Golden Opportunities For a Few Cowboys
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jun 27, 2009 8:07 PM CDT
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"Success occurs when preparation and opportunity intersect." I’m not sure on who said it first, but that is one of my favorite phrases in the world, and boy is it ever true. Take a guy like Tashard Choice for example. In college Choice found himself behind future NFL backs like Adrian Peterson and P.J. Daniels. In his inaugural NFL season he found himself third on the depth chart behind Pro Bowler Marion Barber, and first-round pick Felix Jones. In both instances, Choice kept himself prepared and was able to capitalize on his opportunity when he was called upon. The stars are beginning to align for a few other current Cowboys. A handful of Cowboys have a chance to prove their worth, and play more significant roles than they ever have. What remains to be seen is whether or not said players will truly be ready to make the most of their opportunities. A look at a few Cowboys who have a chance to make a significantly greater impact going forward:
Anthony Spencer, OLB: The Cowboys’ release of veteran linebacker Greg Ellis says a lot about the kind of hopes the Cowboys are hanging on Spencer. The team will most likely enter the season with only a pair of rookies to provide any type of a mirage of competition for Spencer. This job has been handed to Spencer on a blue and silver platter. He is a natural rusher with adequate speed, and sturdy enough base to perform well against the run. He has the tools, but his embarrassing offseason arrest validates questions about his maturity. Spencer is a former first-round pick entering his third season. Time to step your game up, Spence. Montrae Holland, G/C: This Cowboys want badly for Montrae Holland to succeed. The question is whether or not Holland wants to succeed as bad as the team wants him to. Last year’s starter Kyle Kosier has been a rock for the Cowboys, but his injury status creates uncertainty at the left guard position. The team loves the push that Holland generates in the running game, and would love for him to just grab this training camp battle by the throat. However, to no one’s surprise, Holland reportedly showed up to mini-camp in less than outstanding shape, and performed averagely. The Cowboys have been working Holland in at center as well, so even if Kosier does reclaim his starting spot at left guard, Holland would still be in contention for the swing G/C this season. It’s all on the table for Holland, but I guess there must be some reason Mike Shanahan let him go for a late round pick. Doug Free, OT: When Doug Free was drafted a lot of Cowboy fans looked at him as possibly being the steal of the draft and maybe the heir apparent to Flozell Adams’ left tackle position. Neither has come to fruition, but there is still time for Free. Doug Free was drafted because he had the physical talent, most notably technique and foot-quickness to be an NFL left tackle. It’s not clear what’s holding Free back, but he’s got to put it all together soon. Free will probably be given this season to prove that he is an eventual starter. If not he will likely have to find employment elsewhere. Free had better be ready though, because at Flozell Adams’ age (and size) the injury bug is a little harder to elude. Something tells me Free may get his shot this season. Junior Siavii, DT: Siavii last recorded a countable NFL statistic in 2005. 2005! With that said he is probably still the frontrunner to be Jay Ratliff’s backup at nose tackle. Siavii was the 36th overall pick in the 2004 draft. You don’t get selected that high without talent. Siavii is the best athlete among the backup NT candidates but has never been able to put it together. Maybe being reunited with former University of Oregon teammate and friend Igor Olshansky will light a fire under Junior. This job is his for the taking. If Siavii can show the Cowboys that he can be even adequate, he would add a lot to the team from an standpoint of depth and flexibility. Jason Williams, ILB: I know he was only a 3rd round pick but Jason Williams kind of feels like the chosen one, doesn’t he? From the minute he was drafted, Williams was talked about as the nickel linebacker of the present, and the weak inside backer of the future. The knock on Williams coming out of college was that he was a better athlete than he was a football player. If Williams is able to pick up the mental part of the game and let his great athletic ability do the rest, the Cowboys will be able to stop the revolving door at weak inside linebacker. Williams will face competition from fellow 2009 draftee Stephen Hodge and holdover Bobby Carpenter. Isaiah Stanback, WR: Do I really have to say anything here? Just stay healthy, man. That’s all you’ve got to do, Ike. Just stay healthy, please. That’s been easier said than done for Stanback, who has struggled with injuries dating back to his college days. It will be a shame to see so much natural ability go to waste if Stanback can’t fight off the injury bug this season. It’s unclear how far along he is in his progression as a wide receiver (which has no doubt been slowed by injuries), but Stanback is still the team’s best kick return option after Felix Jones. Though he has no experience, Stanback’s open-field vision, quickness, and change of direction capabilities lend itself to punt returning. Also, it would be a lot of fun to see the former University of Washington quarterback line up in the Wildcat. Stanback will be competing with seventh-rounders and undrafted free agents for the fifth or sixth wideout spot, so if he's not on crutches at the end of camp he will probably make the squad. If Stanback can stay healthy, he may have a chance to have a big role this season. That is one gargantuan "if" though.
