Dallas Cowboys Discussion

[dpl85]

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[M.O.T.H.]

I dont even know why he threw that...but whatever. Never deserved to win. Our defense is overrated and there is no discipline on either side of the ball. Still too talented to be 1-3.

I still dont think the season is over yet either, in this crazy year. But our team is so hard to watch sometimes.

At least Felix got 15 carries and played fantastic...so knowing Garrett, he's looking at 6 carries next week.

[pocketaces]

Game over.

11 penalties for 123 yards. Neat.

We have the stupidest team in the league. Penalties, turnovers, terrible ST's...

Time to make changes! Wade, Red, Nice knowing ya, time to go

[D-Unit]

Fire the staff.

[Modano]

It's amazing how we keep on finding new ways to shoot ourselves in the feet.

[xxxxxxxx]

I am not watching this team until we get a Bill Cowher type coach. This team is a f*cking joke.

We just wasted a season with a the superbowl in our building and the most talent in the NFL. What a joke.

Until we win a superbowl, I will stand by my statement, WE ARE CURSED. We are the redsox of football.

Like really.. when does this **** happen to any other team? It's not even funny to watch.

[Modano]

And when was the last time a kicker missed a FG against us?

[Gribble]

This game is such a microcosm of the Cowboys.

500+ yards of offense.
12 penalties for 133 yards.
6 sacks allowed.
3 turnovers.

Everyone else says it's the staff. I gotta agree.

[xxxxxxxx]

And when was the last time a kicker missed a FG against us?

ANother piece to add to my point.

Our team is cursed. Until we are holding another lombardi trophy, we are the redsox of the NFL.

[M.O.T.H.]

Dont believe in curses...but our games always play out predictably bad. Or at least, it just seems that way.

All these huge penalties, make you almost miss Flozell's false starts of the 5 yard variety.

[dpl85]

Im not sure what you mean by cursed? I'd say they're just horribly mismanaged! Ughh sigh

[LonghornsLegend]

This game is such a microcosm of the Cowboys.

500+ yards of offense.
12 penalties for 133 yards.
6 sacks allowed.
3 turnovers.

Everyone else says it's the staff. I gotta agree.


Gonna mention again, all this, COMING OUT OF A BYE WEEK.


There just is no excuse for how unprepared we seemingly always are, with an extra week to prepare. It also makes no sense we have a ton of talent but for one reason or another can't seem to put it together on the field.


Our coaches never have us prepared, the secondary play was attrocious to start the game, we made VY and Britt look like Peyton and Wayne, Jenkins was still stuck on vacation, and while I hate Garrett I had no problems today. It's just you cannot expect our offense to sustain drives with penalties.


The stat even showed it. Most penalized team in the league since 2008(technically we were 2nd behind Oakland but I bet we passed them up pretty swiftly). Same old **** with this team, I've even started predicting penalties at home myself knowing they are coming.

[M.O.T.H.]

So are we all high on Felix again yet? :P

Aint nothing wrong with him. I really hope this is just a sign of things to come, because we need to get him the ball.

[LonghornsLegend]

So are we all high on Felix again yet? :P

Aint nothing wrong with him. I really hope this is just a sign of things to come, because we need to get him the ball.

I will eat crow because I didn't think we'd stick with our guns and give him that many carries, but I hope it continues. He should have been starting since week 1. If he proves he can stay healthy, he's our best RB. Wanted to see more Choice, but Felix starting should be permanent.

[M.O.T.H.]

I actually liked the fact that we stuck with two backs.

I really like Choice, but three RBs is just overkill. Seems to flow better with two. Garrett actually did a much better job with subs all around today. I liked how he mixed in Hurd and Bennett today.

I still wish we would have went 5 wide, on that final drive. On our previous scoring drive, the 5 wide sets gave them all kinds of problems. They dont have the DBs to properly combat it.

[LizardState]

Our coaches never have us prepared, the secondary play was attrocious to start the game, we made VY and Britt look like Peyton and Wayne, Jenkins was still stuck on vacation, and while I hate Garrett I had no problems today. It's just you cannot expect our offense to sustain drives with penalties.

LL nailed it there. And they had 2 wks. to prepare for CJ the fastest man in the NFL & Tennessee.

Go into that 2-deep zone & you surrender huge amounts of territory. the 25-yd deep out was there all day even for a mediocre passer like Young.

[FreshBoy!]

Soooo...I asked earlier in the thread....Who coaches this team next year?

[D-Unit]

Disgusted.

[xxxxxxxx]

I honestly don't even know what to say. With all this talent, and expectations, to be 1-3 and in all likelyhood missing the playoffs is just mind boggling. Wow.

[xxxxxxxx]

In his post game press conference even Romo said the random things that don't go are way is just wierd.. I'm just trying not to think about the cowboys right now. It's just a joke.

[D-Unit]

We're last place in the NFC East after Week 5. So f'n pathetic. It's not over and there are some good things to take away from this game, but the frustration still boils.

I think the epitome of all my fears and constant complaints concerning our weak ass safeties came into full realization today. The defense played as if the safeties weren't even on the field. Jerry put all our eggs into Alan Ball's and Gerald Sensabaugh's baskets and we paid dearly for it today. He pinched his pockets and didn't bring in Atogwe... he got LB happy once again, and failed to bring in a quality safety prospect through the draft...

Our special teams play is pathetic. Where is that guy... quincyyyyyy...? He loved the 2009 draft so much! Oh how it was supposed to solidify and fix our special teams problems.... Yeah right...

[D-Unit]

Oh... and how great was that TD celebration by Chris Johnson???

I ******* wish he suffers a career ending injury next week.

[MetSox17]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/10/cowboys-bench-leonard-davis-possibly-for-good/

[D-Unit]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/10/cowboys-bench-leonard-davis-possibly-for-good/
Justin Blalock is a FA. Think we have a chance?

[MetSox17]

I'm pretty sure Justin Blalock starts for the Falcons. I'd love to have him come back home though.

[D-Unit]

Anyone know what the team's plan is for Robert Brewster? OG or OT?

[E-Man]

After a sad loss and two long ass final exams I can only come in here to say one thing...

M.O.T.H. is the man and better than me for predicting that CJ would break the 80 yard barrier. I will now slink to my hideout in defeat, and I will hope that porn can cure my woes as has in the past.

*goes to hideout and cries*

[M.O.T.H.]

lol. Unnecessary^

Anyway...Leonard Davis, I dont know what happened to him, but he is terrible now. Simply terrible. He's whiffing on blocks, he's useless when he pulls. The team started playing much better when Holland got in there. And then of course he gets hurt and Davis had to come back in.

And Colombo still looks like ass, and he's supposedly 100%. He's been pretty bad for a while now. I've always been a fan, but he is constantly getting beat now.

I know a lot of people have soured on Gurode...but, I'd kick Davis and Colombo to the curb before Gurode. That said, Gurode just looks fat this year. He's always been big, but he looks out of shape now. He's still better than the other two. The line is a mess...Free and Kosier are our best lineman. Who would have guessed?

[LizardState]

Oh... and how great was that TD celebration by Chris Johnson???

I ******* wish he suffers a career ending injury next week.

This game is such a microcosm of the Cowboys.

500+ yards of offense.
12 penalties for 133 yards.
6 sacks allowed.
3 turnovers.

Everyone else says it's the staff. I gotta agree.



Excessive celebration penalty? Are you kidding me? Followed by piss poor STs kick coverage allowing a 93 yd return.

Signs of a well coached team? D is right, fire the f'in staff. These are 13-yr-olds playing a man's game, & coached by amateurs. We laughed when they said this was a "soft" team, nobody laughing now.

Gone: Wade, STs coach Joe DeCamillis, replace Wade with Garrett just so someone else can call the plays. Also Leonard Davis into retirement, + all the safeties. When this much talent goes this bad this fast it's time to point the fingers where they belong: at the gameplans & the coaching.

With winning every 3rd-4th game, a disreputable 5-11 or even 4-12 isn't out of the question.

What to look fwd. to: No worse than drafting 5th-7th. Not p/o the Locker/Ponder/Mallett sweepstakes, so concentrate on team needs which are primarily OL & safety. And kicker, especially a kicker, I would go as high as the 3rd or 4th rd for Kai Forbath from UCLA. They laughed at that arrogant prick Gruden when he drafted Janikowski from FSU & Lechler from TAMU that early but note they're both still there with the Raiders, the kicking game s/b a solid building block for your team. Buehler has cost Dallas as much as he's contributed, & .500 isn't going to cut it.

Add Stefan Wisniewski, Justin Boren from Ohio St., & Kristofer O'Dowd from USC, any combination of those, retire Davis & Gurode.

Add to the team mock Deunta Williams or Rahim Moore, or at SS DeAndre McDaniel from Clemson, Mark Barron from Bama or Tyler Sash from Iowa. Say adios to Scandrick & Sensabaugh, keep Ball for depth.

Retiring Brooking can be covered by Sean Lee, the new blood belongs on the OL even if it takes 2-3 yrs for them to be adequate, you don't get FA starter material on the OL.... as we discovered you get Holland & Barron.

Time for a team needs kind of draft, no more glitzy glamor guys with big salaries. Jerry won't like paying 1st rd. $ to an O-lineman, but trading back in the 1st hasn't worked real well either. Stick to the shopping list.

[Macarthur]

Anyone know what the team's plan is for Robert Brewster? OG or OT?

I think RT, but who knows really?

I've been saying for some time that Leonard has been the problem with this. It's no coinscidence that Holland came in and they went right down the field and scored.

I think we have to cut davis. I think we draft a true center and move Geroude to guard for a year until we can replace him. Bring in Blalock to replace Kosier and then draft the best available RT or G.

I would like next year to have something that looks like this:

LT - Free
LG - Blalock
C- Wisniewski
RG - Geroude
RT - Brewster or draft pick

I think we need at least 3 OL next year from FA and draft. Maybe 4!

[bigbluedefense]

Columbo and Davis have looked awful so far this season.

Garrett's offense is built to have gawdy statistics for the qb, but it's just way too pass heavy. Run the rock.

I hate Bennett's body language too. I just don't think the guy will ever get it.

[xxxxxxxx]

It's such a joke because with the state of the NFL right now, we should be walking to the superbowl. Oh well.

And alan ball is a JOKE. First round safety, second round C/OG. No other way.

[xxxxxxxx]

Felix averaged 7.3 and romo still threw 46 times. garrett what are you doing?

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Felix averaged 7.3 and romo still threw 46 times. garrett what are you doing?

You're seriously blaming Garrett? Why not blame Romo for his 3 ints? How about your special teams for breaking down in probably the most important moment of the game? That offense basically had a high light reel for most of it's skill players and still your team lost. That goes beyond Garrett! Maybe tubby isn't a good coach. Maybe it's time for a change there.

[LonghornsLegend]

You're seriously blaming Garrett? Why not blame Romo for his 3 ints? How about your special teams for breaking down in probably the most important moment of the game? That offense basically had a high light reel for most of it's skill players and still your team lost. That goes beyond Garrett! Maybe tubby isn't a good coach. Maybe it's time for a change there.


No blame goes on Romo. 1 of the picks was a tip ball, the pick at the end of the game was because we just gave up a ST TD within seconds and we had to go 80 yards without any Timeouts, he had to force something to get down field. He did his job, tied the game, and we let him down.


Wade's fault for not having us prepared out of a bye week, ST play was terrible, penalities as usual were the result. It's easy to blame Romo because he plays QB but when you throw nearly 50 times your gonna have stuff like that happen. If Garrett continues to be so pass heavy there are gonna be mistakes like that.



Columbo and Davis have looked awful so far this season.

Garrett's offense is built to have gawdy statistics for the qb, but it's just way too pass heavy. Run the rock.

I hate Bennett's body language too. I just don't think the guy will ever get it.



Yea we need two new starters at RT or RG next year, point blank. I hate that we lost John Phillips, he was just so much better then Marty B right now and he would have pushed him to get better. Garrett doesn't want to run the way we need to, sadly, I didn't see him having a terrible gameplan and I thought he did well, certainly didn't lose the game, but we should be running alot more then we do.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

No blame goes on Romo. 1 of the picks was a tip ball, the pick at the end of the game was because we just gave up a ST TD within seconds and we had to go 80 yards without any Timeouts, he had to force something to get down field. He did his job, tied the game, and we let him down.


Wade's fault for not having us prepared out of a bye week, ST play was terrible, penalities as usual were the result. It's easy to blame Romo because he plays QB but when you throw nearly 50 times your gonna have stuff like that happen. If Garrett continues to be so pass heavy there are gonna be mistakes like that.



Tipped balls we know ALL too well. However forcing something still falls on him. Hell, Eli forces things and gets picked, and that goes on him too. That's your offensive identity though. You're a passing team whose QB, TE and WRs rack up stats. It's not like you have our system, or our past one where we run run run run.

I don't see Garrett changing unless the HC says to. That's up to Wade to take control and dictate now since you guys are off to a 1-3 start.

[Macarthur]

The last int Romo did force, but the other two are not on him. The one to Marty would have been a fairly difficult play, but he got both hands on it. Even if he doesn't catch it, he has to get enough of it so that it doesn't pop straight up in the air.

The other was all on Free. Free did a terrible job of getting the DE's hands down.

[LonghornsLegend]

Tipped balls we know ALL too well. However forcing something still falls on him. Hell, Eli forces things and gets picked, and that goes on him too. That's your offensive identity though. You're a passing team whose QB, TE and WRs rack up stats. It's not like you have our system, or our past one where we run run run run.

That's true, it happens, but I'm not just gonna blame Romo because he gets credited two INT's when one was tipped and the other was a perfectly placed ball that bounced off of both of Bennett's hands. The last 1 was all on him, but it's hard for me to ignore the situation our entire team continually puts him in.


Remember the Baltimore Ravens game that closed the old Texas Stadium? He kept driving us down to score, and our defense kept letting them run off 80 yard TD runs and making it harder and harder. If we actually play defense after the TD, I don't expect Romo to force that ball, but give any QB 50 secs, no TO's, needing a TD, and your gonna get some terrible throws.


Look at the Chargers game yesterday. Rivers is typically viewed as a top 5 QB, but when his team put him in a terrible situation after letting Oakland score TD's back and forth, he threw all kinds of terrible throws on the last drive when they had no TO's and less then a minute to score a TD.


You could give us Aaron Rodgers, and with our line, penalities, amount of throws per game, and terrible special teams they are gonna make the same mistakes. I don't think Romo is perfect, but it's tough to expect him to overcome how terrible our team is in all aspects.

[D-Unit]

You're seriously blaming Garrett? Why not blame Romo for his 3 ints? How about your special teams for breaking down in probably the most important moment of the game? That offense basically had a high light reel for most of it's skill players and still your team lost. That goes beyond Garrett! Maybe tubby isn't a good coach. Maybe it's time for a change there.
Screw the INTs. When your OC calls for you to throw the ball that much, it's inevitable. Garrett has been the #1 problem for us in every loss. He's just soooooo terrible. His plays are terrible. His feel for the game is terrible. It's time to cut bait.

[E-Man]

The funny thing about this game is that you can't really put the blame on one person. Romo threw 3 picks, but two were tipped ones. Sure Martellus could have caught one, but he did have to jump so it's not like he outright dropped it. Free could have blocked better, but sometimes the other guys just make fantastic plays. The Titans defense is so great that they get tipped passes. You could say that they're lucky, but the force it and work on it so much that it's a skill. In spite of that the offense had a great game. They were never out when they had time, and they didn't give up. Only thing that worries me is how Davis played. He needs to get it together.

The on the defensive side of the ball you give up some big plays early that put them in a hole. Jenkins had a bad game somehow. On some runs there was no one to pick up CJ when he started dancing to open up some things. But they did settle down and get the stops that they need. The last two touchdown drives started at their own 5. No matter how great you are you won't always stop that.

So what's the problem? Stupidity. Yeah some mistakes happen. No player is perfect. You may miss a block, or stretching out may cause you to drop the ball. Those are just problems that happen every game that you can overcome with practice and dedication. The penalties is something that doesn't seem like it can be helped. 12 penalties will lose you the game all the time when it's close, even if one of them was a ******** celebrating call that should have never happened. If you take away that call they still have 11 penalties for too many yards. This is why they can't win close games. Close games against good teams isn't so bad. It happens, but all the damn penalties is too inexcusable. My first instinct is to blame Wade and crew, but this **** happened with Parcells too. Hell the last time they didn't have a penalty problem was probably when Jimmy Johnson was coaching, so it's something there that we're missing.

Yeah it's still early and all, but the big problem is the penalties. The league right now is really level. More than ever now all teams are really even. The crappy teams have enough talent now to make a game of things. With what the Cowboys have they should be right in the mix, but they're killing themselves with these damn penalties. They'll be singing the damn penalty song until they end up 8-8 if they keep this up.

[Macarthur]

Screw the INTs. When your OC calls for you to throw the ball that much, it's inevitable. Garrett has been the #1 problem for us in every loss. He's just soooooo terrible. His plays are terrible. His feel for the game is terrible. It's time to cut bait.

It think, at this point, going on a rant about Garrett is missing the forrest for the trees.

I'm not saying that Garrett doesn't have warts, but the problem with this thing is that there is a structure that allows no accountability and discipline. Wade is not a strong HC to begin with and on top of that JJ will not allow him to bring what little bit of discipline he does bring to the table. And the overall mental preperation of the team is the responsiblity of the HC. Period. This team has dramatically underachieved while Wade has been here. Some is his fault; some is the fault of JJ.

The only hope here is that JJ swallows his pride, like he did with Parcells, and hires a strong HC.

[M.O.T.H.]

Garrett didnt call that bad of a game...but again, I wish he would have called run a bit more. Too frequently...he'd call pass on first down, if that failed, two more passes were following. Romo's on pace for about 700 pass attempts. I dont see what the big deal is about feeding Felix the ball more, when he is gaining 7 yards a pop.

edit...besides the fact that we could have ran the ball more...Garrett's red zone/goal line playcalling was **** again. Nothing new here, though.

