Overtime Loss Underlines Dallas' Strengths and Weaknesses
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 3:03 PM CST
in Dallas Cowboys Games
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PrintThe overtime 24-21 loss to Denver Thursday offered Dallas the chance to measure itself against one of the NFL's elite. It showed Dallas matched up very well. The defensive line is already a joy to watch and it spent the last 20 minutes of the game overwhelming Denver's line. The seemingly flawless Jake Plummer was exposed as a QB who will serve up interceptions when you press him. The Dallas offense showed it can move against a pressure defense, answering three Denver leads with tying touchdown drives.
On the other hand, the game probably revealed the limits of the '05 team, as Dallas has four glaring areas of need, two on each side of the ball, that will probably end this season short of the Super Bowl.
Defense: nine strong and two missing.
The defense turned in a very impressive line Thusday. Denver had eleven possessions in regulation. Two were methodical touchdown drives, one in each half. Remarkably, Denver did nothing with its nine remaining possessions. Absolutely nothing. Six were three and outs. Two were four and outs, where a first-down-producing pass was followed by a three weak plays. The ninth was a one play drive where Plummer was baited by Terence Newman into throwing a deep interception.
The secondary played superbly, in spite of missing RCB Anthony Henry. The Broncos made backup Aaron Glenn one of their targets, yet failed to abuse him. Here is his line for the day:
Among those eight passes were four long bombs. None of them were completed.
Shanahan was wary of throwing right at LCB Terence Newman, with good cause:
Dallas, with Glenn and Jacques Reeves getting extensive playing time, took the Broncos receivers out of the game. Denver's wideouts caught only six passes and just one for more than ten yards. They might have performed more poorly had Henry been healthy.
Denver moved the ball aerially in two ways. The first was in the deep middle, against safeties Keith Davis and Roy Williams. Tight end Jeb Putzier got 23 yards on Denver's first TD drive when Davis was slow to close on him. He got a key 20 yards on a third and seven play early in the third when Williams was picked by a criss-crossing Broncos receiver. He also got fourteen on a first down cross on Williams that the SS just missed tipping away. Safety coverage has been an issue all year and would benefit from some more speed and recognition skills at the free position. However, these are not the types of plays that beat a team.
The one position that Denver exposed consistently was the left outside linebacker. The Broncos managed only eighteen runs in regulation and shied away from the middle of the Cowboys front, choosing to attack the left and right perimeters. Shanahan called most of his plays to his left at Demarcus Ware. Ware held his end. Denver's big plays came on the few times they ran right:
Denver also threw three passes at LOLB's Scott Fujita and Kevin Burnett for 24 yards. Dallas furiously rotated the two, hoping to find some consistency, but neither could close off his side. Denver targeted Fujita for early passes. One, a 13 yard shallow cross to Mike Anderson, kept Denver's first TD drive alive. On Denver's second half TD drive Burnett got a chance but was lost in space. He gave up contain on a Plummer bootleg that let the QB get ten yards and a first down. On another third down Burnett lost track of TE Putzier, who gained eight yards and another first down. On Ron Dayne's 16 yard TD run Denver ran a counter play at Burnett. Burnett dove inside Kyle Johnson, allowing the Denver fullback to hook him inside. Dayne ran around the exposed end untouched for a score.
LOLB has been a weakness all year and has become worse since Al Singleton was lost to injury. Fujita and Burnett's poor play might explain the Cowboys' signing of former Giants LB Michael Barrow today.
The perimeter weakness also undid the strong play of the Cowboys' linemen. Jason Ferguson was a nuisance, stuffing the Broncos center and guards and pushing all runs wide. Chris Canty was unstoppable on runs and on passing downs. He and Ware prevented Denver from getting any push on runs to their side. Canty abused left guard Ben Hamilton. He drew a holding penalty that ended on Denver drive in the third quarter. Later, Canty's pressure forced an errant throw that Newman dropped at the Denver 30. In the first half, he and Greg Ellis combined on a stunt that resulted in an Ellis sack. Dallas also had a mismatch at right tackle, where Ellis got the better of George Foster.
Dallas had Denver measured, and if they had a bookend to Demarcus Ware, they could have shut the Broncos down completely. I've been predicting the Cowboys will draft an OLB in the first round next April, and this game only intensifies that belief. One more big playmaker outside would take this defense from good to nasty.
Offense: understudies underwhelm
Two huge offensive mistakes linger in the mind. The first was Drew Bledsoe's inexplicable first quarter interception, where he overthrew an open Dan Campbell on an easy five yard out. The other was Billy Cundiff's 33 yard miss of a field goal that would have given Dallas the lead with five minutes remaining in the game.
The play calling, as it does after every loss, also drew scrutiny, in particular the hitch pass thrown to Terry Glenn on a 3rd and one on Dallas' last possession. That was a poor call, but critics should look at the overall game plan, which was the Cowboys' most aggressive since the blowout win over Philadelphia. The Cowboys attacked from the beginning, throwing on nine of their first eleven offensive plays. Dallas moved the ball but was undone by two drops and the Bledsoe interception.
Sean Payton set up CB Champ Bailey with some hitch passes and then torched him when Bledsoe faked a hitch and snuck Keyshawn Johnson behind him for a TD. Dallas ran a new rollout-throwback pass to Terry Glenn that worked for 38 yards. The first half ratio of passes to runs was 60:40.
There was even good news on the pass blocking front, as Torrin Tucker had his best day. Dallas turned him loose Thursday, offering almost no back and tight end help. And Tucker responsed; by my count he was only beaten once all day. Denver did get to Bledsoe a few times but needed heavy blitzes to faze him.
Dallas' offensive troubles can be summed up in three simple words -- backside run blocking. The running game stumbled against the league's second-ranked run defense. The Broncos' linebacking corps is probably the best Dallas has faced all year. They're fast, smart and hard to block. They play in an agressive scheme that has them moving a lot just before the snap, making them harder for linemen to locate and reach. The Denver linemen also slant and loop a lot, using their speed to overcome their lack of size.
That speed tripped up the Cowboys linemen. In the first half, Broncos linemen caught several running plays from the backside on run blitzes. On one notable play, Dallas ran the counter play it had used so effectively against Arizona and Detroit, with center Al Johnson and Larry Allen pulling left to lead Julius Jones. Denver's weakside backer D.J. Williams raced through the hole created when Johnson pulled and caught Jones for no gain.
These plays are to be expected against a good front. But they were not the sole reason the running game sputtered. As is the case with the FS and SOLB positions, this game exposed weaknesses at fullback and tight end that Dallas cannot resolve this season.
Several Cowboys runs failed because the lead blockers and backside blockers for Julius Jones and Marion Barber failed to do the job. FB Lousaka Polite and TE Jason Witten were the most frequent culprits. Polite's whiffs denied Dallas several long runs. An example came in the second quarter. The Cowboys were facing a second and twelve from their own one after a stellar Denver punt. Dallas called a stretch play left from a two-TE, I set. All of the Dallas linemen and the tight ends locked up their men and a huge seam developed between LG Larry Allen and C Al Johnson. The Broncos' safety was set deep, fifteen yards beyond the line of scrimmage. The play would turn on the duel between Polite and Denver MLB Al Wilson. If Polite blocked Wilson, Julius Jones had room for a first down. Polite was beaten to the hole by Wilson, who shed him and dropped Jones after a one yard gain.
In the third quarter, Dallas called a draw for Jones on third and seven. Polite led Jones through the hole and shoved LB Ian Gold enough to spring Jones free for eight yards and a first down. Polite's block did just the bare minimum but no more. Gold was therefore able to herd Jones towards the sideline and out of bounds. Had Polite cut Gold, or locked him up, Jones would have had an open corner and a chance to make a much longer run. Polite clearly lacks the speed and bulk to be a quality fullback. He's regularly beaten to the hole and lacks the ballast to stand defenders up.
Polite had company in his infamy. Witten had backside responsibility on Denver ends for much of the day and failed to cut them. Far too often, they slashed across his face and were able to dive and trip up the Dallas runners after one and two yard gains, when the frontside blocking was strong. I gave Witten poor marks after the Raiders loss and saw the same inconsistent blocking Thursday. Sadly, Witten's bad blocks helped undo his season-best receiving day.
The final backside failure came on the second and two play from the Denver 49 at the two minute warning. This time, RT Rob Petitti whiffed on a slanting Courtney Brown. Brown dropped Julius Jones by the ankles for no gain. This consistent failure to convert simple running plays factored into Payton's decision to pass on the next play.
The question, which I asked after the Raiders loss, is what to do? Witten is too valuable to take out of the lineup. Dan Campbell is a steady blocker, but he seems to have lost the step he never had after last year's foot injury. He's stiff and has average hands at best. His presence in the lineup compromises the passing game. It has not been mentioned as a top priority for the '06 offseason, but add a quality tight end to the wish list.
The bigger need, perhaps the biggest on the offensive side of the ball, is fullback. The Cowboys short yardage and goalling rush has all but disappeared since the bye, and it was not that strong before. DE Marcus Spears' play as goalline FB tells you everything you need to know about Polite's blocking skills.
Lost in the dreck was a promising game by Al Johnson. The young center had his best day run blocking, handling Denver's slant nose tackles with regularity. On a couple of plays he turned and pancaked Broncos' NTs. This after he injured his knee in pregame warmups. Bill Parcells mentioned that Johnson will probably need a minor scope procedure but is expected to play against the Giants. He and Torrin Tucker show signs of life after slow starts to their Cowboys careers.
On the whole, the team showed that it will soon belong among the league's elite. Bill Parcells wanted to build a defense that could line up and physically overpower opponents. He's close to completing the job, as top offenses like the Giants, Seahawks and now the Broncos have learned. The offense continues to stubbornly pursue a power running attack and has found two quality backs for its trouble. It also may have found keepers in Tucker, Johnson and Petitti. However, those four holes, two on the offense and two on the defense, mean that the glory everybody craves will probably have to wait until next year.
Notes: Some readers have asked if there was holding on Ron Dayne's 55 yard run on the second play of overtime. There was and there wasn't. The play was run to the left. For the only time all day, Denver got the Dallas interior linemen to overpursue on that side.
On the backside, in contrast to the Dallas linemen, RG Cooper Carlisle was able to cut Jason Ferguson and get his back turned to the play. The holding, which I'll call a loose hold, was by RT George Foster on DE Marcus Spears. Foster grabbed and held Spears' jersey, slowing his pursuit. It was not a glaring foul and being on the backside, not something the back judge was likely to see. I also don't think that Spears would have been able to catch Dayne from the backside anyway, had he been able to run free.
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Not so fast…. I think you’re already counting on the cowboys going into the playoffs. I can see this team finishing 10-6 as well as I can see it 8-8. The schedulle is extremely difficult, our offensive line can’t proetct worth a crap (nor create running lanes) and our D always melts when it counts….
That’s a very negative scenario, but it is sort of real. Our only convincing victory has been Philly at home….correct me if I am wrong..
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 5:19 PM CST reply actions
How about the glaring weakness at kicker? If the Cowboys are going to play a power running game and have a dominant defense, they need a top-of-the-line kicker.
by Lex on Nov 27, 2005 5:21 PM CST reply actions
ManTab,
I’m making no assumptions at all, except for what I think the team needs to go forwards. Bledsoe could break a leg next week and this team finish 7-9. But I think most of what they need is already on the roster.
Lex,
I’m not passing judgement on Cundiff yet. A 56 yard leg is something the Cowboys have never had. He’s had only what, two attempts? Let’s wait until he’s had a few more before we cast him off.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 5:26 PM CST reply actions
I understand your point about full back being a need, but how many good full backs are there in the league??
Seattle has one, SD has one, but does Indy? Do the Giants? For that matter does denver?
These teams have good running attacks but do not have that fullback you speak of.
also, I just want to see that FS that we drafted healthy and on the field next year, any news on his progress? Davis is a top notch special teamer, but onse he has the opposition scheming away from his strengths, he gets beat.
That was the first stunt that I recall seeing this year, Why is that?
And finally, is Canty the Starter next week? Or Next Year? it seems inevitable…..
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 5:54 PM CST reply actions
I can pinpoint the exact moment that we lost that game. Once again, Bill is trying to play for overtime. I hate it. It was 3rd and one and we throw that stupid quick pass to Glenn. We could have easily run the ball twice to get a first if need be. That would have put us in much better shape. I wouldn’t count on playoffs coming easily this year. I don’t think we can win the east either. Here’s to hope.
by J on Nov 27, 2005 5:59 PM CST reply actions
J,
That stupid quick pass to Glenn was Bledsoe’s choice to audible, cause he saw two linemen stacked over the centre and the Broncos had 9 men in the box.
The Cowboys hadn’t looked good running short yardage all game.
I don’t know why you think any coach would try to play for overtime since it usually hinges on the coin toss and I get the feeling that Parcells knows this also. Just a feeling.
Denver is a very strong team, and with a tiny bit of luck we would have not only beat them, but rolled over them by 10 points.
Somehow I think you are wrong and our Hall of Fame coach is right. You might not like him, but to say he was playing for overtime is ridiculous. IMHO.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 6:05 PM CST reply actions
jay feeley went to the billy cundiff school of kicking
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:31 PM CST reply actions
brother feeley missed it exactly the same way cundiff did
seattle got the flip which we didnt in denver
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:33 PM CST reply actions
charlie brown could kick the ball fine….
it was the snap he couldn’t count on.
by rich on Nov 27, 2005 6:34 PM CST reply actions
I hope Hasselback didn’t say were going get the ball and win the game like he did in the green bay playoff game.You know what happen then!!!!
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:35 PM CST reply actions
seattle has the same feel as cowboys
looked very predictable and giants dictating offense
watch shockey on offense
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:37 PM CST reply actions
manning, like any Q, if given time, will make the pass
dallas better live or die from blitz next week confusion and risk is better than letting young manning beat you
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:39 PM CST reply actions
Dallas will play alot of man, seattle looked like they were in zone coverage
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:42 PM CST reply actions
Seahawks are rushing 4 and getting no pressure. We will blitz 6 or 7 and rattle him
by Lou on Nov 27, 2005 6:42 PM CST reply actions
talk about adrenaline rush for giants
come back from 8 down
win it in overtime?
oh baby, I hope they are on a sugar high when we meet them next week
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:43 PM CST reply actions
It’ll be a war next week. We could win if our coaches prepare our team mentally to beat them.
We’ll not be able to afford 34 yard misses, stupid INT’s, and all those other beuties we’ve made last couple of weeks. Our running game will not be any good…
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 6:44 PM CST reply actions
mentally prepared is the key
see what magic BP can do
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:47 PM CST reply actions
I see seattle has the same half role out two yard pass as we do.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:50 PM CST reply actions
derrick
I heard those roll outs are really in style in late november
no wonder dallas has their eye on holgrem
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:52 PM CST reply actions
Holmgram probably has the same playbook as big bill, so it wouldn’t be a big change in offensive philosophy,lol
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:55 PM CST reply actions
Giants are a better team than Seattle….I still dont see anything in that Seattle team…
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 6:56 PM CST reply actions
Shawn,
if you think that Beriault is going to play SS in the NFL at 199lbs then I would like some of what you are smoking.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 6:56 PM CST reply actions
I cant wait to see what the rave play December holds if the half role two yard out pass is all the rave in November
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:57 PM CST reply actions
kiki barber went to ron dayne school of running just like denver wow!
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 6:58 PM CST reply actions
its looking more and more that the Giants are the team to beat in the NFC, if manning can cut down his mistakes.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 6:59 PM CST reply actions
The only good teams the Seahwaks have beaten are us and Atlanta, the rest is Arz twice, St louis twice, San Fran, and Houston….
