, the ‘Boys need to clear some cap space and retool.
Oh, I can’t believe I almost forgot about Anthony Spencer. It was interesting while it lasted, but see ya later Mr. Spencer. Anthony had a better year than previous, but still he underachieved. We can do better.
Now on to the secondary. It’s painful to say, but there isn’t one secondary player who I look at and think, “now that’s a keeper.” Having said that, I think Gerald Sensabaugh should stay. He had a solid year overall.
I also think Barry Church needs to be back. He seemed to be emerging in Rob Ryan’s scheme until forced out by injury.
Everyone else is suspect to me. Sorry to say this T-New, but you must go too. Why, you ask? For being too erratic and injury prone your whole career, not to mention your looming age and large salary. Once again, we can do better.
Getting headache – must move on.
Let’s take a look at the bright spots shall we.
The emergence of DeMarco Murray has put the pokes running back situation in a very good spot. And, with Laurent Robinson, we have a surprising third reciever. It’s unknown for sure, however, if he will be back though. I think the Boys will find a way to bring him back if they’re smart.
“Are they (smart),” you ask? Well, I’m not sure how to answer that question, so I’ll plead the fifth.
I think also that the line situation is on solid ground although it could stand a little upgrade and depth. Tyron Smith had a nice rookie year which should be improved upon.
“What about the coaching situation,” you ask? Some want Garrett to go. Some even want Ryan to go. I say they both should stay.
Garrett is still very much on a learning curve and I believe the mistakes and bad judgements will taper down, and Ryan has only had one year. Let’s keep some continuity there. It’s an underrated element these days.
Having said this, they both need to seriously look at mistakes that were made and improve upon them this offseason, which i think they will.
Finally, on to Jerry. Jerry, Jerry, Jerry. I think it’s pretty much a consensus in Cowboy-land now that Jerry is not a very good GM. He’s an excellent owner, but not a GM. To be barely over .500 in the last 16 years is not a good resume for any GM.
However, it doesn’t look like he’ll be giving over the reigns any time soon, so the more input he recieves from the rest of the organization, the better.
There you have it Cowboy fans. I could get a little more in-depth, but there’s the issue of that headache. Let’s hope the boys make the right moves to upgrade this coming offseason so we can be optimistic again.
If not, my trademark optimism might have to be traded in for one of those half empty glass thingies.
