What Do The Cowboys Free Agent Signings Bring? Pt 2

By:  Bobby Shores

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The Cowboys had a strange free agent period, instead of going after the "big name" players (even though Brandon Carr is a fairly big name), they instead filled a lot of holes with guys that can contribute in multiple ways and provide some MUCH needed depth which is needed to make it through the long NFL season! I've been holding this (and other) articles to not only "refresh"people's memory on the off-season transactions, but also as a way to get ready for the season! Enjoy reading Part 2 as much as I enjoyed writing it!!

Brandon Carr - CB - The Cowboys signed him to the biggest contract for any free agent defensive back, a 5-year $50.1 million deal and we all know that his primary responsibility will be to lock down the opposition's #1 receiver. Carr is just what Rob Ryan needs as a #1 corner, he plays a physical press-man style coverage that will hamper receivers trying to get off the line and screw up the offense's timing allowing rushers to get to the quarterback

Cowboys CB Brandon Carr

But Carr brings something else to the team, his physical style of play (press man) carries over into practice where he is regularly jamming guys like Dez Bryant and Miles Austin at the line. Both of these guys have struggled in the past getting off the line when people are in their face, now they have to learn how to use their hands properly and get a good release. I really believe that his practice value is just as good as his defense will be in real games, he is forcing our receivers to get better! While a lot of people don't think that he was worth $50.1 million, and he might not be when it comes to on-field production, but $10 million per year was the going rate for the top corners on the market this year, and being a big physical corner that will interrupt the rhythm that is so important to quarterbacks and receivers (especially in west coast style offenses which both Eagles and Redskins run) I believe  he is more than worth it.

If Carr is so valuable, then why did the Chiefs let him go? Well you can only devote so much money to the defensive side of the ball, especially one group like the secondary. Remember that they have huge contract obligations to safety Eric Berry, they also resigned Brandon Flowers at corner who was drafted the same year as Carr. I believe Carr is better but remember as a second round pick, they sometimes get priority over a later round pick, it's just the economics of the NFL. The Chiefs also don't play as physical defense as the Cowboys do, making Carr expendable. 

The other benefit that Carr brings is his durability, as a 5th round pick out of Grand Valley State he has been in the NFL for 64 games (4 years) and has NEVER missed a start. If you have watched the Cowboys much lately then you know how banged up our secondary has been. I honestly can't remember the last time we had our secondary at or near 100% for a game. Carr's durability will help with the continuity, especially as the #1 cornerback.

Dan Connor - ILB - My thoughts on this signing were nothing but positive, and it even spawned a separate article that will be posted in the next few days. The first thing Connor brings to the team is depth at the important inside linebacker position where I think him Sean Lee, and Bruce Carter will all get a lot of snaps.We aren't sure yet what we have in Carter, but I believe that at the worst he is Kevin Burnett, a linebacker that can cover any tight end or running back in the league. His speed is probably his best atrribute while one of the knocks I have on him is that he seems to be a robotic type player and less instinctual than the other guys. This is not necessarily a bad thing as he gets himself into position and will not do a lot of freelancing, meaning he will not have huge "impact" plays but should also not make many "impact" mistakes.

Cowboys Backup QB Kyle Orton

Before signing him the Cowboys had the motor of the defense Lee and 2nd year player Carter, both players that have struggled with injuries during their football careers with Carter only being healthy for about half of his rookie year due to a knee injury suffered in college and Lee having both a knee injury, thigh bruise and broken hand among others. Connor and Lee both excelled playing together at Penn State, and I think they will have great chemistry again.

Connor is a smart instinctive player that can diagnose plays quickly, much like Lee, and while I hear a lot of people claiming that he is a liability against the pass and that we will see the back of his jersey chasing linebackers, I don't see it in my film study, and I think he is more than capable. He is a strong tackler and has good sideline-to-sideline range.

Kyle Orton - QB - This was the most surprising signing of the off season for me, Orton is good enough to
be a starter in this league, but I think he got tired of ALWAYS being the veteran guy and teams ALWAYS trying to replace him (much like Doug Flutie). He comes to Dallas as the clear cut backup, and with Tony Romo's injury history the last few years, there is a good chance he will get a chance to play. I honestly believe that having Orton on the roster gives the Cowboys the best quarterback depth chart in the NFL.

