Forced Experimentation

At first glance, losing Nguyen for a game against the likes of T.O., McNabb, and Westbrook sounds pretty devastating. But then again, it might give some of the younger players a chance to step up. We might be graced with a breakout performance by Shanle, Fowler, or even James for that matter. It also gives Ware an opportunity to prove that he knows what he is doing out there. I’ll admit, living in CT i haven’t gotten to see ANY of the games yet this year (Except for the Redskins game, but the last few minutes occured WAY past my bedtime, so I missed that), but it sounds like Ware is still relying on guys like Nguyen too much for support. If he knows he’s THE GUY that our defense is relying on at the LB position, he might just step his game up. At least I’m hoping this is the case.

And as a side note: This would be the perfect situation for our special teams to score some points on a long kickoff or punt return. I want to see TT really bust out into the open and show off some of that speed he’s got (I might start refering to TT as Audi if he starts to shine).

On the other hand, the loss of Nguyen (though he’s only questionable, he probably won’t play a majority of the time—from what I’ve read, BP might want to rest him a little) could be a HUGE BLOW to a defense that needs a perfect performance this week. That Eagles offense is spectacular (in a “I’m a diehard Cowboys fan that hates the Eagles but is impressed and worried” sort of way) and we cannot afford to make ANY mistakes. The loss of a vet like Dat would mean even less experience on the field, and therefore a higher liklihood of mistakes occuring.

Another worry I have, but shall be discussed later in the week, is that Eagles secondary v. our recievers. We may have a lot of options, but they have a lot of pro-bowl quality players. But we shall see

GO BOYS!!!!

Anyone think Reid is dumb enough to open with an onsides kick? :lol:

Reid’s done it twice before, in ‘00 and ’03. He likes rubbing it
into Dallas and he’s been able to do it most of the time. I
wouldn’t put it past him.

Losing Dat would be bad. He has the best nose for the ball of everyone on defense. If Dat misses any downs, then Roy will likely be forced to play closer to the line of scrimmage on potential running plays, leaving a coverage gap in the middle of the field. That would leave our DBs more on an island, and the Eagles have the best passing attack in the NFC.

Yep that opening game onsides kick has been a trademark of Ried against us…..love to see Ware grab it and rumble in for 6!

http://cowboystherapy.blogspot.com/

Ya know as crazy and simple as it seems,I think this team needs some serious “rah,rah” type guys.It needs some players to step up into the leadership roles….the kind where before the opening kickoff that fires the team up in a huddle into a frenzy and gets everyone excited!i know that’s already going on to some extent but IMO we need more!Let’s get em fired up!

Ya know we can listen to BP blame the rookies and resign himself to losses,but I have to tell.We have some piss poor coaching so far!We are lucky to be 2-2!Other teams rookies seem to know who to block,what their roles are in schemes,where to run,what their roles are but ours don’t!And if ya really want to see something scarey check this out http://cowboys.mostvaluablenetwork.com/ if we keep this scheme McNabb is gonna have a feild day!Come on Coaches give them the tools and expertise to win!(article is called “Blitz,what blitz?”)

Without Dat this game becomes a ESPN highlight reel for Westbrook.

This isn’t looking good……..

Here’s an interesting sidelight on the Nguyen situation.

In an article in today’s DMN, Nguyen’s agent is quoted as saying that Dat will be sidelined indefinitely. This, after the agent had discussed the situation with Dat last night. Yet, in today’s press conference, Parcells stated that there was no structural damage, he hadn’t heard a word about what Nguyen’s agent had said, and Parcells expected Dat to practice today, and they would ‘see how it goes’.

I just wished they hadn’t of waited till Friday before the game to decide this(his agent and Dat)…..if it’s true(i read the article) wish we had a few days to get Shanle more up to speed since he was basically just playing the nickle……and why doesn’t BP know anything?ODD……bears watching.

just saw interesting statistics in spgnola’s column

antonio bryant: 15 rec. 172 0 td’s

patrick crayton: 12 rec. 196 2 td’s

dont mean to start another antonio bryant discussion, just thought it was interesting

You can compare crayton numbers to AB they didn’t get traded for each other. They have nothing to do with each other. Look at Morgan numbers 1 catch 9 yards. if you are going to compare some numbers.

Sharkz,

… and why doesnâ€â"¢t BP know anything?ODD …

I seriously doubt that Parcells converses on a regular basis with players’ agents. He probably hasn’t had an occasion to talk to Nguyen since the tests were administered. That will happen before today’s practice.

As for the difference of opinion, Parcells has seen all the medical reports, and sees no structural damage, but, it’s not his neck. If the injury causes Nguyen to play tentatively, he will not be effective.

Parcells has shown that he will not play someone who is not confident in his ability to play with a particular injury. He will watch how Nguyen approaches today’s practice and make his decision accordingly.

i was not comparing the two in that way i was just saying that we found another reciever who seems more than capable of replacing AB’s production, to hell with morgan, that was a bad trade and there is no way to defend it otherwise

off topic, does it seem to anybody else that when moose johnston calls cowboy games that he may go out of his way to show that he is not biased at all towards the ’boys, just seems a little over critical of some things and is quick to praise the opposing team, or his pride could just be hurt because of how poorly things go sometimes

Mr. Bill……He made those comments AFTER the tests……lol….

jeff24,

Don’t you think that Bryant would be happy here in the same situation as Peerless Price (as the inactive #4 receiver)?

In my opinion, we received what we sent in that trade — zippo for zippo. If we had kept Bryant, he would either be inactive every week or been cut. Either way he would be watching the games from the same vantage point we have been. At least in Cleveland he’s getting to play.

To be fair here, Cleveland has only played 3 games to the Cowboys 4.

It is also interesting that, in those 3 games, Bryant started the first one (with Edwards), Edwards and Northcutt started the second, and in the third, the Browns started in a 2-TE set, with Edwards as their lone receiver. So Bryant is having to share his playing time. It has also been noted in the press, that Bryant has dropped a key pass, and been penalized for taunting. TICK! TICK! TICK!

But rest assured we will have a definative answer soon,ya know BP hates devulging anything(especially injuries)

The loss of Dat would be big, esp with James slow as hell. Shanle would have to cover Westbrook all day. He’s the only one I trust with that for our ILB. Westbrook is probably going to kill us all day. We have to stop the screen, we can’t let one go 40 yards. We have to stop the conservative offense this week if we want a chance at winning.

- I think we need to run ALOT of nickel on Sunday. Westbrook isnt that good a runner, he’s fast but hes not LT or Portis type level. I would like to see two packages, Ellis-Fergunson-Spears-Ware and Canty-Ratliff-Glover-Coleman as the other. You can mix and match, but those would stop the run effectively and get a pass rush. If Dat doesnt play then I would put Shanle and either Fujuita or Burnett at LB’s. Aarol Glenn can come in the nickel and help stop McNabb. TO will be held in check on Sunday, Henry is physical.

Think of this blitz pacakage on McNabb- Canty, Ratliff, Glover, Coleman, Ware, Roy. We still cover 3 and drop 2 so we should contain the pass.

good points, nice to have someone talk back to you without trying to make u an idiot

Sharkz,

I’m not sure which ‘he’ you are referring to, but I am well aware that both Nguyen’s agent’s and Parcells’ comments were made after the tests. What is not known is whether Nguyen had seen the results of the test prior to his conversation with his agent. As anyone who has taken any medical tests will know, the patient is not always the first to be informed of the results.

As I said, the tests might have shown no structural damage to Nguyen’s neck, but that does not take away the pain, or allow Dat to play with complete confidence.

No, Jeff, I do’nt notice biased comments. The fact that you view his comments as unbiased, proves he’s unbiased and a professional announcer. I think you’re viewing him through a biased filter.
Personally, I think he’s a bit rah-rah pro-Cowboys when he calls their games. But just a bit, and if he does know more about the Cowboys, it’s because he’s played with a handful of those guys.
In fact, he left the booth one game to hug Emmitt when he broke the record. He was on the field for the triplet’s induction.

Of Aikman and Johnston, Johnston seems to still wear the colors, and Aikman is TOTALLY unbiased, like he never played for Dallas. I never warmed up to him and was never a huge fan. he has zero personality, and zero personal charisma. He’s warm and fun like a string of bass.

Basic question – in this iteration of the Cowboys, what is their standard nickel line up? 4 down linemen? 3-3-5? 2-4-5?
Could a nickel base package provide Roy the ability to mirror Westbrook?

