2009 - More Q's Than A's
by 5Blings on Jun 24, 2009 6:49 PM CDT
97 comments
No season in recent memory will begin with as many unanswered questions as will this upcoming campaign. It’s not as if Dallas is unaccustomed to off season reshuffling of the deck. In fact, it has almost become an annual right of passage for America’s Team. Having said that, there seem to be cultural shifts taking place at Valley Ranch in terms of how the locker room chemistry is viewed, leadership roles, Wade’s future and the type of team image Dallas wants to portray along with the usual questions around individual and group performances. Just consider some of the questions that will not only be answered, but done so resoundingly, by season’s end;
ON OFFENSE
Will Tony Romo finally LEAD this team over the hump now that his ‘distractions’ have been minimized or will he continue to be known more for miscues than magic?
Is Roy Williams the next great Dallas Wide Receiver or ‘the worst trade ever’?
Will Jason Garrett be able to gameplan in a way that maximizes the value of the weapons on offense or will he end up looking inexperienced and getting outcoached regularly?
Can Jon Kitna step in and win some games if he has to?
Can Felix Jones pick up where he left off and add that much needed, explosive dimension to Dallas’ running game?
Can Hudson Houck help this offensive line return to the dominance it flashed in 2007, or will it continue 2008’s decline?
Is Marion Barber not who we thought he was or will he re-emerge as a dominant power back?
Can Tashard Choice take that next step toward what many think could be greatness or was he a flash in the pan?
ON DEFENSE
Will Wade be able to turn this defense, with his revamped defensive backfield, into one that can stifle opponents on a regular basis or will it wear down in the clutch?
Can Anthony Spencer step up in Greg Ellis’ place and generate enough bookend pressure to make teams pay for doubling Ware?
Will Gerald Sensabaugh prove to be the missing link in the (what seems like endless) search for a coverage safety to pair with Ken Hamlin in Dallas’ much maligned secondary?
What does Keith Brooking have left in the tank?
Who backs up Jay Ratliff?
ON SPECIAL TEAMS
Will Joe DeCamilis turn the Special Teams unit around or will it continue to be a lackluster group?
How will Nick Folk rebound from hip surgery? Will Mat McBriar return to form after suffering the broken foot?
OVERALL
Can Wade harness his inner ‘Buddy Ryan’ to get more out of his players than in the past?
What impact will the new and improved locker room have on the performance of this team during key games in December and January?
Can this draft class impress enough in training camp to make the final 53 and help churn out the bottom of the roster?
Will Dallas finally win a playoff game?
What does Wade have to do to keep his job?
No doubt about it, this iteration of the Dallas Cowboys comes into the 2009 Season with as many, if not more, questions as they have had in the last decade. The roster is still loaded with talent and potentially a boatload of pro bowl performers, but there are also significant unknowns around their depth at key positions as well as a coaching staff on the hot seat. There’s a lot less hype, and thus pressure, than in previous years and that may prove to be a good thing. Instead of answering questions from reporters, they can all focus on answering these questions with positive answers from their play on the field.
GO COWBOYS
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Could be right
Just thinking…
What happens if the o-line plays much better but Romo’s play declines and he throws 16-20 INTs?
Do you think the team will be able to overcome that?
"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 Jun 24, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that won't happen
If the OL plays well, Romo easily makes his 3rd pro bowl appearance
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why won't it happen?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont often agree with terry but
He’s right, If the line plays good this year Romo will be fine. Proctor destroyed all hope last year.
by Musiccitynorm on Jun 25, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
because Romo is one of the best qbs in the league
If the OL gives him time, he’ll pick apart any defense with any set of receivers.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The likelihood of this o-line being dominant isn't all that high
It is aging and Flozell’s play is definitely on the decline.
When you add what I would call “questionable” line calls from Gurode, it is truly a big question mark.