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 6:59 PM CST reply actions
jay feeley, you miss this, you’ll walk back to N.Y.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 7:00 PM CST reply actions
If Jay Feely goes back to NY with the Giants, Coughlin is an idiot….even if I have no kicker for the game against Dallas….what a fuc***g idiot
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 7:02 PM CST reply actions
seattle is just going to give it to giants this is so lame
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 7:02 PM CST reply actions
wait
still lame but seattle lucky on that big pass play
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 7:03 PM CST reply actions
dallas and giants will be crying over their beer at the same bar
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 7:04 PM CST reply actions
I never heard the Seattle faithfull this loud before, WOW!!!!
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 7:04 PM CST reply actions
Man i love watching Alexander hesitate and find the hole…
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 7:04 PM CST reply actions
Lol I think we’re over our loss the Giants loss will go on for the rest of the season haha
by Lou on Nov 27, 2005 7:05 PM CST reply actions
feeley was like a bad reoccuring dream
just kept missing at least cundiff only missed once
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 7:05 PM CST reply actions
Man the NY press and fans are gonna be murder on Feely tommorrow….DALLAS back on top!!!!
by sharkz on Nov 27, 2005 7:07 PM CST reply actions
may the giants be very distracted and live in the past
story line for next week’s game will be kickers that killed the team
by linus on Nov 27, 2005 7:07 PM CST reply actions
Interesting day.
The Giants, Redskins and Bucs lose. The Panthers offense has suddenly forgotten how to score, though they pulled out out of the fire against Buffalo.
Big winners today — the Bears, who now have a game and a tie breaker in their favor for second NFC seed.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 7:08 PM CST reply actions
AlanTDot,
IMHO, the play calling has sucked. I happen to like Parcells quite a bit. I appreciate the fact that we are in all games, but where is his killer instinct. And don’t get pissed when people are critical. These forums exist for people such as myself to post observations.
by J on Nov 27, 2005 7:16 PM CST reply actions
I can’t imagine myself if it was us missing 3 field goals in OT…much worse I cannot imagine Bill Parcells or even worse, the stupid kicker facing his angry a$$ after the show…..may they suffer this one as I have had to suffer Washington, Seattle, Denver, Oakland and all of thos close wins….11 games so far, 11 cardiac finishes.
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 7:17 PM CST reply actions
Again, DALLAS IS THE BEST TEAM IN THE NFC.
Think the Giants, Seahawks, Bears and Bucs don’t have problems too?
Next week will tell all….
by rich on Nov 27, 2005 7:19 PM CST reply actions
Giants D is playing well. SA had 110 but he needed 30 carries to do it. Hassleback looked like a deer in the headlights late in the game. I think with a healthy A Henry on the field, we match up pretty well with the Giants O. If we’re not a little scared of the Giants D we should be.
by Jarhead on Nov 27, 2005 7:25 PM CST reply actions
We need Henry on the field to match up against Plaxico….Glenn will not do
by ManTab on Nov 27, 2005 7:26 PM CST reply actions
Henry comes back to shut down Plax. The thing that worries me the most about the NYG is Shockey, our LB’s cant cover him. Our O has to get back on track. Score 20+ we win.
by Lou on Nov 27, 2005 7:29 PM CST reply actions
J,
I’m not pissed, I’m just saying I don’t agree that BParcells was playing for overtime. It wasn’t his call, Bledsoe saw 9 in the box, they hadn’t run well all game…..
I am all for diferent opinions, I just happen to think yours is poorly informed and I pointed that out.
That is another reason forums like this exist.
Feel free to disagree and tell me why you think I’m wrong, but don’t tell me I’m intolerant…….
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 7:29 PM CST reply actions
Lou,
last game we put TNewman on Shockey and shut him down untill the Fourth Quarter when we put out LB’s and SS on him and he went for Six…..
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 7:32 PM CST reply actions
Michael Irvin charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia in Plano Texas….
I wonder if this hurts his HOF chances.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 7:38 PM CST reply actions
AlanTdot,
Only if the Hall people want to admit being hypocritical. Remember, the very open case for Lawrence Taylor was based on the idea that his performance on the field should be the only metric.
On the other hand, they guys vote secretly. If they want to slam Irvin, they will use any pretext available to them. Meaning, you just might be right.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 7:45 PM CST reply actions
will espn fire the “smoke blunt player” irvin arrested. ?
by paul2inone on Nov 27, 2005 7:45 PM CST reply actions
Saw a picture of Tommie Harris…..Man does that NFL ‘Diet’ put on size!! He went from a 290 DT in College to what looks like 330 plus in the NFL.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 7:46 PM CST reply actions
Rafael,
It was an interesting day. I personally like the Barrow signing. Amongst the other headlines were: Irvin arrested for possesion and Philly says the Cowboys tampered with T.O. Can’t seem to confirm the Barrow signing, but if you say so, it good with me … nice work.
by EricR on Nov 27, 2005 7:47 PM CST reply actions
Did you look into the tampering charge? Jerry is asked if he would sign TO? He says he’s a risk taker and talented players could improve playing with Drew Bledsoe.
Hmmmm. Never mentioned a player by name, though the question was about T.O. Never mentioned that he was GOING to sign him, just that he’s a risk taker.
Didn’t the Eagles just spend a week with a mediator arguing that they NEEDED to put T.O. in exile?
Talk about wanting it both ways.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 7:53 PM CST reply actions
Has anybody heard the news that Micheal Irvin was arrested after a speeding incident and drugs were found in his car, if this is true, you can forget about the hall of fame this year, I didn’t think he had much of a chance this year anyway.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 7:54 PM CST reply actions
DUH, of course is does, the drugs are what made it take so long for him to make it to the semifinals
by Wyatt on Nov 27, 2005 7:59 PM CST reply actions
Lou,
Marcus Spears happened to Kenyon Coleman. And Chris Canty.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 8:00 PM CST reply actions
His first year of eligibilty was last year, DUH!!!! The off the field issues are suppose to have no effect on a players ability to get into the Hall, But since he’s a cowboy AND was taking drugs, would he now forever be kept out by the hall of Fame voters.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 8:04 PM CST reply actions
Gentlemen,
Forget Irvin. Someone earlier was worried about Shockey. I think if we play him with a CB or over the top with a Safety we can shut him down or at least contain him. The other key deal will be putting pressure on Eli.
If you’re not starting to worry about Chicago along with the NYG D, you should be. I’d much rather go play in Seattle than in Chicago in the playoffs but we may have to go there.
p.s. that was some weak stuff the iggles pulled with the TO thing.
by Jarhead on Nov 27, 2005 8:04 PM CST reply actions
Jarhead,
I dont think the Eagle complaint will go anywhere, I heard the interview of Jerry and the T.O. situation, he wouldn’t say anything about that player, but talked in general about any player that was available to sign.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 8:07 PM CST reply actions
Jarhead,
That Giant Defense is starting to gel. They didn’t look like s##t early in the season.
by AlanTdot on Nov 27, 2005 8:10 PM CST reply actions
They’re definitely gelling. their Def ends are on fire but their corners seem a little suspect. that wont matter if we cant protect bledsoe.
by Jarhead on Nov 27, 2005 8:11 PM CST reply actions
If we dont start to run the ball consistanty, it wont matter.
by Derrick on Nov 27, 2005 8:14 PM CST reply actions
Running would help. The giants MLB, i forget his name but they signed him from the skins in the off season, is also having a bang up year.
by Jarhead on Nov 27, 2005 8:16 PM CST reply actions
rafael,
you say dallas signed barrow. His he still hurt cause when he signed with washington i think he played one down in two years.
by kodiak on Nov 27, 2005 8:31 PM CST reply actions
Rafael,
Once again, very good analysis.
But I wish to differ. You’re right! We need two on each side of the ball.
Defense: OLB and FS are givens. But Burnett will man one LB. Ware another. James is a keeper. We need one more, but I’m betting on a comeback from Nguyen or Burnett moving inside (my personal preference) and another Ware-type rookie in Round 1. Maybe a FA, but the real killers don’t get let go. I’d love for an Urlacher to come in the middle and Burnett develop on the outside, but I think it will take a high draft pick.
FS will come from one of the following: a. FA signing b. Development of Beriault or Davis. I think Plan B is much more likely. Way too much cap space taken by the corners and Roy.
