Cowboys Attempt Price Fixing

If the Cowboys can sign Price for a decent amount, I think this would be a good move. He could be a good 3rd WR & insurance in case of an injury. I think Q. Morgan is done, especially if we sign Price. Morgan has had problems catching anything since he got here last year. I believe he’s had enough time to prove himself and has done absolutely nothing to help himself. Having Bledsoe here would also be a plus for Price. I’m not saying that Price will be an all star but at least he’s had a great season in the past, so we know he does have potential. And he did have that great season with Bledsoe throwing to him.

Price would be a great addition. Price doesn’t have to do it all by himself here and I think Bill, Drew and our system will be a better fit than in Atlanta. Sure hope he doesn’t end up in New England.

If we don’t get him, I wouldn’t give up on Morgan. He had some good seasons in Cleveland. There’s got to be someone else to play special teams (I would keep Crowder as the 5th WR, though).

have to agree with John,

If we can grab price for a decent amount it will be worth it, Morgan is probably gone if we do because that would push him down the depth chart where special teams play is needed or your a waste of space.

Price would be a good 3rd or 2nd in event of injury to glenn or key, his connection with drew seems to be something of value with him contacting him immediately after his release hopefully he won’t come at a huge price and having drew here will hopefully give price an added incentive to pick us over any other suitors.

I like this, thinking back his biggest season was with Bledsoe I think price went for 90 rec 1200_+yards and 9TD’s not a bad year.

he would be a good addition at reciever and then our top four wideouts would be looking really solid crayton,glenn,key,price…

it would give us more options in the passing game.

I’m all for it assuming he isn’t asking too much and he’s still close to what he was in buff and a good character guy…

:)

just another comment,

to add a little,

his time in Atlanta may have been a little hard to read.

I don’t think any WR will ever have a big year with mike vick at QB just don’t see it happening. When price was with them all they did was run and then have vick scramble and occasionally throw it to crumpler. thats no place for a reciever who is used to having 70-90 receptions.

not that he’ll get a lot more balls thrown his way in dallas but I think even in the number 3 position in dallas is going to have as good as or better recieving numbers as prcie did as the number one reciever in atlanta.

Go BOYSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Don’t forget that Price has an incurable and degenerative eye condition that is slowly robbing him of his sight. Do we really want to sign this guy to a long term deal. That is what he wants, and for big dollars too. I can see signing him for 1 year at the veteran minimum, but no more. How quickly we forget Jacob Rogers and other such “hangar queens”.

James,

Depends on how slowly the disease works and how much sight he’s already lost. If this is something that will cause him to lose sight in the eye by the time he’s 45 or 50 what’s the harm of a two year deal?

I look at the competition. New England is not a stupid organization and they’re pursuing him. So is Miami and I don’t think Nick Saban is a fool.

Rafael,
That is the question isn’t it. How much is the disease affecting his ability to play ball? His potential is unquestioned. The problem is this, those of us hard-core fans that want to know these things will have no opportunity to be privy to the info. Did The ’Boys and other teams get a second opinion about his eyes and if so what did they find out? Or did they just jump in and sign him without some reflection because there were other bidders. All I am saying is BUYER BEWARE.

Good on you James for doing your homework, this is the first I’ve heard of Price and his eye problem. I’m sure this is something the Cowboys brain trust will check out with the medical folks. BP had said his (if i’m not mistaken) 3rd and 4th WR would have to do some ST duty, where does that put Peerless? However, I’m convinced that we already have a 4th WR in Morgan. How long has he been with the team? One year! I like our 4 WR lineup in Glenn, Key, Crayton, and Morgan and JJ in the backfield (OL must do there job).

Lastly, I don’t think we can afford Price even if he and Drew are the best of buddies.

And my this Blog live forvever and grow stronger.

Or should I say CAVEAT EMPTOR? LOL!

Rafael,

JJ Taylor was saying on Norm Hitzges’ show today that Price is in Miami today (after visiting New England yesterday), will fly into Dallas tonight, and will meet with the Cowboys tomorrow. Note that this is the last of his planned visits. That usually indicates that the player has the most interest in that last team visited.

