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Dallas Cowboys Friday night musings

Nick Eatman has a really good article over at DC.com that covers some wide ranging topics. He has some interesting views on a few of the recent happenings in the Dallas Cowboys universe.

On Pacman Jones and his reinstatement:

My take on that is Goodell needs to lighten up here at some point. Sure, he's trying to show he's the sheriff in town and all that. OK, I get it. But at some point, don't you think Jones might be better off with his teammates, working out and practicing, then he is just on his own? How can the guy show he's improved unless he gets the chance?

Goodell has said he will make a decision on reinstating Pacman some time before training camp. Thanks. That's just his way of saying, "I don't know, whenever I want." But you'd like to think this won't last too much longer and he'll let the guy get to his football team to see just what they're working with, both on and off the field.

Goodell has stated that he has to see that Jones has matured and can stay out of trouble on a consistent basis before he is reinstated but Eatman makes a great point here. The best thing for Jones right now would be to be able to work with his teammates and be around the support system the Cowboys have in place. That being said, not breaking the law for a few months in a row shouldn't be that much of a monumental challenge.

On ultra-hyped UDFA Danny Amendola:

Sure, he caught a lot of passes last year in a gimmick offense. Lots of Texas Tech receivers have caught a lot of passes over the years. And only Wes Welker, especially once he joined forces with the best offense in the NFL, has productive in the NFL. So just because Amendola went to the same school, looks the same and has a similar build, it doesn't mean he's Wes Welker.

This is a GREAT point. Running routes in shorts and helmets against rookie cornerbacks is one thing. Cracking the roster of one of the top offenses in the league is a different challenge altogether.

On the Cowboys and HBO's "Hard Knocks":

But it seems like it's a Top and Bottom show. They feature the high-profile guys, meaning Tony Romo and Terrell Owens will get as much attention as they will probably allow. And a few bottom-of-the-roster guys will be featured.

[snip].

But the guys who will probably be left off are the ones who just quietly do their job and do it well. Won't be surprised if Jason Witten, Terence Newman, DeMarcus Ware, Bradie James and probably all of the offensive linemen will get overlooked by the cameras. And in this case, that's probably a good thing.

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It's a new beginning this year for Roy Williams and boy does he need it. He is determined that changing his number and dropping a bunch of weight will help him get back to his playmaking days of yore. That's all great, but what about the actual on the field play? Dave Campo and Brett Maxie are two guys who are determined to return Williams back to his old self.

"I learned from a guy like Dave Waymer (the late Saints cornerback who recorded a combined 15 interceptions in 1987-88)," Maxie told FalconInsider.com in 2005. "I learned (from him) things like study habits, how to watch film, what to look for, how to help your corners out, how to look for the hashmark, down and distance, personnel, formation tendencies."

Now, of course, a six-year veteran like Williams should already know the importance of film study. But maybe what he needs is to hear it stressed by a new voice. Sometimes that’s all it takes for players to get going again – a new coach who offers a fresh perspective and a jolt of enthusiasm.

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Terrell Owens was on Conan O'Brien last night.  He didn't really say a whole lot of note and plugged his upcoming appearance in Flava Flav's new show.

 

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It's not the quiet hard workers I'm worried about...
the guys who will probably be left off are the ones who just quietly do their job and do it well … in this case, that’s probably a good thing.

These guys will not allow TV cameras to interrupt their focus, it’s the younger guys and the guys with questionable work ethic that are more likely to be distracted. Leave no doubt about it, the cameras will take attention away from focus on improving your game, attention to detail, etc.

Will this result in changes in performance? Perhaps early in the season, but ultimately, you can’t blame training camp cameras for an entire season.

I don’t like the circus, but I admit, I’ll enjoy the show.

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on May 10, 2008 1:20 AM CDT reply reply   0 recs

you may be right

but it’s also possible that the cameras will just spur them on to try even harder. it will be up to the coaches and veteran leaders to set at atmosphere of discipline along with the fun. I trust that despite all the personalities and the spectacle of the show, what these guys really want to do is win a superbowl, and they’ve got a reasonable shot at it. if they focus. i think they’re going to strive diligently toward that goal and not let any real distractions stand in their way.

by scottmaui on May 10, 2008 2:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

Amendola

may or may not be just like Wes Welker, but that’s not the whole point. Welker wasn’t highly sought after either and really did nothing special until NE. The Patriots showed teams another way to use a WR. They did a great job using what he did well (quick, precise patterns and great hands in traffic), found mismatches (LBs and safeties) and ran plays that brought all that together. The routes aren’t new, but they were traditionally more RB and TE routes, and Welker’s quicks exploited those seams better than anyone in football last year. 115 catches tell a big story.

Dallas, with TO and Witten to stretch the field ,would be ideal for a shifty, disciplined route runner.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 10, 2008 8:13 AM CDT reply reply   0 recs

So I guess to complete my point

It may not be Austin or Hurd that beats out Amendola for a spot, it may be Felix Jones instead.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 10, 2008 8:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

I like this idea

Your point about Amendola vs Jones is interesting. When you look at Welker, you gotta wonder “why aren’t there dozens of guys that can do the same thing?” Perhaps Stanback or F. Jones can run equally deceptive routes.

The NFL is a copy-cat league, and if Amendola has the quickness, toughness and hands to create mis-matches similar to Welker, and the coaches believe he’s better than anyone else at doing it, don’t be surprised if we keep him.

Tar Heels football will surprise this year

by DalaiLuke on May 10, 2008 11:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

Yeah

I think it’s why Dallas grabbed him right after the draft – just to see if they can replicate the success the Pats have had with Welker. This is a fascinating experiement and one I’ll be following with interest.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 10, 2008 11:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

this is what I think

the better coordinator sees the players talent and adjusts the offense…the lesser coordinator tries to adjust the player to the offensive scheme…This is why J Garrett may find a way to utilize Amendola…Thats what I like best about Garrett. He’s not afraid to roll the dice.

***Endeavor to Persevere***

by lonestargazer on May 10, 2008 10:52 AM CDT reply reply   0 recs

I agree

He’s got the creativity and risk-taking mentality to try it.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 10, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

Good point

about coordinators. Willingness to adapt to the talent on your team is one of the most important things for a coach. Molding players to your scheme is great and all (Bill Parcells/Avery Johnson) but at a certain point, there has to be some give and take to ensure that the players are in a good position to succeed.

by MeanMr.Mustard on May 10, 2008 12:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply   0 recs

My gut says

Amendola in, Terry Glenn out. I hope Terry will be ready to go, but I don’t see it..

"Don't Worry About 38, He will be Ready.. Will you be ready to Cheer for him?"

by Wmillion on May 10, 2008 7:15 PM CDT reply reply   0 recs


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