No Foolin' -- Allen's Likely the Lifeboat at RT

THIS WILL HAPPEN – and we will have depth beyond beleif on both lines.

My Bretheren, I have watched this happen three times now (haven’t missed a game since ’77).

We won’t make the Super Bowl this year unless someone else blows it, but we’re REAL close.

We’re Real close to building something that will win SEVERAL Super Bowls.

So why should we be surprised? Every Sunday God looks down on His team through that damn hole n the roof, doesn’t he?

if peterman can be just a good player; we may be witnessing the best offensive line in the nfl. with a bigger and stronger jj along with real good back ups, and with a veteran qb with the wr’s that we do have including witten.

and as far as our defense; i think we have the defense that is going to have a lot of 3 and outs. and the offense should have the time of possition. with the deapth that we have, and if we can control the time of poss. our defense should stay fresh and spunking.

go cowboys….

I ecoect us to have something like 50 carries a game, and completely grind teams out. 20 to Juice, 15 to barber, 10-15 to Train. Not only do we have depth at RB and D-line. But we have depth all over the O-line, and can even sub there if needed. No matter what, Bill is going to pound the ball.

And on top of the fact that we have depth all over the front 7, they will only be on the field for 25 minutes a game. Thus giving Glove, and Elly maybe their most productive years. Not in stats, but in what they bring to the team.

Guys, I’m not one to be too excited. But really, shouldn’t we be very serious about the playoffs now? Top to bottom we got one of the better team in the NFC.

Ron,

One of the reasons the Eagles have dominated of late, besides being good, is that the NFC has been down — hard — for two or three years now. It really bottomed out last year, when a Falcons team that was poor in ‘03 suddenly became the second best in the conference. Look at the Panthers the year before. SOMEBODY is going to make a big jump this year. Given how poor the NFC West and North look this year, I can see Dallas or possibly Arizona being that/those team(s). Heck, if Eli Manning is for real, the Giants can make a big jump too. On the other side, I see the Packers cratering. Brett Favre can’t carry that team forever. Their defense is terrible and losing two Pro Bowl-caliber OGs is going to hurt them.

if there is anyone that can make the switch; larry can. he is a true pro. and may i add pro bowler at that. i just hope that peterman can be to lineman that bp thought he could be when he drafted him.

with everyone back (that we wanted) and healthy. and healthy is the keys to this season. there shouldn’t be any reason why we can’t go 11-6, and really push the eagles for the division.

Interesting note about Allen – he is one of three offensive linemen to make the Pro Bowl at multiple positions. Bruce Matthews (guard/center) and Chris Hinton (guard/tackle) are the other two, but I believe that they only made it at 2 positions.

Allen has made the Pro Bowl at three positions – right guard (1995-97), left tackle (1998) and left guard (1999-01).

No wonder he is a member of the All-Decade team of the 90s.

Like Parcells said…….On Paper it looks very good. And the best he had had in Dallas. Now, if the defense gels………if the addition of Henry and Glenn help out our coverage……..along with either a young FS or Reese the ex Cowboy FA.

I think the offense is going to surprise a lot of people. We were able to score some points once JJ got healthy. Without Terry Glenn! With a healthy Glenn, Key, Witten, JJ and Bledsoe this offense with its O Line can be a very intimidating group. Also one that defenses do not look forward to facing with the likes of Flozell, Larry and Marco beating you up for four quarters and 200+yards of ground game which is what we will have with JJ getting 22 carries and then A Train and Barber another 15 between the two of em.

The Defense has got to gel. We also are relying on a lot of youth at DE and LB. But with Ferguson, Ellis, Glover plus the new rookies and whoever else can make the D Line from last years squad we will improve over last year and hopefully get better each week. I still think we are going to be in 4-3 50%+ but either way the D will improve. If all we did was add players to the secondary we would have improved but we got player upgrades at every position on the defense. Linebacker, Defensive Line, Defensive Backs……..Dallas aced the draft and those guys are going to be right away contributors. Look for a healthy Canty to look more like a 1st round pick than a 4th round guy.

I also think Bill knows the kind of heart of his players. Guys like Roy Williams want to win. So do Glover and Ellis. He is going to have one hech of a good football team this year. That is only going to get better with age.

I know thats their has been lots of talk since mini camp about moving Larry Allen to the right tackle spot, but I think that would be a big mistake. Larry Allen is an interior linemen, thats where is excels, in a small space. I remember him taking over for Eric Williams after the car accident. He is not well suited for a speed rusher from the outside, He struggled with it.He’s a power guy, not a quick feet guy, thats why Jimmy moved him inside.

raul;
he may have made it to the pro bowl in 3 different position, and may be going for his fourth pos. the only bad thing is he is a cowboy. he still may not make the hall of fame.

I don’t agree Derrick on all counts. Larry Allen has lost weight, is in better shape and is working with his cardio. He MIGHT be able to do this. Let’s get into training camp and one or two preseason games.

Derrick,

The guy was a Pro Bowler at LT, which requires much better feet and leaves you isolated a lot more than RT. He used to embarrass Simeon Rice when Rice was a Cardinal. Allen can do this.

Rafael,

Exactly! I can still remember vividly the play where Rice tried an outside move and Allen clubbed him completely out of the TV frame. Rice’s shoulder is probably still sore from that one. You don’t make the Pro Bowl by being unable to handle speed rushers.

The key question is: has Allen regained enough of his quickness through improved cardiovascular training? Allen did have problems at right tackle, when we put him out there briefly in 2002 — the year of Coslet’s West Coast Defense fiasco. Of course, Allen was out of shape and had injury problems that season.

So, if Larry has regained his quickness and Peterman can handle the duties of left guard, we could have a very good offensive line this coming season. Still, this is only one option. I sort of like Vollers at right tackle, myself.

If you embarras Simeon Rice you have done something. That cat has been the quietest and most consistent sack master in the NFL.

Does not seem to get much attention, even after Warren Sapp exited. But his numbers are unbelievable. I hope Spears, Ware and Canty can have a career like his.

