Patience the Main Ingredient in a Howard Deal

by Rafael Vela on Mar 20, 2005 10:12 PM CST in Dallas Cowboys General

With the NFL owners meeting in sunny Hawaii this week it's ironic that player business has slowed to a glacial pace. Less than three weeks after they began, free agent moves have come to a near standstill.

That stasis has to be frustrating Cowboys faithful, who were hopeful that a deal for Saints DE Darren Howard could have been worked out by now. New Orleans was facing a deadline of March 17th to move the disgruntled end, but Howard deferred it by signing the Saints' tender offer. The Saints now have time to strike a harder bargain with a team like Dallas, but here are two reasons why I believe the trade will happen, but not until the end of April at the earliest:

Howard is eating up $7.8 million worth of cap space. The Saints have four core players who are in the last years of their deals -- RB Deuce McAllister, C LeCharles Bentley, WR Joe Horn and CB Mike McKenzie, who cost a second round pick to obtain. The Saints want to sign them to long-term extensions to keep them off the market, but don't have the cap room to do so. They will have it if they move Howard.

If the Saints keep Howard they face a similar dilemma with him next year. They either franchise him again, which would give him an outrageous cap figure of $9.3 million, or they risk losing him to free agency for no compensation.

So what long-term options do the Saints really have? They move Howard now and gain stability, or keep him around and risk blowing up their team in 2006.

From Dallas' perspective, the desire to get Howard is great, but the need to get him now is not. Jerry Jones has said he does not want to trade draft picks for players and at this point he's right. I see no risk that Howard will be traded to another club before the draft. The other teams that keep being linked to Howard trade are Washington, Minnesota, Seattle, Miami and Denver. Let's look at the likelihood of each team trading for him:

Miami -- the Dolphins entered free agency with less than $2 million in cap space. They've already made several smaller money additions, most notably safety Tebucky Jones. They've already got a big ticket DE in Jason Taylor. How can they afford another one?

Denver -- They also entered free agency with limited cap room. They've been trying unsuccessfully to unload high- priced DE Trevor Pryce, who has the biggest contract on their defense. They appear trapped, capwise. They've pursuing DE Courtney Brown, a much cheaper option who was released by the Cleveland Browns last week

Seattle -- The team most often named as a competitor signed DE Bryce Fisher from the Rams last week. He got a four year, $10 million deal. They paid Grant Wistrom a mint to play DE for them the year before. I don't think the Seahawks paid Fisher all that money to be Howard's backup.

Washington -- The Redskins had a fair amount of cap room, but lost much of it when they made the Santana Moss-for-Laveranues Coles trade. They're in strong pursuit of Courtney Brown, who seems more in line with their budget. They also can't give New Orleans their second round pick, since the Saints already own it.

Minnesota -- They had over $30 million in cap room and have spent freely, trading Randy Moss and signing Pat Williams, Darren Sharper and Fred Smoot for their defense. They are still the club most likely to be that "other team" but they've been quiet since signing Sharper and WR Travis Taylor last week.

New Orleans might be trying to drive up the price of getting Howard, but why give them anythingbetween now and the end of the draft? Dallas has no visible competition and New Orleans' need to move Howard only increases as the season approaches. Sure, a new team might emerge after the draft, but teams won't exactly have more cap room then, will they?

I expect Dallas to turn off the phones, keep the 42nd pick, use it on the best available player and then call New Orleans after the first mini camp. Who knows? Dallas might draft an end who looks so impressive to the coaches, it makes them disregard the Howard deal altogether. Stranger things have happened.

In any event, put those Darren Howard thoughts on the back burner of your mind. Unless Jerry convinces Saints GM Mickey Loomis to cave on his trade demands over some mai tais this week, it just ain't gonna happen in the near future.

Update: Minnesota, that "other team" mentioned upthread, may be just that. The Orlando Sentinel passes on the rumor that the Vikings might consider sending the 18th overall pick to New Orleans for Howard. The Vikings have the cap room to make this happen. Time will tell, but it should not compromise the Cowboys thinking in any way. The Cowboys would have to send the 20th pick and a lower pick or package a starting player and a pick for Howard to trump the Vikings, if this rumor has merit. Both prices are too high, in my humble opinion.

