Let’s go back to the first game of the Cowboys season for a second, where we see a loss to the New York Jets twenty first ranked pass offense and twenty second ranked rushing offense. Which mattered more: Romo’s fumble and interception, or the fact that we couldn’t stop Mark Sanchez from connecting with Plaxico Burress? Take into account we had the Jets pinned at their own 15 yard line and didn’t hold them to a 3rd down play until they were at the Dallas 26 yard line. If we had a defense worth their salt we would have won that game, changed our entire season and the seasons of many other teams (including the New York Giants). But we didn’t and sadly our Cowboys were scheduling tee times instead of practice times.

I’ll skip the Detroit Lions game for obvious reasons, but how about our week six match up against the AFC Champion Patriots? The Cowboys were winning heading into the 4th quarter, but once again the Cowboys defense failed to hold Tom Brady to much more than a 3rd and 1. Three plays after that 3rd and 1, we were watching Aaron Hernandez throw imaginary dollar bills into the air from the end zone. Again, another situation where a good defense could come in handy, don’t you think? Keep looking at our loss column and you will see the same thing over and over again.

Cardinals game: Couldn’t stop the mighty Kevin Kolb from hooking up with Stephens-Howling for a 52 yard scamper to win the game.

Both Eagles games: Our defense couldn’t stop a nose bleed.

Both Giants games: Our defense looked like they made a wrong turn heading to the Texas Rangers game.

All 8 of our losses can be credited, in many ways, to the lack of play by our defense. When Romo messes up, we should be feeling confident in our defense making a stop, not holding our breath and betting on the over/under for how long it takes them to score.

Defense is just as important now as it was fifty years ago. Heck, even the best offense in the league can have a bad day. Look at Green Bay. I thought they were Super Bowl bound the very second Aaron Rogers put up 61 points in one of my fantasy leagues. But wouldn’t you know it, the Giant’s defense held the great Aaron Rogers to only two touchdowns. Meanwhile the Packer’s Defense that was so good last year, gave Eli the opportunity to throw for 330 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Putting defense on the back burner this draft could make for another painful season next year. Like I said in my last article, I like DeCastro, from Stanford not USC, but I would feel very disappointed if we were to draft him with our fourteenth pick. If we don’t address the needs of our twenty third ranked pass defense then the Cowboys are in trouble.

Now, if the Cowboys did draft DeCastro and then made some big free agent pick ups I would feel a little more comfortable. But the 2011 Cowboys were interested in getting younger so I don’t see them pulling a 180 and spending what little cap space we have left on a big name free agents. During the Jerry Jones era of the Dallas Cowboys we have seen two types of teams: the Troy Aikmen led winners and the interchangeable Quarterback black hole led by Ryan Leaf and Quincy Carter. I don’t want to be known through out the league as winning one playoff game in 15 years anymore. I want our doomsday defense back. I saw enough offense at Texas Tech during the Mike Leach era to know that however good your offense is you can still lose without a good defense. I know that drafting a DB could be boom or bust, and I know DeCastro could be Pro Bowl material, but we would be picking him just to pick him, or for the “safe play”. Research who our last ‘safe’ draft picks are and you’ll find Barbie…I mean Bobby Carpenter, the slow starting Anthony Spencer, the highly touted yet highly mediocre Felix Jones, and Mike Jenkins. Even if we go with Quinton Couples, like the mock draft 2.0 projects, I would be happy. And at this point, I don’t care who we draft as long as they play defense.

Defense still matters. Go Cows.

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This will read like a love song to Patrick Crayton.  Crayton has been a consumate professional during his tenure with Dallas.  While he may have opened his mouth at times, I never objected to his statements.  Crayton was originally drafted in the 7th round in 2004.  He has been remarkably productive for a late round pick, especially since he has been demoted at every opportunity.

Crayton has limited value in regards to trade value.  It’s not outside the rhealm of possibility, however.  He has a managable contract, and can play a variety of positions, from punt returner, slot receiver, and #2 WR.  A team won’t trade for him since he will probably be cut (barring injury to the other WR’s on the staff).  Why pay for something that you can otherwise get free.

Crayton isn’t the fastest, biggest, tallest, nor most talented player on the field (unless he’s coaching pee-wee football).  He has good hands, and runs solid routes.  He doesn’t give up on plays (regardless of the counter argument that he gave up on the route against the Giants in the playoffs).  He is a solid veteran who has several years of productivity remaining.

Crayton is not participating in organized team activities.  This is a benefit for him as he will avoid injury.  It’s a benefit to the Cowboys who will be able to funnel additional repetitions to younger players.  Some may view Crayton as throwing a tantrum, but this is as far from the truth as possible.

Ideally for Crayton, he will land with a competitive team in need of depth at the WR position.  Barring injury to starting players, I actually see him landing with a team with young WR’s where Crayton will act as a mentor while providing production on the field.  The following are potential landing spots for Crayton based upon the above criteria.

Bengals:  Cincy added Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant.  The Bengals have been a repository for former Cowboys.  With the two WR’s that were added, Crayton would certainly be a stabilizing force.  At least he would be eligible to play throughout the entire year.  I doubt Cincy is an option.

Browns:  The Browns have Cribbs as their return man.  While the Browns have purged their talent (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow) recently, they have drafted several young players, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiskie, etc.  This wouldn’t be a perfect fit for Crayton, but I certainly could see him being productive for several years while mentoring the Browns young talent.  Robiskie is the son of former Redskins Head Coach, Terry Robiskie.  He is fundamentally sound, but lacked production.  I think this would be an ideal landing for Crayton.  The quarterback situation in Cleveland is less than desirable.  Crayton is a veteran WR, 31 years old, and he may not have enough time left in his career to wait for Colt McCoy to become a competent QB.

Steelers:  The Steelers fans hate the Cowboys and their fans.  Those who are ignorant of this fact and root for the Steelers are excused.  Now that you know, you have to decide on the Cowboys or the Steelers.  You can’t be fans of both teams (you hear that Sean Lee, Lee’s family and my brother).  Otherwise, the Steelers have shipped out a Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes, and Limas Sweed suffered an achilles injury.   Certainly the Steelers now have a void.  They presently have ten WR’s on their roster, so it is not an imperative that they add additional talent.  Crayton would certainly prefer moving to a championship caliber team, but I doubt the the Steelers have a significant interest in Crayton.

Texans:  The Texans only have 7 listed WR’s, though Dorin Dickerson is a TE.  Considering that, they only have 6 WR’s, of which Andre Johnson is the only feared WR.  Jacoby Jones is a talented speedster that has minimal production over the past three years.  He may be on the verge of a breakout like Miles Austin had last year, but this may be a good landing spot for Crayton.  Houston is close to Dallas (if he elected to commute), and they have a good QB.

Jaguars:  The Jaguars have several no name WR’s (as they cut Torry Holt).  The Jags best WR, Mike Sims-Walker, was equally as productive as Crayton in 2009.  I think Crayton would be a good addition to the Jags roster, though I  believe the Jags are more interested in developing their young talent like Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard.  If they wanted a veteran presence on the team, they would have kept Holt who had a sub-par year.

Bills:  Terrell Owens found refuge in Buffalo last year.  Crayton won’t be as lucky.  The Bills don’t have a dynamic passing game, and he would be buried on the play progression.  Running game would be pre-dominant, then the first look to Evans, then Reed, and then the QB is sacked.

Dolphins:  Both Parcells and Sparano are familiar with Crayton.  The Dolphins traded for Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess had a breakout season (76 receptions, 758 yards).  There may be room for Crayton as a slot WR, but I think the Dolphins would consider bring Crayton in if they were competing for a Super Bowl.  I think they are a few years away from competing at a high level.

Patriots:  Crayton would be an upgrade over Julian Edelman as a slot WR.  Wes Welker will be rehabbing for much of the season from his knee injury.  While Crayton wouldn’t be expensive, I don’t see the Patriots paying three players for one position on the team.  Most may see depth, though I think the Patriots see redundancy.  As a side note, I was pleased that Isaiah Stanback only had 3 receptions last year with the Patriots.  That’s not sour grapes towards Stanback, but it would have killed me a little if this was a repeat of Jimmy Smith.

Raiders:  The Raiders would be well served to have someone on their team who can find the holes in zone coverage and can catch the ball.  I hear Crayton runs a 4.5 forty time, which is about .2 seconds too long for the Raiders.

Bears:  Crayton would be a welcome addition to a team with questionable talent at the WR position.  Knox is a speedster; Hester is productive; but two of their top three receivers were a TE and RB.  If Favre doesn’t return to the Vikings, the division will be up for grabs, and Chicago could compete with for the division.

Panthers: The Panthers have a mix of youth and veterans to mentor the former.  Crayton will not be singing Sweet Caroline, unless he goes to a Pitt game.

Buccaneers:  The Bucs drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams.  With Antonio Bryant not being signed, their remaining WRing crew totaled 47 receptions.  Crayton would be a welcome addition the Buc’s QB, Josh Freeman.  One questions for the Bucs, why would you take a WR who quit on his team in the 3rd round.  He may have been the most talented player to come out of Buffalo in a long time, but isn’t that like being the prettiest leper?

Redskins:  If the Redskins were to sign both Crayton and Terrell Owens, they would certainly look for revenge against the organization who choose ROY WILLIAMS over both of them.  The Redskins have young WR’s (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas), but they aren’t feared.  They have old WR’s (Joey Galloway, Santana Moss), but they aren’t feared.  Crayton would certainly receive some playing time considering that group.  I could see Crayton in a Redskin uniform, though it would break my heart just a bit.  I feel no pity for McNabb, but I almost hope (almost), that he has at least one target besides Cooley who will catch the ball.

Rams:  Crayton would be a solid #2 WR across from Donnie Avery.  Danny Amendola (43 receptions, 326 yards) would stay in the slot.  This would be a god awful situation for Crayton considering a rookie QB and a losing franchise.

And the least likely option is:

Cowboys: Presently on the Cowboys roster are Miles Austin (who has a history of injuries), Roy Williams (who has a history of underachieving),  Dez Bryant (who has no history at the pro-level), Sam Hurd (top special teamer with limited offensive production), Kevin Ogletree (impressive 2nd year player with quickness and body control), Jesse Holley (Larry Fitzgerald hair twin), Manuel Johnson (7th round selection and practice squad member in 2009), and Ryan Titus (undrafted free agent in 2007).  With the Cowboys having Super Bowl aspirations, parading Roy Williams and Jesse Holley in a division match-up late in the season does not sound appealing at all.  Ogletree can play the slot if called upon.  He is quick and fast and has developed a rapport with Romo in a short period of time.  Depth is not a problem for the Cowboys, so it is unlikely Crayton will be retained.

According to reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in discussions with the league office regarding punishment of their two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.  They will collaborate to have one punishment exacted upon Roethlisberger rather than two seperate punishments.

I believe the Steelers organization is taking this action for two reasons.  First, it is a strong public relations response to appease their fanbase who are fed up with the sophmoric behavior of their star quarterback.  They wish to appear pro-active in the punishment phase.  Secondly, the Steelers organization may be able to minimize the effects of the punishment by lobbying for an easier schedule during Roethlisberger’s absense.

If the Steelers were genuinely interested in punishing Roethlisberger, the organization would wait until the league’s decision and then add an additional suspension.  I sincerely doubt the Steelers would add any additional games to an 8 games suspension or even wish to add one game to a 2 game suspension.  What the organization is doing is tantamount to asking to put their name on a card when they haven’t contributed to a gift.  ”I would have gotten them something nice, but I was just too busy.  You know how it is, right?”  In this case, the Steelers are too cowardly to reprimand Roethlisberger in any meaningful way.  Certainly fans are not so naive to believe the league will impose only a two game suspension and the Steelers suggest adding several more weeks.

It is unlikely Roethlisberger’s suspension will be greater than two games.  As most fans know, a 2 games out of a 16 game schedule can determine whether a team makes the playoffs and consequently whether they will be contending for a Super Bowl.  If the Steelers can manage with Charlie Batch at QB during that stretch finishing either 1-1 or 2-0, the Steelers chances at being a Super Bowl contender are not heavily diminished.

The announcement of the 2010 NFL schedule has been delayed for a variety of reasons.  Roethlisberger’s punishment will be announced soon.  The league will deny that Roethlisberger’s punishment affects the schedule.  Obviously the Steelers would prefer winnable games during that stretch; additionally, it is in the best interest of the league to not have a Monday Night game with Batch leading the Steelers onto the field?

The 2010 NFL schedule will be released on April 20, 2010.  I am not clairvoyant, but it isn’t a stretch of the imagination to predict the Steelers will be playing weak opponents to start 2010.  I would be incredibly surprised if the Steelers play either a good divisional opponent (Ravens or Bengals) or a Super Bowl contender (e.g, New England, New York Jets, or New Orleans Saints).  The suspension will undoubtedly come at the beginning of the season, giving the Steelers organization a full pre-season schedule to acclimate Batch into a starting role against soon to be announced inferior opponents.

While the Steelers finished with an 9-7 record in 2009, they are quite talented and are poised to add additional playmakers in the 2010 draft (2 picks in the top 52 selections).   If the team is given junior varsity games (Browns, Buccaneers, Bills) to start the season, the player may be punished monetarily, but not the franchise.