Patience, Grasshoppers, Patience: 15 Minutes with K.C. Joyner
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2009 10:41 AM CST
Email
PrintI talked to K.C. Joyner tonight about a number of Cowboys, NFC and NFL issues. Some nuggets from the Football Scientist:
BTB: Tony Romo is getting some love this year for his improved interception totals. How does he rate in your bad-decision percentage ratings?
K.C. Joyner: I don't have the number in front of me, but it is somewhere between two and three percent. That's the comfort zone for a quarterback who plays a more aggressive, down-the-field game. This is the second year that he's dropped down. He was much worse in '07 [when Dallas was 13-3]. He was up around four percent that year, which is high, but last season, his BDP was 2.4, which up him 15th in the league.
BTB: The Pro Bowl rosters were announced yesterday. You're the guy who popularized YPAs for receivers and CBs. Name your starting corners.
K.C. Joyner: In the AFC Darrell Revis (Jets) gets one spot and I would give Leon Hall (Bengals). Revis gets all the attention and he deserves it, but Hall has been just as good at taking away top receivers.
In the NFC, Charles Woodson deserves one spot. Of the others named, I'm okay with Dominique Rogers Cromartie getting a spot but I don't think Asante has had a top year. Both he and Sheldon Brown are having down years by their standards.
Jabari Green (Saints) was worthy of the other spot before he got hurt. Antoine Winfield was playing well for the Vikings but has dropped off since he came back from his injury. I would probably go with Aqib Talib of Tampa at the other spot. He's had a strong second half.
(Mike Jenkins got some attention but right now he's rated just outside Pro Bowl level.)
BTB: You compile run-blocking metrics. What can you say about the Cowboys' short-yardage problems?
K.C. Joyner.: They don't have a classic fullback and that hurts them some. But they're not a consistently dominant line. They can make big blocks, and they have good backs so they can spring them for big runs, but they're not consistent and it's caught up with them lately.
BTB: You've graded a lot of Cowboys' tape. What's your book on Miles Austin?
K.C. Joyner: I've probably graded about a dozen Cowboys games. I'd still like to see more of Austin. I guess I still have some questions about him. When he faces mediocre corners he's not just good, he destroys them. He's been solid against top corners, but I'd like to see more of his matchups against top competition. The Raiders have not been matching Nnamdi Asomugha up against number one corners this year for some reason, and he didn't match up against Austin when Oakland played Dallas.
I'll give you a name Austin resembles to me. I had the same questions about Vincent Jackson a year or two ago. Great against lesser corners and okay against the top guys. Now, he beats everybody. If Miles Austin follows the same developmental curve, that's good for Dallas.
BTB: Can you handicap the NFC playoff field?
K.C. Joyner: I had the Eagles as my favorite, going back to the preseason, but I'm not sure about them now that they've lost Jamaal Jackson. I think it's a wide open field.
* * * *
K.C. mentioned that he has been breaking down tape of top level college players and should have lots of data on draft prospects after the season. He said the skinny on draft '10 is that it's the best d-lineman draft in a long time. He's already looked at a handful of linemen who he would give first round grades.
That said, he's not impressed by the idea of drafting a nose tackle and moving Jay Ratliff wide. His '08 run-defense metrics put Ratliff at the top of nose tackles. He still rates Ratliff as an elite NT and thinks moving him could weaken two spots on the Dallas line. He doesn't think a rookie could match Ratliff's play inside and he's also doesn't believe that Ratliff would automatically be better outside, because his game is based on power and technique, not speed.
When told that many Cowboys fans still don't think Ratliff can hold up inside at 302 lbs., he said, "how many fans would love to get Ndamukong Suh? He's dominating at the college level and I assure you, he's not 330 lbs. He's in the 300-305 range."
110 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Completely agree with the final comment from KC
The Eagles line has been banged up all year but that could very well be the straw that breaks the camels back. The way our defensive front has been getting pressure lately, I don’t see how the Eagles will have much of a chance to get DeSean’s deep game going, not that it ever did in our previous matchup ;)
I agree on Ratliff
Moving him outside would not automatically work the way people want it to. I believe that most fans desire to move him was based more on unhappiness with Spears than it was on a belief that he would excel outside.