So let me ask the question differently;
If the line play is simply average, is Romo good enough to overcome that and carry the team to some sort of playoff success?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who said anything about being dominant?
I said play well, big difference and they are more than capable of playing well.
And to answer your question, absolutely, although the defense will obviously have to play well.
Playoff success requires it, just ask P Manning.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was using 2007 as a baseline
I believe they were one of the top O-lines that year. I think they won’t get back to that level with this group.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Peyton would probably tell me....
He sucked real bad, as bad as any two-game stretch of his career in those playoffs against the Chiefs and Ravens and that’s why his defense had to play like world beaters to push them through.
Also….
A.) I guess it’s a testament to him how much his defensive teammates believed in him that they didn’t let his poor play drag them down into a malaise and kept soldiering on and/or B.) the Chiefs and Ravens were that horrible offensively.
My book on Peyton Manning in the playoffs still reads “put up huge numbers against medicore AFC West teams” but too often got his egghead cracked against bullying (especially 3-4) defenses.
by MadMick on Jun 26, 2009 8:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't he win that SB with one of the worst statistical rushing defenses ever?
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in the playoffs they played tough, really tough
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 27, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But to get there, he had to overcome their deficiencies, yes?
"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 Jun 27, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he and the rest of the offense
I don’t remember seeing him block, run or catch many passes as the qb
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 27, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure Romo could have
"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 Jun 28, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice try. And I was already well aware of that.
Yes, it’s accurate to say he certainly got them into the playoffs with one of the worst statistical rushing defenses ever. Although I do believe when the Jags and Texans gouged them late in the season (probably their two worst performances against the run all year), they actually lost those games. So if the Colts actually lost the games where the bad run D played their absolute worst, how accurate is it to even say Manning got them into the playoffs in spite of that inept D?
Now, specifically in the two games I was referring to, the Colts defense held the Chiefs and Ravens to only 14 points and 127 rushing yards on 37 carries. What was Peyton doing in this pair of games? Throwing 1 TD to 5 INT, of course. So as bad as the Colts run D was late in the season; so poor that the mighty Peyton couldn’t even overcome their ineptitude to win games…… when it came playoff time, Peyton was just as bad at doing his job yet his defense was able to prevail anyways.
Also telling is who was bloodying Peyton’s nose and picking his pocket in those first two rounds. Against the Chiefs, he got mindforked by his old nemesis Ty Law who picked him off twice giving Law five postseason thefts of Manning; not bad to have on his resume whenever he comes up for the HOF. Then the big, bad Ravens stomped a mudhole in his egghead and walked it dry. It’s just too bad they boasted another one of their signature horrible offenses.
I defy anyone to tell me that if Romo played as bad in a single post-season (yet the Cowboys still won it all, of course) as Manning did in those playoffs people wouldn’t be panicking in the streets saying…..
"Get rid of this bum!"
"Can’t you see we won in spite of him?"
"We should’ve had three rings by now if it wasn’t for this goof; we’re damn lucky we got this one….."
Hell, if Romo played as bad in one playoff game as Manning did in either of those games; there’d be a hundred thousand comments calling for Kitna or McGee or whomever to start in place of Romo the following week of the playoffs.
Now, just to be clear, I think Manning deserves to be mentioned as one of the all-time greats no matter what. As of right now, until Tony Romo takes that next bold step deep into the postseason, he’s just another nice Cinderella story like Jeff Garcia who had 63 TD passes in back-to-back seasons once upon a time. And I do think as long as Manning plays until he’s 38 or 39, there’s always the chance the Colts could repeat late in his career the same way Elway’s Broncos did. But Manning played one great half in the aforementioned postseason and ten or so quarters of shockingly bad football; end of story. Ben Roethlisberger has accomplished so much more than him in the postseason, it’s not even funny.
Sometimes, when discussing Manning, it just feels like because he finally got his ring, it must always be swept under the ring that he actually played horribly for much of those particular playoffs because to do otherwise would break up the nice fairy tale of this guy who worked and studied so hard for so long finally living out his dream.
by MadMick on Jun 27, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm
Not sure I agree.
You used the two most egregious examples to try and water down the point about Manning’s play being the difference maker in getting them to the playoffs. 2 out of 16 doesn’t really do it for me. It would be like using the Rams game as an example of the Cowboys of 2008.
The Roethlisberger thing is questionable too. Using Terry’s logic (and a bit of my own), the defense overcame more of Ben’s poor or average performances than could ever be the case in Indy.
Peyton is one of the all time greats. He’s the best in the business IMO and I agree completely with your Romo comment. Unless he takes the next big step, he is Jeff Garcia. If he takes it, he is Kurt Warner.
"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 Jun 28, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pressure related miscues
I don’t have all the stats to back this up but I bet if you chart Romo’s miscues last year you will find that many of them came when he was under heavy pressure.
If the line improves and gives him more time in the pocket the turnovers will go down.
Garrett needs to get a clue!
by BulletBob on Jun 25, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to back this up...
The o-line played as well as any in 2007 under Sparano’s stewardship and Romo was more prone to INT’s than last year, when the line suffered more injuries and their play declined.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Time
can only answer some of these questions . But if Romo can stay disciplined and not throw wild balls he’ll be fine. RW has been around long enough to know what is expected of him. I think people are panicking based of a knee jerk reaction with him. He was great at UT, he was pretty damn good in Detroit, and he had a terrible QB last year. I think MBIII will go back to his complimentary role behind Felix, and excel there.
I have no crystal ball for the rest, so we’ll see.
by randomguy on Jun 24, 2009 10:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
DEFENSE!
IMO, DEF is still the big key and the one that worries me the most.
by Boyz4Life on Jun 25, 2009 2:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What part?
The secondary? the LB’s? Just the overall cohesiveness of the group?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Entire DEF
Besides the pass rush, our DEF was very inconsistent all year. If the entire DEF plays consistently, then that takes more pressure off the OFF to score more points. I don’t know how many times we went down the field and scored and the DEF turned right around and gave up a TD by giving up long plays/ unnecessary penalties. The ST unit didn’t help the DEF either.
by Boyz4Life on Jun 25, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not me
the defense carried us for most of the second half of last year. My only worry on defense is the awful depth at linebacker.
by foyesboys on Jun 25, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa!
Isn’t that why they drafted who they drafted?
I thought the party line was that 3 of these guys were going to make the team as LB’s…
"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 Jun 25, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The defense quit
During the Ravens game. Romo gave us a chance to win against one of the best defenses in the league, and our defense gave up when the game was on the line…. twice.
by DoomsdayD75 on Jun 27, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turnovers
That’s my big concern. One interception a game isn’t that big a deal, I guess, but when 7 fumbles (is that right?) are lost is when turnovers hurt.
2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
by Grady90 on Jun 25, 2009 4:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Improved safety play will be the key
If Sensabuagh is the real deal, our defense becomes elite and we easily make the playoffs and get that elusive playoff win.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just two competent safeties would be such a comparitive luxury
by I_miss_Switzer on Jun 25, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like a long time since we had that, doesn't it?
Since Woodson and Marion maybe?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I am unfamiliar with the concept of a competent safety
by One.Cool.Customer on Jun 25, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Woody say he had to cover up Roy's deficiencies?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he did that well
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've never seen a more inane set of questions
You’re just making stuff up. Not a single relevant question, though the O-Line came close.
Here’s a question. Will 5blings quit living in the past and finally cheer for this team or continue his negative take on everything Cowboys?
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jun 25, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Easy calbrone
I like the questions, and I think they all have some merit, except Jessica. Romo is a turn over machine, the o-line played badly last year, Garrett lost all his mojo, special teams was bad, We layed with half a saftey all year,
They all seem legit.
by Musiccitynorm on Jun 25, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh come on...