I'm not too peeved at the playcalling yesterday, as a whole. But it could have been better, at the same time. I wouldnt place this loss on JG, though...not at all. Penalties and ****** defense, deserve more blame. :/

[FreshBoy!]

It think, at this point, going on a rant about Garrett is missing the forrest for the trees.

I'm not saying that Garrett doesn't have warts, but the problem with this thing is that there is a structure that allows no accountability and discipline. Wade is not a strong HC to begin with and on top of that JJ will not allow him to bring what little bit of discipline he does bring to the table. And the overall mental preperation of the team is the responsiblity of the HC. Period. This team has dramatically underachieved while Wade has been here. Some is his fault; some is the fault of JJ.

The only hope here is that JJ swallows his pride, like he did with Parcells, and hires a strong HC.

Yea, I'm not even sure how you can pin this on Garrett, and really Wade either. Defense settled down and came out and shut down the Titans Offense in the 2nd half. If you want to pin it on Wade and discipline(or lack their of), that's fine...but as far as gameplanning and adjusting, I'm not sure how you can really blame either coach.

I mean they literally stopped the bleeding on both sides of the ball on the second half. I didn't think Romo would come out of the game alive after the 2nd quarter, but JG/Wade adjusted (and pulled Leonard), moved the pocket around, and stopped the leak on the line. Wade did the same for the defense...

You just can't keep shooting yourself in the foot and expect to win games. Doesn't happen like that.

[M.O.T.H.]

It appears clear that Jones is the Cowboys’ biggest threat out of the backfield. However, Garrett said he isn’t ready to commit to Jones as the lead horse despite the results against the Titans.

“Game situations dictate how much a guy is going to get the ball,” Garrett said. “[Jones] was in there, got some opportunities and took advantage of them.

“That’s almost a week-to-week type thing. Marion got some shots, too. I thought he ran the ball well. We like our backfield. We like the different guys that are playing.”

Perhaps Garrett is just being coy, as Jerry Jones described the offensive coordinator’s public statements this week that indicated that getting the ball to Felix Jones wasn’t being emphasized any more than it was before the bye week.

It’s either that, or Garrett’s crazy.


haha. Is Garrett crazy? Maybe a little stupid and in love with Barber, but not crazy. Give the ball to Felix, Red! I really dont understand this whole f'd up situation. If anything, Felix showed he had what it took to be the lead back last season. He's only going to help the offense, and make JG look better in the process. grrr. This has been so aggravating to watch. I swear if he goes back to that minimal role next week, I'm hunting Garrett down. I honestly, have no idea what more Felix can do, to nail more playing time, or the starting job, for that matter.

[Macarthur]

Yea, I'm not even sure how you can pin this on Garrett, and really Wade either. Defense settled down and came out and shut down the Titans Offense in the 2nd half. If you want to pin it on Wade and discipline(or lack their of), that's fine...but as far as gameplanning and adjusting, I'm not sure how you can really blame either coach.

I mean they literally stopped the bleeding on both sides of the ball on the second half. I didn't think Romo would come out of the game alive after the 2nd quarter, but JG/Wade adjusted (and pulled Leonard), moved the pocket around, and stopped the leak on the line. Wade did the same for the defense...

You just can't keep shooting yourself in the foot and expect to win games. Doesn't happen like that.

HOw can you NOT blame Wade?! Is the HC not responsible for these guys being mentally prepared? And coming off a bye week! Unfreakingbelievable.

[FreshBoy!]

I uhhhh....said that? Comprehend my post, kind sir.

[E-Man]

One thing that I noticed was that it seemed as though they were trying to give the young linebackers some playing time. I saw Jason Williams in there a few times. Butler got some pass rush snaps. Leon Williams got some snaps too, and Sean Lee played all of the last defensive drive. I'm glad they're giving these guys time to ease in. They may be useful closer to the end of the year.

[Macarthur]

Yea, I'm not even sure how you can pin this on Garrett, and really Wade either.

Um, the first sentence of your post.

[thule]

Special teams lost us this game. The defense gave up plays early...offense turned the ball over a couple of times. But both units responded and adjusted and put it together. Special teams just killed us...and am I the only person in the world who can't understand what the hell Witten was doing. I've always thought of him as a class act..and he is...so why even do something as stupid as giving the ball to columbo...was it wrong...NO, but you definitely can't call that a heat of the moment action or anything like that...that was a classless celebration no matter how you look at it...talk about disappointing.

[thule]

You're seriously blaming Garrett? Why not blame Romo for his 3 ints? How about your special teams for breaking down in probably the most important moment of the game? That offense basically had a high light reel for most of it's skill players and still your team lost. That goes beyond Garrett! Maybe tubby isn't a good coach. Maybe it's time for a change there.

5 of his 6 interceptions this year have stemmed from tipped balls. Just thought that was interesting to add.

[bigbluedefense]

I wouldn't panic just yet. You're 1-3. That's only 3 losses, and its a loooooooong season.

And it's not like the Cowboys look bad, they're just losing for some reason. I can't explain it. Something's gotta give soon enough.

When you have 7 losses, youre out of it. Right now you have only 3. I'm not counting out the Cowboys just yet. Call me when you get 5 losses with some games to go, then maybe I'll start to think the Cowboys are out of it.

Until then, they're still a contender to me.

[FreshBoy!]

Um, the first sentence of your post.

Yea....again...read...

Yea, I'm not even sure how you can pin this on Garrett, and really Wade either. Defense settled down and came out and shut down the Titans Offense in the 2nd half.
Here's my first and second sentence.... The discussion was involving game planning and adjustments.


If you want to pin it on Wade and discipline(or lack their of), that's fine...but as far as gameplanning and adjusting, I'm not sure how you can really blame either coach.

This follows.....Notice the "if you want to pin it on wade and discipline"....part...Yea, we're saying the same thing.


I mean they literally stopped the bleeding on both sides of the ball on the second half. I didn't think Romo would come out of the game alive after the 2nd quarter, but JG/Wade adjusted (and pulled Leonard), moved the pocket around, and stopped the leak on the line. Wade did the same for the defense...


Again....game planning & adjustment wise, the coaches did a good job. Especially on the defensive side of the ball, go back and look at the drives the Titans had in the 2nd half. I think they had a total of 70 yards in the 2nd half, but with 2 short fields....long drives aren't needed obviously.

Every game isn't going to be a shut out, football is a game of chess....Overall the coaches did a great job at seeing what was happening on the field and adjusting. Purely in the standpoint of X's and O's. Where they failed was discipline, which has been a problem for the last decade.

[E-Man]

I wouldn't panic just yet. You're 1-3. That's only 3 losses, and its a loooooooong season.

And it's not like the Cowboys look bad, they're just losing for some reason. I can't explain it. Something's gotta give soon enough.

When you have 7 losses, youre out of it. Right now you have only 3. I'm not counting out the Cowboys just yet. Call me when you get 5 losses with some games to go, then maybe I'll start to think the Cowboys are out of it.

Until then, they're still a contender to me.

The reason why they're losing is penalties. All three losses have stupid penalties that bit them in the ass. During those close games you look back and see certain mistakes pointing to them problem. On some teams it's a break down in a unit that creates one or two of those big plays that give the other team the edge. With the Cowboys it's penalties. They're racking up way too many any giving teams scoring chances.

In the past they could overcome penalties by being better than everyone else, but now it's biting them in ass when these games get close. They're not out like you said. It's still early enough to turn it around, but they really need to get their heads straight before this becomes 2008 all over again.

[Modano]

The problem is that we actually played way better than the Titans in the second half. Then you have your kicker missing a FG, an amazing interception on a first down in the redzone, and another interception on your 10 yards line. Despite that you tie the game and you get a super silly penalty that results in a huge return.
It's like aganst the Redskins, when Choice fumbled for the first time in his career and they won because of that.
Or against Chicago when the kicker misses a FG to tie the game.

We have not played well enough so far, and we have shot ourselves in the feet time and time again. But we have also been very unlucky, it looks like every bounce goes in the opposite direction. With some good luck this team could be 4-0 despite playing poorly.

The CJ's fumble is the perfect example of what I'm trying to say. He fumbled the ball but yet it went right to the hands of a Titans player.

[Macarthur]

I wouldn't panic just yet. You're 1-3. That's only 3 losses, and its a loooooooong season.

And it's not like the Cowboys look bad, they're just losing for some reason. I can't explain it. Something's gotta give soon enough.

When you have 7 losses, youre out of it. Right now you have only 3. I'm not counting out the Cowboys just yet. Call me when you get 5 losses with some games to go, then maybe I'll start to think the Cowboys are out of it.

Until then, they're still a contender to me.

I would agree with you if this team did not have a history of penalties and undisciplined play. I just don't see it changing because this is what they are.

[xxxxxxxx]

You're seriously blaming Garrett? Why not blame Romo for his 3 ints? How about your special teams for breaking down in probably the most important moment of the game? That offense basically had a high light reel for most of it's skill players and still your team lost. That goes beyond Garrett! Maybe tubby isn't a good coach. Maybe it's time for a change there.

2 were tipped, please state facts before you speak. Romo is a grown man. Stop acting like the giants are high and mighty. Once we get a coach this will be our division for the next decade.

Nice try though.

[xxxxxxxx]

I wouldn't panic just yet. You're 1-3. That's only 3 losses, and its a loooooooong season.

And it's not like the Cowboys look bad, they're just losing for some reason. I can't explain it. Something's gotta give soon enough.

When you have 7 losses, youre out of it. Right now you have only 3. I'm not counting out the Cowboys just yet. Call me when you get 5 losses with some games to go, then maybe I'll start to think the Cowboys are out of it.

Until then, they're still a contender to me.

I think your just trying to cover all the bases as a rival fan, BBD the cowboys 2010 season is over. Hey, I wouldn't mind a top half of the first round draft pick now, get wade the F*CK out.

[TitanHope]

I just wanted to say good game guys.

I know some of ya'll are hella frustrated, but saying your season is over is just ridiculous. You're 1-3, and those 3 losses were to teams that all now have winning records. And you competed in every one of them. It's not as if you just got steam rolled by the Rams or Lions.

When ya'll are on ya'lls game like you were against the Texans, you saw what you're able to do. You had some bad breaks and lost to 3 good teams. Keep your chin up and move on. You're not always gonna shoot yourselves in the foot or have crappy luck.

But I do think it may be Phillips's last year in Dallas. A guy like Cowher or even Gruden could get you over the hump. You can't Fisher though! (I'ma lookin' at you D!)

And sorry about the CJ star pose. Hope ya don't take it personal. (Lookin at you again D! Seriously? Career ending? Dang dude...)

Good luck on the rest of the season. The Titans already delt a loss to the Giants, so hopefully they'll notch L's on the Eagles and Skins for ya too. And thanks for puttin' the Texans in their place. ;)

[M.O.T.H.]

Special teams lost us this game. The defense gave up plays early...offense turned the ball over a couple of times. But both units responded and adjusted and put it together. Special teams just killed us...and am I the only person in the world who can't understand what the hell Witten was doing. I've always thought of him as a class act..and he is...so why even do something as stupid as giving the ball to columbo...was it wrong...NO, but you definitely can't call that a heat of the moment action or anything like that...that was a classless celebration no matter how you look at it...talk about disappointing.

Come on now...you should know that this is a normal thing for Dallas. Colombo has about 10 spikes under his belt...this is just one of many times that Colombo has been given the ball to spike it. The reason he got flagged was because he fell backwards in the end zone, after a chest bump with Witten. But really, Colombo spikes it with regularity after TDs (almost always Witten's) and never has been flagged...and it's not a penalty, either. It's the fact that he fell to the ground afterward. The refs thought he did it on purpose or what not. It was a BS call.

[xxxxxxxx]

I wouldve just kicked it out of bounds and give them the ball at the 40.. our defense was stopping them minus the big play.

This season is over. I can't believe I have to wait 11 months to be excited for another cowboys game. wow.

[xxxxxxxx]

If anyone still has hope for this season, a vikings loss would help. Not to mention take the media off our backs a little bit. I didn't even watch a sports show today.

[FreshBoy!]

Nick Folk made a 50+ yarder just a minute ago. I really think Jerry regrets how that situation played out, and it's affecting his decision to replace Beuhler. Folk really made some BIG kicks for the Cowboys, got injured, and they were patient as hell with him til he showed his yips weren't going anywhere. Now look at him.....and we're still struggling to find a kicker.

There may be something to this curse everyones talking about.

[xxxxxxxx]

Unless im spacing out, I don't think any team in the NFC is above 3-2.

If we can pull off a win at the vikings, who knows.

I am watching this team with NO expectations, but the season isn't dead yet.

[djp]

Good luck next Sunday.. I think we'll be the favorites, but you never know. 2 1-3 teams desperate for a win, should be a pretty good game.

[xxxxxxxx]

Would you agree that whoever loses is basically done?

[M.O.T.H.]

It's pretty official that Nick Folk is godly again...could you imagine Buehler kicking in that rain yesterday?

[Modano]

It's pretty official that Nick Folk is godly again...could you imagine Buehler kicking in that rain yesterday?

Wow, just wow. We're really unlucky.

[bigbluedefense]

Shouldve never got rid of Folk. It was clear that he was still hurt last year. Why not go through TC with him and Beuhler and then if he's washed up, cut him after the PS?

Made no sense to me. I wanted the Giants to pick up Folk but we're deadset on keeping Tynes around.


As for the Minny/Dallas game, it's a must win for both teams. So that's gonna be a great game, it's gonna feel like a playoff game for both teams. Brett looks like he hurt his arm, so that bodes well for Dallas.

I can't wait to see that one.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

5 of his 6 interceptions this year have stemmed from tipped balls. Just thought that was interesting to add.

New WR coach? I hear that issue. 3 Ints are on Eli, the other ones have been tipped balls. We have a new WR coach, and it's happening to all the WRs. So that falls on the WR coach. But lately, to his credit, the tipped balls have stopped, so that's a good sign. God I hate tipped balls!!!!

[LizardState]

I wouldn't panic just yet. You're 1-3. That's only 3 losses, and its a loooooooong season.

I beg to differ. Momentum from wk to wk is a big factor in the NFL, bigger than most pundits think.

Win vs. Tennessee at home & they still had a shot at the NFC East despite the streaking Giants, streaks run both ways as your Giants found out late last yr. But lose at home after a bye wk. vs the Titans the way they did, with self inflicted wounds, clueless coaching & those 12 ******* killer penalties, well, I'm sorry to say it but it was a momemtum destroyer & very demoralizing to a team that was looking at a SB run but forgot they had to actually play the games & win to get there.

Call me a pessimist with that glass half empty but I think the season may be toast. I have lo look deep for silver linings now but the best one is Roy Williams' emergence & turnaround. Dez' courage to come back from a 1st half ankle injury that would have benched most rookie WRs, & getting the ball to Felix more often.

But the excessive celebration penalty, kicking game failures continuing & Jenkins effups in coverage made me a sad panda

[Paul]

Wow, just wow. We're really unlucky.

I think it has less to do with luck, and more with making stupid decisions.


And if the Rangers don't win today, I might just go on a rampage in Arlington.

[FreshBoy!]

Shouldve never got rid of Folk. It was clear that he was still hurt last year. Why not go through TC with him and Beuhler and then if he's washed up, cut him after the PS?

See below...

I think it has less to do with luck, and more with making stupid decisions.


How was it a stupid decision?
These are the things I don't get...Fans/Media are just sooooooo wishy washy.
Folk was unreliable as hell 3/4ths of the season, but Jerry/Wade stuck with him, despite EVERYONE saying they should cut him, up until he nearly blew the Saints game. The media and most fans were calling for his head in the first few weeks of the season if I remember correctly.

They couldn't put him on IR without the league investigating it(I remember this being discussed a few places), so they had to cut him and try to sneak him back on the squad. Obviously the Jets picked him up, but Dallas did anything BUT give up on him. He was the most reliable kicker for a couple years before his injury, but it was obvious his confidence was shot...He was blaming everyone from the holder to the line up front. They even put Romo back as the holder, and he was still shanking 30 yarders. You can't go into the playoffs with a shaky kicker, and we did anyways...but the coaching staff's hand were forced w/ Folk.

[Macarthur]

But I do think it may be Phillips's last year in Dallas. A guy like Cowher or even Gruden could get you over the hump. You can't Fisher though! (I'ma lookin' at you D!)



Are you sure Adams is going to bring back Fisher? Obviously, if you guys go on a great run it's likely, but some of the things I've read really points to Adams and Fisher really nearing the end.

[bigbluedefense]

To be honest, i think the talent on the team is a bit exaggerated.

Skill position wise, it's one of the best in the league. The weapons are sick, great qb, great RB group, great OLBs.

But outside Ratliff, the dline is mediocre. The ILBs are good enough, but no playmakers. Outside of Jenkins, the DBs are mediocre.

And the oline is aged.

I still think its a very good team and I think its way too early to say Dallas is not making the playoffs, but I don't buy into the most talented team in the league talk. I think that's an exaggeration.

[Macarthur]

I think that's a pretty good assestment, BBD.

[xxxxxxxx]

To be honest, i think the talent on the team is a bit exaggerated.

Skill position wise, it's one of the best in the league. The weapons are sick, great qb, great RB group, great OLBs.

But outside Ratliff, the dline is mediocre. The ILBs are good enough, but no playmakers. Outside of Jenkins, the DBs are mediocre.

And the oline is aged.

I still think its a very good team and I think its way too early to say Dallas is not making the playoffs, but I don't buy into the most talented team in the league talk. I think that's an exaggeration.

Newman is playing like a pro-bowler, but yeah scandrick looks like ****, ball is TRASH, and Sensabuagh is J.A.G.

[D-Unit]

I just wanted to say good game guys.

I know some of ya'll are hella frustrated, but saying your season is over is just ridiculous. You're 1-3, and those 3 losses were to teams that all now have winning records. And you competed in every one of them. It's not as if you just got steam rolled by the Rams or Lions.

