Dallas Cowboys Discussion

[E-Man]

Most of the guys on 4th and long come off as dicks. They wont make the team anyway unless someone greatly surprised as a return man...but the chances of that happening are slim to none.

Oh and Joe Avezzano doesn't age.

It's the hair man. It holds all of Joe's strength. lol

[Burns336]

Burns, Woodley was a 2nd rounder. Just FYI.

Hmmm.. Thought he was a 3rd for some reason.

2nd actually wasn't all that bad for him. I assumed he fell all the way to the 3rd.

[LonghornsLegend]

Actually a few of these guys have heart. Some are pussies though. I'm surprised in the disparity between the players conditioning. It's like some didn't prep at all.

Olgletree is prob better than all these guys...

Who was DMN saying the favorite was again?

EDIT: Andrews is pretty annoying. I hope he gets cut soon. Actually I hope any white DB/WR would be cut haha.

Pacman should of been put on the show. That would have been funny.

Double Edit: Nice cut with Andrews... dude was just annoying


Their favorite was Andrew Hawkins, the little 5'7 WR who is quick as hell, he made a pretty sick move on the punt drill...He'll at least make it down to the final few.




Most of the guys on 4th and long come off as dicks.


What gave you that impression in one show? Their not out their trying to be friends, and DB's in general are supposed to be cocky and brash point blank, nobody wants a ***** for a DB, that's why they were clownin' the track star for trying to clap at the end of the highlight tape.


The only dude I didn't like left, who bitches about holding in a ******* PR drill? That **** was weak, the rest of the guys seem pretty cool, at least they had some D-1 experience...Swann's injury was pretty nasty looking.

[M.O.T.H.]

Their favorite was Andrew Hawkins, the little 5'7 WR who is quick as hell, he made a pretty sick move on the punt drill...He'll at least make it down to the final few.







What gave you that impression in one show? Their not out their trying to be friends, and DB's in general are supposed to be cocky and brash point blank, nobody wants a ***** for a DB, that's why they were clownin' the track star for trying to clap at the end of the highlight tape.


The only dude I didn't like left, who bitches about holding in a ******* PR drill? That **** was weak, the rest of the guys seem pretty cool, at least they had some D-1 experience...Swann's injury was pretty nasty looking.

I didnt like the vibe I was getting in most of their alone time with the camera. I was only half paying attention but, I didnt like most of their attitudes. Nothing wrong with being aggressive natured or having a cocky attitude on the field...but no need to be a dick off of it. They're all after the same goal but, you don't have to act like a prick in the process. There should be a certain amount of respect, at the least. I'd have to watch it again but, I wasn't too impressed with what I saw. And there is nothing wrong with the track dude taking the high road and basically congratulating them on their successes to that point. We dont need another clown. Sure be hungry but, we dont need any bad apples. Not like they're going to make the team anyway but still. Let your play do the talking.

and as for the next show. Playing them in those mucky conditions is just pointless.

edit...as for the dude that got cut. What a loser. ha.

edit 2...Looking back, I wouldnt say the majority come off as bad. That's my bad, liek I said I wasnt paying it much attention. I'd change that to some do. But anyway, the whole thing is pretty lame to begin with, imo.

[LonghornsLegend]

Lol, man, they were setting em up for that kinda stuff...Just like at the beginning, they walked them out to face eachother just to trash talk, some of them didn't even want to they just went along with it.


That's all for the show man, their not dicks, it's just harmless trash talk like what goes on when their is competition, besides it's football...Their trying to create that type of environment, you can't get into that mentality well if your super nice to everyone but if you act like their your enemy it gets you pumped.



But I see what your saying though, that's just how I took it, seemed like from the jump the show was trying to provoke that type of atmosphere anyway...Dude who got cut was a ***** though, he was the guy we used to love to go up against in hitting drills lol.



edit: That said, we haven't seen some of these guys actually play WR yet, and some of those WR's have skills...Swann? He's pretty good, that dreaded guy that played football at UNC is a baller, so is Hawkins who was two ways at Toledo, considering last year we had Amendola and Lowber I wouldn't mind one WR getting a pre-season game to see what he could do.


Lowber looked like a guy who could of went on this show anyway, that's all the bottom of the roster is about, at least their football players.

[bigbluedefense]

Oh I agree with the first part. But you listed 4 teams as though Dallas didn't belong in their class. Replacing Canty with Olshansky doesn't make it any easier to block anybody. Hell, I might be inclined to slide Ratliff back over to end and play Olshansky in the middle. I'd have to be out there at practice and get a look though. Bottom line is they will eat plenty of blockers.

If Newman manages to stay healthy, that helps tremendously as well. As does the departure of Roy Williams. Who knows how things may shake out, but obviously this team is capable of putting up tremendous sack totals. Ellis being older ought to be negated by Spencer being more experienced and actually healthy. And he's still Greg Ellis. Strahan put up 11.5 at the same age, and went on to play 2 more years. As long as he hasn't retired, Ellis is good for a nice handful of sacks.

For this team to lead the league in sacks last year in spite of some of their major deficiencies/injury issues, I think they'd be on the short list of favorites to do so this year is well. Especially considering the personnel improvements/potential to stay healthy. I mean, we had 25 more sacks than the Ravens last year. I obviously realize it could be the other way around this year, but it's probably a safer bet to just assume both teams will be right there toward the top.

I am guilty of shortchanging the Cowboys. I didn't realize that they had that many sacks.

But I do think you lose some with Canty. Canty didn't get many sacks, but he did get pressure. Olshanksky is strictly a run stuffer. He gives you zero pressure. He's a glorified Marcus Spears really.

Ellis can still get maybe 7 to 8 sacks a year, but nothing more. Remember, Ellis never had more than 12.5 sacks, and that was 1 year. He's always been a 8 sack or less guy.

I could see top 5 for sure. I'm actually surprised at your sack #s from last year. But I think Ratliff overachieved as a pressure guy, and Ware will not get the same sack total either.

Either way, make no mistake, I by no means think that Dallas's defense is poor. I think its very good. I just see a top 5 sack total opposed to being #1 in the league.

[Burns336]

I am guilty of shortchanging the Cowboys. I didn't realize that they had that many sacks.

But I do think you lose some with Canty. Canty didn't get many sacks, but he did get pressure. Olshanksky is strictly a run stuffer. He gives you zero pressure. He's a glorified Marcus Spears really.

Ellis can still get maybe 7 to 8 sacks a year, but nothing more. Remember, Ellis never had more than 12.5 sacks, and that was 1 year. He's always been a 8 sack or less guy.

I could see top 5 for sure. I'm actually surprised at your sack #s from last year. But I think Ratliff overachieved as a pressure guy, and Ware will not get the same sack total either.

Either way, make no mistake, I by no means think that Dallas's defense is poor. I think its very good. I just see a top 5 sack total opposed to being #1 in the league.

Completely possible.

And I know what you're saying about Ware... He's going for the record this year :P

We're about to find out what Canty did for Ware in terms on occupying blockers. I loved him, but there was no way we could dish out that money for him. I'm actually surprised the Giants were able to spend that cash on that spot considering the other guys they have on the D-line.

All of the reasons you gave are valid and just reinforce the fact that we need Spencer to show up big this year.

I actually think our D was overrated last year. I wasn't happy with it at all. Here's to hoping our young guys in the secondary become play makers and Spencer/Hatcher can tap into their potential.

[M.O.T.H.]

Lol, man, they were setting em up for that kinda stuff...Just like at the beginning, they walked them out to face eachother just to trash talk, some of them didn't even want to they just went along with it.


That's all for the show man, their not dicks, it's just harmless trash talk like what goes on when their is competition, besides it's football...Their trying to create that type of environment, you can't get into that mentality well if your super nice to everyone but if you act like their your enemy it gets you pumped.



But I see what your saying though, that's just how I took it, seemed like from the jump the show was trying to provoke that type of atmosphere anyway...Dude who got cut was a ***** though, he was the guy we used to love to go up against in hitting drills lol.



edit: That said, we haven't seen some of these guys actually play WR yet, and some of those WR's have skills...Swann? He's pretty good, that dreaded guy that played football at UNC is a baller, so is Hawkins who was two ways at Toledo, considering last year we had Amendola and Lowber I wouldn't mind one WR getting a pre-season game to see what he could do.


Lowber looked like a guy who could of went on this show anyway, that's all the bottom of the roster is about, at least their football players.

I'll reserve judement but, some of them certainly seem like dicks or idiots. haha. I'm happy that Andrews is gone already, that guy was a joke.

Sad thing is, I dont even know some of these guys...i'm fairly familiar with Gonzalez, Holley, Erick, Swan, and Moses. But, I cant say that I know a damn thing about the rest.

Being that this show is on Spike, I'm bound to forget about it and miss a bunch of episodes.

[Modano]

We all know that Burns is a "the sky is falling" type of guy :P he's setting his standards so high on Spencer only because if Spencer goes double digit in sacks but doesn't reach 14 he can still think the sky is falling :D

I'm joking man ;)

[Burns336]

It's all good Madano.

I just want to win. I just think we need some guys to have huge years in order to do that in a tough division.

It's his 3rd year and he's underperformed so far. Time to make up for that and blow us all away. :)

Plus we're going to be playing the AFC west this year guys... I mean come on. Sacks should be reigning.

Now Ware can get a taste of the revolving doors Merriman lives in.

[duckseason]

I am guilty of shortchanging the Cowboys. I didn't realize that they had that many sacks.

But I do think you lose some with Canty. Canty didn't get many sacks, but he did get pressure. Olshanksky is strictly a run stuffer. He gives you zero pressure. He's a glorified Marcus Spears really.

We'll have to partly disagree here. Canty has better closing quickness, but Olshansky does get a good push. The advantage I see with Olshansky is that he is more relentless. He's just more ferocious out there than Canty. He appears to have a higher motor.

But the point I was making was in response to your claim that losing Canty would make it easier to block Ratliff. Canty and Olshansky getting sacks themselves is irrelevant because it's a wash. Point is, Olshansky is a hell of a space eater. I'd say he's not only a better run defender than Canty, but also a better asset with gap control considerations in mind. I'd give the nod to Canty when it comes to range, athleticism and closing pressure, but you're overstating your point when you say Olshansky gets "zero" pressure. I think we do lose a bit, but also gain in other areas. How the swap affects the entire defense remains to be seen, but I think the impact will be negligible when it comes to sack numbers.

Ellis can still get maybe 7 to 8 sacks a year, but nothing more. Remember, Ellis never had more than 12.5 sacks, and that was 1 year. He's always been a 8 sack or less guy.

Dude c'mon now. I agree that Ellis is probably only good for 7-10 sacks this year if healthy, but let's keep things in perspective here. Greg Ellis spent his entire career as a DE in a 4-3. That 12.5 career year you mention was his first year as a full-fledged OLB, and he only played in 13 games. The guy is perfectly capable of putting up big sack numbers, even at his age.

I'll go back to Strahan to illustrate my point. Take a look at his career sack totals (http://www.nfl.com/players/michaelstrahan/profile?id=STR122552) and how they fluctuated wildly from season to season. Indeed, for some of those seasons, there were guys like us sitting around saying he was getting old and was only good for 7-10 sacks max the following year.

The primary reason we should feel Ellis' numbers may be limited, is that he'll be playing in a rotation. Not because he averaged 8 sacks for his career or that he's old or incapable or anything. The guy is still a beast. It has much more to do with the opponents we face this year, the amount of playing time he receives, and his health. If the guy is still playing, he'll be getting to the QB. He'll either retire or be benched before he stops sacking QB's.

I could see top 5 for sure. I'm actually surprised at your sack #s from last year. But I think Ratliff overachieved as a pressure guy, and Ware will not get the same sack total either.

I dunno man, Ratliff has been pretty consistent with his production in relation to his PT all along. I certainly don't expect 7.5 sacks this year, but the guy has proven to be one hell of a pass rusher from the inside.

Lost in all this talk is that we need to remember that the difference between a 12 sack season and an 8 sack season can simply be a few QB's who were able to get the ball out at the last second. Or they're extra slippery. To sit here and put narrow, detailed floors and ceilings on guys' official numbers is a futile exercise, because those numbers aren't necessarily an accurate gauge of the player's ability in the first place. There's too many variables that go into the end result that are outside the individual players' control to allow for accurate predictions. The sack rankings do not directly correlate with how players rank as individual pass rushers, is what I'm trying to say.

So, while we may not feel that Olshansky is all that great of a pass rusher, he could very well post 6-8 sacks this year just by playing in front of a guy like Ware and next to Ratliff, and maybe lucking into a few. If Ware gets to the QB lightning quick, puts a hand on him and half drags him down but the QB slips out of it and up into the pocket where Olshansky just now beat his man...well Olshansky gets the sack.

Either way, make no mistake, I by no means think that Dallas's defense is poor. I think its very good. I just see a top 5 sack total opposed to being #1 in the league.

Oh I hear you man. It's all just conjecture anyway, and I'm fully aware that Dallas' defense as a whole is not on the elite level of some of the others you mentioned. But really, if you think a team will be top 5 in sacks, you may as well say they are a likely candidate to lead the league. As we know, the difference is often negligible between those top few teams, and the top team isn't necessarily the top team. Meaning that if you expect the team with the best pass rush to end up with the most sacks, the odds would be against you. (assuming we could define such in the first place)

I dunno I just found the whole discussion kind of odd because not only did we lead the league last year, but we were 3rd in '07, giving us the highest total over the past two seasons. I mean we should give Wade Phillips some credit in this regard as well, although he certainly has his shortcomings. I guess if people feel we got worse on defense over the offseason, that's a reasonable opinion. I just don't see it. I see an elite pass-rushing team that's made huge strides in resolving some serious coverage issues, which would theoretically only aid in the pressure put on opposing QB's. But hey, EVERY unit on EVERY team got better over the offseason, as we all know.

[Burns336]

I think we got better in the secondary... Addition by subtraction with Henry and Roy. Both were over the hill. We've added some guys at SS who are not completely incompetent in coverage. Not saying they are rangy center fielders, but they are better than Williams/Davis.

LBers are about the same. Brooking may hold up better than Thomas in the middle. Although I think we really lost a crucial 3rd down guy in Kevin Burnett. We've been vulnerable across the short middle in the past few years and we finally solved that last year. Now it's back to square one unless Jason Williams gives us more than I'm expecting him too. Spencer is healthy.

D-line -- May have lost a little, pretty much a wash. Igor for Canty seems like a pretty even switch to me. Igor was a beast under Wade in San Diego. He's coming off of a down year, we'll see if he turns it around. My biggest problem is that we didn't upgrade. I thought upgrading our D-line was crucial in order to take this defense to the next level. The argument can be made that the talent wasn't available to do so, but I would think anybody over Spears would be an improvement -- Obviously Gilbert was my first target, and Chris Baker later on.

I think we can expect close to what we got last year on defense. IMO, that isn't good enough. They had some games where they looked like an elite defense, and they had others where they looked like a bottom 5 (St. Louis, Baltimore, Philly...)

My hopes of a good D will come down to the performances of a few guys. How will Jenkins be as a starter and how will Spencer be as a starter. If both can live up to their draft status, than great. Maybe we have something special. Right now, I'm "mehh" on it.

[Modano]

I just love that Keith Davis is gone. I hate him. I don't care if he's a great special teamer but the fact that he could have been on roster made me nervous. Because he could have had a shot at a starting position or he could have been starting because of an injury while he completely sucks as a safety.

[Burns336]

I actually thought Davis was a better safety than Williams over the past 2 years. Better in coverage and gave the same support in the run game.

I'm especially happy to see RW gone, and I'm fine with Davis gone. He was tapped out. We added some young guys, maybe one of them can pan out as a starter...

[E-Man]

There's some good convo going on about the defense. I guess I might as well throw in my two cents.

-I didn't want to lose Canty, but the money was just too high. Igor was an even trade however. He's a talented guy that worked well under the system. I wish that both could play together, but we all know about salary cap restrictions. I expect Igor to have a good year next to Ratliff. I love strength, and Igor is a strong guy that doesn't get pushed around.

-Spears is still here, and I think this is a contract year. For years I have been waiting for him to explode, but last year before the season I accepted him for what he is. He's a serviceable guy at best. I don't think he's crap, but he can be upgraded. Maybe Hatcher takes his spot this year, but Marcus has to play pretty well to get a new contract.

-Ratliff will continue to shine in my eyes. The guy is a hustler, and he has shown some real good improvement every year. He's one of my favorite recent steals. I really don't question him staying good at all, I just really compare him a tiny bit to Bowen. I really think Bowen is alot better than people give him credit for. He'll turn into a real good rotational guy, you'll see. He's good at getting some penetration in Wade's scheme.

-The secondary is fine. The safeties are okay enough, and Newman is still one of the best when healthy. Jenkins and Scandrick are really talented, and they'll be a strength. My problem is with the middle of the field. Even after Wade took over that middle was too vulnerable. Bradie isn't good at coverage, Brooking is barely an upgrade over Zach Thomas, and that's not saying much at all. Losing Burnett stings like hell, because he was let go for real cheap. Now there's a logjam in the middle to see who can be trusted in nickel. Jason Williams holds some exciting potential, but I'm not counting on him to do too much yet. I think 2010 is the year to get excited about him. I'm just scared that the plan will be to roll the dice. Either they say, "f@ck it, let's see what Carp does in real time." Or they just go with Stewart hoping for he best.

-Pass rushing will once again be pretty good. If there's one thing Wade is good at it's getting pressure. Ware won't get 20 sacks this season.........he'll get 25!:p Okay that's enough homerism there. Ware will be great again whether he gets 20 again, or if he gets 12. Offensive coordinators will give him a ton of attention, and that will open up avenues for other guys. Bradie is a guy that is average to above average at most things, but if there's one thing we found out about him last year it's that he can really rush the passer well. So can Ratliff and Ellis. If Ware doesn't get 20 again, Bradie gets 9, Ellis gets 8.5, and Ratliff gets 7. I'd take that! Ellis has always been a good, not great rusher. He's always needed another guy next to him to push into getting double digits. Well he got his two years back, and I don't expect him to go there again at this age. He's still a good technical guy that can get things done, even if he's lost a step.

-The wild card is Spencer. We know he's talented, but now it will be time to put up or shut up. Ware is going to be the one that gets double and triple teamed, so Spencer will have one-on-one's all day. I think what holds/held him back is that he's still getting used to the transition of moving to linebacker. Like I mentioned before, I expect him to get around 9 sacks next year. That could be 8, 9, 10, or even 11. Regardless, I want to see him get some pressure like he did back in 07 against Eli. He terrorized the hell out of him, and injured his shoulder. It's like every snap he was in the back field telling Eli that he was gone be his ***** that day. He might have gotten one sack, but he got a helluva lot of pressures and knock downs.

-Great quote by duck about pass rushers getting sacks. Sometimes a 12 sack season was only making 12 good plays while having no impact outside of that. Sometimes it's almost 12, but then you play McNabb twice, and he makes you cry. lol

[M.O.T.H.]

Davis was actually a decent backup S and over the last few years years, he was def. better than Roy was.

[LonghornsLegend]

We could actually see our defense improve on last year instead of stay the same, one reason is losing RW and getting Sensabaugh, that's an incredible upgrade there for so many obvious reasons.


Remember our defense with RW and Reeves in the slot? Ugh. Didn't matter about the pressure because they knew where they were throwing to, I don't see any glaring weaknesses back there anymore.


We have at least 3 corners who can cover very well in man coverage, Sensabaugh is great in coverage and is a play-maker as well.


I think Igor helps with the run defense, and in the middle it's probably a wash, but at least we have a future guy behind Brooking...I'm just excited about the secondary, we still have some concerns with the big guys up front but it's nice to know defenses can't pick an obvious weakness on the back half of the defense at least.

[LonghornsLegend]

I actually thought Davis was a better safety than Williams over the past 2 years. Better in coverage and gave the same support in the run game.

I'm especially happy to see RW gone, and I'm fine with Davis gone. He was tapped out. We added some young guys, maybe one of them can pan out as a starter...

I had been saying this for a long time, Roy offered nothing Davis didn't, he was just making alot more money, but once he lost his confidence and teams caught up with it, he had no shot.

[M.O.T.H.]

Sam Hurd was said to be the sharpest receiver at OTAs today by a couple of guys. Lets get this WR battle going. haha. These dont mean much but, it's nice to hear that he looked good after coming back from his surgery. They also mentioned that he has packed on even more muscle.

They had Stanback working on punt return duty, among others.

[herniateddisc]

So now everyone here hated RW and knew Keith "scrub" Davis was just as good as RW?

If history was invented yesterday.

[Burns336]

So now everyone here hated RW and knew Keith "scrub" Davis was just as good as RW?

If history was invented yesterday.

I know I had said that... can't speak for others though

[herniateddisc]

I know I had said that... can't speak for others though

U and me buddy. That is it. Short list.

[M.O.T.H.]

Yes, please find me any post where I was loving on Roy Williams. ha. Either of them.

[herniateddisc]

U and me buddy. That is it. Short list.

EDIT: I can see folks now "moving the goal posts" by taking the position prove "I loved" Roy.

[herniateddisc]

Sam Hurd was said to be the sharpest receiver at OTAs today by a couple of guys. Lets get this WR battle going. haha. These dont mean much but, it's nice to hear that he looked good after coming back from his surgery. They also mentioned that he has packed on even more muscle.

They had Stanback working on punt return duty, among others.

They also said Austin dropped some passes but was also the most explosive receiver who made a few circus catches and was running away from DBs. But here we/they are again talking Stanback and Hurd as if they really matter beyond 3/4/5 -- the Austin dislike runs deep. I wish the same folks who hate him b/c of his drops would hate TO.

Meh.

[herniateddisc]

Yes, please find me any post where I was loving on Roy Williams. ha. Either of them.

Impossible b/c you never posted on the Roy thread. So your thoughts are undocumented in the thread from back-in-the-day.

[M.O.T.H.]

EDIT: I can see folks now "moving the goal posts" by taking the position prove "I loved" Roy.

lol. I dont even know what Roy thread you're talking about and yes I am just like you and have twenty different aliases. This my only account bucko. You're a joke who only cares about internet credit. Funny thing is, the majority of fans on here didnt like Roy Williams. But of course in your mind, you're the only one and the first one to hate Roy here. Yup, Rob right as always. hahahahahahahaha. You're blind to boot.

[M.O.T.H.]

They also said Austin dropped some passes but was also the most explosive receiver who made a few circus catches and was running away from DBs. But here we/they are again talking Stanback and Hurd as if they really matter beyond 3/4/5 -- the Austin dislike runs deep. I wish the same folks who hate him b/c of his drops would hate TO.

Meh.

I dont dislike Austin, he's a Dallas Cowboy. I'm rooting for him and I expect him to win the starting job. Hope I gets my propz when he wins it. HA. Who do I sound like? :D If you would read, I have been saying that since the off-season began. Do I think Crayton or Hurd can win that job? For sure but, Austin has the upper hand and from a coaching or front office perspective, that is the guy they want to win it.

And if you were talking about the DMN Blog hating on Austin...PLEASEEEEEEE, they have the biggest man crush on Austin and his measurables.

I also said, it didnt mean anything. It's early OTA's there should be some rust, I'm just happy that Sam has come out looking sharp after his ankle surgery.

You def. come off as one of those "fans" who's opinion on something will never change despite seeing positive or negative results. Seems like you root more to be right than for your team to do well. Once again, you're a joke and I have no idea why you come back because, 9/10 posters are just annoyed by you and your constant lust for the almighty internet cred. I normally dont speak up on the matter but, gahhh. It's always the same thing with you. The funniest thing, though is that you are not nearly as right as you always think your are. And your draft "knowledge" is comprised of reading other people's scouting reports. Where as you try to bash me, someone who has actually seen these guys play and has formulated an actual opinion on the player. If you dont know about something or someone, dont comment on it, it doesnt take a genius to figure that out. If i dont know about a prospect, I wont say a peep, what good would I be? If I know about him, I'll give you guys all the info I have on the guy. I've never blocked a poster before but, I'm getting close. Love that you often neg rep me also. First of all, it's grey and second of all it's rep, so I dont care. lol.

[Burns336]

I will say that Rob had called out the demise or Roy Williams before anyone else did... Or at least before anyone else was willing to admit it and give up on him.

I remember specifically because I had some of the same sentiments and I was trying to figure out which jersey I wanted to buy and my roommates were saying "Roy Williams bro, he's the best player on your team" and I was pretty mehh because I had watched big hits disappear and coverage liability increase...

I know Rob and I are 2 of the more critical posters on here and we're quick to call players out. Just like I called Bobby Carpenter a loser bust before anyone else wanted to admit it (some still won't; he's just in the "wrong system") or calling Marcus Spears a complete loser or saying Henry was done and had no place at FS. We have an advantage at "calling it" when players go south. We're just not as optimistic as most on here.

To our credit, I'm pretty positive that there hasn't been a player that we've harped on as sucking who proved us wrong to this point? I don't remember, someone tell me if we have.

I'll add this too, when communicating over PMs with Rob he told me he thinks Roy Williams will be better for the offense than T.O. -- He said it's better to have a guy that will get 8 or 9 catches a game and move the chains than a guy who will have 3 or 4 25+ yard plays...

So there is a bit of a prediction for anyone who wants to keep score.

[M.O.T.H.]

Who cares who says what first? Most of us shared those sentiments. The constant badgering and pleading for a pat on the back get's old. Rob makes some good posts every now and then but, it's all brought down as a whole when he keeps reverting back to his old self. We all get our share of things right and we all get the first good comment in here but we dont all come on here constantly asking for some major internet kudos. It's like every other post. gah. It's not like he's a stranger to personal attacks either. Meh, I shouldnt have gone with the personal attack, myself...sorry. But, enough is enough already. How many times does this need to be expressed by a plethera of posters? geez. I guess the internet really is serious business.

[Burns336]

I'm just trying to give everyone their due and settle it down in here. I can play peace maker too. haha.

[LonghornsLegend]

Who cares who says what first? Most of us shared those sentiments. The constant badgering and pleading for a pat on the back get's old. Rob makes some good posts every now and then but, it's all brought down as a whole when he keeps reverting back to his old self. We all get our share of things right and we all get the first good comment in here but we dont all come on here constantly asking for some major internet kudos. It's like every other post. gah. It's not like he's a stranger to personal attacks either. Meh, I shouldnt have gone with the personal attack, myself...sorry. But, enough is enough already. How many times does this need to be expressed by a plethera of posters? geez. I guess the internet really is serious business.


Exactly, that's the whole thing, he's always bringing up stuff from 3 years ago like and wants to puff his chest out and say "I said it first while you fannie boys were rooting him on", he has the same remarks about RW every few weeks like it's nothing new.


He doesn't want to talk about how he badgered us to draft Sidney Rice for a "red zone weapon" and how we were so stupid not to do it...Give it a few more weeks, then anything positive said you will be a "fan boy", and it will go back to Jerry Jones being terrible, Parcells being God, RW sucks and I told you guys first along with Spears, Abram Elams, etc etc etc.


Then he gets banned once he doesn't care anymore, and he comes back in two weeks...Same story, I wouldn't even read his post if you guys didn't quote him, I've got the same person on ignore under 5+ names at this point.

[Burns336]

I think the reason he brings it back up though is because he gets flamed extremely hard.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular, but he's had a lot of ideas on here where he's gotten flamed like crazy so when that idea he had starts to materialize (Roy sucking, Spears being tried at NT, etc..) I think it's more of a "so I guess I wasn't so crazy after all" to start and then it turns into something more.

I get it more because I get criticized a lot more than you guys. I say stuff that's pretty far out there and get flamed for it (not necessarily in here, but on other threads) so when I'm right, I like to come back and say **** you, who's the idiot now?

Just my viewpoint.

[herniateddisc]

I think the reason he brings it back up though is because he gets flamed extremely hard.

And by the same posters every time.

I think it's more of a "so I guess I wasn't so crazy after all" to start and then it turns into something more.

True.

so when I'm right, I like to come back and say **** you, who's the idiot now?

Thank you.

[herniateddisc]

.... Most of us shared those sentiments. ...

Add that is what is irksome. The flat out inaccuracy. Um, NO MOST DID NOT! They certainly did not share the sentiments Roy was done.

History, invented yesterday, always tastes good.

[M.O.T.H.]

Add that is what is irksome. The flat out inaccuracy. Um, NO MOST DID NOT! They certainly did not share the sentiments Roy was done.

History, invented yesterday, always tastes good.

Well unless you're talking years ago. But opinions obviously change in time, atleast they do for normal people...who has been praising Roy Williams for the last two years or so? Because, I honestly cannot recall.

and again, just because, my name isnt in one thread about Roy Williams means I loved the guy or wanted him here? Love that logic. I've wanted him gone as well for quite a while and have expressed that in many a posts scattered about in many a threads.

[Burns336]

Just remembered.

Bradie James is a guy I was wrong about.

He had a fringe pro bowl year last year, which I never saw coming. I don't think he's ever going to be a "pro-bowl play maker" but he's certainly exceeded his expectations as a 4th round draft choice and he's done better than I thought he could.

Hope he keeps it up. Ill eat that crow.

[LonghornsLegend]

Just remembered.

Bradie James is a guy I was wrong about.

He had a fringe pro bowl year last year, which I never saw coming. I don't think he's ever going to be a "pro-bowl play maker" but he's certainly exceeded his expectations as a 4th round draft choice and he's done better than I thought he could.

Hope he keeps it up. Ill eat that crow.

Ha, you beat me to it lol, I thought about that at work and came back to post as a reminder :) Granted he's not an elite type of guy, but if can continue to be a vocal leader(which we do need), and perform to the level of last year I'll be happy.


Let's see how he follows it up though.

[LonghornsLegend]

I think the reason he brings it back up though is because he gets flamed extremely hard.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular, but he's had a lot of ideas on here where he's gotten flamed like crazy so when that idea he had starts to materialize (Roy sucking, Spears being tried at NT, etc..) I think it's more of a "so I guess I wasn't so crazy after all" to start and then it turns into something more.

I get it more because I get criticized a lot more than you guys. I say stuff that's pretty far out there and get flamed for it (not necessarily in here, but on other threads) so when I'm right, I like to come back and say **** you, who's the idiot now?

Just my viewpoint.


Rob is over playing that whole RW thing, yes there were people here who thought he could still play, but for one, Rob wasn't the first person on earth who thought Roy sucked, and he carries around this whole cocky and brash attitude like he was the first genius to figure that out.


ALOT of people around here felt that way, but we knew it was pointless to really argue about because a few years ago we knew his contract was going to make it hard for him to go, and he'd probably have to start....There were alot more of us that wanted him to just play running downs, and felt he could still make an impact there and force fumbles.


Yes he was right, but I don't think he got "flamed" for anything, people disagreed with him, that's what we do around here...Me and MOTH disagree on probably everything, or at least 90% of things but there is a certain way you can go about it.


Everyone here can play that same song and dance, go back and say what they called right, but Rob also had ALOT of things wrong to, so what makes him so special? Why do we always have to get into a RW argument when he comes around? OK, get your "haha I was right you were wrong" comments in, but we have heard his over and over and over now.


If he's discussing something new, fine, but he's like deja vu all over again talking about the same stuff and telling everybody they are/were wrong.

[LonghornsLegend]

Anyway does anyone like Marcus Dixon? We stashed him away and were supposedly excited about him, he's someone that I'm tabbing to keep my eye on in Training Camp.

[herniateddisc]

If he's discussing something new, fine, but he's like deja vu all over again talking about the same stuff and telling everybody they are/were wrong.

Again, another flat out lie presented as facts and fact is folks here go bonkers whenever I present a new thought. If only RW was the last of it.

Anyone remember me killing Romo for mechanics and ball security? How he had problems with the ball in cold and wet weather? Oh man, another one I got hammered on but I was .......

NEW? Draft was horrid. RW is better than TO b/c he can get first downs on a more consistent basis with less drama. TO is shot. Jenkins is a better FS fit. Martellus will self destruct. We have one too many RBs and will lose one to FA b/c of a too big contract for MBIII. Kosier is a difference maker in the OL in spite of his short comings. Meatball is still a moron and will be fired this year. Romo will be much better this year but still has ball security issues in the cold and wet weather. Our MLB will lose us 2 games this season with their over pursuit and bad angles. Our Secondary is much better and we might lead the league in sacks. Our run D will melt down like last year b/c we have a DE playing NT and running one-gap with mediocre MLB. Jerry will have a melt down this season on camera. If Carp actually plays OLB again-- he will make a difference. Spencer is a bust b/c he is a head case. Most of these rookies will make the team and do nothing b/c Jerry wants to keep validating his picks.

I could go on and on and on.

[diesel]

Jenkins is a better FS fit.

I think he did alright considering teams would rather throw on him than Henry or T-New.... We also had pacman last year who didn't do as bad as most make it out to be unless you are talking returns.

Weird fact - I just saw that Jenkins was born in Neuenburg, Germany. Didn't know that.


Martellus will self destruct.

He will do nothing but the opposite. He has incredible talent and we saw flashes of it his first season.


We have one too many RBs and will lose one to FA b/c of a too big contract for MBIII.

Unfortunaltely you are right. I don't really think there is a question in who. Barber, Felix, or Choice... HMMMMMM.


Kosier is a difference maker in the OL in spite of his short comings.


Maybe, but to be honest EVERYONE on our line is a difference maker. Kosier was just better than the garbage we had behind him. To be honest I really think Holland could hold his own there if he had to.


Meatball is still a moron and will be fired this year.

Orrrrrrrrrrrrr makes this defense amazing and Jason Garrett gets the axe?


Romo will be much better this year but still has ball security issues in the cold and wet weather.

Again, I hope you are wrong but I doubt it, I wish he'd go Warner style and put some gloves on maybe that'll help. Small hands?


Most of these rookies will make the team and do nothing b/c Jerry wants to keep validating his picks.

Who does he do that with now? And most probably will because they came to replace the terrible depth we have. I for one am excited about Butler, Williams (Jason and Brandon) and Mickens.



Spencer is a bust b/c he is a head case.

Because he got wasted one night? Or for some other reason that only you know?


Our run D will melt down like last year b/c we have a DE playing NT and running one-gap with mediocre MLB.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=teamrush&sort=ypg&pos=def&league=nfl&year=2008&season=2

We were 12th in run defense last year. BUT WAIT, we were also 21st in run offense, is that going to be a problem this year? If you are looking at the Ravens 2 big run plays then I guess I see where you are coming from. I don't have the numbers but I don't think a lot of them were up the middle. As for the MLB I can't disagree, I'm tired of bringing in these old geezers.


Jerry will have a melt down this season on camera.

Just talking out of your ass.



I could go on and on and on.

Please do so.

[herniateddisc]

Just talking out of your ass.

So are you and everyone else here but I don't see you insulting them ... oh wait, you agree with them as do most ever-green Cowboy fans.

And with respect to Run D, you must have missed the the following games in addition to Ravens (pom poms must get in the way I guess) ....

G-Men week 9.
Redskins week 4.
St Louis week 7.
Philly week 17.

We got rolled and rolled EARLY.

Great Defense might get burned with big passes but never with the run.

[Macarthur]

Anyway does anyone like Marcus Dixon? We stashed him away and were supposedly excited about him, he's someone that I'm tabbing to keep my eye on in Training Camp.

I think they like him, and let's not forget about Salivii. He's a guy that was drafted in the 2nd round and started 12 games, I think, for KC. He has some issues and was out of football for a while, but word is he has matured and the coaches really like him.

[bigbluedefense]

We have some good defensive convo goin on in here. I wish I could quote everything and talk in detail, but I just don't have that time right now.

A quick sidenote I want to discuss with you guys: I'm probably the minority in this belief, but I think the Cowboys would actually benefit from converting to a 4-3 defense.

Ratliff is a beast, but he'd be an even bigger beast as a 4-3 UT. Ware is a monster regardless of where you throw him.

And a 4-3 front will help alleviate the issue at NT. Igor would make a very stoute 4-3 NT, as would Marcus Spears. I personally believe Spears could salvage his career as a 4-3 NT.

Spencer and Ellis can rotate at DE.

Your LB core could then be quicker and smaller, and do a better job covering those intermediate routes.

In the 3-4, you still need a true NT, you need another pressure DE, and you have issues at ILB. A simple switch to a 4-3 front I think solves a lot of issues.

And for those worried about this effecting Ware's versatility, I don't see how it would. Ware can be just as versatile as a DE as he would as a LB. He can still drop in coverage on zone blitzes, and you can move him along the dline like we do with Tuck. I see no reason why he can't do that as well.

[Burns336]

We have some good defensive convo goin on in here. I wish I could quote everything and talk in detail, but I just don't have that time right now.

A quick sidenote I want to discuss with you guys: I'm probably the minority in this belief, but I think the Cowboys would actually benefit from converting to a 4-3 defense.

Ratliff is a beast, but he'd be an even bigger beast as a 4-3 UT. Ware is a monster regardless of where you throw him.

And a 4-3 front will help alleviate the issue at NT. Igor would make a very stoute 4-3 NT, as would Marcus Spears. I personally believe Spears could salvage his career as a 4-3 NT.

Spencer and Ellis can rotate at DE.

Your LB core could then be quicker and smaller, and do a better job covering those intermediate routes.

In the 3-4, you still need a true NT, you need another pressure DE, and you have issues at ILB. A simple switch to a 4-3 front I think solves a lot of issues.

And for those worried about this effecting Ware's versatility, I don't see how it would. Ware can be just as versatile as a DE as he would as a LB. He can still drop in coverage on zone blitzes, and you can move him along the dline like we do with Tuck. I see no reason why he can't do that as well.

I'm pretty sure Jerry is sold on the 3-4. I would imagine he will not give up until he views himself as successful in building one.

Plus, even though most people think Ware would be fine where ever (I do), I don't think Jerry would risk it.

And I know this is still unlikely, but D has been pointing it out for awhile and the pieces are starting to fall into place for Wade to be demoted to DC.

I still have my doubts that Wade is that big of a *****, but you never know...

[M.O.T.H.]

I think they like him, and let's not forget about Salivii. He's a guy that was drafted in the 2nd round and started 12 games, I think, for KC. He has some issues and was out of football for a while, but word is he has matured and the coaches really like him.

If he stays healthy Junior is a lock to make the team. His only competition was Anderson and he's out for a long while now. Dixon would either be a 5th end or would have to beat out Bowen. After the season Bowen just had...that wont happen. But again, if they like him enough and feel they can do it, maybe he's a 5th DE.

[Burns336]

It doesn't inspire much confidence with the fans when you have to go sign someone like Jonus Seawright to fill in as depth at the 2nd most important position on your defense.

It's just pathetic that some retread like Saivaii (sp?) and this fat whale we brought in is all we have behind Ratliff.

If he got injured, what would we do?

[pocketaces]

Stanback is out again. Knee surgery this time. Per DMN....

[Burns336]

Saw that.

Bust.

He'll be back before the start of training camp though, so he'll still have a chance to show something.

Seems like a lost cause at this point.

[herniateddisc]

Saw that.

Bust.

He'll be back before the start of training camp though, so he'll still have a chance to show something.

Seems like a lost cause at this point.

Too bad for him but who is surprised at this point? Another personnel adventure gone wrong.

[Burns336]

Too bad for him but who is surprised at this point? Another personnel adventure gone wrong.

The problem this creates is the perceived lack of WR's if Austin doesn't produce good enough this year which will prompt Jerry to ignore LT/NT once again and instead go after a skill position too early in next years draft.

Then we will be on year 5 in the 3-4 defense without doing anything to address the D-line weakness.

I see it coming already, haha.

[E-Man]

We have some good defensive convo goin on in here. I wish I could quote everything and talk in detail, but I just don't have that time right now.

A quick sidenote I want to discuss with you guys: I'm probably the minority in this belief, but I think the Cowboys would actually benefit from converting to a 4-3 defense.

Ratliff is a beast, but he'd be an even bigger beast as a 4-3 UT. Ware is a monster regardless of where you throw him.

And a 4-3 front will help alleviate the issue at NT. Igor would make a very stoute 4-3 NT, as would Marcus Spears. I personally believe Spears could salvage his career as a 4-3 NT.

Spencer and Ellis can rotate at DE.

Your LB core could then be quicker and smaller, and do a better job covering those intermediate routes.

In the 3-4, you still need a true NT, you need another pressure DE, and you have issues at ILB. A simple switch to a 4-3 front I think solves a lot of issues.

And for those worried about this effecting Ware's versatility, I don't see how it would. Ware can be just as versatile as a DE as he would as a LB. He can still drop in coverage on zone blitzes, and you can move him along the dline like we do with Tuck. I see no reason why he can't do that as well.

I see where you're coming from, and it's a good assessment. I think the D-line would really be strong if the defense was converted to a 4-3. Ware would be an elite, maybe even the best D-end in the league, and a Spencer/Ellis rotation would be nice. The big thing is that Ware is still best suited for a 3-4. He'd still be great at end in a 4-3, but I think him roaming in a 3-4 is a lot better for the defense. He can drop back in coverage at D-end, but with him standing up gives him that extra edge. If his hand was on the line, his drop off into coverage would be a second or two later than it would with him already standing before the play starts. Of course with a player like Ware, he would probably be great at almost anything. Hell part of me even thinks he would be good as a outside backer in a 4-3. Of course I wouldn't do that, but you get what I'm saying.

[M.O.T.H.]

None of us should be surprised with Stanback...but, good to get this out of the way now. It's a clean up, Burnett got it done before last season. If he's getting hurt with minimal to no contact, he wouldnt have lasted. This should atleast strengthen that knee up. Hopefully, it will hold up and put an end to his knee injuries.

[LonghornsLegend]

Yea, Stanback is finished, the guy cannot stay healthy to save his life, and he is always missing valuable reps at WR which he really needs, I don't expect him to make any value what so ever with us and should be cut soon.


In other news, Calvin Watkins is reporting Ellis is on the block:

The Cowboys have reportedly put OLB Greg Ellis on the trading block.
The report comes from NFL Fanhouse's Calvin Watkins, who doubles as a beat writer for the Dallas Morning News. Ellis, 34, is due to earn $4.15 million in the final year of his contract. He's been sent him home from OTAs, so the team is serious about dealing him to open up a starting spot for 2007 first-rounder Anthony Spencer. They Cowboys are targeting the Bengals and Patriots, though the Pats are said to have no interest.
Source: nfl.fanhouse.com


We knew this was coming too as soon as we picked up all those pass-rushers, I'm fine with it, I know he's a great player but the constant whining and crying gets old...If you cannot accept your role you have to go.

[LonghornsLegend]

I also forgot to add that Sammie Stroughter has been making alot of noise for the Bucs and they have been impressed so far, ideal slot WR, explosive return man, he was who I had pegged to us in the 7th and he makes so much more sense then the OU WR.


We needed a guy who could play the slot and take over Crayton's job in a year or so, Mannuel Johnson is an outside WR, and he can't help on returns, Stroughter would of been a great value pick for what we need in the 7th round.


Oh well, hopefully he doesn't go on to be a stud for them lol.

[E-Man]

Yea, Stanback is finished, the guy cannot stay healthy to save his life, and he is always missing valuable reps at WR which he really needs, I don't expect him to make any value what so ever with us and should be cut soon.


In other news, Calvin Watkins is reporting Ellis is on the block:




We knew this was coming too as soon as we picked up all those pass-rushers, I'm fine with it, I know he's a great player but the constant whining and crying gets old...If you cannot accept your role you have to go.

He'd be a loss, and maybe a big one if Spencer isn't the real deal. I've gone back and forth about him since last year. At one point I was so frustrated with his play that I wanted him traded. I understand a guy getting old, but his bitching in the offseason did him no favors. He still is a goo pass rusher though, and someone would need to step up in his place. Spencer has the tools, but can he put it together? Time will tell. I hope that something good can be had for Greg, but I'm not naive. It'll probably be a conditional late round pick. Maybe a 6th that can move up to a 5th, or luckily a 4th.

[nrcirc]

We should trade Ellis or maybe plus Pat Watkins for Chat Johnson.

[herniateddisc]

We should trade Ellis or maybe plus Pat Watkins for Chat Johnson.

Yeah, and if we throw in Carpenter we can maybe get Carson Palmer too.

(** you do realise those are two players likely to not even make the 53 man cut?)

[FinChase]

Yeah, and if we throw in Carpenter we can maybe get Carson Palmer too.

(** you do realise those are two players likely to not even make the 53 man cut?)

I don't know, I'll bet we can get Chat Johnson cheap. Now, Chad Johnson might really cost us. :D

[LonghornsLegend]

He'd be a loss, and maybe a big one if Spencer isn't the real deal. I've gone back and forth about him since last year. At one point I was so frustrated with his play that I wanted him traded. I understand a guy getting old, but his bitching in the offseason did him no favors. He still is a goo pass rusher though, and someone would need to step up in his place. Spencer has the tools, but can he put it together? Time will tell. I hope that something good can be had for Greg, but I'm not naive. It'll probably be a conditional late round pick. Maybe a 6th that can move up to a 5th, or luckily a 4th.

It would be a risk, but it's put up or shut up time for Spencer, he needs to be a full-time starter and stay healthy and being a 1st round pick we shouldn't still need an old 34 year old guy hanging around.


I think besides him running his mouth so much, it probably has some to do with Ware's contract, we free up about 5 million in space releasing him.

[leroyisgod]

Screw Chad Johnson, we don't need him.

Losing Ellis would be kind of bitter sweet. I just don't feel like we have enough depth at OLB to cut him loose.

[E-Man]

It would be a risk, but it's put up or shut up time for Spencer, he needs to be a full-time starter and stay healthy and being a 1st round pick we shouldn't still need an old 34 year old guy hanging around.


I think besides him running his mouth so much, it probably has some to do with Ware's contract, we free up about 5 million in space releasing him.

Yeah Spencer won't have any excuses not to perform. His first year was Ellis' best year, his second had injuries. Now the cards stack up for him to show what he has. He won't have Ellis taking snaps away from him, he's been in the same system going on 3 years now at the same spot. He's got to show something this year to keep him around.


Oh and good looking on on Ware. Ware's contract has been a big priority, and it looks like the room from Ellis could help that out.

[LizardState]

Yeah Spencer won't have any excuses not to perform. His first year was Ellis' best year, his second had injuries. Now the cards stack up for him to show what he has. He won't have Ellis taking snaps away from him, he's been in the same system going on 3 years now at the same spot. He's got to show something this year to keep him around.


Oh and good looking on on Ware. Ware's contract has been a big priority, and it looks like the room from Ellis could help that out.

Ellis is looking more like a release, since the 2 trading partners who were reported to be interested, Cincy Bengals & the NE Pats, have gotten cold feet:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4199484

Now it looks like he'll be another over the hill DE with the Fins like Jason Taylor. Too bad, I remember back in the day (puts on Wayback time machine magic helmet) when he & Ebenezer Ekuban were 2 DEs taken #1 in 2 successive yrs. from UNC, Ekuban reached the point of diminishing returns in about 3 yrs. to go thru a series of 1-yrs. with teams like Denver who were desperate for d-line help while Ellis went on to become their best defensive player in the Parcells yrs. until Ware & Bradie James showed up. One yr. he led the league with INTs as well as TFLS into Wk. 3-4 as a DE.

Why tf the team wanted to trade with the NE pats IDK, Bellichick drives the hardest bargain in the business, he stockpiles picks in almost every yearly draft it seem this way, fleecing other teams trading with them who are looking to dump pricey aging talent who the Pats give a 2nd wind to their careers... didn't the Raiders used to have a reputation for doing just that, before they became the official retired on the job, last career NFL stop team? I can only assume the Pats wanted him b/c they have a history of preferring experienced defensive players replacing their injured ones, like Ellis for Bruschi or whoever in this case, but maybe Ellis had too much mileage even for them.

[herniateddisc]

The reason why no one will give you anything for Ellis or gave us anything for Roy Williams is they know full well these are cuts.

That fans believe the nonsense coming from VR about trading him is dumb -- a "press leak" about a trad is created to avoid fan criticism for eventually letting him.

Only really dumb teams actually give up value for OK ball players who are making too much money for their current team. Most smart teams wait for cuts and pick them up for free.

Ellis won't make it this year b/c we invested too much in OLB talent and need to sign Ware. And, I for one, am desperately happy about it.

[herniateddisc]

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/05/post-20.html#leavecomments

.. exactly why a few wanted T-hoe gone. And to all the guys who said "this was fabricated at ESPN" -- come back to reality.

Talk about a Divider and not a Uniter -- this dude is the ultimate divide and conquer mentality. Glad he is shot and will bomb in Buffalo -- particularly second half of the season when the cold makes those footballs even harder than T-hoe's hands.

Enjoy obscurity you closet queen!

[E-Man]

I remember when Ellis and Ekuban were supposed to be a big tandem. The two North Carolina guys that were going to bring the pass rush back to Dallas. What sucked is that Ellis' second year was freaking fire! The dude was beasting it at a Pro Bowl level until Alonzo Spellman's sorry ass broke his leg. Ellis after that was a good pass rusher on a line with no good rushers to keep the pressure off him. Ekuban sucked from the start, but his second year he looked like he could be something. His first half of the season was bad, but in the last 5 games he got like six sacks before getting hurt. Then the next year he flopped, and sucked until Parcells got here. At least Ellis turned out to be a good, consistent player for many years. He never was an all star without needing someone else to take pressure off him, but he was better than most DEs. I always thought of him as a poor man's Strahan. A complete guy that gives you good pass rush, and can stop the run pretty well.

As for the T.O. thing, I couldn't really give a rats ass. I think he'll do well, and I have no ill will toward him. But I really don't care what he says or does now. He has no relevant role to the team now, and my policy for this year would be to just ignore anything said about him. Sure he was a big factor into the offense, but that's gone and never coming back. If he gets 1500 yards and 20 TDs while Romo struggles, then I'll get mad. But other than that he's just another vet that was cut loose from an underachieving team.

[LonghornsLegend]

Looks like it's official Ellis is gone one way or another, but most people saw this coming a long time ago...I had been hoping for him to go after TO, Roy, and Pacman left, when we drafted two pass-rushers that was the final straw.


NE would be interested in him no doubt about it once he got released.

[herniateddisc]

Looks like it's official Ellis is gone one way or another, but most people saw this coming a long time ago...I had been hoping for him to go after TO, Roy, and Pacman left, when we drafted two pass-rushers that was the final straw.


NE would be interested in him no doubt about it once he got released.

I predict Carolina Panthers as vehicle for their trading Peppers. Ellis goes home in the process and can give them 2-3 years as a situational rusher right where Pepper used to play.

Otherwise, Bengals with Zim.

NE doesn't make sense to me personally (youth movement). Miami neither (too many old OLB in Taylor and Porter).

[E-Man]

I predict Carolina Panthers as vehicle for their trading Peppers. Ellis goes home in the process and can give them 2-3 years as a situational rusher right where Pepper used to play.

Otherwise, Bengals with Zim.

NE doesn't make sense to me personally (youth movement). Miami neither (too many old OLB in Taylor and Porter).
Good call on Carolina. It would be a really nice fit for him to be close to home again.

[E-Man]

Anyone watch that Top 10 Cowboys show on NFL Network? The list from 10 to 1 goes as:

Drew Pearson
Don Merideth
Randy White
Tony Dorsett
Troy Aikman
Emmitt Smith
Bob Lilly
Michael Irvin
Roger Staubach
Tom Landry

I'm not too keen on this list, as it features only one non player when you can make arguments for another. Nothing against Landry,but you can give Tex Schramm just as much props as him. Emmitt at number 5? He's probably the second most productive player in NFL history. I'm a huge Irvin fan, but Emmitt should be higher at least. You can make an argument for Aikman too. My Larry Allen non *** man love also makes me upset that he didn't make this list.

[ricowboy]

Stewart to the Eagles! Great move for the Eagles. Stewart was a great position coach in SD before coming to Dallas. He knows our team inside and out. This could be trouble.

[Burns336]

I predict Carolina Panthers as vehicle for their trading Peppers. Ellis goes home in the process and can give them 2-3 years as a situational rusher right where Pepper used to play.

Otherwise, Bengals with Zim.

NE doesn't make sense to me personally (youth movement). Miami neither (too many old OLB in Taylor and Porter).

I'm guessing Green Bay. Kampman isn't talking to the media because he's mad about the switch to the 3-4. Ellis has been there before. He can come in as a situational guy and help Kampman transition. It's a new 3-4 team that doesn't have much depth at OLB and no one better than Ellis to my knowledge.

[E-Man]

Stewart to the Eagles! Great move for the Eagles. Stewart was a great position coach in SD before coming to Dallas. He knows our team inside and out. This could be trouble.

That can be used to the Eagles advantage, but remember that Stewart wasn't that good here. Of course he was a young coordinator, so I think this is a wait and see move. He could be useful to them for game planning, but he could also stink it up again.

[LonghornsLegend]

Cowboys released OLB/DE Greg Ellis.
The anticipated move clears $5.6 million in cap room, likely setting up Dallas to strike a long-term accord with contract-year OLB DeMarcus Ware. Ellis is 34, but showed that he can still play by posting eight sacks last season. He'd be best utilized as a rotational end in a 4-3 defense. The Bengals, Rams, Jaguars, and Redskins would all be smart to give him a look.
per roto


Good amount of cap room saved by doing this, this is what the great drafting teams do all the time, no reason to pay that much for a 34 year old LB when we drafted his replacement in the first two years ago.

[M.O.T.H.]

I loved Greg Ellis while he was here. Still effective but, not at his best anymore. Things got a little ugly the last few years but, that was one of our two longest tenured Cowboys right there. Hopefully he catches on as a starter at end somewhere. I want to see him do well and I'm hoping that will come in a 4-3 defense again. I remember how excited I was when we signed him to that big extension all those years ago.

As for Spence, I expect him to be absolutely fine this year. I'm looking forward to him finally taking over full time. Hopefully we'll see a nice healthy dose of Brandon Williams and/or Vic Butler as well.

[Ward]

Greg Ellis - who should have been Randy Moss - was an ungrateful whiner. Good riddance.

[E-Man]

Man $5.6 is alot of room. With that type of money, it's best that he's gone. Let Spencer boom or bust this year, but you get some wiggle room for DeMarcus' extension. That's probably the top priority this offseason anyway.

[LonghornsLegend]

In just two weeks of OTAs, Gerald Sensabaugh has looked impressive, according to Coach Phillips. The strong safety may just be a perfect fit in this style of the 3-4 defense.

"Sensabaugh looks outstanding," Phillips said last week. "He’s really got a lot of ability, good worth ethic, but he can really cover a lot of ground. We can cover in man to man with him . . . he has great speed along with cover ability."

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2009/6/2/895982/the-valley-ranch-review-finally



This is great news for Sensabaugh, this was a big weak spot for us the past few years, if anything just because we didn't have anyone who could cover from the SS spot.


I think he's a great fit for our defense, and he's playing hard to get a big contract next summer ie Hamlin a few years back so we should expect some big things from him and our entire secondary this year.


Our pass defense was ranked 5th, we should be able to create alot more interceptions and turnovers this year with the personnel changes and the coverage should be just as good.


Here's a little blurb on Deangelo Smith too:

"I like him as a ball-hawk and a hitter," Cowboys defensive backs coach Dave Campo said. "And his ability to go to the football. He has a real good instinct for the football, so he's going to start out at safety. Now, we're going to play him some at corner, but that's not going to be his main position. His main position is going to be free safety. I really graded him as a safety more than I did as a corner."


Will be interesting to see how he develops and if we just switch Ken Hamlin to SS and let Smith be our centerfielder...Not getting my hopes up yet, but it's exciting that Wade is starting to hand pick some guys he thinks fit perfectly for his defense, instead of working around the spare parts that were still here.

