With Romo wrapped, what about Spencer? Romo and Anthony Spencer were to be the Texas Two-Step when it came to creating Cap space for 2013. With one in the house, or in Romo's case, the bank, is Anthony Spencer next on the long-term deal priority list? Most of the Cowboys Nation anticipates this, and as nice of a thought that additional Cap space brings, I implore the Cowboys to stand pat in regards to his future as a Dallas Cowboy.
Why?
There's a perceived Madden curse, SI cover jinx, and then there's Shaun Alexander reality. Call it paranoid if you like, but I remain very, very leery of any professional athlete putting up career numbers in the last year of their contract. Seems absurd as any paid-professional athlete wants to be performing their collective best in order to generate "big money" with the next signing/contract. I'm a firm believer the performance should be top-caliber, and consistent, throughout the length of any contract in order to re-up and reap. The concern surfaces when a player comes from nowhere to stardom, and in Anthony Spencer's case, it was 5 years of mediocrity to Pro Bowl status. Begging the question, what really motivates Anthony Spencer?
I have no problems with anyone having "financial security" as a goal in life. Many do. I applaud the pursuit. I just don't like or trust "light switch" players. This is exactly why the NFL Draft will never be a science. It will remain a crap shoot until the end of time. If NFL player personnel experts could trade in the Wonderlic for a "Chasing the Coin or Championship" measure, all would adopt the new gauge in a New York Second. You give big money and long-term deals to those "off the charts" on Championship drive and desire. Spencer's professional body of work screams "hung jury."
The Cowboys can't afford, literally and figuratively, for Anthony Spencer to become Shaun Alexander. Take the money and run will cripple a franchise. The organization is perfectly positioned on Spencer, and there's absolutely no reason to make a move one way or the other. Especially entering this year. Anthony Spencer must prove himself. Again. New scheme, new day. If you listen to the "in-the-know" experts and analysts, Spencer should thrive returning to his preferred, collegiate 4-3 defensive philosophy. Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli have the ability to mold Spencer into Rod Tidwell instead of Shaun Alexander. Then, he can confidently profess, "Show Me the Money."
Let's see Anthony Spencer with his hand on the ground for a year. Duplicate the Pro Bowl effort and accolades of last year. Bring DeMarcus Ware back to stratospheric life. Exhibit the "up-the-field" pressure and pursuit you've been clamoring for since the days in West Lafayette. Let's actually see First Round selection caliber play, back-to-back. Prove me, the skeptic, wrong. Put my doubts to rest and rightfully take your place as an elite player. The banquet table will be rightfully set, and all you have to do is deliver your end of the bargain.
Gauntlet thrown, which Anthony Spencer will we see? And as loud as the cry can be heard, Jerry, don't you or Stephen do anything with the current status of #93! Jordan Woy is loved and respected within the Dallas Cowboys organization, and it's not like the phone can't be answered, but politely tell Mr. Woy, "Patience, My Friend. Let's see how the upcoming campaign plays out. Then we'll talk." Come on Spence, the Cowboys think they know what they have, but only you can set the record straight. Coin or Championship? What is your elixir? Do tell...........
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