Tweet Comment 28 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

In John Clayton’s “Quick Hits” he says the Saints have resigned DE Tony Bryant thinking they can still move Howard. Howard’s going to get moved, hopefully the Saints will stop the games soon and take what Dallas is offering.

by Don S. on Mar 21, 2005 8:28 AM CST reply actions

Being from the Washington DC area, I can tell you that there have been absolutely no reports on the Skins trading for Howard. As the article above noted, the Skins don’t have a 2nd round draft choice and they have a horrible cap situation. There is no way they are competition for Howard.

The Saints should just take the Cowboys 2006 second round pick and be done with it. Maybe the Cowboys could throw a performance incentive in there to make it a number one pick should Howard end up with 15 or more sacks in ’05.

by Tony on Mar 21, 2005 9:25 AM CST reply actions

Again Dallas should be patience. John Abraham is in a Similar situation in NY and still wants to play for Parcells. If I had to chose, I would take Abraham for the same money as Howard. He and Ferguson already played together, and Bill knows his character and work ethic. We still got the draft which looks to have plenty POTENTIAL NFL DE and OLB so I think we can address pass rush in the Draft if both fall through. However, do not be surprised to see Abraham come into play. He also got bad press for sitting out in the playoffs, press speculated he was only doing because he did not have a long term contract. That NY press just might make him a Cowboy yet. Howdy, John welcome to Dallas……..mosey on up to the line and get us a dozen sacks or so.

I think Greg Ellis has potential to be a pro bowl end with Ferguson Glover pushing up the middle as well. We are finally getting help on the Defensive Line. At least Dallas is willing to pay up for players this year, no more of the well Wiley could be what he was in Buffalo five years ago crap.

by Jon on Mar 21, 2005 9:35 AM CST reply actions

abraham would be awesome… no doubt! but the cowboys would have to give up both of their firsts for him… and i don’t think he’s worth that much

by pee_eye_emm_pee on Mar 21, 2005 1:27 PM CST reply actions

Another thing working against Miami and Denver is their rumored move to 3-4 fronts next season. That would tend to limit their interest as well, IMO.

Abraham is a dominant pass rusher, but he’s said to be asking for a deal in the same neighborhood as Jevon Kearse (around $66M total), while Howard has reportedly already agreed to a deal closer to what Grant Wistrom signed (around $33M total).

And even if the Jets were willing to part with him, I’d wager they’ll be asking for more than a 2nd rounder in return.

by Paul on Mar 21, 2005 1:39 PM CST reply actions

I’m not sure I quite understand why everyone thinks NO must trade Howard. Why can’t they just renegotiate a new long term deal which would lower his annual cap hit to around $3 Million escallating in future years. If he’s so valuable why not. Is his supposed replacement a proven commodity? I’m not so sure they’re not looking for a way to keep him. IMHO the longer this deal takes to happen, the less chance it will.

by Jean Victor de Silva on Mar 21, 2005 2:58 PM CST reply actions

Jean Victor de Silva

The Saints have Charles Grant playing opposite Howard and he’s good. They also spent their #1 pick last year on Ohio St. DE Will Smith, who had 7 sacks as a rookie. Howard wants a long term deal in the neighborhood of six years, $33 million dollars with a $14 million signing bonus, which is what Grant Wistrom got from the Seahawks recently. New Orleans isn’t going to negotiate that type of deal for a guy who would be a rotation end and would be holding up Smith in the latter years of the deal. Plus, Howard wants to leave. They’re going to move him.

by Rafael Vela on Mar 21, 2005 3:29 PM CST reply actions

If Abraham wants out of NY he might come play for Parcells for less. Do the Jets have cap room for Abraham? If not does anybody else but Dallas…….Minnesota already spent their money and are probably getting Edwards or Williams in the Draft…….so I think they are done.

I think Ferguson and Rivera and Henry are in Dallas because they think we can contend and they respect the organization and Coach.

Abraham already knows the coach, and with all the FA that fled NY Jets already they are not going to IMPROVE…….maybe be as good but they play in a tough division that will probably get better with Buffalo and Miami improving…….perhaps Miami will be rebuilding next year but a good RB and Miami can win a few more games. Saban will make their Defense even nastier than it already was.

