Cowboys Autopsies: Special Teams
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2008 11:30 PM CST
197 comments
It was a mission doomed from the beginning.
The Cowboys staff was well aware of their special teams shortcomings in '07, and gave unit coach Bruce Read maximum assistance this year. In camp, every special teams drill was broken down into small units, with multiple coaches giving the players personalized attention.
Here's how a punt-coverage drill was coordinated:
The special teams punt coverage session was an ensemble production today: While ST coach Read focused on the inside blockers, Dat Nguyen coordinated the rotation of rushers. On the outside, TE coach John Garrett worked with the gunners on their releases.
-- "Building Blocks," Blue and Silver Report, July 26th
All the Wade's horses and all of Jerry's men couldn't help poor Bruce in the end.
The job was simply too big for him. Nearly all the team's talent was placed at his disposal. Every linebacker save Demarcus Ware and Greg Ellis participated on the unit. Every secondary player except Terence Newman and Ken Hamlin took part.
It didn't matter. The Cowboys special teams were awful -- across the board. There was no single area in which they excelled, or were even middling. They were:
- 31st in kickoff distance;
- 26th in kickoff yardage allowed;
- 21st in kickoff returns;
- 17th in punting;
- 23rd in punt yardage allowed;
- 24th in net punting
- 30th in punt returns;
- tied for 26th in scoring.
There was no benefit to be found in any area. On a team with disciplinary problems, special teams more than contributed to the malaise. The Cowboys led the league with 119 penalties. 19 of them were committed by special teammers.
Coaches will tell you that good special teams units will win a game for you over the course of a year, and sometimes steal a second. Read's units cost Dallas the Arizona game, with sickening symmetry: they allowed J.J. Arrington to rip them for a 93 yard TD on the game's opening kickoff and broke down on the game's final play, when Mat McBriar's punt was blocked and recovered for a second touchdown.
It was fitting, given the copious breakdowns, that Dallas was penalitzed for an offsides penalty on the play. It was also cruel, but typical, that McBrian was injured on the play, and was placed on I.R. the next day.
In between, Nick Folk negated the one good play the special teammers made that day. He smacked a field goal attempt off an upright three plays after Tashard Choice recovered a Cardinals fumble.
It was that kind of year. Finding a quality replacement for Read should be treated with the same seriousness as finding a coordinator. A wiser, more decisive coach could iron out a significant percentage of the unit's penalties and give the Cowboys consistently better field position.
Special Teamer of the Year: It's sad when your MVP has a handful of black marks. Nick Folk was his solid self, but he had that key miss in Arizona to ponder, and missed a short field goal early in the 2nd half at St. Louis which helped build the Rams avalanche. He also yanked two kickoffs out of bounds.
Runner up -- Felix Jones made the special teams play of the year in week two, when he returned an Eagles kickoff 98 yards for a score. He made several more big returns before he was lost in game six with a hamstring injury. He's thekickoff return playmaker this team has lacked for years decades. Heal well, Mr. Jones.
Knucklehead of the Year: Pat Watkins. The Cowboys entered the season with a core group of players who participated on every unit. Watkins, Kevin Burnett, Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers and Keith Davis were the assumed leaders on special teams.
Watkins couldn't stand the pressure. He committed one third of the special teams' penalties, most of them of the fifteen-yard variety. (No other special teammer committed more than two.) He took three in the first Eagles game. Two weeks later, against Washington, he committed another special teams' penalty and took a critical 12-men-on-the-field penalty when he failed to sub out after a time out. Watkins demonstrated on more than one occasion that his mind was not always in the game.
This is the type of player who gets coaches fired. Wade Phillips sent Bruce Read packing. If Wade values his own job, Pat Watkins may not be far behind.
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Nice write up as always
Lets hope our new ST coach can help us improve. From what Ive read he seems to be pretty good at what he does.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Dec 31, 2008 11:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, from the Jags
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 12:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding is nobody can be hired yet
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 12:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
But Joe DeCamillis
would be quite an upgrade over Bruce Read
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 1:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought I read on one of the other posts that we'd hired him,
but I must have been mistaken
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 1:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
From Boyzfan94 on another thread
The Dallas Cowboys fired special teams coach Bruce Read on Wednesday after two seasons with the organization.
Sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that the Cowboys will hire Joe DeCamillis, who has been an NFL special teams coach for 16 seasons, the past two with the Jaguars. The move did not come as a surprise since Read’s special teams units struggled in consecutive seasons. A blocked punt in overtime led to the Cowboys’ second loss of the season and landed Pro Bowl punter Mat McBriar on injured reserve. Read lost key special teams players Sam Hurd and Pat Watkins to injury in 2008. The Cowboys signed Adam "Pacman" Jones, in part, because of his potential as a return man, but that never panned out. This isn’t the first time Cowboys coach Wade Phillips has sent a special teams coach packing. In the aftermath of The Music City Miracle loss, Phillips — then coach of the Buffalo Bills — fired Bruce DeHaven, one of the most respected special teams coaches in the league. Phillips’ firing occurred a year later.
ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and ESPN.com NFL blogger Matt Mosley contributed to this report.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 1:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wade, I understand,
Lost his job in Buffalo because he WOULD NOT fire DeHaven, whom Ralph Wilson wanted to scapegoat for the loss.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 1:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
STEELER fan here.............
As much as I despise the Cowboys because of our superbowl rivalries I just felt I had to come on here and express my reaction to the Philly game because I really felt bad for you guys’ team last Sunday. I felt at mid-season you guys were a force to be reckened with and even after my Steelers squeked by with a win over you guys (Romos fault) I still thought you guys had potential through the playoffs. The Cowboys are a superbowl team IMO it just looks like you have the pieces to the puzzle but don’t know how to put them together. It seemed like the media just caused you guys to have a rollercoaster season and it stems from T.O. and branches out to the whole team.
Heres my .02……..FIRE T.O.!!!!!
And I have been saying this again and again even when he was on the Eagles. Don’t get me wrong, T.O. is great, possible one of the greatest and I believe the man would probably have 2 rings by now if it wasn’t for his poor demeanor but the man’s 35 years old and has the attitude of a high school jock trying to build his stat sheet for college by caring about nobody else but himself, and just to rub it in he screams "I love me some "Me!" Just pathetic, he is poison to any team he goes to because he thinks that "he" will bring Jerry Jones his 6th superbowl ring instead of helping the "team" achieve that goal.
This is the deal, when your offensive coordinator is designing plays specifically for T.O. after T.O. throws a fit about not getting enough receptions then your team is losing before the game even starts. And then you got Tony Romo worried about passing the ball to T.O. while he is in the pocket because he doesn’t want to piss him off later. It’s one of those unspoken rules that T.O. does not respect, what is said in the locker room, STAYS IN THE LOCKEROOM.
I respect J.Witten for at least taking the blame for a missed route but T.O. is just poison and you guys need to get rid of him. Talent is one thing but chemistry among the "team" instills belief and as a result, wins games. T.O. might be the probowler but I don’t care if my Steelers WR core is f****d up, I would never want him on my team.
Ben Roethlisberger makes some dumb decisions (holding the ball too long, fumbling, dumb interceptions) and our O-line sucks ass. Sure, our defense keeps our team afloat but the big thing about it is that our team believes in each other and puts in a “team” effort and doesn’t complain about a damn thing to the media. That, I can respect even if we have a weak offense. But the Cowboys have almost everything, all the talent, but the team effort is crippled by T.O.’s selfishness.
Once again, I’m sorry for you guys’ loss to the Eagles and I hope you guys have a better season in 09.
by SteelChad88 on Jan 1, 2009 12:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thank you, that's class.