When ya'll are on ya'lls game like you were against the Texans, you saw what you're able to do. You had some bad breaks and lost to 3 good teams. Keep your chin up and move on. You're not always gonna shoot yourselves in the foot or have crappy luck.

But I do think it may be Phillips's last year in Dallas. A guy like Cowher or even Gruden could get you over the hump. You can't Fisher though! (I'ma lookin' at you D!)

And sorry about the CJ star pose. Hope ya don't take it personal. (Lookin at you again D! Seriously? Career ending? Dang dude...)

Good luck on the rest of the season. The Titans already delt a loss to the Giants, so hopefully they'll notch L's on the Eagles and Skins for ya too. And thanks for puttin' the Texans in their place. ;)
Just hella frustrated at the time. ;)

I'm sold that Cowher isn't a fit here and is more a want than a realistic possibility. I would LOVE Gruden though. He'd be perfect for this team. This offense needs to be in a WC system already. We have the prototype QB for it. We have the prototype WRs for it. We have the prototype TEs for it. It's got to be done! Gruden is also a player's coach, yet he's gonna be hard on your ass at the same time. Wade is too much of a player's coach that nobody respects him enough to be disciplined enough.

[D-Unit]

Nick Folk made a 50+ yarder just a minute ago. I really think Jerry regrets how that situation played out, and it's affecting his decision to replace Beuhler. Folk really made some BIG kicks for the Cowboys, got injured, and they were patient as hell with him til he showed his yips weren't going anywhere. Now look at him.....and we're still struggling to find a kicker.

There may be something to this curse everyones talking about.
There's one that got away. Kudo's to him for getting things right. When he was with us at the end he did some pretty unforgivable things. I can't really blame Jerry for letting him walk.

[D-Unit]

I think it has less to do with luck, and more with making stupid decisions.


And if the Rangers don't win today, I might just go on a rampage in Arlington.
I might fly up there and join you too.

[Macarthur]

Just hella frustrated at the time. ;)

I'm sold that Cowher isn't a fit here and is more a want than a realistic possibility. I would LOVE Gruden though. He'd be perfect for this team. This offense needs to be in a WC system already. We have the prototype QB for it. We have the prototype WRs for it. We have the prototype TEs for it. It's got to be done! Gruden is also a player's coach, yet he's gonna be hard on your ass at the same time. Wade is too much of a player's coach that nobody respects him enough to be disciplined enough.

You really think Gruden is the answer?

I've always felt he was overrated.

[dpl85]

Regarding Folk, we shoulda just put him on IR right? But kickers don't usually get that kind of respect or leeway.

Alan Ball is really terrible and holding this team back from potentially being close to an elite defense... with a few other minor improvements.

Leonard Davis was/is one of the worst FA signings from Jerry in recent memory. His brilliant performances are akin to him just robbing Jerry at gunpoint.

[Giantsfan1080]

You guys released Mike Hamlin.

[dpl85]

You guys released Mike Hamlin.

Which speaks to how bad not only he was but pretty much the entire 09 draft. Man you can't consistently win with drafting like that.

[M.O.T.H.]

Our safety situation is garbage...and I actually think Hamlin was the best of the backups, right now. The others, aside from a green AOA, project more as ST players. Hamlin at least could play the position. Not exactly shocking news, given that some didnt think he would make the team out of camp, but I didnt think we'd give up on him this early.

Not like I wanted him to be the future anyway...I want that ballhawk in the worst way. Hell, we could use two new starting safeties. I dont really have a problem with Sensy, he's just pretty average. And Ball is horrid.

[D-Unit]

Regarding Folk, we shoulda just put him on IR right? But kickers don't usually get that kind of respect or leeway.

Alan Ball is really terrible and holding this team back from potentially being close to an elite defense... with a few other minor improvements.

Leonard Davis was/is one of the worst FA signings from Jerry in recent memory. His brilliant performances are akin to him just robbing Jerry at gunpoint.
Well.... Davis wasn't always this bad. His decline has just been quite rapid.

[dpl85]

Sensabaugh is the very definition of spare, or if you prefer, mediocre.

[D-Unit]

Our safety situation is garbage...and I actually think Hamlin was the best of the backups, right now. The others, aside from a green AOA, project more as ST players. Hamlin at least could play the position. Not exactly shocking news, given that some didnt think he would make the team out of camp, but I didnt think we'd give up on him this early.

Not like I wanted him to be the future anyway...I want that ballhawk in the worst way. Hell, we could use two new starting safeties. I dont really have a problem with Sensy, he's just pretty average. And Ball is horrid.
Yep... we need 2 new safeties. I hope AOA pans out.

Jerry had the chance to bring in Atogwe... even the local Dallas media got on him about that possibility. I wish we had him now. Instead we put all our eggs in Ball's basket. What a mistake. What a mistake.

[M.O.T.H.]

That Leonard Davis signing looked genius for the first two years. So I wouldnt call it bad at all...but something is really wrong with him now.

[dpl85]

Well.... Davis wasn't always this bad. His decline has just been quite rapid.
He's always been vastly overrated. He was an AZ Cardinals draft bust that we/Jerry thought could be really good here just because hes from here I guess. The year he made the pro bowl was a joke. He was decent but the Cowboys name and visibility elevated his reputation.

[M.O.T.H.]

meh. His first year in Dallas, Davis was fantastic. He looked all the part of a pro bowler. He was dominate at times, and consistent throughout.

These days, I feel more comfortable with Holland...jesus. I dont know what happened.

[dpl85]

Giants 07 playoff game anyone? As best my little brain can remember the whole line was either average or terrible depending on the particular play. And big Len was certainly a part of that.

[M.O.T.H.]

If you havent noticed...our fat offensive line, always wears down at the end of the year. Our line is done by the playoffs. Nothing is more embarrassing than that Vikes game.

Romo's Decemeber struggles coincide with our offensive line getting beaten consistently more in those months, into the playoffs.

[dpl85]

Good point Moth, that's why we need to move away from the old style big road graders to more athletic lineman.

[bigbluedefense]

I know we needed a safety worse than you guys did, but why on earth didn't Dallas make a play for Antrell Rolle?

He's been a godsend for us. I know many think he wasn't worth the cash, but so far he's been worth every penny.

He looks better than he ever was with Arizona, he's the best run supporting safety we've had in some time, has great range and can cover slot WRs and TEs.

And most importantly, he's become a vocal leader in the lockerroom. Something I think both of our teams needed.

I can't knock Jerry too much though. What do you want him to do? The guy has drafted ballers, you can't fault him for that.

Mike Jenkins - baller
Dez - baller
Felix - baller
Spencer - baller


Ok, so 09 was an abomination of a draft, but for the most part he's been drafting well. It's not like he's getting scrubs in the draft. Drafting for talent and drafting for need is a fine line. A lot of positions that aren't "needs" today aren't needs bc Jerry addressed them with the players listed above.

He cut TO bc he had faith in Austin. He turned down a 2nd round pick for Austin. People thought he was crazy at the time. But he knew exactly what he was doing. Jerry is doing a good job, it's just that you can't have it all. You have to pick your spots.

And Jerry chose to ignore the trenches. So it's hurting him naturally, but I wouldn't fault him for not getting players. I fault his philosophy, but not the talent he's brought to the team.

[dpl85]

I know we needed a safety worse than you guys did, but why on earth didn't Dallas make a play for Antrell Rolle?

He's been a godsend for us. I know many think he wasn't worth the cash, but so far he's been worth every penny.

He looks better than he ever was with Arizona, he's the best run supporting safety we've had in some time, has great range and can cover slot WRs and TEs.

And most importantly, he's become a vocal leader in the lockerroom. Something I think both of our teams needed.

I can't knock Jerry too much though. What do you want him to do? The guy has drafted ballers, you can't fault him for that.

Mike Jenkins - baller
Dez - baller
Felix - baller
Spencer - baller


Ok, so 09 was an abomination of a draft, but for the most part he's been drafting well. It's not like he's getting scrubs in the draft. Drafting for talent and drafting for need is a fine line. A lot of positions that aren't "needs" today aren't needs bc Jerry addressed them with the players listed above.

BBD, dude you're preaching to the choir. I wanted Rolle so bad. :(

[xxxxxxxx]

Roy Williams is ballin' right now and were 1-3... jesus.

The luck has to turn around. I mean come on.

[M.O.T.H.]

Dallas is tapped out as far as salary is concerned. They didnt have the cash to sign Rolle. Unless the league goes un-capped, which it will, Dallas would be screwed, with all of their backloaded contracts.

Add to the fact that they liked Ball, for whatever reason.

[dpl85]

The unspoken truth is that Jerry was cash strapped from having to pay for a large portion of the billion dollar Cowboys Stadium. And before anyone asks, no I don't have a link to back this up, just my own observation. How else to explain Jerry's suddenly becoming really frugal?

[bigbluedefense]

Jerry didn't pay a dime for that stadium. He funded the whole thing with PSL money.

That's what owners do. They trick us into funding stadiums that they make billions of dollars with just so we can watch 8 games a season for the next 20 years.

And we fall for it.

Tis life.

[M.O.T.H.]

Because Dallas has the highest or second highest team salary in the league. We really didnt have any real FA funds. There are only so many corners you could cut and backloading you can do. Plus, we had a few star players of our own to sign as well.

Dallas has done a fantastic job of keeping their talent...but the future would look pretty cloudy with a cap intact. Because they have been backloading everything so heavily, and chalking up big bonuses, to stay under the cap.

I'm 100% against no cap, though.

[dpl85]

Jerry didn't pay a dime for that stadium. He funded the whole thing with PSL money.

That's what owners do. They trick us into funding stadiums that they make billions of dollars with just so we can watch 8 games a season for the next 20 years.

And we fall for it.

Tis life.

Once again I don't have a link although with a little time & effort could probably find one for this... But I'm like 99.99% sure you're wrong just this one time.

[bigbluedefense]

Once again I don't have a link although with a little time & effort could probably find one for this... But I'm like 99.99% sure you're wrong just this one time.

I'll take your word for it. I just vaguely remember reading an article that said he didn't pay a dime for the stadium, the PSLs funded the whole thing.

[Modano]

I agree with BBD and I agree with everyone who thinks that we're playing poorly or at least sub-par football.
But, while I don't believe in curses and stuff, I really think that randomness (or luck) plays a big role in team sports. My soccer team, Inter Milan, won the treble last year and luck played a big role in their victories (just like in 80% of soccer games). Fortune favors the brave and you have to put yourself in position to succeed but you still need bounces to go your way.
As we know, Choice has fumbled only once in his NFL career and that fumbled costed us the game. Griffin made an outstanding interception that 9 out of 10 times he wouldn't make, Buehler nailed a 51 yards FG with ease but missed an easier FG against Chicago, half a second later and that DE doesn't tip the ball that goes into the Titans' DB hands, Columbo doesn't fall on the ground and Mariani doesn't return the ball to the 5 yards line, CJ fumbles and the ball goes right into one of his OL's hands and so on...
On the other hand, GB loses like 7 starters in the game against the Redskins and Cosby hits the post on the game winning FG.

[thule]

That is absolutely wrong dpl. The funny thing is 99% of NFL fans in general thought the cowboys were going to come in and over spend. I remember having the argument with D awhile back.

No salary cap enables you to dump contracts. It was a free year to get rid of your bad deals. Think about this.

Flozell and Hamlin got cut...and saved us a ton of money...you cannot make those cuts with a cap in place. Now some teams did overspend this year but if you looked at the financial side you'd see that it wasn't happening in dallas.

Now obviously some people are wondering why Roy wasn't cut along with them...well thats because Jerry still owed him 9 million garunteed. You don't pay money like that for 0 return...worst came to worse he was a red zone weapon.

With the money we saved we reupped Austin something we knew we had to do. Here is what I think the decision really came down to. Who would help us more OJ Atogwe or MB3.

Because MB3 has a "bad" contract one of those contracts you aren't going to pay in the future and we had the horses in the stable. The thing is I think this is where Jerry/Stephen screwed up. Look at the guys they have found lately to contribute to this team. Ball was next in line...wade loves him for w/e reason hell he hasn't made an impact play on the field since he's been here...all of a sudden he's the starting S. Wade sold him that he could do it...and they elected to keep the team intact. Because we know Barber is a captain.

Hindsight is always 20/20 but our offseason should have went.

Cut
Hamlin
Flo
MB3

Sign Atogwe
Reup Austin/Free

[dpl85]

Thule, can you be more specific? What was I wrong about?

[thule]

from espn blog

While Davis got benched for his poor play something must be said of Alan Ball, the free safety. It looks as if he reacts late on plays. An example of this was on the first touchdown of the game. Orlando Scandrick is one-on-one down the sidelines with Nate Washington. The other Titans receivers run underneath routes and are covered well. Ball is just standing there watching the backfield and by the time he sees the ball in the air it's too late. Scandrick took the blame for that touchdown, but Ball should have helped. Ball did a poor job on a 12-yard score to Kenny Britt in the second quarter. Scandrick, again, is matched up one-on-one. For some reason, Ball is standing near the goalline watching. Gerald Sensabaugh goes across the goalline as he covers the tight end. Vince Young sends a pass into the end zone and Ball doesn't react quickly.
The Cowboys have a problem at the free safety spot and they must fix it. Benching Ball might not be the answer because they're few options on the roster.

Young takes the snap and play-action fakes to Chris Johnson on his left side. Kenny Britt is lined up wide left and runs at Ball, who has his eyes inside. Jenkins at right corner turns inside and begins to sprint deep as he sees Britt go by Ball. Ball still hasn’t moved and continues to look inside. What he is looking at, I am not sure. Keith Brooking carries Johnson into the flat and the only threat to Ball is Britt, who just went by him.

Sensabaugh and Newman begin their pedal, finally Ball begins to move by turning inside, but Britt is 8 yards ahead of him and just inside Jenkins and able to get a little separation in the route. Young sees that there is no safety help in the middle of the field and he lets the ball fly. Britt makes an outstanding, adjusting finger tip catch at the 32-yard line with Jenkins touching him down there.

Again, what Ball was looking at during the snap and was he supposed to be helping Jenkins with deep coverage? It was one of several big plays that the Titans had down the field.

[M.O.T.H.]

Yeah man, it's no secret. Ball has been trash. Worse than Hamlin, even. Thank god for our pass rush, because I have a feeling that if teams started testing us deep, those safeties would greatly be exposed. But why bother, when you can just throw everything right in front of them? Our intermediate to deep zones are beyond terrible.

Oh and Ball in run support....Puhlease.

Surprisingly enough, Newman has been our best corner this year. Jenkins just had a nightmare game, and Scandrick is consistently bad.

[D-Unit]

Good point Moth, that's why we need to move away from the old style big road graders to more athletic lineman.
I hope we do. I really hope we do. But we need to fire Houck. Is that gonna happen?

[D-Unit]

I know we needed a safety worse than you guys did, but why on earth didn't Dallas make a play for Antrell Rolle?

He's been a godsend for us. I know many think he wasn't worth the cash, but so far he's been worth every penny.

He looks better than he ever was with Arizona, he's the best run supporting safety we've had in some time, has great range and can cover slot WRs and TEs.

And most importantly, he's become a vocal leader in the lockerroom. Something I think both of our teams needed.

I can't knock Jerry too much though. What do you want him to do? The guy has drafted ballers, you can't fault him for that.

Mike Jenkins - baller
Dez - baller
Felix - baller
Spencer - baller


Ok, so 09 was an abomination of a draft, but for the most part he's been drafting well. It's not like he's getting scrubs in the draft. Drafting for talent and drafting for need is a fine line. A lot of positions that aren't "needs" today aren't needs bc Jerry addressed them with the players listed above.

He cut TO bc he had faith in Austin. He turned down a 2nd round pick for Austin. People thought he was crazy at the time. But he knew exactly what he was doing. Jerry is doing a good job, it's just that you can't have it all. You have to pick your spots.

And Jerry chose to ignore the trenches. So it's hurting him naturally, but I wouldn't fault him for not getting players. I fault his philosophy, but not the talent he's brought to the team.
I wanted to draft Rolle. He was such a baller at the U. I've followed his career from afar... at first it was rough for him, but they moved him to Safety and he turned into a star. That was a brilliant get for the Giants. Dallas needs more players from the U. They bring a special swagger. Allen Bailey, I'm lookin' at you!!!

[M.O.T.H.]

We have Leon Williams! haha.

Speaking of...it was so weird for me, seeing someone not named Bradie James in there at ILB. Bradie never gets hurt, it was just odd seeing him miss some time.

And as for Bradie...he's playing damn well this year.

[D-Unit]

That is absolutely wrong dpl. The funny thing is 99% of NFL fans in general thought the cowboys were going to come in and over spend. I remember having the argument with D awhile back.

No salary cap enables you to dump contracts. It was a free year to get rid of your bad deals. Think about this.

Flozell and Hamlin got cut...and saved us a ton of money...you cannot make those cuts with a cap in place. Now some teams did overspend this year but if you looked at the financial side you'd see that it wasn't happening in dallas.

Now obviously some people are wondering why Roy wasn't cut along with them...well thats because Jerry still owed him 9 million garunteed. You don't pay money like that for 0 return...worst came to worse he was a red zone weapon.

With the money we saved we reupped Austin something we knew we had to do. Here is what I think the decision really came down to. Who would help us more OJ Atogwe or MB3.

Because MB3 has a "bad" contract one of those contracts you aren't going to pay in the future and we had the horses in the stable. The thing is I think this is where Jerry/Stephen screwed up. Look at the guys they have found lately to contribute to this team. Ball was next in line...wade loves him for w/e reason hell he hasn't made an impact play on the field since he's been here...all of a sudden he's the starting S. Wade sold him that he could do it...and they elected to keep the team intact. Because we know Barber is a captain.

Hindsight is always 20/20 but our offseason should have went.

Cut
Hamlin
Flo
MB3

Sign Atogwe
Reup Austin/Free
I was pretty vocal about our lack of action in FA, no doubt about that. I was royally pissed about Jerry not opening his wallet. I'm still pissed about it.

I'm not buying the "we didn't have the money" to do it. You can always restructure contracts in the NFL. I won't be surprised if Roy restructures his this offseason in order to stay with the team.