As for Price’s eye injury, you have it right. How much does it affect him now, and is there a major risk that it could drastically impact the length of his NFL career? Those questions must be addressed and factored into any contract offer.

I’m sure the Cowboys and every other team which has interest in Price will question his doctors and ex-coaches about this matter, and act (or not act) according to how they assess the risk/reward factors that are raised.

How does Price make sense? Hasn’t BP said the 4/5 reciever needs to play special teams?? Does this mean that with Price Dallas dumps Morgan – who likely gets dumped anyway – and put Crayton at 4th reciever because he is one year since being a practise squad guy and a FA pickup?? Is Crayton an ‘unknown’ in BP’s head as he hasn’t seen him do stuff in the reg season for an extended period.

Alan,

I think Price gets a lot of kick return duties, something I haven’t seen Morgan do this preseason. Crayton will get playing time simply because he’s making plays. That’s always been Parcells philosophy that the producers make plays and from what I’ve seen, that’s how he handles it. If Crayton keeps getting open and catching balls, he’ll play. From the week or practice I saw, he was the second best WR on the team after Glenn.

After listening to B.P. press conference yesterday…..well lets just
say he didn’t sound all that fired about getting PP. As a third W.O.
he is probably going to have to play some special teams i don’t
know if he’s up for that.New England has had a rash of injuries
at the W.O. position so i don’t know if they are a good Barometer
in this situation.I think the cowboys need a guy with great speed
doesn’t have to be an all around great wideout just a guy to get
deep and stretch the D .

AlanTDot,

I see Price coming in as the #4 receiver (if he comes in at all), at least initially. That is because he is behind every other receiver on our roster in knowledge of our system. What would happen then would depend entirely on him. He might supplant Crayton (or even Glenn) within a week or two, or he might never advance beyond #4.

Yes, Morgan would get dumped. He might not be, otherwise, since we currently have no other real veteran on the team behind Johnson and Glenn, with Glenn being injury-prone, and both being up there in age.

That would leave the #5 receiver as a fight between Copper and Crowder — assuming we only keep 5. My impression is that Copper is currently ahead of Crowder, although tonight’s game could change that, even if I am correct.

The whole thing depends on the money required – how much cap room is left? It also seems to me that history shows that key and glenn will need relief at some point in the season (injury, etc.). The big question is does price have an attitude like aron glenn – meaning will he come in and want to contribute to the success of the team rather than just himself?

Talisen:
Money isn’t a problem, as far as I remember the Cowboys have room, I heard that before the rookies signed their contracts the Cowboys had their rookie pool and like 8 mill of free space, so there’s room for 2 big contracts and probably one minor. But I don’t see that happening, I only see one medium level contract which is the one of Price, if he signs a 1 year deal, look up for a 1-2 mill deal; else if he signs a 3-4 year deal, then a 5-10 mill would be the case. In either case is a low budget deal, with no repercusions to the future.
And I wouldn’t consider the eye problem as a real problem in the present, otherwise a team like the Pats wouldn’t had dialed him, teams commonly have contacts between medical crews, they’ve no secrets in waived players, when talking about tradeable players, well, that’s another story…

A 4 wide and 2 TE set? Imagine the possibilities of having Price.

We line up w/ 2 TE’s, our offensive line overpowers the other team while we run it down their throats, or do we suddenly throw it to Witten on an out route?

We line up in a 3 receiver set. 3rd and 5. Do they double team KJ and leave Glenn and Price man to man? 3rd and 11. Can they cover all the speed of Glenn, Price, and Crayton? Or, do we suddenly run the ball on a draw play to JJ?

Crayton spells KJ occasionally. Price spells Glenn occasionally. We don’t lose our offense if someone gets hurt.

A receiver rotation to rival our D-line (well, almost)!

Big Jim:
I would also imagine this scheme:
4 wides on the left side KJ and Glenn/Crayton, and right Witten and Price/Crayton, that way you have the combination of speedsters, catchers and great blockers on both sides (KJ and Witten).

My main concern with the signing of Price would be Crayton’s development. He has shown all the tools needed to one day be our #1 or #2 receiver, and if he is dropped down to the role of 4th receiver, he will not get as many game reps, and will lose a great development opportunity. Do you think this is a justifiable concern?

Off topic-I hope the crowd at the staduim tonight gives Marcelous Wiley a nice warm welcome while he steals paychecks from the Jags this year.

Can’t wait to see if the MJones hype is forreal.

Sab
Your concern is correct. Look no further then the development of AB he started his rookie year then was dropped down to the 3 spot the next year. With his numbers from his rookie year the team should have gotten behind him. His blow up was due from not getting the chance to start. Crayton has earned the third spot and in a year or two should be a starter. He has the best hands on a team with Glenn and KJ that should mean something. I think he will turn into a good #2 for many years to come. He has already make a big jump from not being drafted to the #3 spot.

AlanTdot
I saw him in the last game I think he will do something next year. When he learns how to play WR he will be good.

AW, Sab,

I share your concerns regarding the progress of PCrayton. Are we holding him back if we make this deal? There is no way PPrice comes in a plays special teams beside possibly returning kicks and has he ever done that? Anybody know? So if BP wants – and rightfully so – his # 4/5 WR’s to play special teams – and I think the part he wants them to play is ST ‘coverage’ he has options at return – then who do you think will be out there trying to gun down the sideline? Price? Right.

I read in one place that the cut down to 53 must be completed by 5pm Sat, and another source said 5pm Sun.

Does anyone know the actual day and time?

personally I think crayton will still get enough touches as a #4 and he has a very different personality than cry-baby AB

AlanTdot
To get Price they would have to tell him he is at least the #3. They might tell him he would have to start at #4 but will end up as #3. why would he go to a team to be the #4 when he could start somewhere else?

Big Jim,
Apparently it has been moved to Saturday. (Spagnola on the Ranch Report)

Question: if you have 4 WR and 2 TE on the field at the same time, who will throw the ball? Unless we are going to go with 4 OL in that formation.

Price was an outstanding punt returner for the Bills in ’99 & 2000. That would suffice.

Also, he would definitely be the #3…at the expense of Crayton. But I agree with jjk that he will get plenty of touches to mitigate the development issue. Every team needs at least a 4-deep WR group. It’s when you’ve only got one or two that teams begin having issues passing. You need a min of 3 quality receivers.

Crayton doesn’t pass as quality…yet.

Does anyone know if anybody did a passable job at long snapper besides Robinson?

Fighter15
BP said Crayton has the BEST hands on the team. Crayton has earned the third spot.

May have already been said, but Len Pasquereli is reporting that Price will be Jerry Jones’ guest tonight at the game.

AT,
Don’t know how Robinson did but B.P. said Pierce is
making the team…don’t know if that helps any.

AW:
Nope he said that apart from Glenn, who catches everything, he has the best set of hands. You can look it up.

James,

Thanks. Also, I didn’t mean at the same time, but hey where is do it all Richie Anderson when you need him?

Next question. Does anyone know when the waiver period is over and practice squads can be set.

From cowboysplus

IRVING – If you happen to be a down-on-your-luck NFL receiver, there’s one place you can always turn.

Just ask Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn. Johnson talked his way out of Tampa Bay and Glenn wasn’t much of a factor in Green Bay.

But now they’re the starting receivers for the Cowboys.

And just when you thought the well had run dry, another misunderstood receiver is seeking employment.

Peerless Price, come on down!

In case you missed it, coach Bill Parcells confirmed Wednesday the Cowboys have had “discussions” with Price, the 28-year-old receiver who lit it up with quarterback Drew Bledsoe in Buffalo three years ago.

What’s become of him since?

Just ask the Atlanta Falcons, who traded a first-round draft pick to Buffalo and signed him to a seven-year contract two years ago.

He then pulled off a rather impressive disappearing act, with 109 catches for 1,413 yards and six touchdowns over two seasons.

And if any of you are still holding a roster spot for receiver Quincy Morgan, stop it right now.

He’s probably already gone, but Price’s arrival would seal the deal.

For those scoring at home, it’s Cleveland 1, Cowboys 0 in the Antonio Bryant-for-Morgan swap.

Chandus
that still means he has better hands than old KJ.