Appreciate the comments and especially appreciate your kind wishes. Thanks and best of luck in the playoffs.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 12:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+100
They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.
by what_the_crap on Jan 1, 2009 12:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Appreciate the class, but disagree with the point
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 1:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I also disagree.......Your allowed to turn off BSPN in Pittsburgh too...ya know
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
President - Garrett MUST GO campaign -
by BoyzRback on Jan 1, 2009 6:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Steeler Fan is Right
Actually TO will be 37 next year. Hello? Cowboy fans that are in love with TO are delusional; the man is a cancer; he is a sociopath and a narcissist. He started the rumbling because he is allowed to run amok my Winnie the Pooh Wade Phillips and Al Davis Twin Jerry Jones. This team is sick; this team is rotten to its core; this team needs to fire about 20 players and start over with a three year plan to reach the Super Bowl. This staff and this team if it stays basically in place will never be a champion. You can’t make a steak dinner out of dog food. TO would be the first to go, in my view.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 8:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually TO will turn 36 next December, so its still two years until he turns 37
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1000
Chad-
I agree, TO is ultra-talented, and the ultimate distraction. No matter what anyone says, Romo and Jason Garrett go out of there way to keep TO happy. Doing what is best one player, is not doing what is best for the team.
You can criticize ESPN, but TO is game guy who complained via the media about opportunity’s, after 10+ balls thrown in his direction.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 1, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TO did keep his comments to the locker room
He had a private meeting with Jason Garrett to discuss the offense. I don’t see anything wrong with this. When I have a problem at work, I go speak to my manager privately. From what I understand, Witten told ESPN about this. If NFL players are supposed to keep quiet no matter what, then I’ll back off.
I would expect the players on the team respect Owens more than Romo. While Romo goofed off in Mexico last year, Owens spent three weeks getting ready for the playoffs. I didn’t think this was a big deal last year, but you have to look at this from the other players’ perspective. He also spent the training camp working with Sam Hurd. It seems to me Owens wants to win, while Romo just wants to grin and goof off, no matter what, even when Montrae Holland was lying face down injured.
I do respect your recapitulation of what NFL.com and ESPN are saying. Do you also agree with Cris Carter?
by ym on Jan 1, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ym..get a clue
Romo and Witten were preparing for the playoffs in mexico while T.O. was rehabbing his high ankle sprain.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Re Post: Romo is a 'cutesie boy', still thinking he can...
get by on his talent and charm. It’s a wonder to me that he’s not still living with this mom and dad, or does he? He’s making millions, so he’s doing well in that regard. But to win consistently at the NFL level, talent and charm are not a match for talent, competitive fire, a team first attitude, and an unmitigated fear of losing.
Romo does not fear losing. He just accepts it as part of competition. He has no edge, because he has no fear. He likes to win, but it isn’t necessary to him. What we have here, in Romo, is a failure to give himself totally to the game, or his team. Tony is just out there having fun.
Hey, I enjoy watching Romo when he’s doing well, and think he very well could lead us to the SB eventually. To do that, however, I think he’ll need to do some real soul searching, and recommit himself to his chosen profession. If he learns to fear losing, he and us, will be the better for it. If not, he may as well go golfing for all I care.
by CowboyMan on Jan 1, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Comes with time
Remember this is only his second full season…
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TO Interview With D Sanders Started It All
The insurrection hit the fan when TO sat down with D. Sanders for a mid week interview; it was here that TO’s handiwork began to be unmasked. He threw JG and began to throw Romo under the bus, and began the campaign to exonerate himself for the blame that was coming for a losing season. To suggest TO kept this mess in-house is just wrong. TO is a sociopathic narcissist. He is garbage.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would throw Garrett under the bus too
He had 14 weeks to make adjustments…something changed after that Redskin game and Garrett failed to do anything about it.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wish all Steelers fans were like you
living in western Pa would be much more enjoyable.
Appreciate your thoughts
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't
agree more about Owens. His best football is behind him, and he is bringing too much negativity to the team.
This team has too many celebrities and not enough blue-collar players hungry to win the whole thing.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jan 1, 2009 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, a Steeler fan can see more clearly where our problems start more than most of the posters here!
He is right on the button. Start by eating TO’s contract, and we’ll have made the one biggest change we can, both on and off the field.
You guys who are disagreeing with his point, you’re so close to your team as fans that you’re blinded and can’t see what is staring right at you.
Again, my million $ question, try it if you can: Imagine what our team just did was ANOTHER team, w/ all the TO BS of the last few weeks, say the Redskins. Wouldn’t you be laughing your heads off at the hated Skins and how stupid DSnyder was to sign a guy like TO?
The answer is yes, you would, by the way……
by Realist Larry on Jan 1, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Blame it on Romo if you want "ym".......
but wasn’t it T.O. who funded his vacation to Mexico? He even said it in an interview, he wanted Romo to relax and blow off some steam by paying for Romo’s vacation. Now if your going to attack Romo for going on vacation before a playoff game then you have to find the root of the problem————T.O. funded it and Wade Phillips set no boundaries. I would blame Wade Phillips for that one right? He is the coach right? If I were the coach and my team was getting ready for a divisional playoff game, I would run a few 2-a-days to keep the intensity high and would restrict all players from vacations or partying at bars (so they don’t end up shooting themselves like Plaxico!) I mean c’mon, its four weeks of being 110% focused and giving it your all, and then AFTER you can partyand go on vacations. It’s not Romo’s fault or even T.O.‘s fault for fitting the bill, its the coach’s fault for not keeping his team focused.
Thanks for the props"Terry" “OskieOskie” and “Realist Larry” people can get mad at Romo and defend T.O. all they want but Romo isn’t the one complaining to Stephen A. Smith or other news outlets in his interviews. T.O. was the one saying to Deion Sanders that “i’m going to do ‘my’ job and ’I’m’ going to bring Jerry Jones his 6th superbowl ring” correct me if I’m wrong but that whole interview was all about himself, not the team. And the problem is that T.O. should not be complaining about passes, he has another 1,000 yd season, right?
As for Wade Phillips, that guy needs to go too, I’m not trying to sound like a homer but maybe it would be a good look to drop Wade and pick up Coach Cowher, he is looking for a job right now. I would hate to see him on the cowboys you guys need the discipline that Cowher brings because you guys have all the talent, but no organization….just my opinion.
by SteelChad88 on Jan 1, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
HaHa too Funny
people can get mad at Romo and defend T.O. all they want but Romo isn’t the one complaining to Stephen A. Smith or other news outlets
No…Nothing is ever GOOFBALLS fault…..He can fumble and throw 1.5 INT’s EVERY game and make some smartass comments….and he’s till the media darling.
I don’t recollect TO being responsible for ANY TURNOVERS in philly…..
Tony will always get a free pass….And TO will always get the blame….
whether warranted or not
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 5:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
free pass??
thats hysterical
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How so
I find it hysterical that Romo Throws away opportunity….Game after game due to his lack of maturity….AND NO ONE EVER HOLDS HIM accountable. It is always someone else’s fault …the OLINE…TO…the recievers not catching balls 5 feet over their heads…BLAH,BLAH,BLAH……
I find it hysterical…That ROMO,in his pressers….Says the equivelent of “Thems the breaks”….and finds coming up short way too comfortable.
If Romo doesn’t grow up and learn how to manage a ball game….Then you’d better get used to the Danny White comparisons…..cause what we’ve gotten from him isn’t quite good enough
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 9:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what we got from the rest of team
isn’t good enough as well, its not all his fault.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It starts with the QB
He’s supposed to be a leader out there but hes not…..He’s to busy laughing and grinning and patting the guy who just sacked him on the butt.
