"I Know What's Outside. I Don't Know What's Inside Yet..."

Julius Jones knows much more about what it takes to be an effective NFL back. According to Parcells, Jones understands give-up plays and when to gamble; â€Å"he knows when to settle [now] for three yards instead of getting one yard trying to run for ten… he knows Iâ€â"¢d rather have fifteen good runs than twelve good runs and ten give-ups.”

This expalnation is confusing. Please explain a little further if you would? 15, 12, 10 ???

Parcells compared rookie Marion Barber to former Jet Leon Johnson. â€Å"[Johnson] was our backup runner, our 3rd-down back and returned kickoffs.” Parcells envisions a similar role for Barber, hoping he can play 20 to 25 plays on offense and 20 to 25 on special teams.

Barber 20-25 plays on O??? Ya RIGHT!!! Then i guess we cut A-Train considerinf Bills comments on Thomas and his backing up JuJo not being enough and him having to get out there on STs. If MB playes 20-25 plays on O and 20-25 on STs where in the world does A-Train fit in? NOWHERE! Is this your idea or can you quote Bill on this 20-25 and 20-25?

He’s saying he would rather Jones ran 15 times without gambling and messing up than him running 22 times and only having 12 of them being good runs while 10 of those attempts were give ups from him trying to do something more than he had to and not making it.

He wants all three of them (JuJo, MB, and A-Train) in for 20-25 plays a game to keep fresh legs I would imagine. Not meaning that many carry’s each. I’m guessing JuJo will get around 20-25 carries a game. A-Train will get 10-15 a game (Depending on how many short yard situations we have) and MB will touch the ball around 5 times a game on O. I think we will average about 40 – 45 carries a game.

RT?

what do you think BP will do, if no one steps up?

LA played Tackle before, so maybe, he moves to RT and Stephen Peterman is the new starting LG, last year he was the starting RG before his injury

I’m sorry Rican. Thats not what the read stated. It clearly stated Barber playing 20-25 snaps on O and 20-25 snaps on STs. Is there 20-25 plays on STs? WOW 20-25 punts and KOs? Sheesh, we had 44 punt returns ALL YEAR in 2004!!! Less than 80 KRs ALL YEAR in 2005!!! At 20 per game we would be in for twice the ST plays in 2005 that we had in 04. This is obviously a bogus example or a bad misjudgement in theory, take your pick? And Barber getting 20-25 plays on O??? NO WAY, unless A-Train is hurt or cut and JuJo is hurt!! Very bad example IMHO.

maybe he meant all year he’ll get that much, WALT…he didnt specify so i think that he meant all year

Kickoffs, Kick Returns, Punts, Punt Returns usually linebackers and running backs along with defensive backs make good special teams. They block for a short time then run down and make tackles……….Hopefully. If you add up the number of KO, KR, P and PR it is certainly plausible to see 20 of these plays. We are guarnteed 2 in every game. Lets say each team scores 3 times and punts 3 times. That makes it 14 in a game. Not hard to see it getting to 20 ish.

Barber playing 20-25 does not mean carrying the ball 20-25 times. Look for him to fill the role of Richie Anderson. Giving the starting RB a breather, and some fresh legs on the field as well as being a 3rd down blocking and pass catching guy. Thomas is a nice luxury with all the youth at RB, he will probably make the team, I just see Parcells pushing him to contribute in other ways. Nothing wrong there either. Otherwise he might have to beat out Polite at FB. Keeping just a short yardage specialist is a luxury in the NFL. Thomas while bigger and heavier could give us a nice change of pace, and should also get more than just short yardage carries. I think the RB position which was our worst last year……….sure looks potentially very very good.

Curtis Martin averaged 21 carries per game under Parcells. I would look for similar numbers out of Julius Jones. Maybe a couple more from time to time, but under 25. Barber and Thomas gives him a nice compliment to the break out speed and ability of Jones.

Maybe he is going to the wishbone!!!!

Walt G.,

He wants Barber to return kicks, but when he talks about 20-25 ST plays a game, I’m also assuming he wants Barber on the coverage plays as well. Punt the ball 4-5 times a game, cover as many punts, cover three to four kickoffs and return three to four and you’re getting close to 20 plays. What’s so mysterious about that?

