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Cowboys Defense: Same Line, New Story

Your number for the day:  9

No, not Tony Romo's number, though it is.  It's the number of tackles the defensive line generated Sunday night, a record in recent games.

Maybe getting kicked in the head so many times finally got on their nerves?  Maybe it took ten weeks for Todd Grantham's coaching to finally take?  Whatever the case, the defensive linemen as a group had their best game of the year.  Jay Ratliff was his menacing self, notching five solo tackles and two sacks.  You wonder what his numbers would be if he could play DE in this scheme all the time and get away from the interior line congestion?

 

Star-divide

Both starting DEs showed up.  Marcus Spears held his point of attack against John Jansen, and blew up two plays run right at him.  He also showed good pursuit, shedding Jansen, slipping inside and cutting Clinton Portis low for a one yard gain early in the 3rd quarter.

He and fellow '05er Chris Canty have been two of the biggest disappointments this year.  Their sack totals are again abysmal, though sack totals don't distinguish 3-4 DEs.  Their ability to control their gaps and make plays against the run does.  Right now, Spears and Canty are in a six week sprint to see who will be re-upped, since I don't think the Cowboys will pay big or even decent money to both of them.  Going solely off performance, I think Spears has the edge right now.  He's had his moments early on, but has been hot and cold.  A few more games like this one could keep him in a Dallas uniform.

Which brings us to Canty.  He's probably been the biggest let down this year.  He appeared ready for a breakout last season but has been shockingly bad against the run in some of the Cowboys' losses.  LT Chris Samuels and LG Pete Kendall rolled him in October;  there are some plays where Samuels would tee him up and Kendall would shove him and spin him upfield.  Canty would be five yards off the line of scrimmage, with his back turned to the play, when Clinton Portis roared by. 

He was much, much better Sunday night, but he's not quite on.  He's overpursuing some times.  He's leaving his gap open to cutbacks, something Portis did on Washington's opening TD drive.  He's a better rusher than Spears, and gets a good push when Dallas goes to a four-man line in nickel, but he needs better consistency, or Ratliff will be eyeing his role.

The backups also made their share of plays.  Tank Johnson made his reps count, getting down the line in pursuit.  Stephen Bowen showed toughness against the run.  Jason Hatcher made a key 3rd quarter play, sniffing out a reverse option-pass by Antwaan Randle-El.  Hatcher kept his contain, got in Randle-El's face and forced him to throw the ball away. 

Terence Newman's return improved the coverage, and gave Dallas the first opportunity in weeks to play lots of eight and nine-man fronts.  This change alone probably raised the defense from inconsistent to good.

To take the next step, to great, Dallas will need the five linemen who are not Jay Ratliff to raise their games.  To be a great defense, they'll need a run of games like this last one. 

Cross your fingers.  Spears, Canty and Co. showed they have the ability.  Do they have the consistency?

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This is where a true NT will come in handy

Resign either Spears or Canty, move Ratliff to the other end, and get a plugger for the middle, and you’ve potentially improved 4 positions (end, NT, and both ILBs who will be better protected by a wide body)

"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee

by BigDinSC on Nov 18, 2008 12:42 PM CST reply actions  

+1
Right now, Spears and Canty are in a six week sprint to see who will be re-upped.

Canty by a mile……Spears shows up about twice a year in games. That’s not going to cut it. Sacks aren’t everything, but he hasn’t shown much in 4 years to keep him around, especially when the alternative can be Ratliff.

Ratliff made most of his plays when he moved around. He is playing out of position and should be moved to DE where he would be such a distruptive force. He is too inconsistant to be a good, solid NT in a 3-4 defense. We need a big space eater that can’t be pushed off the ball. We saw that too often from Ratliff in the first half before they changed things up. NT in the draft needs to be a major priority..

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Nov 18, 2008 12:50 PM CST reply actions  

co-sign

talk about a HUGE BODY and ideal nose…

"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on Nov 18, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions  

I'll pass

I don’t think this team needs a guy that gets blocked by one guy IN COLLEGE consistently. If you thought Spears disappeared in games, wait until Cody goes pro.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions  

obviously you watched him once, post knee injury....stay tuned guy...cuz he's a sure fire first day pick....