[E-Man]

I really like that news about Sensabaugh. If he ends up being a steal, then Hamlin can be allowed to develop behind him without being thrown to the wolves. Sensabaugh is pretty young too, so if he both look good you end up being able to do alot of things with them in the future. Then if Smith is as good as they think he can be, they could use some really interesting packages in the future. Maybe they can have a "weak" package of safeties with Ken Ham and Smith to prep more for down field threat, and maybe they can have a "strong" package with Mike Ham and Sensabaugh to use more for stopping the run. Of course this is just some OTAs, so I'm not going gaga over someone looking good now. I am glad that there is some kind of news though. I hate this time of year for lack of football news.

[M.O.T.H.]

The first time we break out the wildcat or "razorback" is going to be crazy. I absolutely hate the idea of splitting Tony out at WR, though. Getting Tony killed while not actually under center is just what we need. ugh. But this should just be an amazing formation for Felix. Get him in the open field and set the faces to stunned. :)

As for other OTA news...kind of sucks that we cant keep Austin and Hurd on the field right now. Granted they're both nursing minor injuries and they're out for precautionary reasons to assure their health but, still.

[E-Man]

http://cdn3.libsyn.com/bigdaddydrew/Martellus.mp3?nvb=20090605191057&nva=20090606192057&t=076a8043bc030f6fcb6de

Haha Martellus is a funny dude. I was laughing my ass off when he said he'd call a one legged woman "hip hop."

[Ward]

Not sure if everyone caught it, Mike Jenkins is taking over #21 and ditching #31. Here's hoping Deion's # inspires a Deion-type performance this season. We need the interceptions.

[bigbluedefense]

I might be in the minority with this, but I think you lost a lot with Ellis. He was still your 4th best pass rusher (assuming Spencer steps up and becomes your #3 guy).

It was time to let him go and move on, but its still a blow. You don't have a 4th guy who can step up and replace him.


I am a believer in Spencer though. I think he's going to have a good year.


In an unrelated note, I know I'm late with this but....Jon Kitna?

Jon Kitna? What made Jerry Jones think that was a good idea? I read in here that Jon Kitna is going to push Romo? Really? And how on earth does he plan on doing that? Jon Kitna is nothing more than a spiritual Brad Johnson.

Same noodle arm. He doesn't change a thing if Romo goes down. Horrible pick up, especially with guys like Leftwich available at the time. Even Chris Simms.

Chris Simms will make a comeback btw :)

[LonghornsLegend]

I might be in the minority with this, but I think you lost a lot with Ellis. He was still your 4th best pass rusher (assuming Spencer steps up and becomes your #3 guy).

It was time to let him go and move on, but its still a blow. You don't have a 4th guy who can step up and replace him.


I am a believer in Spencer though. I think he's going to have a good year.


In an unrelated note, I know I'm late with this but....Jon Kitna?

Jon Kitna? What made Jerry Jones think that was a good idea? I read in here that Jon Kitna is going to push Romo? Really? And how on earth does he plan on doing that? Jon Kitna is nothing more than a spiritual Brad Johnson.

Same noodle arm. He doesn't change a thing if Romo goes down. Horrible pick up, especially with guys like Leftwich available at the time. Even Chris Simms.

Chris Simms will make a comeback btw :)


Maybe we do lose something with Ellis, he's still a good player so it wouldn't be surprising, but this is the way the good teams operate, let the old pricey veterans go for their draft replacements. This is the way you would rather it be, versus keeping him until he's 36 years old with that type of contract, there was absolutely no reason to keep him anymore, at some point you have to part ways.


Jon Kitna is a back-up QB, what's so horrible about that? Who were we going to get that was that much better? Leftwich wanted a chance to start somewhere he would of rather went back to Pittsburgh then coming here and learning a new system.


We weren't looking for a future starter, we wanted a vet that knows how to throw the football and make some plays, Kitna is far from terrible if your talking about a back-up QB, I mean you guys just finished having Davin Carr as your back-up no? Equally as terrible?


He's an upgrade over Brad Johnson by a significant amount, and if he were to start he'd be able to get the ball to our play makers and let the running game take over, all we were looking for was a bus driver type, and his familiarity with RW may of been a bonus.



I don't think anyone said he was going to push Romo for a job and if they are don't pay any attention to them, everyone knows that's not even a realistic scenario, nobody is pushing Romo for a job because there is no way he isn't the starter for at least two more years...By then we would be hoping Stephen McGee would be ready to show something, but I wouldn't really call Kitna terrible.



It's a bit of a youth movement going on, so I expect growing pains with the new pass rushers and the drop off with Ellis, but you can't expect to leave around veterans when you drafted a 1st rounder at that position two years ago, especially when Wade is so high on Spencer...It would be different if we could of kept Ellis around as a situational pass-rusher for a discounted price but he had no interest in that.

[LonghornsLegend]

Not sure if everyone caught it, Mike Jenkins is taking over #21 and ditching #31. Here's hoping Deion's # inspires a Deion-type performance this season. We need the interceptions.

The best corners always want #21 when they come here :D He has to step it up to rock that number, I can't wait to see our DB's in action, if T-new can actually stay healthy.


I'm gonna go nuts if Newman gets hurt before Training Camp is even over...He was so durable his first 4 or so years, never missing a game, now he seems too frail.

[herniateddisc]

The best corners always want #21 when they come here :D He has to step it up to rock that number, I can't wait to see our DB's in action, if T-new can actually stay healthy.


I'm gonna go nuts if Newman gets hurt before Training Camp is even over...He was so durable his first 4 or so years, never missing a game, now he seems too frail.

Because he is over 30. That is why in football you never let a monster contract vest more than 40% after their 30th birthday.

[E-Man]

I might be in the minority with this, but I think you lost a lot with Ellis. He was still your 4th best pass rusher (assuming Spencer steps up and becomes your #3 guy).

It was time to let him go and move on, but its still a blow. You don't have a 4th guy who can step up and replace him.


I am a believer in Spencer though. I think he's going to have a good year.


In an unrelated note, I know I'm late with this but....Jon Kitna?

Jon Kitna? What made Jerry Jones think that was a good idea? I read in here that Jon Kitna is going to push Romo? Really? And how on earth does he plan on doing that? Jon Kitna is nothing more than a spiritual Brad Johnson.

Same noodle arm. He doesn't change a thing if Romo goes down. Horrible pick up, especially with guys like Leftwich available at the time. Even Chris Simms.

Chris Simms will make a comeback btw :)

You seem to have alot of faith in Spencer, and I can see why. Looking at him when he started those first 6 games, he looked like he would turn into someone really good. As a rookie he seemed like the guy that was almost always close to making big plays. I chalk that up to adjusting to the NFL, and had Ellis not had his best season, Anthony could've had a pretty solid rookie year. I don't want to blindly expect him to explode into a double digit season, but I do expect him to play well this year.

As for Kitna..........yeah I hated that too. He's only minutely better than Brad Johnson, and even then he sucks something fierce. I really wanted Leftwich, but I guess money was more of a factor since Ware is getting an extension. The Cowboys just seem to be going cheap to prepare for that hit, so maybe that's why Kitna was the quick choice.

[LonghornsLegend]

I really wanted Leftwich, but I guess money was more of a factor since Ware is getting an extension. The Cowboys just seem to be going cheap to prepare for that hit, so maybe that's why Kitna was the quick choice.

Leftwich had a choice of where he ended up, and he wanted to start...Coming here made no sense to him because Pitt wanted him to come back to be a back-up and they just won the super bowl, he really would have no reason or interest to come here vs staying in Pitt, he wasn't going to play at either spot.


Kitna may of looked like crap, but let's be honest, how good would Tony Romo of looked behind Detroit's line? He looks like crap behind out line at times, so I think Kitna will be more then just a bit better then Brad Johnson, he couldn't even complete a slant route.

[E-Man]

Kitna's suckage happened way before Detroit. He sucked in Seattle, and he sucked in Cincinnati. He's only had two good years in his entire career, and that was more of his receivers being good than him. He usually gets figured out, and after that he's just no good. Coming off the bench he's a better option than Brad, but that's nothing to write home about. Even as sucktastic Kitna is, he's still a better option than Johnson right now. As a backup his suckatude will be limited to keeping McGee's spot warm. If Romo goes down again we'll see some major suckaliciousness from him. It's not a dumb move by Jerry and co, but someone might've been had at the same price. I knew Leftwich wanted to start, but Simms, Boller, or Losman would have been better choices.

[M.O.T.H.]

Maybe Simms but, Losman and Boller are just awful. All three have had some pretty bad run ins with injuries as well. I just didnt like giving up Henry for Kitna. He's not great but, decent enough. He's much better than Brad at this point.

Dont know why but, I like your avatar.

[E-Man]

Maybe Simms but, Losman and Boller are just awful. All three have had some pretty bad run ins with injuries as well. I just didnt like giving up Henry for Kitna. He's not great but, decent enough. He's much better than Brad at this point.

Dont know why but, I like your avatar.

Losman and Boller were bad. I agree with you on that. But Kitna has been horrible too, and they at least have youth, good arms, and mobility on them. If all hell breaks loose, I'd prefer guys who can at least do some kind of sandlot thing instead of just being terrible. Maybe they can have some decent scrambles for first downs or something. Maybe they just heave bombs deep at Roy, and see if he can make some circus catches.

Oh, and thanks on the avatar thing. I saw it the other day, and just found myself staring at it.

[M.O.T.H.]

Kitna's experience cant really be overlooked, granted he's not great but, the guy has seen it all. Boller had a torn labrum/rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder as well as being a terrible QB. And Losman just cant stay healthy at all ; reoccuring knee injuries. Blah. No one was interested in him, no thanks. My top choice would have been Leftwich as well to be honest but, Kitna would seem like a better option than either of those two. Hopefully, it's something we wont even have to worry about this season. And now we have Mcgee to groom as a backup as well.

[E-Man]

McGee really is a good pickup. Investing in a long term backup with his potential pays dividends for the future. I am excited about it.

[LonghornsLegend]

Losman and Boller were bad. I agree with you on that. But Kitna has been horrible too, and they at least have youth, good arms, and mobility on them. If all hell breaks loose, I'd prefer guys who can at least do some kind of sandlot thing instead of just being terrible. Maybe they can have some decent scrambles for first downs or something. Maybe they just heave bombs deep at Roy, and see if he can make some circus catches.

Oh, and thanks on the avatar thing. I saw it the other day, and just found myself staring at it.

David Carr sucks too, but why do you think he keeps getting back-up QB jobs? They are back-up QB's for a reason, Kitna has done more then any of those guys you listed no matter how bad you consider his suckage to be...Carr was terrible everywhere he has been as a starter, not ok, but terrible.



Kitna has thrown over 3000 yards 6 times, 4000 twice, and more then 18 TD's 6 times, that and he's a veteran that knows the ropes.


Chris Simms doesn't have that type of resume, Boller is terrible and couldn't even manage a team with a great defense, so I see no reason he would do better here...Kitna has a great understanding of the game and can also lend a hand teaching on the clip board that those younger QB's cannot do.


Nobody we brought in was going to be all that good, but Kitna's pedigree at least brings something to the table, he's obviously old, over the hill, terrible etc etc, but so is everyone else available.


Henry was going to be cut so I'm fine with the swap, we weren't going to let Henry get in the way of our youth movement so if we can get something for him fine by me.

[E-Man]

I expect back up QBs to be bad in terms of comparing them to a starter, but I prefer a tad bit of youth at the backup spot now. I really don't want to go through the possibility of getting a guy because he has good experience, then it turns out that his arm is shot like Bad's was. Kitna would've been a good backup 4 years ago, but I have a bad feeling that he could be too old to offer anything anymore.

[Paul]

Still would've taken Bomar over Mcgee. A little more upside there.

[LonghornsLegend]

I expect back up QBs to be bad in terms of comparing them to a starter, but I prefer a tad bit of youth at the backup spot now. I really don't want to go through the possibility of getting a guy because he has good experience, then it turns out that his arm is shot like Bad's was. Kitna would've been a good backup 4 years ago, but I have a bad feeling that he could be too old to offer anything anymore.

Isn't that what Stephen McGee is though? If we were getting a guy to groom in the draft, the only choice was to get a veteran...I don't know why you said he would of been a good back-up QB 4 years ago when two years ago he just threw for 4000 yards on a terrible team?


How could a guy produce like that as a starter, yet not even be good enough to back-up a starter?

[Ward]

I've been considering chiming in, but LL is doing a fantastic job. E-man, I understand where you're coming from because last season we got caught with our pants down when Romo got hurt. The backup QB situation is 10,000 times better this year. The depth chart is now:
1) Above-average starting NFL QB (extremely valuable commodity)
2) Veteran QB with a resume and rapport with our #1 receiver
3) Gifted rookie who has a skill set that mirrors our #1 QB.

What else do you want man?

[E-Man]

I'm just really put off by Kitna's age. I'm pretty sure it has to do with Brad Johnson last year. He's an upgrade over Brad, but I'm scared that his arm has nothing left.

[FinChase]

I'm just really put off by Kitna's age. I'm pretty sure it has to do with Brad Johnson last year. He's an upgrade over Brad, but I'm scared that his arm has nothing left.


I'm too lazy to go look up the link, but during the first week of OTAs, the DMN blog reported that Kitna's arm appeared to be nothing to worry about, that it looked way stronger than Brad Johnson's.

I wasn't thrilled about Kitna either, but I do think he's an upgrade over Johnson, and can be a bus driver for us for a few games if necessary. Let's face it, no matter who our backup is, if we lose Tony for an extended period of time it'll be time to immediately start planning for the 2010 season.

[bigbluedefense]

Honestly, Id take David Carr over Jon Kitna at this point in their careers any day.

Carr is more mobile, has a bigger arm, and has actually somewhat revitalized his career under the Giants. He's actually pretty damn good for a backup qb, and if you ask any Giants fans, we'd like to keep him long term if it was possible.

Kitna doesn't fix anything. The man's arm is shot. And you guys run a heavily vertical passing game. So how is he any improvement over Johnson? Theyre the same player.

You needed a big armed back up. He's not that. Being a veteran doesn't mean jack if you suck. And at this point in his career, Kitna sucks. Chris Simms would have been a much better option. Simms has an arm, and playoff experience. He was relatively good during that one year when Gruden didn't ruin his development.

And supposedly he turned his career around in Tennessee. I wouldve nabbed him for the right price.

I know its a dumb argument, because usually when your star qb gets hurt for a long period of time, you're screwed regardless, but I just feel there were a lot better options out there, and replacing Johnson with Kitna was a sideways move.

[Paul]

Did I just hear Jerry is considering a Pacman return? Hope he's just messing with the media.

[LonghornsLegend]

Yea, he's just screwing around with the media on the Pacman issue, there is no room for him here...He's not going to be a top 3 corner, and he'd be awful at returning punts again, so for all the negativity it wouldn't even be worth it.


I think Mickens will be fine as a 4th corner, Pacman wouldn't even make sense at this point no matter how Jerry tried to spin it.

[E-Man]

Bringing Pacman back would be a big joke. We know that Pacman has all world talent, and he could be a top corner if he really put his mind to it. Unfortunately he's just another one of those guys that waste their talent. I'd rather see what Mickens has as the 4th corner over getting Pacman back. At least he doesn't have a history that could get him banished from the league. Hell I'd rather have Alan Ball and Courtney Brown than Pacman right now. Pacman is just a no no right now.

[LonghornsLegend]

On some unrelated 4th and Long news, I really think Andrew Hawkins could end up being worth something to us, even if on the PS...I know everyone wants to assume everybody on this show sucks and that's cool, maybe so, but he's got some incredible quickness and agility, he's a smaller fast WR that we don't have right now top to bottom.


We wanted to give Amendola a look last year and Hawkins actually offers alot more versatility then he does, so I could see him being an interesting guy to bring in, especially with his ability to be a PR man.


His production at Toledo was pretty sick too playing both ways, call me crazy but I think he'd be worth giving a look, I'm pretty sure he's going to be the winner because he has the best fit on the team.

[M.O.T.H.]

I havent been paying attention to it at all since the 1st episode. I dont really care all that much. I wouldnt get too excited for Hawkins though...or anyone else for that matter.

[E-Man]

This is good news here. Nothing to hang your hopes on, but it's at least something positive to hear about during this ghost town type time.

Pacman who? Unknown DBs shine at Cowboys practice

CARROLLTON, Texas (AP)—Maybe the Cowboys won’t need Adam “Pacman” Jones back in the secondary after all.

The biggest playmakers at organized team activities Tuesday were a pair of low-profile, third-year defensive backs: cornerback Alan Ball and safety Courtney Brown. Ball had an interception and each player had a couple of deflections, earning praise from teammates and coach Wade Phillips.

The performances came one day after the team backtracked on owner Jerry Jones’ comment that he was considering a reunion with Jones, the cornerback released following a troubled 2008 that included a fight with his team bodyguard and a six-game suspension.

Most of the offseason chatter about the Cowboys’ secondary has been about the free-agent signing of Gerald Sensabaugh, the return of a healthy Terence Newman and the development of second-year pros Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick. But Ball and Brown stole the show Tuesday.
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Although Ball is a corner and Brown a safety, Phillips said he hopes to engineer a switch. He wants each to learn the other position, and said he thinks their skills are better suited to their new spots. Both are listed at 6-foot-1, but Brown is about 20 pounds heavier at 204.

Phillips said Ball, though undersized, is a good tackler capable of handling the physical play required of a safety.

“Smaller guys have played safety before,” Phillips said. “Not many of them can do it. I think he is one that can.”

Ball appeared in 10 games last season, and had nine tackles and one pass deflection. He took most of his reps Tuesday as the first-team safety, filling in for Ken Hamlin, who was out for personal reasons.

Ball’s biggest fan Tuesday was linebacker Bradie James.

“Alan Ball is a guy I definitely would want to play with,” James said. “He has a high motor. He knows what to do. And he is a guy you can be confident in.”

Brown, who played corner in college at Cal Poly, appeared in nine games and recorded seven tackles last season. Phillips said he is more of a natural cornerback who was forced to play at safety last season. On Tuesday, he had two deflections, including a deep pass from Tony Romo to Roy Williams that he knocked down at the last moment.

“If he can cover like he covered today, he might have a home right there,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he threw both into the Tampa game and that the 13-9 win was “one of our best games of the season.”

Newman, who battled a groin injury last season, said his young teammates have shown they can handle the strain of learning two positions. Their flexibility, he said, ensures the Cowboys will have depth.

“For those guys to play corner and safety, and have to learn both positions as well as the nickel—they are playing three different positions and they are not making any MEs,” Newman said. “Those are mental errors. It’s a good thing when they can do that and play good football.”

The team has been practicing at a high school stadium in suburban Carrollton since the collapse of its practice facility last month. A handful of players were sidelined with a variety of minor ailments that receiver Patrick Crayton(notes) said might have to do with the artificial turf.

“It’s a nice high school stadium, but I hate this stuff,” Crayton said. “(It’s) pitiful on your legs and joints. I wish we could have found a grass stadium. You have got to work with what you got.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cowboys-secondary&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Macarthur]

Honestly, Id take David Carr over Jon Kitna at this point in their careers any day.

Carr is more mobile, has a bigger arm, and has actually somewhat revitalized his career under the Giants. He's actually pretty damn good for a backup qb, and if you ask any Giants fans, we'd like to keep him long term if it was possible.

Kitna doesn't fix anything. The man's arm is shot. And you guys run a heavily vertical passing game. So how is he any improvement over Johnson? Theyre the same player.

You needed a big armed back up. He's not that. Being a veteran doesn't mean jack if you suck. And at this point in his career, Kitna sucks. Chris Simms would have been a much better option. Simms has an arm, and playoff experience. He was relatively good during that one year when Gruden didn't ruin his development.

And supposedly he turned his career around in Tennessee. I wouldve nabbed him for the right price.

I know its a dumb argument, because usually when your star qb gets hurt for a long period of time, you're screwed regardless, but I just feel there were a lot better options out there, and replacing Johnson with Kitna was a sideways move.

I usually respect your opinions, but you are way off on this one.

These were all from DMN bloggers that have attented all the OTAs:

-Yes, the 36-year-old Kitna can still throw ropes. Unlike the last couple of years, the experienced backup's arm strength won't be a concern for the Cowboys.

-WR Sam Hurd (right), who is somewhat of a forgotten man coming off of ankle surgery, did not contribute to the drop total. He caught everything he got his hands on, including a diving grab by the sideline on a low rope thrown by Jon Kitna. Hurd isn't a guy who gets great separation -- and he might not be 100 percent yet -- but his hands might be the best on the team.

-Jon Kitna certainly has a strong enough arm. He led Patrick Crayton perfectly on a double move for a would-be touchdown on cornerback Michael Hawkins. Kitna also rifled in a slant pass to Travis Wilson between the linebacker and corner.

Nobody thinks Kitna has Elway-type arm strength, but to say he's not an upgrade over Johnson is crazy talk.

[LonghornsLegend]

Here was some encouraging news I read from Matt Moseley's blog:


One more thing at safety: A long shot named Michael Hawkins flashed quite a bit Tuesday. He's a former Oklahoma player who was drafted by the Packers. I don't think there's a place on the roster for him, but he was pretty solid today.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-11-52/The-unauthorized-Cowboys--OTA-Report.html


Gotta do my part to make sure nobody forgets his name, again if he stays healthy he's got the talent to play in this league no doubt about it, he's one to monitor into Training Camp.


Tight end Martellus Bennett is drawing rave reviews from my guys in the scouting community. It's almost impossible for safeties and linebackers to cover him. And he's starting to use his size to his advantage. It's pretty startling to see a 265-pound guy come out of break and absolutely lose a safety.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-11-52/The-unauthorized-Cowboys--OTA-Report.html


I think we have reason to be excited about Bennett this year, we have been running lots of 2 TE sets, giving Bennett screens and getting the ball into his hands, he's a weapon that we need to use, I can't wait to see how much improved he comes back this year.



Rookie safety DeAngelo Smith can cover some serious ground. He wouldn't allow Romo to complete anything in the flat.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-11-52/The-unauthorized-Cowboys--OTA-Report.html


Good look with Smith, he gives us some range in the secondary, and the most exciting part is that we won't have to rely on him in year one to contribute on the field right away...Nice to know he's showing some good signs so far.

Let's not forget how quick injuries happen, he may end up having to play quite a bit for us.



Also Wade seems to be really intrigued by Gerald Sensabaugh, now we don't have to worry about making a defense fit around a safety who can't cover:

Coach Wade Phillips said the speed Sensabaugh brings to the strong safety position gives the secondary the latitude to do some things it hasn't done in recent seasons. "He looks outstanding," Phillips said. "He really has a lot of ability and is a good worker. He can really cover a lot of ground. You see that real quick with him. We feel good about him."


"This guy has got better speed and is a better coverage guy," Campo said. "He's a physical guy and can cover. That gives us a little bit stronger edge at the strong safety position."


This should make things alot easier for Wade in being able to call plays how he wants and put pressure on the QB, almost all of these guys were hand picked by him on that side of the ball, and think we should see an improvement on that side of the ball.


Playing for a big contract, I think he'll be at his best this year...All you hear from out secondary is speed, coverage ability, man to man skills, alot easier to blitz and put pressure on the the QB when you have a secondary with this ability.

[LonghornsLegend]

This is good news here. Nothing to hang your hopes on, but it's at least something positive to hear about during this ghost town type time.


I am happy for those two, Courtney Brown was a guy I was excited about last year but he really bombed the year at safety, and didn't show me much, I thought he was moving to CB this year anyway, but either way I won't be expecting much from him this year...Nice to know their playing hard.

[E-Man]

That's a damn good update LL. I like how the secondary is shaping up. Seems like DeAngelo is making quite a name for himself early on.

[herniateddisc]

That's a damn good update LL. I like how the secondary is shaping up. Seems like DeAngelo is making quite a name for himself early on.

In two off season we went from a talent deficit to overload in the secondary IMHO.

Problem is we are still short at LB and OL.

[Sniper]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-11-59/Cowboys--Ware-deserves-Haynesworth-money.html

Ware fluff, but I liked this part.

He hears about disgruntled players such as the Eagles' Sheldon Brown and the Cardinals' Anquan Boldin and just shakes his head. The thought of skipping a voluntary workout or two has apparently never crossed his mind, in part, because he thinks it would be a poor example to his teammates.

I wish Sheldon Brown would follow Ware's example.

[E-Man]

More reasons why Ware is the man. Good up Sniper.

[LizardState]

As bad as Kitna is, he's several degrees of magnitude improvement over Brad Johnson. Johnson started, what, 4 games last yr. during the interim of Romo's broken pinky & Dallas lost 3 of them. Those 3 losses crippled their whole season & were a huge obstacle between them & the elusive playoffs.

Couple of yrs. ago I posted that any NFL win vs. a team starting Kitna or Slash Stewart at QB should not count in the final season rcds. b/c both of those QBs found ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, remember Dallas pulling out the W in Detroit on a turnover in the last minute 2 yrs. ago when Kitna tore them up all day? He seemed always have Dallas' number & I'm sure that was a big factor in the FO's decision to sign him.

Kitna's got a deceptively stronger arm than most think, most of his problems reside in his head & have to do with with game management & bad decision-making.

[Ward]

Anyone remember Kitna calling out Bradie a couple of years ago? Something like "#56 didn't know what he was doing out there". Wonder if they picked Kitna's brain about it, or if he was just talking s.

[E-Man]

lol I forgot about Kitna saying that. I bet Bradie lights him up in practice once for payback.

[Paul]

Ha.

y-CQTeB315I

[herniateddisc]

Anyone remember Kitna calling out Bradie a couple of years ago? Something like "#56 didn't know what he was doing out there". Wonder if they picked Kitna's brain about it, or if he was just talking s.

He may have been talking smack but he was also accurate.

[Ward]

Ellis getting signed by the Raiders proves one thing - his career really is over. That will be the last contract he signs*.

*Unless of course they 'Deangelo Hall' him.

[E-Man]

Ellis getting signed by the Raiders proves one thing - his career really is over. That will be the last contract he signs*.

*Unless of course they 'Deangelo Hall' him.

HAHAHA! Sadly that's true. Maybe he can help Burgess turn it on again, but the Raiders are in a hell hole right now.

[Crimson79]

Manny Johnson makes a statement
12:47 PM Tue, Jun 16, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips

With undrafted WR Kevin Ogletree sidelined by a knee injury, seventh-round pick Manny Johnson picked a pretty good time to have his best practice as a Cowboy.

Johnson made a tough catch on a deep ball against Mike Mickens early in the practice and finished the session with a flurry. He beat Mike Jenkins for three completions from Jon Kitna on the final drive of the day, causing all kinds of whooping and hollering by the offensive starters on the sideline.

Is that cause for concern about the '07 first-round pick who will play a major role this season? Perhaps. But it's probably just a speed bump for Jenkins, who has had a very good off-season.

It was a significant development for Johnson. He was below Ogletree on the depth chart. Ogletree had been working as the No. 3 receiver with Miles Austin and Sam Hurd nursing injuries.

Johnson has a major opportunity this minicamp with his primary competitors (Ogletree and Isaiah Stanback) for what will probably be the last WR roster spot out with knee injuries. The ex-Sooner seized the opportunity this morning.

[Paul]

Sounds like Romo maybe getting serious in his conditioning and may start lifting a bit extra this time around. He's always been a little doughy and has been criticized for it in the past, so it's good to see he may get his butt in gear and putt some effort in to it now. I'm not expecting him to come into TC looking like Brady Quinn, but a leaner more fit Romo can only be a good thing.

[LonghornsLegend]

Starting to get wiser with age, but he definately needs to hit the weights, he fell completely apart last year after some of those hits he took.


Had we gotten through Philly he would of been no good the next week, but I like how he's talking.

[E-Man]

It makes sense for him to get better with his conditioning. He needs to prepare for a long run so he doesn't break down at the crucial point in the season. This will be his third straight season as the full time starter, so he needs to show that progress of getting used to the long grind of the season. We'll see how his conditioning goes.

[M.O.T.H.]

Tony wasnt too doughy when his career began but, the last few years his weight gain has been pretty noticeable. Shaping up a bit should only help him now, and in the long run. Squats alone would be very beneficial to a QB. Testaverde was a big workout guy/squat guy...as was Favre. I dont think Tony's ever been big on the weights...lots of QBs arent but, it certainly could help him tremendously.

[FinChase]

Is anyone else following mini-camp and OTA reports on the DMN blog? They're saying the Romo-to-Roy relationship is still a work in progress. But they've still got a lot of practice time ahead of them.

[LonghornsLegend]

Is anyone else following mini-camp and OTA reports on the DMN blog? They're saying the Romo-to-Roy relationship is still a work in progress. But they've still got a lot of practice time ahead of them.

That's because Tony himself is still a work in progress, he's changed up his footwork and he's been errant on some throws. Either way it's really early, and because we have arguably the best coverage of OTA's and mini-camp because were the Cowboys we can talk about every little thing, good or bad, until the season starts.


Alot of teams aren't privelaged to have beat writers give you play by play analysis of mini camps like DMN does, some do like the Giants, Niners, and some others, but alot of teams just have generalized updates. I'm glad it's the way it is, Romo to Roy will be talked about until week 17 of the 09 season, any little small thing he does well people will want to get excited about and every little tiny thing he does wrong people will want to point out and talk about how he's overrated all over again.



I can already see it being a long year with that debate honestly, not really here but just in general, even ESPN has started to latch onto Romo-Roy and they'll be sure to blow up whatever they can. I am excited Roy is losing weight and trying to get to 212 for the season, but I fully think once Romo realizes what type of WR Roy is he'll have a pro bowl type season.


I will be following closely in TC to see how they look, but Roy looks like he's working really hard to have a big year, so while I don't expect him to be TO, or be the deep threat TO was, he'll still produce like a legit #1 WR IMHO.

[LonghornsLegend]

Oh and if you guys haven't heard the Jay Ratliff interview (http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2009/6/18/913684/btb-exclusive-jay-ratliff) yet, you should go listen. It was a good listen and ten mins long with some good info, here's the excerpt from btb:



I had the pleasure of interviewing Jay Ratliff earlier today. The audio is below.

Jay gave a great interview, answering all the questions with candor and information. He talks about the backup NT battle, even mentioning Marcus Spears as a possible candidate, noting that in mini-camp they put him in there every once in a while. He also thinks Junior Siavii has made a lot of progress and could make his move.

The Rat also gave us some juice on his conversion to NT in the Bill Parcells' era. Listen to him describe Parcells throwing him into the fire as a NT one game, without a lot of training at the position.

Ratliff also touched on topics like his size as a NT, how much double-teaming he sees in a game (hint: it's a lot), and the additions of Keith Brooking and Igor Olshansky.

Also, Rat gives huge props to OLB Brandon Williams, who he says is a guy you need to watch out for. You'll love what Jay says about the kid.



The link takes you to the main page to click onto the interview.

[FinChase]

I'm really not that worried about Roy as our #1 receiver. I think he'll do fine, especially once he and Tony are totally on the same page. I'm more worried about our #2 situation. However, we did pretty well in 2007 with Crayton as the #2, and Crayton's still here. Potentially, we could be in a better spot now with the development of Austin.

As you say, most of these questions will not be answered until the end of the year. I'm ready for the games to begin so that we can start getting answers.

[LizardState]

That's because Tony himself is still a work in progress, he's changed up his footwork and he's been errant on some throws. Either way it's really early, and because we have arguably the best coverage of OTA's and mini-camp because were the Cowboys we can talk about every little thing, good or bad, until the season starts.

True enough, Romo is a work in progress. As such he deserves kudos for going from an UDFA from a Div. II program & former backup to the Pro Bowl, but also deserves condemnation for his many setbacks that cost his team wins.

A yr. ago I ranked the top 10 NFL QBs & he was 6th, maybe that's a tad too high, with state of the art QB Peyton Manning ranked 1st. Romo may about 10th-12th now. How he gels with the rest of the offense & with Roy will be crucial to how the team does, note how they sank like a rock after his pinky injury & their failure to do just that, reintegrate him into their offense that had sunk into chaos, & the end of last season was a nightmare. A lot of that is on HC Phillips & his staff, but I believe they are intelligent enough to se that & make the required corrective steps to put them where they were expected to be when they went 13-3 & placed a rcd. 13 Pro Bowl players.

[E-Man]

When it comes to Romo, I can't help but get excited for this season. I hear all the criticism he gets, and some of it is deserved. The one thing that always stands out when I think about him is his play making ability. Somehow in all of the questions about him that gets overlooked. With only so many starts under his belt, Tony is already one of the best play making QBs in the game. The guys is a bonafide difference maker. The only problem is that he'll make stupid plays along with the great plays. He's the type of guy that will give you 3 touchdowns, but will also give you a pick or fumble every week to go along with it.

I think the bone head plays should start to decrease with more experience. I'm not excusing all of the dumb things that he does, but I'm thinking that he is learning to contain his play making skills from costing the team. If he can find a way to stray from having too many turnovers, he'd be even more deadly than he already is. If there is one thing good about T.O. not being here, it's that there won't be this huge pressure to get the ball into T.O.'s hands. Sure you lose another big playmaker, but you also get rid of a little bit of pressure.

We'll see how things turn out this season, but I'm pretty confident that Romo will get over 30 TDs again this season.

[E-Man]

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lol I miss Quincy's interviews. Win or lose he'd always give me and my friends great comedy with his lisp. To this day we still bring up Quincy's hilarious speech pattern. I do feel a little sorry for the guy, but he did bring it on himself.

[FinChase]

When it comes to Romo, I can't help but get excited for this season. I hear all the criticism he gets, and some of it is deserved. The one thing that always stands out when I think about him is his play making ability. Somehow in all of the questions about him that gets overlooked. With only so many starts under his belt, Tony is already one of the best play making QBs in the game. The guys is a bonafide difference maker. The only problem is that he'll make stupid plays along with the great plays. He's the type of guy that will give you 3 touchdowns, but will also give you a pick or fumble every week to go along with it.

I think the bone head plays should start to decrease with more experience. I'm not excusing all of the dumb things that he does, but I'm thinking that he is learning to contain his play making skills from costing the team. If he can find a way to stray from having too many turnovers, he'd be even more deadly than he already is. If there is one thing good about T.O. not being here, it's that there won't be this huge pressure to get the ball into T.O.'s hands. Sure you lose another big playmaker, but you also get rid of a little bit of pressure.

We'll see how things turn out this season, but I'm pretty confident that Romo will get over 30 TDs again this season.

I love his playmaking ability, but he has got to take better care of the football this year, or the playoff drought is going to continue. If he can do that, take care of the football, then I think he will take the next step forward in his development.

[Ward]

Laroi Glover retired today. One of my favorite players from the early half of this decade. A keystone on that 2002 #1 D.

[E-Man]

I love his playmaking ability, but he has got to take better care of the football this year, or the playoff drought is going to continue. If he can do that, take care of the football, then I think he will take the next step forward in his development.
You're right about that. I love having the 2 TDs a game, but the interception per game is hurting him.
Laroi Glover retired today. One of my favorite players from the early half of this decade. A keystone on that 2002 #1 D.

He was one of my absolute favorite players to watch. He was so strong. I loved watching him just bully people with his great strength, and I loved that he was also so quick on the inside. The guy was a phenomenal player to watch circa 98-2004. I think he was even good at adapting to the 3-4, even if it wasn't his best fit. He was also still good in St. Louis for a little while too. He'll always go down as a great one to me.

[FinChase]

Laroi Glover was a good guy. He was one of the best players to ever come to Dallas via free agency. And when they switched to the 3-4--which as E-man noted, was not his best fit--he never bitched and moaned about it. He just continued to play hard.

[FinChase]

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1448878.html

Sort of amusing little item about the O-line's heavy metal band. Maybe this is why they've kept Cory Proctor! It certainly wasn't for his football playing.

[M.O.T.H.]

gah. Free Reign is so bad. Colombo should not be singing at all. It's just awful.

I do want to know how long Bigg has been playing bass for, though. Kind of crazy that they were able to form a band on the same team. All on the O-Line no less.

[Paul]

I dare any record exec to have a meeting with Free Reign and not sign them. Leonard will ******* eat you.

[M.O.T.H.]

I dare any record exec to have a meeting with Free Reign and not sign them. Leonard will ******* eat you.

Colombo at 6'7/6'8 also is a bit of an intimidating factor.

[FinChase]

Colombo at 6'7/6'8 also is a bit of an intimidating factor.

Yeah, and he's reported to be the meanest guy on the O-Line on the field. :D

[M.O.T.H.]

Yeah, and he's reported to be the meanest guy on the O-Line on the field. :D

Colombo is an a-hole on the field. He seriously gets into a scuffle every single game. Plays w/ a nasty demeanor, I love it.

[bigbluedefense]

Chris Canty has been taking some subtle jabs at the Cowboys since he signed with the Giants.

Nothing bulletin board, but just hearing some of his interviews, you can read between the lines.

I wonder if he will share the same passion and hatred of the Cowboys that the other players on the Giants have. I can't picture someone spending that much time with the Cowboys, then just instantly dislike em the same way the other Giants players do. Its not a switch you can turn on and off.

[FinChase]

Chris Canty has been taking some subtle jabs at the Cowboys since he signed with the Giants.

Nothing bulletin board, but just hearing some of his interviews, you can read between the lines.