That's a very good point
Disrupting 2 positions with 1 move. Also agree it’s more the percieved shortcoming of Spears more than anything else. A perception that leads many of us to think he won’t be here next season. Think it;’s become apparent he is a steady, but not spectacular player. Have no problem if we take the Canty route – someone wants to overpay…cut him loose. If not, he could be worth keeping around.
Ratliff has proven he’s durable and I wonder if he’s rewriting the NT template. Quick, agile, athletic and relentless over huge and immovable.
Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are
Need for Nose
Is based on watching Dallas get pushed around up the middle. When an offense decides to double Rat, they can push him out of the way regularly. As good as Suh is, few expect a 3 – 4 team to target him for a nose position. Suh will excel but in a more traditional 4 – 3 defense.
It would be nice to have true NT prospect as a change of pace from Ratliff,
and to keep him fresh.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
There wasn't said there wasn't a need...
Just that it wouldn’t be beneficial to take Ratliff out of his position.
And I don’t think that they push him out of the way regularly.
Furthermore if that is the case than why come every team isn’t just running right up the gut on us?
Dallas is 5th against the run.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 31, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions
totally agree with K.C. on not moving Rat
He’s a dominating NT and I think the common fan gets too caught up with super massive wide bodies as a 3-4 NT.
Jay loves playing NT and he’s the best, why move him?? Saivii is doing okay as his backup, we’d be better off drafting a DE or two as Raf mentioned before.
In Romo we Trust
I have no problem getting a NT
I think you can do better than Siavii.
but the bigger need is replacing whichever of Spears/Bowen/Hatcher is not retained. Dallas isn’t keeping them all.
If you’re looking for a NT, look in the middle rounds.
I'm thinking Spears and Bowen stay
Hatcher’s name is getting called less and less often
by AustonianAggie on Dec 31, 2009 11:15 AM CST up reply actions
That guy has just gone AWOL
Spears is serviceable, which is no slight.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 11:25 AM CST up reply actions
Who do you think they Retain
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Who do you think will be the starter next season?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
I think they keep Spears
at a fair price.
I’m sure they want to keep Bowen around – he seems active and ready for more play.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions
How deep is the DL in the upcoming draft? 10? 8?
I too see we will need to pick up 1 or 2 DL in the draw of through FA, but what about OT and Safety help?
Don’t you think these needs are more important early? Or are you suggesting we can get a good DL in the 3rd and 4th.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
I think you may see a DE in the early rounds, if that's whos' atop the board when Dallas picks
but not a NT.
Besides, Suh is the only NT I would consider high, and he may be the top overall pick. I talked to Joyner a lot about Cody last month. He’s looked at a lot of tape on him and rates him a late 2nd AT BEST. Says he has not been dominant at his level this year and is not on the field for 50% of his team’s snaps.
That’s not 1st round material, especially if you’re considering swapping him for a guy (Ratliff) who plays at 10,000 rpm every play and can chase plays.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
Offensive Lne is the top priority IMO
If indeed Flo is gone next season, that would mean we have no servicable backups on the OLine. This year we at least had Free. I say the 1st 2 picks in the draft should be OLine. If not the first 2, draft a tackle 1st and try to pick up a good guard in FA. We also need safety help, but you can mask the defecencies in the secondary with a good pass rush. Bad OLine play and your offense is screwed.
I agree that OL is the top priority.
OT in the 1st round, Safety in the 2nd would look good to me.
If Ratliff is our NT, then we don’t need to draft a top NT prospect. If the Cowboys keep Spears and Bowen, then we don’t need one of the top DE prospects either. Any player at these positions will have some time to develop.
Of course, it all depends on who is available when we pick.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Safety play has been solid this year
Why would we take a safety so early?
I think safety play has been solid this year, too, especially
with the return of Ken Hamlin. I think we’ll sign Sensabaugh to a longer contract, and I think Hamlin is solid, if not spectacular.
I’d like to see a good young ball-hawking FS prospect (Michael Hamlin is a SS) behind them and the 1st and 2nd rounds are where I believe those guys are found. I prefer OT in the 1st, so. . .
We have a good young 3-down ILB prospect already in Jason Williams, and ILB looks a little thin this year to me. I think another need of ours is a top interior OL prospect which I think can best be found in rounds 2 or 3, so I’d like to see us go in that direction in the 3rd. NT prospects are quite deep in this year’s draft, and I think we could find a suitable back up/change of pace to Ratliff in the 4th.
