Grasping at straws!

by John Boy on Feb 5, 2009 2:59 PM CST Comment 62 comments

I consider myself to be a pretty positive individual, especially when it comes to the Cowboys, so in that light I'm positive that I have no idea what to think. To quote Vince Lombardi in that famous sideline shot we see all the time, "What the hell's going on out here!!" Each off season I can usually find something to get me excited about the coming season, a new player added, a coach added, psoitive strides made the previous season, etc etc. So far, the only thing that even came close to getting me a LITTLE excited was Dan Reeves coming on board, and then THAT fell through with a resounding CLUNK!!!! We have TE's doing profane rap "songs" on You Tube wearing their helmets, the QB is supposedly cheating on the girl who got him in trouble in the first place (if anyone believes a rag like STAR, which I don't). Our star RB is leaving everyone to wonder if his late season swoon is due to his heavy workload as a starter, and is it a sign of things to come? Apparently we have a rat in the locker room (maybe the star TE), ar at least most of the team things there is which is the same thing, perception being reality in their eyes. I keep grasping at straws, looking for something to hold on to. We have a terrific pass rusher, but he's due a huge pay increase. We have a very good/great WR, but he's getting long in the tooth. The TE is terrific also, but as noted he may be a rat and have lost the rerspect of his teammates. The HC is a really nicve guy and the players love him, but he's either too soft or too laid back and holds no authority, depending on who you listen to. So, where is the Silver lining? Heck if I know. Any ideas?

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

1 recs | Comment 62 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Reasons to be optimistic

1a. An explosive offense

T.O. and a healthy Roy having a full offseason to get their timing down with Romo could make for an unstoppable passing game.

1b. A Nicer T.O.

This may be T.O.’s last chance to win a Superbowl and he is not going to do anything to ruin it.

2. Best 3 way Runningback tandem in the league

Wade has already commented that he wants to run more. And with probably the best 3 way runningback tandem in the league, a solid run game will keep the pressure off Romo.

3. A paid Ware means a leader for the defense

Ware has been chattier than usual this offseason, but unlike some others he is not shooting his mouth off in a bad way. He has stated he would like to become a leader in the locker room this season. Moreover, he is well liked by all of his teamates, and with a 20 sack season behind him and a 30+ million dollar signing bonus in his pocket Ware will garner instant respect.

4. Wade Phillips will be back

Say what you will about him as a Head Coach, but as DC he is one of the best. Now with Wade controling the reigns of this defense for a full season expect an even higher sack total than last year when we led the league in sacks.

5. Bad Roy will be gone

Need I say more.

by quincyyyyy on Feb 5, 2009 3:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1 I love the optimism

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Feb 5, 2009 11:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Be Prepared for RW(S) to Stay

by taking a pay cut instead of an outright release. There’s simply not enough depth at the position to warrant it. Add to that substantial uncertainty at ILB, the devil you know may be better than the devil you don’t

Not advocating his staying, but just acknowledging the reality of the situation. He may refuse the cut, which would be surprising, ‘cause I don’t think there’s any market for him.

'It is not enough for me to win. My enemies must lose' - David Merrick

by tdships on Feb 7, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope your right

because it’ll take a lot for me to believe

by Burt88 on Feb 8, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thats easy

we have one of the best qbs in the league and he’s only going to get better. ;)

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 5, 2009 3:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

We have a QB. Not since Aikman has this position been secure. Let’s hope the rest of the organization can support Tony next year.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 5, 2009 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Could have predicted this comment

by rioplayer7 on Feb 6, 2009 1:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

only 10 or so teams in this league can say they have a qb capable of leading them to the superbowl. And we’re one of them.

by foyesboys on Feb 6, 2009 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Foyesboys....that opinion is based on???

Historical performance? Based on his attitude of being totally devastated by not making the playoffs? Based on the fact that he has already rededicated himself this off-season to improving his game?

If the 2009 version of Tony Romo is one of those 10 or so quarterbacks who are ‘capable of leading their team to the Super Bowl’, then (1) he needs to quit being a gunslinger; (2) he needs to learn how to step UP his game in December, not down; and (3) he needs to emerge as a Leader who elevates the play of his teammates……first and foremost through Leading By Example. It’s 8:07 CST on a Friday evening. Think Romo is in Dallas getting ready to hit the sack so he can get to Valley Ranch early tomorrow morning to improve his game……or do you think he is getting ready to hit an all-night A-list party in LA?