Offense: Here’s where I disagree. FB is nonsense. Polite may not be the second coming of Moose, but he’s adequate, learning, strong, and very average. Yet as another post stated, name a decent FB in the league. Most teams run 1 back schemes.
Our problem lies directly on the tackles. OL in general, really.
-Center, check.
-Guards, fine. Even with LA in decline, Rivera will be healthy next year and three replacements are very good should LA no longer be capable.
-Tackles. I, too thought Tucker was OK, but he and Pettiti are average at best. We need two road graders. Ogden, Tra Thomas, etc. types.
That’s two.
I’d love to add WR, as I think that will be our second round choice, but don’t think he’ll beat out the guys we’ve got.
Now to the real beef. There is absolutely nothing wrong with our TE position, other than the fact they’re playing OT part time. If they weren’t so focused on giving help, they would be much more effective.
I’ll take Campbell & Witten over any other duo in football. They’re simply put in bad positions due to the weakness of our OT’s.
Do we have two stud OT’s on our roster? One will come from Tucker, Pettiti, Columbo. Another from the draft. Here’s living with a rookie on a Super Bowl run.
by Fighter15 on Nov 27, 2005 8:48 PM CST reply actions
You know whos completely forgetton about? Kalen Thorton. He was supposed to do something this year until he got hurt.
by Lou on Nov 27, 2005 8:58 PM CST reply actions
The Eagles are just trying to make sure that TO doesn’t land with their most hated and heated rivalry. There is no way that JJ’s comments will make a tampering charge hold. It is like a politician screaming “Racist!” at his opponent. It may be bullcrap, but just the charge hurts the other guy, and makes him waste time explaining it away. In this case, they are banking that Jerry will not sign TO and say, “See, we didn’t want him anyway.”
That being said, I really, really, REALLY, don’t want that punk on my team. Is there anyway that we can send an open letter to Dallas Morning News, that we all sign, requesting that Jerry not even entertain the notion?
by BlueCheese on Nov 27, 2005 9:37 PM CST reply actions
Once a cocain cowboy, always one. See ya’ Irvin…. on the streets. Your professional and HOF career is OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Stephen on Nov 27, 2005 9:41 PM CST reply actions
Fighter15:
I think Tra Thomas was placed on IR this week.
Regarding fullback, Parcells said that Polite was the smartest player on the team…not the strongest.
Why can’t Barber III be the fullback, with Jones or Thompson running behind him(I keep hearing that Barber III plays ‘bigger than he looks’)?
Also, when Crayton’s back(maybe 04 December) could he be used sometimes as a 3rd down back, out of the backfield? Crayton reminds me of Ronnie Harmon, when Harmon was 3rd down back on the 1993 Chargers.
by Lee on Nov 27, 2005 9:44 PM CST reply actions
I’m more worried about our lack of offense than the Giants D. Our offensive line is the reason why we won’t get to the Super Bowl this year. I hope I am wrong, but since Flo got injured, our suspect offensive line has become even worse.
Add Bledsoe’s untimely interceptions to the mix, and we will lose many more 24-21, 19-13, 14-13, and 13-10 games this year. I think we’ll make the playoffs, but we won’t go far unless the offensive line starts playing better.
Where’s Moose? We need a fullback, like Raf says. I’m somewhat surprised about needing a TE, but I definitely agree that we need another OLB.
The defense will keep us in games, but will the offense be good enough to take us over the top? I think we’re a year away, but as weak as the NFC is, we should make some noise in the last 5 games, and who knows from there? I hope I’m wrong…..
by onepaniolo on Nov 27, 2005 10:04 PM CST reply actions
Lou,
I was thinking about that the other day. I figure he was the OLB bookend and he was the first guy Parcells drafted that had his prototypical size to play the LB in the 3-4…….he could definitely improve the rotation next year……..we lost Singleton, Thornton………what now Shanle…..Nguyen for a few games………
I still see Bill getting anoter OLB in the draft next year………thank goodness Bradie James has stepped up and hope he continues to improve. Shanle has looked ok……..Fujita has been a disappointment so far but he is still young and might improve. It will be telling next year to see if Thornton, Singleton, Shanle, Fowler and say a player to be named later like a rookie OLB………who would get cut out of that mix…….maybe Ogbogu gets the ax……not sure…..Bill added Columbo and Brooks to the roster too……..something will have to give.
Cowboys are going to stuff Tiki and Manning and win by 10 in NY!!! Irony the Seahawks beat the NFC East giants in ot too……..both our teams lost in OT this week. Interesting.
You know Seattle may have the best record in the NFC……but they beat two NFC East teams at home…..i figure on the road they lose that game and we beat them as well.
by jon on Nov 27, 2005 10:42 PM CST reply actions
Fighter 15,
Somebody had to lead block. One reason they use TEs in the backfield so much is that they don’t have a good lead blocker.
And there’s no depth. When Campbell went down last year the running game got a lot worse. They need more.
Parcells has to be envious that his former coach and his son in law Scott Pioli have such an abundance of good TEs. When they were winning Super Bowls, they would throw two three and four TE sets at you. It’s one reason they won a Super Bowl with Antowain Smith in the backfield.
The line is an issue, but I think that they will improve. But the perimeter and lead blocking needs a huge upgrade too and that will require more players.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 11:22 PM CST reply actions
Hi, new to the boards here. Long time fan, first time writing. Couple of comments -
1. Watch out for Beriault next year, I’m telling you, I believe that the kid can play. IF he gets healthy, we’ll have the best secondary, with improved coverage skills.
2. I would feel comfortable if Bledsoe got into a shotgun, a la old Danny White, on 3rd downs. He’s too slow out of of the snap, and with the push that’s coming up the middle from defenses, he gets those happy feet. Shotgun is a viable solution.
3. Any key free agents from OUR team that we have to worry about re-signing this year? I know that Roy Williams and Newman should be due up for some big bucks soon, right?
4. Cundiff’s performance from here on out determines whether we’ve got our kicker for the future or not. I’ve never been convinced with him. He’s middle of the pack, not great, not terrible. We’ve GOT to make cap room to pay a top-tier kicker. It’s good for 2-extra Ws per season, and maybe a key playoff victory (i.e. see Norwood WIDE RIGHT in 20-19 L to Giants in 1990 vs. Vinatieri 35-32 W vs. Carolina, 24-21 W vs. Philadelphia and the win vs. St. Louis). It’s THAT important, yet somehow we haven’t gotten that message loud and clear over the past five years.
by Mando on Nov 27, 2005 11:31 PM CST reply actions
Mando,
Witten, Bradie James, Dan Campbell and Andre Gurode are all potential UFAs next year. The team apparently has a buyback option on Witten and James, so look for some new contracts for those two guys post-haste once the season ends.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 27, 2005 11:52 PM CST reply actions
Stephen,
Holy sh*t, dude, get off #88’s back. He’s telling the truth. If he doesn’t go in this time, then next year. Eventually, the numbers and the rings’ll do the trick.
Looks like Jay Feely’s confidence is shot… very good!
by onetimeseahawksfan on Nov 27, 2005 11:53 PM CST reply actions
in the 1st round:OLB
2nd: ILB
3rd: TE( A guy like Fassano from ND, good receiver, and a tremendous blocker)
4th: FB (get a real one, not one who catches and runs well, but doesn’t block)
5th: WR( If not earlier, one guy I really like is Stovall, also from ND, he is a 6’5" senior who is still only 20, very fast, great hops, solid hands.
6th and 7th: O-lineman.
by Matt on Nov 28, 2005 12:11 AM CST reply actions
Mando,
My biggest support of Beriault is that BP kept him around on the IR as a rookie. Parcells must see something.
Stephen,
- might have personal problems, but I’ll always have love for The Playmaker.
by AlanTdot on Nov 28, 2005 7:19 AM CST reply actions
This offense can’t get it done period. The D gives up 14 points until over time. 14 points to a good team. The offense is not good. We need a lot more on offense than the D. When you give up points on offense its hard to win. This team is not going anywhere. The offense will not allow it. I don’t know if this offense can get it together this season. The missed fg hurt but at that time we were playing for the fg we need to stop trying to put game in the kicker’s hands. At the end of the game our offense played poorly.
by aw on Nov 28, 2005 9:25 AM CST reply actions
Rafael,
Great game breakdown. Agree with you on FB and TE (Campbell is a blessing/curse since he is not a receiving threat).