Roy wasn't getting cut last year because he had guaranteed money. $13M I believe in signing bonus... AND Dez was just a rookie. The 2nd point can't be ignored.

[M.O.T.H.]

Dallas has been re-working contracts for years...eventually you cant do it anymore. We really didnt have much of anything to spend. And Ware and Miles needed new contracts. As I brought up earlier, these backloaded contracts would completely screw Dallas after a while. Much like, when the Steelers and Colts couldnt afford to keep all of their star players a few years ago. Dallas has some of the highest paid players in the league...eventually that catches up with you. Our spending the last few years, has been very methodical...to keep our own players intact, and to stay under the cap.

Dallas is 1st/2nd in team salary...but they warp the cap figures to get by, with hefty, up front bonuses, and backloaded contracts. It's not something that you can do forever.

[D-Unit]

Dallas has been re-working contracts for years...eventually you cant do it anymore. We really didnt have much of anything to spend. And Ware and Miles needed new contracts. As I brought up earlier, these backloaded contracts would completely screw Dallas after a while. Much like, when the Steelers and Colts couldnt afford to keep all of their star players a few years ago. Dallas has some of the highest paid players in the league...eventually that catches up with you. Our spending the last few years, has been very methodical...to keep our own players intact, and to stay under the cap.

Dallas is 1st/2nd in team salary...but they warp the cap figures to get by, with hefty, up front bonuses, and backloaded contracts. It's not something that you can do forever.
Dallas has been reworking contracts for years? Remind me.

Which players on our team have restructured their contracts?

[M.O.T.H.]

Dallas has been reworking contracts for years? Remind me.

Which players on our team have restructured their contracts?

Pehaps reworking wasnt the best word...What I meant is they've been cutting corners. But a few years ago Romo and Davis restructured their deals, so that their actual salary figures were the league minimum, but they received huge up front bonuses and large backloaded contracts. The first year or two, they're not making anything, but when they get deep into the contracts, the team salary is just going to go up over the years. Making it more difficult to spend in FA and to even keep our own guys. You can't keep expecting to manipulate the cap and keep spending whatever you want. Add to the fact that ownership knew they had massive contract extensions coming up. Everyone knows JJ would love to spend the money if he could.

[LizardState]

I was pretty vocal about our lack of action in FA, no doubt about that. I was royally pissed about Jerry not opening his wallet. I'm still pissed about it.

Yes D, not a lot of offseason activity or movement. Dallas became rigid & static in its personnel, gameplans & assts, especially the assts. where Garrett, Houck & company became static, those putting a positive spin on it said it was overconfident with respect toward thinking they already had the playoff spot wrapped up, but for lack of a better word I think they were complacent.

And it is showing bigtime, outplayed, outcoached, & by lesser talented teams like the Skins.

Jerry was focused on the debut of Jerryworld & getting its 1st SB, clearly not on improving the team.

About this weekend's game in Minnesota, for once playing a team with more pressure on its QB than on Romo. Instead of breast cancer awareness pink maybe the Boys should wear digital pics of Favre's dingus on their unis, whaddya think?

[LonghornsLegend]

I'll take your word for it. I just vaguely remember reading an article that said he didn't pay a dime for the stadium, the PSLs funded the whole thing.

In regards to your comment about why we didn't go after Rolle, or anyone else saying why we didn't spend in FA:


Did we have the money? I mean at the time, we hadn't re-signed Austin, and we knew we were gonna have to re-sign Doug Free(who will be worth every penny), and maybe even Stephen Bowen who probably deserves it....If we had room I would be all for it, hell we needed Rolle really bad, he's a ballhawk who makes plays on the ball, but I thought we were skimping out on a big FA contract because we had 2 big contracts in house.


Would we have room for Free if we signed Rolle? I'm not sure. But any amount of money we spend wouldn't make up for how many penalties we commit, or how unprepared we play coming out of bye weeks.

[xxxxxxxx]

Doug Free and Roy are playing at a pro-bowl level and were 1-3..

edit: Finley is done for the year.. that helps atleast.

[LizardState]

ESPN reporting that Jerry Jones says he has no plans to fire Wade at this time.

Do you keep dancing with them who brung ya even after the music has stopped?

Wade is toast. Lose the Thxgvng Day game & he's gone by Saturday.

[D-Unit]

We just really needed a good 2009 draft. Had we had done that, then we wouldn't be talking about the complaining about not bringing in FAs.

I don't like hearing the excuse that we can't bring in big named FAs because of cap implications and what not. Washington does it every year. Their ability to do so amazes me. While it has not come with great success, I blame them for choosing the wrong players, but not for working their cap the way they do.

[E-Man]

ESPN reporting that Jerry Jones says he has no plans to fire Wade at this time.

Do you keep dancing with them who brung ya even after the music has stopped?

Wade is toast. Lose the Thxgvng Day game & he's gone by Saturday.

I hate it when they ask those type of questions early in the season. What exactly is Jerry going to say to that? "Oh yeah I might fire him if we don't win our next x games."

I doubt Wade gets fired during the year either. If they have a bad season he'll be gone, but there's really no point in firing a guy in the middle of the season unless you're so desperate to see one of the coordinators on your staff.

[D-Unit]

I'm coming around to really wanting Gruden. I love his fire!

http://volball.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/gruden.jpg

[pocketaces]

I'm coming around to really wanting Gruden. I love his fire!

http://volball.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/gruden.jpg

He would be the greatest hire since JJ IMO...

[E-Man]

Gruden has some offensive players here to work with that are young, but he doesn't even touch the defense. Who would he bring in to manage the D? He might be nice for the offense, but the defense is a big concern.

I really don't like how poorly he did with the Bucs after the Super Bowl. He didn't really build anything there. He won with Dungy's guys, and after that was up the team struggled. One of the reasons why the Bucs are where they are now is because he didn't draft well or bring in good free agents. I'd rather pass on him in favor of a guy like Fisher or Cowher. They could work the defense into being elite again while not hurting the offense at the same time.

[D-Unit]

Gruden has some offensive players here to work with that are young, but he doesn't even touch the defense. Who would he bring in to manage the D? He might be nice for the offense, but the defense is a big concern.

I really don't like how poorly he did with the Bucs after the Super Bowl. He didn't really build anything there. He won with Dungy's guys, and after that was up the team struggled. One of the reasons why the Bucs are where they are now is because he didn't draft well or bring in good free agents. I'd rather pass on him in favor of a guy like Fisher or Cowher. They could work the defense into being elite again while not hurting the offense at the same time.
Gruden wasn't the GM. He's not building a team, he just needs to coach it. He won with Dungy's guys? Well, he won where Dungy couldn't. So does that mean he's better than Dungy?

I'd like Fisher too, Cowher too. But I don't think Fisher is leaving and I don't think Cowher is coming...he wants GM priviledges.

As for who Gruden would bring in as DC? How about Mike Singletary... :) Maybe Dom Capers.

[M.O.T.H.]

I love Gruden, but am not exactly sold on him being the next coach. At this point, i have no real favorites.

Still hoping it works out with Wade...but yeah...

[FreshBoy!]

I'm still hoping it works out with wade too, and JG for that matter.....Is that insanity?

[D-Unit]

I'm still hoping it works out with wade too, and JG for that matter.....Is that insanity?
If you think they will lead us to the SB and win it then yes, that is insanity.

[FreshBoy!]

I don't know man...They haven't shown me that they will...but sometimes these things take time. Cowher took what...10 years to finally win a SB? You're looking at two division titles in 3 years, a top 10 defense, and one of the most prolific offenses ever at it's height. I'm just not a believer in switching coaches every 5-6 years is the key to winning. I wish Parcells was still here to tell you the truth, but he's not...and I firmly believe JG is going to be a great coach in the league one of these days....Coaching is as much about experience as it is anything else. I can honestly see JG going somewhere else, and succeeding...Wade is wade, and is going to have his warts, but he's still one of the best defensive minds in the game...I guess I"m not wanting to waste some of the primes of our players to start a whole new coaching regimen.

It's gotta click one of these days....right?

Insanity...probably.

[E-Man]

I wouldn't blame Jerry if he wanted to keep Wade. If you really think of it, Wade has the best record as Cowboy coach since Jimmy Johnson. Barry Switzer had a good record in hindsight, but he really didn't add anything on the team he inherited like Wade did. Wade has the defense playing better than it was under Parcells.

Yeah you could say he inherited guys like Ware, Ratliff, Newman, Romo, etc. At the same time he's brought in a number of top contributors on defense and offense. Wade drafted Spencer and Jenkins. He brought in Igor, Brooking, Sensabaugh and Bowen. The defense has always been at the top of the league in terms of sacks generated, and there's been a major difference ever since Wade took the reigns over from Stewart in 2008. The guy brings something to the table.

He has his issues, and I could understand if Jerry thought that he could do better with another coach. Either way it goes though, Wade isn't so bad when you get down to it. If they keep him I won't complain too much considering that he's a good coach and those are hard to find. If he gets replaced I won't complain either unless it's someone like JG.

[D-Unit]

I don't know man...They haven't shown me that they will...but sometimes these things take time. Cowher took what...10 years to finally win a SB? You're looking at two division titles in 3 years, a top 10 defense, and one of the most prolific offenses ever at it's height. I'm just not a believer in switching coaches every 5-6 years is the key to winning. I wish Parcells was still here to tell you the truth, but he's not...and I firmly believe JG is going to be a great coach in the league one of these days....Coaching is as much about experience as it is anything else. I can honestly see JG going somewhere else, and succeeding...Wade is wade, and is going to have his warts, but he's still one of the best defensive minds in the game...I guess I"m not wanting to waste some of the primes of our players to start a whole new coaching regimen.

It's gotta click one of these days....right?

Insanity...probably.
I understand your point. It makes sense.

But at the same point, not every coach can live by the excuse that it took Cowher 10 years. Cowher was/is one of a kind. He was a guy you wanted to believe in even when he had down years. It was his personality that won you over. Wade doesn't do that in any sense. At least not for me. He's one of those guys that is a better coordinator than HC. He just doesn't have the fire. In fact, when he does show fire, I want to laugh because it's so cute. So out of character. So wannabe. LOL.

I want a HC with fire & intensity, who is a good motivator, who can lead, demand respect, instill discipline, make good game time decisions, who can get the best out of his players, who's demeanor exudes onto his players... and it can be seen on the field as they drip blood and sweat... I want a guy who players will fight for just to make him happy.

I know I'm dreaming... but this would be heaven... Give me HC John Gruden, OC Norm Chow, DC Mike Singletary

[FreshBoy!]

I completely understand....and I'm not sold on keeping Wade...really just back and forth on Jerry keeping him vs. hiring someone new.Again, I just don't think there's many others that are going to be able to take the Defense any higher than what Wade has...Maybe Rex Ryan, but he's not going anywhere.

[thule]

On a side note here. We've allowed 2 consecutive 100 yard rushers, something we haven't done for ever. Before those two games we had only allowed 1 in the past 19 games. This is worrisome with AP next on the schedule. We shut him down both times we've played him if memory serves me well but something is different on the field...teams actually can run on us this year...they've never been able to do that with Wade here. This is bad bad bad news.

Also Romo usually puts up a stinker against cover 2 teams and minnesota has the best in the league with one of the top young DC in the game. We are going to have to be sharp early.

[bigbluedefense]

I wouldn't worry about the defense, Wade will do his thing.

And its only inevitable that you give up a 100 yard rusher here and there. It happens, I wouldn't read too much into it.

[D-Unit]

So how do we beat Minnesota? Feelings on the game? Will we get our revenge or will we just bend over and take it up the ass?

[Macarthur]

I think the keys to this game will be the same for most every game this year.

1. Can we minimize mistakes - We will never play mistake free. We just need to not have back breakers, like the kickoff return, 2 tipped passes, multiple blatant pass interferences, etc.

2. Can we block 'em? Plain and simple - If we can give Romo time, he will make plays.

[LonghornsLegend]

So how do we beat Minnesota? Feelings on the game? Will we get our revenge or will we just bend over and take it up the ass?

I think we win, because right before the ship completely sinks we come up big. Minny looks worse then us because Favre is banged up so much. We only play well when we get our ass kicked and everyone shits on us in the media. We'll probably lose the next game after we beat Minny by 10.


I still expect a ton of penalities, no turnovers, and tons of passing though. That never gets old.

[E-Man]

I think the keys to this game will be the same for most every game this year.

1. Can we minimize mistakes - We will never play mistake free. We just need to not have back breakers, like the kickoff return, 2 tipped passes, multiple blatant pass interferences, etc.

2. Can we block 'em? Plain and simple - If we can give Romo time, he will make plays.

I agree with the minimizing mistakes part. They really need to limit that **** big time.

[igglefanz]

I have Minnesota winning as long as Farve plays the entire game. Its not gonna be the rout that it was last year but there is a few things I see with this game that will end up tipping this game in the Vikes favor.

Home field is huge in this game would pick Dallas if they were at home but this will lead to a few false starts on Dallas being in Minnesota. Also it appears Gurrode may not play or be limited against the Williams wall and Kennedy on passing downs hurts alot.

Dez isnt totally healthy for this game and Minnesota can go cover 2 on Miles and Roy which will hurt. Whitten will need to have a huge game.

The Doug Free VS Jared Allen matchup would scare me. Last Year when Free replaced Adams things went downhill add in the crowd noise and that Allen has been quiet through the first few games. He tends to get sacks in bunches and this is the perfect kind of storm for him. I expect 2 plus sacks out of him unless Dallas totally commits to helping Free.



I think it will be close 23-17 Minnesota.

[J-Mike88]

Doug Free has been rock solid this year, and Jared Allen has been a shell of his former self.
I wouldn't expect much from Allen this time.

Dallas needs to feature a lot of Witten and Marty B in this game, and they need to get the ball to Felix Jones 20+ times, one way or the other.

On defense, I expect DeMarcus Ware & Anthony Spencer to have a big game and cause Favre into some mistakes.

I see this game going down to the wire, with the sad case that the outcome will most likely be decided by which team is the benefactor of the refs worst calls. You know there will be some.

I hate the Vikings so I will be rooting for you guys... but I don't have Miles Austin in FF so I hope it's like a 16-13, low-scoring Cowboys win.

[LizardState]

There was speculation on the Favre Sexual Harrassment thread that he will play the opening series only & maybe hand it off a few times to Peterson to preserve his consecutive starts rcd.

If that is true than it's Tavaris & he's beatable on so many levels. If Rice is out then so much the better for Dallas' chances. Free has to contain Alen though.

Minimizing penalties by concentrating on not making mistakes is key here -- it worked on the road in Houston so it can be done in Minnesota in this MUST WIN game.

I don't see Jenkins dorking it up a 2nd wk. in a row, or Newman for that matter. Keep them in too many 3rd & longs, let the pass rush force the issue, win on time of possession & + on the turnovers & Dallas wins.

[J-Mike88]

52-11

That's the record this year in the NFL for the team that wins the turnover battle, even if it's just +1.

Another note I just heard from Norm: The Cowboys haven't had a single turnover from their FS position since late in the 2008 season.

Since the beginning of the 2009 season, they are dead last in turnovers forced. That means, yes, trailing teams such as the Bills, Rams, Browns, Lions, etc.

[Macarthur]

The Doug Free VS Jared Allen matchup would scare me. Last Year when Free replaced Adams things went downhill add in the crowd noise and that Allen has been quiet through the first few games. He tends to get sacks in bunches and this is the perfect kind of storm for him. I expect 2 plus sacks out of him unless Dallas totally commits to helping Free.



I think it will be close 23-17 Minnesota.

Actually, this is a huge misconception. Free actually shut out Allen. Flo had a bit of trouble with Allen early and then he went out. Free did an excellent job. IT was the right side of our line that did so poorly.

Frankly, it was this game that convinced the franchise that Free can handle the job.

[J-Mike88]

Actually, this is a huge misconception. Free actually shut out Allen. Flo had a bit of trouble with Allen early and then he went out. Free did an excellent job. IT was the right side of our line that did so poorly.

Frankly, it was this game that convinced the franchise that Free can handle the job.
Right, isn't this the game where people really first learned about Ray Edwards?
He all of a sudden was a household name.

[LonghornsLegend]

I'm not worried about Allen at all vs Free, I bet he rarely gets any help on him all game and I highly doubt he gives up a sack either. It'll be the right side of the line again. I kept telling people all off-season that Allen got a sack the first play on a mixup where he wasn't touched but Free did very well after that and handled Allen most of that game.


Free has already faced top notch pass rushers mostly every week and has yet to give up a sack, sadly he's one of the few players we don't have to worry about week to week along with Miles Austin, Ratliff and Ware.

[LonghornsLegend]

Right, isn't this the game where people really first learned about Ray Edwards?
He all of a sudden was a household name.

Yep, he made Columbo look like he sould have been on the practice squad, and with how bad Davis has been playing that side will be the weak spot and extra protection will be sliding that way with TE's and RB's.


Expect alot of 1 on 1 with Allen & Free and I fully expect Free to handle him. I'd make a sig bet with anyone that Allen won't record a sack matched up with Free.

[M.O.T.H.]

Dezzy probably should have never finished that game last week. Sounds like he's pretty doubtful this week. So Sam will probably be in there at the 3. My feeling toward Dez is that he's just a luxury now anyway, his not being there isnt going to kill us in anyway. I absolutely love the guy and eventually he'll be more than that, but I wouldnt worry about him missing a game here or there. And of course, I wouldnt mind seeing Hurd a little more, here and there, either. haha.

Gurode is looking like a no-go as of now and I heard Holland is doing a lot better. So we could be rocking Holland at LG and Kosier at C this week.

Oh and of course Martellus' left ankle is still really f'd up and bothering him. And he just sprained his right ankle last game. He's playing, but there is no way he'll be 100% all year. And I still think he's going to need to get off-season surgery on that left ankle.

And Bradie, who never misses, has a sprained knee. Hopefully he'll be good to go, I'm not too sure. It sucks, because he's playing great ball this season.