Hey Jeff, Mosse does a great job of not acting like Joe the dip -- Theisman. I do not understand how Joe T. can be in broadcasting the guy just plain sucks. I see Moose as trying to not be to pro Cowboys, which is good if he wants to stay in the broadcasting business. He still is a Cowboy though!
As far as Dat being possibly out, yea it sucks but maybe we need to go back to the 4-3 just for this game. I would really like to see how our d-line would do in a 4-3 a full game. Dat will be missed no doubt but that is football and we have to over come that as a team. Someone metnioned earlier that we need to add some itenstity, I AGREE. Remember Gants. We need to be a little more fired up in the begiining of games, and carry it through the whole game. I thought youth would bring that to the team but I havent seen it yet.

Mr. Bill
AB has started all three.

moose, mosse LOL

Who thinks we will win this game?

I like to think positive an I love the Boys but I just dont think we are there yet. We win in Philly!

“WE WILL WIN THE BALL GAME….”

Cowboys 24, Eagles 21

Go Cortez!!!!

David-CT

Where in Connecticut do you live? I live in Pawcatuck, CT near Westerly. RI. Was born in Dallas, love the Cowboys and have NFL ticket. You are welcome anytime.

I am looking foward to the game with the Eagles, because it will be a good indicator of the progress made in improving this team. I’m looking for us to compete as we have in each of the first four games, and hoping for a huge home win.

DanG

Guys if we want to be realistic about a victory on sunday afternoon, we have to do 2 things: 1. Create as many turnovers as possible, at least three, in any form. 2. We have to establish the running game with jj early in the game. This will set up the tempo so that later in the game cowboys can excute in play-action to Glenn, and hopefully Price. Those are my two cents!! I do believe Cortez once again will win or lose this game. Thoughts?

So far the Cowboys have played to the level of their competition,so hopefully we will see them rise up and compete well!I’m thinking they will and should be a great game!I’d love to win this one! GO COWBOYS!!!!

We will win and I’m flying down from Philadelphia to cheer for the Cowboys. Although I live outside Philly my son and I are Cowboy fans. We will be there. Go Boys!

Man if we can keep this close I will be very happy. We need to be within 6-8 points at the half. Then I think we let Campbell rock Trotter a few times in the second half and JJ runs for 115 and 2 td’s

Now the DMN is quoting Dat Nguyen saying that he thinks he can play Sunday.

http://www.cowboysplus.com/topstorync/stories/100705codatupdate.ceb12e9b.html

AW,

AB has started all three.

I am going by what the ‘gamebooks’ at NFL.com say. I have not watched any of Cleveland’s games, and it’s not as though those ‘gamebooks’ are never wrong, but they say what they say.

Joey2zs,

Basic question – in this iteration of the Cowboys, what is their standard nickel line up? 4 down linemen? 3-3-5? 2-4-5?

We have been going to a 4-2-5 when we play the nickel.

Lately, James, Singleton, and Davis have been going out, with Shanle, A. Glenn, and Pile coming in. Ware moves up and plays the 4th down linemen. Other line switches are also usually made. Ware, Glover, and Ellis are usually 3 of the linemen, with either Canty or Spears as the 4th. Newman moves into the slot, with Glenn and Henry playing the outside receivers.

Could a nickel base package provide Roy the ability to mirror Westbrook?

It depends on what Westbrook does. The Eagles often put Westbrook in the slot, or even split out wide. In either of those cases, I want a CB on him, not Williams. If Westbrook comes out of a standard backfield set, Williams could pick him up. I would rather it were Williams, in that case, than one of the linebackers. Either Williams or Pile. I could see us playing Pile deep, with Williams in position to either blitz of take on Westbrook out of the backfield.

You have to admit that even though our cowboys sit at 2-2, with a couple of different coaching moves they could have been sitting at a 4-0 mark. Who would have thought on the day that we enshrine the triplets in the ring of honor we would lose to the hated redskins? Let alone lose to the SAME play twice on the same side? Exactly, now on another note you go with anthony thomas, a bigger stronger more experienced back in the backfield against oakland and maybe drew bledsoes’ jersey is a little cleaner in the forth quater, and last time I checked, the whole reason why we brought him to dallas was for the short yardage pummeling forth type runs which we couldn’t execute in oakland! Once again, coaching, its’ going to have to get better. That and everyone is pumping up ware, I think he is an amazing athlete, but these penalties hurt the team more than most thing, offsides is really just a thought process, can you hold it for just a second and keep your mind in the game, or are you basically terrel suggs at arizona state?

Hi Everybody!

Just pound McNabb. You may give up points early, and Oiler Troll does not advocate anything cheap, but the man is hurting and vulnerable.

And Oiler Troll thinks he saw a commercial in which some former pro-coach tells his neighbor that to win, praying wouldn’t hurt – do that, too.

And as soon as Cowboys Blog starts printing up “Jose Cortez: One tough…placekicker” T-shirts, Oiler Troll wants one.

Beat Philly.

OT

Joey 2zs,

Base 4-2-5 of late

Linemen — Ellis, Spears, Glover, Canty (Ratliff also got some reps in this scheme last week and split a sack. )

LB — Shanle, Nguyen (not sure who would spell Dat if he’s hurt. I’m still eager to see Burnett get some playing time, any playing time.)

CB — Glenn, Newman, Henry (Glenn plays the left, Henry the right and Newman in the slot, which makes for good matchups if Philly puts T.O. or Westbrook on the slot.

SS — Roy
FS — Pile

I’ve working on the preview and I’ve got a hunch that I’ll include here. Consider these pieces of circumstantial evidence:

1. Philly right now has a wildly unbalanced 3-1 pass/run ratio in ALL their games. The only game where they were close to 50/50 was the blowout over the Niners and they still went about 55/45 pass;

2. Against the Niners, Dallas went, briefly, into a package with 4 linemen, the three corners and Roy lining up with Shanle and Dat, giving Dallas a 4-3-4 look with the back four being three CBs and only Pile playing deep middle.

Given how little the Eagles are running the ball these days and how much Roy plays like a LB (and how much they’ll probably need him near the line for blitzing) my hunch is that Dallas will unveil this package as their BASE defense this Sunday.

whoops.

Left Ware out of the line. He’s the right end, and Glover and Canty play inside, thought Spears has started to rotate inside as well.

Rafael,

I was worried about my eyesight there, for a moment. :)

The Cowboys had been using Spears a lot in the nickel, but, I believe they mostly rotated Canty, Ratliff and Glover for the Raiders game, with Spears only getting in as a replacement for Coleman in the base (3-4) defense. I suspect that was only because they dressed Ratliff and wanted to get him his reps at nickel. I think Parcells said they had expected the Raiders to pass more, which was why he dressed Ratliff. I wonder if Ratliff will be active against the Eagles, for the same reason.

I noticed that on at least one occasion the Cowboys substituted something like 7 players when going from standard to nickel. It looked like a rush-hour scene. I’ve never seen gridlock on a football field before.

Mr. Bill,

They will have to use nickel a lot. Westbrook doesn’t have a 20 carry game yet this year. Not even close. This is a pass first, second and third team. It’s wierd, but nobody can argue with their effectiveness. If Dallas is dumb enough to come out in a base 3-4, Andy Reid will put seven up so fast it will make everyone’s head spin. They’ve got A LOT of matchup advantages against our base.

Reid specifically mentioned this week about running more. I think it’s a smoke screen because, as Rafael said, they are a 75% pass team. I’d like to see a new defense scheme that the Eagles haven’t seen before. It could be an advantage.

Pus, one of the Eagles players called out his teammates about not being in shape. I think that the Dallas depth on defense could also work to an advantage IF THEY EXECUTE.

I believe Dallas’ deffense has to come out blitzing like crazy, hope R Williams gets a pretty good hit McNabb’s ribs and let’s see what he does from there.
The offense has to execute when they blitz, we have to get the ball to Terry Glenn when they blitz and make them pay…once that’s taken care off run Julius and Tyson and win this freaking game.
I dont think conservative playcalling will win against this eagles team, they’re just too good.

I agree on the playcalling ManTab……conservative playcalling is a double edged sword.Although it can keep the score close by limiting mistakes(turnovers) it can also cause you to get beat quick with the other team scoring suddenly at the end.Just imagine how painful it has to be for McNabb to have to throw AGAINST his body,let’s push him out of the pocket! GO COWBOYS!

Jose Cortez time and time again has made stupid mistakes. Sure he won the game last week; if he kicks well, the Cowboys win. When he sucks, they suck. Jose Cortez is a rip-off. A no-talent butt-clown who needs to be replaced. Besides having Jerry Jones as the owner, Cortez was a sorry acqusition to the team. Simply put Jose Cortez sucks. Bring back somebody like Cundiff, but healthy, and let’s see our Boys really win. I want to see TRUE wins. Not these nail-biters that come down to a sorry should-be-playing-soccer as a kicker. That’s my two cents. Throw in what you will. I’m sure a lot will side with me on Cortez.