Cowboys @ Broncos: What They're Saying (w/ Miles Austin update)

by Dave Halprin on Aug 17, 2008 11:55 AM CDT in News Comment 44 comments

Time to crank up the quote machine for a segment of “What They’re Saying.”

Miles Austin was having a beautiful preseason, until he covered a kickoff last night right after scoring a TD. Austin suffered a sprained right MCL on the play and will miss at least the rest of the preseason and is very questionable to play in the regular season opener. Mickey Spags says this in his morning article:

And while the news on wide receiver Miles Austin isn't likely to be year-ending, chances are Sunday's MRI is going to reveal a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, which likely will keep the greatly-improving third-year player out four to six weeks.

Uggh. He didn’t need this, right as he was putting it all together and on the verge of getting serious playing time. Austin says:

"I had expectations for myself. It's early and any injury I'm going to be upset or down. I'm just going to get back in rehab and see what the problem is and try to fix it."

Let’s hope for a speedy return from our speedy receiver. Other injuries included Chris Canty’s hip that appears to be nothing, Deon Anderson returned to the game after getting his bell rung, Ronnie Cruz dislocated his shoulder and Justin Rogers also sprained his shoulder.

Brad Johnson had a better game. And Mickey Spags goes to great lengths to let you know that. His love-letter includes Brad saying:

"I've fought (the perceptions) from middle school to high school and for 17 years in the NFL," Johnson said. "I'm used to it. Nothing I do is ever good enough, but I sleep well at night because I know how hard I work, and that's good enough for me."

Johnson doesn’t even pretend he’s not a bus driver.

"What you hope for," Johnson said of when the backup comes in, "is you hope to stay away from penalties, manage the huddle, manage the game and make the plays you're supposed to make."

I feel better about Johnson after that performance but I’m still not settled.

The Dallas Cowboys be lovin’ them some penalties in the preseason. Romo explains how bad they can be for a team.

"It's like a turnover," quarterback Tony Romo said. "When we get a penalty on third-and-long after we've stopped them, it's like we forced a punt and just threw a pick. It's the same thing. We have to stop that. Eventually, penalties catch up with you."

Preach on, brother.

Romo also puts forth the Vanilla Theory as a good reason not to worry.

"It comes down to executing. If they man up or play zone, we still have to make plays," Romo said. "We still have a vanilla offense and don't want to show our hand this time of year."

But man, if Romo could had just hit Sam Hurd on that bomb.

Last year we blitzed the bejeezus out of Denver and that led to some vocal complaints by them after the preseason game. Apparently this year, we decided to play vanilla on defense, too.

"I talked to [Brian Stewart] and last year we got after those guys and blitzed them a lot," linebacker Bradie James said. "He said that he got some E-mail from some offensive coordinators saying this must be you're first time being an defensive coordinator because you broke the etiquette of just playing vanilla. We did a lot of base stuff. I would have loved to really get after them. But we played what was called."

Martellus Bennett made a nice catch and run and a special teams tackle. He’s happy.

"How do you like me now?" Bennett joked in the locker room afterward. "I told people I was going to beast out."

Hard Knocks, here we come.

So while the game wasn’t all bad, it was definitely a poor showing overall. There is a lot of room for improvement and the Miles Austin injury is a real drag. But, the show goes on and Romo is ready to work.

"We definitely have things to work on," quarterback Tony Romo said, "but there is still some time for that."

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man that sucks about austin

he looked really good last night. I was one that thought hurd should be our third receiver but after last night I was really starting to jump on the austin bandwagon. overall, though, our receivers looked pretty good. hurd got behind the defense a few times. the star of hard knocks had a good catch. amendola played well. and austin was damn good. i can breathe a little easier about our receiving corps.

by Tuna Helper on Aug 17, 2008 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree but

the upside is that the team did great last year with limited contributions from Austin, and Hurd and Stanback are better than last year, so they have time to spare for him to make it all the way back.

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

by dunkman on Aug 17, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And at least no ligaments were torn and it's early in the season

"Jerry Jones offers more second chances than a tent revival." -- Kevin Sherrington, The Dallas Morning News

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

by silverblue5 on Aug 17, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah really

He’s not going to be back until mid-season.

This really sucks!!

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

by Boyzfan94 on Aug 17, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

midseason?

at worst this should be six weeks, which would only be 4 games, and it is probably less than that.

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rule of thumb

add 2 weeks to whatever time table the doctors, coaches tell you. I learned that early with injuries. Hopefully it will only be 3 or 4 games.

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

by Boyzfan94 on Aug 17, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but midseason is 10 weeks

there’s no way he’s out anywhere near that long with a sprained MCL.