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions  

I wish we could have a guy like Jason Ferguson!

Maybe a team will trade us someone like him for one of our 5th-rounders!
He wasn’t huge, but he knew what he was doing in there.

by Realist Larry on Nov 18, 2008 11:46 PM CST up reply actions  

There's a thought ...

Hey, maybe Miami will trade him back for the 6th we gave them for him this year???

[/sarcasm]

=)

Stop the Madness - Enshrine Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes

by Raul Villaronga on Nov 19, 2008 12:58 AM CST up reply actions  

Canty isn't playing good enough to be resigned....Spears has another year on his cap friendly salary...

Canty, Johnson, and Hurd will be let go to test FA……Burnett and Columbo should be resigned……

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Burnett won't be resigned

He could be a starter, but the problem with him is that he is injury prone and not worth the money frankly. We can’t afford to pay a guy that will spend more time being injured than on the field. Along with NT we have to draft a 3-4 ILB.

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Nov 18, 2008 6:21 PM CST up reply actions  

I like Burnett a ton,

but you’re right in thinking he’s a huge injury risk. And probably undersized for a 3-4 ILB. I’d love if we could keep him as a nickel backer, but someone is going to pay him starter money, and he’s going to dash.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions  

The thing that sucks is

watch him go find the perfect fit, magically stay healthy, and turn into a Pro Bowler.

It seems to always go that way.

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Nov 18, 2008 7:58 PM CST up reply actions  

always

With the injury history is it possible for us to sign him and not have to break the bank?

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 18, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions  

I think coming into this year, that was a yes.

But since he has gotten healthy, he’s been our second best LB next to Ware. The thing that worries me is that Thomas’ deal can very easily be voided to a one yr. deal. No one seems to talk about that. If Burnett bolts for cash and Thomas tears up the rest of his contract, we’ll be stuck with either Barbie or a rookie starting in the middle for us.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions  

We need to draft a ILB regardless

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Nov 18, 2008 9:23 PM CST up reply actions  

I agree

Zach doesn’t have much time left.

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 19, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions  

I agree,

but it may have to be one of our very first picks if they’re going to have to be a starter next year. If that’s the case, that’s one pick they better not miss on.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 19, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions  

I'm still convinced

That Carpenter will one day go somewhere else (Probably somewhere that runs a 4-3) and be an excellent linebacker.

"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee

by BigDinSC on Nov 18, 2008 11:16 PM CST up reply actions  

not me

There is a chance though, he could just be a 4-3 LB..

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 19, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions  

I’ve heard a few radio people around here say that recently, when Carpenter does get to come in at ILB, he’s made some good plays. They think the problem might be that he get’s yanked the following play every time.

by SLIDE 910 on Nov 19, 2008 2:30 PM CST up reply actions  

I know you hate Spears,

but what games are you watching? If you think that Canty has outperformed Spears this season, you must be blind. I knows Spears isn’t disruptive, but at least he holds his ground. Everytime I saw Canty Sunday, he was at least five yards downfield. He and Bradie James were soley to blame for that TD drive the other night.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Never heard of him....

but we will have 11 picks to play with when it’s all said and done so…….

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Nov 18, 2008 12:57 PM CST reply actions  

"Mount" Cody is a beast ....and the perfect fit for our NT spot....

He will be selected anywhere from #20 – #50 …..We need to trade our 2nd and a 4th to move to end of round 1 to get him…….

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 1:00 PM CST reply actions  

Blah

maybe, maybe not. You don’t need first round talent to play nose. It would be a waste of picks.

Moreover, I am very particular about height when it comes to NT’s. I like my NT’s to be at most 6’3 and at least 6’1. Cody is 6’5.

And from what I hear he hasn’t been that good the second half of the season. One has to question whether he is too fat.

by quincyyyyy on Nov 18, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions  

I was watching the game against LSU

and wasn’t really impressed with Cody. I was actually watching just to eyeball him and was surprised by how often the center went 1 on 1 with him. Even the announcers noticed it. I wonder if he’s still feeling that injury (ankle) He doesn’t seem like the same force from earlier in the season.

by kameleon_o on Nov 18, 2008 1:37 PM CST reply actions  

of note to both speculators.....Cody sustained a serious knee sprain prior to the LSU game and is not playing at full strength...

Glenn Dorsey played with similiar injury last season and had speculators lower his draft stock as a result….I truely hope Cody slips to our spot in round 2 because of his hindered play……about #48 to #64…

cuz there is no doubt in my mind that Cody is better than any O lineman or Safety that will be available in that selection spot…

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Ron Brace will do for me and he’ll be there in the 3rd round, letting Dallas see if a good OL or S falls to them in the 2nd.

Good NTs have been drafted high — see Haloti Ngata and Casey Hampton, but most of them are not.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions  

ok expert.....name me "most" good NT's that were drafted after round 2......i'll be waiting

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Over half of the starting NT's in the league were selected in the second round.

All of the starting NT’s in the NFC (if you also count ARI as one since they use it often) were drafted after the 4th round. There aren’t really enough teams that run the 3-4 to make a decision over where the good ones come from, imo.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions  

well...I'll help ya out a bit....

Jamal Williams- SD – 6’3" 348
Shaun Rodgers- Cle – 6’4" 350
Haloti Ngata- Balt – 6’4" 345
Kris Jenkins- NYJ – 6’4" 349

Those are what I consider premier NT in the 3-4 Defense, and we actually could have had Rogers or Jenkins if someone would’ve listened to me …lol…“Mount” Cody is in the same mold as those guys, and like all mentioned above, will be a “first” day draft pick…..

sure we can “HOPE” one of next years prospects falls to us in the late 2nd, or early 3rd…possibly Brace or Raji of Boston College, who are more in the mold of:
Casey Hampton- Pitts – 6’1" 325
Vince Wilfork- NE – 6’2" 325

I do know Miami will be looking to upgrade the position, and have at least 3 picks before we even make our first pick…….If we don’t get Alabama’s Cody, BC’s Brace or Raji, or Scott from Clemson….the drop off after them is substantial and none would be rookie starting material….

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Brace might be there....he's rated 3rd-4th round material....If we sit on our hands and wait, and he's available..I'm all for it...

He’s a good player….nothing spectacular…no better than the monster NT’s we passed up last year…All I know is we need a stout wide body in the middle to give Ratliff the opportunity to play DE, I don’t care where he comes from, or where he was drafted, just get me some fat slob in there that can push and clog the middle…..period………all I am saying is that “Mount” Cody is the best fat slob in college today.

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions  

I think those who are projected to go in round 3-4

could change quite a bit after the combine (I’m not sure why). This is how it generally happens. People love workout warriors. See Gholston, Vernon

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 5:18 PM CST up reply actions  

Aren't You the Snarky One

Good NTs after round two. Let’s see:

Jason Ferguson — 7th round;
Gary Walker — 5th round;
Gilbert Brown — 3rd round;
Norman Hand — 5th round;
Mike Lodish — 10th round;
Jerry Ball — 3rd round;
Dan Saleamua — 7th round;
Jim Burt — UFA;
Michael Carter — 5th round;
Tim Krumrie — 10th round
Rubin Carter — 5th round;
Reggie Kinlaw — 12th round;

The Carters and Krumrie are some of the best NTs of all time.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions  

Tim Crumrie was a 10th rounder?

Hard to believe.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Nov 18, 2008 7:32 PM CST up reply actions  

btw....Brace's linemate BJ Raji is the better NT on that BC team........

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Raji is the higher rated player, but Brace plays NT for that team

I’ve watched B.C. Raji plays 3-technique when they run 4-3 and is an end when the go 3-3-5. Brace always lines up over the nose.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions  

Raf why wouldn’t you want Raji in the second round instead of Brace? I’ve watched the last 2 BC games and Raji seems to be the better player….More athletic and more consistently disruptive making multiple plays in the backfield. I know a 2 game sample isn’t much to go on, but what I saw in those 2 games were incredibly consistent with their scouting reports.

The only concern that I have w/ Raji v. Brace is that BC plays Brace as the strong tackle in their base 4-3 and as their nose in the 3-4. Do you think Raji is more suited to be a 4-3 under-tackle as opposed to a 3-4 NT?

by boysinyabelly on Nov 18, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions  

exactly.....Our BIGGEST need next year will be OL or NT, either way...Trading up would be the only way to get a top tier player...

Just say we rattle off 9 straight victories on our way to our 6th Lombardi trophy……NONE of the mentioned players will be there at pick #64…..maybe Brace, which is all good for me….but with 11 ‘09 draft picks, along with future years picks to play with, I’d rather shoot up the draft order and grab a better player….

My biggest targets are Oklahoma’s OG Duke Robinson, which would require quite a bit to get up in the late teens, early 20’s of round 1 to get him (could supplant RT Columbo if not resigned, or provide serious training camp competition, and eventually replace Kosier at LG)…….a ‘09 2nd & ’09 4th, plus a 2010 2nd rounder might get us there…others I’d trade up to get : OG/RT Herm Johnson of LSU ( a monster ) , OC/OG Mack of California ( the best Center prospect in years, also projects to LG), Safety William Moore of Missouri, would be ideal, but expect him to be a top 15 pick come draft day. OLB Clint Sintim of Virginia ( can be had late in round 1 or early 2nd )- to eventually replace Greg Ellis(can never have enough pass rushers), just to name a few for now….way too early to project true value, but keep your eyes on those guys if you get a chance to watch them.

btw- Before I get some absurd comment about “wasting” picks, Jerry knows full well 11 drafts picks aren’t going to equal 11 roster players, as we’ll be “lucky” if 4 of our picks next year even make the squad. He accumulated more picks to wheel and deal with, and he’s not going to sit around for 5 hours waiting for our selection late in round 2….Expect Jerry to trade “UP” on day 1 of the 2009 draft, more than likely into round 1….I’ll bet anyone $100 bucks he does just that.

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Ron Brace and a few others will be there we don't need to trade up

trading up for an NT is not smart. There is not a whole lot of difference in talent between some of these NT’s. If we have to trade up for anything it would be for a lineman.

by quincyyyyy on Nov 18, 2008 4:20 PM CST up reply actions  

I was speaking of OL, when discussing trading up...

There is only one NT worthy of trading up for..and that’s Cody-Alabama…If he gets into round 2, which is a good possibility, HE NEEDS to become our primary target….

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 4:25 PM CST up reply actions  

+1

these guys never go as high as they are supposed to. Look at where Gabe Watson and Alan Branch were rated at this time in their respective draft years.

They were projected top 10. And they both made it to the 2nd round.

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Nov 18, 2008 5:48 PM CST up reply actions  

And even that looks too high now

It seems like more big DT’s bust than almost any other position, percentage-wise.

I’m not sold on Cody yet. I gotta watch this Brace kid. I haven’t watched any BC games this year.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on Nov 18, 2008 7:37 PM CST up reply actions  

I don’t know if Raji will be there for Dallas in the late 2nd. I’d be happy if he fell, but he it will all depend on the overall board, cause good interior DL tend to rise.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Raji is the better player

He’s a better rusher than Brace. But he’s going to go higher for that reason. Look, if Raji fell to Dallas’ spot in round two and I had a choice, I’d take him, but I don’t think he’ll be there.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 5:12 PM CST up reply actions  

The continued fascination with Canty over Spears keeps amazing me

Canty by a mile?

How so?

what has he done in this year to outplay spears? nothing.

Granted, they’ve both been bad, but Canty has much more to lose this year (contract year) and certainly hasn’t played like it. Perhaps he will pick it up, we’ll see.

I understand Spears went in round 1, but Canty got big money this year to coincide with his RFA tender, and he has not earned it, plain and simple. so forget his 4th round status, he is counting 2+ mil against the cap.

