Cowboy Questions: Who Is Primed For A Breakout Season and More

I recently had an opportunity to answer some in-depth questions about the Dallas Cowboys from our friends over at zoneblitz.com. We cover everything from the firing of Rob Ryan to who I think will have a breakout season this year. Checkout the questions and my answers below.

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett talks with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Zoneblitz: What were your thoughts on the firing of Rob Ryan and the overhaul on the coaching staff after the 2012 season?

Mullenax: I was very surprised. With the number of injuries the Cowboys suffered on the defensive side of the ball, I thought Ryan’s group overachieved as the season progressed. But Jerry Jones apparently wasn’t happy with Ryan’s schemes from the very beginning of the season, citing the terrible Seattle game as a catalyst for his departure.

Zoneblitz: In last year’s In Depth interview, you expressed some uncertainty as to whether or not Jason Garrett and his staff are the group to rejuvenate the Cowboys. After another year, what are your thoughts on Garrett as head coach?

Mullenax: The season offered the exact same results as the last. An 8-8 record and no post season due to a loss in their final game. Now a sweeping coaching change is supposed to get them over the hump. I’m still not sure it will happen with Jason Garrett at the helm.

Zoneblitz: What do you think the problems have been with the defense the last couple seasons?

Mullenax: (Revised) If there was one thing the defense was guilty of not doing enough of, it was causing turnovers. There was also certainly a lack of communication within the squad, which was apparently a side-effect of the complexity of Rob Ryan’s defensive schemes.

Zoneblitz: How would you rate Tony Romo’s play and how much is he the problem or the solution when it comes to offensive struggles?

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Mullenax: Romo is only the problem when he tries to do too much … just like every other quarterback in the league.  Because of his status as the Cowboys’ quarterback, Romo just can’t win. When he plays well, Romo is simply doing what he is expected to do. When he plays bad, the media has him on the next bus out of town. The fact is: Tony Romo is a franchise quarterback. I believe he will finish his career in Dallas and have better overall numbers then Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. Give Romo a good offensive line and I believe he will be a Hall of Famer.

Zoneblitz: There have been a lot of injuries to skill position players on offense, such as Miles Austin and DeMarco Murray. What’s the overall sense for where the Cowboys are at with running backs and receivers?

Mullenax: At wideout, the Cowboys are fairly comfortable. Dez Bryant is a stud. Austin had another off year, but the Cowboys are confident he will rebound. And they really like their young receivers Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley. The offensive back-field is a different story. The Cowboys believe DeMarco Murray is the featured back they have been longing for, but his first two seasons have been marred by injuries. Back-up Felix Jones is now a free agent and should not be re-signed. The other two half-backs, Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar, are still too inexperienced to be trusted as back-field blockers. The Cowboys desperately need to find a back-up running back in free agency or through the draft.

Zoneblitz: What has to be done to fix the offensive line?

Mullenax: The Cowboys must release right tackle Doug Free, the most penalized offensive lineman in the NFL last season. They must then get a replacement tackle in free agency or via the draft. The same must be done for one of the guard positions.

Zoneblitz: Who on the roster do you think might be primed for a breakout 2013 season?

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) on the field before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Mullenax: My vote goes to Morris Claiborne. With the change to a 4-3 defensive scheme, I hope last year’s first round pick is able to show more play-making ability in the defensive backfield, especially in converting turnovers into points. Brandon Carr could also be primed to breakout for the same reasons.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Cowboys do in free agency and the draft?

Mullenax: I’d love to see them sign an experienced running back in free agency. It makes sense to sign a veteran when the current backs on the roster, outside of Murray, aren’t trusted in pass protection.

Zoneblitz: How far do you think the Cowboys are from being a contender for a deep playoff run?

Mullenax: The answer is they are one critical win away. They have been for the last two years. One win from making the playoffs. And as the past few seasons in the NFL has shown us, any team who makes the post-season can win it all.