The Dallas Cowboys went into the 2014 NFL Draft with a consensus feeling among fans and experts alike, build the defense. Jerry Jones let DeMarcus Ware walk, because of financial reasons and they needed other upgrades on the defensive line and secondary. Instead, the Cowboys shocked many people when they drafted offensive lineman Zach Martin out of Notre Dame in the 1st round. A void was still left on defense where playmaker’s were needed, now another void must be filled.
Sean Lee, the Cowboys starting ILB, and possibly the best player left on their defense tore his ACL during OTA’s. He’s been hampered by injuries over the past couple seasons, but had high expectations coming into this year. The circumstances surrounding his injury is what leads me to believe there is an omen over the team.
Every “expert,” every mock draft professional and almost every fan of the game expected the Cowboys to take one of the top rated defensive linemen or top rated safeties in the draft. (Maybe some actually believed the hype of Johnny Manziel…shame on you!) To our surprise Jerry Jones went with an offensive linemen for the 2nd year in a row in the 1st round.
Martin was one of the top tackles coming into the draft and though the Cowboys could use upgrades on the line, it wasn’t expected with the depth at the position in the draft. Martin came in and took out Lee during “non-contact” drills at OTA’s digging a deeper hole for the unit.
The player that many feel should have been a defensive player, created a bigger hole on defense by taking out possibly the defense’s best player. Because the pick was such a surprise and Martin could hear all the talk surrounding his choice, he was simply trying to prove himself and show his worth on the team in practice. The play on which Lee was injured was a freak play, but it was caused by Martin being aggressive.
Freak accidents just seem to follow the Cowboys around and I believe it all stems from the owner Jerry Jones.
When Jimmy Johnson stepped away and Barry Switzer won the Super Bowl, it filled Jones’ ego to a point that he has destroyed everything he’s touched since. Once he believed he was the reason for the Cowboys success, the “Football God’s” were angered and have shown no mercy.
When you see success coming, here comes an injury. When it seems like they have found the right coach, Jones drives them away. When consistent mediocrity is shown, Jones decides to be loyal. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. Unfortunately, this is where the Cowboys are now.
There is an omen over Jerry Jones and the Cowboys!