No matter how much Cowboys fans want Orton to be "the guy", it's not going to happen, the only facet of Orton's game that is better than Romo's is his awesome beard. Orton will never (and better never) threaten Romo's grip on the starting job, but what he can do is push Romo to be better. At no time in Romo's 6(?) years starting has he had anybody to push him (sorry A&M fans, Stephen McGee is better suited to be a "yell leader" than a starting NFL QB). And from what I know of Romo, particularly off the field when he is playing pickup basketball and golf, he loves to be pushed and challenged, and I think Orton will do that.

Signing Orton fills two needs, he gives the Cowboys arguably the best backup quarterback in the NFL, and he should bring out the best in Tony Romo. Orton may be the best Denver Broncos quarterback ever, but he  is barely even the best backup in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys.

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What Do The Cowboys Free Agent Signings Bring? Pt 1

By:  Bobby Shores

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The Cowboys had a strange free agent period, instead of going after the "big name" players (even though Brandon Carr is a fairly big name), they instead filled a lot of holes with guys that can contribute in multiple ways and provide some MUCH needed depth which is needed to make it through the long NFL season! I've been holding this (and other) articles to not only "refresh" people's memory on the off-season transactions, but also as a way to get ready for the season! Enjoy!!

Lawrence Vickers - FB - This was my favorite pickup of the Cowboys, besides being the one of the best fullback's in the NFL, and the Cowboys running an offense that requires a  "true" fullback, he fits the mold perfectly. Vickers also prides himself on knowing what all the positions are supposed to do on any given play, this allows him to anticipate what a lineman is going to do before he does it, meaning that Vickers will be able to react and/or adjust quicker when the play starts.

Cowboys FB Lawrence Vickers

Besides just being a solid blocker, Vickers brings a passion to the game of football that I haven't seen since Ray Lewis. Listening to him talk in interviews, you can tell that this is one of the few guys that would probably play this game for free (which is a good thing as fullbacks don't get paid compared to most positions). That passion should rub off on guys like Bryant, Tony Romo, and some of our young offensive linemen. I believe that Vickers may be that vocal/emotional leader that everybody says the Cowboys need, he has everything that you need:  will play a lot, one of the best at his position in the NFL, respected, plays and practices hard, and is passionate!

Nate Livings & Mackenzie Bernadeau - G - Neither one of these signings are "flashy", but as the Cowboys have remade their entire interior line the last few years trying to get younger these guys are value signings. They got rid of Leonard Davis, Kyle Kosier and Montrae Holland, all stalwarts at the guard position, instead trying to get younger by drafting David Arkin and Bill Nagy to play guard and signing Phil Costa and Kevin Kowalski to battle for Center. This approach did not work very well last year and it was obvious that they needed to get bigger and more experienced.

While it looks like Livings is penciled in at left guard and Bernadeau (I hate typing that name!) is penciled in at right guard, I believe that the Cowboys will give their younger players every opportunity to win the starting jobs, which is where these 2 signings really help. They provide depth and some much needed veteran influence for the entire line, and their smart and hard working personality should rub off. It even looked like Bernadeau was going to get a chance to play some center before having hip surgery, which speaks to what these guys were really brought in for, ability to play all interior positions.

Brodney Pool - S - Safety has been the worst position for the Cowboys since Darren Woodson retired back in 2004 the safety position has been more like the "danger" position. Their has been a revolving door back there as the Cowboys have tried every combination and done everything but draft a safety before the 4th round (I think, may want to check on that one).

Last year the biggest problem that the secondary had was bad communication, nobody ever knew where they were supposed to be and Abe Elam was supposed to have been the guy that would get everybody lined up as he was familiar with Ryan's defense, playing for both Ryan brothers in past years. In my view Pool is a solid but not spectacular or "impact" player and plays smart. A lot of people seem to think that he will not even make the final 53, but I believe that his knowledge of the complex Rob Ryan defense and his ability against the pass (doesn't get lots of turnovers, but breaks up a lot of passes) makes him a must have for the Cowboys this year.