If I were a DE I would want to go to Dallas. You get a chance to be a Hero in Cowboy country. The Dallas Press would worship a 15 sack season by Abraham or Howard for that matter……..if not I say try Glover on the END he is the strongest guy on our Front Four and showed up a lot of people in the PRO BOWL, let him try rushing from the outside in a 4-3…..he might be a 12 sack guy on the end on Third and long……leave him in the middle.

Abraham had some injuries and seems to have a wish to leave NY I do not think Dallas Would have to give up two first rounds…….maybe one or a second and a third next year……..something like that. I would give up a First Round for Abraham. He is a proven commodity and still young for a DE. Lineman in this league have the longest life on both sides of the ball.

If the media is right and Parcells only wants to win and win now. Abraham definitely makes the most sense. He and ferguson on one side and Glover and Ellis on the other. I think that would bring back the DOOMSDAY days of big Harvey Martin, Too Tall Jones and Randy White………

i say trade 20 for Abraham…….and maybe give up Quincy Morgan the Jets need a Receiver………

by Jon on Mar 21, 2005 7:30 PM CST reply actions

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. How can you and I be the only two in the world who see Glover as a awesome DE; also, Abrams would be a great fit in the Parcell’s scheme. Use one first round draft on a big speedy wide receiver and that would neget any real need for quincy morgan (a no show). That leaves two positions: Safety & Quarterback.

Dare we say it?

Who needs the over priced Howard from the Saints?

by darrell w on Mar 21, 2005 10:12 PM CST reply actions

Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

How can you and I be the only two in the world who see Glover as a awesome DE; also, Abrams would be a great fit in the Parcell’s scheme. Use one first round draft on a big speedy wide receiver and that would neget any real need for quincy morgan (a no show). That leaves two positions: Safety & Quarterback.

Dare we say it?

Who needs the over priced Howard from the Saints?

by darrell w on Mar 21, 2005 10:14 PM CST reply actions

I really don’t have an issue using a number one for either Howard or Abraham. I mean …can we be sure that what we would get in the draft could be a 10 to 15 sack master. Both of these guys are proven. I realize we want to pay the least we can but we don’t ned to loose out. It is time to take it to the next level.

by Boon on Mar 21, 2005 10:30 PM CST reply actions

Whoa! Come on, guys get a grip. The kind of money Abraham would demand is big, kind of bank breaking. That’s not wise spending. Neither is spending several draft picks for one player. Spending a this year first rounder and a second in next year would be real bad taking in consideration the haul the team needs to make in several positions, be it WR, LB, S, DL, OL and QB if Henson doesn’t develop furthermore in this year. Even signing Howard could be dangerous, and that’s he isn’t signed already, the front office is playing it wise and they haven’t entered the game of mixing in draft choices. I don’t see them trading for him until draft day, I see the Cowboys trading down with one of their 1st round selections and getting another 2nd rounder, that way they could be in position to trade for him.

by Chandus on Mar 21, 2005 11:00 PM CST reply actions

yea we wait

by Marcus M on Mar 22, 2005 12:56 PM CST reply actions

According to reports, the issue with Howard isn’t the money it is with the compensation with the saints. And if you don’t get Howard or Abraham then you will need to use one of your first round picks on a DE. So I say get the defensive end that is already proven, especially with our nack for drafting DE in the past. Now I am only saying one first round draft choice for either Howard or Abraham we might have to give up a number two next year for Abraham. The key factor with Abraham is not to over pay. I say we make an offer somewhere around Howards deal maybe a little more and throw in some incentive stuff and see if he will give Parcels a discount.

by Boon on Mar 22, 2005 1:01 PM CST reply actions

I like Abraham over Howard. I am willing to give up a 1st round pick more easily for Abraham.

Or we could draft a DT, and move Glover to DE.

Who knows what Defense are we playing anyway………looks like more 4-3 with the occassional 3-4. Perhaps Parcells wants more of those big linebackers to give us the Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks type or End Rush. If that is the case we are going to need another monster or two in the middle………Glover, Ferguson and Ellis look a little undersized for every down. Probably have to bring in another 300lb DT or 290+ DE.

Oh well, either way I think we will improve with Ferguson, and maybe Coleman and those other guys can improve……I guess Blade is done. How about this………hey Bill go find us another Jason Ferguson in the 7th round this year………and another Troy Brown in the 6th round and I will be happy. Those guys were late rounders that made their team playoff contenders.

darrel w…….