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Free
That would really put my mind at ease
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
+1
I’m gonna be all hawkeye over him during preseason. Don’t even remember what he looks like.
"Grow where you are planted."
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 28, 2009 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope these guys
step up.
Spencer – has shown flashes and I think he can fill in there.
Montrae Holland – Carl, were you speaking tongue in cheek about Holland with.. “It’s all on the table for Holland”.?
Thats his problem, it’s all on the table, and he eats everything on the table.
Free – I don’t think I remember him playing a single down.
Junior – He’ll make it. Igor will see to it.
Williams and Stanback – ?? crossed fingers
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
The only real view I have had of Free
Was his first preseason game, in which he did pretty well, even for the preseason against Dwight Freeney, he even got a knee bruise stayed in and didn’t let a sack, I’m sure Freeney didn’t put any moves on him but just being able to hold up him in general is pretty good and for a rook, it was nice, I wonder if Free didn’t get in there last year more on Wade not being able to pull the trigger than him actually being able to play
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
and I recall all the camp reports being pretty positive. But it has to mean soomething that only McQuistan has made any sort of cameo over the past three years. Ihope it is just no pulling the trigger.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Its not Free's fault he didn't get a play
Unlike pretty much all other positions in Football, you don’t sub on o-line – continuity and teamwork is key. So unless our 4-time pro bowl Tackle goes down, there is no way that Free gets a shot. And that’s no knock on him – Flo has been a Pro Bowl tackle, you don’t pull him out for a player with no game experience. Columbo didn’t go down either – so can’t put him there.
Trick is going to be his contract – when does it expire? Or we could lose him without really knowing what we have.
Looking forward to seeing him in action in pre-season.
"Where's Woody? - We need another Darren Woodson
So many question marks...
It really comes down to stepping up, mentally knowing the position and plays, then executing. Second, injuries. These WR’s and O-line HAS to stay healthy or Dallas will not make the playoffs, let alone get even 2nd place in the NFC East.
Just keeping it real guys..
by torchindefenses on Jun 27, 2009 9:12 PM CDT reply actions
Nice write up Carl and I agree but Im going to play devils advocate for a second.
Spencer wasnt handed anything. He has positively shown to be superior to Ellis in the run game as well as coverage. His sack total (the only thing people who know little can point to for their arguement) isnt where we would like but he was dinged up last year and didnt play on known passing downs. For the record he had more sacks in his rookie year than Ellis did. Less in his second year. The coaching staff has seen this guy for 2 years. Flashes(making plays) usually show up in practices before games. If the coaches like him and release Ellis(who wasnt that big of a distraction besides pissing us off) that means he is ready for a bigger role. Id like to see 6-8 sacks from him this year. that would show me he is on schedule.
Free was a bit of a project and he has no chance, barring injury, of up seating Flo prior to this year. These coaches are reluctant to go with younger guys unless forced. Im not sure if this is good or bad. There is nothing wrong with bringing a guy along slowly if you can. I have no idea if Free has what it takes but my gut tells me that unless Flo goes down we wont know until we see who they draft in the 1st round next year. These coaches dont seem to want to take an unknown over an established vet unless the game seems to have passed the vet by. (Grizz if you get another interview with a Dlineman ask how Free has progressed, thats probably the best we will know)
As a fan it would probably be in our best interest not to plan on Jason Williams being anything but a special teams guy. He is a raw rookie 3rd rounder. He has immense talent but lets take our time and not put any undo pressure on him. Let develope him right and not ruin him with unreal lofty expectations. You know if he gets thrown to the dogs early and struggles, the chicken littles will be putting the bust label on him the first chance they get. They arent interested in developement just hearing themselves whine.
I cant really comment on the other three because none of them have played enough to comment on. Let them get on the field for more than a cup of coffee and we can actually have a informed opinion.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
With good work ethic which all our Rookies possess
Williams might be able to make it, and we will finally see Capt. Caveman get the boot.
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
unblockable by TEs
witten says he is the hardest LB to block, and wade has said breaking TE blocks is one of his big strengths. how much is just blowing smoke dunno, but i don’t see witten as a big bser and they must be saying for some reason. hopefully we’ll see it.
btw they mentioned on talking cowboys i think that one form they used in minicamp was spence with his hand on the ground and ware lined up on the left outside spence. wade is also coming into his third season, is picking the players he wants to fit his defense, should have the defensive backfield shored up, i think and i hope that he is also gonna get really creative and aggressive and be causing all kinds of fun problems for the other team.
as for nickel LB, isn’t barbie taking first team reps in minicamp? and they’re talking like it’s his job to lose. and I agree on Williams being raw. As underwhelming as carp’s been, I think they’d like carp to be able to step up and prove he can handle it, giving Williams time to develop. So as much as we may doubt whether he can do it, I think Carp should actually be the one on the list instead of Williams. He is finally really being given the opportunity to demonstrate his preparation.