The Jessica question speaks directly to Romo’s off-field disractions…in a roundabout sorta way.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's not true at all
Let me ask you this question, does the relationship you have with your wife or girlfriend affect your job performance or become a distraction to you??
Of course the answer is no and it’s just silly to think Romo’s relationship with Jessica affects his job performance either.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
You’re saying what happens to you outside of your job in PA doesn’t affect your work?
People with marital issues aren’t prone to poorer job performance?
I was so moved by Tarheel Paul’s post that it affected MY job performance one day, so much so that I left work early just to make a few phone calls to people I care about.
Your position, because it involves Romo, is once again, absolutely nonsensical. If you felt the same way about others as you do about Romo, you’d probably have a clearer set of lenses. I hope one day, you won’t feel like you HAVE to be the one guy sticking up for Romo all the time. Either because he wins a Super Bowl or because you get worn out.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely not
True professionals do not allow their personal lives to affect their job performance and Romo is a true professional.
My argument makes sense whether you want to believe it or not.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your argument makes sense in Robot-world, but not in the real world
People are absolutely impacted by their home life. To think they are not is insensitive and inhuman. We can disagree on this one.
I think living in Pennsylvania is robbing you of your humanity and that you should relocate. You’re too close to Philly!!!
"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 Jun 25, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
People are only impacted by major events
such as deaths, divorce and the like and I don’t think those things come close at all to dating a celebrity.
So yes, a death or divorce will affect people and become a distraction, but having a relationship with a celebrity hardly constitutes a distraction and it’s just silly to think otherwise.
BTW, I wish I could relocate as I hate living in PA but my circumstances won’t allow it.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The celebrity girlfriend gets flack for being fat and brings that home to Tony
Trust me, he is impacted until he either dumps the cow or gets her out of the buffet line and onto a treadmill.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how is that different if he was dating a non celebrity
or even married to non celebrity and she came home with her crap from work, there is no difference.
Relationships are relationships no matter they are in the public eye or not and like I said Romo isn’t distracted anymore by Jessica than you are with your wife or significant other at work…no difference whatsoever.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why does everyone forget Aikman & Brady?
Knock up a movie star and marry a supermodel? Brady doesn’t seem to be affected.
Aikman was dating Lori Morgan and quite a few other country singers/models/tarts until he settled down with a …model. Hmm. Think he did ok as well.
It is pure, unadulterated hyperbole to suggest that dating anyone famous is more or less problematic professionally than dating any girl. Hell, they’re all crazy.
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jun 25, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well said, very well said
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
so, in robot world, would he be Robo-Romo?
by mutombo4life on Jun 26, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
But he would still be dating a chubby female robot who would still cry oily tears at their Robo-home every night about all the flak she took in the Robo-press about her tonnage. To make her feel better, he would eat Robo-ice cream with her and cause him to get out of shape himself before being called out for a lack of Robo-conditioning.
That, in turn, would depress Robo-Romo (while wondering why he didn’t pick a Robot that had a Megan Fox-like butt instead of one that looks like a Ford Expedition) and cause him to lose focus in his Robo-Football games.
I hope this clears things up.
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha.
That’s Robo-laughter btw
Everything's looking up, Milhouse!
by accidental innuendo on Jun 27, 2009 6:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think Terry chuckled?
;-)
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That does compute
Insert computer joke here.
syntax error line 43
by mutombo4life on Jun 27, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
RoboRomoCop
"Grow where you are planted."
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 27, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now THAT is cool!
"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 Jun 28, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW bling
you know as well as I do there will be fans unfairly criticizing Romo no matter how many times he leads the Cowboys to SB victories or earns pro bowl appearances.
The haters will hate no matter what.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 25, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're wrong
I hope he wins a bunch of Super Bowl MVP awards and becomes america’s darling.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are about so many other things...
why not this one too?
:-)
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little Richie Dalrymple is back!