But I think the bigger problem is RT. Petitti has been doing better pass-blocking, but on running plays he just doesn’t move his man off the line. So Bill puts a TE next to him on most running plays. That draws in an OLB a step closer, two if it’s Campbell. Kills the run.
If we see a step-change improvement in RT next year, we’ll see a much more effective running game, even with our existing FB and TEs.
Case in point: the Giants. Shockey is not a good blocker, so they frequently split him a couple of steps outside the tackle. Forces the D to cheat someone close to him and opens up a running lane. Witten could do the same.
by Remnant on Nov 28, 2005 9:46 AM CST reply actions
aw,
all I kept thinking during the game was " what if we had someone who could break this game wide open, what if we had a ………PLAYMAKER!! AW is going to be all over this game on Monday…….""
I thought that this game was one ‘Offensive’ big play from us breaking the broncos a new one. Would Crayton made a difference? Maybe. i think his YAC running may have helped us .
the Defense made it’s big plays. The offense ?
by Alantdot on Nov 28, 2005 10:15 AM CST reply actions
Remnant,
Petitti may be fine next year. It’s not his fault he had to play as a rookie. Remember, Erik Williams watched his rookie year. He wasn’t ready until ’92, but then he was REALLY ready.
And if Petitti isn’t, the fact that Torrin Tucker is playing a respectable LT should convince HIM that he could play RT, where he failed last year.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 28, 2005 10:33 AM CST reply actions
well at least the Cowboys are the only one losing games on the legs of a kicker…….
Giants had three shots with a kicker.
Bucs missed one.
by jon on Nov 28, 2005 10:42 AM CST reply actions
alantdot
This D has been the best since the early 90s. The offense made a its big play one was for the other team. We do need a playmaker at WR. I would like to see MB start against teams with good run defense. MB runs better with less. I don’t know if the offense can get it together this year. Every thing need to get upgraded from the playing calling to the line. We leave too many points out there. Every body want to thinks we need a olb and a fs. Yes we could use an upgrade but its not costing us games. We don’t give up many points. Give the D a break first year at a 3-4. First year for a lot of players starting. The offense is the problem. I said last week it would come down to turnovers and where they happen. Raf says we moved the ball well, I don’t think so. I think 14 points came from turnovers which is good to make the other team pay for turning it over but our offense needs to score on its own. One good sign is Witten getting used.
by aw on Nov 28, 2005 10:52 AM CST reply actions
Regarding TE play, what good is a tight end that can’t block? Might as well have another WR.
Flozell? All the sudden he is god’s gift to the offensive line? don’t think so.
This team has 80% of the players it needs to compete for the superbowl. With the exception of Indy, every other team is in the same boat, about 80% of their roster is good.
Regarding Cundiff, every team has missed kicks, see NYG, Seattle against Washington, TB yesterday; Without the benefit of a complete analysis, I think many teams have missed a field goal costing them a game this year.
Injuries and less than 5 plays will separate the top 12 teams each year. This is what the NFL wanted, parity.
by rha on Nov 28, 2005 11:11 AM CST reply actions
Our offense I think just hasnt adjusted to the injuries. Crayton was a huge 3rd down reciever, he goes down and BP hardly plays Price. He must see something in practice because this guy had a monster year and some other solid ones. We have two real young guys at Tackle. I wonder if it was a tackle and a guard would we worry so much?
I’m still waiting for one of our backs to have a monster game. They’re both due. The Giants are tough up front, but maybe with the playoff atmosphere our line will step up.
3 things that scare me about the Giants:
- Their D line with Osi and Strahan against our young T’s.
- Shockey, if Newman isnt on him.
- Barber. He’s better then ppl think (and this coming from some one who hates the Giants)
If we could get the 2nd seed, watch out. Our Conference record is good too, so its not out of the question.
by Lou on Nov 28, 2005 11:14 AM CST reply actions
WOW speculation is that Dat may be placed on IR. Thats why they signed Barrow. Not suprising but not good news IF TRUE.
by Lou on Nov 28, 2005 11:34 AM CST reply actions
The first pick in next years draft will either be a Tackle or a linebacker.
by Derrick on Nov 28, 2005 12:04 PM CST reply actions
to beat the Giants you cover Shockey and Burress. Toomer and others are not going to beat you. Tiki is a problem out of the backfield and can strike from anywhere on the field. Still Dallas shut down shockey for 90% of the last game. We can do that again. Manning is not that good yet……he relys on Shockey and Burress as a crutch. Get some pressure and keep him in the pocket and he will turn it over and make mistakes.
Hope Henry is healthy so we got our best 3 CBs out there. Still this game will be about stopping Tiki and keeping Drew upright against their pass rush.
Giants pass defense is not as good as their rush, I think their corners are suspect and should be exploited.
Coughlin and Parcells no each other very well this game will be tight and tough. One of the reasons Bill Parcells is letting Payton call plays……..he is facing Joe Gibbs and Tom Coughlin not to mention guys like Marty Schot and the other chips off the old blocks……he figures Payton is less predicatable than he is and they are less familiar with him.
I think we are a better team than the Giants. Younger better Defense, and at this point a better QB. They got Burress and Shockey but we can shut those two down. Stop Tiki and we win it easy.
Bill Parcells is not known for building great offenses. Look around at his legacy and you see great defense. Ball control running attacks and reliable qbs. Not a Montana or Manning among them. Yeah he has thrown it and can but other than some TEs like Ben Coates and Mark Bavaro you will have a hard time putting many WRs in his corner. He draft defense, running game, lineman on both sides of the ball the occassional qb and the linebacker of course.
I think he continues that trend next year……we resign Witten and he looks for an upgrade over Ryan and Pierce. In a suprise move he does not address Wr cuz Crayton and Copper are capable. He finds another OLB and Burnett, Nguyen, James and Shanle share the middle responsiblities…….with Fujita as the reliver for Ware and the player to be named later.
Don’t be surprised if the right player is avaialble on the FA market Bill goes that route as well. He has a young D, and he is ready to win now. He adds another OLB and gets good play from the guys he has and the league will be talking about our D and not Chicagos.
Henry and Newman and Glenn are three of the best corners in the league. Aaaron Glenn’s signing might have been bigger than Henry’s cuz we did not miss a beat when a caliber of player like Henry was out with a groin injury. TNEW is not only for real, but man he moves like Primetime……..change that 41 to a 21 and I am having flashbacks of a corner that can cover, return and unlike 21 TACKLE!!!
Our Defense is for real, and believe it or not Bill is not unhappy with the Offense…….he sees Petitti developing Tucker playing well and the best tackle coming back next year in Adams. While I think Raf is right we might lose in the playoffs…..I still say the NFC is wide open and we can play with any of em.
Colts are going to kill Seattle. I don’t see that as a game even. They are so much better than Seattle.
by jon on Nov 28, 2005 12:06 PM CST reply actions
just saw the announcement that Dat Nguyen has been placed on injured reserve and is out for the season. This is a bad break.
by Norm on Nov 28, 2005 12:06 PM CST reply actions
Lou,
if our Tackles don’t come to play we will get smushed, don’t worry about the D.
AW,
I know you think the problem with the offense is the lack of a playmaker, and on Thursday it seemed like we could really use a big play on offense. But We don’t have a playmaker and they are hard to find even if you have a high draft pick
Look at the upcoming draft, After Bush can anyone say there is a guarenteed playmaker in the crapshoot that is the draft?
Getting a Tackle to either back up or replace what we have now on the OLine is a higher percentage bet. With two good tackles, we don’t need Witten to play part time OLine. We would turn JJ and MBIII into the top three rushing attacks in the league. We would be able to get those Third and Ones that we can’t get now.
A better line changes everything . Getting a Randy Moss would do the same thing, but who knew he was going to be Randy Moss and not Hart Lee Dykes???
by AlanTdot on Nov 28, 2005 12:23 PM CST reply actions
Gents,
the question for the week is which BP will show up?
Will it be the way too tense one that we have seen against seattle, washington, and NY or the less tense one against the iggles and zona. The team seems to be way too jacked up when BP is tense and it shows in their play.
BP is too wound up on beating certain coaches (gibbs, holmgren,and coughlin), i think that trend needs improvement b/c the team will be keyed up enough as it is.
on another note, lets hope drew stops making one egregious (sp?)error per game.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 12:28 PM CST reply actions
Jar,
is it really that simple? Thinking back I see the pattern you describe, but that doesn’t hold for the defense, only the offense.
by AlanTdot on Nov 28, 2005 12:42 PM CST reply actions
And yeah, I don’t want to see another Drew Boo Boo this week….
by AlanTdot on Nov 28, 2005 12:42 PM CST reply actions
Norm,
THAT explains Barrow’s signing, since he’s an inside backer, IIRC. The problems at LOLB will continue until the light goes on in Burnett’s head or until another starter is drafted/signed.
by Rafael Vela on Nov 28, 2005 12:52 PM CST reply actions
no its not that simple and the D has been consistantly good all year, but i think BP is a little petty in that respect. For some reason, he is much more keyed up against those coaches. I think it effects the team’s play.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 12:52 PM CST reply actions
Dat may be done…
I’ll bet we draft a linebacker out of Virginia first round this year…
MLB…
by danimal on Nov 28, 2005 12:56 PM CST reply actions
Isn’t the Barrow signing still rumor? Mickey Spags says they just worked him out but signed another offensive tackle, Marcus Price.
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 1:05 PM CST reply actions
according to the official site, barrow has been signed.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 1:14 PM CST reply actions
Thanks Jarhead
I just read it.
Are you currently active?
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 1:19 PM CST reply actions
Where are you stationed and how long you been in?
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 1:25 PM CST reply actions
i’m currently serving behind enemy lines in quantico (just south of DC). 12 years.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 1:26 PM CST reply actions
too bad about DAT……just a few years ago after his first few months with the team a reporter asked who Coach Parcells would keep. He said you know the kid Witten and Dat Nguyen. Calling Dat “that is one football playing dude”…….surely undersized for a guy that had LT, Banks and Carson……nonetheless he recognized the fierce competitiveness and fire that burned so bright in DAT. I for one hope it ain’t extinguished and that he just needs a full offseason to recover and come back to the game……if he wants too.
Either way I wish him well. He will be missed.
by jon on Nov 28, 2005 1:30 PM CST reply actions
I was stationed there 1984-87. On main side for about the first six months and the rest out at TBS.
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 1:35 PM CST reply actions
what did you do? Im sure Quantico hasnt changed much. TBS is still exactly the same.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 1:38 PM CST reply actions
Dat was the man on our LB corps for years- always playing above his physical ability. Such a shame that now we finally have the rest of the D he is gone. Great player and a great guy- You will be missed.
Enjoy your days after- the decision was probably for the best. You have another 40-50 years to live- do not risk it on something as chancy as a neck injury.
by Burmafrd on Nov 28, 2005 1:39 PM CST reply actions
alantdot
We do need to upgrade the line, we also need to get a playmaker. I just don’t think its all on the line for our problems. JJ is not good running inside this year or last year. I think the play calling needs to be better. I think the offense as a unit is a problem. It starts with the line but it doesn’t end there. Every team needs upgrades somewhere on there team. The higher the pick the better the player will be. Its not like it all the time but the percentages are better with higher picks. I’m all for picking the better player in the draft if its a linemen OLB or WR. I wouldnt mind a top rb but I do want a WR in the first two rounds.
by aw on Nov 28, 2005 1:45 PM CST reply actions
whether we like it or not Jerry Jones will sign TO in the offseason…..not the long term solution at Wideout, but he will opt for TO over either TG or KJ. Crayton will continue to play and they will continue to develop the likes of Copper. TO is in great physical shape and may well play another 5 years.
I was a proponent of a WR a year ago, but after watching the season….i still say a bookend OLB to WARE first and foremost. Possibly another lineman to the stable, maybe a Guard this time around…….Adams Petitti and Tucker look like we may have 3 decent tackels and maybe a couple of good ones.
There is a kid at Georgia Tech that probably comes out in 2007 after his junior year. Kid is 6-4 and 225 with speed athleticism and hands. Think part Randy part TO. Calvin Johnson is my pick and it won’t be til 2007.
There ain’t no guarntees at WR and look Price cannot fit in cuz we got TEs and FBs and two rbs…….Parcells would take another Jason Witten over a WR if he has the chance. He wants two TE sets and the ability to run it. For his offense TG, KJ and Crayton are not only fine but playmakers. Glenn has injury issues but is healthy so far. You got a team in Detroit with 4 playmakers at WR supposedly and they get beat every week.
I ain’t saying a dynamic playmaker at WR could not help open up this offense. I just see a line that needs to block better, a QB that needs to release the ball quicker, and a pretty good stable of young RBs that seem capable if our O Line plays the way Parcells wants em too.
Bill wants to grind it out, beat teams with special teams and defense and MAKE THE KICKS. He is the Mike Martz polar opposite. He is aware of our losses to the place kicking position and will either fix cundiff or we will have 10 kickers in Oxnard next year trying out. Hech he might even draft a kicker, even though I still think Cundiff will be fine and kickers even the best of em are usually UFAs.
by jon on Nov 28, 2005 2:03 PM CST reply actions
TO will be in Big “D” for 06’. Count on it. Also count on him going to the star again, this time for the benefit of big “D”. Count on the professionalism of the Cowboys combined with their history and the leader in Parcells and there will be no more TO problem.
And perhaps, once again, Super Bowl bound the team will be.
SB!
by Scott on Nov 28, 2005 2:18 PM CST reply actions
T.O wont be coming to Dallas, period unless some other starving franchise signs the cancer. COUNT ON IT!!!!
by Derrick on Nov 28, 2005 2:45 PM CST reply actions
while i agree to will probably be a cowboy next year……and i think Bill and Jerry will sign him to a contract that makes his conduct on and off the field improve……
do we need him to get to the bowl next year? I think we will get there with or without him.
by jon on Nov 28, 2005 2:46 PM CST reply actions
better clarify this- charlie brown had problem with the hold, not the snap. also i don`t mind cundiff missing but once in a while i`d like to see the opposing team miss a fg (other than a 60 yarder)actually i do mind cundiff missing the 33 yarder oh wait phil simms corrected himself a 34 yarder well i feel better about our kicking game now, and if we do draft a linebacker next yr lets grab a kicker in rd 2.
by ken on Nov 28, 2005 2:53 PM CST reply actions
Jarhead
Sorry, I keep getting kicked off connection. You still out there?
I have no doubt TBS, or much else about main side or Q-town or OCS has changed much if at all, in forty-plus years! It was old then. I hear TBS has gated entry now, which wasn’t the case in my day. I was enlisted, H&S Co./ Ops& Skeds; my MOS was 4621, but it was eighty-sixed shortly after my discharge. Besides assist classroom training, I did some field training too. My favorite job was working the gas chamber!
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 3:33 PM CST reply actions
First, I fully dislike TO. I live close to philly so I have seen TO live, at training camp and games as well as on TV every Sunday for the past year and 1/2. He is a super playmaker. He will score 20+ TDs no matter where he ends up. His ability to turn simple short routes into long td runs is spectacular.