Game is on WB channel here in San Antonio(TV) and on radio stations KTSA 550 AM and KCOR 1350 AM for those who cannot watch on television……..GO COWBOYS!!!

Man, that damn BRYANT trade…

We screwed up when we passed on MOSS, and then over-reacted by giving away 2 first round picks to get Galloway- dud. (I think we could have gotten Shaun Alexander and Pedington for those picks.)

NOW that it’s OBVIOUS to anyone with a brain that we screwed up running Bryant off (TOLD YA SO), we’re gonna OVER REACT again by signing a blind WR whose already disappointed one NFL franchise, and after they paid him big money, too.

If we sign this guy, we’re gonna regret it. And it may even affect us getting a stud WR in next years draft. He won’t be the waste of money Eddie George was, but it’ll be damn close.

Unless it’s a one year deal for MINIMUM money, we should stay away.

PASS ON PRICE!!!

rich
You are so right…………

Big Jim,
About Richie Anderson: Indeed. I was perplexed by his behavior vis-a-vis getting his injury fixed after last season. I’m sad he’s no longer around.

About the Waiver period and PS: I believe that once you waive a guy, the period you must wait to resign him to the PS is 24 hours. Also, claiming someone off of waivers follows the same procedure as the draft. In reverse order of last years final W-L record. That lasts until after the 3rd week of the current season, when the order is determined by current record. Double check this, as the last time I read about it was some months ago.

If Price will be the PERSONAL guest of Mr Wal-Mart at tonights game, it sounds to me like it is already a done deal. That fine with me, the guy would be an asset. I just hope that they answered the questions about his eye condition first and that he won’t steal us blind on the contract (i.e. cap problems next year and so on).

As for tonights game: Let’s get these roster spots figured out ’Boys. Good luck to all the players, no injuries from the game, and GO COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

does anyone no of a free internet radio site streaming the game it would be very aprreciated , thanks

Please enough with crybaby antonio bryant.!!!Nobody wanted your
boy! Nobody!!That is why the Cowboys settled for what they got!!!
If he was so great and just misunderstood blah blah why didn’t
anyone give even a draft pick for him?Because the guy was
a headache.You don’t think other teams saw film of him not blocking
 and giving up on routes or they just saw the highlight reel of
the catches from the giant game and said gee we can have this guy
for nothing because Bill Parcells is a moron but you know what lets
 pass and stick with our less talented guy.Thirty teams passed on
your boy!!!!Lets see what happens when B. Edwards starts playing.

There are 2 Anthony. dc.com (the official Cowboys website) and an outfit in Oklahoma City. The Okie sight will require a download of “surfer net”. Sorry, But I can’t remember their freq or call letters. The Okie outfit is OK City’s main news and sports channel.

And if we DO sign PRICE, what message does that send to CRAYTON?

I say let CRAYTON be that third receiver and let him evolve, let him play. Let’s see what he can do during the whole season- he MAY be our future at WR. (I don’t think so, but who knows?) We gotta give the kid a REAL chance. PARCELLS HAS GOTTA SHOW SOME PATIENCE and trust the players he’s got.

If Crayton doesn’t turn out, at least we’ll know where we stand- THEN let’s go get us that bad-ass WR in the DRAFT.

PRICE isn’t the answer. And JERRY’S inviting him to the game tonight? Why? Who the hell does Jerry think he is? DEON?

Rich – I agree you with on the Bryant trade and, of course, the ridiculous Galloway trade (who gives up two firsts!); but I sure hope ol peerless isn’t a blind WR since I’m still hoping we get him. Of course, if he goes to NE I hope he’s as blind as a bat within two weeks.

However, all of this does underline some of the poor personnel decisions we’ve made in the post – JJ era. Everytime you hope we’ve turned a corner with this stuff we get another Jacob Rogers, or another bust of a draft class. Oh well, things are looking better this year and hope springs eternal . . .

Rich – I agree you with on the Bryant trade and, of course, the ridiculous Galloway trade (who gives up two firsts!); but I sure hope ol peerless isn’t a blind WR since I’m still hoping we get him. Of course, if he goes to NE I hope he’s as blind as a bat within two weeks.