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Top 5 Broncos Quarterbacks

By: Sonny Prier

If Peyton Manning is good for anything, it's reminding the insolent masses that Denver isn't all Tebows and Quinns. The Mile High City has always served as a beacon to quality quarterback play. To the lowland crevasses of Jacksonville and Tampa flow the ass sweat of broken dreams. To heights of 5,280 feet rise the cream of perennial pro bowl performances. But who's the best of the best? It would be reckless for a mere mortal to pass judgment on gods, which is why I'm currently tapped into my neighbor's Wi-Fi. 

Wrath invoked. Sorry, Brad. Maybe you'll set a password next time, hm?

Let's begin.

5. Craig Morton (1977 - 1982)

After wasting many aimless years piddling around Dallas and New York, Craig Morton finally blossomed during his Denver twilight. His best statistical showings came during these last few seasons. Had Morton spent his entire career in orange and blue, you would have heard of him before just now. But for all the regrets of what could have been, he still compiled an outstanding body of work. In particular, Morton's two Super Bowl appearances place him in the top  99.99999th percentile not just among NFL players, but American males as a whole. (source)

4. Brian Griese (1998 - 2002)

In 2002, Brian Griese was involved in the most violent collision since Atwater vs Okoye when he smashed face first into a slab of concrete. That sounds like part of a larger tale, but alas, it's not. To quote CBC Sports, "Griese was running down the driveway of (Terrell) Davis' home when he stumbled and knocked himself unconscious." 

As a side note, alcohol was not involved in this incident as Brian was on probation for a DUI. Wink.

The point is that Griese did not miss a game despite the broken tooth, dozen stitches and probable concussion. His toughness and team first attitude remain his legacy. To this day young QBs, like Colt McCoy, look to iron man Brian Griese for inspiration in the face of physical hardship.

3. John Elway (1983 - Present)

Like Dan Marino, John Elway carried a mediocre team for fifteen years. Unlike Dan Marino, he capped off his hall of fame career with back to back Super Bowl victories. He's a true NFL legend, and arguably the best QB in league history. Even cantankerous former Chiefs columnist Jason Whitlock ranks Elway at number one.  More than a decade removed from retirement, he still enjoys a panty dropping level of influence in the Denver area... how many active GMs have fans campaigning to erect statues of them at their home stadium?

Unfortunately for Mr. Elway, we at Recliner QB aren't the pushovers that mainstream sports media, hall of fame voters and decades of historical context are. We have standards. And those teeth? Not cutting it, pal. 

Seriously. Dude looks like the love child of Donald Trump and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2. Peyton Manning (1998 - 2017)

Four MVPs. Eleven Pro Bowls. 1 dreamy smile. Most quarterbacks would be so lucky to have single season as awesome as Peyton's worst. When Elway retired after the 1998 season, he handed the torch of greatness to rookie Peyton Manning... the Denver Broncos' next world beater.

Facial features aside, some may question why Elway isn't #2 on this list. Unfortunately, Peyton had some other advantages thanks to circumstances beyond either man's control. The "NO TOUCHING!" 2000s have been much more QB friendly than John's 80s and 90s, and Manning had a better set of receivers to work with. The separation between those two may be razor thin, but as we all already knew, there's no doubt about #1.

1. Kyle Orton (4 BC - 30 AD)

In 2009 superhuman quarterback and regional beer pong champion Kyle Orton became a household name by leading the Denver Broncos into November as one of the NFL's two remaining undefeated teams. By season's end, this Chicago castoff would complete over 60% of his passes for a blistering 3802 yards. In the new pass-happy NFL, Orton managed to keep pace with the pack, ranking in the top half of all quarterbacks. While other big names like Garrard and Hasselbeck faded into oblivion, Orton thrived under the pressure and delivered a career season.

Did you know...

That the Buffalo Bills haven't made a playoff appearance since Wade Phillips benched Doug Flutie for Kyle Orton on January 8th 2000?

Kyle Orton's Wikipedia page includes the phrase "Heisman Trophy Hopeful"?