As for 20 offensive plays, if you’re running 60-70 a game, why is that so extreme? Those figures come from Parcells himself. If you don’t believe me, got to the team page and listen to his press conference.

Rafael,

I think they are confusing “touches” with “plays”.

Im hoping for Julius to get 18-22 carries a game, Barber 10-12 and A-Train 8-10.
Train on short yardage, Arber for screens and 3rd down.

Right now I think Barbers our best option for KR’s. And PR’s I want Newman. HEs reaches the stage wheres hes ready. HEs not too skinny anymore, somewhere near 215 lbs. He exceled in PR’s at K-State and was a large part of the reason we drafted him so high. I thought Bill wasnt worried about hurting starters, We have our team MVP, Roy Willaims, on kick-off. Surely NEwman isnt more valuale than Roy.

If Newman goes down, we have options w/ Glenn and the slew of young guys. If Roy goes down, were done.

Barry Switzer, " Run the option, Troy!!! Troy run the option!!!! Dangit Troy I am going to sit you if you cannot run the option!!!!"

Those were dark days for the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, we go from Landry and Johnson to Switzer? That was the biggest classless act I have ever seen out of Switzer.

oops I meant out of Jerry Jones.

Roy Williams is not going to get hurt. Look for him to have a injury free career like Ronnie Lott and Darren Woodson. The guy that dishes out the pain, usually plays a long time before the injuries catch up. Beirault is more of a SS than an FS at this point. He will probably be Roys primary back up at that position. I look for him to be a Bill Bates type on special teams. He is a hard hitter that can tackle. I think he plays all the special teams and maybe gets a look at FS but will more likely back up Roy.

One other point about the A-Train, in comparison to Barber’s plays. Parcells said Thomas is by no means guaranteed a spot. Unless he contributes on special teams he won’t make the team. And Thomas has never played special teams before. That’s something to watch this summer.

To me, the most interesting comment of the press conference was about Bledsoe surprising us with his legs. I can’t think of anything about this year’s team that would surprise me more, or make me happier. Bledsoe’s mobility is a real concern for me, and if he’s able to show that he can avoid a few sacks, wonderful. Can’t wait to see it.

I also love the fact that Julius Jones is not resting on his laurels after showing that he would indeed be the man the QB. It would have been easy for him to come into camp in the same shape he came in last year, which, by the way, was not bad. Instead, he trained hard and has come in stronger than last year. I like a hungry running back. Sounds like he has also improved his understanding of what BP wants in a starting back.
Having some real help back there this year won’t hurt Julius at all either.

The jury is still out on Quincy Morgan, but I’m still hopeful. He’s made some improvements this off season as well. I think we’ve got a lot to be optimistic about, especially if the one critical intangible is there, HEART!

On the Jones comment, that should have said he would be the man BEHIND the QB.

I hope Morgan develops. He is bigger and faster than AB. Seems to have a much better attitude and work ethic. I was disappointed in his play last year, but would have been more disappointed had BP kept AB when he was quitting on routes and plays. See Michael Irvin’s career fro never quitting on a play. Always running your route, blocking and doing all the little things that should have made him a first balllot HOF……..but he will still get in.

Does anybody know much about Jamaica Rector? It appears Bill likes to bring in low draft WRs and develop them. Which is probably just as well, although Dallas has done ok drafting WRs. There certainly have been plenty of flops at the WR position.

Neither Morgan or Bryant have lived up to their potential. Perhaps Quincy will have a breakout season.

The mystery comment is the one made about RT, â€Å"I have an idea of what I will do if it doesnâ€â"¢t work out, but donâ€â"¢t speculate because youâ€â"¢re gonna be wrong.” Don’t speculate? Gonna be wrong? Is that some sort of challenge? Bloggers unite! Grab your special decoder rings fellas ‘cause it’s time to do just that, and do so wildly. One of us could be right!

Andi’s L.A. to tackle is the sort of stuff I’m talking about. Allen reportedly is in tremendous shape and while it would be an unexpected move, would it rise to Rafaelâ€â"¢s “double-secret” classification? Does Parcells risk Bledsoeâ€â"¢s blindside with such a move? Does he risk running behind the portside monopoly of â€Å"the hotel” and â€Å"the house” on Boardwalk & Park Place? L.A. has been to the Pro Bowl (although a watered-down measure nowadays) at both guard and tackle, hmm…it has merit. Could something more clandestine be afoot? A June acquisition, a trade, an old pal stopping in, a former player currently toting bricks in Jersey? Does the Tuna aim to don pads this summer, manning the spot himself? Or, could it be he is a secret blog troll simply tossing us a bone to chew on for the long stretch to camp?