[xxxxxxxx]

The reason our defense looks like it's #1 in the league one week and makes vince young look like joe montana the next week and forces no turnovers is simply this:

Wade and his scheme places to much emphasis on individual battles. Every team has pro bowlers. Every team has good players. It's the NFL. That's why we always get beat. Even with our talent, it's still not enough to win in the NFL on every sunday with this style of play. Were last in the league in turnovers the last 2 years... thats pathetic. No one ever has any help. Other teams can make up when one or two of there 11 players fuc*ks up on a play, we can't. Every player in on an island.

We are human, and everyone gets beat. That is why we fail.

[thule]

Wow Brewster waived...talk about the worst draft class of all time...honestly every single person in this thread could have drafted more roster guys than we did that year. I am stunned.

[ricowboy]

So how do we beat Minnesota? Feelings on the game? Will we get our revenge or will we just bend over and take it up the ass?

The Boys will take it in the ass! This team lacks a quality coaching staff. Wade and Jason are way over there heads. The question now is, has the team has lost confidence in the decision makers?

[ricowboy]

Wow Brewster waived...talk about the worst draft class of all time...honestly every single person in this thread could have drafted more roster guys than we did that year. I am stunned.

I actually though Brewster outplayed Barron and could have slid inside to guard....another poor job of scouting and developing a player. Don't blame Brewster. We could have drafted him in the 5th or 6th round. Also, we could have tried him at guard. He did show potential in the preseason.

[D-Unit]

Wow Brewster waived...talk about the worst draft class of all time...honestly every single person in this thread could have drafted more roster guys than we did that year. I am stunned.
I'm surprised they waived him. Who is gonna replace his roster spot?

They need to waive Stephen McGee. Another waste from that draft.

[M.O.T.H.]

So Gurode and Dezzy have been upgraded a bit. Dez looks worse off than Gurode now. Gurode is probable ; Dez questionable.

[M.O.T.H.]

I'm surprised they waived him. Who is gonna replace his roster spot?

They need to waive Stephen McGee. Another waste from that draft.

Jesse Holley was brought up off of PS.

[xxxxxxxx]

The Boys will take it in the ass! This team lacks a quality coaching staff. Wade and Jason are way over there heads. The question now is, has the team has lost confidence in the decision makers?

Seriously, my handicapped grandma could've done better for the cowboys than they did.

Unless Jason Williams becomes an animal, it's gotta be one of worst 3 in franchise history.

[xxxxxxxx]

Also, can anyone tell me why on NFL network, Rod woodson is such a FAGG*T towards the cowboys?

Did the cowboys not sign him in free agency or something back in the day?

He is a fagg*t. That ugly little *****. It pisses me off.

[E-Man]

Wow Brewster waived...talk about the worst draft class of all time...honestly every single person in this thread could have drafted more roster guys than we did that year. I am stunned.

What the hell? How could they give up on the guy so quick? He looked like he had some potential, and he's only been there for two years and one was on IR. That draft is pretty hopeless now. Outside of two good backup OLBs it's terrible. Hopefully Jason Williams steps up, but I don't know if they'll give him time.

[xxxxxxxx]

YEAH D-UNIT, PLUS REP THE SH*T OUTTA THAT POST!!!

But seriously, rod woodson is a fagg*t. Maybe it was cause he was a steeler, but idk. He's just like the cowboys suck romo isnt good everytime they are brought up.

[thule]

D, just to answer your question Hamlins spot was filled by this guy. Like MOTH said Holley was the guy who came up when Brewster was cut.

The Cowboys added another offensive tackle to the roster on Thursday in signing Jermey Parnell off the New Orleans Saints practice squad.

Coach Wade Phillips said Parnell is athletic and a big guy who can move well.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Parnell played only one season of football at Ole Miss and was a defensive end that year. He played four seasons for Ole Miss' basketball team.

Something I think that is interesting to note Holley was thought of as our best special teamer this preseason. Then we bring in a 6'6 290lb pound OT who played basketball for 4 years...you have to think he is quite the athete as well and likely will be a contributor on special teams. Both Brewster and Hamlin were jokes on these units and probably the reason they were upgraded. Dallas was aware that neither of them were future starters and their inability to contribute on special teams was the biggest reason for these midseason cuts.

[D-Unit]

Sam Hurd better watch out for Jessie Holley.

[LonghornsLegend]

Yea there really is no sugar coating the 2009 draft class, had we found at least a potential starter on the inside of our offensive line(RG or RT), and a Safety who could start it wouldn't be as bad as it was. Hell 1 player would be fine, after how impressive 2008 was this was certainly a surprise.

[Go Cowboys]

Not sure about you guys but this team looks like one of the most undisciplined in the NFL. Parcells wouldn't have stood for some of these penalties (The celebration ones seem most easy to control).

This is getting ridiculous putting our defense in short field because of crap discipline by our offense.


EDIT: Yes, I know the Columbo was an accident when he fell, and I am not sure why you get one for a leap frog....Just saying overall there are too many penalties and there should be a way to control some of them. Starting with excessive celebration.

[Modano]

That last penalty on Jenkins was complete BS.

[xxxxxxxx]

2011 draft whats up?

[Gribble]

Dang. No more expectations but I'm going to keep watching cause there are guys on this team I'll root for regardless of how this coaching staff bungles things.

[M.O.T.H.]

I at least hope Garrett gets fired this week. lol. It aint happening, though.

I wouldnt even care all that much if we canned everyone I guess. And I absolutely love Wade.

It's not even worth getting angry over this season anymore. Anything good we get out of this season is just a bonus of sorts.

edit...

Oh and cant I believe Felix had 10 receptions.

That Vikes D-Line was amazing against the run, as to be expected. So throwing to Felix should have been a bit of priority, but jesus, we dipped into that well a few too many times today.

[LizardState]

2011 draft whats up?

Yes indeedy. SF up in the rain here & Dallas down... not over yet. Going to have the same rcd. as ...... yes, the 9ers! They will still tank & be a frontrunner in the Mallett/Locker sweepstakes.

Glad I missed the game, never thought I would be saying that.

Not sure about you guys but this team looks like one of the most undisciplined in the NFL. Parcells wouldn't have stood for some of these penalties (The celebration ones seem most easy to control).

2 excessive celebration penalties in 2 games, really??????????? Wade is a goner. And he s/b. Jesus............

Will Jerry FINALLY draft a safety now?

[pocketaces]

Same old story, ST's, penalties and turn overs. Its getting hard to root for such a stupid team

[Go Cowboys]

Yes indeedy. SF up in the rain here & Dallas down... not over yet. Going to have the same rcd. as ...... yes, the 9ers! They will still tank & be a frontrunner in the Mallett/Locker sweepstakes.

Glad I missed the game, never thought I would be saying that.



2 excessive celebration penalties in 2 games, really??????????? Wade is a goner. And he s/b. Jesus............

Will Jerry FINALLY draft a safety now?
Jerry would have to actually know how to draft to do that.

Our good drafts have come under Jimmie Johnson and BP, with a few sprinkled in between. Let's be honest when Jerry has control it is a bad draft.

[djp]

Just got home from the game. Sat next to 2 horribly obnoxious Cowboys fans. Your guys fan base is absolutely brutal. Nearly every single Cowboys fan was screaming obscenities/insults at other fans after any type of decent play by Dallas or bad play by Minnesota. At least 5-6 near brawls in the stands. It was bad.

I can't believe how putrid the Cowboys playcalling was in the second half. Dallas was lighting it up with swing passes in the first half, but Vikings defense clearly adjusted to it but Garrett kept calling what seemed like the same play over and over again for 2 yard gains in the second half. Miles Austin badly, BADLY burned our corners multiple times down the field before he realized the ball was dumped off. Roy Williams was having his way as well. I just can't believe Romo/Garrett didn't take more shots down the field on our corners.

Your guys defensive front 7 was extremely stout today and really should have been the difference in the game. We weren't getting a thing on offense outside of one drive and our offensive line was manhandled for the most part. DeMarcus Ware is an absolute beast and I'm so glad I got to see him in person. He was unblockable today for the most part.

That last penalty on Jenkins was complete BS.

I had a pretty good view of that, and it looked like Jenkins had his free hand impeding Lewis and the ball was not uncatchable from my perspective. It could have gone either way, they could have let it go considering the circumstances.

I really respect Dallas, because it seems like our teams like to take similar paths throughout each season, and it almost made me feel bad with all of the mistakes and penalties you guys were making, because I'm so used to it from our side. I am usually not a big 'fire-the-coaches-and-everything-will-be-fine' type of guy, but the talent is clearly there but the mental preparation and discipline just isn't.

Jerry Jones sat about 3 rows away from me in a suite and he was badly heckled the entire game. He took it like a champ though.

Anyways, good luck the rest of the way. Sloppy game, but entertaining nonetheless. Harvin is soooooooo much better than I or anyone else thought he was going to be.

[LonghornsLegend]

Jerry would have to actually know how to draft to do that.

Our good drafts have come under Jimmie Johnson and BP, with a few sprinkled in between. Let's be honest when Jerry has control it is a bad draft.

That's not true. 2008 was a stud draft class featuring Jenkins, Felix, Scandrick, Choice, Martellus Bennett, lots of contributors. 2007 had Anthony Spencer, Doug Free, and Alan Ball. Now while Ball has been average at best he's still a starter right now, Free is the future at LT and has played excellent and Spencer is the stud pass rusher we needed opposite Ware and we acquired an extra 1st which ended up being Felix, for getting the same guy we were gonna take at that spot.


2006 was trash but guess what? Parcells had a huge hand in that draft, guys like Skylar Green may have been all Jerry but Fasano, Carpenter, those guys were all Parcells.


2005 was a stud class that also should give Parcells tons of credit, but as we all know he wanted Spears with our 1st pick, Jerry wanted Ware.


So while we had tons of misses in all those draft, and a terrible 2009 class, it bothers me when people act like "oh if Jerry runs a draft it'll be a failure" while they just ignore who he has brought in. Parcells has had tons of crappy draft classes and Jerry gave him power to get his guys in here, Parcells was still bringing in crap draft classes in Miami also.


I'm not trying to wear blinders and act like Jerry is the best evaluator of talent, but it's always funny to me when people point out all of Jerry's draft misses, ignore the hits, and constantly act like he never drafts anyone worth a damn.

[xxxxxxxx]

In minnesota, losing the turnover, penalty, and field position battle, we were still the better team.

Time to draft some o-lineman and hire bill cowher. This team is to good.

Anyway, time to start watching movies on sundays cause this season is over!

[LonghornsLegend]

On topic of the game, another typical Dallas game. We commit tons of penalties every single week, no reason to act like it'll change with our coaches. Garrett drew up a confusing gameplan(hey, were 5 for 5 completing 3rd and short conversions with Barber, let's be cute and pass that's surely fool them!1!!!11), Jenkins for some reason is getting out of control with the penalties, special teams is back to a POS.


And it'll be exactly the same next week, and with all that being said the game will be close in the 4th quarter, then all of those reasons listed above will compound and magnify so we can lose another close heart breaker.


At least there is always the draft, because we should be picking top 5 and have a chance to land an elite player.

[xxxxxxxx]

We're gonna spank the giants too, to bad it will be 4 games to late.

[D-Unit]

Don't worry guys we're aaaaaaalmost there!

We just have to lose a few more games to put us completely out of it, until our team starts winning amazingly meaningless games to ruin our draft position!

[M.O.T.H.]

Don't worry guys we're aaaaaaalmost there!

We just have to lose a few more games to put us completely out of it, until our team starts winning amazingly meaningless games to ruin our draft position!

lol. It's probably going to happen that way. Bust out a good 3-4 wins to close out a meaningless season. haha.

Something in me still doesnt want to give up this season...but it obviously looks bleak. Just a mess. Whatever though, I'm not going to let this team or the losses get to me. I've gone through enough losing seasons to know when it's time to calm myself a little bit, during rough seasons. haha.

[M.O.T.H.]

Sam Hurd better watch out for Jessie Holley.

Know what's funny about this post? Holley absolutley blew up Sam today when Hurd had a clear tackle attempt on a punt return.

So I think he needs to look out for him indeed. That got a nice little WTF from me.

Holley played well for the most part, but got sealed off to all hell on that Percy TD.

[D-Unit]

lol. It's probably going to happen that way. Bust out a good 3-4 wins to close out a meaningless season. haha.

Something in me still doesnt want to give up this season...but it obviously looks bleak. Just a mess. Whatever though, I'm not going to let this team or the losses get to me. I've gone through enough losing seasons to know when it's time to calm myself a little bit, during rough seasons. haha.
Yeah, I'm the same. I'm glad this happened early though. For some reason, I can deal with being a losing team from the start. It hurts much less.

I have a way of looking to the future to make me feel better. Draft talk cannot come soon enough. How far away is April? LFMAO. :/

[xxxxxxxx]

I "sensed" that percy return too. Just the curse! Meant to happen.

I gaurantee we poop on the giants too. oh well.

[LonghornsLegend]

I really hope we don't start winning games to go 8-8. The crazy thing is were 2 games out of 1st place in NFC unless I'm missing a team, and teams like Atlanta, Tampa and Chicago can be beat so there is plenty of time to turn it around I just can't see it.


I would just rather have the 5th pick in the draft and get a really elite player, were not gonna win a playoff game anyway.

[LizardState]

I "sensed" that percy return too. Just the curse! Meant to happen.

I gaurantee we poop on the giants too. oh well.

Speaking of curses, strange how the Percy curse happened but not the Randy Moss curse. Moss went from 7-0 vs the Cowboys to 8-0 but it wasn't Moss who beat them. It was Dallas who beat them.

As of Sunday per the stat sheet Dallas has given up 111 points, kind of in the middle of team defense stats, wtf happened to that alleged top 5 defense?

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Well I am hoping you guys have thrown in the towel. Last thing I want is to use us a launching bad for a good run.

[xxxxxxxx]

It's not gonna be a launching pad, but we are gonna beat you lol.

As for the draft, is there even an elite safety we can take if we have a top 15 pick?

Just our luck if there isn't.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

It's not gonna be a launching pad, but we are gonna beat you lol.

As for the draft, is there even an elite safety we can take if we have a top 15 pick?

Just our luck if there isn't.

Hehe if you keep shooting yourselves in the foot, then I doubt that. Hopefully, things don't change for this week.

[xxxxxxxx]

I'm not talking **** or anything at all, and I hope the giants have a successful season, and ours is over.

But I just have the feeling theyre gonna come out and poop all over you guys lol.

To bad it's 4 losses to late.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

I'm not talking **** or anything at all, and I hope the giants have a successful season, and ours is over.

But I just have the feeling theyre gonna come out and poop all over you guys lol.

To bad it's 4 losses to late.

Oh I know, I didn't take it that way. No worries man. Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if you win. That's our luck. A team can lose 99 games before us, but when we play them, they have their stuff together, and end up winning, before losing out again. So I wouldn't be surprised. However, the same problems have plagued the Cowboys since the start of the season. If you guys can't fix that then I expect a victory.

[pocketaces]

Speaking of curses, strange how the Percy curse happened but not the Randy Moss curse. Moss went from 7-0 vs the Cowboys to 8-0 but it wasn't Moss who beat them. It was Dallas who beat them.

As of Sunday per the stat sheet Dallas has given up 111 points, kind of in the middle of team defense stats, wtf happened to that alleged top 5 defense?

Are you forgetting how many points our ST's have given up? Or how about Tenn getting the ball inside the 5 twice? How about the fumble returned for a TD at Washington? Our O and STs have put our D in some tough spots this year.

[LonghornsLegend]

Oh I know, I didn't take it that way. No worries man. Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if you win. That's our luck. A team can lose 99 games before us, but when we play them, they have their stuff together, and end up winning, before losing out again. So I wouldn't be surprised. However, the same problems have plagued the Cowboys since Wade Phillips has been Head Coach. If you guys can't fix that then I expect a victory.

Fixed the bolded part.

[LonghornsLegend]

It's not gonna be a launching pad, but we are gonna beat you lol.

As for the draft, is there even an elite safety we can take if we have a top 15 pick?

Just our luck if there isn't.


Doesn't seem like there is a Safety worth a top 10 pick which is where we will be, maybe top 5 lol. Trading back wouldn't be bad. Arguments sake if we pick 4(ha, funny even typing it), I wouldn't mind at least trying to trade back to 12 or so for an extra 2nd and 3rd. Maybe if we pick early enough we can trade back to still get an elite player and grab an extra 2nd and 3rd to make up for the terrible 2009 draft.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Fixed the bolded part.

He is not a good HC. He falls in that category with Norv Turner. Great coordinators who can't manage a team as a HC. He also is a players coach, which, in times like this hurt. We had Jim Fasshole who was the same type of coach, and he lost the team. Undisciplined team who racked up penalties. That's why we went in the other direction and hired someone strict in Coughlin.

Maybe it's time for a change in Dallas. Get tubby out!

[xxxxxxxx]

Doesn't seem like there is a Safety worth a top 10 pick which is where we will be, maybe top 5 lol. Trading back wouldn't be bad. Arguments sake if we pick 4(ha, funny even typing it), I wouldn't mind at least trying to trade back to 12 or so for an extra 2nd and 3rd. Maybe if we pick early enough we can trade back to still get an elite player and grab an extra 2nd and 3rd to make up for the terrible 2009 draft.

I didn't see any O-lineman in the top half of scott's mock either.

Great.... our luck strikes again!

[yo123]

Does Tashard Choice even get playing time anymore? Didn't see him out there at all yesterday, other than short yardage situations I like him more than Barber at this point.

[xxxxxxxx]

I don't think choice got a carry the past 2 games. Maybe he messes up in practice? idk.

Another thing, why is Jason Campbell dogsh*t against everyone but us?

I really want to know what we did to make the football gods hate us..

This unlucky sh*t is getting old.