I noticed Tony’s game went WAY DOWNHILL,once he got that OUTRAEGOUS Contract……Could be a coincidense….BUT>>>>>>
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
QB is only as good as players that surround him
without an good OL nothing else matters. Anyone that knows football knows this to be true.
Actually Tony had some of his greatest games after he got his new contract… his game went downhill when the OL went down hill….no coincidence at all.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not argueing with you Terry
You’ll never agree that ROMO is ever at fault for anything…..But plenty of QB’s in this league “Take” a sack….without fumbling %80 of the time….Or throw the ball away when nothing is there.
Romo will never be “your” HOF’er that you keep telling everybody that he is….just like Stanback,isn’t going to replace TO…..HaHaHa….Remember that one?
Romo is no where near the upper echelon of QB’s in this league….and if he doesn’t work on being patient and not forcing things….He’ll be compared to hogeboom….not Danny White!!!!
Face facts (I don’t expect you too) take off the I heart ROMO,Rose colored glasses,and step away from the kool-aid. ROMO…Thus far…Has never showed up for the “BIG GAME”. He hasn’t won anything. Chad pennington has more to his resume than ROMO….Plus he’ll be playing this month.
ROMO hasn’t proven that he deserved that huge contract….This year he was a bust….and if things don’t improve…..He’ll be living off of Jessica’s money…HaHaHa….WE SO NEED A QB…..
Go ahead tell me I’m wrong,or delusional….but everybody in america sees the real Romo….and the rep he has garnered is that of a choke artist….and rightly so.
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
not true at all
he’s already proven he’s one of the best players in the league, if you don’t believe it, thats your problem not mine.
Go read Mickey’s article at the Cowboys website, he agrees with me, not you and I think he’s an American.
BTW, jury is still out on Stanback, although I didn’t anticipate he would turn out to be a china doll.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Spags is paid to be positive about the Cowboys
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 11:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not true
Spags is as objective as any writer for the local beat rags.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 2, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Except he works for the team
So he’s not about to badmouth the team….Hell he’s a worse homer than you Terry….If possible!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats why he bad mouthed the OL
yeah, that makes sense
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 2, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was either that or criticise the franchise qb
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 2, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stanbach was injured when we drafted him LOL
not much anticipation involved there!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How is that?
he’s already proven he’s one of the best players in the league
He’s never won anything
leads the league in turnovers
He is not a BIG GAME QB…..He has proven that!!!!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
QBs don't win things
thats your problem, you think QBs actually win games but they don’t. They are part of a team.
What has Witten and Ware won?? Guess they are not big game TE or LB, huh??
See how your argument is flawed?
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 2, 2009 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
witten and ware ALWAYS come up big
ROMO doesn’t….Thats your problem terry
ROMO HAS NEVER DONE ANY WRONG IN YOUR EYES….Its always everybody else.
Romo is supposed to be the leader.
My arguement is not flawed….your blind idolism,however is…
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just like
Ware isn’t going to be beat a lot of double and triple teams. Romo isn’t going to win very often with a free rusher in his face. You saw how good Tom Brady looked in the super bowl with a free rusher in his deal.. Everyone knows the best way to stop a great Qb is put pressure in his face. I know I remember what Romo looked like with a neat pocket.. MVP candidate.. How easy we forget.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 2, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I got news for you
Witten and Ware haven’t come up any bigger than Romo, they all are in the same boat.
The leader of a team don’t win or lose games all by themselves..thats where you are wrong…BIG TIME!
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 3, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha
QBs don’t win things
good ones do
eli won a super bowl
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 4:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That defense won them that super bowl.
Not Eli, he throw one pass.
by joey7289 on Jan 2, 2009 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember him throwing
a TD pass…..which is more than ROMO did last week…
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Operative word
“sacked” no qb is worth a darn when he is constantly picking himself up off the turf. Troy looked like crap when he was sacked 6 times a game too.
by GunsUp on Jan 1, 2009 11:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Troy never congratulated Them though
Troy got Pissed….
And played with heart and fire.
Tony doesn’t know the meaning…..
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
great comback.....haha
you know its true
romo will never hold a candle to TROY
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 2, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair point
And i like both Romo and Owens.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where's the article on this?
This seems like a joke by TO. Even if TO did pay, did he wave a magic wand and say, “go forth to Mexico, Romo?” Is too that charasmatic? Romo did it to himself. If Romo needs someone to police him and tell him how he should stay focused, he should leave the NFL and live with his parents.
I can take one drop a game. But I cannot stand a fumble and interception a game. The only game TO may have lost was the Redskin’s game in 2006. Even then that wasn’t not totally his fault. Romo has lost plenty.
What’s wrong with players asking for the ball? Irwin did it. Rice did it. At work, managers admire workers who ask for more work and for more responsibility. An NFL team seems to go in the face of a good business.
If someone was interviewing you for a job and asked what you did at your previous job, who you always say “we?” Or if your manager interviewed you about your yearly performance, would you say “we?” There’s nothing wrong with him saying “I.”
It’s always Jerry-TO-Jerry-TO-Jerry-TO..
by ym on Jan 1, 2009 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay "tm" I get your point.....
but let me say this, if you say you want the ball more and the media gets a hold of that then it is publicized. Now, when other people hear of it, including opposing team’s defensive coordinators, don’t think that they aren’t designing a plan to shut out T.O. through coverage for upcoming games. That’s what happened to Steve Smith against the Giants this season, they shut him down. Yeah Irvin and Rice said they wanted the ball more but they weren’t throwing the whole team under the bus in interviews causing controversy which in the end, affected the cowboys this season.
And I’m not totally defending Romo, he has his own problems, maybe the spotlight is getting to him. But it seems ironic that whatever team T.O. plays for, there is always a fallout between him and teammates, or him and the coach. T.O. wants things his way, and that’s why he didn’t like Parcells because he doesn’t like coaches telling him what to do but he seems to love Wade phillips because Wade lets him walk all over him.
Thats all I’m saying, it just seems ironic that every team T.O. is associated with, ends up suffering for his selfishness and his attitude.
by SteelChad88 on Jan 1, 2009 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So you think that if TO didnt say he wanted the ball more
other DCs wouldn’t try to shut him down? And who has TO thrown under the bus this year?
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Teams took TO out
It’s as simple as that. They doubled him all season long, he can huff and puff and complain but Garrett never did anything to get him out of those double teams. Move him to the slot…put him in the backfield like they did oh so few times, just do something different. I think a healthy Roy Williams will help change things, hopefully he’ll be around so we can truly see if it will.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well said SteelChad88
You bring up the core issue that nags at this team. Is TO’s production on the field worth the distractions that surround him off the field? The balance seems to be tipping towards No, he’s not worth it.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jan 1, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I still do not
understand why we criticize people who want the ball. Maybe all the talking TO did might finally spark JJ to look at what is actaully wrong with this team.
Nobody cried week 1-4 when we were winning. Irvin demanded the ball and nobody called him selfish. Why because we were winning.
If the RHG was designing plays especially for TO it never showed!! Everytime TO ran out of the slot he was wide open. Never did it more than a few times a game.
As far as TO’s previous stays does everyone really think he was the only problem in Philly?
Come on that pompous ass Mcnabb who never does anything wrong in his own eyes is a problem.
Just wait till he has his typical 12 for 38 day this week against the Vikes. It won’t be his fault. I am pretty sure he won’t be yucking it up on the sidelines and patting everyone on the ass this week when they are losing.