Orton's career rushing yards, when multiplied by 3 million, would stretch all the way to the moon and back?

The tensile strength of Kyle Orton's neckbeard is such that you could create a functional, ASME A17 compliant elevator cable by weaving 16 of them together? 

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Off-Season Priorities - Broncos Offense

With the Denver Broncos having so many holes to fill across both the offense and defense, this is going to be difficult.  I believe they have had a subpar offseason so far by hiring John Elway to run football operations, the guy has no experience with anything at the NFL level except throwing a football, and I do not think those skills necessarily translate into knowing how to run an NFL team.  Also they hired John Fox as coach, yep, the same John Fox that led the Carolina Panthers to have the #1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the same John Fox that presided over over a 73-71 record (barely .500) after 9 seasons as the Panthers head coach.  At lease Fox can say that he left the team in better shape then when he inherited it, they were 1-15 when he took over, and 2-14 his final season.  The worst aspect for the Broncos is that they are rebuilding....again....after beginning a new rebuilding process only 2 years before this when Josh McDaniels was hired.

Quarterback - This is the most important position on a football team, and the Broncos do not have a sure fire answer to it.  It looks like Tebow is the long term answer, but with changes throughout the organization he may only get 1 more year to prove it, most head coaches and Team Presidents like to bring in their own QB, but Tebow may have a little bit longer as John Fox is a defensive specialist.  Many fans will also point to the games Tebow played in (last 4) as proof that he can make it.  Come on guys, he played against the Houston Texans (worst pass defense in the league), Oakland Raiders (enough said), Arizona Cardinals (really?), and one decent team the San Diego Chargers (58.2 QB rating).  Do I think Tebow is going to be a star player in the league (he will always sell jersey's though)?  No, but I think his work ethic and character could lead him to be an average QB in the league, and a guy that has more value as a leader and good locker room example than anything else.  He will show flashes of turning the corner here and there, but I do not think he will ever make it to elite (top 10).  The other QB on the roster that could be the starter if Tebow struggles or the labor stoppage cancels training camps is the NFL's new Doug Flutie, the QB that no team wants to be their starting QB, but the one that keeps beating out the guy they want.  I think they need to keep Orton around as a guy that can spell Tebow when he struggles (or inevitably gets hurt if he keeps running) and if/when Tebow flames out he should continue to keep the offense respectable while they search for the QB of the future.  They also have Brady Quinn on the roster, a QB that I was very high on until he got drafted by Cleveland.  He had all the tools to be successful, but I think playing for the Browns ruined him (and most every other player that goes there, especially QB's).  Quinn's only hope to redeem himself is if the QB position is decimated by injuries.

Running Back - Knowshon Moreno is the Broncos feature back, and while he has struggled with some injuries at times he has been able to average a very good 4 yards per carry in his 2 years and it appears he will only get better.  Moreno's strengths are that he does not dance around in the hole, he is a 1-cut runner who gets upfield fast, though he could stand to be a little more patient to let his blocks develop.  Another strong off-season in the weight room should allow Knowshon to add some bulk to his lower body allowing him to finish off runs.  Knowshon's backup, Correll Buckhalter will probably be released after a new CBA is reached, while he was a good mentor and teacher to Moreno his 2.5 yard per carry average, his 32 years of age, and $2 million salary will probably be the end of him as the team will surely look to get younger across the entire roster.  Lance Ball has a chance to make the team only if he contributes on special teams and possibly as a change of pace back, but with his size (5'9") I do not see him as being anything more than a 3rd back, and quite possibly not making the team.  The other back on the roster is Laurence Maroney who was acquired in a mid season trade with the Patriots, after landing on the other side of the law (marijuana arrest) and carrying the ball for an embarrassing 2.1 yards per carry, the Broncos chose not to extend a tender offer to him.  Look for the Broncos to host free agent backs and also check the middle rounds for a compliment back to Knowshon.  I think Cal's Shane Vereen would be a great back to team with Knowshon, he is a great route runner, can work out of the slot, and has shown exceptional ability in pass protection.  Shane would be a great pick in the 3rd or 4th round for Denver as that perfect 3rd down back or could take over the job if Moreno went down.