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah if your saying there is 20 weeks in the regular season..lol

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

by Boyzfan94 on Aug 18, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

10 weeks from today, not week 10.

The Boys and Austin will both be fine. We can get by without him for a few games, and when he comes back, he will push Crayton for the #2 if he plays like he did on Saturday.

by grapejoos on Aug 18, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right

by scottmaui on Aug 18, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+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 Aug 18, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 12:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I can’t believe OCs were emailing Stewart after that preseason game last year. He was putting in a new scheme.

Guess it’s better that they just concentrate on their base stuff and coverage anyways, cuz we know they’ll be getting to the passer.

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a good pre-season experiment would be to let Garrett "head-coach" the Houston game.

Wharter

by Wharter on Aug 17, 2008 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Then, who's gonna call the defensive plays?

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phillips?

Wharter

by Wharter on Aug 17, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO MORE EXCUSES!!

I have to say I am really tired of this coaching staff’s (and now the players) failure to own up to poor mental preparation and poor physical execution. The whole “we were 13-3” or “we have 13 pro bowlers” thing is stale . In this, the Season of Wade, I am wondering why this team has so quickly forgotten how last season ended in a similar performance with a lot of excuses coming out of Wade’s mouth. Do you think Jimmy or Landry would react this way? Romo’s comment about having time to fix things is stupid. We need a sense of urgency and nastyness on this squad. The whole, laid back, easy-going approach that Martellus Bennett efuses seems to be a dynamic that is embraced by the team. So I’m done listening to excuses. I am ready to see it on the field and this next game is it.

I feel really bad for Austin. He was really having a fine pre-season. I hope he makes a speedy and full recovery. Sam Hurd gets no separation and I think opposing CB’s like him as their assignment. Tashard Choice is a gamer. Can we please get this Lowber kid some more reps? If he can develop a pair of hands, watch out. Felix Jones in space is electric. He’s faster and smoother than Brian Westbrook. I can’t wait to see Adam returning punts this season. Watching a guy like Eddie Royal burn us repeatedly, I keep thinking about allllllllll the prospects we could have taken instead of Martellus Bustett. Front seven got no pressure last night. Houck’s presence hasn’t helped Flozell’s hearing. Denver’s 2 stud CB’s coupled with LB’s who can run is tailor made to stop an offense like ours unless we can get the power running game going or find a way to burn them in the flat.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 17, 2008 1:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For real

Houck’s presence hasn’t helped Flozell’s hearing

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't Flo have some sort of medical condition in that ear?

Like, he’s partially deaf?

Pretty sure that can’t be coached out of him….

by mhuff13 on Aug 17, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

he is partially deaf

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah.

Sorry Flo.

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your frustration

but not your conclusions. I don’t think these guys are actually excusing anything, they’re just not hitting the panic button. That’s Wade’s personality – even keel, no freaking out. I think Phillips knows how to coach his way, and he’ll get them ready. They suck every year in preseason games. And Romo is right – they do have time to fix things.

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

by dunkman on Aug 17, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously PRE-SEASON..

We looked great on O and D in the 1st game.. No reason to overact. People seem to forget that we are playing other professional teams and they have good-great players too..

"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 Aug 17, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention

Our playbooks I don’t think are even brought to the games. Imagine once our offensive playbook is opened up, using Felix to the max of his potential. It’s going to take this offense to another level IMO.

Not to mention, we didn’t blitz so that Denver coaches wouldn’t get their panties in a bunch again this year. I’m thinking our pressure would get to Cutler, making his day look not so easy as it did last night.

by mhuff13 on Aug 17, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think that the only work F.Jones gets will be in pass protection and generic runs & screens. I think Garrett has plays designed to get him the ball and he should. F.Jones is/will be a great weapon.

by WestTxHornFan on Aug 17, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

M Bennett just isn’t cutting it, and we need that 2nd TE. I’m worried about that position. Bennett, on that one catch, was careless with the ball, he will fumble doing that. Hannah I would like to see more of, perhaps he could move up the depth chart. But the big question is who, if anyone, will prove to be a productive 2nd TE this year?

I’m also worried about the backup QB. B Johnson and Bartel are not what we need now. I would like to see a trade to get Simms like yesterday. Give up a draft pick, we got extras, and keep Romo/Simms.

Not sure of the rules anymore, but can’t we put Austin on an IR that will leave him out for 4 weeks? If so, I would keep Lowber for that time, he’s got potential. Wouldn’t risk putting him through waivers considering Austin’s injury.

Coleman didn’t play well, Lattimore looked much better.

by MooEChili on Aug 17, 2008 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tony Curtis is my 2nd TE for this year

by Dave Halprin on Aug 17, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree Curtis is still the second tight end for a while

But I thought Bennett was actually hanging on to the ball well after that catch, and showed his physicality going through three tacklers for extra yards. Then he made a nice tackle on special teams. Will wait for the tape review to know about his blocking, but didn’t hear of him missing anything major.

And I thought both Brad and Bartel looked pretty decent last night, Brad enough with the first team o-line to shore up at least some confidence in his ability to step in for a game or two and manage some wins; and Bartel enough pocket presence and otherwise good play to make a case for keeping that third QB spot on the roster and having enough potential not taking the chance that he makes it through waivers.

Re Austin, can’t put a player on IR, that’s season-ending. He’ll just be out for 2-4 games it seems. Lowber will not make the team, he’s just too rough and raw (the Bartel pick was his fault for a route running mistake that showed his lack of experience), but I think his play last night may have helped earn him a spot on the PS. Amendola is the likely 6th WR, and may be the biggest beneficiary of Austin’s injury as it will likely mean some more opportunities for him in the next two games, and a greater sense of need for depth at the WR position that may justify that keeping 6.

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bartel pick to Amendola

seems like that pick was to Amendola who made the double move on the route and led to the Bartel INT, not Lowber, so nevermind that part. I still think Amendola is a much better shot to make the team because he’s just more polished as a receiver in his route running and knowledge of the position, but Lowber has a lot of raw potential for sure.

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think ST will play a part in the 6th WR selection (if we keep 6)

And while Amendola is a decent return man, we saw last night why Adam will be our PR. Amendola doesn’t have the size to be on coverage units, and that could be his downfall.

by mhuff13 on Aug 17, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pick was to Amendola

The announcers screwed up. On that interception, they circled Amendola before the snap and mentioned his name, showing you where he was lined up. On replay, they said it was Lowber. The pass was intended for Amendola. And if you happened to tape it, look at the WR split to the right on that play, I believe it was Lowber, and was pressed at the line but got open for a quick pass. Bartel never looked his way. Could have squeezed it in before the safety.

From what little I’ve seen of Lowber and Amendola, I’d go with Lowber at this point. Like to see more of them. And Bartel I thought looked really bad. Trade for Simms now!

by MooEChili on Aug 17, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

PUP List

I guess I should have said PUP for Austin. If placed on the PUP I believe he would miss the first 6 games of the season. Regardless, now you have Stanbach moving up to take his spot I would think. I am not high on Stanbach, he should have shown more by now.

by MooEChili on Aug 17, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stanback progression

I would agree with you had Stanback been healthy last year, but he wasn’t. I think we are still a year away from seeing the Stanback project come to light.

by WestTxHornFan on Aug 17, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin's injury

may open a door for Stanback. He’s the only other WR that can stretch the field with his speed.

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's see it..

I think he can do it.. Hurd has basically caught everything thrown his way, so he needs some more targets this pre-season..

"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 Aug 17, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Austin

If his injury is a little more serious then we think then he could go on PUP..

"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 Aug 17, 2008 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

vanilla

I remember hearing about TE’s screens and MB3 and El Gato in the same backfield together- I am exicted to see what Garrett rolls out..

"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 Aug 17, 2008 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like Bennett

I think there is way too much knee jerking about this kid. I mean, a 21 year old is immature and some people want to extrapolate that out and say “cut him, he is a bust”? No way, his one catch last night he showed his strength and athleticism and he will make plays this year. I think too many people are still pissed that the cowboys drafted him so he can’t do anything right.

Sucks about Miles’ knee but the kid finally gets it. He is night and day from last year and seems to have transformed from stone hands to Capt. Stickum. The sprain is a setback but I now expect great things from him this year.

This is not a championship team and will not be in a day or two. It will take all season of the team working hard, working together and pushing eachother before we see potential realized of all the talent this team has.
That’s why I am with Wade and Romo, not pushing the panic button.

by Billito on Aug 17, 2008 4:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1 !

by scottmaui on Aug 17, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+2

I’m sure I was a turd when I was 21

That #38 sure should wrap up!

by Aaron Novinger on Aug 17, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+3

"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 Aug 17, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+4?

People need to chill out on Bennett. I hear what you all are saying, but give the guy more than 2 preseason games to bury him. If not for Hard Knocks, nobody would be crucifying him. That show is edited to create storylines, not give the complete picture.

by grapejoos on Aug 18, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

penalty's, penalty's,penalty's

lack of focus, we better clean that up!
preseason or not losing leaves a bad taste in my mouth, plus we need to get that ole winning feeling back for the year!

by bleedn blu on Aug 18, 2008 12:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs