I really liked what Jon Kitna did in his role this season, but Tony Romo will be back in 2011. I say this as if it’s a bad thing, but it really isn’t. Kitna was tremendous, but Romo is a very good quarterback, no doubt the guy Dallas wants under center. But Elliot Harrison hit the ball on the nose in his exit interview of the Cowboys on NFL.com. I hadn’t been able to place just what I liked so much about Kitna in that role until I read Mr. Harrison’s words. “[Kitna’s] complete lack of fear in telling receivers where they needed to be, or when they ran the wrong route, was…refreshing.” It may not be Romo’s style, but Kitna got a lot more out of some of the younger players than I would have expected Romo to.
Kris Brown appears to be the new kicker in Dallas, which is a huge move for the Cowboys to make. When your kicker misses eight field goals and two extra points (26 points in a season), there’s a serious issue. Kickers are extremely important players on the team. Brown isn’t a fantastic kicker, but hopefully with him and David Buehler competing against each other, one of them will come out better for it.
The secondary is a major concern in Dallas. The Cowboys gave up the fourth most 20-yard pass plays this season, many coming on 3rd & long situations. Despite Gerald Sensabaugh’s five interceptions, he may have to go, along with Alan Ball. In other words, I think Dallas needs to start from scratch at the safety position.
Their offensive line could also use some work, but I think Dallas can make do with what they have if it comes down to it. Certainly if they can get one or two of the older guys off of the line and get some fresh legs and arms in the equation they would be better off, but that can be said for any team. The main point is that even if they can’t upgrade the line, they should be fine for next season. The Cowboys should be in a good position to run down the Eagles for the NFC East crown in 2011.
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