The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand decided not to give Anthony Spencer an extended contract and opted to let him play out this year. An argument can be made that Anthony Spencer deserved a new contract, he had six sacks, four forced fumbles, and was credited with 66 tackles last season, that’s more than most players can produce.

The problem with Spencer is he has been with the Cowboys since 2007, when he was drafted in the first round, and he has yet to produce more than six sacks in a season. He has the inability to produce on a weekly base, yet at times his spurious flashes of exaltation, deceit people into believing he actually has potential. As the seasons rolled on it’s discernible that he always has trouble getting to the quarterback.

The fact that he can’t produce opposite DeMarcus Ware is disconcerting to fans as well as coaches. Anthony Spencer was granted a franchise tag not because he is a player the Cowboys need, but because he was the only moderately competent linebacker on the market; not including Mario Williams. He was granted the franchise tag in hopes that Victor Butler or fourth round draft pick, Kyle Wilber, could emerge as starters at some point in the season.

Plain and simple its improbable Anthony Spencer will get an extension with the Dallas Cowboys at some point this season. He has failed to produce big numbers and he has been given too many opportunities to prove himself. Even if he manages to have a breakout season this year, it would be a mistake for the Cowboys to extend his contract because of his inconsistencies.

1.  Will the Cowboys make the playoffs?  Yes, in my opinion but likely as a wild card.  That doesn’t mean they won’t necessarily make a Super Bowl run as other teams have shown the way (as recently as last year’s NY Giants).  It all depends on how well they are playing at the end of the season.  Peak at the right time and stay healthy enough and win-loss records don’t necessarily matter anymore. (more…)

We’ll review the 2008 draft to see whether the choices made by the Cowboys were the correct ones or whether the Cowboys missed horribly.  Unfortunately, the answer may be a yes to both depending upon your viewpoint.

1st round Felix Jones at 22

Pro-Bowl: No

Starter: No

Still on the team: Yes

Player(s) you could have had instead:  Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice

Analysis:  The 2008 NFL draft will be considered the year of the running back.  With several 1000 yard backs and one 2000 yard back in the draft class, the Cowboys seemingly made a less than ideal decision taking Felix Jones.  My criticism at the time of the draft was that you don’t take a complementary player when there is a do it all back available.  Jones’ 40 time was comparable to several running backs in the draft to include Mendenhall.  Jones was slower than Chris Johnson who ran a 4.2 40 time.  However, Jone was explosive in 2008 with an average yards per carry of 8.9.  That has since decreased to 5.9 and 4.3.  The Cowboys offensive line may be partly to blame, but it does not appear that Jones will be able to carry the entire offensive load that Mendenhall does for Pittsburgh, or be the truly explosive presence that Chris Johnson is for the Titans.

At the time of the 2008 draft, the Cowboys were considering Mendenhall.  They were concerned that he was not as effective in a two back system, whereas Jones was productive and effective at Arkansas with Darren McFadden.  This swayed their decision and Jones was the pick.  Considering Mendenhall’s statistics, you cannot say that they were prescient with their analysis.  Mendenhall was injured in 2008.  In 2009, he ran for over 1000 yards behind a much maligned offensive line with an average of 4.6 yards per carry.  In 2010 he averaged 3.9 yards per carry for 1200+ yards.  He had a good season until he fumbled the ball in the Super Bowl.

Outside of a running back, the Cowboys wanted a playmaker on special teams.  It is a broken record with the Cowboys.  They draft a multi-purpose talent in the first round only to minimize their contribution on special teams.  The franchise has done this with Terrance Newman, Felix Jones, and now Dez Bryant.  The Cowboys management either has no gumption, or no direction in this regard.  The point being is that DeSean Jackson would have fit the role of offensive weapon and special teams dynamo.  Jackson reportedly failed his drug test at the combine which then caused the Cowboys to take him off of their board.  Jackson has not had any reported instances of failed drug tests since, however, he has had bouts of immaturity on the field and off.

Considering the potential productive talent available at the time of this pick, the Cowboys cannot have a high grade.  Jones has been productive in stints.  Behind a rebuilt offensive line, he may have a breakout season.  However, Jones looked slow last year, rarely made any defender miss, and is at best an explosive complementary player.  Cowboys management seemingly will force him into the role of an every down back, which will probably fail.

2010 20/20 hindsight grade: C-

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