Although exposing Bledsoe is of paramount concern and although he would make the smallest OT on the team, the notion of Allen moving to RT is beginning to appeal to me in terms of bookend talent and experience. Of course, this secret contingency plan will be enacted presumably only if all else fails, but it makes a fun guessing game for now.

Kind of a intresting coment BP had on Kieth Davis putting him in the same catogory as Lester Hayes saying how the ball seems to find both players on pass plays. Its to bad for Kieth Davis he goes out and bust his butt on special teams becomes the best special teams player and because of that it might cost him a starting job at FS. If the guy is good on defense then I think he should get a shot. I remember when he was just good on special teams and now that he has eperience from playing and excelling he is better than good on special teams. With the same opportunity he should be able to become better than good on defense.

I hope the kid doesnt get shafted on a the opportunity for starting at FS just because he has worked hard and become better than good on special teams. There has got to be some one who can step up and fill his role on special teams!

What do you guys think!!!!

Just in case anyone is interested, for the 2004 season, the Cowboys averaged nearly 63 offensive plays and over 27 special-teams plays per game.

Parcells’ plans for Barber do not seem out of line at all. It would seem he wants Barber to be in the game for about a third of the offensive plays and most of the special-teams plays.

I could see Julius Jones getting 30-35 offensive snaps, Barber with 20-25, and Thomas with 10-15. Of course, everything depends on how they all show in training camp and preseason, as well as any injuries that might occur.

Jon:

Morgan and AB had similar seasons, but AB (42-546) had better yardage than QM (31-404) – which ironically is the same 13 yard average. QM had 3 TDs in 31 receptions – QB had 4 TDs in 42 receptions. That’s also similar.

Leo:

I don’t think you have anything to worry about. The Fort Worth Star Telegram reported that the mini camp indicates that it’s Davis’ job to lose.

Also consider this quote (same article) about Davis:

“That guy’s going to be a player,” cornerback Aaron Glenn said. “Write it down.”

Peterman is reportedly one of the guys The Parcells is most impressed with. I can see LA moving to tackle.

But the way I see it is LA slide to LT, Floz moves to right, he played right in college so it shouldnt be a problem. And Peterman in at LG.

Of course this is all if Kurt Vollers doesnt work out at RT. I like that he gained 15 lbs. of muscle(of MUSCLE!, you hear that Tucker?) I dont see him making any pro-bowl, but certainly solid enough to be a starter.

StarStruck:

I also like the L. A. move to RT, and you could make other moves to protct Bledsoe blind side, Rivera has played before LG, Peterman’s training for RG and last year trained for RG, so I envision him there, and then you have a much better line from left to right (Adams, Rivera, Johnson, Peterman and Allen) than last year.

I’m really thrilled with the idea of a more powerful Allen, I just hope he looks like in the old days…….

Chandus I agree that sound like a real solid o-line. My only concern would be is now that LA is older does he still have the quickness to play tackle. They say he’s conditioning in ways that he never has in the past,but age does catch up to you prob. more so in your reaction and quickness. That would be great to see LA come out this year and play with that mean nasty attitude he had a few years back the guy is a beast. We can only hope the old LA comes forward!!!!!!!

Maybe LA still has that mean nasty streak, but doent have the physical skills anymore that made him that dominate player he once was when he was able to combine the two!!!

Jon

From an April 25 post on Rector: WR/Return Specialist from Northwest Missouri State. â€Å"Few players in college football made as many big plays, gained so much yardage or found the end zone as much as Rector did during his four-year career at Northwest Missouri State. ”

Here’s the link to his draft profile, it’s worth a quick read: http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/rector_jamaica

I love this SH-T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go CowBoyz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Star,

Interesting, not a blazer, but I know Parcells had him stay after for KR PR practice. I am figuring the KR PR guy is going to be bubble roster spot at either CB, RB or WR. Should be interesting.

I think Bill wants to improve the Special Teams as much as he does the Defense.

The thing that worries me about Bledsoe is the fact that he seems like he is going to make some mistakes in trying to force the ball there when the play has no chance of happening. Vinny did this all the time last year and I couldnt stand it. When Keyshawn was triple covered he would still try to force the ball to him. Bledsoe is going to have to trust ALL of his recievers, and not throw INT’s because of forcing the ball there. His mobility doesnt bother too much because of O-Line. We are either going to have LA and Flozell or LA and Rivera. Thats a shut down side.

I still think that Julius will get about 22-25 carries a game, with Thomas getting 8-10 and Barber getting 5. If Woody Dantzler can make the team, let him return kicks with Barber. THE GUY IS A PLAYMAKER. Hes the type that can make a play out of nothing. You have to love that. Let him play his heart out on kickoffs, because that’s one of our weakest points.

We can sit here all day speculating on how the offense and defense will do this season. I personally think they will have some growing pain in the first few games, but come bye week this team will all be wearing their Dr. scholls and be geling! What is of biggest concern to me is upgrading special teams. Coverage units will continue to improve and do acceptable job with guys like Berry-O, but think of how much easier this offense would have it if BP could find a guy that can take it beyond the 35 consistently. Special teams is the key to this year. Mark my words.

Can’t go alone with some posters re. larry allen at tackle. sure there’s positive news about his conditioning, but he’s still larry allen. His days of playing on the edge of the line are gone. he can’t handle speed rushers and isn’t effective in space. and his best assets — his strength and explosion – are needed at guard so JJ and co. can squeaze out yards betweent he tackles.

so the secret in o-line? who knows… but i’m betting about larry at tackle.

on the other hand, it would be nice to see if peterman or even our portly friend Torrin Tucker can make it as a every day OG. Torrin played OG in college and was projected as a 1st day pick in the draft despite going FA last year.

btw., any insider thoughts on why Hunter is only considered at safety for the nickle?

Parcells has said that he doesn’t care what the player thinks. And he has some trust in Hunter (he was starting at CB last year). And Hunter has the speed and can hit and played safety in college. Plus, he’s been in this defense for 4 years so he must know plays and have an idea of where to be. Seems to me that he ought to be a strong candidate at FS.

Is it that Hunter just can’t play safety at this level? If so, why? Or is it that we need Hunter to push the three CBs in front of him? Maybe Newmann is on the bubble and Glenn or Hunter may be in his starting positiion?

Thoughts about this?

I see Hunter as FS in coverage schemes to keep him involved, on the field and healthy for corner depth (I think he’s second behind Henry). I also think this will be a high percentage of the time as the improved front seven forces more passing situations. Not that Pete can’t support the run but Keith Davis or Beriault or whoever, seem better suited for such duty. They need to find ways to involve those guys too.

Carioca, Newman is not on the bubble he will start. Neither is Glenn as he has the veteran leadership this secondary desperatly needs.

As for the RT situation I can’t see LA play there. However, that would be something people might be expecting, he said that no one would be right. Could that be convertong a defensive player into a OT. Maybe a guy like Van Hoy who is a run stopper on D maybe he can stop the attacks on the o-line.

First off BP has always been big on special teams he feels it gives the team an advantage. Second when BP says were not going to guess who the RT is going to be then I could proly assure you it is a little deeper then moves on the O line but it still makes me wonder what he has up his sleeves. It would be nice to see how bledsoe will work with a great line, great back, a good set of weapons we have at wide out. the thing im most interested to see is FS, spagnola last year said Patrick Crayton would end up dazzling us last year and he ended up winning a game for us. now this year he says the same thing about beriault??? this upcoming season is leaving me with just a big smile on my face (: hopefully it stays that way

Hunter will have to compete with all the other CBs and DBs for a spot on this team. If he makes it great, wherever he plays. And Props to Ray who said hunter said he would play FS. Hunter needs a PR lesson to his Agent.

DB, generically speaking Corners and Safeties…….are the most number of players at any position on the field in Nickel and Dime Packages. Some teams even use SS and FS at LB in Nickel pacakges and bring in other DBs to fill in FS, SS and CB and Nickel. Bill Bates used to play LB for the Cowboys in such packages. Especially in prevent and long passing downs where you are only rushing 3 or 4 guys. Now while we want up front pressure all the time and all that, these situations do occur in blowouts or facing certain teams……….say Petyon Manning.