I wonder if he will share the same passion and hatred of the Cowboys that the other players on the Giants have. I can't picture someone spending that much time with the Cowboys, then just instantly dislike em the same way the other Giants players do. Its not a switch you can turn on and off.

I think he's most ticked off because the reaction in Dallas to his leaving was pretty much a yawn. It's generally believed here that Olshansky for Canty is a wash. I'm sure you have a different opinion. We'll see in the next few months which is actually correct.

[bigbluedefense]

I think he's most ticked off because the reaction in Dallas to his leaving was pretty much a yawn. It's generally believed here that Olshansky for Canty is a wash. I'm sure you have a different opinion. We'll see in the next few months which is actually correct.

I think thats an accurate assessment by Cowboys fans. Canty was really nothing more than a very stoute run stuffer in a 3-4. Olshanksky can give you the same qualities in a 3-4 End.

For us, I think Canty has potential to break out for various reasons. The guy is such a physical freak, now in a 4-3 he can really use those long arms and strength to rush the passer in our front inside. Plus with all the attention Tuck and Osi will have, he doesn't have to shoulder as much responsibility on that line anymore.

Even if he's nothing more than a stoute NT in our scheme, which I think he's very capable of doing, he's an upgrade for us. I expect more out of him, but regardless, I expect him to be an upgrade over Robbins and Coffield.

He's a wild card for sure. I just want a good run stuffer out of him, which I think we'll get. Anything on top of that is gravy. The guy has the tools, and now has the best dline coach in the league to get it out of him. So I'm definitely curious to see what he can do.

[LizardState]

Colombo is an a-hole on the field. He seriously gets into a scuffle every single game. Plays w/ a nasty demeanor, I love it.

Me too, Columbo has been a real find for them. Can't go wrong with a BC interior lineman. And he doesn't blow the snap counts like Go With the Flozell either.

Interesting they say that about him, the pundits all said the same thing about Marcus Spears, p*sses off team mates by starting fights in practice, argues with coaches, dumber than a box of hammers, etc.

[E-Man]

I don't know why Canty would be upset. Maybe because the team underachieved, but he wasn't exactly a world beater that gave his all. He's at fault too for the team underachieving. He's a good player that I hate losing, but Finchase is right about him and Olshansky being a wash. I see how you think he can break out BBD, and I agree with you. I just hope he doesn't because he plays for a rival now. lol

If he's really upset that fans didn't make a big deal of him leaving, then he has no one to blame but himself. If he played like a Pro Bowler, then we as Cowboy fans would be clamoring for him. You know how it goes for us. When we lose a good guy, then it's the end of the world and all that jazz. When the Cowboys sign a good player we talk super Bowl. lol

As a person I wish him success, but as a Giant I wish him an 0-16 season.:twisted:

[LonghornsLegend]

What is Canty upset about?


I expect him to start acting like a Justin Tuck wannabe pretty soon and everything out of his mouth is hate Dallas this. I can't wait until week 2, NYG really has no legit threat at WR or TE to beat our secondary now at all, and I think Eli will struggle with pressure.


I expect us to lose to Philly, maybe both games, but we'll sweep the Giants, Eli is terrible without a play-maker at the WR position and I doubt we see one emerge this year for them.

[bigbluedefense]

I don't know why Canty would be upset. Maybe because the team underachieved, but he wasn't exactly a world beater that gave his all. He's at fault too for the team underachieving. He's a good player that I hate losing, but Finchase is right about him and Olshansky being a wash. I see how you think he can break out BBD, and I agree with you. I just hope he doesn't because he plays for a rival now. lol

If he's really upset that fans didn't make a big deal of him leaving, then he has no one to blame but himself. If he played like a Pro Bowler, then we as Cowboy fans would be clamoring for him. You know how it goes for us. When we lose a good guy, then it's the end of the world and all that jazz. When the Cowboys sign a good player we talk super Bowl. lol

As a person I wish him success, but as a Giant I wish him an 0-16 season.:twisted:

:p

Yeah, he just wasn't what he should have been as a 3-4 End. Granted, he never had a true NT to play next to, but still, he definitely did not live up to standards. For some reason he always killed the Giants though. We just couldn't block him.

I think his biggest problem is leverage. He just doesn't play with great leverage. I'm hoping that Wauffle will get him to clean that up. He's done wonders with players 10X less talented than Canty at DT.

I still hold the belief that Ratliff would be an absolute monster (he kinda already is) if you guys moved him to DE and got a true NT. Or converted to a 4-3 defense, which I think wouldn't be a bad idea for this defense.

What is Canty upset about?


I expect him to start acting like a Justin Tuck wannabe pretty soon and everything out of his mouth is hate Dallas this. I can't wait until week 2, NYG really has no legit threat at WR or TE to beat our secondary now at all, and I think Eli will struggle with pressure.


I expect us to lose to Philly, maybe both games, but we'll sweep the Giants, Eli is terrible without a play-maker at the WR position and I doubt we see one emerge this year for them.

He's already kinda started doing that. He's made it clear he has no problem with the players he played with, but moreso management, coaching, and the environment in general. It sounds like he's bitter he didn't get a contract extension.

I'm honestly not worried about Eli at all. In fact, I think he'll have his best statistical season of his career this year. I can see us splitting our games, because division games are just so hard to sweep in our division, but I do personally feel we have more talent "on paper". I hate that term to be honest, but the main difference I think that separates the Giants from the Cowboys is line play. The Giants are just better in the trenches. But I'm not sleeping on the Cowboys by any means. They're a damn good team.

[Ward]

But I'm not sleeping on the Cowboys by any means. They're a damn good team.

BBD is dangerous because he knows we're vulnerable to flattery.

[bigbluedefense]

BBD is dangerous because he knows we're vulnerable to flattery.

:p

In all seriousness, the NFC East is so damn even, its scary. The one thing that I feel that separates the Giants and Eagles from the Cowboys and Redskins is elite line play, but that by no means says that the Cowboys and Redskins can't wind up being better teams.

All 4 teams have ridiculous defenses. I honestly think the entire NFC East has 4 of the top 7 defenses in the league.

The Redskins are a team to watch out for. I think very highly of their defense, and if their offense can wake up, they'll be very dangerous. Health and depth like always will be huge for the East.

The whole division can turn upside down and it wouldn't shock me at all. Theres just a ridiculous amount of talent in our division, in every team. The "worst" in the East could potentially win almost every other division in the league, minus maybe the AFC North and AFC East, only bc the Steelers and Patriots would be hard to beat out.

[E-Man]

I agree with you about the East being even BBD. That's the reason why I haven't got so scared that there were no big splashes made by the Cowboys in free agency. Yeah I'll talk sh!t about all the other East teams, but I know how good they are. Even with that being said, there is too much talent on the Cowboys to ignore. I may be biased, but I think they've had Super Bowl caliber talent the past two seasons, and I still think they do. I'm a little scared of the Giants and Eagles, but at the same time I realize that in Dallas we have enough talent to beat them. I serious can't figure out why people are overlooking Felix coming back. While everyone is going , "ZOMG T.O. is gone! Oh the humanity!" I keep remembering that almost every time Felix touched the ball he made a big play. Then I remember that Marion had rib and toe injuries to deal with, and that he'll be 100% this season. I see these as weapons to go with the superb Giant and Eagles defenses.

The Redskins I usually don't fear, because the Cowboys seem to have the utmost confidence when playing them. Sure the Redskins have some talent on D, but it seems that the Cowboys always walk into the game knowing they can beat them. The Giants are like 50/50. It's like the Cowboys know they can win, but they don't think it's a big certainty like with the Redskins. It's usually a big time battle. The Eagles seem to get in the Cowboys head. Andy Reid has a damn good record against the Boys, and it seems to creep into the mentality of the Cowboys. I really wish they'd get over that, but I can't see it happening until McNabb leaves Philly or retires. What's funny is that I think the Cowboys could own the Eagle's D with Felix. Screens and flats all day with Felix would kill them. They'd probably be scared to blitz if Garrett played it smart with Felix, Witten, and Martellus.

The East is an exciting division to watch, but it sucks as a Cowboy fan. There's nothing more I would like than to play in a cupcake division with easy wins. lol

[Macarthur]

I agree with everything said here. All these teams are really good.

However, one thing that sticks in my craw is how the media approaches. I think this is emblimatic of how it's reported and I think it's a point of contention with Cowboy fans. This is from bloggingtheboys.com

Riddle me this Batman - (A line borrowed from Frank Gorshin and the old Batman TV series) Is there an anti- Cowboy bias in the media? Here is a recent scenario. The Cowboys release a certain aging receiver and they are slammed by the sports media and predicted to struggle in 2010.

During the same off season the New York Giants lose their number one receiver in Plaxico Burress, lose another receiver in Amani Toomer, lose a 1000 yard rusher in Derrick Ward and lose their successful Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and still the sports press picks the Giants to win the division and possibly the Super Bowl.

The Giants and the Cowboys split their two games last season indicating that the gap between them is relatively small and yet the loss of the Cowboys number one receiver is predicted to have a greater negative impact than the Giants loss of several starters. Go figure.

[FinChase]

I agree with everything said here. All these teams are really good.

However, one thing that sticks in my craw is how the media approaches. I think this is emblimatic of how it's reported and I think it's a point of contention with Cowboy fans. This is from bloggingtheboys.com

Riddle me this Batman - (A line borrowed from Frank Gorshin and the old Batman TV series) Is there an anti- Cowboy bias in the media? Here is a recent scenario. The Cowboys release a certain aging receiver and they are slammed by the sports media and predicted to struggle in 2010.

During the same off season the New York Giants lose their number one receiver in Plaxico Burress, lose another receiver in Amani Toomer, lose a 1000 yard rusher in Derrick Ward and lose their successful Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and still the sports press picks the Giants to win the division and possibly the Super Bowl.

The Giants and the Cowboys split their two games last season indicating that the gap between them is relatively small and yet the loss of the Cowboys number one receiver is predicted to have a greater negative impact than the Giants loss of several starters. Go figure.

I read that too and thought it was a good point. I also agree E-man's point about Felix coming back. The guy only played in 6 freakin' games last year and he had defensive coordinators worried about him. If he can play a whole season this year, that will be huge. And I believe that Garrett will be smarter about utilizing him this year, too.

I think the wild card factor in the division is the Redskins. I don't know what to make of them. Yes, they signed Albert Haynesworth which is huge, but every year it seems like they make this gigantic splash in free agency and are poised to dominate the league, and nothing comes of it. Frankly, I'm more upset about them drafting Brian Orakpo. I hope they don't start building through the draft.

I'll be curious to see how the Giants are this year without Plax and Toomer. Smith is a good WR but he's not a #1. I'll be surprised if Nicks is a big factor as a rookie; wrs rarely produce big in their rookie seasons.

It chokes me to say it, but on paper, the Eagles look strongest, but that's only assuming that McNabb and Westbrook get through the season without a lot of injuries. I'll also be curious to see how their defense is without Johnson calling the shots. His successor may not be as creative even though he's been on Johnson's staff for years.

As for the Cowboys, if Tony can take better care of the football this year, I think we'll be fine offensively. On defense, I think we will have a better secondary but I'm a little worried about any LB not named Ware.

[E-Man]

That article was exactly what I've been talking about. Plax meant a whole lot more to the Giants than T.O. did to Dallas. The Giants still have their top rushing game with 2 good backs, and a damn good line. Still, they lose two receivers, and their only replacements are a guy that's best suited for 2nd or 3rd, and a freaking rookie. I seriously don't get how people went gaga over the Giants replacing Plaxico with freaking Hakeem Nicks. I'm not saying the guy is going to suck. I'm just saying that he's a rookie that wasn't a world beater in college. Rookies at wideout always struggle. Sure you can give some examples like Boldin, Moss, Glenn, and Royal and Desean last year, but that's like me saying that Jason Williams will have a DROY and Pro Bowl year because DeMeco Ryans did. The Giants lost way more on offense than the Cowboys did, yet everyone is so sure fire that they've gotten sooooooo much better. They still have a good defense and run game, so that gives them the look of a contender. Still, people acting like they drafted Jerry Rice, and added Superman on their defense are just delusional.

The Eagles do have a good look on paper, but their line play is overrated. Their O-line isn't as good as people think, and Peters is going to get harassed big time.This is why I laugh at when people talk about how bad fans are in stupid threads. Everyone acts like Cowboy fans are giant retards that think everything the Cowboys do is Super Bowl worthy. That's ******** because if the Cowboys traded for Peters everyone would be saying that they got an overrated and overpaid fat ass, and Jerry is ruining the team for getting him. Since the Eagles got him they made a Super Bowl caliber pick, and the 11.5 sacks he gave up last year really happened in Madden. The Eagles are dangerous because they still have Donovan and Westbrook, and Desean looks like a real good find for them. Maclin could be another steal, and Reid is still good at what he does. But their defense loses one of the NFL's best masterminds, and they lose a leader in Dawkins. Their defense was good, but does anyone really think that losing a great like Jim Johnson won't effect them? Everything great that he brought to that team is now gone. All those cool as blitzes that everyone liked last year won't be dialed up by the same man. I don't care how you slice it, that's a huge obstacle to overcome. But don't worry folks. They got Stacy Andrews to go along with his brother Larry Allen.....err I mean Shawn. Putting those two already wins them the Super Bowl.:rolleyes:

[herniateddisc]

I agree with everything said here. All these teams are really good.

However, one thing that sticks in my craw is how the media approaches. I think this is emblimatic of how it's reported and I think it's a point of contention with Cowboy fans. This is from bloggingtheboys.com

Riddle me this Batman - (A line borrowed from Frank Gorshin and the old Batman TV series) Is there an anti- Cowboy bias in the media? Here is a recent scenario. The Cowboys release a certain aging receiver and they are slammed by the sports media and predicted to struggle in 2010.

During the same off season the New York Giants lose their number one receiver in Plaxico Burress, lose another receiver in Amani Toomer, lose a 1000 yard rusher in Derrick Ward and lose their successful Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and still the sports press picks the Giants to win the division and possibly the Super Bowl.

The Giants and the Cowboys split their two games last season indicating that the gap between them is relatively small and yet the loss of the Cowboys number one receiver is predicted to have a greater negative impact than the Giants loss of several starters. Go figure.

Media definitely hates the Cowboys and is not realistic.

I think they are a better team this year b/c a few key guys are in their prime and should do well.

I am not a 6-10 guy for this team and I agree "more has to come together" for the other 3 in the division in order to do better than last.

For us to do better, we just need to play better as a team (not a small task either) but not lie we are expecting rookie players and coaches to be good day 1.

[FinChase]

Media definitely hates the Cowboys and is not realistic.

I think they are a better team this year b/c a few key guys are in their prime and should do well.

I am not a 6-10 guy for this team and I agree "more has to come together" for the other 3 in the division in order to do better than last.

For us to do better, we just need to play better as a team (not a small task either) but not lie we are expecting rookie players and coaches to be good day 1.

The only thing I'm hoping for this season from the rookies is that they will contribute on special teams and help us improve there. If they can do this, then I'll be happy with our rookies. I hope in a couple of years we'll see more than just special teams from guys like Jason Williams and Robert Brewster.

[Sniper]

Media definitely hates the Cowboys

http://420.thrashbarg.net/lol_que.jpg

[Paul]

It's a two way street when it comes to the media's coverage of the Cowboys. We are slurped as much as we are scrutinized, it just comes with the territory. We have to deal with a week of hype and optimism from them after a big win, and then deal with being overanaylzed and bashed after a bad loss. It's just the way it is.

[TitleTown088]

wpS3Kh9jxxs

FO realz?

[pocketaces]

wpS3Kh9jxxs

FO realz?

HAHA that would be awesome.:D

[E-Man]

wpS3Kh9jxxs

FO realz?

It's things like this that make me wish I was a billionaire. If I was one of Jerry's kids you couldn't keep me from playing XBox at the stadium all day.

[Macarthur]

It's a two way street when it comes to the media's coverage of the Cowboys. We are slurped as much as we are scrutinized, it just comes with the territory. We have to deal with a week of hype and optimism from them after a big win, and then deal with being overanaylzed and bashed after a bad loss. It's just the way it is.

I think there's far more negative than positive.

[bigbluedefense]

Theres some good convo in here. I'm going to cut and paste how I feel about the Giants WR situation from what I posted in our Giants forum.

I'm not that worried about our pass game to be honest. First and foremost, people make a big deal of Eli not throwing any TDs to WRs when Burress went down, but thats not all that shocking.

He threw TDs to his RBs and TE, because they are our only real goalline threats at receiver when Burress was gone. None of our WRs are legit Endzone threats with their size.

But more importantly, Eli didn't really throw many TDs to begin with, even with Burress. We're a running team. We pound the ball into the endzone every time we get near the goalline. Eli doesn't throw for many TDs to begin with, mainly because he doesn't need to. We run it in. To give an analogy, Phillip Rivers got many of his TDs off PA pass at the goalline. It was wide open every time. (I know this because of Turner screwing my fantasy team every time he did this). How many times did the Giants ever run PA pass at the goalline? Maybe like 4 times max last year. We almost always just pound it in, or be morons (thanks Gilbride, you douchebag) and run spread at the goalline. Eli could have easily got at least 6 more TDs to his stats with a better play caller.

And the notion that we didn't throw any TDs to WRs gives this false sense that we couldn't move the ball without Burress. This is absolutely false. We had no troubles at all moving into field goal range. Where we missed Burress was beyond that. When we got in the redzone, we lacked sufficient targets to make a difference in that shortened field when its easier to cover guys.

So we can move the ball, the only real issue is redzone offense.

Well, what did we do to alleviate this? We got Beckum as a 2nd big body target for redzone throws. We got Barden who is our new fade route guy. Nicks is a big body red zone threat.

We dramatically increased the speed of our WR core by the subtraction of Burress and Toomer. We now have guys who can fly, and that stretching ability will lead to big results. The results may not be as consistent as it was in the past, but we will have bigger plays, which we severely lacked the past couple of years even with Burress.

Also, as Shock has mentioned, the playbook is going to be different. So we'll no longer have square pegs in round holes, like trying to make Hixon fill in for Burress and his role in our route trees.

I'm not worried about our WR core at all to be honest. I think our offense may not be as dynamic as it was with Burress those first 11 games, but it will be fine without him. My guess is our starting 3 WRs will be Hixon, Smith and Manningham.

Thats 2 field stretchers on the edges, something we did not have last year. And it should be noted, Hixon was tearing it up prior to getting injured. Once he got injured, he started getting shut down. Im not gonna make an excuse and say thats why we failed without Burress, but if you saw how he played before the injury and how he ate single coverage up, compared to how he played after the injury, there was a significant change in his performance.

Now some of that was better coverage, but some of it was also his own inability to explode off the line the same way he did early in the season.