It will be nice to be able to run to the right this season.

yah at LT your protecting drew’s blindside and RT your not, bp has said that LA has been running things he hasnt in years, yes you do more moivng in the tackle spots but it sounds as if maybe larry saw this coming or is just rededicating himself, cause of his conditioning. if the defense jells and ranks top 10, alot less injuries, we will be solid.

(off subject)
theres a good article at ranchreport.com about the 3-4 and the 4-3 with zimmer. talks alot about people saying players are undersized and not being able to p-lay the 3-4. if you have the subscription check it out…

(off topic) As far as Sean Taylor being better than Roy Williams….Mr. Taylor needs to understand that the recent charges against him require MANDATORY jailtime of three years for using a firearm in Florida during the commission of a crime…….so bye bye Sean and don’t drop da soap!

1st thing’s 1st, I really really like this blog and I gotta give props where it is due, and rafael, that’s you man. Your articles seem to draw some interesting posts, keep up the GREAT WORK.

     I think L.A. will be a great fit at RT. Apperantly he’s in his best shape in years, “strong as a house” said tony sparano the defensive line coach. And he can play the tackle position, he’s done it before (with pro bowl results mind you). I would love to see peterman flourish with all the veteran leadership surrounding him, the potential is there for him to become a pro bowler in the next few years.

• sorry that should read “tony sparano the new offensive line coach.”

I really love this forum. Rafael, cudos to you for providing a place where cowboy fans from all over can carry on quality discussion.
I have been a cowboy fan for over 40 yrs and I have never seen such a team. We have had great teams in the past, but somewhere on the team we have had a weakness. This team seems on paper to have it all. A talented pocket passer, a dynamic running back, possession receivers, a couple of new kids who can fly, offensive line depth with quality starters at each position(with LA’s anticipated move to RT), two pro-bowl quality T.E.s and that is just on offense. The defense is a little less set with so much youth, but if that youth combined with the excellent players we picked up via FA are half what we expect they could be special. With veteran players interspaced among the youngsters we can expect them to progress well in the coming months. Rotation on defense will keep the pressure on opposing offenses. The problems at saftey appear to be corrected, and the corner situation is vastly improved. With an increase pass rush and better corners the only thing I believe we have to fear is injury. Even with a few we should be able to field a quality team week in and week out. I have always been a optimist about the teams every year, but I am really excited about what we have in store for us this year. Look for a record year offensively and defensively for our players, and bring on them Eaglets

If LA is in the shape for it, by all means stick him at RT and chain him to it. Think of the depth we will have at OL. Vollers, Walter, Pettiti. The LA move to RT will also allow us to get rid of some dead weight like Gurode and Tucker.

I thought the Sean Taylor news was hilarious. All the hype about him. What a putz, wanting to renegotiate after 1 year. As AndyZ said DONT DROP THE SOAP! haha

I’m not against the move, L.A. has played the position as recently as 2002 and I think it’s safe to say that no matter where on the line he plays, he’s going to the Pro Bowl.

Aside from maybe the QB himself, Parcells is the most sensitive to protecting the pocket and whoever plays the blind side will have to work the hardest of all linemen to earn the Tunaâ€â"¢s trust. He probably understands the O-line positions better than any other position or better than anyone else on the staff and he will place the right available players in the right spots. He must also consider the injury contingencies; it makes less sense to move L.A. at all if an injury potentially means moving him back to left and puts the team right back where they are right now at right tackle, except with less time to develop the player. That’s a stretch, but…Iâ€â"¢m sure the myriad scenarios will be taken into account and the best plan will prevail.

At this juncture, I would prefer they keep any potential trouble spots in front of the QB, keeping the proven commodities in their more vital positions left of center. Hopefully, no matter who is where, Bledsoe will trust the line to block and trust the RBs to pick up the blitzes and leaks. Hopefully, theyâ€â"¢ll reward his trust with minimal hurries and sacks while he rewards their hard work by throwing for (Dallas) first downs and touchdowns.

I also think that the addition of Rivera and the return of Campbell will make running right more effective than last year, regardless of who plays tackle.

I agree totally with all you guys, and though I’m still skeptical on it being a good fit for Allen, if anyone can make the move it’s him. I just hope he still has the quickness and stamina to consistently take on the fast rushing DE. We NEED to give Bledsoe time back there and let him do his thing so other teams will respect the pass, not only the run. You can have Emmitt Smith and Jim Brown in the backfield, but if no one respects the pass and plays the run, it won’t be as succesful.

great post on DallasCowboys.com about Glenn.

He is exactly the kind of player Parcells wanted at CB last year. Somebody with experience, and already knows the expectations of the coach and how to meet and exceed those expectations. This guy in the secondary for two years should help Henry and Newman……..and help the young guys Jones, Reeves, Frazier, Thornton and I will include Hunter in there as well. While somebody in the group may be bound for the practice squad or worse……….hopefully the remainder will be a better Defensive back.

I only wish we had this guy last year.

I should qualify my “as recently as 2002” comment. That is according to Matt Mosely (cowboysplus.com) in his June 5 article for DMN.

The Cowboys list him as the starting LG that season but, if I’m reading it correctly, for only 3 games and Ross Tucker for 7, they do not list L.A. at RT for any games. They have listed Solomon Page for 10 games and Javiar Collins for 4 games at RT which between all of them, does not account for a complete season at either position. Maybe that’s why Carter & Hutch sucked so badly!

Memory does not serve me well here, so, I’m not certain how many if any games L.A. actually logged in at RT in 2002. I’d appreciate any clarity anyone can offer on the issue.

Carter and Hutch did suck. And the last game with Hutch out there the entire offensive line quit on him. I would benched and fired em all at that point……..I am not sure Dave Campo could see the field with his Mr. Magoo classes and Jerry Jones lurking the sidelines with the Jaws Music playing. Hutchinson could air it out, and so could Carter but he looked as immobile…….as here you go Star……..Druckenmiller. Maybe he catches on in Chicago or maybe not, I do not think he impressed anybody in europe.

Jerry needs a strong coach to tell him to get his but in the booth and keep quiet in the media. Bill and Jerry what a marriage indeed.

I really like the versatility of the defense this year. Ladies and gentleman we are witnessing the start of something real special in BIG D. Everything on defense seems to be interchangeable. Also the depth on the o-line is unbelieveable. If someone steps in at the off safety spot so we can move roy williams up to blitz and help with the run so he can be the imtimidator that he can be we will rip the NFC East apart.

Wasn’t it Drunkenmiller, Drunkenstein? Something…

from what I heard……..Stoner……..would have been more appropriate…….I know he kicked around SF 49ers for a year or two til he was done. He had a little matter with a young lady that was not all that well recieved either if I remember right.

Before Vick he was the best QB they had had. He could out bench the defensive and offensive lineman on the team and was a big tall pocket passer. Too bad he could not put the other things off the field together.

LETS GO DALLAS

Gil Brandt(sports writer) predicts Dallas returning to the playoffs.He has been at the practices and said there seems to be much more energy and a since of urgancy than last year.Also he commented that D. Ware tipped ,intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown! GO COWBOYS!!!!

Drunkenpuffer? Oh yeah, Drunkenruffer…the dater. Must be a course there in Blacksburg. I think Marcus Vick took it, Mike too but I think he passed. ;)

Peter King of SI.com also puts the Cowboys on the playoffs and also says this: “My thought: Dallas gets an edge (on getting to the playoffs instead of Atlanta in his NFC playoffs prediction) by adding prime defensive free agents Anthony Henry and Jason Ferguson, with rookie Demarcus Ware finally giving them an edge pass-rusher and an upgrade in the front seven — thanks to four picks in the first four rounds —buttressing the line and linebackers. And as I’ve said before, I know I’m relatively alone on this one, but I see the addition of quarterback Drew Bledsoe as a plus, not a minus.”

I don’t know how you guys doubt of Larry Allen, one of the best OLiners in the history, he’s got the strength and the technique to play ROT in a much better way than what we saw last year, and Peterman could have broken the starting lineup early last year at RG, he was looking real good in training camp.

Star,

Hey Mike is from my Hometown……and he is the most exciting player to watch in the NFL. He probably will not play 15 years………but it is going to be a fun 10 or so to watch. He will be like Barry and walk away early. I do not think anyone can sustain his level of play at QB for 10+ years. Although Randall did last, he was a backup for the longest time after lighting it up in Philly and Minn. Even made the rounds in Dallas. If I was Atlanta I would consider rotating Schuab in at QB as a change of pace QB. It may sound crazy but with a guy like Vick that everybody games for it would probably work. Shaub can air it out and is a good pocket passer, it would throw the defense off. Then you bring in Vick……then Shaub again. It would keep em guessing. I know it sounds crazy but I think it would be crazy enough to work.

Hopefully Marcus has learned from his childish blunder. I saw one reporter picking him as a darkhorse for the heisman. He has a lot of talent, if he can stay on the field. He was throwing the ball 75 yards at the UVA camps when they were drolling over him as a sophomore or junior in HS. Kind of hard not to go where there a buildings being built with your last name on em though.

I would not mind seeing Dallas get a hold of Marcus. He has 4.2 speed. Can throw it 75 yards. Not bad to start with.

I sure hope Peterman, or one of the other youngins can handle LG, because with Larry Allen at RT, we’ll have one of the best O-Lines in the NFL!

Larry Allen is a shoo-in for the HOF, unless the Dallas bias is too big even for him to bench press! He’ll make the pro-bowl again this year, even at RT.

We have ourselves the beginnings of another great period in Dallas Cowboys history, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride, because the ’Boys ride again!!!

chandus

i agree with you on the fact that i think bledsoe was an improvement. i cheered when they got him. if the o-line can block for him, and give jj some holes. they will control the time of poss. i think peterman can do the job. if he couldn’t than bp would not say that he could.

StarStruck,

The following info comes from the Cowboys web site:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/profile_allen_larry.cfm

“2002: Allen’s 2002 season was a rough one physically as he fought through off-season surgery and a nagging early season ankle sprain that limited him to five starts for the season. Due to off-season rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder, Allen was limited in training camp and saw action in just the final two preseason games. Entering the regular season, he was selected an offensive captain by his teammates. In the season opener at Houston (9/8), Allen manned his usual left guard spot as Dallas rushed for 155 yards. The following week against Tennessee (9/15), he suffered a sprained left ankle in the second quarter. Allen attempted to return in the second half but lasted just two plays before returning to the sideline. Because of the injury, Allen was inactive at Philadelphia (9/22). During practice the week leading up to the St. Louis game (9/29), he moved to right tackle and opened the game at that position before re-aggravating his sprained left ankle and leaving the game in the first quarter. He was back in the lineup at right tackle against the N.Y. Giants (10/6) but came out during the first drive after aggravating his left ankle. He battled the pain and was in and out of the game in the second half at left guard for Kelvin Garmon who had suffered a hip injury. His play helped Dallas rack up 340 yards against the NFL’s ninth ranked defense. Following the trade of Garmon to San Diego, Allen returned to left guard against Carolina (10/13) but came out of the game in the second quarter because of continued pain in the ankle. In an attempt to let the injury heal, Allen was inactive the next three games. He returned to practice the week leading up to the Indianapolis game (11/17) but was still in too much pain and was inactive for the fourth straight game. On Nov. 21, his season came to an end when he was placed on injured reserve. He underwent successful surgery on Dec. 3 to remove bone spurs from his left ankle.”

That was a very frustrating season for Allen and his fans. He was not yet in game shape for the first game and hurt his ankle early in the second. From then on, each game he was in, he played less and less.

As I stated before, that was the year Coslet implemented his version of the West Coast Offense, complete with zone blocking schemes for the offensive linemen. Allen was not a happy camper under that scheme, and, with his injury, was not playing well at left guard. Frustrated by that injury and the complicated blocking schemes, he asked to be shifted to right tackle, where the assignments were less complex. “I just want to hit somebody,” was, I believe, what he said at the time. But that position move didn’t work either, mainly due to his ankle problem.