I like that we added Henry and Glenn. That seems to be great help at CB. All you Newman naysayers watch out, cause the sophomore jinx is over and Terrance is going to be back with a vengenace. Glenn will help him in two ways……..As an older veteran…….and if he does not perform he will sit or be switched to Nickel………this is the oldest coaching trick in the book and one that Parcells loves to use. At every position.

Hunter obviously has size and speed to be an FS. He looked ok at CB before the injury but he has yet to hold up to an NFL season at corner, nickel or FS. He is still in the SHOW ME mode as far as I am concerened. Could he sure, will he who knows. If he wants to make big bucks and stay in the NFL he will. Both positions are hard to fill, so the guy would do well just to go out and play.

I hope Davis develops. I know he was drafted to play DB and he had that first year off field thing. But improved on special teams, and hey if a guy reminds you of Lester Hayes put him on the field. Ole Stick Em lester was an interception master………for anyone that does not remember him think of Everson Walls in a Silver and Black instead of Silver and Blue. We could use a guy that could do that. Henry was also great at Interceptions in the Nickel role……..so that could be interesting as well. Hopefully our Front Seven will improve, which my arguement is they will.

So far it is a lot of 3-4, but just wait til the regular season and Parcells can line up Ellis, Glover, Ferguson and Spears. Then bring in Ware, Ratliff, and Canty along with whoever else makes the team. Then you still have James, Shanle, Thornton, Oneil, Singleton,………Nguyen, Burnett and possibly Ware at Linebacker. That ought to be an improvement over anything with Marcellus Wiley’s name involved. So just looking at the front 7, with Ferguson and Spears penciled in as starters……in a 4-3 added to Ellis and Ferguson……..we should improve at run and pass. Chris Canty is also one of the few DE in NCAA history to record 100+ tackles, those are linebacker numbers. This kid can play and once he is healthy his name and number are going to get called early and often.

So let’s say the rookies are not catching on……..and the 3-4 is not our favorite defense. Ok ………we added Henry, Glenn, Beirault, Ferguson, Spears, Ware, Canty and Ratliff into that mix……….if that does not improve our 4-3 then we got major problems.

why is every one always bringing up ratliff. I thought this guy was a 7th round pick. This guy might not even make the team so why are the expecitations so hi for him???

because after Glover Ellis and Ferguson………name other guys on our roster that play defensive lineman that impressed anybody?

Ok that is why a 7th round draft pick from Bill Parcells is mentioned. Jason Ferguson was a late rounder. And he was playing in his first season. Not starting first game, but contributing.

Could he be cut and beat out by any number of other players……..sure……..who knows maybe even a rookie FA. But after Ellis, Glover, and the newly acquired Ferguson……..we do not have much except for a promising rookie class including Ratliff.

good deal… I hope he kicks a$$

Have you guys read the article in Cowboysplus.com by Matt Mosley stating that “Scott Shanle may have surged past Bradie James at linebacker. He lined up in front of James, and Parcells likes Shanle’s aggressive style.”
In the last thread about Reading the Tea Leaves? Mini camp edition I put this article and I feel that I was pretty right with what I said.

Blair disagreed with me but this is why wrote what I did when I did.

These were my words:
I am starting to get the feeling that we wonâ€â"¢t see Singleton at LB for the boys this year. If he does somehow make it then he wonâ€â"¢t be playing that much football. Heâ€â"¢ll probably only be in on passing downs. I would not be one to miss him because he just doesnâ€â"¢t seem to be a playmaker. I think our starting LB on the 3-4 should be Burnett, Nguyen, James, Shanle. On passing downs it should be Burnett, Nguyen, James, Ware. With our 4-3 it should be James, Nguyen, Shanle and have Burnett in there on passing downs instead of Shanle. I also have a feeling James will step up this year. I would also sub in Kalen Thornton on passing downs on either the 3-4 or 4-3 instead of James.

yeah with Singleton 9 or 10 years in he kind of start to fit that Coakley mold of can I get a younger player for less money that can perform at this level. One would hope James, Thornton, Burnett, Shanle as well as Nguyen, Ware, looks like a youth movement out there at LB.

