The Valley Ranch Review: Debating Jason Garrett; Nick Folk's Surgery "Common"

by Aaron Novinger on Jun 12, 2009 8:35 PM CDT in News Comment 35 comments

Is Jason Garrett overrated? Not bloody likely, but Dan Parr at Pro Football Weekly writes that Garrett is the most overrated offensive coordinator in the NFL.

Overrated: Cowboys' Jason Garrett Thanks to an intriguing pedigree that fit what NFL owners were looking for in the next hot, young head-coaching candidate and his management of Dallas’ high-powered offense, the hype around Garrett skyrocketed after the 2007 season. He reportedly turned down head-coaching job offers from the Ravens and Falcons. As last year showed, however, this supposed prodigy has a lot to learn. Despite having an abundance of playmakers at his disposal, the Cowboys ranked 13th in total offense and 18th in scoring in ’08. While blame for the unit’s struggles was largely directed at Terrell Owens and a lack of team chemistry, Garrett erred by stubbornly underutilizing a deep, dynamic backfield and ultimately failed to get the most out of a talented group on "O." He may turn out to be a fine coordinator and even a great head coach someday, but people around the league are beginning to wise up that many crowned him king too soon.

Rick Gosselin ranks the Cowboys this off-season at just below average, dropping the team to 17th in the league.

Terrell Owens' departure could and probably should trigger a philosophical shift on offense to the running game. In Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, the Cowboys have the ability to be a top-5 rushing attack. But Dallas needs Roy Williams to flourish on the flank and Anthony Spencer in the pass rush.

Final '08 ranking: 15

More VRR after the jump.

Nick Folk told Mickey Spagnola that the hip surgery he had is a rather common one for kickers.

In fact, not only did Folk’s brother have a similar surgery, so did Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri last week. Vinatieri’s surgery was performed by the same surgeon who fixed up Folk, Dr. Marc Phillipon, in Vail, Calif. Vinatieri is expected to be ready for the Colts’ Sept. 13 season opener. Folk explained how the soccer-style kicking motion wears down the labrum which is a ring of cartilage-like material that protects the inner portion of the hip socket where the femoral head fits into. Says his hip feels better than ever.

Folk was one of thirteen players who helped make and serve sushi at RA Sushi, Thursday night, for the Rich Behm Family Trust. The event, led by Jenny Kosier (wife of OL Kyle Kosier) and the Dallas Cowboys' Women's Association raised nearly $10,000.

The list inlcuded Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten along with, Kyle Kosier, Nick Folk, Mat McBriar, DeAngelo Smith, Doug Free, Pat McQuistan, Montrae Holland, Cory Procter and Bobby Carpenter and former Cowboys lineman Marco Rivera.

Romo spoke about Behm.

"Rich is an important part of the organization involved in the day-to-day activities of the team," Romo said. "It's not just the players. There are a whole bunch of people who put us in position to win. Coaches, players, front office and all the people behind the scenes that people don't see. We wouldn't be where we are without all of those people and Rich is one of those guys."

Behm's wife, Michelle, commented on the support.

"It's very overwhelming," Michelle Behm said. "These players are great. They are just ordinary people. They've really helped us out a lot. Whether it's coming out to the hospital to bring meals or something like tonight, they're just really great guys and they've really helped us out through all of this. Tonight was a big night and Rich is doing very well. We're really thankful for everyone who came out to support us."

Christopher Harris at ESPNFantasy took a look at how some quarterbacks such as Tony Romo and Peyton Manning will respond (fantasy football-wise) to losing targets, Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison, respectively.

So what fate awaits Romo? On the plus side, unlike the post-Owens 49ers and Eagles, the Cowboys do have a proven, legit No. 1 receiver left on their roster in Roy E. Williams. Sure, he stunk once he came to Dallas in '08, but he also had an injured foot. He's 27, has a 1,310-yard season under his belt, and definitely offers high-ceiling potential. But let's face it: He ain't T.O. He's injury-prone and was known as something of a diva in his own right in Detroit. Yes, Romo has Jason Witten and some potentially interesting complements in Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin, but the fact is, Owens' departure is a perfect excuse for the Cowboys to get away from their sometimes ridiculous gun-slinging ways and start running the ball more. They had the eighth-heaviest pass-versus-run mix in the NFL last year, throwing on 57.7 percent of offensive snaps. With the troika of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in the backfield, presumably offensive coordinator Jason Garrett would like to see a bunch more handoffs.

Apparently, the Cowboys knew of Summit Structure's Philadelphia Regional Port Authority canopy collapse prior to the company's building of their practice facility.

Last weekend's DWI arrest of Cowboys Stadium's general manager has inspired the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to investigate liquor sales at the stadium.

Just a friendly reminder for any Cowboys-related talk regarding Michael Vick's release:

Last month, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, who had been speculated to be a potential suitor for Vick, told the Dallas Morning News that the team was not interested in him.

