On Tuesday, the Dallas Cowboys announced that defensive end Anthony Spencer would undergo season-ending microfracture surgery on his left knee.
“It’s a real setback,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “He was so diligent in his rehab. The individual that I have the most empathy for is Spencer because of the type of person he is.”
Spencer, coming off of a career year in 2012 that saw him accumulate 106 total tackles and 11 sacks, was expected to flourish under Rod Marinelli in Monte Kiffin’s Tampa Cover 2; however, with the news that Spencer will miss the remainder of the season that won’t happen this year.
Let me take it a step further and say that it probably won’t happen. Ever. I just don’t see the Cowboys bringing Spencer back next season.
Now that Spencer is done for the year, the Cowboys are expected to continue starting George Selvie opposite DeMarcus Ware. Selvie has been a nice find for the Cowboys and seems to have a pretty good grasp of Kiffin’s defense.
Through three games, Selvie has been pretty solid against the run recording six tackles for a loss while playing on the strong side of the defensive line. In fact, he’s Pro Football Focus’ fifth highest rated defensive end against the run with an overall grade of (3.4). In those three games he has also recorded two sacks and 11 quarterback pressures; I wouldn’t be surprised if he has 8 to 10 sacks by season’s end.
I’m not saying that Selvie is the answer at defensive end for the Cowboys, but he has certainly stepped up to the challenge, and I think he will continue to bring it in 2013.
Jesus Flores is a Dallas Cowboys writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SSgtFlo1 or add him to your network on Google
