Sherrington: Reasons for optimism.

[Midswat]

The Dallas Morning News' Kevin Sherrington and Chuck Carlton joined host Dana Larson on SportsDay OnAir. Here are some highlights.


Kevin, give Cowboys fans reasons to be optimistic about this season


Kevin Sherrington: I do think this defense will be better this year; I think the defensive line will be better and the offense, I think, should be better, too. This offensive line is really starting to become something. This is gonna be one of the Cowboys' strengths. I think 9-7 is not unreasonable and even 10-6 ... only if Tony Romo is healthy and productive.


Chuck, why should Cowboys fans expect more disappointment?

Chuck Carlton: I'm stilll dubious about him (Tony Romo) lasting a season. I'm dubious about playmakers besides Tony Romo out there. I think Marinelli can make a difference with that defense. No NFL team has ever finished four consecutive years at 8-8. The Cowboys have a really good chance.


What are the storylines you are watching in Oxnard?

Kevin Sherrington: Well, there are three storylines. First of all, everyone wants to know about Tony Romo. Is he gonna be healthy; is he gonna play. I think No. 2 is the defensive line. What is it gonna be? Are these four guys gonna be healthy as well? Are you gonna see Henry Melton play? Are you gonna see Anthony Spencer play? Is Tyrone Crawford gonna be a contributor this year? Is DeMarcus Lawrence gonna be the player they traded up to get?

 

[cmd34]

IF Romo misses significant time and if the Cowboys play bad enough to get Garrett fired, the Garrett supporters will hold onto that excuse for years.

 

[dbair1967]

IF Romo misses significant time and if the Cowboys play bad enough to get Garrett fired, the Garrett supporters will hold onto that excuse for years.

I know you are probably right, but I honestly cant see how anyone in their right mind could argue that Garrett didn't deserve to axed after 4 consecutive (5 if you count 2010) non playoff seasons in what has been a mediocre at best division.

I also cant believe that there are people who really believe that Jones has a "secret contract agreement" with Garrett already in place. Why would it be a secret? If Jones (or others in the organization) REALLY believed Garrett was the answer long term and that W/L record didn't matter this yr, why wait? Just sign the guy now (or before now)

The fact is there is no "secret" agreement. He either makes the playoffs, or he is done. And if he barely gets them to playoffs (because the division sux for example) and they get trampled in the first game, that shouldn't be good enough either.

 

[Doomsday]

This offensive line is really starting to become something.

With three first round picks in it, it should be. One would think. Who the fuck has ever done that, ever?

 

[dbair1967]

With three first round picks in it, it should be. One would think. Who the fuck has ever done that, ever?

Spent multiple first rd picks on OL? Shit probably a lot of teams.

The Niners have 3 1st rd picks starting on their OL today.

 

[Midswat]

If we had better scouts and coaches, maybe not every lineman we've taken after round one would've been busts and we wouldn't have had to use so many firsts on the line.

That said, trenches are the most important part of team building.