The more I read about Ware the more I like. He only played HS ball two years. He did not start out on the Defensive side of the ball in college. So he has shown great athletic ability and hopefully will show the same in lining up as either a OLB or a DE. His numbers are good and if he bulks up another 10 lbs of muscle on his frame he could be frightening also. I was familiar with Merriman at Maryland, but I certainly can see a lot to like about Ware. I think he has a lot more upside. But even Ware admits he has a lot to learn after facing some all pro offensive linemen.

Shool em up Bill, and let’s get back to the bowl.

Drew Bledsoe may have impressed BP with his legs, but he is still a pocket passer. He may roll out on a rareity, but he’s still not Micheal Vick. I think BP means that he’s not as slow as he appeared at Buffalo last year.(which was as slow as christmas) Now that being said, They still can be very succesfull with him, doing exzactly what they are doing, improving the line, adding depth at RB to keep a strong running game, no matter who gets hurt, and having thire recievers and tight ends(Glen, Johnson and Campbell) Healthy. All that will keep pressure off Bledsoe. I still think he is a good QB. He just not going to beat teams with his legs.

NW:

And why, in hell name, would you want a Michael Vick? If you haven’t figure out we face the Eagles twice, and seeing Vick play them once was enough for me……..

About Bledsoe, I have this comparison of comments made by Parcells:

Being asked about Testaverde: “He can still move.”

Bieng asked about Bledsoe: “Bledsoe is much better running than people realize.”

I can see a remarked difference between both statements and that’s good, I mean, for those who see the glass half full.

Good post LIL…so far BP has gushed(been impressed with) Shanle,Sean Ryan,Davis,Allen,Adams,Romo,Peterson,Merrit,Thompson,Polite….man,what a great team….I can’t wait!

Yeah, your right Chandus , Im not saying I want Vick, and I dont think he is a bad QB either. Im just saying he was a pocket passer at NE, a pocket passer at Buffalo, and he will be a Pocket passer here.

spaggs is thinking if nooone steps up at rt then he could see larry allen moving to rt. how would that sound to you guys????

Who knows about LA at RT? “The Psychologist” may just be having fun with the mediots, he does like to do that you know. I see Hunter as being done, no better for him than being on a nickel or dime package; he had his chance and peed on it with his attitude. I anticipate a game plan of 35-40 running plays per game this year (25 to JuJo, 5-10 to A-Train if he makes the team,5 to MB). The plan for MB of 20-25 plays on O and 20 on ST sounds perfectly reasonable and a good fit for the type of back that he is. Davis at FS, sounds like TunaMan is having second thoughts about him playing there; read between BP’s lines folks. Is Laroi Glover ticked at the new situation and anticipated rotation, maybe; maybe it is mediot hot air too. Altogether a promising situation for the fall.

Hey Guys we won three Super Bowls with Troy Aikman. Who was definitely a Pocket Passer, anybody remember the back injury that occured one time when he was scrambling……….untouched. But once the O Line was in good shape Troy and the play action pass were a thing of beauty. Nothing wrong with having a Pocket Passer, as long as you got a Pocket for him to stand IN!!!!

i know spaggs is just thinking out loud but think about it it does make sense for us right? that right side with rivera and allen wow, i would think eddie george could run through the holes these guys are gonna make. we have enough guards that we could fill in for the move. if someone doesnt step it up and there are no f.a available, why not???

i just read on cowboysplus the same thing about larry allen and the rt spot….hmmm

Word has it that Aaron Glenn was impressed with Keith Davis this past weekend. He says “this kid is going to be a player. You can write it down” Very encouraging words from a player who has been around as long as Glenn. I just hope he keeps on improving and becomes the player we need him to be. We can’t keep going out and spending cap money. We need some home grown late round talent to step it up.

Dare I say that I may have been right? A few weeks back I suggested that Larry Allen may move back to T to finally solve the RT position. A possible experiment with Al Johnson at G? If Gurode shows consistancy at C, and Johnson can make that move, Parcells might put his 5 best offensive linemen out on the field. Left to right: Adams, Johnson, Gurode, Riveria, and Allen. It makes a lot of sense, especially if Johnson can make the move to guard, because Gurode is a good interior blocker, but has shown tendancies to make mental mistakes at the G position. There is also a chance that Johnson stays put and the competition moves to G, where Peterman, Noll, Gurode and others will be the suitors. But don’t be suprised to see the 5 linemen I mentioned starting in the first pre-season game. ….. Anyhow Mickey Spags at dallascowboys.com has written an article about the RT question.