Laroi Glover is an incredibly talented football player. I think he would be a force anywhere on the line. The way he gets to the QB up the middle is impressive, I think I would be tempted to let him move around. Several DEs have moved around on the line of scrimmage with success. Sometimes switching sides, moving in as a tackle. The good ones, have a nose for getting to QB no matter whether they face a great Offensive Lineman or a double team. Usually whenver a great DE has one of those great years, you look at the other guys along the line and they were pressure guys too………so the O line flips a coin as to who they double team. If Ferguson is the real deal, and can help Glover, Ellis will be that much better……..another legitimate DE either way preferrably a trade……but a guy that can Play now whether we draft him or not………I actually think their are a few good tweeners in the draft and some legitimate DEs. I think we will be much improved.

Parcells has an offseason program of Clean and Press. Anybody every done em………you start with a deadlift than hoist the wait to your shoulders than over your head……….if he punishes our D Line and O line with that regiment……….we will all be stronger….fullbody exercise which emphasizes the large muscle groups and explosiveness of moving the weight……we need some lean mean fighting machines out there……..and we will be better for it……i think he got a little soft last year in his old age……..I doubt he makes that mistake again.

by Jon on Mar 22, 2005 1:32 PM CST reply actions

If Henry, Willams, Hunter or Scott, Newman can cover…….we can go back to BLITZING also……….we blitzed a lot in previous years with Mike Zimmer as our D Coordinator. I think he layed off the blitz last year to help whoever our corners were. Newman struggled with new rule change………and Roy missed Woodson. Hopefully this year we all know who we got back there and if Henry can cover we can blitz a LB or even a Safety or CB. Coakley or Nguyen used to crowd the line or come on a delay blitz but last year if they did that a decent QB beat our coverage everytime.

I still say adding a go like Rolle or Pac Man Jones in the draft if available would not be a bad addition. The better our pass coverage the more risk we can take at the line of scrimmage. The better our line of scrimmage the more risk we can take in coverage. The blitz will be back next year.

by Jon on Mar 22, 2005 2:50 PM CST reply actions

Jon,

Not a bad idea. I have always been a believer in the idea that the games are won in the trenches. When the cowboys won the last three superbowls they had the best offensive and defensive lines I have ever seen on a team. I don’t think you need to reach for any player but If the best lineman is available at your spot then that is what I would pick. Or bring that good FA lineman in to fill for the bad drafting of the past. If you look at some of the defenses we have had over the last seven years what would be the problem? We had Darren Woodson. We had Deion, We had some pretty good secondary units. The biggest issue is without a good Defensive line putting pressure on the quarterback then a great secondary will only take you so far. A good front line will stop the run. A good front line will put pressure on the quarterback and make a decent secondary better.

On the other side of the ball it is the same thing. I would rather have a great offensive line and have a decent quarterback and decent runningback, and a decent recieving squad. because the line will make all of them better. A good reciever will not make the offensive line a better line.

With all that said, we have many holes to fill I think the most important are the DE and RT positions. hopefully we can bring in Howard or Abraham to fill one of those voids. If Riveira is not healthy this year this offense may not be much different than last year. Same right side linemen equals the same results. Lets just pray Riveira is okay. Now I do think there are exceptions to most rules albeit few and far between but, Julias Jones might be that exception. He may not need too much of a line but in order to go anywhere we will still need a passing game.

by Boon on Mar 22, 2005 6:25 PM CST reply actions

great comments BOON my sentiments exactly, u took the words right out of my mouth. and i do think MR Bill has that same opinion literally Weighing in on his mind. Watch out Philadelphia The Boys are back.

