The NFL’s off-season programs and mini-camp have come to a close. Teams have signed free agents and have been finalizing their rookie contracts. The Dallas Cowboys are going into the 2017 season raising many eyebrows, having many concerns with their that defense.
The Dallas Cowboys let go of four defensive backs this past off-season all four had which started games this season for them and played major roles. Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Barry Church, and J.J. Wilcox were all not re-signed by the team. They weren’t the most spectacular, productive, and playmaking secondary, however secondary group that has been with Dallas through thick and thin. Brandon Carr has started his whole career and has yet to miss a game in his career playing 144 games. He’s nice physical corner who they like to use up against big receivers played five seasons with Dallas has had his inconsistencies and clutch moments. I know many people may through Carr under the bus because of the Odell Beckham Jr. one handed catch back in 2014. Yes I would say he is not so good at covering fast receivers their has been games he has shut some receivers down and in some games the ball isn’t being thrown to his side. In the postseason of 2014 Carr kept Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson out of the endzone limiting them to a combine of 7 catches allowed with 107 receiving yards. Carr would’ve been a great asset to keep around as a leader for the young guys on and off the field. Being a veteran you have experience and knowledge of the game to pass down to the rookies he was also a two nominee of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award with the work of his Carr Cares Foundation. Brandon Carr had really good impact on the community of Dallas and he will be missed for that cause. Barry Church was the captain of the secondary leading the group with 85 tackles and two interceptions. A good mind for the game Church would call out the coverages for the secondary. Had versatility being able to play safety and down in the box as a linebacker. A good character with his time in Dallas being one of the most productive players on defense. Church has delt with injuries in his time however Church had the toughness to play through those injuries. Cornerback Morris Claiborne who was drafted 6th overall by Dallas in 2012 career has been plagued with injuries. Not always having the best attitude when approaching the game a time back in 2014 Orlando Scandrick was coming off a two game suspension, it was right than at the start of practice Claiborne loss his spot and left the field. He’s improved on that since and has played better coming off his best season however only played 8 games including the playoffs. Claiborne’s level of production hasn’t reached expectation consistently enough for a good amount of time to surpass those injuries. J.J. Wilcox you lose a physical aggressive presence on the defense not the best tackler, however giving the defense energy can really uplift a team considering the defense as the weakness. One of the positive minded players on the team and rarely had injuries.
All four players departed to different teams due to Dallas lack of salary to spend or their willing in to commit with the player. Now you have veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick as well newly signed veteran Nolan Carroll who was released from their division rival the Philadelphia Eagles back in March. These two cornerbacks are the only ones on the roster the that have played more than one season. Very important groom the younger players. Since loosing four secondary players in free agency Dallas drafted four to replace. Three corners and a safety Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Xavier Woods, and Marquez White. Players who they all worked out individually before pursuing and each see potential in the future with the team.
Scandrick has been with the team his whole career since 2008 one of the few players other than Sean Lee who have been with the team for several years. Scandrick being the teams best corner considering his athletic ability, production, and experience. Yes he was suspended for violating the drug policy in 2014, however he was still able to maintain productivity that season until getting hurt the following. Scandrick is really a key piece to this secondary going into his 10th season it’s really important that he establishes his role as a leader guiding younger players and developing that chemistry. Orlando Scandrick is the type of player who plays with something to prove always with a chip on his shoulder. Giving the defense energy before every game prepping before kickoffs Scandrick rallies up the defensive backs before every game getting them fired up a part of his role as a team leader. May have been a bit inconsistent playing last season after coming off a major knee injury which would take some time fully gain recovery and confidence in the knee. Scandrick finished the season with 46 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, nine pass deflections, and an interception.
Nolan Carroll now landing on his third team of his career with the Dallas Cowboys signing a 3 year deal worth $10 million with $4 million in guaranteed dollars involved. He’s a versatile corner can play either man or zone coverage able to play out wide in the nickel or dime package, and is willing to battle at the line of scrimmage. It was reported on May 29, 2017 that Carroll was arrested for DWI something that could possibly have him suspended which could cost him a chance at being a starter to begin the season. He’s already in somewhat of a bad rep for being arrested for DWI and we have yet to him play a game with the team. He can only now just show his leadership by example with hard work ethic. Be the first one on the practice field, the last one to leave, spend extra time watching film, and mentoring the younger players on how to improve their game. Carroll started all 16 games last year with Philly finishing with 55 tackles, 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception.