dallascowboyfanboy.com: Grading the 2009 Dallas Cowboys

With their season over, I am doling out grades for the Cowboys’ starters. All in all they got the proverbial monkey off their collective back, and they are primed to go all the way in 2010 culminating in a Super Bowl victory in their home stadium.

Tony Romo turned the corner this year and became the leader he needs to be. Set Cowboys’ records for passing attempts, completions, and yards. He also reduced is turnover– A

Marion Barber suffered through a few injuries this season limiting his effectiveness. He did not have the same powerful running style that helped earn him the starting job. – C

Felix Jones showed some flashes of his electrifying abilities running the ball. He made the most of his limited opportunities and expect to see more of him next season. B+

Tashard Choice was not used as much as a lot of fans had hoped for. He provides excellent depth behind Barber and Jones. Hope next season he will get more chances to show his talent. – Incomplete

Roy Williams underwhelmed and under achieved this season almost regressing some. He makes a lot of money but has not produced in 1-½ years as a Dallas Cowboy. He might be the Cowboys #4 or #5 receiver in a lot of fans’ eyes.- D

Miles Austin made a name for himself when given the opportunity to play. He only started 11 regular season games but caught 10+ Touchdowns and amassed over 1,000 yards. He made the Pro Bowl emerging as one of the best Wide receivers in the NFC.- A-

Patrick Crayton lost weight in the offseason and visibly ran faster than in season’s past. He still might have the best hands on the team, and he is a good 3^rd receiver in the passing game..B

Jason Witten had another great season earning another trip to the Pro Bowl but kind of slipped under the radar. He is hands down the best all around tight end in the game. He did not have many touchdowns this year, but he provided Romo with the best type of security blanket a QB can ask for. A-

Martellus Bennett did not have the break out year the coaching staff was expecting him to have. He was almost an after thought in the passing game. He needs to be more consistent catching the ball and running routes but is a very good blocker. C-

John Phillips came out of nowhere as a rookie and 3^rd string tight end. He is similar to Jason Witten but maybe a couple of notches lower. If Bennett has a break out year next season the Cowboys will have the best TEs in the game. B

Flozell Adams cut down on his penalties this season later on but still makes stupid mistakes and is already 35 years old. It might be time for him to consider retirement as he played rather slower this year. C-

Kyle Kosier played the entire season but was not as effective for some reason. He was the best OL pulling and leading on sweep plays though. He should face some competition from Brewster or another draft pick this year. C+

Andre Gurode had a solid year but is not an ideal signal caller for the offensive line. He had several blown assignments causing Romo to scramble a lot on passing downs. He made the Pro Bowl on reputation alone. C

Leonard Davis also made the Pro Bowl on reputation again too but still had a decent season. He was dominant in the running game but needs to be more consistent in passing plays. B-

Marc Columbo may have been the best OL this year. He has a nasty streak and is a mauler in the running game. He was injured and missed 5 games. He did not appear ready versus the Vikings and his rustiness showed. B-

Doug Free showed he could play well at the pro level replacing Columbo when he got hurt. It was a pleasant surprise to know the Cowboys have themselves a young OT who can play either tackle position. He might be a starter next year. B+

Defense:

Marcus Spears was strong playing against the run this year. He showed he is a valuable player. It fits Wade Phillips coaching style and hope he returns next year. B-

Igor Olshansky was a great free agent pick up. He played well against the run too opposite Spears. The DE’s in Phillips 3-4 defense are not required to be pass rushers. He will be playing for the Cowboys for a while. B

Jay Ratliff made the Pro Bowl for the 2^nd consecutive year at Nose tackle- a rare feat to accomplish considering he was only a 7^th round draft pick. He is one of the elite defensive tackles in the league especially since he is a bit undersized. A

DeMarcus Ware is simply the best all around defensive player in the NFL. He did not have the stats this year since he was playing with several injuries this season. He is the premier pass rusher but also plays the run and covers running backs and tight ends equally well. A+

Anthony Spencer really emerged playing opposite Ware this year. He came on strong in the middle of the year providing a formidable duo of OLBs. I call him “Ware-Lite” he does everything DeMarcus does but just a little bit less talented and that is saying something. A-

Keith Brooking brought leadership and tackling ability as a free agent pick up. He rallied his teammates and shored up the middle. B+

Bradie James showed he is a good pass rusher and covers TEs and Rbs well in the passing game. B

Mike Jenkins had a coming out party perhaps supplanting Terrence Newman as the team’s best cornerback. He had 5 interceptions and made his first Pro Bowl in his second year. He made great athletic plays breaking up passes and blanketing wide receivers. Has the skills to be a top 5 DB in the years to come. A

Terrence Newman may have lost ½ a step this season but still made his 2^nd consecutive Pro Bowl. He doesn’t have as much pressure on his shoulders with Jenkins emerging as an excellent DB. Newman still plays good run support and should still be a starter next year. B+

Orlando Scandrick had some growing pains during his sophomore season early on but came on strong later on. He has great potential and ability, and I expect him to blossom next season. B

Gerald Sensabaugh was another great pick up by Wade Phillips in the offseason. Sensabaugh proved to be a very good cover safety that the Cowboys have been missing since Darren Woodson roamed the secondary. B+

Ken Hamlin did not make any spectacular plays but called all the adjustments for the secondary. He did not make any glaring mistakes either but needs to play like he did in 2007. Like Roy Williams, Hamlin is making a lot of money but not playing up to his contract. He might have to take a back up role if he wants to be on the team next year. C

David Buehler was as good as advertised. He was a potent weapon booming kickoffs into the endzone. Teams will not have 80 yard touchdown drives very often. Hope he becomes a better place kicker next season. B+

Nick Folk was the biggest disappointment this year. He missed 10 field goals after having offseason hip surgery. He missed some rather easily FGs that got him fired. Shaun Suisham fared even poorer. The coaching staff will have to look for another kicker this year or bring Folk back for another chance. D-

Wade Phillips/coaching staff did a very good job this season. Jerry Jones retained Wade for a few more years as a show of confidence. Wade has his players on board his train believing in him. In a nutshell, the team is poised and primed for a Super Bowl run next year. With just 1 or 2 good offensive lineman, a safety, and possibly another Wr the Cowboys are on their way to their record 9^th Super Bowl appearance next year.