However, all of this does underline some of the poor personnel decisions we’ve made in the post – JJ era. Everytime you hope we’ve turned a corner with this stuff we get another Jacob Rogers, or another bust of a draft class. Oh well, things are looking better this year and hope springs eternal . . .

rich
lol But I think Crayton can be a good #2 but we do need a real #1. Crayton has came a long way from the PS last year.

James,

Thanks. Also, I didn’t mean at the same time, but hey where is do it all Richie Anderson when you need him?

Next question. Does anyone know when the waiver period is over and practice squads can be set.

Cowboy fans like BECKER, ERIC.P, and the rest of ‘em are gonna get more and more ANGRY as ANTONIO BRYANT performs better and better, both as a WR and a team player. They’re gonna realize that all that “head-case” crap was just that- crap— Blind Cowboy loyalists with their rose-colored glasses trying to justify a BAD MOVE!

I know we gotta move on, but GIVING Bryant away was a MISTAKE. We got NOTHING for him.

Bryant KNEW he wasn’t gonna get a fair shake with BILLY bringing in Keyshawn. THAT’S why he blew up and tossed his jersey. Parcells was pushing him- “My way or the highway!” —That simple, lazy, archaic type of teaching doesn’t work on everybody.

Bryant was a steal for dallas- now he’s a steal for Clevelend, and we got NOTH’N to show for it. Yeah, it upsets me too, BECKER.

Anthony,
Check that. dc.com is a pay site. I found this out much to my chagrin as I was going to listen to the game on the net.

The station in Okalahoma City is WWLS-The Sports Animal AM 640. Unfortuneately I could not find their link to download “Surfer Net”, which is their vehicle to broadcast Cowboys games over the internet as they are part of the ’Boys radio network. Last year they were putting the broadcast out over the net. Maybe the greedy NFL has shut them down?

AB will bust at Cleveland; he might have one decent year looking to get a fat FA contract(Danny Boy is dumb enough); after that he will probably make TO look like a choir boy.
Good riddance to that particular head case.
There was a REASON why he dropped in the draft.
There was a REASON why BP could only get Morgan and nothing else for him in a trade.
And that REASON will surface again.

Big Jim,
Did you read my post?

For our bubble boys tonight I got:

Reeves vs Coady
Singleton vs Ogbogu vs Thornton vs Fowler?
Vollers vs Tucker
Walter vs Noll
Copper vs Crowder
Ryan vs Curtis?

Anthony,
I just confirmed it, WWLS no longer offers live audio. Damn Mr Wal-Mart and his cronies.

Check out this article on ANTONIO BRYANT and HIS comments about his role once BRAYLON EDWARDS steps on the field.

WARNING: Cowboy fans who insist on wearing rose-colored glasses regarding the Antonio Bryant trade (if you can call it a trade) may become even more dismayed after reading this article.

http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news_room/news/arts/4503.0.html

I know he had an attitude, guys, but that head-case garbage is getting old.

Rich,
Yep that lazy sack Bill he didn’t work with lance frazier or
Torrin Tucker or Andre Gurode or Quincy C. yep he just said
its my way or the highway.And now the B.P. haters have decided
he was pushing A.B. by bringing in Key lets see can you at least
give bill credit for unloading that salary cap nightmare Galloway.
Or was that part of some grand scheme of Bills to get rid of A.B.?
Face it A.B. didn’t want block or finish his routes you know the
TEAM stuff that doesn’t show up on fantasy football stats.If it was
my way or the highway why didn’t he just cut him in June???
The bottom line is nobody wanted AB and there were reasons
for it.It wsan’t a value trade they just wanted to unload him.

Kce,
Add A-Train vs Barber if barber has a good game i think A-train
is gone.

I don’t hate Parcells- I think he’s the greatest coach in the NFL- ever. Nobody’s ever had the type of success he’s had at so many different places….

… but he SURE BLEW IT with that Bryant trade. No point arguing, though. Bryant’s gone.

You won.

But he’s gonna be great for Cleveland- And I’ll be sure to remind you of it as it happens…. won’t be long now.