by mark kaufman on Mar 22, 2005 8:48 PM CST reply actions

I found the above commentary to be insightful and helpful. However, in Mark Kaufman’s last comment he said “Watch out Philadelphia The Boys are back”, which leads me to my very emotional and important point. I am not sure where everyone is from that participates on this website, but I have a problem with the “P” word being used on a respectable site like this. I live in “P” and have experienced the hate and dislike that all Eagle fans have for anything Dallas Cowboys. In you have never been to a Cowboy Eagle game in “P”, wearing your Cowboy colors, then you have no idea what it is like. Any and all articles you read about Eagle fans, no matter how outrageous, are often true and disgusting. I put up with these garbage fans, these front runners (where were they in 95’ and 96’) who boo their own team early and often, have little respect for anything that isn’t puke green, and will never see a Super Bowl championship, on a daily basis. I am here to report that these beings are the lowest of the low, the scum of the NFL, the black eye for an otherwise wonderful city. Being at Irvin’s last game, where they cheered and mocked as a stretcher took his last snap, was enough to make me sick, but add in the booing of Santa Claus, Booing McNabb at the draft, leaving early from the NFC Championship game as the Bucs shut down their beloved Vet, asking for Andy Ried to resign after the his third loss in a row in the NFC Championship, or any and all of the harsh, rude, down right nasty treatments I receive at those games, and you have a slight idea of what I am trying to relay. I can take some playful and fun harassment and even expect it when I wear my Cowboy colors to an away game, but these things are not people, and some of the words they use are downright gross. Just please realize how much hate, not dislike, hate exist for the Cowboys in this area. Which leads me to my last point or maybe my first, depending on your view of my banter.
There is nothing I want more than to see Dallas win in “P” for the first time in what seems to be forever. I have been at every loss during this losing streak, and I thirst for a victory against the Eagles on the road, in the worst way. If it means Dallas has to trade a 1st round pick for Howard, then so be it. I don’t want a repeat of last year when McChoke ran around for 20 seconds and hit a wide open WR for 70 yards, that game on Monday night made Dallas look like a D-I AA squad. It was hard to swallow, the lowest point of my Dallas Cowboy life, and yes I was here for 1-15, and now I am thirsty for some revenge. Dallas needs a 4th D-Linemen, hopefully a pass rushing D-End, two outside linebackers if they are going to play 4-3 (Singleton and James are not good enough), A free safety, and by that I mean one with range and football knowledge, and especially not named LYNN SCOTT! A right tackle is needed, but they will probably have to go as is there, a speed WR to open up underneath lanes for Whitten and Johnson, a healthy Campbell and Glenn, Campbell to block for Jones, and I felt Glenn was playing great last year until he got hurt. And the magic piece that makes this whole bull ride, Mr. Drew Bledsoe can not be the same deer in the headlights QB he was for Buffalo the last two years. Solid play from him will be the biggest factor of the season. In the draft I would go DE and WR in the first, FS in the second, and linebackers and O and D linemen the rest of the time. This team, if all bounces right, has a chance to be a very good team. Jones should get 1,500 yards, Bledsoe should get 3,500 yards and the WR’s (yes even Quincy Morgan) along with Patrick Clayton should be able to do damage. And that leaves my new favorite Cowboy Jason Witten to go All-Pro and Pro-Bowl (again) this year. The defense should be better against the run with Furgerson, the linebackers may be a weakness, and the Secondary can’t be worse than last year, in fact I think they will be strength this year. I am so ready for kickoff 4:15 eastern time, in San Diego, California on Sept 11th (God rest their souls) with Crayton and Danzler back to receive, here’s the kick! Oh man, the off season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Wade Roberts on Mar 22, 2005 10:02 PM CST reply actions

Wade,

The rest of us Cowboy fans are right there with you. Remember one thing…the eagles would cut off one wing to have half the sucess the Cowboys have enjoyed. Don’t worry our revenge is coming very soon.

by Boon on Mar 22, 2005 11:55 PM CST reply actions

Wade,

Ever consider moving? I cannot imagine having to put up with the fans in P all the time. They gather at one of the sports bars here in Virginia and they are by far the rudest and most obnoxious. They act pretty bold considering I think they are on the DECLINE. Defensive Stars are getting old, RBs are beat up………..McNabb is a warrior and I respect him as a player but he is starting to look like Elway or Kelly or Tarkenton in the Close but no cigar Super Bowl Department. (although Elway redeemed himself)

I think Dallas will be much improved this year. I say let’s trade for Howard or Abraham, then Draft WR, possibly one of the good CB available Rolle has size to play safety and he hits hard…..let he and Hunter battle it out for Safety and the other plays Nickel……..Hunter was pretty good in pass coverage til he got hurt….. add another FS in the fourth.

Terry Glenn was catching everything that was thrown his way. He was having a pro bowl type of year and he was CLUTCH something we have not seen since Irvin was hurt on the carpet at the Vet. A classless reaction by P fans…….no doubt.

Dallas got two additional picks in the 6th round for Ekuban and Edwards leaving last year. Maybe Parcells can work some late round magic.

I have never been a big baseball fan, and quit watching it entirely after the last strike, Hockey YEAH RIGHT, NCAA Basketball is almost over…NBA who cares overpaid primadonnas…………bring on the Fall Classics and Kickoff. I am ready for some football.

by Jon on Mar 23, 2005 3:01 PM CST reply actions

I had every intention of spending this space praising the words and wisdom of the great Boon, and then i happen upon the most stirring and envigorating tale of true Cowboy spirit from of all places but P!sstown, PA.

Meer words cannot express to you, Mr. W. Roberts, the joy and satisfaction i derive from knowing that there will be first-hand accounts available from the faithful as the revamped D-line completly dismantles the P-line and allows Mr. McChokesonvomit to show his true colors and turns what will be a young and talented secondary into a respected and feared unit.

The analysis found in both Boon and Wade’s gems of wisdom paint the same picture for all who yearn for Cowboy victories year-round; glory can and will be attended again if the rededication to physicality is respected by the warriors who carry our station and most importantly we return to the draft philosopy that had been a mainstay for so many of the mightiest title runs- draft the best PLAYOR, not the best position. If the man comes with the skills and the desire we will find a place for him on the field.

I think with the previous changes in front office personnel we have shown a renewed committment to the draft and its importance for maintaining America’s Team. Mr. Jones once again recieves a deep bow and much respect for the FA decisions, not only for there signings but also for the masterful show of support for Mr. Rivera as he rebuffs his gesture to return his signing bonus. We all know the value of our O-line and everyone can see that a healthy RG makes this the kind of season you go and by the biggest freakin’ TV you can find.

one last note, Abraham, Howard or drafting a younger guy; whomever fills in the forth spot on this line should realize they are in the perfect position to have record-breaking year. We will simply be too strong.

by J on Mar 24, 2005 3:48 PM CST reply actions

Boon,

The Trenches are always where the battle is won. You mentioned both sides of the ball O-Line and D-Line. You are correct, for stopping the run making the run…….pressuring the QB and protecting that is all Line. I am not willing to give up on Rogers yet. He is young and is only his second season coming up. He played on a great USC team, but hey we all know there is a step up to the NFL. Maybe he will develop. Mayber Tucker, Peterman, or some of the other guys can also improve. Parcells expects improvement from players or he gets rid of them.

Do you see any great OT in this draft? Would you spend a First Rounder on Alex Baron? I mean I do not see a Larry Allen, Orlando Pace, or Robert Gallery in any offensive lineman that I have seen. Look for Parcells to take another Tackle in the 4th or 5th……..maybe even one of those sixth round picks. I thought the line improved, Vinny made some really bad reads later in the year, and he was as immobile as they come…….of course so is Bledsoe, but I still like Bledsoe over Testaverde. Perhaps Henson develops, he has a lot of catching up to do and dallas signed him for like 8 years or something, so even if he plays backup for another couple of years he ain’t making Phillip Rivers salary to hold the clipboard. I like his armstrength and size, if he has the “it” that makes a guy a gamer………great if not we draft another football player and give up on these baseball scrubs. Carter, Henson and Hutchinson could have all been playing for the Texas Rangers not the Dallas Cowboys, I think Dallas got Henson with the hope that hey what do we lose a 3rd round pick, lets give it a try. Romo seems to be popular too……..maybe he can play.

I agree the O Line needs help, but I hope and pray Rivera does come back healthy, and that Rogers and the rest of the gang can give us better performance. The more Julius is a threat, the better our Play Action will work. Bledsoe is a good Play Action QB and that will help us against any D.

by Jon on Mar 24, 2005 3:58 PM CST reply actions

If Rivera can stay healty and produce then the answer to OT is on the roster, Rogers is a too young to know anything but RT, if we are to have success it will be with the Hotel at LT.

I don’t know if he has the temperment for change but he has the skills and a Rogers-Allen-Johnson-Rivera-Adams OLine doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

I just see a veteran being more capable of change over a younger guy, Rogers just hasn’t experienced enough snaps yet. Now the limiting factor becomes the willingness of someone who has become comfortable in their position to accept the same type of challenge that brought them to the NFL, meaning would Adams face a change with focus and determination or has the fire of competition been quenched with the gluttonous consumption of misspent millions.