I hate his attitude and arrogance but wow!! what an upside he has between the stripes. Now if only BP could gag the sob for an entire season?? We will all be sorry if he goes to an NFC team. He is lean, mean, strong, and super fast with glue hands. I just hated to say all that about the jerk but it is true.
by G Man on Nov 28, 2005 3:34 PM CST reply actions
there are checkpoints on the roads to TBS but its not really gated.
its fun being out here and listening to the skins nation moan about their losses. here’s hoping the boys come up here and crush them in december.
by Jarhead on Nov 28, 2005 3:44 PM CST reply actions
start barberIII, run it up againts the giants in the first half, then a heavy dose of the juice in the second half. if they want to put 8 or 9 guys at the line toss it up to our fastest wr (terry glen). super bowl bound once again for the boyz.
by paul2inone on Nov 28, 2005 4:13 PM CST reply actions
lets face it, if we do end up wit T.O, well cheer for every touchdown he scores and curse for every drop or fumble…but let him try bringing that other shit around…Ill fly down there myself and kick his ass…but hopefully, Jones wont take him, be a bigger distraction to the overall team, no matter how he behaves…
by NflCowboys on Nov 28, 2005 4:16 PM CST reply actions
The New York Football Giants have released kicker Jay Feely from his commitments to the team but are keeping him under contract and are filing a complaint against the Dallas Cowboys.
After missing a last-second game-winner, Feely missed two more field goals in OT. The Giants, smelling something fishy, quickly reviewed a call that was made to Feely’s hotel room the previous night. They say the call originated in Dallas and are claiming to have beaten a confession out of their kicker.
Reports say Feely told the Giants that Bill Parcells called him and offered to give him a $5-million contract with the Cowboys if Feely could get himself released from his contract with the New York.
The Cowboys are known to feel that they could get to the Superbowl if they could only find someone who could kick field goals consistently. Parcell took great exception to the reports and threatened to lynch Feely if he ever got his hands on him. He also denied having had anything to do with Feely’s bad day but do admit they would be interested were he freeed from his contract with their NFC East rivals.
Truthfully, though, the Eagles have filed a complaint against owner Jerry Jones for comments he made about former NFL player TO-ddler.
Posted by Mr. Blue (Sports) at 11:34 PM
by paul2inone on Nov 28, 2005 4:36 PM CST reply actions
Couple of notes.
First, I’ve totally got to agree with Peter King on his assessment of the Cowboys. It wouldn’t surprise me if they win the Super Bowl. It also wouldn’t surprise me if they lose in the first round. Strange how young teams are like that :)
Second, our WRs are pretty darn good. OK, so they’re not Moss and Porter or Boldin or Fitzgerald, but KJ, Glenn, and Crayton are very productive. If a great WR falls to us, sure, I’ll take him, but that’s not why our offense has been inconsistent.
Our offense’s problem has been a lack of consistency all year long with the OLine. No position has been truly excellent. All have been very good at times. All have have been poor at times. This makes it very difficult to focus on replacing one person.
What should we draft next year? The best player available. We have so many positions we could upgrade on, the OLine, Safety, LB, Young QB, TE, WR. RB and DLine have are good young and deep, a nice combination, but if a great one fell to us there I’m not going to turn my back on him.
We do not have the luxury of focusing on one position and if we improve it we fix our team. That’s the sort of drafting that gets teams in trouble.
Just draft well, whomever they are. Match the quality of our draft from the 2nd round on of this year every year and we’ll continue to be successful. I say that immaterial of position.
by Rob on Nov 28, 2005 6:59 PM CST reply actions
Can Tucker and Petitti shut down Strahan? Can the D shut down Barber? Can Roy Williams cover Shockey? Yes. I worry about Burris. I think this will be a pivitol part of the game. We must put Manning on his rump hard and often. Protect Bledsoe and he can shred em’ to pieces. I hope Peyton has a game plan for 3rd downs this week. BIG TIME GAME. Ten days rest and Parcells, how can we go wrong? If the A team shows up and plays with an attitude, the G-men get roughed up 30 – 14……..(KC will be a tougher game than most think)…..GO BOYS!
by John Trimble on Nov 28, 2005 8:24 PM CST reply actions
I haven’t been able to get to a computer since Wednesday, but I would like to come in late on the Denver game.
First off, both teams showed me a lot. That was probably the best football game I have seen all year, several excluding the playoffs.
Second, for those writing that the offense sucked, they miss the point. Don’t they think Denver’s fans think THEIR offense sucked, too? It was a defensive game. Neither team had time to put in any offense, and both teams have really good defenses. It was a good old-fashioned defensive football game. It came down to who took advantage of their defensive chances.
Dallas had two chances to win in regulation, and didn’t take advantage of either. That is why they lost. Converting either wins the game, and converting both wins it going away.
Cundiff’s kick was the obvious one. The less obvious, but potentially bigger one, was Newman’s mistiming and dropping a gift-wrapped interception that would have generated points if he had fallen right there, and probably a TD if he had secured the ball and taken off again.
Newman tried to make one of the hardest plays there is, accelerating in one direction while the ball is coming in at a slight off angle. Had he stopped, caught the pass, and secured the ball, Dallas wins. When he dropped it, it was clear that Dallas is not yet ready—they are still individually trying to do more than they are capable of doing. On great teams, someone—Herb Adderley, Mel Renfro, Jake Scott, Donnie Shell, Ronnie Lott, Ty Law, somebody—intercepts that pass and their team wins. On good teams, the pass drops to the ground and the better team wins.
Denver was the better team that day. Let’s see what Newman does the next time he gets the same chance, after the coaches get after him for that particular faux pas. Making a solid play there wins, but missing a difficult one loses. Winning is our business.
by cowboy bert on Nov 28, 2005 8:25 PM CST reply actions
T.O. in Dallas? Well, ME-shawn is now Keyshawn. Perhaps with a little therapy and a new agent, T.O. might actually fit in Dallas. I don’t know, Parcells may not have the patience for an adolescent distraction like Owens. Maybe let Roy Williams lead him around on a leash? Make him (Owens) kneel in humility before the star on the field before each home game? I can see it happening…..
by John Trimble on Nov 28, 2005 8:42 PM CST reply actions
c-bert
Can’t discount Bledsoe’s gift. Without those seven points, Doomsday gives up only fourteen in regulation. Without it, the Cowboys’ drive continues, consumes even more game clock and potentially produces points.
by StarStruck on Nov 28, 2005 9:17 PM CST reply actions
StarStruck:
You’re right, but Plummer’s return gift evened that up. It was missing the clincher at clutch time that spelled the end of the dream that day.
That’s OK. Before the 11 day stretch, people on this blog were hoping for 2-1, and plotting what would happen if it occurred. The consensus loss was Denver. It all worked out like that, according to form. I guess we all ought to be satisfied. Personally, I am. I no longer get as wrapped up in weekly wins and losses, and realize what may be building (although making stupid plays for TO could end it before it has a chance to start, tampering or not).
I am still a fan of good football, and prefer it to be played by Dallas. As Rafael points out repeatedly, they are still several players away from that, which we both knew way back in (or before) training camp, right? Anything this year is gravy—the push starts after another good draft & free agency period.
by cowboy bert on Nov 28, 2005 9:29 PM CST reply actions
Oline wins games PERIOD!
John Riggins was so great because of the hogs. The Steelers have a great line. Oh yeah.. Dallas’ line was THE reason Emmitt has the all time yard record, and I am an Emmitt fan. Let’s not forget the MOOSE as well. We used to wear the D down with big, fast, effective linemen. Clock control, pass protection and run blocking = points.
my $.02
by MikeA on Nov 28, 2005 9:30 PM CST reply actions
For those who dislike Parcells discipline, hard nosed style.
Read this
by MikeA on Nov 28, 2005 9:39 PM CST reply actions
MikeA,
I like your two cent thinking, worth alot more though.
by Derrick on Nov 28, 2005 9:50 PM CST reply actions
C-Bert,
Iâ€â"¢m having some difficulties keeping a connection but when you wander back…
I agree on the reciprocal gift. Iâ€â"¢m referring to how Bledsoe’s error changed the complexion of the entire game. Denver had consecutive three-and-outs and Dallas was looking to convert their third first down of the ensuing drive when Bledsoe threw away any momentum they were building. Doomsday was exerting itself and the offense looked to be settling in. If Bledsoe converts that set of downs instead of committing the turnover, perhaps they drive down the field and put up points. Perhaps Doomsday never lets Denver in the game ala Eagles I. Perhaps they donâ€â"¢t convert and end up punting, the main thing is Bledsoe gave Denver an early and easy advantage that Dallas could not wrest away. Yes, Cundiff missed the chance to do that but had he, Denver would have played it out differently too.
Of course, this is all conjecture, there were myriad possible outcomes, good and bad, on the turn of one event. But had Bledsoe not thrown the touchdown to Bailey, one can only imagine what could have been. I was impressed with Bledsoeâ€â"¢s and the teamâ€â"¢s response to the early setback and with their overall performanceâ€â€this was actually the easier pill to swallow of the bitter four.
And speaking of consensus, in preseason 10-6 was probably it on the Cowboys season record and to think that they are in legitimate position to go one or two better than that is really encouraging for both this season and next. This was a developmental year from the start, so they are overachieving a bit but what winning team isnâ€â"¢t? I just hope the Cowboys have enough staying power to get into the postseason where anything is possible!
by StarStruck on Nov 29, 2005 12:09 AM CST reply actions
To the people talking about Owens coming here-you’re just repeating what so many on this site call the “mediots” rantingg. How in the world would a coach who wouldn’t stand for Quincy Carter’s and Ant. Bryant’s mild attitude problems agree to bring this guy in? He makes Randy Moss look like a team player! With all the hard work involved in drafting and signing not just good players but guys who seem to be quality people too (from all we hear), you think Parcells will let Jerry screw this up? He wouldn’t even help the team and even Jerry Jones can see that. His yards and TD’s would mean nothing after he got done, oh I don’t know, screwing up the entire organization! JJ was just answering questions, blowing off steam. And I THINK he learned with the Galloway deal that the salary cap doesn’t let you put too much into one player
by larry on Nov 29, 2005 12:42 AM CST reply actions
larry:
I don’t like T.O. also, but… The consensus throughout the league, acording to some sources is that he’s going to be signed for a 1 year minimum deal with incentives that could raise his salary to the top paid receiver, if he’s signed by Dallas by that type of contract, T.O. will be hard pressed to make it big time with hopes of landing the last big deal of his career.
For one year I might be OK with having that pain in the a$$, especially with all the glaring needs in the roster that may take attention away from WR in the Draft.
by Chandus on Nov 29, 2005 2:34 AM CST reply actions
Footnote on the Giants/Seahawks game.
The NFL contacted the Seahawks to tell them that the two Giants touchdowns that were awarded during the game should not have been allowed. One was to Shockey who, before getting a 2nd foot down in the end zone, was popped and lost the football. After review, the TD was awarded – it shouldn’t have been.
The second missed call was towards the end of regulation when Toomer went up in the back of the end zone for a pass, came down with one foot and appeared to drag the other foot. Reviews during the game upheld the TD but later review by the league refuted that decision.
That late TD led to a 2-point conversion to tie the game.
That’s not to say that they wouldn’t have scored anyway, but it does point out that the Giants aren’t head and shoulders above the Seahawks. The Cowboys played the Seahawks better than the Giants – as they played Denver better than a LOT of teams – and should be considered one of the best NFC teams this season.
Of course, this point will be moot once Dallas sweeps the Giants this weekend … :lol:
by Raul on Nov 29, 2005 5:29 AM CST reply actions
Raul
It doesn’t matter what NY did against Seattle comparing is pointless. NY beat Denver and Washington two teams that beat us. Washington beat Seattle. We beat NY already. So who is better? Yea we should have beat Seattle, Washington and Denver but NY should have beat us with those 4 turnovers. I don’t know if we have enough offense to beat NY in NY.
by aw on Nov 29, 2005 10:11 AM CST reply actions
Chandus, I see what you’re saying, but I don’t see how Owen’s ego allows him to sign that kind of contract-or his agent! The whole point of this fiasco is he’s not satisfied with, what, a 70 million contract? I don’t see how anyone gets him for some kind of minimum, incentive contract. This guy doesn’t care about winning, and I bet he’ll end up with some desperate 6-10 team with stupid management desperate for a winner. Maybe Detroit!? They might even trade one of their young receivers……..
by larry on Nov 29, 2005 10:12 AM CST reply actions
Rafael (#3): Cundiff’s record is more than this year. Sometimes he looks really good, and sometimes he stinks.
I guess that applies to a lot of kickers, but if a team wants to be a championship contender, and do it with defense and low-scoring games dominated by running the ball, it needs a top-of-the-line kicker, which Cundiff clearly isn’t.
Maybe he can turn into one, and I wouldn’t cut him unless someone better is available, but Mando (#95) makes the case very clearly for getting a first-rate kicker.
by Lex on Nov 29, 2005 10:31 AM CST reply actions
We all know Dallas has a lot of pressing draft needs next year, now including replacing Dat. Even so, I would still not be too surprised if Mason Crosby or some comparable kicker ends up getting drafted by Dallas next year. Kickers have cost, what, 3 games already?
by cowboy bert on Nov 29, 2005 12:41 PM CST reply actions
cowboy bert
It doesn’t help the fact that we keep putting games in the kickers hands. We leave points on the field instead of going for a td. We have more needs on offense than defense.
by aw on Nov 29, 2005 12:54 PM CST reply actions
The other play that frustrated me that I haven’t seen anyone talk about was the last play of the first half. From the Dallas 38, Bledsoe had about a year to throw, waited, moved up in the pocket, time expired, and Bledsoe ended up running for 2 yards. There was virtually no risk in heaving a pass as far as he can, aside to Bledsoe’s stats. If the pass interference is called, Dallas gets to try a field goal.
by Miles on Nov 29, 2005 2:30 PM CST reply actions
miles
Bledsoe numbers look good but they don’t tell the real story. Our offense doesn’t put up many points. He is playing a lot better than last year but I can see why his other two teams let him go.
by aw on Nov 29, 2005 2:46 PM CST reply actions
Bledsoe makes some boneheade plays, but a lot of that has to do with the o-line not pass protecting.
by onepaniolo on Dec 1, 2005 1:56 AM CST reply actions
Rafael,
Excellent anaylsis as usual. You triggered a few thoughts from me.
1) Dallas had one of the best lead fullback blockers that I have ever seen on their roster a couple of years ago. Jamar Martin from Ohio State. I don’t recall ever seeing anyone put more linebackers on their backs than Martin. I was very dissappointed when Parcells cut him. From Bill’s comments, Martin was one deminsional and was ineffective on special teams. He could not play enough plays. But on those plays that he was in, wow, could he lay people out.
2) Free safety is not a new problem. It was one of the big holes that was discussed regularly in training camp and in the last offseason. So its no surprise that it continues to be a problem. I have hopes that Davis, Pile, and/or Beriault can develop. Actually, I have found Davis’ play to be much improved from early in the year. But its still not where we need it to be.
3) LOLB is clearly a significant problem. Personally, I never realized how good Singleton was until he went out. Fujita, who played well as a back-up, has really struggled recently. Burnett is still not where he needs to be. I found it interesting that Parcells said Burnett might end up in the middle. It probably won’t happen this year, but don’t be surprised if he moves inside next season. And yes, a FA or high draft pick is not unlikely for this spot.
4) Pettiti will likely be much improved next year. I recall Parcells saying that he will be MUCH stronger next year after an off-season in a pro workout program. Further, players often make their biggest jumps between their first and second years. I have fairly high expectations for Pettiti. It will be interesting to see how he comes out.
Yes this team has holes. Some we knew about in training camp. As Parcells said, you can only fix so many things at once. But looking back, this is a MUCH MUCH better team than the one Parcells inherited. I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to the last five weeks of the season. It should be fun.
by RobH in Upstate NY on Dec 1, 2005 8:49 AM CST reply actions
RobH in Upstate NY,
I have only one disagreement with your highly informative and worthy post.
I do not believe that Jamar Martin’s only problems were his lack of versatility and inability to play special teams. While Martin could deliver crushing blocks, too often he either whiffed completely or blocked the wrong man. I contend that if he were as consistent in his blocking as is perceived by many, that at least one of the 32 NFL teams would have him on their roster.
As impressive as he was at times, he was just not dependable.
by Mr. Bill on Dec 1, 2005 5:55 PM CST reply actions
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