I'm also one of the few that is a big believer in Manningham. I think he breaks out for us this year. But thats just me.

Also, we've been missing a legit WR out of the backfield for quite some time now. We have no pass catching RB who can keep OLBs honest in their zone coverages. Because of this, these OLBs/Slot CBs can focus in on Steve Smith and take away his intermediate routes from the slot. A RB who can catch can stretch out that LB and give Smith more space to operate.

Now with Bradshaw, and Brown, we have that pass catcher in the backfield. I expect Bradshaw to be a major X factor this year. And if not, Brown will be. Brown has already surprised many with his pass catching ability and his pass protection. Eli likes him a lot too.

But I think Bradshaw is going to be the main X factor in the backfield, not only as a pass catcher, but as a big play RB as well. He was always better than Ward. Now he'll get his chance to shine.


As for the Cowboys, I also agree that the woes the media is painting of the offense without Owens are inaccurate. I personally feel that Roy Williams will do fine as a #1 WR, and I feel that Miles Austin is going to be a solid #2 (fantasy sleeper btw).

Im not nearly as high on Felix Jones as you guys are, but he is still a weapon who can make plays. I honestly think his 9 YPC was very misleading (come on guys, he ran it like 30 times all season, and he was always the 1 guy on the field that wasn't accounted for in that lineup). But he's still a game changer and if used correctly, can add a spark to this offense.

I think the real question marks are the play of the oline, and Garrett. Garrett needs to do a better job calling plays, and that oline needs to improve in all facets of the game. For such big guys, they are not very good run blockers, and pass protection was atrocious last year, especially for a scheme that loves throwing it deep.

If that doesn't change, nothing will change. Thats the real key to this offense. It always starts up front. Thats been Dallas's ultimate issue for quite some time now.

[Ward]

It is interesting to compare the 2 teams, both with losing their #1 controversial wideouts and getting back to a run-based offensive gameplan. As for Felix: his YPC is misleading, but it was clear any time he was on the field that he possesses more speed than any single player on our offense. He's got speed we've been searching for. Against the blitz heavy D's of the East, he's going to come in handy big time on screens and swing passes, as he displayed in his short exposure last season. Thanks for the contribution BBD.

[bigbluedefense]

No prob :)

I definitely agree that Felix has speed that can kill, especially against blitzing fronts. The Giants had trouble defending the wildcat as well, so the new wildcat packages involving Felix should be effective against our fronts.

Although the introduction of Phillips and Boley could help change that, but going off of last year's production, the wildcat with Felix should have success against us.

I think a key for Felix is going to be how he reacts to the extra attention he'll receive now. Last year, during limited action, he was really the guy nobody accounted for. And he made teams pay for it. But this year, with no TO, and since not all teams will feel the need to double Williams, Felix will get accounted for.

How he will react to that, and how he's used by Garrett will be key for him. I think he should definitely see more action in spread sets, but its also hard to bench Barber.

The guy is a great blocker, can catch out of the backfield, and can run like hell, so its hard to bench a guy like Barber for Felix just because Barber has proven more.

I expect 10 touches a game. Thats only if Garrett is committed to the run game. He hasn't shown that commitment yet, but he should. Only time will really tell.

Edit: By bench, i don't mean start Felix over Barber. I mean taking Barber off the field more than necessary. The guy is an everydown back, and a good one, so its hard to sub him out consistently from a coach's perspective.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

I'd look for the Cowboys to run a play where they in essence clearout and run an option route with the RB. It's called steamer, and if Jones runs that against various defenses I can expect to see some big time plays, especially if Pierce has the RB on the play.

[D-Unit]

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?

[pocketaces]

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?

Congrats. My son's middle name is Dallas. Hope your wife goes for it.:D

[ricowboy]

:p

In all seriousness, the NFC East is so damn even, its scary. The one thing that I feel that separates the Giants and Eagles from the Cowboys and Redskins is elite line play, but that by no means says that the Cowboys and Redskins can't wind up being better teams.

All 4 teams have ridiculous defenses. I honestly think the entire NFC East has 4 of the top 7 defenses in the league.

The Redskins are a team to watch out for. I think very highly of their defense, and if their offense can wake up, they'll be very dangerous. Health and depth like always will be huge for the East.

The whole division can turn upside down and it wouldn't shock me at all. Theres just a ridiculous amount of talent in our division, in every team. The "worst" in the East could potentially win almost every other division in the league, minus maybe the AFC North and AFC East, only bc the Steelers and Patriots would be hard to beat out.

Redskins and Eagles play a similiar style. They always have 8 men close to the line of scrimmage. Crazy thing is we play both teams 2 a year and have not figured them out yet! It is coaching....Giants have better luck than we do....Coaching! G-men have the most talented D in the east. They don't need to bring in an 8th man to stop the run. Boys need to play to there ability. Eagles and Skins kill you with stunts and blitzes.......

[E-Man]

Theres some good convo in here. I'm going to cut and paste how I feel about the Giants WR situation from what I posted in our Giants forum.




As for the Cowboys, I also agree that the woes the media is painting of the offense without Owens are inaccurate. I personally feel that Roy Williams will do fine as a #1 WR, and I feel that Miles Austin is going to be a solid #2 (fantasy sleeper btw).

Im not nearly as high on Felix Jones as you guys are, but he is still a weapon who can make plays. I honestly think his 9 YPC was very misleading (come on guys, he ran it like 30 times all season, and he was always the 1 guy on the field that wasn't accounted for in that lineup). But he's still a game changer and if used correctly, can add a spark to this offense.

I think the real question marks are the play of the oline, and Garrett. Garrett needs to do a better job calling plays, and that oline needs to improve in all facets of the game. For such big guys, they are not very good run blockers, and pass protection was atrocious last year, especially for a scheme that loves throwing it deep.

If that doesn't change, nothing will change. Thats the real key to this offense. It always starts up front. Thats been Dallas's ultimate issue for quite some time now.

I'm right with you on the line play, and the Garrett question. I have faith that the O-line can get it done. They're a talented bunch, so I think they can pull it together. It doesn't mean that they are guaranteed to do so, but I think with Kosier and Holland coming back and competing they'll be better off than last year. Garrett needs to become better all around. He has too many weapons to have defenses easily figuring the offense out. I'm more worried about him than anything, because if the defense knows what you're doing the play is pretty much dead.

I also agree with you about the Giants offense being more run oriented. I know Plaxico will have an effect, but they still have 2 good backs and a damn good line. The loss of Plaixco will make it easier for defenses to cover, but it's really hard to stop of strong running game like the Giants. A good running game usually depends more on skill as opposed to how you draw things up, and that's tough to battle. If the O-lineman beat your front 7 up, the play is a success no matter how you slice it. I really wish the Cowboys had the type of line chemistry the Giants have.

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?

Congrats on your boy coming D! Dallas isn't a bad name, so run with it if you like it as a name. It's alot better than Blanket, or Apple, or Cinnamon, or something crazy like that.


Please don't tell me any of y'all on the forum has a kid named Blanket, Apple, or Cinnamon. lol

[Ryan West]

I like the name Dallas. I say you roll with it.

[Modano]

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?

Congratulations!! Hmm it dependes on your surname... would it sound good next to Dallas?

[NY+Giants=NYG]

This whole thing with Garrett interests me. It reminds me of our fan base and Gilbride. What issues do you guys have with the playcalling?

[herniateddisc]

This whole thing with Garrett interests me. It reminds me of our fan base and Gilbride. What issues do you guys have with the playcalling?

1. He abandons the run too quickly when losing

2. He does not develop the run early in the game

3. The blocking schemes are all about bulk and refuses to put guys in movement. One of our best last year was v Washington in game 2 where the Guards and Tackles where pulling -- was never run again in 2008 after that.

4. WR Routes always seem to be way down the field (hello slant or cross) which forces deeper drops and more Romo adventures

5. TE and RB routes are always the same (sit in the middle of a zone) and refuses to get the RB or TE deep into seems or on wheel routes

6. What ever happened to the 3 step drop? Garrett forget about them.

7. Telling Romo to stop running completely in 2008 and was less effective than 2007 because of it. Romo got us big 1st down in 2007 with his feet. Last year I can't remember one. Not only that his feet set up some of his long pass plays if anyone care to think about it.

8. Fumbles -- lots of them last year

9. OL can't pick up a blitz

10. Pass happy

[NY+Giants=NYG]

1. He abandons the run too quickly when losing

2. He does not develop the run early in the game

3. The blocking schemes are all about bulk and refuses to put guys in movement. One of our best last year was v Washington in game 2 where the Guards and Tackles where pulling -- was never run again in 2008 after that.

4. WR Routes always seem to be way down the field (hello slant or cross) which forces deeper drops and more Romo adventures

5. TE and RB routes are always the same (sit in the middle of a zone) and refuses to get the RB or TE deep into seems or on wheel routes

6. What ever happened to the 3 step drop? Garrett forget about them.

7. Telling Romo to stop running completely in 2008 and was less effective than 2007 because of it. Romo got us big 1st down in 2007 with his feet. Last year I can't remember one. Not only that his feet set up some of his long pass plays if anyone care to think about it.

8. Fumbles -- lots of them last year

9. OL can't pick up a blitz

10. Pass happy



# 8 & # 9 are on the players and position coaches. That wouldn't be his responsibilties.

Also, same thing I tell Giants fans when they hate on Gilbride. You don't know if there is a "CMW" or Check with Me play on. That would mean Romo has 2 plays to chose from when he is at the line depending on the front and defense shown, pre snap. I know, Gilbride does that with Eli, and Eli makes the call. So say if we pass 3 straight times, people tend to blame Gilbride for the pass happiness. But in reality, as a fan, no one knows if Gilbride called 3 straight passing plays OR if 1 passing play was called, and Eli called the other 2 based on the coverage.

As for as not running the ball, I am not sure about that because I don't watch that many Dallas games. But the RB routes are designed based on the longer routes X,Y, F, and Z are all running. So in essence they are probably clearing out and isolating Barber or Jones 1 on 1 with a LB. I worked as a coach with Garrett, and the play we ran was basically that. We called the play steamer, and basically had the 3 Wrs clearout and gain width, have Y run a crossing route, 12 yards, and then run an option with the RB on the LB. It worked very, very well. And alot of the plays were what you guys run, and we ran it very well at this charity coaching event.

Also, alot your system, from what I understand uses the Air Croyel number system, which Turner & Martz came up with. So I wouldn't be suprised if the system always has a deep route, or 2, and Witten running a cross, big sit, post or corner, while the RB is running to the flat or an option route. But I will see this year and try to tape the games and break them down and post them.

[herniateddisc]

# 8 & # 9 are on the players and position coaches. That wouldn't be his responsibilties.

Also, same thing I tell Giants fans when they hate on Gilbride. You don't know if there is a "CMW" or Check with Me play on. That would mean Romo has 2 plays to chose from when he is at the line depending on the front and defense shown, pre snap. I know, Gilbride does that with Eli, and Eli makes the call. So say if we pass 3 straight times, people tend to blame Gilbride for the pass happiness. But in reality, as a fan, no one knows if Gilbride called 3 straight passing plays OR if 1 passing play was called, and Eli called the other 2 based on the coverage.

As for as not running the ball, I am not sure about that because I don't watch that many Dallas games. But the RB routes are designed based on the longer routes X,Y, F, and Z are all running. So in essence they are probably clearing out and isolating Barber or Jones 1 on 1 with a LB. I worked as a coach with Garrett, and the play we ran was basically that. We called the play steamer, and basically had the 3 Wrs clearout and gain width, have Y run a crossing route, 12 yards, and then run an option with the RB on the LB. It worked very, very well. And alot of the plays were what you guys run, and we ran it very well at this charity coaching event.

Also, alot your system, from what I understand uses the Air Croyel number system, which Turner & Martz came up with. So I wouldn't be suprised if the system always has a deep route, or 2, and Witten running a cross, big sit, post or corner, while the RB is running to the flat or an option route. But I will see this year and try to tape the games and break them down and post them.

Would love to hear non-fan comments.

Fumbles can be taught. Look at Tiki. Picking up blitz to.

While I agree these are "executional details" in the hands of the players it is up to the coaches to reinforce every stinking day what to do.

[FinChase]

# 8 & # 9 are on the players and position coaches. That wouldn't be his responsibilties.

Also, same thing I tell Giants fans when they hate on Gilbride. You don't know if there is a "CMW" or Check with Me play on. That would mean Romo has 2 plays to chose from when he is at the line depending on the front and defense shown, pre snap. I know, Gilbride does that with Eli, and Eli makes the call. So say if we pass 3 straight times, people tend to blame Gilbride for the pass happiness. But in reality, as a fan, no one knows if Gilbride called 3 straight passing plays OR if 1 passing play was called, and Eli called the other 2 based on the coverage.

As for as not running the ball, I am not sure about that because I don't watch that many Dallas games. But the RB routes are designed based on the longer routes X,Y, F, and Z are all running. So in essence they are probably clearing out and isolating Barber or Jones 1 on 1 with a LB. I worked as a coach with Garrett, and the play we ran was basically that. We called the play steamer, and basically had the 3 Wrs clearout and gain width, have Y run a crossing route, 12 yards, and then run an option with the RB on the LB. It worked very, very well. And alot of the plays were what you guys run, and we ran it very well at this charity coaching event.

Also, alot your system, from what I understand uses the Air Croyel number system, which Turner & Martz came up with. So I wouldn't be suprised if the system always has a deep route, or 2, and Witten running a cross, big sit, post or corner, while the RB is running to the flat or an option route. But I will see this year and try to tape the games and break them down and post them.

Interesting post. When was it you worked with Garrett as a coach?

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Interesting post. When was it you worked with Garrett as a coach?

Couple weeks ago.. His annual charity event, where inner city kids come, and former coaches, and current players come and we create like 12 teams with different coaches on them. And then we coach them up, and each team plays against each other. We have the kids for like 6-8 hours, and teach and coach them up. I managed to get invited, and was on John Garrett's, your TEs coaches team.

Miles Austin and Jason Witten were there too and were coaching on their respective teams too. And alot of the stuff we ran was what the cowboys run. So I got to see the numbering system, though it was probably scaled down for HS kids. But all in all it was a very fun day! I coached the TEs, while Coach Garrett was the HS/OC of the team.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Would love to hear non-fan comments.

Fumbles can be taught. Look at Tiki. Picking up blitz to.

While I agree these are "executional details" in the hands of the players it is up to the coaches to reinforce every stinking day what to do.

Yeah but the positional coach has to do it. Coughlin was a WR coach, and basically came up with a drill for Tiki. Wade is a defensive coach, so may or may not have stuff on that. I was a TE coach, and if a defensive guy needed to be coached up on something, I certainly wouldn't be able to help him. If I was the HS I'd ask my D staff to fix the issue.

Picking up blitzes has to do with the Indy, and team practice periods of practice. Your OL coach has to be on top of that, and the OC can come and watch it and fix it, but usually the OC is busy walking around to each position. That's why you have a position coach.

Yeah i am sure the coaches are reinforcing it. I was at the Falcons OTAs and was shadowing the TE coach and he was going over everything everyday. But then it's up to the guys to have it sink in. If it doesn't they don't play.

The eye in the sky doesn't lie. That's a coaching saying, and it's basically telling you everything you do at the pro level is taped and then gone over and graded. So if you fail to learn, it's on tape, for all to see. There is so much you can do as a coach in drilling a certain technique.

[E-Man]

I agree with what Rob said about the playcalling except for 8 and 9, and some of 7. 8 and 9 seem more on positional coaches and players than Garrett, and number 7 can be attributed to Garrett, but half of that is on Tony too.

[Go Cowboys]

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?
Congrats

Dallas could work but like someone said only if it works with your last name.

[leroyisgod]

So I just found out my wife is pregnant with a boy. We are seriously contemplating on naming him Dallas. Is that bad or good?

congrats D. My wife and I just had our first child, a boy on the 3rd. He's already been outfitted with some sweet Cowboys gear.

[LonghornsLegend]

Also, alot your system, from what I understand uses the Air Croyel number system, which Turner & Martz came up with. So I wouldn't be suprised if the system always has a deep route, or 2, and Witten running a cross, big sit, post or corner, while the RB is running to the flat or an option route. But I will see this year and try to tape the games and break them down and post them.

I'd be very interested in that, looking forward to it. Your breakdowns are always in-depth.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

I'd be very interested in that, looking forward to it. Your breakdowns are always in-depth.

Thanks man. It should be interesting to see how your offense works. Just like when I do giants games, you can really see what part is fanbase myth vs. what's actually true. That's really the reason why I do breakdowns. You can see what's actually happening.

[E-Man]

Thanks man. It should be interesting to see how your offense works. Just like when I do giants games, you can really see what part is fanbase myth vs. what's actually true. That's really the reason why I do breakdowns. You can see what's actually happening.

That sounds really cool. I just got DVR, so I might actually record the games myself.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

That sounds really cool. I just got DVR, so I might actually record the games myself.

I have dvr as well. Just got it after this past season with direct tv. But I normally use the good ole fashion VHS tape, because if the game is good, I can always pop the tape, and keep it for the future. For instance, the Pats-Giants superbowl I still have on tape. Others that used drv sometimes lost it or had it deleted. But I may try dvr just to see how it is come game day.

But honestly that's the best way for the avg. fan to learn. Just tape the game, and watch a play 2 or 3 times, and focus in on different stuff.

[E-Man]

^Just like being in the film room. I remember those days to where coach would rewind the play about 10 times. If you did good you were in heaven. If you messed up on the play you were like, "Damn coach lets move to the next play!" lol

[NY+Giants=NYG]

^Just like being in the film room. I remember those days to where coach would rewind the play about 10 times. If you did good you were in heaven. If you messed up on the play you were like, "Damn coach lets move to the next play!" lol

Yup, that's how I started doing game breakdowns. After I coached, and the season was over, I started taping Giants games, and then broke down their games, to see what was going on. I was a TE's coach, so I stuck to the offensive side of the ball for the giants. I actually posted a bunch of the breakdowns throughout the seasons in our giants section.

But it's a fun thing especially to see why a play is successful or not.

[E-Man]

Yup, that's how I started doing game breakdowns. After I coached, and the season was over, I started taping Giants games, and then broke down their games, to see what was going on. I was a TE's coach, so I stuck to the offensive side of the ball for the giants. I actually posted a bunch of the breakdowns throughout the seasons in our giants section.

But it's a fun thing especially to see why a play is successful or not.

I'm looking forward to your breakdowns for the 09 season. This sounds like something to fill in those 5 days in between football days during the season.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

I'm looking forward to your breakdowns for the 09 season. This sounds like something to fill in those 5 days in between football days during the season.

