The Cowboys are resting this week. Although some of us hate the thought of having to go two weeks without a game, the team needs the time off to get healthy. With the organization sitting at 5-1, the record can cloud the weaknesses that we’ve seen so far. The defensive pass rush has been anemic. They have logged nine sacks, which ranks them 27th in the league. As most football fans know this will not be good enough to be successful in the playoffs. In most people’s mind, Rod Marinelli has worked miracles with a roster full of no-names. However I have become a little impatient with the lack of results from this defense.
I understand that the Cowboys have not invested in the defensive line the same way they have the offense. Yet this is an offense first league. The team’s persistence has paid off with a dominant offensive line that boasts three legitimate Pro Bowlers. Many people questioned whether having three high-priced offensive lineman was feasible in the salary cap era. The Cowboys have fit Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith’s high priced contracts under the cap and they’ll uncover the cash to pay Zack Martin when the time comes. I would bet my imaginary stock in the MGM Grand that the team will find enough money to keep La’el Collins when his contract is up and they will use the money that they save from Romo’s contract to do it (Cut him or retirement in 2018, You heard it here first).
In free-agency the Dallas Cowboys signed defensive end Benson Mayowa to a 3 year/8.25 million contract with a $3 million dollar bonus to rush the passer. Mayowa has rewarded the team with two sacks and three tackles which is pedestrian for his salary, especially considering that he had a big opportunity for increased playing time due to Demarcus Lawrence’s four game suspension. Cedric Thornton’s signing has been confusing to me as well. He’s had a hard time even breaking into the starting lineup after receiving a 4 year/$17 million dollar contract which included a $5 million dollar signing bonus. Thornton averaged a sack a year with the Eagles in four years, but he only has one sack in six games with the team so far. This signing seems like a desperate reach for Will McClay and staff; time will only tell if Thornton is a high-priced rotational defensive tackle or if he is having a hard time adjusting to the change in defensive scheme. In my opinion, the Cowboys gave Tyrone Crawford a “Brandon Carr” free agent contract in 2015. They’ll regret this signing in 2017 when he’ll earn a base salary of $7 million while his production doesn’t match the pay. The Cowboys defensive line accounts for approximately $13 million dollars in 2016: they have nine sacks. Sound bad? You be the judge.
There are ten games left in the season, and no one knows how it will end. Fans are so concerned with the Romo vs. Dak debate that they’ve failed to realize this defense has been blessed with the ability to give up a lot of yards without surrendering a ton of points. The problem is no one can be sure whether the current defensive approach is sustainable. The team will welcome Orlando Scandrick back to the fold after the bye week. You have to question if there is a rush to bring him back due to the high quality play of Anthony Brown. Garrett and Marinelli should wait for the Cleveland game to bring Scandrick back. That way he can string 4-6 good practices together to get better acclimated to the speed of the game. The way that this team is playing, there is no room for adjusting on the fly.
I am pleasantly surprised with the mindset of this 2016 team and impressed with the job Jason Garrett has done at this point of the season. With ten games remaining, and the schedule not looking as formidable as before, the organization would be crazy not to tighten up the roster by trading Darren McFadden and Gavin Escobar. It would not hurt to look at the Bengals or Vikings practice squads for a fringe player that may add something for a late run. Dion Jordan with the Dolphins could be available but he is still rehabbing an injury from 2015.
I doubt that the Cowboys will crash and burn. It’s been interesting to see how teams have dealt with injuries this early in the season. I have no sympathy for them. The Pittsburgh Steelers without Big Ben? Tough break, get a real backup, we’ve “been there, done that” taking a beating by the mainstream media and fans in the process.
Smile Cowboys fans. It’s ok. It could be worse. Soak in the 5-1 record. We will hear about it whether we win or lose. It’s hard being America’s Team.
So Mote It Be!