It’ll be more painful for me than it is for you….

The AB article was very interesting. I will hold my observations til later.

Question? Anyone having a problem getting access to the Game thread. I was on it earlier and then I got switched to a blank screen with Server 10 at the top.

Tommy,

I wonder if sometimes it is blocked on purpose! But that is just my OPINION!

What did I do?

I have been saying this since that damn Bryant trade was made. It was the single dumbest move Parcells has made so far. Just think about how different things might have been had the Cowboys waited 2 or 3 months longer. Terry Glenn went down, and Bryant would have assumed his role. He probably would have played as well as he is now, and he would have been a real player in the rotation, and happier because of it. Now, he’s getting to show his worth and it’s paying off. No crying. No complaining. Just doing what he wanted to do, COMPETE.

Guys, we all know by now that Parcells makes his mind up about certain people, especially guys he’s had before. When Key and Terry came in, Bryant was done. Bledsoe came in, and was immediately named the starter, without shown up for a single practice. Romo and Henson became backups without the first opportunity to compete for the starting job. Same thing happened with Vinny.

I love Parcells as a coach, and I’m glad he’s with the Cowboys, but guys, he screws up just like the rest of us, and like it or not, that Bryant trade was a stinker.

No one ever doubted AB’s PHYSICAL talent. BUT
IN COLLEGE- he was a problem.
HERE- he was a problem.
IN CLEVELAND- HE WILL BE A PROBLEM FOR THEM AS WELL.
It is his destiny (evil cackle from the Emperor)

AB apologists just do not want to admit the problems he caused during his entire stay here. They have been documented from MANY sources.
Remember all the stuff that came out from his TEAMMATES after he was traded. WHO DEFENDED HIM? NOT ONE OF HIS TEAMMATES. THAT tells the REAL story.

Mike Fisher of TheRanchReport.com is reporting that the chances of Peerless Price becoming a Dallas Cowboy are very good. Fisher states, according to a source he considers generally reliable, “…I choose to… believe him when he whispers that the Cowboys think they have a deal with Price, one that can only implode if New England, Miami or Philly comes in and blows Dallas’ offer out of the water.” Price could be a good complement to our current receiving corps; Glenn, Johnson, Crayton, and Price would be excellent. Of course, the signing of Price would possibly end Quincy Morgan’s tenure in Dallas, but Morgan has been very inconsistent as a receiver in the preseason-and throughout his career.
Further, Fisher’s source is telling him that Drew Henson’s days as a Cowboy are numbered. Parcells is looking for a veteran backup and Henson will shortly be out the door. Of course, with respect to the Henson situation, this is just the opposite of what Jerry Jones has been saying recently, but Jones has put up smokescreens in the past. Only time will tell if either of these rumors is true.

Burmafrd,

As far as Bryant is concerned, all we can realy go on is what’s happening right now. He’s not causing anybody problems…except opposing defenders. You’re guessing when you say that he WILL become a problem for them. He might. He might not. I’ll do some guessing myself. I’m guessing that he’s going to become a star in this league. He might be a brat, but he’ll help his team win games.

Any AB apologists need to get over it! Listen very closely.

HE WAS GOING TO BE CUT! BP was fed up with his crap, did not want the petulent child on his team. He got something for him, rather than nothing.

It was not a bad trade…it was the only trade. In the end, it provided a stop gap measure last year. A failed experiment…with Quincy.

AB was gone. BP didn’t blow it. If AB becomes a superstar, BP didn’t blow it. Now, can that be the last time the prick’s name is mentioned?

it happens alot where a player doesnt work for 1 team but explodes for another team. happens almost every year, thats all ab is. he found a system, coach, team he could play for. he couldnt play herebp got another decent receiver in here for ab, at the time it wasnt bad but morgan isnt working out, how it works.

Fighter15

You have GOT TO be kidding me. No way in hell was Bryant going to be cut. If Parcells had that in his mind, he would have done it whe he threw the jersey at him. He sent AB home to let him know that that foolishness was not going to be tolerated. AB got the message and came back and played. He was unhappy with Parcells because he wasn’t getting a chance to compete for the starting position, but he was certainly not in danger of being cut.