Yeah they but they take a long time to do. If I start a breakdown on sunday or monday, I am usually done the next sunday, or like monday or tuesday the week after. It's a pain staking process of going by play by, and then drawing out running and passing plays. From there you tally on the formations, and then fill all the information in the blitz composite, front composite, and coverage composite. Let me see if I can find one that I did in the past.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

http://savefile.com/files/2150238

Giants-GB Overtime Playoff Game Breakdown

[E-Man]

CRAP! My Windows Media isn't letting me watch the link. Dammit Microsoft!

[herniateddisc]

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/marty-b-tv-has-made-jason-whitlock-mad.html#leavecomments

Funny if not so sad.

But yes, of course, he is a beast and the next Kellen Winslow / Mark Bavaro cross over.

[Sniper]

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/jessica-simpson-dumped-by-tony-romo/25140?nc

Tony Romo dumps Jessica Simpson.

Dammit, this isn't good for the NFC East teams not named the Cowboys. :D

[FinChase]

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/jessica-simpson-dumped-by-tony-romo/25140?nc

Tony Romo dumps Jessica Simpson.

Dammit, this isn't good for the NFC East teams not named the Cowboys. :D

Oh no! What will we talk about now?

:D

[pocketaces]

Oh no! What will we talk about now?

:D

the next hottie he hooks up with. :)

[E-Man]

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/marty-b-tv-has-made-jason-whitlock-mad.html#leavecomments

Funny if not so sad.

But yes, of course, he is a beast and the next Kellen Winslow / Mark Bavaro cross over.

W......T.......F?!!!

[herniateddisc]

W......T.......F?!!!

Marty B is like doing an SNL skit for the Clan..... and he says its funny!

[E-Man]

Some of what he says is funny, but that's not funny at all. That's just ********.

[herniateddisc]

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/dallas-cowboys-suite-up-for-grabs.html

I will actually buy one -- good cause -- if I win, I'd be more than happy to invite a few folks (seriously).

[scottyboy]

how's my boy Miles Austin doing? living in Monmouth, I saw a lot of him in college. Is he in line to be the #2 this year?

[M.O.T.H.]

He missed nearly all of OTAs with an injury but, he should be all healed up by now. He better be. haha. Dude has been partying it up lately. Another night club every night. But one was for his birthday w/ playboy bunnies, so that's pretty sweet. :D But yeah, he should be healthy. As for him as a starter...he's off to a slow start there do to the hamstring. But he could still get there possibly. It should be an open competetion between he and Crayton w/ Hurd being a sleeper. Coming into the off-season he was the favorite but, I wouldnt be shocked if Crayton held onto the job to start the season. But he'll certainly get his shot at it. You can bet that all the coaches and upper management are rooting for him to get that starting job. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks at the start of camp. We dont have many position battles ; the battle for that #2 WR spot should be the most entertaining.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

He missed nearly all of OTAs with an injury but, he should be all healed up by now. He better be. haha. Dude has been partying it up lately. Another night club every night. But one was for his birthday w/ playboy bunnies, so that's pretty sweet. :D But yeah, he should be healthy. As for him as a starter...he's off to a slow start there do to the hamstring. But he could still get there possibly. It should be an open competetion between he and Crayton w/ Hurd being a sleeper. Coming into the off-season he was the favorite but, I wouldnt be shocked if Crayton held onto the job to start the season. But he'll certainly get his shot at it. You can bet that all the coaches and upper management are rooting for him to get that starting job. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks at the start of camp. We dont have many position battles ; the battle for that #2 WR spot should be the most entertaining.

He is ready to contribute this year. When I coached with him at the charity event, I sat next to him at dinner, and basically asked him about his expectations and he looks like he is ready to go. I got the impression the staff seemed high on him, so I am rooting for him to do well. I told him when he left, to make NJ proud!

[pocketaces]

NEW YORK (AP)—The NFL is making its already popular draft even more television-friendly, moving the first round to Thursday night.

Next year’s draft will switch from a two-day, weekend format to a three-day event with the opening round in prime time for the first time.

The NFL said Thursday that the first round will begin at 7:30 p.m. EDT on April 22. The second and third rounds will start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, with the last four rounds beginning Saturday morning.

“Moving the first round to prime time on Thursday night will make the first round of the draft available to fans on what is typically the most-watched night of television,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a release.

The draft will continue to be televised by ESPN and NFL Network and held at Radio City Music Hall.

Over the years, it has evolved from a mostly unnoticed affair to a major TV event. The draft took place on Saturday-Sunday from 1995-2009 and Sunday-Monday from 1988-94. Before that, it was held on one or two weekdays.

A total of 39 million viewers watched the draft this year.

The NFL said the first round lasted just under 3 1/2 hours in 2009, which would fit in neatly into a prime-time slot.


What do you guys think? It will take some getting used to.

[Ward]

Much more time for awful analysis by ESPN's talking heads... More days just means more hours of stuttering idiots and less actual drafting. I see no positives thus far, but my ears are open for ideas. Anyone?

[E-Man]

Much more time for awful analysis by ESPN's talking heads... More days just means more hours of stuttering idiots and less actual drafting. I see no positives thus far, but my ears are open for ideas. Anyone?

Good thing I stopped watching ESPN except for highlights and scores. I go all NFL Network for the draft now, even during commercials.

[FinChase]

Is it just me or are these last few days before training camp going incredibly slowly? I am so ready for football!

[D-Unit]

Is it just me or are these last few days before training camp going incredibly slowly? I am so ready for football!
And boy do I need it!!! I need the media to hype me up about my boys so I can rebuild false hopes in them. :D

I used to be so positive... One disappointing (not gonna say bad eventhough I think it will be one of our very worst) draft and I'm all bummed.... :(

[Ward]

And boy do I need it!!! I need the media to hype me up about my boys so I can rebuild false hopes in them. :D

I used to be so positive... One disappointing (not gonna say bad eventhough I think it will be one of our very worst) draft and I'm all bummed.... :(

Welcome to the dark side! Although, strangely in a reverse of roles, I feel pretty positive about this team. I have much hope. Injuries or Flozell Adams are the only possible reason this team doesn't have at least one playoff victory this year. We are stacked.

[D-Unit]

Welcome to the dark side! Although, strangely in a reverse of roles, I feel pretty positive about this team. I have much hope. Injuries or Flozell Adams are the only possible reason this team doesn't have at least one playoff victory this year. We are stacked.
It should be known... I like Jerry. Think he's one of the hardest trying GM/Owners in the league... even makes cheering for the Boys fun. But it should be known... I DO NOT follow him blindly. If he screws up, I'm right there to point it out. Just as well as I stick up for him when I think he does something right.

[herniateddisc]

It should be known... I like Jerry. Think he's one of the hardest trying GM/Owners in the league... even makes cheering for the Boys fun. But it should be known... I DO NOT follow him blindly.....

Jerry Jones makes you want to cheer for the Cowboys?

Now that is certainly a new one I have never heard in 20 years.

[D-Unit]

Jerry Jones makes you want to cheer for the Cowboys?

Now that is certainly a new one I have never heard in 20 years.
Well, I'm glad I was the one to say it then. ;)

Remember, if not for him, Parcells doesn't even come here. ... and I loved Parcells... but not blindly either. He had his fair share of terrible blunders. Don't remind me of that Julius Jones draft.

[E-Man]

Why think of Julius when you can think of Quincy?! lol

I think Jerry is pretty polarizing, and I sometimes feel like the only one with a gray response to Jerry. He's done some good things, and some bad things as well. Regardless, I don't think he's the sole reason for everything. He's got the most influence, but there's only so much he can do.

[Ward]

My thoughts on Jerry are thus: There is no denying what he and Jimmy accomplished together, but the man fell in love with the status/his own legend and lost sight of what was most important to keeping the franchise competitive. I still believe that Jerry is an intelligent football guy, and has the brain and drive to be a G.M. Where things go wrong in Valley Ranch have all been cases of Jerry going against all business sense to prove a point to the world. Examples include firing Jimmy, hiring Switzer/Gailey/Campo/Parcells, 2 1sts for Joey Galloway, Quincy Carter being drafted in the 2nd round, Drew Henson, Terrell Owens (signing AND cutting), and there's a few I'm leaving out here. At some point recently I do believe he has made an effort to move away from that, or he's giving up power to guys like Stephen Jones and formerly Jeff Ireland. As a result, I do believe we're on our way back. The organizations moves the past few seasons have gotten more and more conservative, despite what ESPN coverage would have you believe. Great conservative signings this off-season, guys who support the stars of this team. Olshansky, Brooking, and even Sensabaugh all help let Ware get after the QB more freely, and this defense will far outshine the offense. The Kitna signing is solid, and Kitna has had success recently in this league (and we just happen to have his old #1 receiver on the roster). I've come a long way from where I stood with Jerry during the Parcells era, I'm just keeping an open mind. My mind could change again.

[Sniper]

Welcome to the dark side! Although, strangely in a reverse of roles, I feel pretty positive about this team. I have much hope. Injuries or Flozell Adams are the only possible reason this team doesn't have at least one playoff victory this year. We are stacked.

Want to make a sig bet on that one?

[Ward]

Want to make a sig bet on that one?

Please be specific as to what you'd like to bet on.

[M.O.T.H.]

If you guys remember, Brewster went down w/ an injury during OTAs. Well, he's out for the year now w/ that torn pectoral. It wont have any effect on our season but, it does suck in terms of development.

[D-Unit]

If you guys remember, Brewster went down w/ an injury during OTAs. Well, he's out for the year now w/ that torn pectoral. It wont have any effect on our season but, it does suck in terms of development.
Laughed when we made the pick and I'm laughing again right now.

Laughing in disgust that is. *mad face*

[E-Man]

If you guys remember, Brewster went down w/ an injury during OTAs. Well, he's out for the year now w/ that torn pectoral. It wont have any effect on our season but, it does suck in terms of development.

That sucks to hear. You just can help some of these things. Let's hope this is just an exception, and that it doesn't turn into a trend.

[bigbluedefense]

remember when Wade Phillips said he was gonna be tougher this year?

any reports coming out about that? or is he still a marshmallow man?

[D-Unit]

That sucks to hear. You just can help some of these things. Let's hope this is just an exception, and that it doesn't turn into a trend.
I'll tell you what trend this is...

The trend of people saying... "We don't need to address OT in the draft. We have Brewster coming back from injury. He was doing great in OTAs before he got hurt."

Yeah... I'm already bracing myself. This is Doug Free all over again.

So just chalk 1 out of the 12 as a bust so far. Could've used his pick (Rnd 3, Pick 11), combined with our 2nd rounder to move up for Maualuga.

I hate Jerry's face right about now.

[bigbluedefense]

Rey wouldve been so scary in Wade's 3-4.

Rey is the best blitzing MIKE ive seen in a long time. He'd be a beast for Dallas.


I was hoping he fell to us. Can you imagine him blitzing on the Giants D? Forgetaboutit.

[D-Unit]

Rey wouldve been so scary in Wade's 3-4.

Rey is the best blitzing MIKE ive seen in a long time. He'd be a beast for Dallas.


I was hoping he fell to us. Can you imagine him blitzing on the Giants D? Forgetaboutit.
Ah what could have been... what could have been...

Anyone know any anger management techniques?

[bigbluedefense]

Ah what could have been... what could have been...

Anyone know any anger management techniques?

i find hookers and choke em.

[D-Unit]

i find hookers and choke em.
...and I thought I needed help.... :rolleyes: hahaha

[bigbluedefense]

hahhaa, relax everyone, its just a joke :p

[Sniper]

Please be specific as to what you'd like to bet on.

I say the Cowboys will not win a playoff game. I don't even think they'll make the playoffs, actually, but I'll sig bet that they don't win a playoff game. Loser rocks the other's sig until the '10 draft.

[D-Unit]

I say the Cowboys will not win a playoff game. I don't even think they'll make the playoffs, actually, but I'll sig bet that they don't win a playoff game. Loser rocks the other's sig until the '10 draft.
Did you get my PM?

[herniateddisc]

hahhaa, relax everyone, its just a joke :p

I hope so. That was odd to put it mildly.

[herniateddisc]

remember when Wade Phillips said he was gonna be tougher this year?

any reports coming out about that? or is he still a marshmallow man?

Wade is as good as fired. He is a gigantic camel toe.

[herniateddisc]

Ah what could have been... what could have been...

Anyone know any anger management techniques?

Get on websites and bad mouth our moron GM.

[E-Man]

I'll tell you what trend this is...

The trend of people saying... "We don't need to address OT in the draft. We have Brewster coming back from injury. He was doing great in OTAs before he got hurt."

Yeah... I'm already bracing myself. This is Doug Free all over again.

So just chalk 1 out of the 12 as a bust so far. Could've used his pick (Rnd 3, Pick 11), combined with our 2nd rounder to move up for Maualuga.

I hate Jerry's face right about now.

lol How is he a bust? Injuries happen sometimes. His career is not, nor should it be defined by having an injury his first season. Things happen sometimes man, and it could happen to anyone. It dosn't mean that he'll suck. For all we know he could be the next Larry Allen. We haven't seen him play yet, and neither have the coaches. This pushes him back a bit, but it's not the end of the world for him. People wanted an O-Lineman, and they spent a decently high pick on one. Just because that pick got hurt doesn't mean that it was a bad one. Also, how does this reflect poorly on Jerry and Wade? It's not like they knew he was going to get hurt when they took him. Rashard Mendenhall got hurt last year, does that mean he's a bust already? Come on D, we can't go calling people busts before training camp starts. Give it some time before we do that.

[Ward]

The label 'bust' to me implies that there were expectations that were not reached. What did any of us expect from Brewster? He is a 4th rounder who had no starting spot available to him. No big deal.

[E-Man]

The label 'bust' to me implies that there were expectations that were not reached. What did any of us expect from Brewster? He is a 4th rounder who had no starting spot available to him. No big deal.
That's what I'm saying. He wasn't going to start, and he was a pick for depth and the future. It's not a lost cause.
i find hookers and choke em.

I knew you were cool man.:D

[D-Unit]

The label 'bust' to me implies that there were expectations that were not reached. What did any of us expect from Brewster? He is a 4th rounder who had no starting spot available to him. No big deal.
Actually he was a 3rd rounder, picked 11th in that round. 75th overall. I definitely expected him to provide good depth for us this year, with the possibility of him starting at OT or OG as soon as next season. Our LG situation is still in major flux. Not gonna happen now. Probably won't happen ever if you ask me. He was a BIG TIME reach in the 3rd. Nobody saw that coming. He was universally rated as a 5th round prospect. We just suck ass at drafting OL. William Beatty was the previous OL drafted ahead of him. We traded down and lost out on him. He'll probably be the Giants future LT for the next 10-12 years. Coulda had him... But nah. Just because we reached on a 5th round talent in Round 3, doesn't make him a 3rd round talent. We passed up on some damn good talent. Brewster is a career back up at best.

[D-Unit]

Get on websites and bad mouth our moron GM.
It's actually quite therapeutic. If he was a moron all the time, I might actually hate him. Damn on him for doing good things from time to time. Damn him to hell. :)

[herniateddisc]

It's actually quite therapeutic. If he was a moron all the time, I might actually hate him. Damn on him for doing good things from time to time. Damn him to hell. :)

This line of reasoning is similar to that of Germans who lauded Hitler b/c the trains ran on time after he got into power.

Jerry is a football moron in every sense and this last draft only proves it further. All sizzle and no steak with many fans confusing movement with forward progress.

If Jerry was the coach he would be the master of calling the 2 yard drag route on 3rd and 20 and celebrate the completion.

[herniateddisc]

Actually he was a 3rd rounder, picked 11th in that round. 75th overall. I definitely expected him to provide good depth for us this year, with the possibility of him starting at OT or OG as soon as next season. Our LG situation is still in major flux. Not gonna happen now. Probably won't happen ever if you ask me. He was a BIG TIME reach in the 3rd. Nobody saw that coming. He was universally rated as a 5th round prospect. We just suck ass at drafting OL. William Beatty was the previous OL drafted ahead of him. We traded down and lost out on him. He'll probably be the Giants future LT for the next 10-12 years. Coulda had him... But nah. Just because we reached on a 5th round talent in Round 3, doesn't make him a 3rd round talent. We passed up on some damn good talent. Brewster is a career back up at best.

Part of the problem we have had with drafting OL IMHO opinion is we have changed OL Philosophy 2 times in the last 6 years.

I have faith that over time if Houck is retained that the line play and talent will improve via trial and error .... regardless I did not agree we should have changed from the Sparano/Parcells ideal of fit, mobile, smart OL.

[Macarthur]

I think we need to make a move and get some depth. Anyone think there's a guy out there that we could go get kinda like we did with Holland last year?

[herniateddisc]

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery on D'Quell Jackson in a trade from Cleveland?

Send them a second maybe or third and 5th....

[Macarthur]

That won't help our OL.

[703SKINS202]

I just saw this video on Chris Cooley's blog, is he talking trash or is this just good fun? http://vimeo.com/5787861

[D-Unit]

Any thoughts from the peanut gallery on D'Quell Jackson in a trade from Cleveland?

Send them a second maybe or third and 5th....
Cleveland loves D'Qwell like we like Ware. It won't happen. The future of our ILB position is fully entrusted in the hands of Jason Williams. Like the player, hate where we drafted him. Would've loved Rey more. I'd easily give up Williams, Brewster and a couple more picks in fact to move up 13 spots for Rey. Pure Disgust.

[D-Unit]

Part of the problem we have had with drafting OL IMHO opinion is we have changed OL Philosophy 2 times in the last 6 years.

I have faith that over time if Houck is retained that the line play and talent will improve via trial and error .... regardless I did not agree we should have changed from the Sparano/Parcells ideal of fit, mobile, smart OL.
It's going to change next year once we bring in a new HC.

[D-Unit]

I think we need to make a move and get some depth. Anyone think there's a guy out there that we could go get kinda like we did with Holland last year?
We could imagine up names until the moon turns blue. It's just too hard to start and end that kind of discussion. We gave up a 5th rounder for him.

It might be easier to pinpoint guys were are busts due to injury... kinda like Columbo. IMO, Columbo is by far our best OL. Parcells' one claim to success as far as the OL goes.

But you see why Brewster is now so close to bust status... We're already talking about finding another guy to fill his spot on the roster.

[Macarthur]

I think it's unfair and highly premature to call him a bust, especially considering he wasn't taken in the first round.

[herniateddisc]

We could imagine up names until the moon turns blue. It's just too hard to start and end that kind of discussion. We gave up a 5th rounder for him.

It might be easier to pinpoint guys were are busts due to injury... kinda like Columbo. IMO, Columbo is by far our best OL. Parcells' one claim to success as far as the OL goes.

But you see why Brewster is now so close to bust status... We're already talking about finding another guy to fill his spot on the roster.

Dude Parcells turned around Flozell and Gurode's career also. Not exactly fair to just say Colombo.