Just my opinion, of course, and if a higher rated prospect at any other position is available when we pick, I believe you take him.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
I just saw SC were they had Suh going to the Rams as the number 1 overall.
Of course these are the same people that had Manningham going in the first round to the Cowboys 2 years ago. He was 2 picks away from going in the 4th.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:16 PM CST up reply actions
Manningham tested positive for pot
in the spring.
That’s why he dropped so far.
All Suh will test positive for...
is complete badass.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 31, 2009 4:29 PM CST up reply actions
Why can't they keep them all?
It’s an uncapped year and most (if not all) are going to be Restricted FAs.
Personally, I think Siavii has done outstanding, but put me down for Suh as my pet cat. Can you imagine him AND Rat in the nickle rush? Doomsday!!!
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I would think
that they want to bring in some new blood. Keep two, churn one. Hatcher seems very replaceable.
This is just idle speculation on my part.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 1:10 PM CST up reply actions
For the record about Suh's size
There’s a nice scouting report up on the SB Nation Mocking the Draft blog that has him listed at 305.
He echoed my own thoughts on the line perfectly
They can make big blocks…but they’re not consistent and it’s caught up with them lately
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
This is why I come to this website
None of the other SB nation football blogs come close to providing this kind of info. It’s much harder to find a top NT than a DE in a 3-4. DE’s basically need to maintain their blocks and not get bowled over by the opposing guard. I think in the draft the Cowboys look for a offensive tackle, safety, and they draft 2 DE. No need to draft OLBs at this point, let’s see how Brandon Williams looks coming off injury. Give Butler another year of maturity and see if Jason Williams can slot in as the nickel linebacker (with that sub 4.5 speed) next year. It’s almost as if the Cowboys have 2 drafts in one since so many of their guys got hurt this year (Brewster, B. Williams, J Williams, and M. Hamlin)
"Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends."
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 31, 2009 11:31 AM CST reply actions
Good point
about the “two” drafts, I had the exact same thought recently as I mulled the FA situation next year. That’s two 3rd and two 4rth rounders right there – plus whatshisname from 4th and long :-)
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 31, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
good point.
I would also like to see Dallas add a CB who can return kicks.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Happy New Year! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo
I agree with Raf. Get a NT in the 3rd or 4th round. Pick up another OT, ILB, FS or monster DE in the 1st and second. Let’s lay a whipping on Philthy, payback’s a bi$#@!
by torchindefenses on Dec 31, 2009 11:34 AM CST reply actions
Dunkman
I agree, I think the success from here on out relies on the Offensive line and defense’s back. The OL can’t have a bad game from here on out.
Time to step up big fellas.
by torchindefenses on Dec 31, 2009 11:38 AM CST reply actions
Great Stuff Raf
A couple of questions.
Did he talk about MB3 at all?
He said Cricket isn’t a traditional FB-How would you classify him?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Don't know
we didn’t talk in detail about Anderson. He got decent grades in the ‘08 book as as blocker, but let’s again do the Daryl Johnson test:
There are four things a FB can do:
1. run well (see Jim Brown and Larry Csonka)
2. block well
3. be an effective receiving threat
4. play special teams.
Johnson didn’t run much, but he did 2 though 4 with distinction.
Anderson does nothing on 1 or 3. He’s okay on special teams, but if he can’t block well,
he can be replaced.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2009 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
How often is Cricket on the field
on passing downs? Is he just an extra blocker in those situations? Otherwise it’s a giveaway that they are running the ball even though it seems if they are in the 2 TE, 2 RB set that they are still effective running the ball.
"Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends."
by DatNguyenNguyenScenario on Dec 31, 2009 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
Wish they could "clone" Moose
They don’t make Fullbacks like they used to.
by torchindefenses on Dec 31, 2009 11:51 AM CST reply actions
too many college teams run spread offenses
the position is near extinct at that level, which is why you see NFL teams converting TEs and ILBs to fullback.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions
I was hoping the guy from ND might be a keeper
Schwapp? He seemed like a pure blocker.
However, if he was the answer I assume he would still be here.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
Unfortunatly...
you want a blocker, but you also want someone that can do other things.
The Moose was a badass blocker but he also had soft hands, he had three years with 40 catchs.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 31, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
yes
but for me, blocking is first.
