After all the bullshit, hype and arguments surrounding Romo and the Cowboys on this forum they fail to make the playoffs.
The arguments were about how much of the blame for Cowboys problems rest on Romo. Essentially none.
The Cowboys were ranked third in the East in most preseason rankings, which is exactly where they ended up after the loss to the Giants.
The secondary and offensive line were suspect going into the offseason, and while some draft picks were used on the Oline, it needs more, and the secondary is still abysmal. The hope was that Rob Ryan's blitz schemes would put enough pressure on QBs to cover up the weak secondary. Well, it worked when it worked, and when there was no pressure, they got torched.
As far as a general postseason review goes:
Quaterback:
Romo posted one of his best years ever. McGee is servicable as a backup but no "heir apparent". Immediate backup likely needs to be addressed this year via free agency.
Running Back:
The Cowboys were 3-6 without Murray starting/playing, 5-2 when he started. This speaks volumes to the impact he had on the team. This season showed Jones is exactly what he was originally drafted to be, a complementary back, nothing more. With Murray/Jones/Morris in, RB should be fine. The Cowboys seemed to have finally found a true fullback in Fiammetta. Now if he can stay healthy. Murray's YPC was several cut while Fiammetta was out.
Receivers
Laurent Robinson. Wow. The Cowboys need to lock this guy up. Bryant needs to improve to being a constant threat, he has a tendency to quit when the route doesn't get him open, as opposed to getting open like Robinson does when plays break down. Miles Austin can't stay healthy, and had two critical drops in the game against the Giants. Witten is solid as ever. Bennett played better this year, but according to the coaching staff, is an excellent blocking
Overall, the position is solid and doesn't need addressing.
Offensive line:
Romo has been making his line look better (statistically) than they are for the last few years, and this year was no different. He was sacked too often even with all his play extending scrambles. Tyron Smith, the rookie RT, is the best lineman out of the bunch by a long shot. Holland played well after coming back from initially being cut. Free is Flozell returned with his constant false starts, and he looked quite average against elite pass rushers. Free started his career at RT, it's possible the Cowboys need to consider swapping Free and Smith. Kosier is the veteran but he isn't getting any older. Costa (Center) played servicably in his first season as a starter. Jury is still out. A new OG is needed, and possible shifting of the position assignments.
Defensive line:
Ratliff is one of two Cowboys to get a Pro Bowl nod this year, and for good reason. He is a man among boys in that defensive line. The Cowboys have relied on role playing defensive ends swapped out constantly to gain an edge in freshness that they lacked in skill. This has seriously hurt the pass rush, and often leaves Ratliff double teamed. DE needs to be addressed in the offseason.
Linebackers:
Ware is the other Cowboy to make the Pro Bowl, finishing the year second in the league in sacks. Sean Lee is the other stud in the linebacker corp, leading the team in tackles and tied for the lead in interceptions with four. Spencer has cemented his reputation has an underachiever, a bust considering his first round draft status, and both Brooking and James are too old and slow to man the middle alongside Lee. Spencer will probably stay on the squad, but Bruce Carter needs to challenge for a starting spot. ILB needs addressing.
Secondary:
When a linebacker has more interceptions than most of the secondary combined, something is seriously wrong.
Ball has no business starting and Newman has no business playing anymore, even though he led the secondary in interceptions to tie Lee. He dropped a critical sure pick six in the first Giants game, Ball failed to cover a fumble in the second, and also had a critical penalty on special teams. Sensabaugh was just signed to a five year deal, and while being the secondaries best tackler, the jury is out otherwise. He also failed to cover a punt in the second Giants game and lacks speed to cover the Cruz's and Jackson's of the East. He isn't going anywhere though this offseason.
Jenkins is the only starting caliber CB on the team, but seems to be made of glass, or other fragile materials. Scandrick has played at a consistent level as a nickelback, but will never have an "island".
Kicking:
McBriar has been one of the top punters in the league for years, but 2011 saw a drop in production and injury problems. His future status with the team is in doubt.
Dan Bailey did an excellent job on clutch kicks this year, blocked kicks and coaching errors excluded. I expect little competition in camp for this constantly problematic position for the Cowboys over the last 4+ years.
Overall, in assessing the Cowboys offseason needed personnel moves: Starting caliber OG, S, CB, MLB are
required additions this offseason for playoff contention in 2013. Other positions that may also be addressed are any other position on the offensive line, punter, backup quarterback, defensive end, and outside linebacker.
