Dallas Cowboys Morning Links: Why So Many Linebackers, OTA Preview

In this Tuesday edition of Morning Links, the Dallas Cowboys have been stocking up on linebackers this offseason. We find out why. Plus, a quick preview of this week’s organized team practice activities at Valley Ranch. All that and much, much more as we dive into the best Cowboys news from around the web for this morning.

Why Cowboys’ offseason plan of stocking up on linebackers defies conventional wisdom by Rainer Sabin, The Dallas Morning News

"“In today’s NFL, it’s no secret teams love to throw the football. Passing numbers are inflated across the league, and quarterbacks dominate the stat sheet more than ever. Defenses have tried in vain to adjust and take back the ground ceded to offenses in recent years. But it’s an ongoing process, and the Cowboys will gladly attest to that. “That’s just the reality of it,” head coach Jason Garrett said recently. Last season, Dallas used its nickel package 66 percent of the time. Sterling Moore, the ex-Cowboy who served as the team’s third cornerback, played 98 more snaps than the most active linebacker..”"

Scout’s Eye: Breaking Down The Dallas Offense Ahead Of OTAs by Bryan Broaddus, Dallas Cowboys.com

"“The Cowboys return from the holiday weekend on Tuesday, and they immediately begin the work of Organized Team Activities – or OTAs. Tuesday marks the beginning of 12 days’ worth of spring practices – nine total days of OTAs, followed by a mandatory three-day minicamp. With the team set to start its first work of 2015, I wanted to preview the things I’ll be watching for on the field. Today, I’ll be breaking down the Cowboys’ offense, with a look at the defense coming on Tuesday…”"

Chris Whaley hopes Cowboys’ time pays off by Todd Archer, ESPNDallas.com

"“Chris Whaley was back on a football field for the first time since November 2013, but Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli didn’t care. After what the coach perceived to be a lackluster effort, he said, “I expect more out of you.” Whaley understood. “He always tells me I can move,” Whaley said. “He wants me to show it.” Whaley spent last year as a spectator with the Cowboys, recovering from a serious knee injury suffered his senior year at Texas…”"

Seahawks, Jets, (Cowboys) and Eagles among NFL’s most talented teams by Bucky Brooks, NFL.com

"“The recent emphasis on the quarterback position has led many to believe the presence of a franchise signal-caller is the only thing that matters when it comes to building a championship team in today’s game. While it certainly is easier to make a run at the brass ring with one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks on your roster, the overwhelming majority of championship teams feature lineups that are chock-full of blue-chip players who don’t play the game’s most important position. These rosters typically include eight to 10 blue-chippers (difference-makers/Pro Bowl-caliber talents) at various positions, with most having at least one within every position group…”"

If Cowboys trade for RB, they should focus on certain set of players by Jon Machota, The Dallas Morning News

"“Dallas Cowboys insider and SportsDayDFW.com beat writer Jon Machota hosted a chat Monday to talk all things football. Here are some of the highlights: Question: If the Cowboys want to add a running back through trade not named Adrian Peterson, whom could they be looking at? Machota: If they trade for a back, I’d focus on guys who are going to be free agents next season. That would be guys like…”"

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