Cricket seems like a jack of all trades master of none.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
What about Phillips in the H-back spot. Plus he can catch much better and also flex to the line.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions
Why do they need to do other things, on this team?
Seriously, how many catches does Deon have, how many runs?
Get a guy who can block at a high level and forget the rest.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Dec 31, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
Well....
if you can find Lorenzo Neal that’s fine, but if not it’s better to have another guy when your down by the goalline that can catch, or can be like a heath evans and be nice to get first downs on short yardage.
I’m not saying it’s a priority, but unless the guy blocks like a freight train, get someone who is versatile.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 31, 2009 4:33 PM CST up reply actions
Because you're playing 10 on 11 if the guy can't catch
otherwise, it’s a tell that you’re running the ball, which doesn’t help the run.
Johnston was a weapon in the passing game, until about ’97 or ’98. He probably won the ’96 49ers game with his catches. He converted a lot of 3rd downs in that game coming out of the backfield.
When is the last time a Dallas FB did that?
Didn't Cricket put up some decent receiving numbers in '07 before he was hurt?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
No
I think Anderson could catch but Dallas has not thrown to him.
mid 2000s
Richie Anderson?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Jenkins from the Philly game on ...
has been lights out. Vincent Jackson beat him, but it took an incredible catch and a perfect River’s throw to beat him for a decent gain.
What are his metrics on Rivers? For the life of me, I don’t recall another QB playing at the level Rivers is playing at right now. Not Manning. Not Brady. He has been spot on with his throws.
by spadesking131313 on Dec 31, 2009 11:54 AM CST reply actions
It's easy to look good when you throw the ball at an area
I don’t think Rivers is as good as everyone makes him out to be. When you have the equability of 2 Brandon Marshall at WR and all you have to do is through it to an area instead of a shoulder it makes it that much easier. Go back and look at the Dallas/San Diego and you will see what I am talking about.
Don’t get me wrong, I think of you can do it and it productive then great for you (I wish we could get that from RW). But I am not convinced the shot-put QB is that good. Just one guy’s opinion.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:08 PM CST up reply actions
I'm confused.
Are you a guy or a babe?
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Dude. It's pronounced Babee. Just like the song. I going to have to change the name.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
LOL. All this time I though you were some hottie.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Sorry to disappoint you woffie.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:41 PM CST up reply actions
Ah, after you've had Little Red Riding Hood nothing really compares.
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Careful Wolf
This is EXACTLY how the FBI snags guys. Ever wonder why DalaiLuke is hiding out in Thailand????
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Also ..
Free vs Colombo .. who has played better this year?
by spadesking131313 on Dec 31, 2009 11:56 AM CST reply actions
we had fifteen minutes
we didn’t cover everything.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 31, 2009 12:06 PM CST up reply actions
from the film you watched.
What is your thoughts?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
well
1109 rush yards with Colombo in
815 rush yards after Colombo went out, counting the GB game as a whole since he went out so early
So far there’s been one more game with Colombo in than out, still a pretty decent gap. Seems our short run game has really struggled since then considering our runs of that nature typically go to that side.
Too lazy to look up the sack differential, though that certainly wouldn’t tell the whole story. Strictly from eyeballing games, Free picked up the slack in that department.
As far as
by robolundgren on Jan 1, 2010 12:57 AM CST up reply actions
Until the last Washington game
the short yardage success / failure was about the same with Colombo or Free in at RT. Since the WAS game though, the stats slant better toward Colombo.
thats fair
however, I really believe those first two games were an anomaly, and they really raise those rushing stats.
My (not nearly as educated as others on this blog) opinion is that they’ve performed very comparably in every phase except short yardage.
Austin
really does remind me of V Jackson …. only seems quicker than him. If we got ourselves a Jackson ….. that’s awesome.
RW + 20 lbs (could) = V Jackson
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
That would be a very light TE at 232lbs.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
LOL. I was actually thinking the same thing.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
I hate to be hard on the guy, because he's a great NFL story...but
Cricket has never really contributed anything of note to this offense. To say he’s had a good block here, or a great ST performance there isn’t nearly enough. We can’t draft a FB in the higher rounds to come right in and contribute at a championship level, but we can certainly find one in FA at a reasonable cost. FB’s don’t break the bank. On the other hand, Wade really likes Anderson.
We have to hammer at OL in this draft. We should position ourselves to make sure we come out of the draft with one or two of the top OL’s on our board. We need to get the OL help now, because typically they don’t start as rookies so we need a year or two to develop them. If a playmaker safety is there in the 2nd, he’d be the only thing I’d make an exception for in foregoing rebuilding the OL.
Spears will be the most expensive to retain, and he may want more than Jerry is willing to pay for a ‘serviceable’ DE. We don’t want to waste a high pick on a DE either. Not when we can find one in FA at a bargain price. (See Igor)
The tribulations of Winter...
90% of Americans say 'OH SHIT!' before going into the ditch on a slippery road.
The other 10% are from TEXAS and they say, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS!!!'
Spears contract
I worry that some team will throw big money at him. It only takes one.
At least he doesn’t have the raw size that Canty had – that guy just looked like he should dominate.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions
Is Spears a free agent or a restricted free?
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:47 PM CST up reply actions
Spears will be a RFA
Along with 11 other cowboys including miles Austin. The list is over at PFT.
by DoomsdayD75 on Dec 31, 2009 12:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
all 3 DE's are RFA-wow
they aren’t going anywhere..
Cowboys (12): receiver Miles Austin, defensive end Stephen Bowen, cornerback Cletis Gordon, defensive end Jason Hatcher, receiver Sam Hurd, tackle Pat McQuistan, center Duke Preston, guard Cory Procter, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, defensive end Marcus Spears, safety Pat Watkins, kicker Shaun Suisham.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
Agreed
Throw a second round tender at which ever DE the team does not want to lock up and no one would touch them and it would cost less then Spears is making in his current contract. The Cowboys are not loucky enought for someone to throw big money and a second round pick for Spears or Hatcher.
Theres gonna be a lot of unhappy players in the NFL next year.
Hopefully Jerry rewards Austin for his performance.
by houseofprime on Dec 31, 2009 5:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Per Ed Werder
Jones is already confronting the reality that Austin is seeking $10 million a season to sign a long-term contract extension, according to league sources
And link = http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/columns/story?columnist=werder_ed&id=4783075
Upgrade to a BTB Platinum Account to view this signature.
by accidental innuendo on Dec 31, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
NFL players without long-term contracts will be even less happy in 2011.
If the players do not get locked out in 2011, it will because the players union agreed to concessions that they never would have considered in 2006. The NFL teams took a real roll of the dice when they opted out of the current CBA. They rolled well, as the economy took a dump and the NFL’s 2009 economic reality is much closer to the pessimistic outlook painted by some team owners then it is to the NFL Players Union’s forecast.
With work furloughs and pay cuts being common in most industries, these are tough times for any type of union to win a labor dispute. Even fireman and police unions are agreeing to concessions and doing their best to avoid any public labor disputes until at least 2012. This is not the right time for millionaire players to win the needed public support to force NFL owners to agree to a framework that continues to provide them on-going 10% increases in salaries. The owners trump card is a 2011 lockout. The players trump card in congressional action that is much less likely now then if such a show-down were to have taken place before the economic down-turn.
The NFL players union is going to have to make concessions in 2010 in order to achieve short-term labor peace and then try and fight for a better long-term deal once the economy improves.
Here is a great article that explains how free agency will work for 2010.
Looks like we will be able to retain most everyone we want unless there is a new CBA by March. But that is not likely.
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 12:59 PM CST reply actions
try again
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/11/25/2010-nfc-free-agent-preview
Woodson is a Hall of Famer!
by I'm a Cowboy Babe on Dec 31, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
Joyner characterized the Cowboys as a team without a "classic fullback".
I always thought that Dallas had great faith in Deion Anderson filling that role.
I suppose that he’s not been the same since his knee injury last year.
Wharter
He has his moments
But seems very inconsistent. To be fair though, there aren’t very many quality FBs in the league right now.
by DoomsdayD75 on Dec 31, 2009 1:16 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
How's Lousaka Polite doing in Miami?
Only having close to a Pro Bowl season by some accounts. Who saw THAT coming? Not me…
Me either
he had trouble finding work after leaving Dallas, but Parcells always liked him.
His blocking has been outstanding.
by I_miss_Switzer on Dec 31, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
Polite doesn't have massive stats,
but I think if you look at his carries he’s something like 11 of 13 converting first downs on 3rd/4th and 1. They also throw it to him a decent amount
I think when the Nebraska defense shows a 3-4 look Suh goes to end
and in their 4-3 he plays the nose tackle.
Vincent Jackson - Miles Austin
Vincent Jackson
“+ A huge target. Built like a tight end but runs like a top wideout. Tracks the deep ball very well and will out-jump any defender. Shields well with his body. Knows how to use his frame to his advantage.
- Flaws Not quick. Doesn’t generate much yardage after the catch. Could do a better job of using his size as a blocker or as a receiver in traffic.”
I think Miles has more upside in that he IS quick and most of his yards are after the catch.
by torchindefenses on Dec 31, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions
I agree and I'm not trying to be a homer...
but I think Jackson is as good as he is going to get.
I think Austin is closer to a young Terrell Owens. He’s vicious because he can beat people deep, but if you let him catch a short pass and you keep him one on one, he could embarass a corner by slinging him around.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Dec 31, 2009 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
Even early in his career
I remember many comparing him to an unpolished TO (that sounds very strange actually). But if there is a receiver I would most compare to Austin, it would be TO.
If our line can block a little better, we may start to see the deep routes.
I dont know what more can we ask of Austin......
the guy has produced amazing numbers playing 3/4 of the season as a starter.
I agree, as long as Austin is Austin, that's good enough for me.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
I think Ratliff could play either end as well as NT
so if you can get a guy like suh or Cody I would take them. Though Ratliff does do better than I thought he would ever do at NT. I just thought he was too small and yet he proves alot of us wrong.
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
Suh is gonna be the 1st pick
2nd overall at worst.
Cody is not worth a 1st rounder. Guy has no stamina and could not approach the type of game Ratliff plays in this scheme.
Dallas does not two gap their DL. Ratliff plays on one of the C’s shoulders and can cut his gap or chase down plays run away from him. Cody can’t chase like this.
If Cody is there in the 3rd do you take him?
He could be a nice changeup from ratliff.
by houseofprime on Jan 1, 2010 2:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I would just to be a plugger
I mean the Pats had the same type of guy at first as a Cody type and he developed nicely for them…..Woodford I think is the name?
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
I am not saying he would ever be available . I was
just saying he would be one of only 2 that I would use and move ratliff ….just my opinion :)
"When people talk about Super Bowl dynasties they mention the 1970's Steelers, 1980's 49ers, 1990's Cowboys and the current New England Patriots, but nobody has dominated the Super Bowl like Anheuser-Busch. In recent years, Budweiser has been the MVP of Super Bowl advertising -- making another company the favorite to win the Ad Meter poll was never an option."
Simon Noble
What A Great Thread
Everything is here for a stretch like we had with the triplets.
Tweeks I would like to see is an OT to replace Flozell.
Another cover corner to eventually take Newman’s place.
I think we should look for another Romo as I really haven’t seen much from McGee.
An elite kick returner would be nice and surely we are not going into next season with our present place kicker.
.
by TCB Orange Dino on Dec 31, 2009 11:53 PM CST reply actions
+1
Everything is here for a stretch like we had with the triplets.
… Remember Jimmy Johnson with the original “guarantee a playoff win”?
He did that because he wanted to help create a winning mindset. The previous year, the Cowboys had lost to the Detroit Lions in the first round of the playoffs. Now they were facing the mighty 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Just like Michael Jordon needed to overcome the Pistons, there are always mental “hurdles” or challenges that need to be vanquished in order to reach the promised land.
I think this team has the talent. They’ve come out the last two weeks and played lights out on both offense and defense when the game was on the line… when we had to have it. The only thing that will stop this team is itself, and lately the Cowboys have been staying out of their own way.
An Eagles victory would be HUGE. But it will mean nothing without 3-2 more victories in the playoffs. The talent is there, now the mindset must follow.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
When Roy guarenteed that win over NO
I was thinking that we need a comment like that from Romo, Witten, Austin or one of our big defensive players. Maybe I’m wrong, I’ve never been in a pro locker room, but I just feel like that team NEEDS someone to step out like that.
Didn't see much from Romo
in the early years. Late bloomer. McGee just showed up.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Blogging The Boys
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
