Dallas Cowboys youth movement could equal New Pick City

The Dallas Cowboys could start three rookies in their secondary. Those who feel defense wins championships, can rejoice – our voices have been heard.

For years it seemed Dallas Cowboys front office never got the message. It was offense, offense, offense and Cowboy Nation has loved it. Former quarterback Tony Romo hit the field in 2006 and threw 4,335 cruise missiles on his way to 34,183 yards and 248 touchdowns. We cheered with 37 touchdowns thrown to tight end Jason Witten.

There were touchdowns caught by receivers Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton, Terry Glenn, Miles Austin, Cole Beasley, Terrence Williams and Dez Bryant. A light bulb went off and they decided to protect the man with the golden arm. Soon, an offensive line was built. Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, La’el Collins, Zack Martin and Doug Free became the greatest collection of athletes assembled.

Nobody knows what could have happened with running backs of the recent past rushing behind this line. We watched the running game feature: Marion Barber, Julius Jones, Felix Jones, DeMarco Murray, Darren McFadden and Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys featured a top 10 offense year after year and our offensive coordinator became our head coach.

Still, a quiet group just lingered in the shadows complaining that defense wins championships. Some point to a lack of sacks or quarterback pressures as a sign of defensive prowess, but not me. Nothing changes a game like an interception. When cornerback Deion Sanders was in our backfield, quarterbacks were scared to throw the football. That’s been missing.

Over the years, cornerbacks Terence Newman, Anthony Henry, Mike Jenkins, Morris Claiborne, Brandon Carr and Orlando Scandrick had few game changing moments. In 2017, it’s possible that the Cowboys start three rookies in their secondary. You don’t draft cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in the 2nd round and Jourdan Lewis in the 3rd if you don’t expect them to contribute immediately.

Put safety Jeff Heath next to our sixth round pick – safety Xavier Woods – the interception machine. Yes, he’s going to replace Byron Jones our epic first round mistake (predictions: Go big or go home).

Let the youth movement continue with the addition of Anthony Brown replacing Scandrick and we might see one of two things happen. The best case scenario: The young guys have Marcus Peters-type rookie year stats (34 passes defensed and 8 ints) by using their instincts.

Next: The five most dangerous QBs the Cowboys will face in 2017

The worst case: … Well, let’s focus on the best case. Those of us in the shadows whispering that defense wins championships, can rejoice. It seems our voices have finally been heard. #Welcome2NewPickCity

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