Wide Receiver - This is the deepest position for the Broncos on paper.  They have the NFL leader in yards returning in Brandon Lloyd who after 8 years in the league finally had his breakout season and looked like the 1st round draft pick he was supposed to be.  They have him under contract for 1 more year which should give last years #1 pick Demaryius Thomas time to recover from his injuries and become a factor.  Unfortunately Thomas is close to being labeled "injury prone" as he came into the NFL with a foot injury, spent most of his rookie year dealing with foot/ankle injuries, and then just last month tore his Achilles and had to have surgery.  His recovery is expected to take 6-8 months, and if he cannot return to the form that made him Denver's #1 pick, look for Denver to try and extend Brandon Lloyd instead (if he shows similar production again).  Eddie Royal is locked in as the slot receiver for Denver, while he needs to improve his route running/coverage reading, he gives the team a dangerous slot option that can take the ball all the way every time he touches it.  He also provides value on special teams as the Bronco's primary punt and kick returner.  Jabar Gaffney who is a free agent should be retained by Denver as an insurance policy against another injury by Demaryius Thomas.  While Gaffney lacks the speed to run by defenses, he is a smart wideout that runs good routes and is effective as long as he is not expected to be the #1 option.  They also spent a 3rd pick last year on Eric Decker out of Minnesota, he is a large WR (6'2") that is a great character guy who can be used in the red zone (great body control) and is not afraid to go across the middle, he is a long term project for the team that should develop into a solid contributor.

Tight End - After Denver cut former starting TE Daniel Graham this off-season, it became an area of need in the draft and free agency (if there is FA).  They need to not only find a TE to make an instant impact and be a safety valve for the QB (especially if Tebow is starting), but they need to get some added depth.  Right now they have 2nd year guy Richard Quinn, who is an above average blocker, but is just that, a 2nd string TE.  Their other TE on the roster is Daniel Coats who is more of a fullback/H-back than he is a TE, and while he has good hands, is not a threat to gain many yards.  With all the holes on defense I do not know how big a priority the TE will be Denver in the draft, but I believe they need to grab somebody in 3rd-4th round.  Some guys that would work well for them are:
- Luke Stocker - Tennessee - This is the best all around TE in the draft in my opinion.  He is a guy that was cut from the cloth of Jason Witten, solid all the way around.  He will not wow you with athleticism, but will do a good job finding holes in zone coverage, catching the ball, or blocking to open up running lanes.  Unfortunately for Denver he will go in the 2nd round most likely.
- Weslye Saunders - South Carolina - Here is a guy who has all the physical tools in the world to succeed.  He will go up and get the ball and bring it in every time, has the speed to run by anybody, and the size (6'5 1/2") to outjump any defender.  He brings some character concerns as he was suspended in college, and will need to show the dedication to becoming a better blocker.


Offensive Line - The analysis of the offensive line can begin with LT Ryan Clady.  As early as 2 years ago Clady was one of the best young tackles in the league, but after suffering a knee injury he has struggled to regain his previous form.  This year he took a positive step back and next year should be 100%, there is no need to address this position.  At LG was a Ben Hamilton and Russ Hochstein combination, neither was that good and this is an area that will be addressed late in the draft or free agency, with the majority of their draft picks destined to help the defense look for them to find a "stop gap" guard to just keep the seat warm.  That stop gap player could be Hochstein if they can get him at a decent price.  Center is a position that is completely open, Casey Weigmann was released last month after he struggled in 2010, and I think current 2nd year player Jeff Byers from USC has the size (6'1 301lbs) to man the center position.  Chris Kuper the RG had an average year and with his height (6'4) he may not be suited to the power running game that the Broncos are looking to employ, but if he can add some bulk to his frame I could see him being a fit as a swing tackle/guard and being a valuable backup.  RT is manned by Ryan Harris, and he is one of the elite RT's in the game, the only thing he needs to improve his game is to get more power in his legs and develop that "nasty streak" that the best O-linemen in the game have.

While the offensive line needs some help, it will only get it this year if they happen to find a late round "gem" as this team has so many holes that this year it appears the draft is being used to shore up that dismal defense.