[D-Unit]

Our post season hopes can officially be crushed now. 4 more losses leaves us with an 8-8 record, and I can see us easily losing to NY at least once, losing at GB, losing to NOR and losing @Indy... I didn't even mention that we still play Philly twice. Our season is over and I initially wanted to start off this post by saying, "Hey, we still have a chance!" But after looking at the schedule by googling it... I said to myself.... Nope... not this time. I usually try to stay optimistic... even in my heart, when my head says there's no chance. But this time... even my heart says we're done... agreeing with what my head told me last week.

The team has no discipline. None. That's ALL on the coach. Completely. He's allowed his players to get away with it without penalty and punishment, so they don't care that much. Even if they say they care, they really don't.

Hey look at Miles Austin, he can jump like a frog! Ooh ooh! Look at him! Wow!
http://www.dallascowboys.com/images/Celebration_101710_300.jpg
What a joke.

Wade shouldn't even allow the guys to cheer after completing a good play. Really, there's nothing to cheer about. Just go out and keep doing your job. No need to point to the sky or pound your chest or make fancy gestures with your hands or body. Just **** and line up for the next play! I totally blame the head coach for all things related to discipline. Wade is done in Dallas boys... and that's a GOOD thing. Ole fluffy boy needs to get the boot. If it were up to me I'd do it now, and put an interim coach in there. A message needs to be sent. Make Garrett the HC for all I care. We'll see how it works out once and for all and if he sucks... hey, at least we were done before he started and now we can finally get rid of him too.

Remember when we fired our STs coach, vested the entire 2009 draft in guys who were "special teams" specialists? Well Decamillis is a loser STs coach too. He thinks AOA is good at KOs. He has not improved our STs Unit. Our guys still can't block and still can't cover. We've not improved since our dreadful 2008 season. Time to find a new STs coach too!

Hey Jerry, did you see Atogwe's interception yesterday? Yes sir... you let one get away. You traded for Alex Barron, when you should've had discussions with that team to trade for Atogwe! You had something they wanted! Throw in a draft pick and he's ours! Not like you haven't thrown away entire drafts before!

Hey guess what??? This year's safety class is a peice of dog ****! When Taylor Mays was falling and falling in the draft you failed to trade up for him. Instead you got a LB who is a constant injury concern and can't find time on the field over a couple of slow legged veterans...even as a NICKEL LB! Jimminy Cricket!

Felix Jones... 14 carries, 32 yards. 2.3 ypc. Yikes. You suck. We need to trade your ass while you still have value... as minimal as it is. We might be able to get a 4th rounder out of you. 3rd might be asking for too much.


There are 3 things we need to do NOW!

1. We need to start playing Tashard Choice. He's our best RB and he doesn't even touch the ball. Someone (JG) needs to get his head out of his ass and make the change. Felix is not the back we hoped for and Barber is just a situational back these days.

2. Felix needs to be our KO returner on a full time basis. To hell with worrying about him getting hurt.

3. Wade needs to be fired. Garrett should be given full reigns so we can know if he can be our future HC or not!

4. We need to make a trades to bring help in the OL and at S. We have a lot of fat we can trim at WR. Roy Williams' stock is about as high as it'll get. Honestly, we can't fault him for a single thing. He's playing his ass off and not making as many mistakes this year. Our RB stable is fat and unhappy. Time to trim the fat and reallocate our resources.

[M.O.T.H.]

The Vikes D-Line completely destroyed our offensive line. I honestly dont know what you'd want Felix or Barber to do here. Choice wouldnt have done any better, AD wouldnt have done any better. They have one of the best D-Lines in the league, and we have a ****** offensive line, with three banged up interior lineman. It was a no win situation on the ground. And for the RBs, it was like running into a brick wall. It was a rare moment when our RBs got to the second level. Once again, our line was being killed at the point of attack. If you cant see that, you need glasses good sir. We have plenty of talent at RB, but without consistent run blocking, they're not going to do ****. I dont care who the back is. The line needs to be blown up.

And Roy is untradeable, due to that contract. He's playing well, but no one would take him at that price. It's a rare trade that you'd find any real help at O-Line or S at the deadline anyway.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

The Vikes D-Line completely destroyed our offensive line. I honestly dont know what you'd want Felix or Barber to do here. Choice wouldnt have done any better, AD wouldnt have done any better. They have one of the best D-Lines in the league, and we have a ****** offensive line, with three banged up interior lineman. It was a no win situation on the ground. And for the RBs, it was like running into a brick wall. It was a rare moment when our RBs got to the second level. Once again, our line was being killed at the point of attack. If you cant see that, you need glasses good sir. We have plenty of talent at RB, but without consistent run blocking, they're not going to do ****. I dont care who the back is. The line needs to be blown up.

And Roy is untradeable, due to that contract. He's playing well, but no one would take him at that price. It's a rare trade that you'd find any real help at O-Line or S at the deadline anyway.

I wonder if you guys will bother trying to establish the run against us or not. I imagine it would be the same ole trying to throw to win against us too. Right now we are playing very well against the run, so I'd expect the usual shootout with Romo throwing tons of times. I think it will be interesting game, just due to the fact you guys have tons of talent, so counting you totally out would be a mistake.

[M.O.T.H.]

I have no idea what we'll do. Garrett went incredibly conservative against the Vikes. Playcalling was extremely timid, and he attempted to protect that offensive line the best he could. But calling 15 or so, screens/swing passes isnt going to win you ball games. Garrett has no faith in the O-line and his playcalling is obviously a reflection of that, these days.

[Macarthur]

The Vikes D-Line completely destroyed our offensive line. I honestly dont know what you'd want Felix or Barber to do here. Choice wouldnt have done any better, AD wouldnt have done any better. They have one of the best D-Lines in the league, and we have a ****** offensive line, with three banged up interior lineman. It was a no win situation on the ground. And for the RBs, it was like running into a brick wall. It was a rare moment when our RBs got to the second level. Once again, our line was being killed at the point of attack. If you cant see that, you need glasses good sir. We have plenty of talent at RB, but without consistent run blocking, they're not going to do ****. I dont care who the back is. The line needs to be blown up.

Um, I don't quite agree. I do think their DL got the better of our OL, but they do that to virtually everyone. I actually think our OL held up better than I anticipated. I know yards don't mean victories, but they did keep the DL occupied enough to gain 314 net yards. Thats 14 yards off the most gained on them by anyone and more than the Saints gained on them.

I'm not saying our OL was great, but to say they were 'destroyed' is a bit over dramatic.

[LonghornsLegend]

Felix doesn't look the same, I don't care about our offensive line. He's still a good player and showed it last week but he had over 20 touches, where are the big plays? Last year he needed a few plays to house something, blocking wasn't even an issue, he just could wiggle his way through traffic. Look at the highlights, I don't need to post them because we should all remember, let's not(yes MOTH I mean you lol) act like Felix needs pro bowl blocking to make a play.


If that is the case then he's not as special as any of us thought. I'm not bashing him, and he does need a crease, but there were tons of plays Sunday he would have scored on last year especially when he got out into space. He's still our best RB, and Choice should play more, but your ignoring the obvious if nobody wants to acknowledge he's not the same as the 2 years prior, while still good he's lost some explosiveness.


Any money we hear about him losing weight this off-season.


I just hope we get a top 10 pick, at this point I'd be happier with losses, that means we will probably clean house with the coaches, and get a better chance at a truly elite player.


But since there aren't any legit Safeties worth it, or tackles, it'll be tricky.


And D, are you really blaming Jerry for not trading up to get Taylor Mays? Lol. He sucks. NOBODY wanted Taylor Mays, there is a good reason he slid as far as he did with no one trading up and that's because he cant cover in space, and is a horrible fit with our football team.


You know how much we blitz and how much we leave players in man to man, ummm Taylor Mays would be a disaster that way. He's great in cover 2, lots of zone, keeping plays in front of him, but I don't know why you won't admit he'd be terrible on our team even if another team found a place for him. You've got to let that one go, he's not a good player, hasn't shown he'll be one yet for SF, and would be attrocious for us. None of his strengths we would be able to use on our defense and every single one of his weaknesses we expect out of a safety.


Also, another thing we haven't talked about is the fact that Buehler is our FG kicker now, anyone notice how he doesn't have nearly as many touchbacks? That's why our ST units was so good last year they rarely had to tackle anyone. Now that he's worked on kicking FG's he's not powering the ball into the endzone anymore.

[M.O.T.H.]

Um, I don't quite agree. I do think their DL got the better of our OL, but they do that to virtually everyone. I actually think our OL held up better than I anticipated. I know yards don't mean victories, but they did keep the DL occupied enough to gain 314 net yards. Thats 14 yards off the most gained on them by anyone and more than the Saints gained on them.

I'm not saying our OL was great, but to say they were 'destroyed' is a bit over dramatic.

I meant in the running game. There were no running lanes at all. The word "destroyed" is just fine to use in this regard. Where were the holes?

But the passing game wasnt all that much better. The stats dont paint an accurate picture in this game. We threw 17 screens or swing passes. 10 to a wide open, uncovered Felix Jones. We rarely tried to throw down field, most of the playcalling was designed to be short. The gameplan was as such, because there was no confidence for them to hold up against a much better defensive line. And when we rarely did attempt to throw down field, the O-Line were being bull rushed into the pocket, collapsing it. Romo had to take off several times.

[M.O.T.H.]

Felix doesn't look the same, I don't care about our offensive line. He's still a good player and showed it last week but he had over 20 touches, where are the big plays? Last year he needed a few plays to house something, blocking wasn't even an issue, he just could wiggle his way through traffic. Look at the highlights, I don't need to post them because we should all remember, let's not(yes MOTH I mean you lol) act like Felix needs pro bowl blocking to make a play.


If that is the case then he's not as special as any of us thought. I'm not bashing him, and he does need a crease, but there were tons of plays Sunday he would have scored on last year especially when he got out into space. He's still our best RB, and Choice should play more, but your ignoring the obvious if nobody wants to acknowledge he's not the same as the 2 years prior, while still good he's lost some explosiveness.


Any money we hear about him losing weight this off-season.


I just hope we get a top 10 pick, at this point I'd be happier with losses, that means we will probably clean house with the coaches, and get a better chance at a truly elite player.


But since there aren't any legit Safeties worth it, or tackles, it'll be tricky.


And D, are you really blaming Jerry for not trading up to get Taylor Mays? Lol. He sucks. NOBODY wanted Taylor Mays, there is a good reason he slid as far as he did with no one trading up and that's because he cant cover in space, and is a horrible fit with our football team.


You know how much we blitz and how much we leave players in man to man, ummm Taylor Mays would be a disaster that way. He's great in cover 2, lots of zone, keeping plays in front of him, but I don't know why you won't admit he'd be terrible on our team even if another team found a place for him. You've got to let that one go, he's not a good player, hasn't shown he'll be one yet for SF, and would be attrocious for us. None of his strengths we would be able to use on our defense and every single one of his weaknesses we expect out of a safety.


Also, another thing we haven't talked about is the fact that Buehler is our FG kicker now, anyone notice how he doesn't have nearly as many touchbacks? That's why our ST units was so good last year they rarely had to tackle anyone. Now that he's worked on kicking FG's he's not powering the ball into the endzone anymore.

You guys expect big plays in every game, against some of the best defenses. I dont know what to tell you. Our o-line is ****...blocking wasnt an issue last year? Look at any youtube video of Felix's big runs last year, the majority of which, he was running through massive holes and they're not there this season. Felix makes people miss at the 2nd level, and we cant get him there at all right now. Felix doesnt look any slower at all. When he's in the open field, he looks exactly the same as he always did. Did you see him on the last play of the game? He showed every bit of that speed and explosiveness.

I really dont know what to tell you guys...re-watch these games if you have to. There were no running lanes. Give me any back on our team or in the league, they're not going to be successful in this game.

I have no problem, if you want to hate on him a bit for only have 61 yards on 10 receptions, and getting tackled by corners. Even I hoped for more on those plays. But seriously...in the running game, you guys are expecting him to do big things with no blocking. Good luck. I dont even know how else to put it...there were no lanes, our line was over powered on the ground, by a great defensive line. I say kudos to them. Because they made it look easy.

edit...also, this is all a little hilarious to me. Because Felix looked fantastic against the Titans and then he has a rough game, with no blocking, mind you...and there is something wrong with him again. lolz.

[Macarthur]

I meant in the running game. There were no running lanes at all. The word "destroyed" is just fine to use in this regard. Where were the holes?

3.4 yards per rush is not good, but I just wouldn't use the term 'destroyed'.

But the passing game wasnt all that much better. The stats dont paint an accurate picture in this game. We threw 17 screens or swing passes. 10 to a wide open, uncovered Felix Jones. We rarely tried to throw down field, most of the playcalling was designed to be short. The gameplan was as such, because there was no confidence for them to hold up against a much better defensive line. And when we rarely did attempt to throw down field, the O-Line were being bull rushed into the pocket, collapsing it. Romo had to take off several times.

The gameplan was to protect the OL; no doubt. Let's not forget that had Miles not made a stupid push off penalty, we got 60+ yards on that one play. That puts our yardage close to 400.

Frankly, I didn't have many issues with Garrett's game plan. I think they executed it fairly well with the obvious exception of the turnovers and penalties. I didn't mind going for that pass on 3rd and 1 that got picked off. I didn't like that play, but I didn't mind trying to catch them off guard there.

Again, I'm not saying they were great, but given the environment and the game plan, I thought they did okay. Minn didn't have a sack; I know Tony's elusiveness helped that.

If you had told me before the game that Kosier would go out and they would have over 300 yards and no sacks, I think most of us would have been okay with that.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

I really dont know what to tell you guys...re-watch these games if you have to. There were no running lanes. Give me any back on our team or in the league, they're not going to be successful in this game.

It's not just you guys. Our OL blocking has declined as well. There is a huge reason why Jacobs lost his spot. He needs perfect pristine blocking to get his 5 yards a carry. If not, then he is ineffective. The key is have an RB who can make stuff happen where there are no holes. That's what we are basically doing now. We are at the point where we run a play, and say Bradshaw make something happen, even if the play is dead.

That's what you need your RBs or one of them to do, especially if there is no run blocking. Just make something happen out of nothing.

[M.O.T.H.]

3.4 yards per rush is not good, but I just wouldn't use the term 'destroyed'.



The gameplan was to protect the OL; no doubt. Let's not forget that had Miles not made a stupid push off penalty, we got 60+ yards on that one play. That puts our yardage close to 400.

Frankly, I didn't have many issues with Garrett's game plan. I think they executed it fairly well with the obvious exception of the turnovers and penalties. I didn't mind going for that pass on 3rd and 1 that got picked off. I didn't like that play, but I didn't mind trying to catch them off guard there.

Again, I'm not saying they were great, but given the environment and the game plan, I thought they did okay. Minn didn't have a sack; I know Tony's elusiveness helped that.

If you had told me before the game that Kosier would go out and they would have over 300 yards and no sacks, I think most of us would have been okay with that.

That push off was the only reason Miles was even open, so lets not even count that.

A 300 yard game is nothing spectacular. That's essentially what the Vikes give up every game. And Romo normally can get that by himself. haha. And they completely shut down the run...without Romo's runs, the backs only averaged a good 2.6 yards per carry.

But, Garrett's game plan was horrendous. Seriously. 17 screens/swing passes? As Bob Sturm pointed out...the guy conceded to the Vikes D-Line before the game even started. The playcalling was hilariously bad. I've never in my life seen a pro team call that many screens and swings. It was embarassing. Yeah, there were no sacks...but there arent going to be many when you keep throwing screens. You just bait the o-line in and dump it off, same with those swing passes...they're quick throws. Not bad ideas to off-set an over eager defense and bad O-line...but you know, it's not going to continue to work when you call these plays a hundred times over. Garrett was over protective of the O-line. Sure, we more than likely would have given up some sacks and Free was getting push back fairly far on real drop backs, but we should have taken some real shots, against a banged up secondary. This type of timid playcalling wasnt exactly helping us, either. We dont even have a real offensive identity with Garrett. But in his defense, at least, and I rarely defend the guy. The offensive line largely hinders what he can do sometimes.

[M.O.T.H.]

It's not just you guys. Our OL blocking has declined as well. There is a huge reason why Jacobs lost his spot. He needs perfect pristine blocking to get his 5 yards a carry. If not, then he is ineffective. The key is have an RB who can make stuff happen where there are no holes. That's what we are basically doing now. We are at the point where we run a play, and say Bradshaw make something happen, even if the play is dead.

That's what you need your RBs or one of them to do, especially if there is no run blocking. Just make something happen out of nothing.

There is a difference between your run blocking and our run blocking. Even a scrub like Jacobs is averaging 4.6 per. Our backs are having problems even getting out of the backfield. Kosier is always hurt, Gurode has regressed, and Davis is done. There is only so much one can do. We all have seen what Felix can do with huge holes and smaller holes, a like. But the guy was getting gang tackled as soon as he started running. On running plays yesterday, he wasn't even getting an opportunity to make people miss. So I dont know what people expect him to do. Juke out 3 oncoming defenders 1 yard pass the line of scrimmage? The Vikes clogged everything up yesterday.

Look no further than the Titans game to see what Felix can do with a little running room. You just cant expect huge games every week...especially with the o-line we're sporting. I just think it's funny that people keep yelling for the big play...when we cant even do the simple things to get him in space that we did last year. Dallas cannot even pull their guards correctly anymore.

[D-Unit]

The Vikes D-Line completely destroyed our offensive line. I honestly dont know what you'd want Felix or Barber to do here. Choice wouldnt have done any better, AD wouldnt have done any better. They have one of the best D-Lines in the league, and we have a ****** offensive line, with three banged up interior lineman. It was a no win situation on the ground. And for the RBs, it was like running into a brick wall. It was a rare moment when our RBs got to the second level. Once again, our line was being killed at the point of attack. If you cant see that, you need glasses good sir. We have plenty of talent at RB, but without consistent run blocking, they're not going to do ****. I dont care who the back is. The line needs to be blown up.