There are reasons for optimism in 2009; right now Romo is not one of them.

by Cowboy Louie on Feb 6, 2009 8:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thats laughable

If you think any qbs in the league right now are actually working at their teams facilities, you’re way off, by a long shot.

I guarantee every single player in the league is on vacation and relaxing right now after a long, hard tough season.

The off season work begins in March, not now.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 7, 2009 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Guys may not be at their facilities

But I bet Peyton Manning is falling asleep to gamefilm already. And he’s not running around bar hopping either.

IF YOU'RE LOOKIN FOR ME...I'M AT THE SCRIP CLUB WITH PACMAN......AND WE'RE BEING REBELLION!!

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Feb 9, 2009 6:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's too

busy having a rack of ribs with fries on the side and an ice cold one with Jessie. Maybe they need to join Nutri=Sustem together. I heard they are having some good specials=Ha Ha

by texstar on Feb 9, 2009 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

last time I saw Romo

he looked pretty thin to me. Actually, I’ve never seen him look anything close to overweight, unlike his girlfriend.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 9, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I highly doubt that

my money says he’s filming his millionth commerical. Bar hoping and filming commericals have something in common, neither activity has anything to do with football preparation.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 9, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

compare Romo to other 6ft 2in

QB’s and he’s about 10 lbs. overweight except for McNabb. I’m only talking good one’s like Warner. Believe what you want but look at him and he’s picked up some weight. Go back and look at him from 2 years ago and he is heavier. Don’t give me the old excuse that’s it’s muscle because I don’t buy that.

by texstar on Feb 9, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

He looks thin to me and Favre is 6-2 and weighs the same, and he’s not overweight at all.

I actually wish he would gain some additional weight to help him sustain the hits he’s been taking.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 9, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ridiculous

Romo is not overweight.

He does, however, need to work on developing more muscle to handle the rigors of an extended NFL season.

I suggest NFL Extreme Makeover.

"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 Feb 10, 2009 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I’m just trying to yank Terry’s chain again. He does need to get in better shape though.

by texstar on Feb 10, 2009 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually he was hitting Gonzalez in the end zone in Hawaii...

by AikmanNailedMySis on Feb 9, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but Peyton is hanging out with his brother

licking doublestuff with the williams’ sisters.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 9, 2009 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hmm...i'd like to lick the Williams sisters too...oh, I meant Oreo's

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 10, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL.....Louie knows how stir things up in Terry's world...

I agree though….Until Romo steps up his game, and proves he can win after Dec. 1st. I’m not about to annoint him as a QB that can elevate his teams play, and carry them to the promised land. He needs to lead his team to victory in a playoff game before being considered a QB that’s capable of doing anything….especially in the leader department.

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 7, 2009 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

BTW, I was in Starbucks last night and low and behold there were 2 magazines “People and US Magazine” where our friend Jessica is on the cover about her weight problem and Tony. LOL

by texstar on Feb 7, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One would have to wonder if Romo's girlfriend gaining 20+ lbs over the past year, is indicitive of his off season conditioning program as well...

As Tex pointed out on several occasions, Romo didn’t exactly come into camp in tip top shape last season. Bar hoppin’ in LA, and livin’ the high life certainly took it’s toll on Jess, and who was by her side the whole time ? Tony Romo…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 8, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

LOL just wait till our good friend reads your post.

by texstar on Feb 8, 2009 9:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nonsense

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 8, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

-72,834. Total tabloid trash. And irrelevant to the game of football to boot.

Romo’s problem is mental conditioning; not physical.

There were plenty of instances this past season where he excelled in a no-huddle hurry-up offense leading the team to crucial field goals or TD’s. Situations when if such a conditioning problem existed (it doesn’t); his lack of stamina would surely manifest itself. Even in the Ravens game where he was flummoxed for the first fifty minutes, he led two quick scoring drives (2:40 and 1:56) that should have given the Cowboys a great shot at winning late in the game. But then again, maybe Romo’s doing an Ironman Triathlon or some other type of event where this crap would actually matter. At any rate, I don’t know what this conditioning garbage has to with actual football. Is Romo going to be carrying the rock 30 times a game or playing iron man covering the other team’s best receiver?