IT MOST CERTAINLY WAS A BAD TRADE. You need to recognize a bad deal. THIS was a bad deal, whether you like it or not. If you can’t handle an opposing opinion, stop answering when people disagree with you. Luckily enough for you, you don’t have to hear from me for a while, because I’ve got to go out, but I’m obviously not the only person who feels this way.

Antonio Bryant was unhappy in Dallas. Parcells accomodated him by trading him to Cleveland. In my opinion, he was never going to be happy, so it was the best thing that could have been done for both parties.

It is unfortunate that Quincy Morgan has not been as productive as hoped.

Rob, you need a drink (or Zanex). I never entered the debate until the end. It’s as inane as EricR’s campaign for Ellis to play OLB.

But you drone on and on about a non-issue. The SOB’s gone. Let it lie.

BP and JJ made a few statements last year about the trade, basically saying it wasn’t a player for player swap as much as it was getting something out of the deal. They were going to cut him (maybe at the end of the season), sit him, or just grin and bare it…either way, it was not a trade in the classic sense (you know win win, warm & fuzzy crap).

But you know more about it then they do…making judgements about a deal on pre-season performance.

Rob2,

That is certainly not ALL we can rely on. We can also rely on the evidence of our own eyes, that Bryant ran bad routes, often bringing an extra defender into the primary pass pattern, that Bryant had inconsistent hands while he was here, and that he acted like a child when he was not given more playing time.

Bryant was exactly where he was supposed to be, behind Johnson and Glenn, based on on-field performance. It would be difficult to look at the statistics from last year and argue otherwise. Plus, the more Bryant was given a chance last year, the less he did with it. So, they scaled back on his chances. That’s what happens when you don’t perform.

Please do not try to blame Parcells for the fact that Bryant was only the third-best receiver on the team. Bryant couldn’t handle being third. That was HIS problem.

A coach cannot tolerate a player who continually disrupts team unity, while not performing (and even misperforming) when he gets on the field. Any coach needs to be able to mold a team into the image he desires, and get rid of those players who get in the way. Can you comprehend exactly how disruptive it is, when most players are working their butts off, and are doing the very best they can with what talent they have been given, while there is one person who has talent to spare, but can only whine and complain about how unfair things are for HIM. ‘Me, me, me! It’s all about me!’

You are correct, Bryant was not released after the jersey-throwing incident. To me, that only proves that Parcells did NOT have a personal agenda against Bryant, and was willing to give a talented (if troubled) player a chance to turn things around. However, once the season started, matters only became worse. So, there is every possibility that Bryant would have been released, had the Browns not stepped forward with the trade offer.

What Bryant is doing now in Cleveland is irrelevant. He didn’t do it here when he had the chance. That’s why he’s gone. If he has managed to turn his attitude around, good for him. Often a change of scenery does wonders. We just couldn’t wait around for his epiphany, while he continued to poison the well.

If and I say if AB has turned his life around and is going to become a star in the league, then I say Parcells did him a favor. Sometimes it takes a kick in the butt to change the way we think and perform. AB may become a great star, he certainly has the talent for that. His only problem is his attitude and if that has become better because he found out that good coaches in the NFL will not put up with players with bad attittudes then great. I wish the young man well as long as they are not playing the boys. There are many side to evaluating players and that is why it is not an exact science. If it was then no mistakes would be made in getting players that fit into your scheme. Team-Players are individuals who subjugate their ability to conform to the needs of the team. AB as a cowboy did not have this ability. Those T.O. and Randy Moss lovers fail to understand it is not what they can do physically that is important. Championships are based upon 53 men setting aside their personal goals to achieve something great. People have a right to choose not to adhere to this principle and try and achieve greatness without thinking about the team, but few if any make the dream come true unless they play tennis or golf.

I’ll add my grain of salt, when Bryant made a route mistake his face wasn’t showing any expression, like it was my fault, he may have even said on the sideline that the mistake wasn’t his, but we won’t ever know that, an example of a great route runner comes with Keyshawn, he overcomes his lack of speed with one of the best route running you could find on the league, and when he makes a mistake, like in that game, where Testaverde was intercepted by Keyshawn’s fault and another pass was incompleted, I don’t remember the game, Keyshawn was in a state in which he could’ve kicked himself in the ass if he could have. In this league you can’t trust a guy that doesn’t run his routes properly.

And BTW, Braylon Edwards catched two passes fo 47 yards, my guess is that he will man the 1st WR spot by the third game. And Northcutt is the team deep threat. Everything we’re hearing comming from Cleveland staff could be a way to motivate Edwards to come through to sit Bryant. Crennel is the coach, I can believe that he inherited some of the mental aspects of Parcells game.

We shall see. I’ll be anxious to hear all of your excuses when the season is over. You’ll find some way to make an excuse for what you know to be true. WE SCREWED UP. I know you’ll never agree with me. That’s cool. I’ll never agree with you either, at least not on this issue. That’s what makes this blog fun. I don’t want everyone to agree with me on everything. I’m certainly not going to go along with an argument just because it’s what most people think. I feel like you guys are wrong on this. You disagree. We’lll never change each other’s minds son we can leave it at that, or we can continue to argue. Your call guys.

One more thing, Fighter, you say I drone on about a non-issue, yet you continue to respond, with your own droning about…THE SAME ISSUE! You want me to let it go, then YOU let it go. Telling me I need a drink or Zanex. Nice. Did that make you feel better?

Then you go on to PROVE what I’ve been saying all along. YOU brouht up the fact that JJ and Bill said they knew it wasnâ€â"¢t a player for player swap as much as it was getting something out of the deal. What did they get? A guy they are looking to cut anyway. My only point is that this was a bad deal. Thanks for proving it.

Chandus, I wasn’t concerned so much with the expression on his face after he messed up. They guy obviously deals with his mistakes differently than Keyshawn. Besides, it took Keyshawn a few years to get to the place he’s at now. The same can, and probably will happen for Bryant. Keyshawn turned out to be a great pickup for us, but was a problem child for someone else.

Indeed, has everyone forgotten what Gruden did with Key his last year in Tampa?

Rob2,

I don’t see how the results of this season (or the next, or whatever) will change the fact that Bryant needed to be off this team LAST year. Bryant could turn into the next Jerry Rice, and that still won’t change.

I think your comments about Keyshawn Johnson tend to prove my point. Johnson couldn’t get along with Gruden. Whose fault was that? I think there is plenty of blame that can be apportioned to both sides of that argument. But, Johnson is doing just fine with Bill Parcells. There is no way that Johnson could have stayed with the Bucs. Bridges were burned. The same thing happened here with Bryant.

It happens. A new coach comes in, and the rapport that a ‘star’ might have built up with the old regime has to be completely rebuilt. Some times it just doesn’t happen, for whatever reason. The same thing happens every day out here in the real world. Your old boss thinks you hung the sun, the moon and most of the stars. He gets replaced, and the new guy doesn’t know you from squat, and you have to start all over again in his eyes. If your personalities don’t mesh or you happen to screw up on his watch, you could be in trouble. So, whose fault is that?

You’re right about one thing Mr. Bill, bridges were burned. It does happen. It doesn’t mean that this was a good trade. I really don’t think people are listening to what I’m saying. I think a lot of you guys are hearing what you want to hear. Let me ask you something. If I offered to trade you my five dollar bill for your ten, would you take it? I’m betting you wouldn’t, but hey, you’d be getting something in return. That’s how I see this trade. We gave up someone more valuable for someone less valuable. It’s just that simple. Anytime you do that….you have made a bad move. Justify it any way you want. A bad move is a bad move.

You are also right about where the fault lies. I never said Bryant was a model citizen. I just wish we had dealt with him the way Philly is dealing with TO. Make him play for us, or no one. The way this thing shook out, we got basically nothing while Cleveland gets a star in the making. If we had waited a little longer, things might have been very different. We probably could have gotten something for him now, and if not, we still have a very god receiver at a time when we could use one. Caryton’s emergence notwithstanding, Bryant would have played well for us, pised off or not.

That should have said “pissed” off or not. Sorry, you guys know these big paws by now.

Price is now a Dallas Cowboy.