And Roy is untradeable, due to that contract. He's playing well, but no one would take him at that price. It's a rare trade that you'd find any real help at O-Line or S at the deadline anyway.
I don't know if Roy is definitely untradeable. I don't know how the NFL works, but can Jerry agree to pay partial of his guaranteed money? Also, how is the money spread out? I'm assuming, the longer he's with us, the more that money is paid out to him. So that means, if we trade him later in the season then the team trading for him wouldn't have to pay him as much? The amount could be much more palatable, if that's the case. Make sense?

[D-Unit]

I still want to believe that if Felix loses weight then maybe he'll regain some of what he lost. But let's not deny...Felix was put in space and he did nothing.

BTW, I was not praising him after the TEN game either. So I haven't gone hot and cold on him yet. I'm not saying he's done either. I just want him fixed. Yes, part of it is the O-Line's fault, but you can't JUST blame them.

[M.O.T.H.]

I dont want it to come off as me making excuses...I def. think Felix should have made a little more of his receptions, as I said earlier. But I dont see how you can hate on him for not running well yesterday. Really...give me a break on that one. How many times did he even reach the LBs? Not many. There was nothing there all day. Brick freaking wall.

As for something else...

Looks like Miles' leap frog wasnt the penalty...it was Roy and Sam putting up the hook em horns at the same time? WTF is this ****? Wade said a ref told him Miles drew the flag. But the league told him that it was on Hurd/Williams today. Seems like they were just looking to penalize us again. Jesus. And the first one shouldnt have even been a penalty, either.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

There is a difference between your run blocking and our run blocking. Even a scrub like Jacobs is averaging 4.6 per. Our backs are having problems even getting out of the backfield. Kosier is always hurt, Gurode has regressed, and Davis is done. There is only so much one can do. We all have seen what Felix can do with huge holes and smaller holes, a like. But the guy was getting gang tackled as soon as he started running. On running plays yesterday, he wasn't even getting an opportunity to make people miss. So I dont know what people expect him to do. Juke out 3 oncoming defenders 1 yard pass the line of scrimmage? The Vikes clogged everything up yesterday.

Look no further than the Titans game to see what Felix can do with a little running room. You just cant expect huge games every week...especially with the o-line we're sporting. I just think it's funny that people keep yelling for the big play...when we cant even do the simple things to get him in space that we did last year. Dallas cannot even pull their guards correctly anymore.


Actually there isn't. We replaced our FB with a TE basically. Now we can actually do more things with Bear P. Jacobs is benefiting from Bradshaw and I hate that comment more than anything. But try running around chasing a rabbit and then have a fresher Jacobs. That's something that's helping him big time. I am not a fan of him, but I wouldn't call him a scrub. He is fresh and that's all the difference. No wear and tear because Bradshaw is holding down the fort.

You guys need to sack up and establish the run. An elite TE, 2 good rbs, and supposedly a talented OL can't open up a hole? They should be all kicked in the nuts. Get an RB who can run and make things happen on his own. If you watch our games, you will see Bradshaw getting owned couple years in the backfield, before putting it on his shoulder and doing his own thing. Find an RB like that. Screw it! If they cant block then make it on your own skill set.

Your issues are exactly like ours. Watch the bears game and see all game long people were in the backfield from Peppers to Harris to Brian U. Bradshaw is basically doing it on his own. So Jones is hit in the backfield. Good, now break that tackle, and find another hole or create something backside. Do that then! That's exactly what we are doing. It's musical OL with us. And we had no center! We are running around with O'hara! Be creative in your formations. We signed Andrews and put him in the TE spot. So we are basically code red situation and tossing in everyone trying to do well and even it's on Bradshaw to get something started.

That's what you need. You need a back who can create something out of nothing or start changing formations and personnel.

[D-Unit]

I dont want it to come off as me making excuses...I def. think Felix should have made a little more of his receptions, as I said earlier. But I dont see how you can hate on him for not running well yesterday. Really...give me a break on that one. How many times did he even reach the LBs? Not many. There was nothing there all day. Brick freaking wall.

As for something else...

Looks like Miles' leap frog wasnt the penalty...it was Roy and Sam putting up the hook em horns at the same time? WTF is this ****? Wade said a ref told him Miles drew the flag. But the league told him that it was on Hurd/Williams today. Seems like they were just looking to penalize us again. Jesus. And the first one shouldnt have even been a penalty, either.
Yeah, what you'll start to see more too now is that refs will start to give us less of a break. Once you build a reputation as a highly penalized team, then refs make your lives a living nightmare. They call stuff that is marginal, but you get called because... hey... you're one of those highly penalized teams the league knows you as.

[D-Unit]

Actually there isn't. We replaced our FB with a TE basically. Now we can actually do more things with Bear P. Jacobs is benefiting from Bradshaw and I hate that comment more than anything. But try running around chasing a rabbit and then have a fresher Jacobs. That's something that's helping him big time. I am not a fan of him, but I wouldn't call him a scrub. He is fresh and that's all the difference. No wear and tear because Bradshaw is holding down the fort.

You guys need to sack up and establish the run. An elite TE, 2 good rbs, and supposedly a talented OL can't open up a hole? They should be all kicked in the nuts. Get an RB who can run and make things happen on his own. If you watch our games, you will see Bradshaw getting owned couple years in the backfield, before putting it on his shoulder and doing his own thing. Find an RB like that. Screw it! If they cant block then make it on your own skill set.

Your issues are exactly like ours. Watch the bears game and see all game long people were in the backfield from Peppers to Harris to Brian U. Bradshaw is basically doing it on his own. So Jones is hit in the backfield. Good, now break that tackle, and find another hole or create something backside. Do that then! That's exactly what we are doing. It's musical OL with us. And we had no center! We are running around with O'hara! Be creative in your formations. We signed Andrews and put him in the TE spot. So we are basically code red situation and tossing in everyone trying to do well and even it's on Bradshaw to get something started.

That's what you need. You need a back who can create something out of nothing or start changing formations and personnel.
We need to play Tashard Choice more. That is one of the few things we can do to fix our situation that I pointed out earlier.

[M.O.T.H.]

Actually there isn't. We replaced our FB with a TE basically. Now we can actually do more things with Bear P. Jacobs is benefiting from Bradshaw and I hate that comment more than anything. But try running around chasing a rabbit and then have a fresher Jacobs. That's something that's helping him big time. I am not a fan of him, but I wouldn't call him a scrub. He is fresh and that's all the difference. No wear and tear because Bradshaw is holding down the fort.

You guys need to sack up and establish the run. An elite TE, 2 good rbs, and supposedly a talented OL can't open up a hole? They should be all kicked in the nuts. Get an RB who can run and make things happen on his own. If you watch our games, you will see Bradshaw getting owned couple years in the backfield, before putting it on his shoulder and doing his own thing. Find an RB like that. Screw it! If they cant block then make it on your own skill set.

Your issues are exactly like ours. Watch the bears game and see all game long people were in the backfield from Peppers to Harris to Brian U. Bradshaw is basically doing it on his own. So Jones is hit in the backfield. Good, now break that tackle, and find another hole or create something backside. Do that then! That's exactly what we are doing. It's musical OL with us. And we had no center! We are running around with O'hara! Be creative in your formations. We signed Andrews and put him in the TE spot. So we are basically code red situation and tossing in everyone trying to do well and even it's on Bradshaw to get something started.

That's what you need. You need a back who can create something out of nothing or start changing formations and personnel.

Easier said then done. Our guys are getting beat consistently...you shouldnt even be asking your back to break multiple tackles in the backfield. If this is happening, your RB is the least of your problems. And it is happening.

And good luck, trying to get Garrett to change anything for the better. We barely even run out of power run formations anymore. We see the double TEs in the running game less and less. I'd love to run out of single WR/Double TE looks, but it aint happening all that much. And what happened to all the presnap motion? It's all but gone. Things we used to do, either arent being used or dont work anymore, because the O-Line has regressed immensely. And Garrett aint much for making adjustments.

[Macarthur]

That push off was the only reason Miles was even open, so lets not even count that.

A 300 yard game is nothing spectacular. That's essentially what the Vikes give up every game. And Romo normally can get that by himself. haha. And they completely shut down the run...without Romo's runs, the backs only averaged a good 2.6 yards per carry.

But, Garrett's game plan was horrendous. Seriously. 17 screens/swing passes? As Bob Sturm pointed out...the guy conceded to the Vikes D-Line before the game even started. The playcalling was hilariously bad. I've never in my life seen a pro team call that many screens and swings. It was embarassing. Yeah, there were no sacks...but there arent going to be many when you keep throwing screens. You just bait the o-line in and dump it off, same with those swing passes...they're quick throws. Not bad ideas to off-set an over eager defense and bad O-line...but you know, it's not going to continue to work when you call these plays a hundred times over. Garrett was over protective of the O-line. Sure, we more than likely would have given up some sacks and Free was getting push back fairly far on real drop backs, but we should have taken some real shots, against a banged up secondary. This type of timid playcalling wasnt exactly helping us, either. We dont even have a real offensive identity with Garrett. But in his defense, at least, and I rarely defend the guy. The offensive line largely hinders what he can do sometimes.

I disagree on Miles. If you look at the DBs position, I think Miles already had the post open. All he had to do was drive hard to the post and he's open. Now, he might not have scored, but they would have been able to complete that pass.

As for the 300 yards, I think gaining 300 yards is still a pretty decent benchmark.

I agree that the RBs didn't do much, but we'll just have to agree to disagree with the game plan. I think Garrett knew that Romo would get killed if they went in with the normal game plan of throwing the ball 35-40 times.

And how often have we killed Garrett for not getting Felix the ball out into space? I think that's what he was trying to do. Felix looks a little top heavy to me and if I have to watch Barber go through the line and trip with no one around him again, I'm going to puke.

[2 Live Crew]

What does Wade Phillips have to do to lose his job haha.

He has officially entered the norv zone

[M.O.T.H.]

I disagree on Miles. If you look at the DBs position, I think Miles already had the post open. All he had to do was drive hard to the post and he's open. Now, he might not have scored, but they would have been able to complete that pass.

As for the 300 yards, I think gaining 300 yards is still a pretty decent benchmark.

I agree that the RBs didn't do much, but we'll just have to agree to disagree with the game plan. I think Garrett knew that Romo would get killed if they went in with the normal game plan of throwing the ball 35-40 times.

Well yeah, Miles could have been open...but he stupidly pushed off for no reason, before he broke. I love Miles, but he commits some of the stupidest penalties. He's pretty heavily penalized for a WR. Still wouldnt trade him for the world...I just wish he'd learn to block better.

And I have no problem...not throwing 40 or so times. The problem, was the lack of shots down the field, or I dont know, "real" passing plays. lol. 53% of our 32 passing attempts were screens or swing passes, how's that for a stat? That's not good.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Easier said then done. Our guys are getting beat consistently...you shouldnt even be asking your back to break multiple tackles in the backfield. If this is happening, your RB is the least of your problems. And it is happening.

And good luck, trying to get Garrett to change anything for the better. We barely even run out of power run formations anymore. We see the double TEs in the running game less and less. I'd love to run out of single WR/Double TE looks, but it aint happening all that much. And what happened to all the presnap motion? It's all but gone. Things we used to do, either arent being used or dont work anymore, because the O-Line has regressed immensely. And Garrett aint much for making adjustments.

You're right you shouldn't ask that for any back. But then again, that's the reality of the situation. So you're going to have to make due. In the pre season we had our RG, center, LG and RT having issues. Now we have people back but not 100%. O'hara came back, first time, this past game. But this OL isn't 2007, or 2008. Factor in our changed offense and now it screwed with our running concepts. So what do you do?

You can change formations.. More I formations. Basically install the whole family of I in the game plan.

Personnel changes in creative ways. How good is your FO at identifying personnel?

We had to sign Andrews who was an all pro and one of the best guards in the NFL. We developed him and molded him to play both OT positions and LG just in case. We took our RT back up Koets and he had to learn center along with our LG Rich S. So he is the 3rd backup center. So you see the trend is for versatility.

Can your OL people play other positions? Have they? Are you guys good at scouting the free agents or cut people for talent? We just got a cast off with great potential. Just release Shane G. who kicked for Tynes.

We basically are changing and still it's a VERY tough fight. If Jacobs started for us this year. We'd be losing yards because he'd be getting decked in the backfield. If there is any good thing to this it's:

Versatility of our OL
Personnel ( TE moved to FB while Madison H is hurt. Signing Andrews and sticking him as a 2nd TE.)
Formations:

1 Wide and rest TE and wings. We haven't done that since the Plax and Toomer days. And still we barely get a push! That's how much we are struggling.


So lucky for us Bradshaw has the skill set of an elite RB, with the main feature of creating positive runs out of nothing. That's our offensive MVP thus far.. Bradshaw. Without him, we'd be horrible at running the ball.

Our two teams are alike, except for the RB position. We do have a better front office I feel. That's debatable I guess. I do like the experience of Gilbride AND Coughlin. They both have decades of experience over Jason G. It helps our HC is an offensive coach while yours is not.

So Tubby has to really trust Jason G, while Coughlin can add input based on experience. In the end however, it comes down to making positive runs out of nothing. It's not fair to ask an RB to do that, but it's the reality of the situation for us. We need to do that to be successful. You guys need to scour the league for a back like that, OR replace the whole damn offensive line, or get a new OC. All of the above perhaps...

[M.O.T.H.]

Felix is the least of my worries, Boss. As is Choice, Barber's pretty shot, but great in short yardage, as he proved this week. But yeah, I'll gladly take a new O-Line or Coordinator. I wish it was that easy to accomplish. Might take a while. haha.

As for the comparability between our O-Lines. I dont see it still. Bradshaw may not be running through truck sized holes, but I've seen him get more space than we've had this year. And you give a guy like that a little space, he's going to make something good happen, just like Felix or Tashard. Bradshaw is a very good back, but he's not doing everything by himself, a great deal...yes. But he's getting a little help, at the very least. There were some big ole holes this week...granted, it was the Lions. haha. But yeah, maybe you'll see how bad it can get for us against tough run defenses this week, since you'll be playing us. Hopefully not, though.

[D-Unit]

Felix is the least of my worries, Boss. As is Choice, Barber's pretty shot, but great in short yardage, as he proved this week. But yeah, I'll gladly take a new O-Line or Coordinator. I wish it was that easy to accomplish. Might take a while. haha.

As for the comparability between our O-Lines. I dont see it still. Bradshaw may not be running through truck sized holes, but I've seen him get more space than we've had this year. And you give a guy like that a little space, he's going to make something good happen, just like Felix or Tashard. Bradshaw is a very good back, but he's not doing everything by himself, a great deal...yes. But he's getting a little help, at the very least. There were some big ole holes this week...granted, it was the Lions. haha. But yeah, maybe you'll see how bad it can get for us against tough run defenses this week, since you'll be playing us. Hopefully not, though.
Haha. Barber is shot, but Felix gets a pass. I get the bias, but you don't even judge Barber correctly. Even when I started pointing out how he runs North-South you had to reneg. Felix wishes he had the heart that Barber has when he's carrying the ball.

[M.O.T.H.]

Haha. Barber is shot, but Felix gets a pass. I get the bias, but you don't even judge Barber correctly. Even when I started pointing out how he runs North-South you had to reneg. Felix wishes he had the heart that Barber has when he's carrying the ball.

ugh. Barber is done. He's good for short yardage situation and the goal line, and that's where he has been spending his time the last two weeks. He's good in that role. I meant done as an every down type of back...he shouldnt be seeing the bulk of the carries. I love him in a short yardage role. If you havent noticed, I included Barber's name when talking about the run blocking all year. Neither guy has much of anywhere to run. I've maintained that fact all year. But Barber is nothing like he was...everyone knows this. And as I've said a billion times, Barber has been bouncing runs outside forever...he even did yesterday, once or twice and gained nothing on each of them. He loves going outside, he just doesnt have the speed out there anymore and for whatever reason, he keeps falling on his face a lot this season. Losing his footing for whatever reason.

Reneg? The guy does it all the time...I said he doesnt do it on every play, D. But he does it a lot. I hate being that guy...but if you just watch the games, you'd see it. I know you're watching, so it shouldnt be hard to see him do it. And Barber has been known to do this for years. Like even through the media...talked about many a times. It's not a well kept secret or fallacy, that he's liked to bounce it outside in his career. And again, he used to be able to do it with regularity.

As for when Felix is running...the guy fought hard yesterday. He's no stranger to barrelling into defenders these days. He doesnt have Marion's power, but Felix def. runs with heart and def. loves the game a great deal. I love the attitude both play with. Barber just has less tread on those tires now. I didnt even mean to be hard on Marion with that previous comment...I def. like him better in his current role the last few weeks. I was just talking more about the future going forward with Felix and Choice.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Felix is the least of my worries, Boss. As is Choice, Barber's pretty shot, but great in short yardage, as he proved this week. But yeah, I'll gladly take a new O-Line or Coordinator. I wish it was that easy to accomplish. Might take a while. haha.

As for the comparability between our O-Lines. I dont see it still. Bradshaw may not be running through truck sized holes, but I've seen him get more space than we've had this year. And you give a guy like that a little space, he's going to make something good happen, just like Felix or Tashard. Bradshaw is a very good back, but he's not doing everything by himself, a great deal...yes. But he's getting a little help, at the very least. There were some big ole holes this week...granted, it was the Lions. haha. But yeah, maybe you'll see how bad it can get for us against tough run defenses this week, since you'll be playing us. Hopefully not, though.



Yea I knew Bradshaw could own the Lions. We had a great game running the ball, however teams like bears, colts and Titans proved to be tougher. Bradshaw had to do most of the work.

It's so bad that even the players and coaches talk about why bradshaw is in there and how his skill set is perfect for this. It's pretty much like, "hey we are not as good, so we toss him in there, and he makes everything fine."

I hope bradshaw can take off this week. I know not a lot of people seen him play, so from our perspective hopefully you can see his skills.

[LonghornsLegend]

As for something else...

Looks like Miles' leap frog wasnt the penalty...it was Roy and Sam putting up the hook em horns at the same time? WTF is this ****? Wade said a ref told him Miles drew the flag. But the league told him that it was on Hurd/Williams today. Seems like they were just looking to penalize us again. Jesus. And the first one shouldnt have even been a penalty, either.