I like the guy, but damn, he has simply not greatly outperformed Spears on any consistant basis.

by THEjarhead on Nov 18, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions  

Canty and Spears

Canty has disappeared this year. For a guy in his salary drive year, that’s shocking.

by Rafael Vela on Nov 18, 2008 1:41 PM CST reply actions  

+1 Rafael.....he has by far been the most disappointing to me..It's a contract year for pete's sake...

He should be playing like his roster spot is in dire straits…….and he’s playing his way out of town…Unless he wan’t to sign for his current 2.0 million salary, and possibly work from a reserve role in a rotation…I don’t see Jerry opening up his bank to keep him around….Sad sad sad….cuz prior to this season, he was one of my favorites and had high hopes for him this season………

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions  

to add to that...Hamlin and Adams surely aren't playing up to their recently signed contracts either

and are in the same dog house as Canty….Newman was as well, until this past Sunday of course……Hopefully Wade NOW realizes playing MAN vs MAN is the way to go ……..

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions  

What is the deal

With the D line everyone except Rat is underpeforming..

I thought Hatcher could push for the starting job, not so..

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 18, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah...D Line has no shining stars besides Rat...

Rat’s a keeper and Spears can play out his contract, FIND a NT, and keep Hatcher and Bowen around for cheap depth…..The rest can go as far as I’m concerned…

Not worth the money to resign Tank or Canty, unless they wanna stay for cheap and don’t mind riding the pine.

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions  

+1

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 18, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions  

I’m wondering if Canty is turning out to be more of a pass-rush specialist, that was where I always noticed him last year-maybe a few tackles for losses too. He’d be a good backup in a 4-3, maybe even a starter for some teams, but just may not be built right or have the mentality for a 3-4 DE

by Realist Larry on Nov 18, 2008 11:51 PM CST up reply actions  

its looking like we’ll pick pretty high in the 3rd too, and will likely pick 1st in the 4th (go lions).

by THEjarhead on Nov 18, 2008 1:42 PM CST reply actions  

compensatory picks?

how do these work exactly? will we get one this draft for Julius Jones?

by desus32 on Nov 18, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions  

Most definitely,

and more than likely we will get one for Reeves too. (Which kind of seems like stealing.) Basically you get picks based on the free agents you signed and the free agents you lost. Since our only major aquisition was Zach Thomas, and we lost two guys that are now starters for other teams, we should be in pretty good position to gain some. My guess is next year we’ll be in even better shape after we lose Canty, Tank, and Lord knows who else in free agency.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions  

i dont think we’ll rate one for tank (if we lose him). Canty is on the block, so is roy williams (safety), and Mark Colombo (who i dont think we would rate one). in short, i dont think we’ll rate much for compensatory picks next year, but we wont have a mass exodus of FAs either, we have most core players locked up.

by THEjarhead on Nov 18, 2008 2:16 PM CST reply actions  

Just because they weren't key contributors here doesn't mean anything.

If they go to another team and start, and then have solid seasons, then they have high value for compensatory picks.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions  

true....Canty and tank I see being let go after this season....and both would warrant some compensation, as I believe both will sign lucrative contracts, and be starting for different teams next season..

4th rounders for each of them….

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions  

Also,

with double digit draft picks next year, I have a hard time believing that we aren’t going to have some rookies beat out guys that are already here. Granted, Trader Jerry will move some of those picks, but we’re still going to have a pile of picks, and a surplus of new talent coming in. Something has to give.

by Mandmeisterx on Nov 18, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions  

I figure we'll actually draft about 5-6 players...The other picks will be traded to move up, or parlayed into future 2010 picks....

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions  

+1...There's some secret formula that's used to determined where the picks will be slotted..

The fact is, Julius Jones is Seattle’s starter and leading rusher on his way to a 1,000 yard season. I really think we may get/ and deserve a 3rd rounder as compensation for him. At the very worst, a fourth rounder. They also account for the size of contract he signed, and I believe it was for better than average money.
 Reeves has also started all season for Houston, and has some fairly decent numbers, tackles, pass break ups, and a pick six….He also signed a fairly decent contract, but was originally a 7th round draft pick….so I figure him netting us a 5th or 6th rounder, and quit possibly a 4th if we’re lucky, but I think it’ll be a 5th rounder…..

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 2:23 PM CST reply actions  

desus32, compensatory picks are awarded to teams who lose more FAs than they gain. They can fall anywhere from round 3 to 7, in the back of those rounds. what round is awarded depends on a host of factors like value of contract the FA signed, playing time, and success. we’ll likely rate two in the coming draft.

by THEjarhead on Nov 18, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions  

The D-Line will be key again this week.

It is up to them to pressure Shaun Hill and terrorize SF’s O-lineman. And they have to contain Gore.

I think the game will depend on our D-Line. It’s a chance to dominate, but they can also lose the game for us if they let the Niners push them around.

George Teague did it all.

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 18, 2008 2:30 PM CST reply actions  

San Fran has given up 36 sacks thus far.....ranking third worst in the league, only 2 off from being the worst...I don't see us getting pushed around...

I demand all out, full scale, humiliating, demoralizing blitz packages, and plenty of them….run blitz, LB blitz, CB blitz, S blitz, …..the whole package….This is our statement game….You beat down the teams your supposed to beat down, especially at home….Another week of offensive cohesiveness should right the ship…My prediction:

Dallas 38 – San Fran 10

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Nov 18, 2008 2:47 PM CST reply actions  

i’ll just take a win.

lets make a statement in the playoffs.

by THEjarhead on Nov 18, 2008 2:50 PM CST reply actions  

Hatcher!

that’s a name I haven’t heard inna while….really thought he was going to breakthrough this year and doesn’t seem like it’s happened yet…

"They need security in the world, Craig!"

by Tuna Helper on Nov 18, 2008 4:10 PM CST reply actions  

Is he still on the team?

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 18, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions  

2006 Draft

The last Parcells-Ireland draft, has bust stamped all over it. Barbie Carpenter; hands of stone Fasano; Jason “the invisible man” Hatcher; Skyler Green; Pat Watkins; Montavious Stanley; Pat McQuistan and E.J. Whitley.

Two special teams players, a non-factor rotation DE and a backup tackle.

Compare that with the drafts from New England, Green Bay and the Giants. Night and day.

by kindablue on Nov 18, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions  

Don't give up on Hatcher

He had a nice game against the Redskins. He hasn’t had much of an opportunity.

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Nov 18, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions  

Really?

I hope you mean the first game because he has no stats from Sunday night…

Stop the Madness - Enshrine Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes

by Raul Villaronga on Nov 18, 2008 9:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Don't fans say that about ALL our DLinemen?

Do it on the field, or sit. I’m sick of “potential” from these guys.

by Realist Larry on Nov 18, 2008 11:54 PM CST up reply actions  

I just read that Miles Austin hurt his knee and will be out another 2-4 weeks. Crap. Just when the Cowboys were getting healthy AM goes down. Any word on Felix for this week?

by 082288 on Nov 18, 2008 9:54 PM CST reply actions  

that means only 3

healthy WR’s. I would say I hope it is 2 instead of 4 weeks, but I remember that when the Cowboys say one time table you have to add 4 weeks to it. So hopefully MA will be back for the playoffs ..

by 082288 on Nov 18, 2008 10:03 PM CST reply actions  

Love the Merger Raf

Its odd being at a new site, but the material is still great.

by AirforceBat on Nov 19, 2008 12:45 AM CST reply actions  

i know this has been asked before, but...

in preseason, they spent so much time rotating tank and spears at NT and putting Ratliff at DE. what happened? seems like if Spears is a bust at DE (if not a bust, merely a solid role-player. it depends on your stance) and Ratliff is out of place at NT, switching them may, in fact, free them both to perform at a higher level.

has anyone asked anything to WP in any of the pressers about this?

I commented. You're welcome.

another transplant from The Blue & Silver Report

by bulldog jeeper on Nov 19, 2008 5:33 AM CST reply actions  

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