Funny you should bring up the Mesquite Methcook. Not only is Tex an unfunny hack; he’s an unoriginal one as well. As far back as ’06, PFT’s Mike Florio made fun of Romo’s less-than-chiseled doughy physique. Then again, I guess I’m just not slanted that way that I’d notice any subtle changes in Romo’s physique that might have occurred over the course of his career. The point is Romo’s always been kind of doughy and diminutive for a franchise QB. And Drew Brees’ wife is taller than he is. Who gives a flying handshake if a guy doesn’t look like your preconceived notions of a prototype NFL QB?

Besides if big shiny muscles mean a QB’s in tip top shape, why did McNabb; who has the biggest most chiseled arms of any QB in the league literally puke during the 4th quarter of his Super Bowl appearance? Hey, if you want a musclehead QB, you might want to get Jerry in touch with Jim Druckenmiller. As I recall the former 9ers 1st Round Bust set all kinds of impressive college weightlifting records at VT; lifting more than plenty of linemen. And I’m sure he’s even bigger and stronger now seeing as how he hasn’t been in football since he was in the XFL in 2001 meaning he’s had ample time to hit the gym.

by MadMick on Feb 9, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They dumped Bruce Read and Brian Stewart

Now Wade will be running the defense without any interference from Day 1 and the current defense has another year of experience in his system.

The new ST coach, Joe DeCamillis, is considered one of the better in the league.

They cut Pacman.

Tank Johnson isn’t going to be retained.

The Cowboys have 9 picks currently in the draft in which to find the stars of tomorrow.

3 headed running attack looks really good on paper right now.

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

by APerfectStar on Feb 5, 2009 4:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

but you have to let Wade be over the offense as well

tha’ts part of the problem according to the latest from ESPN. According to inside sources Wade doesn’t feel like he gets to control Garrett because he’s Jerry’s boy. Only when Jerry gives Wade full control over this can they be successful.

by texstar on Feb 5, 2009 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just a guess

But I think the translation is Wade would like to make sure that the running game is featured more and less high risk passing plays. Maybe a few other suggestions. Anything that helps keep his defense more rested and the opposing offense off the field as much as possible.

As the HC, Wade should have final say over offensive game plans. Hopefully Garrett and Wade can get on the same page.

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

by APerfectStar on Feb 5, 2009 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1 tex...Wade needs to take control of the offense....I feel he has NO input at all in the plays being called..

Which is complete nonsense…The OC is supposed to defer to what the HC thinks should be done at a particular point in games…like should we run or pass on 3 and 4 and stuff like that, at least gets some feedback from the HC, instead of running a damn draw play out of the shot gun every friggin play…..Or in Wade’s case, let Romo decide to go for it on 4th down at his own 40 yard line…what the heck…lol..We NEED to run the ball, run it, run it, run it…….first down, second down, third down…eventually the O line is going to wear down these inferior sized D linemen we face each week…..THEN, you open up the play action against 8 in the box coverage. Maybe toss in a few flea flickers, reverses, etc…Then You go deep with the quick pump fakes, fake draws, etc……git er dun….

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 6, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Darren Woodson

said yesterday that’s what a lot of the problem is. Jerry didn’t let Campo run it nor Switzer. Jerry already had the coaches in place and said now you run it-HA HA. Doesn’t this seem eerily like Al Davis with Cable? Scary how Jerry is so much like him. It’s sad on Sirius Radio, they are all saying that Jerry is wrong that they have never heard of the clause that was put in Reeves contract. They said that any good coach worth having would not step into this situation the way Jerry has it set up.

by texstar on Feb 6, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wade couldn't control this team

if we named the new stadium after him

by cow_fanatic on Feb 6, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Texas WADEium?

"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 Feb 10, 2009 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

by texstar on Feb 10, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dont forget..

Our injured players will be rehabed, and that includes the punter. I think out ST will be 1,000 times better than last year.

by Benthere on Feb 5, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually 11

we are probably going to get 2 compensatory

by quincyyyyy on Feb 5, 2009 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Even better

I was only counting what we have as of now. Either way 9, 10, 11 picks should equal at least 2 or 3 rookies who can become core players, that’s with a conservative estimate.

