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By RAINER SABIN / The Dallas Morning News
All of last season, the Cowboys’ feckless pass coverage was exposed. Breakdowns occurred frequently, especially when opposing quarterbacks threw downfield. With Alan Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh often serving as the last line of defense, the Cowboys surrendered 57 completions of 20 yards or more, the fourth-highest total in the NFL last season.
Before last season, Ball moved from cornerback to free safety after Ken Hamlin was cut. In 2010, he was on the field for 987 plays, accumulating the most snaps among the team’s defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. But he made only 46 tackles and two interceptions while struggling to provide adequate support for cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman.
While working in tandem with Ball, strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh accounted for 71 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions. His play improved once Paul Pasqualoni was promoted to defensive coordinator in November. But Pasqualoni has since left and it’s uncertain how Sensabaugh would fare in Rob Ryan’s defensive system.
With Sensabaugh and Ball playing the featured roles, the opportunities were limited for undrafted rookies Danny McCray, Barry Church and Andrew Sendejo. Sendejo never played a down on defense while McCray and Church together were on the field for a total of 165 snaps. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah appeared in seven games on special teams, but he suffered an ankle injury that ended his season.
What the Cowboys should do: Both Sensabaugh and Ball are potential free agents and it’s uncertain whether the Cowboys will make a bid to keep them. Regardless, both safety positions need to be addressed. How management proceeds will depend on how much money they are willing to invest.
Interesting fact: Together, the six safeties on the Cowboys’ roster have started a total of 72 regular-season games in their careers.
On the roster:
Alan Ball 25
Barry Church 23
Gerald Sensabaugh 27
Danny McCray 22
Andrew Sendejo 23
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah 22
Who’s available:
Quintin Mikell Philadelphia..............Made 88 tackles and 3 INTs in 2010
Oshiomogho Atogwe St. Louis........Heady player has nose for ball.
Bob Sanders Indianapolis..............Two-time Pro Bowler has been plagued by injuries.
Michael Huff Oakland....................Irving native made 94 tackles last year.
Rahim Moore UCLA.......................Considered the best player in a weak safety class.
All of last season, the Cowboys’ feckless pass coverage was exposed. Breakdowns occurred frequently, especially when opposing quarterbacks threw downfield. With Alan Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh often serving as the last line of defense, the Cowboys surrendered 57 completions of 20 yards or more, the fourth-highest total in the NFL last season.
Before last season, Ball moved from cornerback to free safety after Ken Hamlin was cut. In 2010, he was on the field for 987 plays, accumulating the most snaps among the team’s defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. But he made only 46 tackles and two interceptions while struggling to provide adequate support for cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman.
While working in tandem with Ball, strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh accounted for 71 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions. His play improved once Paul Pasqualoni was promoted to defensive coordinator in November. But Pasqualoni has since left and it’s uncertain how Sensabaugh would fare in Rob Ryan’s defensive system.
With Sensabaugh and Ball playing the featured roles, the opportunities were limited for undrafted rookies Danny McCray, Barry Church and Andrew Sendejo. Sendejo never played a down on defense while McCray and Church together were on the field for a total of 165 snaps. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah appeared in seven games on special teams, but he suffered an ankle injury that ended his season.
What the Cowboys should do: Both Sensabaugh and Ball are potential free agents and it’s uncertain whether the Cowboys will make a bid to keep them. Regardless, both safety positions need to be addressed. How management proceeds will depend on how much money they are willing to invest.
Interesting fact: Together, the six safeties on the Cowboys’ roster have started a total of 72 regular-season games in their careers.
On the roster:
Alan Ball 25
Barry Church 23
Gerald Sensabaugh 27
Danny McCray 22
Andrew Sendejo 23
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah 22
Who’s available:
Quintin Mikell Philadelphia..............Made 88 tackles and 3 INTs in 2010
Oshiomogho Atogwe St. Louis........Heady player has nose for ball.
Bob Sanders Indianapolis..............Two-time Pro Bowler has been plagued by injuries.
Michael Huff Oakland....................Irving native made 94 tackles last year.
Rahim Moore UCLA.......................Considered the best player in a weak safety class.