Wake up TO ain’t the problem.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
And so what if our OC is designing plays to get the ball to TO. Dont you think other teams try to get the ball in the hands of their biggest playmakers? Dont you think the Panthers try to get Steve Smith the ball? Or the Patriots try to get Moss the ball?
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm amazed
how people who don’t watch cowboy games every week know our problems and solutions.
Only proves TO is an easy mark.
Your’re right with steve smith. I’m sure carolina says let’s throw the ball to Mushin all the time!
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His little
problem catching the ball is the problem. If he caught half the balls he dropped this year we might be in the playoffs.
by GunsUp on Jan 1, 2009 11:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If the line had of blocked better we might be in the playoffs
If Romo didn’t turn the ball over as much we might be in the playoffs. If RW could get more separation, this team might be in the playoffs. If Barber had a better YPC we might be in the playoffs.
Speculating on this is a waste of time. If TO caught some more passes maybe we would be in the playoffs, but his production and work ethic have earned him some forgiveness for his one problem. He is still better than the alternative.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 2, 2009 1:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats not speculation
The guy drops more passes than anyone in the NFL. That’s a fact.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jan 3, 2009 5:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks and hope Ben is better by Sunday
by kameleon_o on Jan 1, 2009 11:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He has a week to rest haha, he'll be ready to go for them.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks "kameluon" and "joey"...
for the class and good sportsmanship. I accept criticism on my team and this post has a mature fanbase opinions that are well thought out and I enjoyed a few educated arguements with some folks without no “name-calling” or bashing. I respect that. Ben should be ready to play, I have faith in him and most of you should have faith in Romo.
Look…I see a lot of people putting down Romo after he had a bad season, and sure he has screwed up in the last few playoff games you guys have been in but give him a chance, HE IS A GOOD QB!! The guy had the best passer rating in 06’ and put you guys in the divisional round in 07’. He’s good, he just needs to break through that plateau and obviously get some self-dsicipline from maybe a better coach.
All QB’s go through bad years, its called a slump but most of you guys are already saying “to hell with Romo” giving up on him already. Look at Big Ben, he isn’t playing up to par since his stupid motorcycle accident, he makes bad decisions a lot and he is the main factor that will determine our playoff run, his good plays vs. his mistakes. I get mad at Ben for throwing INT’s in the red zone but I look at the positive things, the guy can scramble, he can make big plays during crunch time, and he is tough…just look at how many times he got sacked this year.
All I’m saying is have faith in Romo, he will have another stellar season, he just needs to get focused along with the rest of the team and I think T.O. is toying with that focus. Anyway, I’m looking forward to the divisional round at Heinz Field, hopefully we get the Dolphins or Chargers, I’m hoping we don’t get the Colts. Peyton in playoff= scary!!
Have a good offseason guys, I enjoyed chatting with everyone!!
by SteelChad88 on Jan 2, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What happened to Limas Sweed?
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 2, 2009 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just
What has Watkins done to justify his existence on the roster? He is not a cover safety. He’s not a run support kind of safety. He takes penalties on ST’s Why is he still around? He is part of the malaise that surrounds this team.
On a side note. Greg Ellis has been on this team since it’s demise in the late 90’s. He (IIRC) is the elder on this team. He’s done nothing but complain and whine. Is he the main sickness this team is dying of? It’s my opinion he needs to find another home. Even if he gets his sacks every now and then, I think a better clubhouse guy can be found that can do just as good of a job.
by Rooty on Jan 1, 2009 12:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Watkins should be gone, and Ellis is expendable, and no longer needed..
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
President - Garrett MUST GO campaign -
by BoyzRback on Jan 1, 2009 7:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right On Rooty
You are so correct; Watkins was a stupid pick. He is not physically cut out for being a safety. Just another example of consistently bad draft picks by Jerry ‘Al Daivs’ Jones. Sure Dallas had a good draft last year, but this was the exception not the norm. And, we had two number ones, so it would a little hard to screw it up too bad. Fact is this team is full of bad football players and whining babies that are mostly overpaid. I would get rid of Ellis and Watkins but this would be just the beginning of a complete housecleaning.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hilarious
Please, let’s don’t let facts get in the way of his rantings.
by Joey2zs on Jan 1, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no idea what that means
i think i’m still drunk
by edubz on Jan 1, 2009 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bad Draft???
Sure Dallas had a good draft last year, but this was the exception not the norm. And, we had two number ones, so it would a little hard to screw it up too bad
You can take away felix and Jenkins….and we still had a draft most clubs would envy!!!!!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good draft but
How did the first pick in the sixth round turn out? Think this does not matter? The Redskins took a safety in the seventh round that is a stud. Just saying . . .
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We had a great draft
and you want to whine about walden?
GEEEEZ
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 5:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We Are Starving for a Safety
And the Redskins found a great one from a big school in the seventh; we had the first pick in the sixth round and basically blew the pick. This is not a marginal criticism. The first pick in the sixth round could have been parlayed into several other picks and we certainly could have used these picks on speical teams; instead we have to out and find guys off the street like Tra Battle and Polk and so forth.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Several Other Picks
The draft is only 7 rounds. You might have been able to swap spots with someone and get an additional 7th rounder but that does not translate into “several other picks.”
by jevans1729 on Jan 1, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The first pick in the sixth round
easily is exchangeable for two sevens, more likely you can trade down ten spots and pick up a seven this year and a six or seven next year; then you can trade down another 10 sport for about the same extra picks; then you can do it again and end up with the last pick in the sixth, and at least two extra sevens and perhaps a pick or two the following year. Go look at what the Cowboys did with the first pick in the fourth round. We moved down about three times and ended up with all kinds of extra booty.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
so because walden was a bust...
Then our whole draft was bad….I don’t know of a team in the league that wouldn’t want Felix,Jenkins,Martellus,OSandrick…..In the draft you’re lucky if you get a player who’ll produce the 1st year….much less 4…..And to fuss because we didn’t hit on a 6th rounder……that is marginal…..who gets a 6th rounder who makes any contribution anyhow?
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No one said last year's draft was bad
Dallas had one of their best draft’’s in a long time, maybe since 1975. It does not change the fact we blew the pick in the sixth round, again it was the first pick in that round so it is not just any old pick. And, considering how desparate we are for special team players and safeties, this mistake had serious consequences. Some might argue that Bennett was a reach, coupled with moving Fasano and another player for very low value before the draft. As for Choice, before going all ga-ga on this great selection, know that this was the deepest running back draft perhaps in NFL history, many teams got great value at running back at the same time the Cowboys did — and now alot of teams are very rich in running backs. and
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Choice was a great pick
He’s no overnight star…..He’s been ripping up the ACC forever…..I was glad to see him go……And glad to see him become a cowboy.He’s Money!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
re Bruce Read
I read on DMN or StartleGram that the reason we were last in distance and touchbacks was because Read instructed Folk to kick to certain spots on the field.
If Folk has the leg to get it into the end zone, and didn’t because Read was giving him those instructions…..you have to think Wade was asleep at the wheel for not asking what the hell was going on.
Does Folk have a weak leg and can NOT get it into the end zone and Read was trying to compensate, or was that just a bone-headed coaching call?
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 12:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
something i've been wondering all year
were they just using the strategy of directional kicking to cover up the fact that he really does have a weak leg (tho deadly accurate)? I guess we’ll find out next year. Folk is such a mixed bag, generally great on FGs, but generally awful on kickoffs. I hope a coaching change will help but there’s only so much a coach can do with the actual kick.
by scottmaui on Jan 1, 2009 1:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was known for having a weak leg (in terms of kickoff distance) even in college
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 1:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why dont we just get mcbriar to try kick offs
What the French?! Toast!
by thebigham on Jan 1, 2009 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
because he doesn't have the technique
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jan 1, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Folk does not have the leg
We saw that his rookie year.
In-YOUR-endo
by accidental innuendo on Jan 1, 2009 7:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Folk Is Clutch But. . .
His leg strength is way below par.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 8:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
below par?
in terms of kicks off i hope you mean? Because i have confidence folk can make any FG the team ask of him
What the French?! Toast!
by thebigham on Jan 1, 2009 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 Big HAM
Nick is FOLKIN’AAAAAAA MONEY$$$$$$
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Clutch
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask Buffalo
Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old
by Mullin on Jan 1, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Arizona Cardinals game
Raf, I agree with your post, and I would take it one step further and say that the AZ game was really the turning point of the season. In those few seconds of overtime we lost our QB for 3 games and our pro-bowl punter for the season. It was all weird twists of fate like football is sometimes, but a lot of them were special teams plays. And if Folk had not hit the upright on that FG the game might not have gone to overtime. Not only would we have that win and be in the playoffs now, but we would have not lost Romo and probably would have won one of those two games that we lost while he was out. I know you can look back at any season and say if this and if that, and in any game that was close it could have tilted the balance and we’d have one more win and be in the playoffs. If Sam Hurd had gotten ahold of that on-sides kick in the Skins game. If TNew hadn’t given up the long 3rd and 19 to Holmes in PIT. If if if. But to me, the real turning point was the Arizona game, and specifically that kick that hit the upright. Six inches more to the right, and we’d be in the playoffs now, and all the wonder and worry about what went wrong would be gone… at least for another week!
by scottmaui on Jan 1, 2009 1:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
scottmaui
Maybe, but looking at the season by unit, it’s amazing how expansive the rot went.
Romo gets a lot of grief, and his fumbles went way up, but the number of ’07 Pro Bowlers whose play declined significantly this year is amazing:
Barber triples his turnovers.
I still need to run the numbers, but Greg Ellis’ penalties went through the roof while his production went way, way down. Add his whining, and he’s another candidate to get whacked.
The number of offsides by the d-line is staggering. Considering many of these were committed by guys who were lined up right over the ball, Todd Grantham has some questions to answer. It was unit wide, not just one guy.
And the o-line, (shakes head). Tomorrow.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 1:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah
i agree. and for much of the season we’d see one or two units perform well in any given game, but rarely all three at once. ST did have some good games, too, I’m thinking like the Bucs and 2nd Skins IIRC. so the units doing well won us some games, but not enough. and no unit performed consistently throughout.
by scottmaui on Jan 1, 2009 1:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"How Expansive the Rot Went"
Man, those words could not be more accurate. It starts with Jerry “Al Davis” Jones. It extends to Winne the Pooh and way over their head coaching assistants like Read. Then it moves into the star players that are there to collect paychecks and not play football. When the rot began to stink, the rats who are gutless cowards began to throw key people under the bus, the better to disguise their poor play and lack of committment. This is where a Parcells or a Jimmy Johnson excels; they can spot the rot a mile away; players get the message and the rot is reversed. Football like all sports is a large part mental; you have to have integrity and courage; this team has none of this except with a few isolated players here and there. It makes me sick to think Jerry Al Davis Jones believes he can fix the rot with a tweak here and a tweak over there; this team will continue to suck, mark my words.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lowacowboy
the rot was there under Parcells. Phillips actually shook them beyond it last year but they reverted back to Parcells form last year.
The talent level/mix needs to be changed. They were making the same special teams mistakes when Bruce DeHaven was working for Parcells, or have you forgotten:
— Rock Cartright running a KO back 100 yards on a Monday Night;
— Eddie Drummond running back several long, long punt returns in the ‘06 finale when the team had to win;
— that jaw-dropping whiffed block and then penalty on the last plays of Redskins II that turned what should have been a game-winning Romo drive into a last play loss. Who whiffed the block? Marc Colombo. Parcells’ guy.
Jerry is flawed, but its over simplification, and wrong, to say that he’s the lone reason here.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Is Flawed but
I agree that you can’t just blame Jerry for this year’s disaster of a season. But, taking the long view, looking at the Cowboy since his arrival, one has to concluce that Jerry’s role as a GM have been way below par. We are now 0 for 13 years without playoff win. This is a horrible legacy. Simply horrible. No GM would survive this type record. What he did to Landry; what he did to the emerging dynasty under Jimmy Johnson; his inability to work with Parcells as evidenced by TO’s arrival over Parcell’s objections . . . and now the Pacman failure . . . the TO insurrection. It is getting to be too much; this team is broken and corrput to its ccre; we are destoying a frachise quarterback. All because we have an ego maniac wanna be owner who simply can’t resist playing coach or GM. Jerry needs to fire Jerry.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
-1
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think the turning point in that game was the folk miss
but rather hightower catching the tipped pass and converting 3rd and long. I still beleive that play turned the momentum of the game. But Im not sure if that game was the turning point of the season.
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 1, 2009 1:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, it's all rather subjective
and there were many turning points, as the season turned up again (The fourth quarter of the Skins game?) before it finally turned down again (the fourth quarter of the Steelers game, the 3rd & 19?).
it’s just that when i look at fateful moments, hitting a FG off the upright, and those few inches, could have made the difference in the season.
by scottmaui on Jan 1, 2009 1:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are we the worst 3rd-and-long defensive team in the league?
I’d love to know. It sure seems that way.
In-YOUR-endo
by accidental innuendo on Jan 1, 2009 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3rd and long
I wondered the same thing. Remember when Campo was head coach, if it was longer than 3rd and 7 it was an automatic 1st. Never could find the stats for it. Hitzges and Spagnola never answered my emails, so we are left to wonder. Is the ‘we have all the talent’ mentality seeping into the defense on these long third downs? ‘No way this team can convert on us!!’ Guess what…. FIRST DOWN. Let’s see if it changes next year.
by sixrings09 on Jan 1, 2009 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nick Folk in college
http://sports.outsidethebeltway.com/2007/04/dallas-cowboys-draft-kicker-nick-folk/
According to this article, the knock on Folk was his accuracy, not his leg strength. In college he kicked 83 touchbacks out of 140 kickoffs. Go figure.
Bruce Read is directing him NOT to kick touchbacks!!!!!
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 1:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
interesting
well we’ll have to see what happens next year. but i can’t imagine he has lost leg strength in the two years since his college playing…
by scottmaui on Jan 1, 2009 1:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
could it be
The the Marcellus Wiley theory, blame the strength and conditioning coach? LOL, but seriously I don’t understand how a guy goes from kicking touch backs 50% of the time to never kicking them at all, to even kicking one out of bounds on the opening kickoff of the biggest game of the season?
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 1, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe I was wrong above
But there is no reason for this. Our coverage teams are below average.
In-YOUR-endo
by accidental innuendo on Jan 1, 2009 7:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but dont college kickoff closer?
What the French?! Toast!
by thebigham on Jan 1, 2009 7:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Physics
Bear in mind that the University of Arizona plays their home games in Tucson, which has an elevation of around 2600 feet. Denver is a mile high, well Tucson is halfway there.
The higher the elevation, the lower the air density, and the longer of the kicks. So the number of touchbacks he had in college need to be taken with a grain of salt.
by kindablue on Jan 1, 2009 8:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
um
they kick off further upfield in college.
by Joey2zs on Jan 1, 2009 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
By that rational
shouldnt he have at least got a touchback in Phoenix then?
by Impatient on Jan 1, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not Necessarily
Phoenix is in a valley at 1100 feet. And there’s also the question of whether he was instructed to directionally kick, plus kicking off at the 35 yard line in college.
One doesn’t infer from the other. The point I was making was that kicking in Tucson gave his kicking distance a subsidy.
by kindablue on Jan 1, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kickoffs from the 35?
Did college kick off from the 35 instead of the 30?
by sixrings09 on Jan 1, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jim, that was my recollection as well.
Folk was drafted to give us a kickoff guy. Grammatica (sp) was the FG guy. Then the Cowboys realized in that year`s TC that Folk had good FG accuracy.
by WayneLaR on Jan 1, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent
Raf,
I am still reeling from this loss, perhaps the single worst regular season loss I have ever witnessed. What is worse, I live in the philly area and have literally almost come to fisticuffs with several of my friends.
In any case, this article is one of the best I have ever seen. I have read your stuff for years and largely feel you put out the highest quality analysis on the cowboys around.
How about a piece on where this loss ranks against other regular season losses over the past 20-30 years? Not just in terms of points allowed, but analyzing every conceivable category, including its importance.
I cant believe that Wade still has a job after that atrocity of a game. I would fire Jesus if he was the coach.
by priapos on Jan 1, 2009 6:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
It Is The Players
Sure Coach Read is a terrible coach and deserved to be fired; too bad it is one year late but no matter how bad Read was as a coach, the individual players are the root cause of the problem with poor special team play. Cowboy fans need to face the fact that a majority of the 53 man roster actually suck as football players; their hearts and their courage and their fortitude as players and men are missing in action. This team needs an enema and a complete housecleaning. Wade needs to go; a GM and a new coach are needed; a plan is needed to weed out the gutless no good players and we need to flush those pricey contracts and the worthless players on the other end of these stupid business decisions by Jerry Jones, who is now the the worst GM in the NFL.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 8:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
yeah but no matter how much you say that is needed it WONT happen
so stop whining about it. Face the facts.. Jerry owns this team is the GM of this team and as long as they are the most talked about team in all of sports Jerry will be happy.
What the French?! Toast!
by thebigham on Jan 1, 2009 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True; Jerry Owns The Team
And his legacy now is embedded in history. His legacy is more and more that of a dolt GM who trashed Tom Landry and Tex Schramm; fired Jimmy Johnson and destroyed a dynasty; ran off Bill Parcells in a power grab to try and secure all of the glory for a rebuilt franchise. Alas, Jerry is such a dolt and an ego maniac, he has now destroyed the advantages installed by Parcells — Jerry is the new Al Davis and the Cowboys are the laughingstock of the NFL; branded the losers that their record says they are; overpaid whining babies that can’t play football.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry did not run off Bill Parcells
Go and read how Big Bill was negotiating with the Jets and Falcons the week he had New England in the Super Bowl to play the Packers. He got busted for it. The Jets had to pay the Pats a king’s ransom for stealing a coach under contract. It takes two to tango and Bill was more than willing to dance.
He left the way he always has left his other jobs, with maximum drama and subterfuge.
by Rafael Vela on Jan 1, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Jones's team won 13 games last year and sent 13 players to the Pro Bowl, yet all
the credit went to Bill Parcells. This year the team goes 9-7 and Jerry is a clown. 2004 6-10, 2005 9-7, 2006 9-7. That was with BP having almost full control. Whose fault was that? Everyone says how JJ overrides SOB. Where does that info come from? A reliable souce Ed Werder? Fox Sports? Chris Carter? LBOH? Where?
Going into this season the weakest link was SS. It wasn’t a liabilty, just the weakest link.. WE suffered through OL injuries to starters and back ups. Safety injuries to starters and back ups, RB injuriies to starters and back ups. CB injuries to starters and back ups. QB injuries. Yet the team went 9-7. That is very respectable, if not greeat depth, yet everyone wants to fire the GM. Give me a break.
by elharpo on Jan 1, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OMG You are saying this season RESPECTABLE
I had to read and re-read your post., OMG, you are not seriously postulating this season was respectable? This season was a fricking disaster, just like the last 12. This team is loaded with overpaid, underachieving, overhyped, gutless losers. Holy Cow; blaming this team’s failures on injuries is just plain ridiculous — it played sloppy and uninspired football just about from beginning to end. Losing to the Rams? Giving up consecutive TD runs? Having public squabbles like high school girls? Getting smacked by the average Eagles in a playoff determining game? This team is infected with losing; it needs to be blown completely up, If you want respectable, go see Atlanta or Miami. Dallas does not have any relationship to this word.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Name calling, will get no where
The point of the post is that, blaming the GM is misplaced. It is more than obvius that they stunk it up, but it wasn’t because of talent level. That is what the GM does. Bring in talent. The coaches and the players make it work. Drink that kool-aid.
by elharpo on Jan 1, 2009 7:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK.....ok..we got your point...no go hibernate for another 12 month...
grumpy old bear….I wish all these Jerry Jones haters would STFU or go follow another team….cuz HE ain’t going anywhere….geeeezz…….seriously…
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
President - Garrett MUST GO campaign -
by BoyzRback on Jan 1, 2009 10:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+10000
Jerry made up for a lot when he talked parcells out of drafting Spears over Ware. He also makes draft day one hell of a ride. Personally, I like what he is doing.
by Impatient on Jan 1, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I also like
when Jerry is speaking one on one with the players undermining the coaches.
Don’t forget the quincy carter,shante carver and kavika pittman Jerry also drafted.
Jerry is a businessman not a footballl guy. Like I said in another post.
Would jerry stand for this type of return from his employees in his the oil business?
I don;t think so.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
With some
luck there are Cowboys staffers reading this blog Jerry included.
Whether Jerry goes anywhere or not the problem is still him.
Not discussing JJ as the problem just masks the real problem.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry Ain't Going Anywhere
Doesn’t mean one has to cease calling a spade a spade and then firmly inserting one’s nose fully up Jerry’s posterior. Jerry is the new Al Davis; he is a buffoon; he is the laughingstock of the NFL.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh Jerr
The guy started out as an awful GM, but over the last couple decades has improved. I may not like his attitude, his grandstanding and whatnot, but you can’t fault his commitment.
by Mojoness on Jan 1, 2009 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Committment
includes making the team better and that does not happen just by spending $$$$.
He needs to step down as GM and put a football guy in.
Things will never change until Jerry changes himself.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It will never happen
when jerry is gone (no time soon)
then you can start bitching about stephen…LOL
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Jan 1, 2009 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
you are wrong but you are probably right.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stephen is not Jerry
Jerry is an ego maniac squared; Stephen has his feet firmly on the ground. Stephen would act in the best interests of the Cowboys; Jerry is all about Jerry. How else do you explain that ugly skin graft that he thinks improved his looks?
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Special teams will not get better
until the team gets some discipline. Especially on the coverage side. Its not a lack of talent or necessarily the special teams’ coaches fault its the total underlieing lack of discipline the whole team shows.
by CapitalT on Jan 1, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
TO isn't going anywhere..
On First take today the reporter from star-telegram said that the Jerry Jones went on his radio show yesterday and said that cutting TO would make it impossible to get Demarcus’s contract done. His 9 million in dead money would be too much.
As much as I am for letting TO go, there is no way Jerry does it, so I am over it. I still want Pac gone. There are some quality cb’s we can sign this off-season, that don’t bring the baggage.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 1, 2009 11:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
We don't need to sign FA CB's
The draft last year supplied 2 that showed they are NFL caliber. Maybe draft another this year.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 1, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TO and resigning Ware
This is just a red herring so Jerry can change the subject from sending TO packing. Jerry loves TO. Jerry can sign Ware and ten more Wares whether we cut TO or not. Jerry is so mental that he can’t see the forest for the trees. TO is his pet poodle. This team is going nowhere.
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How Do You Figure
We can cut T.O. and “Jerry can sign Ware and ten more Wares”!!?? YOUR ARE DELERIOUS. Ware will get a bigger contract then Dwight Freeney (60mil plus) and a signing bonus in the 15 mil range. There is a salary cap. You obviously are hating on T.O. and that is your right. However, say what you want about Jerry, he knows how to make money and he has done pretty well by the slary cap recently. This is about money and nothing else.
by jevans1729 on Jan 1, 2009 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of current and former cowboy staff members get a crack at Lions job
Miami Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles will interview with the Detroit Lions for their head coaching vacancy next week, according to media reports.
The Lions are not the only team interested in Bowles. ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen reported that the St. Louis Rams plan to formally request permission to interview Bowles, as well as Dallas Cowboys receivers coach Ray Sherman.
ESPN
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 1, 2009 11:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Parcells leaving Dallas
Remember he was pushing for the Giants GM job the week we played at NYG in 06. He had some secret meeting in a car w/ some Giants executives. Parcells was a scumbag, plus his 04 and 06 drafts were as bad as any of Jerry’s mid to late 90s drafts.
by VA Dallas Fan on Jan 1, 2009 11:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Draft Day results mixed
2002
Roy William, Andre Gurode (Antonio Bryant, Derek Ross, Jamar Martin, Ralph Hunter, Tyson Walter, Deveron Johnson, Bob Slowikowsli)
2003
Terence Newman, (Al Johnson), Jason Witten, Bradie James (BJ Tucker, Justin Bates)
2004
(Julius Jones, Jacob Rogers, Stephen Peterman, Bruce Thornton, Sean Ryan, Nate Jones), Patrick Crayton, (Jacques Reeves)
2005
Demarcus Ware, Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, Marlon Barber, Chris Canty, (Justin Beriault, Rob Petitti), Jay Ratliff
2002 is almost a complete bust, 2004 gave us a 3rd reciever, big whoop. 2005 is a B+. Makes you question if Parcells was that responsible for “restocking” the talent since he missed on so many. For a football guy, Parcells can’t seem to spot an NFL O-lineman!
by sixrings09 on Jan 1, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
however Jimmy J. was also a supposed talent guru. Jimmy like Bill makes their best picks round 4 -7.
Let us not forget tom mylinski and rhondy weston under the jimmy j watch.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats right
he should take out 2002 and include 2006 – Barbie, Fasano, Hatcher, Skyler Green, Watkins, Mount Stanley, McQ, EJ Whitley.
4 out of 8 guys left from just 3 years ago, and none of them starters.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jan 1, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There is one guy from that Draft that is anything
And it’s Barber…1 for 8 congrats Bill, although that one is a great pick.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
?
one guy from 2005???
Have to disagree there. Ware, Barber, Ratliff are all great picks.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jan 3, 2009 5:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh
No not Barber… Barbie… as in Bobby Carpenter.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jan 3, 2009 5:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ya, the Dolphins are in the playoffs with half the talent as us. Parcells is a loser scumbag.
by CHARB on Jan 1, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would not classify him that bad but,
he is probably negotiating with woody with the jets as we speak.
As Bill used to say you what your are. Bill is a selfish, self centered egotistic person.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
who bulds wining football teams
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Jan 1, 2009 5:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
firing Bruce Read
was absolutely the right thing to do in fact I think we should have done it last year. What I worry about now is keeping Wade. I just don’t see how this team comes together after what happened this year with the same coaching staff in place. I know Jerry does not think change is always a good thing, but it sure seems like it is neccessary here. As a woman, I obviously have not played football, so maybe I don’t understand all the ‘team’ in’s and out’s, but these guys do not seem to be here for each other. This team seems fractured and it is something that was allowed to fester all season. I don’t know if Wade didn’t realize what was going on until it was too late, or if he just closed his eyes and hoped it would all go away. Either way, Wade is Wade and will always be Wade, so how can this man get this team back together?
by cowboyz4ever on Jan 1, 2009 11:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Talent?
I keep reading how talented this team is and I have to keep asking myself if that’s true. I think a lot of this is based on last years 13-3 record. How talented is our DL & OL? Spears & Canty are decent but to me nothing special. Look at the other 3-4 teams ends and tell me who you would want. Ratliff plays his butt off but is out of position. He needs to start at DE next year. Look at our LB’s – we all know Ware is great but whom else? Is James is good but it’s not like he’s a world beater – even though this was his best year. Zach is small and played out of position this year. Ellis is getting old, Burnett is always hurt & Carpenter was a total bust of a pick. I expected more out of Spencer this year and will be counting on him to really step it up next year. Besides Ware, who would you fear if you were another team? It’s amazing that Ware actually got 20 sacks this year to me. Our OL is big but dumb. They just don’t play smart football. Is it coaching? They are being coached by one of the most respected OL coaches in the league. I know the injury to Koiser hurt but it’s hard for me to believe that one guy can make the entire line play like crap all year. secondary – who’s great? Newman? He’s always got something wrong with him and it’s not like he doesn’t get beat often. Now, I’m not saying Newman is a bad player because he’s not. However, besides the 2nd Skins game when did this guy ever look like a shut down corner? Henry has really slowed down and it’s time to either try him a safety or send him out the door. I’m not even sure he would make a good safety because of his tackling ability. Hamlin is a solid player who I wish they would move to SS. Roy Williams is through. Pat Watkins, Keith Davis, Brown? Give me a break! The best thing Jerry has done in a long time is draft Jenkins & Scandrick. They should both have bright futures. Look at the WR position – Owens is really good but getting old. He also is not a great route runner. Roy Williams? I wish I knew. We didn’t throw the ball to him and then he hurts his foot. I wonder if we all regret this trade in a year or two. Crayton? Good hands but nothing special. Austin? If the kid could stay healthy may be we could find out about him. To tell you the truth I will be looking at him next year just as much as Roy Williams because I think he’s got something. RB position? We all like what we see here. We have 3 solid backs and it will be fun to watch Felix and Choice develop. Wish we would have let Barbers toe heal up! Romo? If he had more time to get set and throw the ball then his numbers would have been better. He was always under pressure except for a few games this year. The OL did not protect the QB – simple as that. We all know we need a better backup and I’m sure we will have one next year. I’m just not so sure our talent is as good as everyone thinks. The OL, ILB & Safety position better get fixed. Also another DE would not hurt.
by tyler2 on Jan 1, 2009 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
3 moves on D.. Get younger at Safety, move Rat, and find a real 3-4 ILB. Those 3 moves and we are legitimate top 3 D.
3 moves on O. Stay healthy on the Line, Get our Lineman in better condition, shorten the routes.
We do that, we win 11+ games.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on Jan 1, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're being very realistic.
Careful, though, some will chastise you for not expecting this team to go 16-0 next year!
But, in the NFL, the GOOD news is, we ARE just as talented as half or so of the teams that made the playoffs. Look at what Atlanta and Miami did, the difference is so slight……
There’s no reason why this team can’t compete again and go 10-6
But it will take major changes in “chemistry” or whatever you want to call it, and also, as CowboyMan has pointed out, a different attitude from Romo.
Instead of worrying about his footwork
(Raf, when’s the post coming about Romo’s accuracy getting worse due to too much thinking in the offseason about his form?)