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, who had a stint with the Cowboys in '01, will surrender on drug and burglary charges.

0 recs | Comment 35 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

i'd agree with garret being overrated

First, there was his stubborness in refusing to give felix and choice carries in the first half of 09. Then, the fact that he had brad johnsons back, which you could make a good argument cost us a win or two, considering a. we lost to the rams and b. how unbelievably well romo plays against the giant. Then, his continuing to call downfield routes when our oline couldn’t handle them. Leading of course to the ravens and even Romo saying we had become too predictable.

Thats not saying hes a bad coordinator, or won’t get his feet back under him this year, but as parcells would say, i think we brought out the annointing oil too quickly. Last year his oline didn’t give us much help

by foyesboys on Jun 12, 2009 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think hes only overrated to cowboys fans...

After last year i dont think to many people think to highly of him and his brilliant play calling……..(Sarcasm)

by regaberto on Jun 12, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree with foyesboys...

Garrett had a great freshman year and as a sophmore he got outcoached several times.

Red Jesus didn’t look like he was able to adjust in the second half of games.

Brad Johnson was a one armed statue in the backfield. (that one arm was not his throwing arm either). Could Garrett not see in camp that BJ just didn’t have the tools anymore? I won’t repeat foyesboys post, he covered it pretty well.

I hope it was just the sophmore jinx and he comes back strong this year.

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Jun 12, 2009 9:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree with both of you

I think Garrett’s got great potential, but my sense is that everything falling into place with the passing game in 07 gave him too much confidence in his pass-to-set-up-the-run approach.

by eliason on Jun 12, 2009 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ya 2007 was kindof a result of everything falling into place perfectly.......

we need to just play great ball in 09,…… because were definitinly not the best team right now in the division…

by regaberto on Jun 12, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It usually kind of works that way...

Like we say in the shop “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. He went into ‘08 thinking that, obviously. I’m not a big fan of Garrett, by any means, but I think after both, a high and low year, that he’ll ‘find’ that balance.

Hooah.

by .FRoST.USAF on Jun 12, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is Brandon Marshall going 2 b on the trading block?

another fight in Denver; He’d be worth a 2nd to me, hedging our bets regarding have good WR production this year

by AustonianAggie on Jun 12, 2009 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Marshall

If he is available for a 2nd, I would do that in a heartbeat as I feel he could really be a top-10 or even top-five receiver in the NFL. I highly doubt that deal would ever materialize though because that would be a lopsided deal against the Broncos, at least in my opinion.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Jun 12, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know he's extremely talented, but he sounds like such a jerk.

On one NFL resume, he’s got red flags all over it already.

"Grow where you are planted."

by Aaron Novinger on Jun 13, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marshall

Totally agree. But just watching him you can see the potential there to be like TO was in his prime. He is big, fast and is extremely difficult to tackle. Like I said, he has a bad, bad history, but I would definitely trade a second for him.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Jun 13, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Garrett is overrated.. this offense will not score as much as in 07 or 08

I was saying it a few weeks ago. The offense let us down last year. Our defense was pretty solid across the board barring the injuries in the backfield. Will it get better now that T.O. is gone? We shall see.. they will go as far as the Oline can block ’em.

" the Cowboys ranked 13th in total offense and 18th in scoring in ’08".

This defense should be very good next year with more experience under their belt. Barring injury, this defense should be better than last year, and more consistent.
With the special teams getting a boost from the draft, it will be up to the offense to score enough points to win. Or rather, the defense to hold the opposing team to a low number.

by torchindefenses on Jun 12, 2009 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We'll see.

I don’t think that it’d be crazy to think they’d score as much as they did in 2008 at least.

It’s too soon to make that call on Garrett. He’s had a good year, so we’ll see how he rebounds. It’s too soon to say if he’s overrated or not IMO

it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.

by AirforceBat on Jun 12, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The defense let us down when it mattered, too...

And they had far fewer injuries to deal with. Lest we forget, the last impression we have of our defense is two heart breaking long TD runs back to back against Baltimore, and a 44-6 ass kicking served to us courtesy of the Eagles. The defense was just as disappointing as the offense. Both units failed at the most critical time of all. It’s entirely unfair to pin all the blame entirely on the offense. Yes, they stunk, but the D could have and should have stepped up to compensate. If not for the few successful things the offense DID do, they’d be much worse than 9-7.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Jun 13, 2009 1:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just watched that Lions game replay from '07.

Now, I understand that the offense was fumbling here and there, but the defense could not stop Kitna from picking up 3rd downs until the very last drive. How frustrating that was to watch! Every pass was completed against our secondary and if Rat and Ware weren’t around, Kitna woulda had all the time in the world. Spears did look pretty good against the run, though.