Just for the sake of arguement, if Rivera doesn’t pan out then the next best replacement would of course have to be none other than Mr. Franchise, Larry Allen. Stephen Peterman would be better suited for LG at this particular stage of his career than poor Andre Gurode will be if he ever attempts to step into a real game again.

Do not dismiss this thought without first considering that when Peterman and Rogers, even the monster OT out of FSU this year played in college they were the best that their storried programs had to offer, and which side do you think their college coaches had them on? That’s correct, the most important side-the Left. These young guys have not seen enough of the down and dirty to do anything but rely upon their learned technique, they have no experience to draw upon to make the necessary adjustments to seeing things from a different perspective. Now if it were necessary, and at RT it most certainly does seem necessary that someone makes a change then a veteran with a wealth of knowledge would be better suited for change. A veteran has gotten over the first few years of jitters and know preatty much what to expect when the ball is in play. We have all seen what complacency does with a lineman and if we want the best out of our best then we must continue to challenge them in new ways.

Asking a new guy to battle all the changes in speed, and strength, and the lifestyle exceeses he faces being in the NFL and then tellling him to change the way he plays the game is just like being deported to a foriegn country and then being made to walk on your head – too many changes for one person to handle.

by J on Mar 24, 2005 5:11 PM CST reply actions

I am with you. I think our Roster, a healthy Rivera and perhaps a 2nd at the earliest round draft pick………can fill the O Line.

Rogers is young, Johnson is certainly coming along. We still need youth on the team to eventually replace Allen, but I say Rogers looks the part, lets not give up on him just yet.

Gurode, Peterman, Tucker and a few players to be named later in April Draft can fill the bill. Jones ran the Draw real well with our line last year, if we can give Drew(either one of em) a few more seconds in the pocket we will have something. Aikman was a pocket passer, I cringed whenever he ran……..he even hurt himself untouched once on a scramble………but guys like Williams, Newton, Tuiena, Stepnoski and Allen were up there doing a heck of a job for him……..I am not sold on any of these first round OT guys being an immediate impact player. To me DE or DT, LB, CB-FS(depending on the player i take Rolle and move him or Henry to FS let Hunter compete for Nickel back or FS)……if there were a Robert Gallery or Orlando Pace in this draft I would say by all means get em………but I still do not see a top round OT that is that kind of talent……..and WR needs attention. Johson and Glenn are two of the best Wideouts we have had in a while, but their age and injuries last year remain fresh in my mind. Give Drew another target………..Witten, Jones, Mike Williams Edwards Williamson White whoever, along with Keyshawn and Terry and I think we may have something. Perhaps Crayton and Copper can work in as fourth or fifth recievers and who knows where Morgan fits he is a downgrade from the hot tempered Bryant in my book.

I thought Parcells was supposed to fix guys like Antonio Bryant. He said in 60 minutes he only argues and fights with the best players………another guy with Potential at WR that leaves the RANCH……..a Jimmy Smith potential. Nobody is saying Morgan has that kind of Potential………

I do not think we can waste any of our picks on maybes this year. We need young men that want to play and play hard. Compete and get better. Corners, Safeties, Linebackers and Tackles all need better back ups and substitutions if not STARTERS and PLAYMAKERS. DE, Oh geez where do we start…….thank Goodness for Glover and Ellis but still………hope Ferguson is all Bill paid for……..a good FB that can get short yards and give Julius the DJ type blocking Emmit had…….it was not just that line that made Emmit Smith the best running back that big ole cornfed Fullback……was clutch……and what a third down guy another TE out of the backfield he proved to be for Aikman………..if we had a decent FB that could also CARRY 5 or 10 times a game and leave Jones out there as decoy………how many times has Alstott broke one for TB…….and DJ used to be good for yards to give Emmit a breahter……….and short yardage…………

Oh well Easter Sunday April just around the corner……….

by Jon on Mar 25, 2005 12:27 PM CST reply actions

dallas has not made an offer to the saints so there is nothing to take

by triplih on Mar 28, 2005 12:23 AM CST reply actions

and why should the saints just take the swat in the back from jj think anout this the saints had the 32 rank d but howard still had 11 sacks he must be doing something right

by triplih on Mar 28, 2005 12:30 AM CST reply actions