Truth be told, I missed you.
My ego was taking a beating because no one is as infatuated with me the way you are.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bro
They weren’t that bad. Jeez.
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 25, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure they are...
The standard anti-Romo slant.
Questioning Barber’s production and Felix capacity to do so.
Questioning every coach.
The b.s. playoff slant.
Questioning every mediot driven issue is just going off on the same old tangent. Why not take another perspective and actually point toward the answers. For example:
Offense:
How will Romo improve? Footwork, better conditioning, another year of development (i.e., hitting the QB prime years), more freedom…etc.
O-Line camp battles? Return to health, Holland vs. Kosier
Those are just examples of looking and leaning toward the answers instead of asking rhetorical questions that have no answer until the games are played…thus allowing him to maintain an argument.
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jun 25, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fighter...
Then don’t read it bro. I’m not saying I agree with everything, but I won’t say all of it is unjustified.
I’ve disagreed with 5blings alot,certainly in his draft rant, but I think question’s about Keith Brooking, Ratliff’s backup, and Roy Williams are justified.
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 25, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't sweat it
The man-crush has been going on for a while. I think it’s cute.
But don’t get too deep on it, because if it’s not “everything is great in Cowboyland”, Richie has an anenrysm.
I don’t want to be responsible for that.
;-)
"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 Jun 25, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The O-line question...
While relevant, there is no way that injuries didn’t effect them in 2008 badly. I think the bigger question is, can we get some reliable depth at the O-line.
The starters are good and even great at times, but the depth just sucks.
While there should always be a downgrade at the line when someone goes down, it sucks that there was that much difference between the starter and the backup.
I’m really concerned of what happens if Flozell goes down.
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 25, 2009 9:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’m still chapped that Dallas didn’t look for depth in the draft or free agency.
I agree that injuries hurt them, but show me an o-line in the NFL that didn’t suffer through some sort of injury bug. It’s almost a guarantee that SOMEONE on the o-line will go down for a period of time.
So, if what you say about depth is true, the line is bound to have a Procter, Free, McQ or Holland in there for some period of time.
Can the team play well enough to win if that is the case?
"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 Jun 25, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're absolutely correct.
I think Holland is pretty solid, but McQ,Proctor, and Free haven’t showed me anything inspiring.
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 25, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Free needs lots of reps in preseason
If he doesn’t look good, they are in big trouble.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holland and Brewster
The traded for Holland (ala Colombo) and used their 2nd pick in the draft on Brewster.
Take some aloe or KY.
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jun 25, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nearly every team in the league has these concerns though
while i agree our depth sucks aside from holland, there are many things people are ignoring here. First of all, it had been like YEARS since one of our ol suffered a major injury and we had a couple of them last year. Theres a lot more history to suggest that these guys can stay health than that they can’t.
The Giants last year lost an OL (I forget which one, they’re all good), and a tackle named Kevin Booth came in and really sucked up the joint, directly contributing to late season losses. The Redskins seemed to lose their best ol to injuries every year for a while, and they were never as good after those guys got hurt as before. The eagles are one of the only teams (maybe THE only team) in the league to consistently have young guys that come in and play well when their vets get hurt.
Seriously, HOlland looked decent last year. If Free or Brewster can make strides and provide some sort of depth at tackle, we’ll have more depth than most teams. We’re not THAT far off.
by foyesboys on Jun 25, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2005
When Flozell went down hard…
Give the Eagles credit, because while you can criticize them for not giving McInjury enough WR help, they keep a good stable of offensive and defensive linemen ready to fill in.
I doubt Brewster will be anywhere close to ready in 2009. You’re right that Holland looked decent. But he’s catching a lot of flack for looking like a fat tub of goo in OTA’s.