"Grow where you are planted."

by Aaron Novinger on Jun 13, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

same thing happened in 06

Kitna and the lions verbally and physically slapped our defense around.

by foyesboys on Jun 13, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I watched that too and what infuriated me was the fact that they played a lot of zone, gave a ton of cushion and I had to see Jacques Reeves attempt to cover quality receivers. Most shocking though was the way the Lions ran the ball on us in the first half. I am glad it seems we have changed to a more blitzing, press defense because that defensive game pained me to watch.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Jun 13, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe overrated....

but to say he underutilized the 3 rbs is idiotic. He may have not used Felix enough (especially against WAS)prior to his injury; but Barber was hurt most of the year, Felix was out the rest of the year, and nobody really knew what we had in Choice until all the injuries piled up on the rbs. That statement is just plain stupid. Again, he MAY be overrated, but not because of the utilization of the rbs. Now, if he doesn’t use them correct this year, THEN you can say that!

by Boyz4Life on Jun 12, 2009 11:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, temper it a little...

That’s what we get when we hire a young OC. I don’t think he’s overrated. I never thought of him more than a +3yr OC. He is what he is. He’s like romo – great potential but plays with some “ugly” from time to time.
Lots of upside.

by rotovibe on Jun 12, 2009 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Judgement

I am not quite ready to pass any definitive judgments on Garrett. He had an awesome 2007 but a not-so-good 2008. However, I would make sure to point out that last year’s performance has to be put through the lens of all the injuries he had. I am sure that last year’s offense would have been much better had he had Felix the entire year. Plus, thats not to mention a banged up offensive line and an injured QB.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Jun 13, 2009 12:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't say Garrett's overrated yet...

It’s pretty clear our offense hobbled last year. When healthy, the offense was dangerous. He made same iffy calls here and there, but the injuries and terrible play on the O-line weren’t helping matters any.

Honestly, the two biggest problems I had with Garrett last year was the fact that he didn’t utilize Felix enough when he was healthy, and he waited much too long to get Choice involved in the running game. I won’t fault the guy for not relying enough on two rookies when you have a Pro Bowler starting.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Jun 13, 2009 1:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I think that he had a problem with adjustments after the injuries, but for an OC he’s pretty young. This will be a defining year.

by AirforceBat on Jun 13, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heard somewhere

Phillips was famous for refusing to use rooks… I am not sure if that was developing because of his dallas years. Either way, when you have an offensive coordinator with as little experience as ole Red you rely more on your head coach.

That may mean any refusal to use Choice/Jones might be as much Phillips decision as Red’s.

McGruber!

by Mojoness on Jun 13, 2009 7:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think they missed Sparano more than they thought they would.

Other than the Kosier injury that was the one BIG difference in the team between ‘07 and ’08. The OL didn’t perform as well after Tony left, the running game wasn’t as good because he wasn’t coordinating it any more (along with the Kosier injury) and I personally believe that he was a big reason for the ability to adjust in the 2nd half in ’07 and the LACK of ability to do it in ’08. It helps to have someone to use as a sounding board, to get a 2nd opinion, and his departure took a good one away from The Red Headed Genius. And lets face it, he did a great job turning Miami around.

by John Boy on Jun 13, 2009 7:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Moose Johnston had this right, yesterday.

Although I agree that Sparano helped a lot in Garrett’s first year, it’s too early to throw Jason out. There were times last season when the tools weren’t all there in the toolbox. Many more missed games and/or decreased mobility due to injury than previous year: Romo, Barber, Witten, Jones. Not an “excuse”, but a factor. This year should tell, presuming he’s got his offensive roster.

and I’m not certain keeping Brad Johnson was Garrett’s call.

"We'll see." --Bill Parcells

by Uncle Angus on Jun 13, 2009 8:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Garrett is overrated in the sense that he was absolutely annointed after 07.

Its probably a bit too early for annointing his head with oil, but its also too early for anyone who wants to write him off.

He still got some sniffs for HC positions last year, so the league hasn’t written him off.

As to the comments on the Ravens and the offense being predictable, they’re complete BS.

Players sometimes talk a little after a big win. Thats exactly what the Ravens did. But if the offense was so predictable then why didnt they shut it down?

I mean, the Ravens gave an average of 15 points per game last year. Dallas scored 24 on them. And likely would have scored more had not Romo threw up some dumb passes in the first half. He marched them right down the field twice late in the game, so no, I dont think the offense was that “predictable” to the Ravens D.

I think if it wasnt for a couple of big runs late in the game, the Ravens D would have walked out with their tails between their legs.

by THEjarhead on Jun 13, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Raven comments not BS

The Cowboy offense of 07 and of 08 was not predicated as much on desception as most NFL teams offenses. For many teams in basketball the pick and roll is very predictable; that does not mean you can stop it.

There are basicly four ways to beat the other team.

1) Superior Talent
2) Superior Execution
3) Desception
4) Dumb Luck

The Dallas teams of the 90s won mostly one talent and execution. Jimmy used deception alot more in the early years when the team was over matched. By late 93, I as fan knew what was comming and knew the oppssing defense knew what was comming and was unlikely to be able to do anything about it. The 2008 Cowboys did not execute consistently enough for this apprach to work and Garrett choose to attept to force it to work instead of adapting.

The Raven’s point was that for four quarters, they believe no one beats their defense on talent and execution alone and that the Cowboy offense was under utilizes deception because they run a simplier offense then most. Seem they were right for three quarters, but in the 4th quarter the Dallas offense was executing better the Raven’s defense.

Last point is Ray Lewis made his first comments to the media before the game and then elaberated after they won. It was smack talk, but it had the extra advantage of being true.

by Trey, on Jun 13, 2009 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, not buying it

Dallas stopped themselves more in the first half of that game. Who cares if they won 3 quarters or not.

Dallas hung 9 more points on the ravens D than they gave up on average all year, and they did it with romo brain farting through most of the first half and, apparently, even after the ravens knew what was coming next.

I’d agree with the bulk of the posts, garrett is not the end all, be all, yet. But I maintain the ravens were doing nothing more than talking smack. Whats more, the talk was all on the defensive side. Well the defense for the ravens did nothing to win that game. They were likely just as surprised as their HC was when those long runs went for TDs. Probably very happily surprised b/c they sure weren’t stopping dallas in the 4th.

by THEjarhead on Jun 13, 2009 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd agree that garrett at times can do a better job of adjusting.

Not only to what a defense is doing, but also to what his offense is doing well or poorly on any given game day.

having said that, if a coach has seen a team execute something well, then he cant always be blamed for calling that something only to see them screw it up.

also, keep in mind that teams study alot of film. alot of the time they have a pretty good idea as to what is coming next anyway. Given situations and tendancies bear that out. Deception is fine, but execution should be more highly rated than deception in my book. the players need to execute and STF up about everything else. If they have an issue with the coach’s calls, be a man and go to the coach and tell him they think he could be calling things better. If the coach is wrong, and doesn’t listen then thats on him. If the player takes it to the media, he is doing NOTHING to help his team win.

Once again, players: STF up and execute.

by THEjarhead on Jun 13, 2009 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fans at home were calling out the Cowboy plays last December

Execution is WAY more important then deception. In football deception is not mainly trick plays, it is having a large compex playbook where it is difficult to pin down your play calling by looking at your tendancies. Its having two very different play calls looking the same until 2 seconds into the play.

In 2007 Dallas went with a simplier offensive package to make it easier on the players and to reduce the number of things they need to think about on the field. That helps execution and made them easier to predict. Its a trade off, too simple and the defense knows what is comming and when it is comming, too complex and your number of mental mistakes go up.

Last year, given the game situation and the player package many fans were accuratly calling the next Dallas play call. In December Dallas made it too easy on the opposing defenses. Rafael has on a couple of occasions pointed out that Parcells and others have openly questioned the mental capaicity of this team to run a complex scheme without making mental mistakes. Maybe Garrett kept it a bit simple because he felt he needed to. I do not know, but I do know that if fans sitting on their coaches at home can predict half the play calls then the team needs to mix it up a bit more.

The fact that you think the players should STF up does not mean what they are saying is not true

by Trey, on Jun 13, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, the word was in chan gaily's day

Garrett and Aikman went to him with this very issue, and he didnt listen. This, evidently, was why aikman expressed a lack of confidence in gaily when JJ broached the subject to him.

I’d like to think now that garrett is in a similar situation, he would listen to his offensive players if they expressed issues with his play calling (especially romo).

by THEjarhead on Jun 13, 2009 12:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It also makes some sense that the ravens, and the media, would go after garrett

he turned down a HC job there in the offseason. Im sure the ravens loved talking it up after their win, and you know the media will pounce on stuff like that.

That doesn’t, for one iota, make what the ravens were saying true.

by THEjarhead on Jun 13, 2009 12:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Based on 08

The OC is overrated – IMHO.

He has NO excuses for 09.

I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys

by stxshooter on Jun 13, 2009 1:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont think he is overrated, injuries had a lot to do with what garett does or does not on offence, but we dont have a full picture

of what is going on. yes I’d like to see more adjustment in the second half or in game adjustments, but it is what it is. the jury is still out on him, lets see how he does this year

by dcfanz on Jun 13, 2009 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Garrett overrated? After 2007, yes, clearly. He plain out did a bad job

last year and got out-coached way too often. But if he can show that he learned something, and he utilizes his personnel better, gets the running game going, and takes some of the pressure off his quarterback, then we’ll see.

by Fernie67 on Jun 13, 2009 5:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs