One had to expect complications and shortcomings from on-field production.  However, even with the severe limitations to off-season workouts and installation time, the Cowboys showed strong improvement upon the 2010 season in almost every important defensive category.  Furthermore, Ryan fostered these improved results with roughly the same core defensive players as 2010, barring a few new key pieces such as Abe Elam, Kenyon Coleman, and Sean Lee.  Below is a comparison of the 2011 and 2010 defensive units. (more…)

Clarence E. Hill of the Star Telegram says that the fans are the real losers in the lockout. Hill thinks the on field product will suffer from not having an off-season. He also said that this stuff could’ve been wrapped up in March. I can’t disagree with that part, but the on-field play should be fine. After all, these are some of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen. They might be a little rusty the first couple of weeks, but they’ll be at a high level before the season is half way over. And, if they show any sign of life whatsoever over the first eight weeks, they’ll be off to a better start than last year. (more…)

In addressing what’s left to sort out in the NFL CBA negotiations, Jerry coined a new term — “circumcising a mosquito”. I hope things haven’t gotten that bad. Circumcising a mosquito seems like it would be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. Hopefully, Jerra just meant that the last remaining details are small and should be easy to sort out. And, from the sound of things, that is the case. (more…)