Romo should watch tape of the Mannings, and how even Eli has turned into a Leader. Body language, how to communicate w/ your teammates when times are tough, etc.
by Realist Larry on Jan 1, 2009 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ratiff
is nice but he is no NT. Watch the Philly game and he gets pushed down the field by the center. One on one by the center with no help.
wade had the right idea on moving Spears to NT. I don’t know why he never made this move. I find it hard to believe spears can not add 20 pounds on to his frame. He is huge to begin with. Spears and canty while not shining stars do an above average job against the run.
Put a huge NG/NT and these guys will be even better.
The LB’s are getting hit way too often by OL and the the FB’s on run plays.
ferguson is 6’3’’ and 305 . Spears is 6’4" between 303 and 315. Maybe bring in a guy who can teach the right technique for the position.
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
We can't get a guy to coach special teams
How are we going to get someone to teach gap techniques.
by joey7289 on Jan 1, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Very unscientific, but patterns emerge
http://books.google.com/books?id=lC-mHjvKpRQC&pg=PA119&lpg=PA119&dq=effect+of+altitude+on+kickoffs&source=web&ots=d7klVTv0bO&sig=EMqUfDBgoZZ2TMflSqGyFmnqQHM&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPP1,M1
Ok, I’m not trying to ‘kick’ a dead horse here….well maybe I am.
To answr the arguments about Nick Folk’s leg strength….I went to a book called ’Football Physics", see above.
This PhD analyzed kickoffs and the effect of altitude, spin, humifity, etc. Basically he concluded that kickers in Denver got an 8 yard boost vs kickers who kicked at sea level. Denver is at 5000+ feet elevation.
Nick Folk played college at Arizona, which is in Tucson, which sets at about 2400 feet elevation.
He plays pro football in Dallas, which is at about 500 feet elevation.
College ball, (when Folk played) kicked from the 35 vs the 30 yard line for the pros.
So, assuming that in Tucson, Folk woulfdget a bonus of 4 yards (half the elevation of Denver) plus another 5 yards for kicking from the 35. Assuming that all of his college kickoffs were in Tucson and all of his pro kickoffs were in Dallas we would unscientifically say that Folk’s college kickoffs averaged 9 yards longer than his pro kickoffs.
A touchback is earned in 2 ways. The kicker kicks the ball through the endzone making a return impossible, or the kicker kicks it deep enough into the end zone and his coverage is fast enough downfield to cause the return man to choose to down it in the end zone.
Folk kicked over 80 touchbacks out of 140 kickoffs in college. He played 3 years in college averaging 25 touchbacks per year. He kicked one this year in the pros.
My point is…I don’t believe the average of 9 yards extra per kick in college is accurate because he played half his college games away from Tucson, just as he would have played half his games in the pros away from Dallas. If you average 25 touchbacks a year in college vs 1 per year in the pros, this drop off is not a function of a weak leg. You either have the slowest coverage team in the NFL, OR, you are told NOT to kick it in the end zone for some reason.
If Bruce Read was having trouble with his coverage teams, why would he not eliminate as many returns as possible by having Folk kick it away? Why try to spot kick it? My assumption is that Read was out thinking himself. Perhaps thinking that by forcing a return, his guys could get a stop behind the 20?
The bigger question is, why did Wade wait till the end of the year to make a change. Sometimes the best solution is the simplest.
I’m not a Wade hater, I support him…but here’s the pattern I’m beginning to see.
The game has 3 important phases…Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Wade allowed 2 out of the 3 phases to be controlled by incompetent people. Read, as we know, and Brian Stewart who Wade had to babysit midway through the year.
Maybe if Wade hadn’t had to spend as much time making the D into a competitive unit, he would have made a change in ST. I don’t know, but when I think about this, it seems to be a disturbing pattern. Wade has to have competent coaches. It’s admirable that he wants to protect his guys but maybe his guys shouldn’t need protecting.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
+10
The cowboys should hire you as a special teams coach!!
by oneforthethumb on Jan 1, 2009 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
And another thing..
This is from the DMN, Calvin Watkins 12/31/08
"The Cowboys were the only team in the league without a touchback this season. Kicker Nick Folk led the league in out-of-bounds kickoffs with five, including one to start Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
Read wanted Folk to kick the ball to certain areas of the field instead of booming it toward the end zone. Read also juggled lineups and formations that appeared to lead to the special teams’ inconsistency"
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Aiming for the sidelines is really stupid when
the penalty for missing wide is 40 yards. Why take a chance like that, especially in a tight game. It shows two things to me, they didn’t trust Folk, or their STs at all. Folk is ‘money’ on FGs though.
by CowboyMan on Jan 1, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great way to break it down Vance
Which begs the question: How does Wade suddenly become interested this late in his career?
How could he not simply say to Bruce, “Quit being cute, kick it in the end zone”
I feel that Wade himself was too overwhelmed with everything else going on….which baffles me. He had several people doing some or part of his job for him. How could he not provide some input in each area as needed?
First of all he’s got the Red Guru running the Offense and there is no evidence of Wade being too involved there.
Stewart is running the defense until the media points out how horrible he’s doing midway thru the season.
Special Teams was stagnant at best and then the injuries piled up.
What was Wade’s job and sense of responsibility thru all of this? Go to meetings and acknowledge something needs to be done then ask…“what should we do? Ok, sounds good. I’ll be in my office doing a killer word scrabble.”
If Jerry is not at least text messaging Mike Shannahan he’s being arrogant and negligent and these Boys are in trouble already.
by Doomsday on Jan 1, 2009 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I think you hit it on the head, with Wade being too busy being a full time Defensive coordinator and only a part time Head Coach. How did we end up with two guys so inept at such vital positions?
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on Jan 1, 2009 5:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How did we end up with two guys so inept at such vital positions?
Because our GM is a retard
by Iowacowboy on Jan 1, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
garrett
Rafael, a few months ago on the blue and silver report, you stated that Garrett did some brutal things to opposing defenses, such as creating mismatches with Owens. It’s hard to believe that Garrett forgot how to create mismatches in one year’s period. What really happened to Garrett? What is the root of all his play calling problem?
by beautifultyrant on Jan 1, 2009 5:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can tell you why
The OL was crap this year. Romo was running for his life half the time. Man, what a difference a year makes – even though the OL also played like crap against the giants in the playoffs last year if you remember.Doug Free better be workin his tail off this off-season.
by tyler2 on Jan 1, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's a big advantage to be the new kid on the block
Im not Rafeal, but in 2007 no one knew what to expect from Garrett his first year and he had Soprano around who had was familiar with how teams liked to play Dallas. He had four years of experience matching up with the coordinators in the division. In 2008, Garrett faced defensive coordinators who spent a good part of the offseason figuring out how to stop his offense which had been tops in the NFC the year prior.
That said, he did not seem able to adjust on his feet as the team did last year. I do not know if that was due to the fact he was missing Soprano or if he felt the problem was simply execution. Either way, I hope the team brings in another offensive mind to work with him to help with self scouting and mid-game adjustments.
by Trey, on Jan 1, 2009 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you're on to something
Judging by Miami’s performance Sporano’s experience appears to have been vital to Garrett. Also, look at Sean Peyton. New Orleans offense is still very good but DCs catcch up a little bit the more they see you.
by jevans1729 on Jan 1, 2009 9:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone looking for a safety in the bowl games.
by CowboyMan on Jan 1, 2009 8:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’d take Chung out over Oragon in the second round over any free agent who will end up available. Even then, the Cowboys need more then one free Safety.
by Trey, on Jan 1, 2009 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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