Regardless, I’m more concerned about OT than OG. Expecting 32 starts out of Columbo and Flo is dicey.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What happened when Winston Justice subbed in for the Eagles
O yea Osi went to the pro-bowl for his 6 sack performance, Lets not be kissing any Eagle feathers, they can screw up too
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No arguments on Justice
but their o-line seems to always be one of the league’s best, regardless of who is in there, which IS a testament to how they continue to spend high draft choices and free agent dollars on keeping their o-line talent at a generally high level.
The real question is whether or not we should have been more aggressive in landing an OT through the draft to groom or through free agency for depth.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-Line
Funny how it continues to be the most important piece of the puzzle (based on BTB’er feedback), but didn’t get a lot of help in the off season.
Are there vets out there that you think Dallas would want? Maybe some possible training camp cuts?
Maybe they just wait until next year to address it? One article I read said the time to get a Left Tackle is before you need one.
Hmmm…
"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 Jun 25, 2009 1:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
We were in no position to Draft a OT this year.....
Well I guess we could have traded away about the whole draft and next years 1st, to get in the top 5, and you know if we would have got 1 of the big boys I would have been fine with that, or we could have taken the Guy the giants took, forget his name ( started with a B. and who I wanted to grab), though promising he is not a sure fire thing.
by bad knees on Jun 25, 2009 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not true
You obviously missed my rant about a guy named Gopork.
Also, Will Beatty was within reach too
"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 Jun 25, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Flozell is gimpy and hard of hearing
What is your point?
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flo is healthy
so just hard of hearing
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's 34, hard of hearing and is coming off of an injury plagued year
how long can Houck expect him to go every snap of what is hopefully a playoff-extended season and play well?
Given the relative likelihoods, shouldn’t we have a capable backup before something happens and people say Doug Free is this year’s Cory Procter?
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Behind O-Line is Romo and his turnovers
Irrespective of the O-line play, I think some percentage of his INT’s (can’t speak for fumbles) will decrease simply because the “player” is no longer the focal point.
I’m sure ‘you-know-who’ will agree, after all, it’s something positive about Antonio.
What I don’t know is whether that INT reduction will be offset by the lack of communication between he and his targets if Austin and RW are the starters given that they haven’t spent a lot of time together and RW won’t get the kind of separation that T.O. got.
"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 Jun 25, 2009 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Garrett could always call a Max protect
too many times the oline were getting man handled and he didn’t protect enough, if TO was running a go route, Witten should at least chip a guy before going out, last year w/ Proctor in there rarely did I see Garrett giving any help
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with that...
is that you have too few receivers out in the pattern and given the questionable ability of this current group of skill players to separate and make big plays.
Again, that begs the question, will Romo force balls into tight spaces and see an increase in INT’s?
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Roy Williams (WR) never plays a down again
he still won’t be the “worst trade ever” the Cowboys made for a WR…I think that honor would have to go to Mr. Joey “Two First Round Picks for 151 catches and 12 TDs in four seasons” Galloway.
I love how Galloway then went on to have a glorious renaissance in Tampa. Bastard…
by DavidH22 on Jun 25, 2009 11:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Makes me think...
If you think about teams giving up multiple draft picks for RB’s and WR’s, I can’t remember when was the last time it worked out better for the team that was giving up the draft picks than the team receiving them.
The big ones I recall off of the top of my head are the Herschel trade, the Galloway trade, the Ricky Williams trade…what am I missing?
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Galloway didn't get hurt
Aikman didn’t retire and Irvin didn’t go down, the Galloway trade would be looked at differently
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, but still...
Can you think of a trade that worked out better for the team giving up the draft picks?
I can’t.
"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 Jun 27, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This certainly doesn't meet the criteria of a bonanza of picks.....
But the Rams did give up a 2nd and 4th for Marshall Faulk and that worked out pretty well for them. Your underlying point still stands, though. The only skill position player you should even consider giving up a bonanza of picks for is a QB and any QB whose that great probably isn’t going to get traded no matter what.
What’s vexing (well, could be in Roy’s case) about giving up all those picks for Galloway and Williams is neither was/is considered a top ten player at the position. As for running backs, most of the time you don’t do it because you can find running backs. If your O-line’s really really good, you can plug-and-play literally fifty-to-a-hundred guys and have them produce.
I do think the Faulk-to-Rams trade was a good calculated move on the Rams part where they got a proven top five player at the position without giving up a first.
by MadMick on Jun 27, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
That’s the best one I’ve heard so far.
You’re right that a 2nd and a 4th isn’t that big a deal though.
"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 Jun 28, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You want answers? You want the truth?
You can’t handle the truth…but before this thread is tired…
Offense
1. Romo: He’s the leader. Already shown it this offseason. The magic continues.
2. Roy Williams: Has proven he’s a legit, #1 receiver. He’s better than any WR we could have had in the draft. t.o.’s gone, so get over it.
3. Jason Garrett: He’s extremely intelligent and there’s a reason why 4 or 5 teams wanted him as their coach. It’s hard to out scheme the best defenses when you’re not holding any cards (injuries).
4. Kitna: Proven performer, still physically able.
5. Felix: Please…
6. Houck: Remember the ’90’s? Yeah, that was his line. Best line coach in the NFL, maybe ever. He’s not the problem. The question is can they stay healthy…a question you can ask of any group, any key player, on any team. Rhetorical, because there is no answer.
7. Barber & Choice: RB is not a question on this team. Period.
Defense
Really only one question…Will they be the best D this year, or an all time great? No holes, great young depth hitting their prime (save NT), and a proven great Defensive Coordinator.
Special Teams
DeCamallis is a proven great ST coach. They’ve got a buttload of young talent that knows that this is their one and only job. Best specialists in the league with the addition of Buehler. If we can just find a PR…
Coaches
I’ll take Wade on D and Redball on O…how did Buddy do as a HC? This is career defining year for Wade. Everyone knows it. It will truly be a team effort to prove all you naysayers wrong.
It's not personal, it's just business
by Fighter15 on Jun 26, 2009 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
couldn't have said it better myself...well done
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jun 26, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with most of that
Except for Kitna. We will be lucky if he makes it through pre-season healthy. He’s like the anti-Brad Johnson. He’s got the arm, but between the ears, he’s got nothing. He makes some of the most god awful decisions ever. I also saw him consistently over-throwing Calvin Johnson, which is impressive, considering CJ is like 7 feet tall.
I will let it be known that I have a bias against Kitna. He’s one of my least favorite players in the NFL.
by DoomsdayD75 on Jun 27, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suprised Garrett didn't get more votes
The O-line is hugely important but I remain unconvinced of Redball’s genius. He had better utilize his weapons this year and stop getting out coached in big games or this team isn’t going anywhere.
Great post, there are a lot of questions about this team and anyone calling those asking the questions a hater is just delusional. This team has a lot to answer to ON the field during real games so tap the brakes on punch drunk comments like
Will they be the best D this year, or an all time great?
by Billito on Jun 26, 2009 1:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to admit, I was surprised too
It’s easy to argue that Garrett is in the hottest of hot seats because you know he had to bless the jettisoning of #81.
If you assume that to be true, then how the offense performs without him will have a lot to do with how Redball is viewed by Jerry and Stephen.
Is it Redball’s job to get Romo under control?
Is it Redball’s job to ensure the O-line is getting the right line calls from Gurode?
Is it Redball’s job to find new ways to stretch the field regardless of whether Miles Austin can stay healthy/catch the football/get deep/etc.?
Is it Redball’s job to get each RB the right amount of touches?
What happens if the O-line is healthy and plays well but the offense still struggles to get the ball downfield or if Romo throws 8 INT’s in the first 3 games?
I completely agree that Garrett’s job performance is critical and should be more of a consideration.
And don’t call my buddy, little Richie Dalrymple, delusional!
;-)
"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 Jun 26, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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