It was embarrassing to watch him that year — at any position.

Nice comments, all.

Just a thought…back in ‘94 (LA’s rookie year) Jimmie Johnson said he wanted to get the best 5 linemen on the field, even if it meant putting a rookie out of position (meaning Allen). The “experts” predicted disaster…(God I love the experts…always good for a laugh (re: S&S’s predictions)).

Bill will get the best 5 linemen out on the field. They’d love for Tucker, Vollers, or someone else (read Noll) to really distinguish himself at RT, but it’s very apparent that we have more talent at the guard position.

We need some youth to establish themselves and Peterman could well mean that 3 of the 5 could be here for a long time to come. Optimism abounds, but we truly have the makings of another run.

Why do I think it’s ‘91 again? Freakin’ Detroit’s there as well!

Coslet was an idiot. He was never a winner anywhere, why did Jerry bring him to Dallas. He was telling JJ that Hutchinson and Carter were two of the best QBs he had ever seen. Who the hech had he worked with for the last 20 years? He was also a yes man, just taking a pay check.

We would have been better off hiring Mr. Magoo to run the offense……..oh he was busy being head coach that year.

For anybody that is critical of Parcells and his staff…….think back to those years and be thankful we finally got a Coach.

Mr. Bill

Ah yes, how could I forget? Maybe it was best I did! So, you used the old look-at-his-profile trick, eh? Wish I had thought of that. Thanks Mr. Bill! Would it be too old school to say, “Ohhh Nooooo”?

The year under Campo/Coslet was embarrassing, enough to test anyone’s patience, sanity, medicine cabinet—you name it, it was difficult to watch. Rock bottom, worse than 3-13, worse than 1-15 (Worse Than Detroit—name that reference) for me because the future seemed so bleak. The spectrum that team encompassed was amazing: Emmitt at one end, a kind of tragic hero, exemplifying the best of football and nearly the rest of the team reminding us how bad it could be. Injuries were little excuse, those were probably indicative of poor conditioning (read coaching).
Hear! hear! Jon
More amazing is the complete turnaround since then that Parcells has instilled through superlative coaching, as evidenced for one, in the resurgence of Larry Allen. Thank goodness Jerry saw the light, hired the best coach available and fortified our outlook for a whole new era of success.

Excellent points Fighter, nicely stated.

There’s a good story on nfl.com about the Boys if anyone’s interested. But let’s not forget that Parcell’s said we would never guess it. I know that the everyone thinks Allen is going to RT, but lets not rule out other things. Has a DL ever been transformed into an OL? I could see Bill trying something that makes us scratch our heads. It just seems to easy for Parcells standards.

Star,

Your reference to Emmit as a tragic hero is certainly true. He reminded us all of how good we had been………..and how bad we had become. Yet there he was grinding out his yards behind a less than stellar offensive line yet you did not hear the mediots going you know this is the worst offensive line in the NFL according to the number of sacks of Carter and Hutchinson yet……..Emmit still gets his yards. Maybe he is the best back of all time. But you won’t hear that from the mediots.

He was less tragic in a Cardinals uniform than he was that season. At least he finished with a good year, and the critics cannot say he always had a great team around him. I would have preferred him to Eddie George last year…………..but that is one of the unfortunate events of the NFL. I remember it well with Tony Dorsett also. Seeing him in orange when Landry went with Walker. He never looked right in orange.

In Todays NFL a Coach makes all the difference. Dallas has a proud tradition at Coach, it was hard to see Switzer, Gailey and Campo pacing the sidelines.

not sure and have not heard anything about it……..but what the hech…….

maybe Bill Parcells plan for double secret secret probation………for the Right Tackle is Ross Verba………

although he said he had no intentions of entering FA for a Lineman……..who knows………..

personally I think we will be fine with our mix of vets, the FA Rivera and the youth movement of Vollers, Rogers, Peterman, and Petitti……….somebody is going to step up and decide the wants to be an NFL Tackle……..or Guard……..

also the take on Pettiti is mostly that he gains weight and loses a step…….he showed up in shape which is a great sign…….but working with NFL Nutrition and Trainers should help him realize how to eat to be strong………and not fat………

the artcile on espn for the nfc east is up and they think 9-7 should about right. its a good article on the cowboys, but what is funny espn says there strength is there linebackers where alot of magzine say there linebackers are 1 of there weakest links…

i think that the return game is the weakest part. it has been a while since dallas has returned a punt or a kickoff for a score. i am sure that someone will tell my when was the last time they scored on special teams. if i am not mistaken; it was against the eagles on that on-side kickoff. i am sure some fan will correct me if i am wrong. and on punt; well i dont remember. unless it was that punt that danztler had against the 49ers.

i would say our linebackers could be some of both at times……..but potentially very very good…….and finally getting more Parcells size and strength in the LB corp.

Ware bench presses as much as Spears. Watch out McNabb you are about to meet the new Boys.

Before everyone pencils in Larry Allen as the starting ROT remember that this is a possible plan B. While I believe Allen could make a quality starting ROT he is an absolute beast in the interior. If he has regained some of his former quickness, then all the better to have him on the inside. It will allow for some wicked pulling guard play and more importantly he can again lead the league in pancake blocks on the second level. He used to terrorize the other teams linebackers and strong safeties making huge holes for Emmett.

While Riveria is not great in space, he is the only player in the league who is better then LA at moving the other teamâ€â"¢s nose tackle. Riveria and Johnson can move any NT in the league freeing up Allen to put fear in opposing LB. I would hate to be a ILB in a 3-4 facing those three if itâ€â"¢s true that Allen can move and he does not have to help move the NT every play.

Lou,

There have been plenty of good OL who were converted DL. I do not see anyone on the DL of the Cowboys who has a body big enough to play ROT in the NFL.

Our LB coup is the defenses weakness. We have a number of beast on the DL and a ton of depth which will keep us fresh in the 4th. Our secondary is much improved and has the needed extra quality bodies needed for nickel and dime. The line backer core has one quality starter. Nguyen would start for all but a few teams in the league. Other then that we have below average veterans and youth and potential. Singleton would not start on most NFL rosters and he is the best veteren we have on the outside. Line backer is traditionally a position where you want veterans. Rookie running backs tear up the league, rookie defensive linemen make good specialist, but rookie linebackers get caught out of position and cost you critical first down.

The other problem we have at LB is we are really light for the 3-4. The New England LB coup outweighs ours by 25 lb per man.

Don’t get me wrong…..I like this team a lot….we got lots of strengths, but Linebacker is not one of them.

Jon

My first taste of seeing Cowboys in other uniforms was Calvin Hill in the World League and when that folded, seeing him return to the NFL in a Redskins’ uniform. I was crushed. That set the tone for me that football is a business. Then Tony D., then even though his tenure was short, Herschel in purple & green, Emmitt in red, none of it was right in my eyes. Even Craig Morton in orange was strange though it didn’t carry nearly the same impact for me. And while I’m glad we got all the dynasty-building picks for Herschel, I wonder what would have been had Mike Lynn been shrewder or had we just kept the fifteen-hundred-yards back?

I liked both Gailey and Campo as coaches and people, they just wielded little power under King Jerry; he loomed over them convinced he could own, manage and coach the team as well, or so it seemed. I know you (and others) probably take issue with Switzer (I loved your line about him thanking Jerry for the great seats, that was funny!), but I think he did okay despite his outlandish personality and semi-serious (or is that delirious?) desire for option football. And I know he is credited with winning the Super Bowl with the team that Jimmy built, but there was some key turnover in the rosters between 1993 & ‘95: The departures of Kevin Gogan, Tony Casillas, Jim Jeffcoat, Ken Norton, Thomas Everett (speaking of Herschel), Mark Stepnoski, Alvin Harper, Kevin Smith & James Washington. I always felt Switzer coached them to that championship—granted, so could probably many other coaches, maybe even Jerry. Like him or not, heâ€â"¢s the coach of record. I dislike that it was the Switzer era where Jerry wrested away control from the head coach and began the downward trend.

Our linebackers will be fine this year. Burnett and Singelton will be solid on one side. Ware and Thornton will rush the other side well. Dat is a good solid vet and if James can step up we will have some quick LB’s that can get to the ball. This year will rest on:

1. Our defense gels.
2. Bledsoe limits the mistakes and take some pressure off our running game.

We need our specail teams to step up, too. Esp. our K.

our linebackers are the only concern that i have with the 3-4. i wouldn’t mind sticking with the 4-3 as the starting defense and throw in the 3-4 on certain plays. i would love to see spears, glover, fergeuson, and ellis in on the front 4. that is an awesome front 4. in my opinion; it could be the best around esspecially with the depth that we have. that way we could let our young linebacker mature a little for the nfl. and slowlly go to the 3-4.

now thats what i’m talking about,our O LINE WILL BE THE BEST IN FOOTBALL BY FAR. OUR RUNNING GAME WILL BE EXPLOSIVE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LINE.AND THAT WILL OPEN UP OUR PASSING GAME.WE SHOULD HAVE ONE OF THE BEST OFFENSES IN THE LEAGUE. I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SEASON TO START.

The defense in general will be effective only if the offense can proficiently manage three aspects of the game: Field position, game clock and red zone efficiency (read touchdowns). That’s the formula for any winning team. So goes our fate, a good offense is our best defense, especially this year with youth and base transition.

Since I havenâ€â"¢t heard it discussed anywhere, and since Mickey didnâ€â"¢t answer when I asked him, I assume itâ€â"¢s a farfetched idea but Iâ€â"¢ll toss it out there anyway (be kind, it is hypothetical):

Can Laâ€â"¢Roi Glover could play either LB position? Why and why not? Is he too heavy at â€Å"280” or just not well suited for the jobs?

I think the year comes down to this— can the offensive link protect bledsoe and give him time? And how soon does our defense gel? Look, the defense is going to be better than last year…. how could it be any worse?! The question is how good will it be and how soon. I LOVE the idea of LA at RT and putting peterman at left guard. Now that is what I call an o-line!! I hated the bledsoe move originally, and I’m still not big on it, but if the o-line comes together I think the offense could be respectable. I love our depth at RB and JJ is going to be a star. Our WR’s should be ok as long as glenn stays healthy and copper/morgan can contribute. Right now I say we make it as a wild card at 9-7…. possibly 10-6. I cannot freakin wait for the season to start!

i think these are the keys to a successful season. and a successful season to me is at least making it to the nfc championship.

1.INJURIES: that was a key to us only being 6-10 last year.

2. our rookies has to step up and gel with the veterans on defense. we need some 3 and outs!!!!

3. our o-lines has to give bledsoe some time to throw, and jj some wholes to run through.

4.we need to keep the opp. down back behind on the 25 yard line on kickoffs. and our kickoff team need to jump out at the 40. starting at the 20 all the time on offense stinks, and letting them go out to the 40 is even worst. special teams has to step up.

well to me we have a great linebacker group. maybe a lil undersized for a 3-4 but not bad. dat is a good linebacker, james is good, if burnett and ware turn out to be what everyone is saying then we will be fine there. singleton is a decent back up to me, shanle hes being used in the first team, thornton has good size. to me worst case for the linebackers is we have alot of depth, that could possibly turn into real good players. so i guess id take that as my weekness…..

Ya know…….I remember watching this sports comedy spoof with two reporters in a booth discussing the upcomming pro-football game and it went something like this……“And what about you Dan,what do you think are the keys to the game?” He said, “Well Bob,I think the team that has their running back get into the end the most,and that has the quarterback throw the ball to an open reciever,who runs it in for a touchdown,will probably win the game!”

Star,

Gailey and Campo were wonderful coordinators. I wish both of them well. I am not sure either was cut from the head coaching cloth. Although isn’t Gailey at GT now? Well NCAA to NFL is a whole different ball game. As Steve Spurrier learned.

Switzer was a great coach at OU. I have respect for him. However, he has a reputation for liking the cocktails and the ladies. Nothing wrong with that, but not when you are the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. It was a complete insult to Aikman, who left OU to finish at UCLA after Switzer promised to implement a passing style offense to suite Troys Arm Strength. And Yes, Troy did run the option at OU.

Barry was too hands off and too loose with discipline. I credit our existing coordinators, and the leadership of Troy, Emmit and Irvin. If you ever listen to Troy talk about it, you get the idea that they were convinced they were the best team in football. And determined to prove it on the field. Now History, ironically he became like Jimmy Johnson a coach who won both the National Championship at the NCAA level and the Super Bowl, albeit with Jimmy and Jerrys team. We won, and I am glad we won, and you cannot take that victory away from Switzer. I think our decline, our draft picks, and our present state of affairs when Bill Parcells arrived can all be blamed on Switzer, Gailey, Campo and Jerry Jones…….whether he ever choses to admit it or not. His choices of draft at QBs, CBs and DEs since Johnsons departure alone are worth serious criticism.

I also seem to remember a certain Deion Sanders leaving the Super Bowl Champion Forty Niners and chasing a ring with the Cowboys. Not a bad addition. Even if it only meant Troy could use the whole field again when we played the 49ers instead of avoiding Deion.

We will never know, but Jimmy Johnson would have found a way to win that third Super Bowl. He knew how to push that team. They were his guys. I think he would have got it done and won 4 Straight.

I have to disagree vehemently with Trey on the linebacking corps.

With the exception of Ware vs. McGinist (251 vs. 270) the stats are suprisingly similar. In fact, nearly identical (245, 247, 238) vs (245, 247, 253)…the disparity coming from Ted Johnson vs Dat.

As far as experience, we’ve got some real balance between youth & experience. Dat, Singleton (7&9 respectively) while the other non-rookies are at the 3-4 year mark. NE’s LBs are all over 10 years, but five years ago when they began their run, they were pretty much where we are now, save for the WOLB (i.e., Ware/Thorton).

The athletes challenging for the position is going to make this really exciting. According to most prognosticators, this has been an area of strength for the team & one of the primary reasons to go to the 3-4…it was always our DL that was the weak link.

And lastly, Al Singleton was the second-best linebacker on the Super Bowl Champion Bucs defense, considered the best in 2000. He’s only got 9 years in…what’s the problem?…If he gets beat out, it’ll be by a better athlete, which is a good thing.

Sorry, don’t buy the LB weakness.

Darrel Great point about INJURIEs……….none bigger than Darren Woodson. This year we know we don’t have Woody……a huge loss on and off the field.

Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys were two playoff(one a super bowl) teams that were both DECIMATED by injuries. I think both will be back with a vengenance this year. Carolina had the equipment manager at RB by the end of the year……..and Dallas we all saw old Eddie George showing his past 30 legs.

Not this year, Bill has some actual Depth at RB. He has a nice mix of youth and experience in the front 7, and he has two experienced corners added to TNEW and the Sophomore Club at Corner……..and an emerging Davis and Bierault to fill some unfillable shoes of Darren Woodson…..ok Roy can take his locker, but never his shoes. We look really good.

I think it can all be summed up by Bill Parcells. Meeting with the media again and SMILING. He did not smile a lot last year.

One last note on the mis-guided notion that our LBs are not 3-4 material:

Pittsburgh (considered the standard by which all 3-4’s are measured) doesn’t have a single starter above 250 and most are 6-0 to 6-2 with one at 6-4.

Baltimore is actually a little smaller and Oakland is also smaller.

The key is (and always has been) to have the monster weakside OLB that is that classic ’tweener (DE/OLB) that can primarily speed rush.

Again, it’s about the DL, not LB

Here’s the link to Gil Brandt’s article on nfl.com, it is worth reading: http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/DAL/8539855

Jon,

I agree, had Jimmy stayed we may have gone four straight, maybe five!

Fighter15,

The weights of the front 7 are not nearly identical.

New England Front 7 Potential Dallas Front 7

1. Ty Warren 6-5 307 #98 Ellis, Greg 6-6 270
2. Vince Wilfork 6-2 325 #95 Ferguson, Jason 6-3 305
3. Richard Seymour 6-6 310 #96 Spears, Marcus 6-4 295
4. Willie McGinest 6-5 270 #94 Ware, Demarcus 6-4 251
5. Ted Johnson 6-4 253 #59 Nguyen, Dat 5-11 238
6. Tedy Bruschi 6-1 247 #56 James, Bradie 6-2 245
7. Mike Vrabel 6-4 261 #51 Singleton, Al 6-2 236
   Avg 281 Avg 263

The weight of the LB would be less of an issue if they played behind a DL that NE or Pittsburg have. Neither of those DL have a man under 300lb. Dallas has one player that size. Parcells can midigate this by rotating back into more 4-3 verse power running team.

Baltimore is moving away from the 3-4 because they do not have the right personnel and Oakland got ran over like they were a small girl last year.

Those great Tampa defenses were built around a great defensive line, solid cover 2 and big john. Al Singleton is a very good coverage LB, but he does not make many big plays and he is avg. verse the run. I expect him to be be replaced by Kevin Burnett by the bye week.

I hope James Bradie has a break out year, but so far he is unproven and its not because of lack of opportunity. Demarcus Ware looks like a beast, but its a new position and he is going to have to go through a learning curve especially when match ups force him to pick up a fast RB or TE in pass coverage.

The last starter Dat Nguyen is tenacious and a hard target except for the most agile of OL.

One advantage of starting to convert to 3-4 this year is Dallas does not have that many power running teams on the scheudle. Verse the pass the lighter defenders will do great as long as we avoid the injuries and can keep up a rotation that prevents us from wearing down in the 4th.

I liked what I think Mickey Spagnola said the other day: “Ray Lewis was a beast when he played the 3-4 in the Super Bowl, they switched to the 4-3 and he was still a beast, and their switching back and he’s still going to be a beast. Good players are good players.”

I think this applies to players like Dat and La’Roi and Ellis, who alot of critics say are undersized. The good players are going to play good.

We need more 3 and outs on defense and less 3 and outs on offense. That simple lol. Our defense was so fatigued last year, and our offense couldnt get drives started.

d-line has to be big, we are a lil undersized with 3 more quality guys coming in to give them a breather for 30 % of the time?? what you have have have to have is the big nose tackle. jason ferguson is that he will eat the double teams allowing spears, ellis, glover, canty, carson, coleman, ogbogu, ratliff. did i leave any out? i mean cmon look at the depth, yah we are a lil undersizerd where they are gonna get tired, but i just named off 8 d-linemen and i know i left off 1-2. the point is depth rotation keeps the smaller guys fresh.

starstruck,

good article man thank you for the link..

Any of you

Got any info on Ross Verba? wondering if he ever played RT. and if he could help the cause

Trey did you have your scale handy? Great Work.

Ware can easily pack another 10 on of muscle. Canty could probably carry another 20 lbs he is like 6 7", and Spears while Parcells may want him at a certain weight he too could add some more muscle over his career and weigh a bit more. If needed, while he will probably see most of the time at DE, Spears has the size and body to play NT also if needed. Unless it takes away from any of their speed or elusiveness these guys could all gain weight if need be. Ware speed and bench press are off the chart. He is a freak…..in the same mold as a Haley, Jason Taylor……..or as BP recalls LT and Willie McG……There have been a hech of a lot of players that weighed a lot, had great 40 times, and could bench press a house but were lousy football players. I am hoping Parcells found the guys that at heart are football players to the Core.

Baltimore misses Sarigusa. But we just signed Jason Ferguson and Laroi can play NT and will play it. With Rotation, and the youth movement we can play either or and continue to build a 3-4 base defense down the road……..while still utilizing 4-3. Would Charles Haley have been any less or more effective as an OLB? Would LT have been a great DE in a 4 man front? I think so, players make plays. Those two would have found a way in any scheme.

I think this team has flexibility and I think that is what Parcells wants. It also has a hech of a lot more talent in the front seven than I can remember since Haley was wearing ole 94. Rotation…….like mike poitned out……..MUCH IMPROVED players in the secondary……..even with the ? at FS. Our 2 new CBs are going to be a big help.

Hey Eric and All,

How does TOO TALL not get in the HOF. What a croc!!!!

They did not keep sack staticstics for the first half of his career. They started the Batted Ball tipped pass statistic because of his ability to do that. Seemed like he batted at least one a game, that is as good as a sack at the line of scrimmage……or a penalty resulting in the loss of a down. He never missed games……….no off the field issues……….ok he could not make it in Professional Boxing, but other than that……….

I had forgotten how good his stats were, and just how long he played. I would have to look up Harvey Martin, but it sure looks like Too Tall belongs in there right next to Randy White. That whole Defense had some super stars……..that won and compteted in a lot of Super Bowls.

I think you and Drew Pearson are on target. Maybe Troy and Irvin going in this year will make them rethink our teams of the 70s and 80s.

I believe it is a possibility that F. Adams will move to RT if one of the new guys does not step up. Rogers problem has been with the switch to RT. He is a very good LT. Also Petitti, although unproven, is a natural LT. I guess we will see. Seems to be a lot of depth everywhere but FS. One thing is for certain, the RT problem will be solved.

Jon,

I got my weight numbers from the NE and Dallas sites off NFL.com

I do not think Ware will add much more weight, he buffed out prior to the draft and scouts.com argues that he has filled out his frame. That said, I think he will be a terror at 250lb and does not need to get bigger. He is scary strong. Weight is relevant in football because force =MxA2 but speed is more important if you have the strenght to shred blockers.

I really like what the Cowboys have done in the front 7…and the secondary for that matter…but I think the Linebacker unit will take a year or two before they are considered a top units. The top 3-4 defense have at least 2 pro-bowl line backers and at least one terror on the outside and at least one snot busting run stuffer in the middle. Dallas will have a dominate LB corp when Nguyen is the third best backer in the group. I really like the draft picks but I question that Bradie or Thornton will be long term solutions.

I think our DL has turned from being a real weakness to be one of he strengths of our defense. Canty and Spears are real 3-4 defensive linemen. You do not want them playing with extra mass when they are 22…..They should be solid players for years. Ferguson is a solid NT who required double teams except for teams who have a serious mover as one of the guards. We know what Glover can do……you guys who argued we should trade him this year are nuts….Ellis is solid and can even rush as a 3-4 LB on known passing downs. Ratliff is a solid prospect and after a year in the hands of Dallas strength training staff could be a real force…That leaves the best of Ogbogu, Carson, Coleman and Van Hoy to compete for the last linemen spot. Dallas is so deap at DL that at least 2 of the linemen they cut will make another teams NFL roster this year.

The secondary has also become a strength. We have three solid corners who are ready to play now. Roy Williams is the man as long as he is allowed to play close to the line and not asked to cover top wide out in the slot like he was last year. (Not that I would want him covering my top wide out…..gain lots of years….get hurt and go on IR) The FS will be a work in progress, but with the other improvements who ever it is will do fine. Personally I think Keith Davis will win the position because he is a good ball hawk with decent range.

That all said I am really excited about this year. I think we got a great shot at 10-6 or 11-5 and then the playoff….and this time we will be a team on the rise built for the future.

I have to agree that we would have won more Superbowls if Jimmie Johnson stuck around. He would have easily replaced through the draft what the team was losing in Free agency. (Look at how many great picks he had with the Dolphins outside the first round.)

Also, I know Iâ€â"¢m being picky, but JJ didnâ€â"¢t draft Allan. Johnson left between the Superbowl and the draft. Allan also didnâ€â"¢t start until he was forced onto the field because of Williamsâ€â"¢ injury. So the â€Å"best five lineman on the field regardless” is false. A rookie offensive lineman starting from game one is rare and Allan accomplishing this would have been even harder because he was up against the returning OL from two consecutive Superbowl wins.

Sadly, I think the loss of Williams was the most devastating in the NFC Championship. Allan was getting torched during that game resulting in Aikman getting pounded constantly. I think if Williams had been there Troy would have had the extra time Allan wasnâ€â"¢t giving him to pull off the win. I donâ€â"¢t blame Allan though; he was playing out of position and was a rookie.

Does anyone remember the Saints game from that season? Troy threw an interception on the right side. The corner ran past Troy and was headed to the endzone. Allan was trailing both but actually outran Troy, caught up to the corner and tackled him before he scored. The D held them to a field goal. It was an awesome display of athleticism. It was on Monday night so everyone saw it. I wish he still had that speed.

Trey

Well said. I think Canty can add weight. He has that long lean build that can carry more deceptive muscle. I agree with Ware’s strenght and speed he does not need to bulk up and should not at OLB….and Speed rushing DE he will be fine……our ILBs are on the smallish side for the Parcells type, but hey if Nguyen is the worst of the lot we are ok in my book. Cuz he is a player.

You are right on the money that the LBs will need to gel. However, they may have the most upside of the group. We sort of expect these DEs and NTs to be good……..but those LBs are going to be the heart of our sacks at OLB……..and Ware and Burnett two rookies will have to learn em up quick. I think Ware is going to be on the field a lot, cuz he is a playmaker. Something Parcells wanted on Defense. Spears and Canty are also playmakers. Anybody see the Interception by Spears for a TD if I remember right……against OU I think………he can play.

Canty with a healthy knee and eye was more talented than Erasmus James. He would have been a late first rounder. Even if we wait a full year on that kid, he is had over 100 tackles as a DE at UVA in a single season. That is sick. Guys like that are what you need to stop the RUN in a 3 man front and let those LBs roam and bring Pressure.

All these kids will add a little weight as they age and mature. Muscle mass is more than fat, and even a high level College Player like these kids will add muscle mass with NFL conditioning. Ellis, Glover and Ferguson already know what they need to weigh and play at. Let the kids fill out with our strength coach……….even though Ware has sick numbers in the weight room………he can still improve…….with proper conditioning even add more speed and some muscle. Either way I think he will be a heck of a player. Hearing guys like Too Tall, and Charles Haley checking out these kids has me believing they see something special for the first time in a long time.

Of course they are all legends of our defense, and we have not added to those legends in the front seven in a long time. Let’s hope these Boys are future Legends themselves. Parcells is here for another 5 years. He is not going to want to hand over this talented young team to anybody to win without em. He already has that going on in NE and NYJ.

Trey,

Not fair to add the DL. That was my point and it definitely skews the avg weights. My point was a very similar size/weight of the LB corps, your feared weakness. The NE corps is nearly identical with the exception of WOLB. I was simply addressing your statement

  "Our LB coup is the defenses weakness. We have a number of beast on the DL and a ton of depth which will keep us fresh in the 4th…Donâ€â"¢t get me wrong…..I like this team a lot….we got lots of strengths, but Linebacker is not one of them. "

That said, your points in latter posts are well taken and legitimate, although I believe I read somewhere that Ware’s frame is expected to hold 270 and it was a stated desire by Bill to have him add some muscle, but not until next offseason.

I believe there are 4 guys with a load of potential going for two spots (assuming Ware & Nguyen are the other two). Shanle, Bradie James, Thornton, & Burnett should produce two stars. And there’s Singleton to ease the transition or serve as a quality fill-in if only one emerges.

As has been stated many times before, it’s much easier to find great LBs, than great DEs. I really like the LB corps. We should see a real dominant group by mid-year.

Fighter15,

Ok fair enough. Your right in the fact is that the Dallasâ€â"¢ LB are not too light to run an effective 3-4. The same can be said for the DL other then Ellis. You can run the scheme with three huge linemen and average weight linebackers or you can run it with a big nose tackle and two defensive ends who are in the 280 – 290 range along with some big LB. The old Giant teams did not have monster DL. Dallas does yet meet either stereotype and will be a little light in the pants facing power running attacks.

The reason I think the LB corps will be a weakness THIS YEAR is because potential takes time to be realized. Shanle, Bradie, Thornton, & Burnett might very well produce two stars but the odds are long that two of them will become stars THIS year.

Ware will be a star in the making….but will still be a liability in some passing situations. You watch, this year opposing teams will force our LB in to pass coverage situations because the secondary will limit passing to the wideouts. Fast TE and pass catching RB will create him some matchup problems. We should get a good look at this in week one verse SD with Gates and LT

Going forward LB will be the strength of the defense. If only one of the young potentials hits then they will acquire an additional LB next year. As you pointed out itâ€â"¢s much easier to find great LBs, than great DEs. It just takes more time

Jon,

Thanks for your feedback. Your right these guys will get bigger as the mature and I hope your right about Parcells being here for another 5 years. Things are looking up. This year playoffs. Next year Superbowl hopeful….year three Superbowl champions.

ok thanks

hey, im a big cowboys fan and all ,but why would we want to have larry at RT if he is only 6"3 ? I mean larry is a great player, but that is at guard where he is better fitted to play. The DE’s now a days are on average 6"5 and that is considered small. I think it would be better to throw a young guy like vollers or the kid we drafted thats huge.

all about leverage on the o-line and la has alot of it, along with some serious muscle.

Arm length is very important at tackle and in general its tied to height. Its hard to push a speed rusher our wide if his arms are longer then yours and you can keep him off your body.

The rumor is Allen is plan B….That is if none of the young’uns work out. It’s critical that Bledsoe does not have someone in his face on passing downs so if the young guys can’t do it then they have to put someone in who can even if that means trading an awesome LG in exchange for a decent ROT.