If this is true, that's BS. This crap is getting out of hand.


And onto Felix Jones, ok you made me do it :)


2ndsUZ6guWM


Very first play, pause at :05 secs, there is a lineman 2 yards into the backfield, Felix barely even got the handoff without a guy in his face. That qualifies as ****** blocking right? Of course, how do you let a guy 2 yards deep before the runner even takes 2 steps, yet Felix eludes the defender without him touching him.


Now the next cut he makes is in space but defenders were all around him, I haven't seen him make a cut that nice this entire season I'm sorry, but yes that does qualify as him being in space to make this cut, not the 1st one. He created the space on his own.



I won't deny that on alot of his highlights there were huge lanes, but I do disagree with the thought that he needs that space and those lanes to be there to be successful, though there isn't much to go off of from that season.




Now this is probably my favorite Felix Jones highlight ever in his entire career. He's made bigger, and longer plays, but this was our first pre-season game vs the Chargers after the 2008 draft, when we all knew he was special:


arpQahSy9A0



Now on the first play at :025 where are the lanes at? He was thrown a toss play and there was literally no hole, pause it if you don't believe me. He split 3 defenders and ran past a 4th, this year he's making that a solid gain and people are just saying "but there are no holes there".


Same goes for :45 secs, a swing pass, you can't tell me he didn't have this much room on none of those 10 passes Sunday. At :48 secs he has 4 Chargers around him about to make the tackle, and 2 others closing, make it 6 defenders forming a circle around him who could easily make the tackle, he blew past all 6(who all got within arms reach), out ran a 7th who came into play, and was a stiff arm away from breaking the tackle on the 8th guy.


Yes he was in space initially but it's not like he had picked up a ton of speed, he had only took a few steps before a guy was in his face, but have we seen this same open field agility this season? No, not even close.


I don't want to pull up a ton of plays or clips because I'm just not in the mood, but again i don't want to make it seem like I'm bashing him because I'm not, he did have a good game last week. What I'm saying is he is not the same explosive Felix Jones that we have seen previously, that doesn't mean he's trash. He's still our best RB, he's still very good and effective, but the big plays in limited touches are not there, and there IS something there.


I love Felix, he deserves to start and deserves to get his touches, and while I'm sure he'll have good games AND plays this year, I just don't see the same explosiveness, nor do I see the same lateral agility to blow by defenders as previous. There is no way he would have gotten 10 catches in 2008 in a game and not had a huge play, I don't care if it was against the Steelers.



I don't know how you can look at those plays, and tell me he's running the same, or that he needs a huge lane to run past everyone.

[M.O.T.H.]

If this is true, that's BS. This crap is getting out of hand.


And onto Felix Jones, ok you made me do it :)


2ndsUZ6guWM


Very first play, pause at :05 secs, there is a lineman 2 yards into the backfield, Felix barely even got the handoff without a guy in his face. That qualifies as ****** blocking right? Of course, how do you let a guy 2 yards deep before the runner even takes 2 steps, yet Felix eludes the defender without him touching him.


Now the next cut he makes is in space but defenders were all around him, I haven't seen him make a cut that nice this entire season I'm sorry, but yes that does qualify as him being in space to make this cut, not the 1st one. He created the space on his own.



I won't deny that on alot of his highlights there were huge lanes, but I do disagree with the thought that he needs that space and those lanes to be there to be successful, though there isn't much to go off of from that season.




Now this is probably my favorite Felix Jones highlight ever in his entire career. He's made bigger, and longer plays, but this was our first pre-season game vs the Chargers after the 2008 draft, when we all knew he was special:


arpQahSy9A0



Now on the first play at :025 where are the lanes at? He was thrown a toss play and there was literally no hole, pause it if you don't believe me. He split 3 defenders and ran past a 4th, this year he's making that a solid gain and people are just saying "but there are no holes there".


Same goes for :45 secs, a swing pass, you can't tell me he didn't have this much room on none of those 10 passes Sunday. At :48 secs he has 4 Chargers around him about to make the tackle, and 2 others closing, make it 6 defenders forming a circle around him who could easily make the tackle, he blew past all 6(who all got within arms reach), out ran a 7th who came into play, and was a stiff arm away from breaking the tackle on the 8th guy.


Yes he was in space initially but it's not like he had picked up a ton of speed, he had only took a few steps before a guy was in his face, but have we seen this same open field agility this season? No, not even close.


I don't want to pull up a ton of plays or clips because I'm just not in the mood, but again i don't want to make it seem like I'm bashing him because I'm not, he did have a good game last week. What I'm saying is he is not the same explosive Felix Jones that we have seen previously, that doesn't mean he's trash. He's still our best RB, he's still very good and effective, but the big plays in limited touches are not there, and there IS something there.


I love Felix, he deserves to start and deserves to get his touches, and while I'm sure he'll have good games AND plays this year, I just don't see the same explosiveness, nor do I see the same lateral agility to blow by defenders as previous. There is no way he would have gotten 10 catches in 2008 in a game and not had a huge play, I don't care if it was against the Steelers.



I don't know how you can look at those plays, and tell me he's running the same, or that he needs a huge lane to run past everyone.

Alright I'll play this game.

Run #1...that little chip by Anderson, was just enough to get Felix enough room. Today, he's seeing guys directly in his face right at the snap, there is a difference.

Run #2...something I've talked about all year. We cant seal the edge off like that anymore. Colombo pulls and makes a nice block. Have we been able to do that successfully at all this year? No. There was also pre-snap motion with Witten on that play. Something we've also seen a lot less of. That run has nothing to do with "the cut", he just rounds the edge. The blocking got him out in space and there was no one down field. Very good execution, Felix does the rest.

Run #3...Witten motion again. Big hole.

Run #4...Gorgeous blocking gets him to the next level.

etc...Huge holes throughout.

As for the preseason game...there is space, not much, but some and that's all he needs, and this is against backups, mind you. But anyway, Felix doesnt need a lot of space, but like every RB, he needs a little help. Just get him past the D-Line, at least. And he'll make good things happen, like so. He's done some of that this season.

Seriously...you've probably been looking at these clips for a while...does our line look even remotely close to what it looked like back then when run blocking? Hell no.

And I agree that I wish Felix would have done more with the receptions. He got tackled by some corners in the open field, but something needs to be said about their tackling and the repetitiveness of all those same exact throws. It's not going to be overly effective, if you keep calling it. They werent even buying it, by the end of the game.

How can I say Felix is still running the same? Did you not watch the Titans game? Looked like classic Felix all game. The speed, the quickness, the cuts, it all looked just fine.

http://prod.www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d81b37d42/Felix-Jones-34-yard-run

And it's a stupid play to bring up...but Felix looked like he shot out of a cannon on that last play of the game against Minny. He's still just as quick as ever if you get the guy some room.

Our run blocking is horrendous. It will probably run hot/cold all year. But I have no faith in them at all right now. Those holes you're seeing in those past videos are no longer there and there is no disputing that.

And as for the hook em horns celebration being the actual penalty. Yeah it was and it's complete BS.

[M.O.T.H.]

Robert Brewster was re-signed to our practice squad today, by the way. I just heard this.

[LonghornsLegend]

Seriously...you've probably been looking at these clips for a while...does our line look even remotely close to what it looked like back then when run blocking? Hell no.

I only looked at those plays for a few mins as I was making a post, my cpu is on wireless at my school so youtube videos have to load and takes too long to spend time trying to watch videos. I remembered the plays but wasn't looking at them long.


I agree on the plays with great blocking, which is why I left those out. Our line blocked better last year and he did have more lanes, my only point was that I felt he was still making something out of nothing which we aren't seeing. I don't think anyone can be honest with themselves and say out of all 10 of those receptions he was hit as soon as he caught the ball. You just said yourself he was wide open on a majority of those plays which we all know he doesn't need much space, just a little to make a big play happen. That's my point, but well just agree to disagree on this point.

[M.O.T.H.]

I agree...with agreeing to disagree. haha.

He wasnt tackled as soon as he got the ball...he gained an additional few yards on each. But the first few could have worked well, but after a while...they didnt bite on any of that junk. Vikes tackled very well, as well. Something our team isnt too hot at, most nights. My main beef right now, though...is the lack of running room, when he's on the ground.

Hopefully we can have some clear cut, consensus conclusions with a few more weeks. lol.

Anyway, didnt realize you were at school...what are you studying?

[D-Unit]

ugh. Barber is done. He's good for short yardage situation and the goal line, and that's where he has been spending his time the last two weeks. He's good in that role. I meant done as an every down type of back...he shouldnt be seeing the bulk of the carries. I love him in a short yardage role. If you havent noticed, I included Barber's name when talking about the run blocking all year. Neither guy has much of anywhere to run. I've maintained that fact all year. But Barber is nothing like he was...everyone knows this. And as I've said a billion times, Barber has been bouncing runs outside forever...he even did yesterday, once or twice and gained nothing on each of them. He loves going outside, he just doesnt have the speed out there anymore and for whatever reason, he keeps falling on his face a lot this season. Losing his footing for whatever reason.

Reneg? The guy does it all the time...I said he doesnt do it on every play, D. But he does it a lot. I hate being that guy...but if you just watch the games, you'd see it. I know you're watching, so it shouldnt be hard to see him do it. And Barber has been known to do this for years. Like even through the media...talked about many a times. It's not a well kept secret or fallacy, that he's liked to bounce it outside in his career. And again, he used to be able to do it with regularity.

As for when Felix is running...the guy fought hard yesterday. He's no stranger to barrelling into defenders these days. He doesnt have Marion's power, but Felix def. runs with heart and def. loves the game a great deal. I love the attitude both play with. Barber just has less tread on those tires now. I didnt even mean to be hard on Marion with that previous comment...I def. like him better in his current role the last few weeks. I was just talking more about the future going forward with Felix and Choice.
Barber's speed was never a reason why he was good. His speed is not holding him back now. I know you want to think he's done, but he's not. Should he be the main ball carrier? That's a tricky statement. It depends on the game situation. I don't think you can go into the game with a predetermined amount of times you will run the ball with x RB. You go by the flow of the game. I will agree that Barber is a situational runner. That said, so is Felix. The only everydown back that we have is Choice. ...and I'll say it again. He needs to be featured A LOT more. He's a guy that can get tough yards despite holes not being there. His time is NOW. Period.

Felix has always been best as a situational rotation back. He was used properly at Arkansas. He was used properly the first couple years of his career. Problem is everyone wanted to see his best on every down, but now we're seeing... he's not like that on every down. He is still at best a situational rotation back. He needs fresh legs. He's not an every down back. You're not going to ask him to go straight up the field and expect him to drive the pile. However, that is Choice.

[M.O.T.H.]

We've seen him get the bulk of the carries for two weeks this year, D. Two weeks. Come on. lol. That's enough for you to write him off as the lead back, or an every down back?

And the guy has earned every right to get the bulk of the carries at this point in his short career.

[E-Man]

It looks like I'm going to choke somebody before this season is over. I gotta do something to ease the pain of a long season riddled with idiotic mistakes that keep costing games. Week one it's Barron, week 2 a few missed assignments on some big passes, last week it's the stupid unsportsmanlike celebration, yesterday it was Miles' pass interference that wiped away a huge TD. There needs to be some serious accountability and thinking here. It's like no one is learning from all the stupid mistakes at all.

[D-Unit]

We've seen him get the bulk of the carries for two weeks this year, D. Two weeks. Come on. lol. That's enough for you to write him off as the lead back, or an every down back?

And the guy has earned every right to get the bulk of the carries at this point in his short career.
I'm not writing him off. I want him to show something. I want him to be his old self. I loved his old self. ...and I don't want him to get the OL sucks excuse for the rest of the year either.

[M.O.T.H.]

Get in contact with Houck and tell him to get on their asses. Because this **** isnt going to fly in its current state.

Oh...did you guys hear the Dolphins cut the great Bobby Carpenter?

[xxxxxxxx]

Do you think if we beat the giants and jags and were at 3-4, theres still hope?

[TitleTown088]

An NFL source said the Packers have had talks with the Dallas Cowboys about “one of” their running backs. The 1-4 Cowboys rotate Felix Jones, Tashard Choice and Marion Barber, and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported Sunday morning that it’s Barber that the Packers and Cowboys have discussed.

http://www.espnmilwaukee.com/includes/news_items/40/news_items_more.php?id=4566&section_id=40

You guys down?

[M.O.T.H.]

I'm down. I still love the guy...but feel we'd be better off with Jones/Choice. I couldnt imagine getting anymore than a 4th for him. The contract/production/ability doesnt really add up. But alas, I doubt it happens.

[TitleTown088]

Well then, Ted Thompson ha a 4th with your name on it.

[thule]

Have Barber...he is playing his final year in dallas regardless...his cap number doesn't justify the production...Choice isn't going anywhere.

[xxxxxxxx]

Do you think it could be for a player not draft pick? Who would we ask for?

[thule]

For the record I'd still love to trade for Shaun Rogers and get a year rental out of him. Rumors are that he is on the block. Aso is also on the block..not that we'll make a play on either of them but both players would make us better this year.

[thule]

Do you think it could be for a player not draft pick? Who would we ask for?

Jason Spitz or TJ Lang are two guys I think we've shown interest in the past when scouting the draft. Both of those 2 probably out value Barber tho with his cap number.

[D-Unit]

Have Barber...he is playing his final year in dallas regardless...his cap number doesn't justify the production...Choice isn't going anywhere.
Don't get your hopes up. He'll restructure.

[thule]

Don't get your hopes up. He'll restructure.

I don't see how he has any leverage with the organization to do this. He will get paid more somewhere else imo and it's out with the old in with the new...I can't see him restructuring a deal that is going to work for him and the team. I'll just chalk this up to memory and relive it when something happens with him and we can give each other high fives when one another was right!

[D-Unit]

http://www.espnmilwaukee.com/includes/news_items/40/news_items_more.php?id=4566&section_id=40

You guys down?
Gimme Cullen Jenkins, AJ Hawk or Charles Woodson. :)

[D-Unit]

I don't see how he has any leverage with the organization to do this. He will get paid more somewhere else imo and it's out with the old in with the new...I can't see him restructuring a deal that is going to work for him and the team. I'll just chalk this up to memory and relive it when something happens with him and we can give each other high fives when one another was right!
When Jerry has a man crush like he does with Barber... things have a way of working out.

[M.O.T.H.]

Garrett is the one with the man crush on Barber. Jerry has been yelling for more Felix for a year and half now.

[D-Unit]

Garrett is the one with the man crush on Barber. Jerry has been yelling for more Felix for a year and half now.
Good point. Must give credit for that. Plus I do remember Jerry calling Barber out on the way he was nursing his injuries.

Meh. I'm fine with being among the few Cowboys fans that still want him here.

[M.O.T.H.]

But you also love Choice...so you'd probably get over it fast. haha.

[thule]

Just for the record. I'm sure everyone here realizes this but i wanted to bring it up.

Before our Bye week our snaps were split up between Barber/Jones/Choice about 40/30/30...Choice came in on third downs and wildcat.

Since the bye Barber has seen the most of the 3rd down duty...and Jones sprinkled in...Jones is getting the bigger work load and Choice is the odd man out.

I don't see any reason to keep MB3 here after this year. We need to get choice on the field and he's cheaper and just as able and willing to. No reason to bring Barber back although he is proving to be a good short yardage back...I think it had more to do with luck than his abillity to pickup short yardage but I do respect MB3. I'm greatful for what he has been to the cowboys...but we have other guys who can pick up that roll and it's cheaper...so bye bye Barber...shoulda happened this year.

[D-Unit]

Just for the record. I'm sure everyone here realizes this but i wanted to bring it up.

Before our Bye week our snaps were split up between Barber/Jones/Choice about 40/30/30...Choice came in on third downs and wildcat.

Since the bye Barber has seen the most of the 3rd down duty...and Jones sprinkled in...Jones is getting the bigger work load and Choice is the odd man out.

I don't see any reason to keep MB3 here after this year. We need to get choice on the field and he's cheaper and just as able and willing to. No reason to bring Barber back although he is proving to be a good short yardage back...I think it had more to do with luck than his abillity to pickup short yardage but I do respect MB3. I'm greatful for what he has been to the cowboys...but we have other guys who can pick up that roll and it's cheaper...so bye bye Barber...shoulda happened this year.
Screw dat. You can have your opinion. I'll disagree. Barber is STILL the man. He hasn't lost nuttin'. It's all about the crappy O-Line. Reason why we go to Barber is because he's reliable. He may not have the best burst, but he plays smart, plays tough and plays with the most heart. Don't tell me speed is a reason why he's not good because speed was never his game.

2009-2010 - a year on a bum leg
4NnjPxG_60Y

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Either way there are 3 players that worry me. They are Austin, Witten, and Ware. If we can keep these guys in check, I feel confident. But those 3 worry me the most.

[LonghornsLegend]

Good point. Must give credit for that. Plus I do remember Jerry calling Barber out on the way he was nursing his injuries.

Meh. I'm fine with being among the few Cowboys fans that still want him here.

See I think you have me misunderstood, it's not like I don't want Barber, but why are you so deadset on having him here when we have Choice we can do exactly what he can for alot cheaper? That's just the way things work, there is no reason to be paying Barber what he pays when Choice is no worse and can play that same role for our team and save us tons of money to be used in Free Agency next season.


That's been my only point. RB's are easy to replace anyway, have you already forgotten how good Choice has been when he got alot of carries? Felix and Choice is a great rotation and Barber is being paid like a Steven Jackson type of RB and he's not used that way so it's pointless to bring him back even if he is still very good.

[LizardState]

Oh...did you guys hear the Dolphins cut the great Bobby Carpenter?


I saw that.

Was he ever an NFL-quality LB? Or was he another product of Parcells' peculiar flavor of nepotism?

[Paul]

I saw that.

Was he ever an NFL-quality LB? Or was he another product of Parcells' peculiar flavor of nepotism?

On one fateful night in Seattle back in 2007, there was a glimpse.