Eric:

I don’t know, I haven’t heard anything ‘bout Gurode, I could see him getting cut, I just think that Parcells likes Walter as the backup for the 3 inside spots and Peterman might be better than Gurode, which is another reason for me to think that Gurode miht be on his way out, you just can’t rely on him, he isn’t a nasty guard, often looks more like a gentleman……..

BTW, I don’t see Parcells moving a guy out of D# to the RT because not even a transition from LT to RT has worked out. I’ll say the sollution comes from within the Oline, the question is who……. I’ll stay with my early option, L. A.

I could see Allen or Adams getting moved around. What if you moved Adams to RT and stuck one of our struggling LT to RT at LT? Is that too easy?

Not sure about Al Johnson going back to G, once you got a C that is working well with the line and snaps and QB you want to stick with him. I could see AJ being a long time C for us there. However Gurode has experience at C, so that could be a solution. I just think Parcells is done with Gurode and Tucker. I think he would rather see Peterman, Rogers, Vollers, Pettiti and maybe that rookie FA from Syracuse over the known performance of Tucker and Gurode………..he says he is only taking players on this train that want to go along. I am thinking he sees playoffs in our future and would rather have a guy with heart fighting for a position than a lazy lineman that cannot show up at a playing weight.

Just a few thoughts… Last year before Peterman’s injury many people thought Peterman would crack the starting lineup before Rogers. Peterman was a great pick for the third round. He is a stud! Also, I read some place that Newman played almost the entire year with a knee injury. The knee is ok now. I believe it was in an article by Jennifer Floyd Engel. A recent article. Good work guys, quite a few great posts here.

Jon,

I believe Gurode will be the back-up center. Tucker is gone. I cannot see him being kept around with all the motivated players on the roster. The Boys have to cut 7 or 8 players soon. I wonder who will go.

off the subject, but wasnt a-train the rookie of the year a few years back or am i mixed up?

I thought Parcells recently said rather definitively that Gurode would have to compete against Al Johnson at center for a roster spot? Reading between the lines, it sounded like Gurode was on thin ice.

Did anyone notice what Nick Eatman (dc.com) reported yesterday about the three NFLE allocations? Those who like to generate early 53-man rosters should take note:

â€Å"While all three players will have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, the Cowboys will likely keep at least two of the three players to maintain their three roster exemptions.”

Who would be the odd man out: Dantzler, Kincade or DeRonde?

I guess no one knows the answer, or maybe im the only idiot still on the website in the middle of the night.

Hey Guys,

Remember this is mini-camp.

Parcells says stuff to mess with/ motivate players at this time of the year.

If you read any of his books, he admits to giving the Giants a losing game plan for a pre-season game, just so he could bust their balls the next week in practice!

Take it all with a grain of salt until late August.

ericp:

Anthony Thomas was the Rookie of the Year in 2001, as well as being named to the All-Rookie team.

Tony:

Gurode just won’t fight for a roster spot only with Johnson, he’s fighting with Tyson Walter, a player according to Parcells that has his heart in the sport and that’s something that’s arguable with Gurode…….. I think Gurode is the odd man out, along with Tucker.

StarStruck:

I believe they where referring to training camp, that’s when those roster excemptions would take place. I haven’t heard of a 54 man roster for the begining of a season……..

I think that Parcells is motivating Keith Davis when her makes the type of comments he’s making, when he says that for the kind of play he’s seeing out of him in the minicamp makes him think of his absence at Special Teams is like saying “I want to see more from you, and the sooner and the better, the better”.

Chandus

You are right about the exemptions. I have never given the issue much consideration and I found the clipped statement curious because it initially read to me as though it had some bearing on the 53-man roster, not allowing more than 53 players mind you, but that they would occupy two of those spots. Why did I think that? Beats me. Had I thought it through, perhaps I would have figured it out. Or had Nick added “in training camp” to the end his comment, I would not have been confused (a normal state for me!). Thanks for the clarification.

Starbuck;

I think DeRhonde will be the odd man out. We have too many good LB on the roster to keep someone that isn’t even a good LB in the NFLEL. I can also see Dantzler getting cut later too! He didn’t impress that much either. Kincade might make the team. But how do you make a NFL team when you are only a backup in the NFLEL. We have to many studs back there too. I think that I can look down the roster and make some easy cuts myself.

Darrell M

Is that a Battlestar Galactica reference?

sorry; i meant starstruck. sorry i spelled your name wrong.

Darrell M

It’s cool, no need to apologize. Galactica (the new version) is one of the best shows on TV and is one of my favorites, so even if, I wouldn’t mind.

I think it’s difficult to gauge any of the NFLE guys based on the level of competition there. They have to go to camp to tell if they benefited from the experience or not, and I hope all three get the chance. I question how, who or what determines the amount of playing time these guys get over there? The coach playing the best players or the coach attending to an agenda from the NFL?

DeRonde & Dantzler averaged 3 tackles a game (each had 27 total), over an NFL season, that’s 48 tackles. Which is mediocre territory for starters but not too bad for role players. Bradie James put up 48 in 16 games last year, but the former Falcons safety, Cory Hall did 53 in 14 games and the Cowboys passed on him. Kincade has a nose for the end zone but his yards per carry (3.5) were not so good, he had 97 carries. It’s going to be tough for any of them to make the team but if Dantzler can show returns potential, I think his chances are best.

Chandus,

Gurode getting cut? I don’t know about that. Parcells likes his effort, and its the mental part of the game that he has been having problems with. That’s why he is trying to move him back to center, Andre’s natural position. Hoping Gurode can eliminate the stupid mistakes and build on the player he was coming out of Colorado.

Eric:

If you haven’t gotten the mental aspect of the game by your 3rd year on the game, things might never turn the way you would like them to turn……. He’s gotten several chances, I just think he blew all of them, if he stays it would be based more on his 2nd round status than play.

(unrelated)

Help! I’m in the San Francisco area and won’t be able to see most of the Cowboy’s preseason games (preseason is not broadcast on Direct TV). Are there any nerdy fans around Dallas on this blog who have a Tivo (or another DVR) and are able to share the games via BitTorrent or another sharing mechanism?

I’ll post this a few more times hoping for a response….

Chandus,

Gurode excelled playing center. At every level he was asked to snap a ball and get into position to make blocks, and changing that at the pro level has been difficult for him. Playing center involves a lot of rythym, and doing it repetitively creates a habit of movement. He has been asked to move to guard and now he is out of rythym, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a good pro. If Johnson can make the move to guard more naturally then you may see them on the field together. Don’t forget Gurode anchored a line in Colorado that at the end of the year was dominating their opponents. He is a good player.

Eric

Where does this notion of Johnson moving to guard come from? I haven’t read anything about such a move until your posts and everything else I’ve seen has Johnson as the lock center.

Does anyone know if F. Adams played RT at MSU ?I remember
when he was drafted he had an ear problem that draftniks said
would only allow him to play RT.If he has played RT perhaps this
could be B.P. plan B….. that of assumes J. Rogers can play L.T.
and by using alot of two T.E. formations they could give Rogers
some help.The other thing it does is gives alot more balance to
the O- line instead of always running left.And it returns most of
the backups to their natural positions.

Eric,

Dominating their opponents and the female kicker.

Gurode to C and AJ to G…….then Allen to T? That still does not seem to solve the T issue does it. Well if Allen makes it at Tackle it does, which I am sure he could play Tackle, and with the shape he is in perhaps.

I always thought of offensive lineman as offensive lineman. Stick em in their and let em block……….except for the center they all do the same thing………albeit some pull and all that. Oh well, I think BP will figure it out. If not, he will use the double secret secret probation thing that he is keeping under wraps………wink wink. Probably Bill just having fun with the media.

I am looking forward to A. Gurode at center… a big athletic
guy who can pull and lead the sweeps..he reminds me of
K. Mawae this assumes he can master the position at the
pro level.

I still like the Adams move to RT because he is getting on in
years and he could play longer on the Right side.And it settles
the line down without all this tinkering….Noll and pete as backup
guards ,volls tackle etc. All of this assumes Rogers is ready at LT

Becker,
Sorry to burst your bubble but Gurode will not start at C. if he makes the team he will be a back up. Al Johnson was terrific at C last year why move him, I see Johnson as Cowboys C for years to come.

Matt,
I don’t think Gurode will start either …I should have added
something about “trying him” at center in the first sentence.
He has alot of physical talent i would like to see him make it.