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

by APerfectStar on Feb 5, 2009 11:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well Jerry will probably be wheeling and dealing no doubt

I’m sure we will end up with 6 or 7 players from that drafts. However, since we started out with much more picks we will be able to get the players we want since we have the ammo to trade up for them.

by quincyyyyy on Feb 5, 2009 11:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I believe we should package up some picks and move up....

I’d be totally happy to get 3 or 4 top players out of this draft, rather than draft 9-11 or so knowing that half will probably not even make the roster…therefore wasting picks entirely….

Say a guy like BJ Raji somehow gets past Denver at pick #12…I say we need to do whatever it takes to get this guy…Here’s my suggestion: Using the draft trade value chart, this is what i’d like to see happen.

Option 1:
We trade our 2010 1st rounder (750, equivalent to 25th selection in ’10 draft)), along with our current 2nd rounder (390), and toss in a 7th rounder just for kicks (7.4). OK, 1,147.4 of trade value gets us into the 13th-14th pick in this draft. I would only do this if NT- BJ Raji was available, and it would probably take another pick to entice the trade..a 5th rounder.

Option 2:
We trade our 2010 1st rounder (750), and our current 3rd rounder (245), which equates to the 16th-17th in this draft. I would only do this if MLB- Ray Maualuga was available.

Option 3:
We package our 2010 2nd rounder (280)< equivalent to 62 pick in round 2), and our current 3rd rounder to trade into that 37th-40th range, and hopefully have choices of S-Louis Delmas, S-William Moore, S-Ras Johnson, S- Pat Chung, S-Sean Smith, OT-Loadholt & Britton, OG- Duke Robinson, OC/OG Alex Mack, MLB-Clay Matthews, MLB- Clint Sintim, DE-Ziggy Hood, NT- Ron Brace.

I hope Jerry makes some splash, I can’t sit around on draft day waiting 5 hours for our first pick…

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 6, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hoping one is a 3rd rounder...

That could help us move up earlier in round 2.

"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 Feb 10, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah....trade our 2nd and 3rd to move up...for sure...I'm starting to doubt we'll get a 3rd for Reeves or Jones though..

by CowboysRnumba1 on Feb 10, 2009 7:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What is the formula for how compensatory picks are awarded?

Anyone know?

"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 Feb 11, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think they let it out

I think its a secret exactly how itts calculated. Im not sure though

"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."

by aussie_cowboy on Feb 11, 2009 8:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I do know that they base it on the playing time of the guy lost to FA

and whether the team used FA to retool that position, which in the case of Julius Jones the Cowboys did not.
Now, I also think that certain positions garner higher picks, especially RBs who start every game. The more games a player starts, the higher the pick. I am guessing Dallas will at least get a 4th for Julius; they should get a 3rd IMO.
Losing Jacques Reeves will get a late (6th?) pick because he started a bunch of games.

Don’t think they’ll get much for Nate Jones because he didn’t start. Nada for Akin Ayodele because the signing of Zach Thomas made that loss a wash.

George Teague, Brock Marion, the Roy Williams-of-old: Where are you?

by Aaron Novinger on Feb 12, 2009 2:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He was running the defense when we lost 3 of our final games

by rioplayer7 on Feb 6, 2009 1:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but in reality

there were only 5 quarters of legitimate poor defense in there, starting with the baltimore 4th quarter. The pitt game had nothing to do with scheme – santanio holmes just got the bettter of newman in the 4th.

by foyesboys on Feb 6, 2009 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

they are all mental errors

not scheme imo.

by texstar on Feb 6, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh come on

All they had to do to win the PIT game was move the ball out of the shadow of their endzone without turning it over and they couldn’t do it. Twice. After the goal line stand they punt and give up a long punt return, then PIT scores on a short field. After the ensuing kickoff, Romo throws the pick 6, end of game.

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

by APerfectStar on Feb 6, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

?

I’m pretty sure they got a first down or two when at their own goal line…the problem was the punter kicked away from teh coverage, leading to pitt starting at the 25.

by foyesboys on Feb 8, 2009 5:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My point is

The offense crumbled in the final quarter of the PIT game. They might have made a 1st down, but that’s it. That shouldn’t overshadow a great game by the defense.

Now in the Balt. game, I agree, the defense crumbled at the end, but the offense didn’t help much in the first 3 quarters.

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

by APerfectStar on Feb 9, 2009 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs