What are the odds we find a better center prospect? Would we do it (trade for a vet, pick up a late cut)....
Jon Machota: I think the odds are good. The Cowboys like Costa but they also wanted to give Bernadeau a shot. Because he's been out, he never got that chance. When he returns I think he'll focus on playing guard, leaving it a possibility that the Cowboys grab another center before the season stars.
Good afternoon, Jon, and thanks a lot for hosting this off-season chat from your vacation villa!!! Any new info on the condition/status of Matt McBriar?
Jon Machota: Nothing new. Last I heard, he was recovering from knee surgery. If he can punt, he'll be with the Cowboys. He's a Pro Bowl punter, so they'll obviously be interested if McBriar is healthy.
Why not give the undrafted rookie a chance at Anthony Spencer’s position? I believe if you give Adrian Hamilton some snaps, he will produce. 22.5 sacks in division 2 school I understand, but we need speed on the outside. Spencer is too slow. Try Adrian Hamilton.
Jon Machota: I can't say Hamilton is "better" than Spencer. Spencer doesn't get the big sack numbers so critics give him a hard time. But he's a solid NFL starter and the coaches love what he brings against the run. Hamilton has done well in OTAs and minicamp but I wouldn't go giving him a starting spot just yet.
In your honest opinion, do you think the Cowboys have a real chance to win the division next year? Last year they were one game away from winning the division so why no one believe they can win this year?
Jon Machota: Why not? I think the Eagles have more talent and the Giants have the best QB in the division but the Cowboys can definitely compete with those two teams. Also, I think Washington is at least a year away from being a division contender. If Romo stays healthy and Dez can be reliable for all four quarters, the Cowboys should compete for a division crown.
I'm not sure I agree with your analysis of Eagles having best overall talent -- I think its fair to say that Dallas has the best set of skill position players in the division, best set of cornerbacks, best linebackers, best overall defensive player in Ware, and I'd argue that game in game out -- Romo is equal to Manning (give him the 2 super bowls though). So, realistically, assuming every team has to have some areas that aren't strengths -- I don't see where we are at a talent disadvantage.
Jon Machota: I didn't say it was a huge gap. I just think Philadelphia is strong across the board. I know it didn't appear that way last year but I think you'll see a better showing in 2012. I'd take Philly's talent over Dallas' simply because they are better on both the offensive and defensive lines. The other positions are debatable.
Hi Jon, maybe I'm being too much of an optimist, but could Bruce Carter provide a very unique presence as a blitzing backer from the inside?
Jon Machota: Carter certainly has the possibility to rush the passer. He's an outstanding athlete and Rob Ryan mixes up his coverages with the best of 'em. I can see Carter being a serious factor in Ryan's scheme, he just has to stay healthy.
Biggest weakness last year, corner coverage or inside line backers coverage. I think the departure of James/Brookings and Connor/Carter will impact this defense more than Calibourne/Carr. The Cowboys were getting killed in the middle of the field.
Jon Machota: I disagree. While I think the Cowboys have upgraded considerably at both positions, Claiborne and Carr will have the bigger impact. If both are healthy for the majority of the season, they could cause a lot of turnovers. And to me, causing turnovers is the most important thing a defense can do
Jon Machota: I think the odds are good. The Cowboys like Costa but they also wanted to give Bernadeau a shot. Because he's been out, he never got that chance. When he returns I think he'll focus on playing guard, leaving it a possibility that the Cowboys grab another center before the season stars.
Good afternoon, Jon, and thanks a lot for hosting this off-season chat from your vacation villa!!! Any new info on the condition/status of Matt McBriar?
Jon Machota: Nothing new. Last I heard, he was recovering from knee surgery. If he can punt, he'll be with the Cowboys. He's a Pro Bowl punter, so they'll obviously be interested if McBriar is healthy.
Why not give the undrafted rookie a chance at Anthony Spencer’s position? I believe if you give Adrian Hamilton some snaps, he will produce. 22.5 sacks in division 2 school I understand, but we need speed on the outside. Spencer is too slow. Try Adrian Hamilton.
Jon Machota: I can't say Hamilton is "better" than Spencer. Spencer doesn't get the big sack numbers so critics give him a hard time. But he's a solid NFL starter and the coaches love what he brings against the run. Hamilton has done well in OTAs and minicamp but I wouldn't go giving him a starting spot just yet.
In your honest opinion, do you think the Cowboys have a real chance to win the division next year? Last year they were one game away from winning the division so why no one believe they can win this year?
Jon Machota: Why not? I think the Eagles have more talent and the Giants have the best QB in the division but the Cowboys can definitely compete with those two teams. Also, I think Washington is at least a year away from being a division contender. If Romo stays healthy and Dez can be reliable for all four quarters, the Cowboys should compete for a division crown.
I'm not sure I agree with your analysis of Eagles having best overall talent -- I think its fair to say that Dallas has the best set of skill position players in the division, best set of cornerbacks, best linebackers, best overall defensive player in Ware, and I'd argue that game in game out -- Romo is equal to Manning (give him the 2 super bowls though). So, realistically, assuming every team has to have some areas that aren't strengths -- I don't see where we are at a talent disadvantage.
Jon Machota: I didn't say it was a huge gap. I just think Philadelphia is strong across the board. I know it didn't appear that way last year but I think you'll see a better showing in 2012. I'd take Philly's talent over Dallas' simply because they are better on both the offensive and defensive lines. The other positions are debatable.
Hi Jon, maybe I'm being too much of an optimist, but could Bruce Carter provide a very unique presence as a blitzing backer from the inside?
Jon Machota: Carter certainly has the possibility to rush the passer. He's an outstanding athlete and Rob Ryan mixes up his coverages with the best of 'em. I can see Carter being a serious factor in Ryan's scheme, he just has to stay healthy.
Biggest weakness last year, corner coverage or inside line backers coverage. I think the departure of James/Brookings and Connor/Carter will impact this defense more than Calibourne/Carr. The Cowboys were getting killed in the middle of the field.
Jon Machota: I disagree. While I think the Cowboys have upgraded considerably at both positions, Claiborne and Carr will have the bigger impact. If both are healthy for the majority of the season, they could cause a lot of turnovers. And to me, causing turnovers is the most important thing a defense can do