I dont have any idea how you can evaluate shedding blocks with no pads.
It is nice that Carp seems like he is finally being given a chance. I finally gave up on him but I will pull ofr him this year. Sometimes all people need is a chance.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
That what I was thinking
I think we should reserve most of our judgements until pads.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jun 28, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I think they were referring some to last year as well
not just this offseason. I don’t think Witten would just say it for no reason.
Were you talking about Williams or Carp.
I thought you were talking about Williams and I couldnt understand how they could evaluate him being hard to block. Carp they have a little more to go on.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Well know thats a different story. Witten has been going toe to toe with him for 2 years.
If anyone knows its Witten. He has also been around the league for 7 years so he actually has something to compare to.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
I started a thread once Carl, and...
Raphael really freaked out at me over it. Basically, I was venting about us (the Cowboys) not utilizing the run effectively, The name of the thread was “who would you blame if Tashard Choice is not used properly?”. In a real sense, I wasn’t looking for a scapegoat to blame, but more like asking the question of “why don’t we go back to playing Cowboy football?” and I keep thinking about our running game. To me, this is the real question about our team. Why, you may ask?
I think of the 90’s Cowboys, and how top of the line teams would lose to them (like the 49ers), and of course the answer was simple- nobody could stop our running game.
But those Cowboys were committed to the running game, or at least the coaching was. It simply created an awesome passing game- that’s how good the O-line and Emmitt were.
But the Cowboys offense has been operating (in my opinion) with 2 hands tied behind it’s back last year
1. A fear of using Fellix Jones and Tashard Choice early in the season last year out of fear of injury or inconsistency, which was totally preposterous and unfounded (as all of us fans found out by the end of the year). Although Felix did get injured.
2. Having no wide recievers run an effective slant pattern to offset many defensive advantages our opponents would have in playing press.
This run offense question is the single issue that still brews inside of me as far as how we have progressed, and not from the perspective of whether it is talented or not, but rather will it be utilized correctly by Jason Garrett? Our defense last year played well enough for us to have made it to the playoffs, and to also have been a threat in the playoffs. Our special teams was horrible. But our offense was the real letdown, let’s not kid ourselves.
Based on your list of players, to me it’s Montrea Holland for sure. I remember clearly how awesome things were going in that Pitt game with Tashard running, and how Holland was clearing the path. And the “BAM”, Holland goes down. What a scowl on my face, especially to see Procter come out to replace him. The feeling I got in the air was a sense that the coaches were going to give up on the run and just try to pass. If they had just better quality back-up at the OL, then they could have pounded the Steelers more with the running game I believe. I was more surprised to see they did not move up a couple spots to get Unger. That was really the biggest blunder to me in the draft. Nothing against Brewster, whom I have high hopes and will be pulling for, but in all reality, when Unger was picked right before our pick, I think we became discombobulated (if I spelled that correctly) and just did not want to pick anything else in that area of the draft. What I’m saying is that we should have targeted Unger in a move up a few spots in the draft and made a trade, but alas the rest is history now.
This Season really will be about Jason Garrett in my opinion. He is getting another chance by me, but to say he is walking on super thin ice as far as his playcalling is understating it. He needs to evolve to help Romo and the team.
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
Good Post
But not all particularly accurate.
Felix and Choice weren’t being used as much in the early part of the season not because of injuries to them, but because it wasn’t known if they had the abilities to pass block effectively.
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.
Airforce, How come...
other teams throw running backs into the fire and come out smelling like Roses, and we are always afraid to pull the trigger? I, personally, wouldn’t mind seeing Alonzo Coleman, or Keon Lattimore get some playing time if Felix or Tashard by a freak of injury nature have gotten hurt. It was way more important to pound the Redskins with the running game (just like they were doing to us) than watch Romo try and force it in there. If we would have tried to run the ball with one of the young backs, we would have easily have won he game and we would have made the playoffs too. THAT was more important (in my opinion).
"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"
by DallasPalace on Jul 9, 2009 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I Will Add One More To The List
if Jason Hatcher doesn’t step up in this his fourth year in the league it would appear that there is no step up in him.
Spencer is nowhere near an all pro and Hatcher should challenge for the starters job or at least split the playing time.
If he is content to just fill up a roster spot he needs to be moved or cut.
by TCB Orange Dino on Jun 27, 2009 11:22 PM CDT reply actions
Dixon
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Jun 27, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
hmm, its funny and at least amazing how things work out,
I remember driving down on 101, passing Oxnard , when I heard that Cowboys, currently in the beginning of training camp dumped QC. Vinnie was brought to be a back up, and for all considerations Romo was regarded as TC throwing hand only behind the newly acquired D.Henson. In my recollection, had QC not faltered, TR would have been dumped at the end of TC. Anyway, talking about preparation to meet opportunity, TR is the best example, kudos for him, not giving up and believing he can make it.
Can't believe you left off Carpenter
Besides Spencer and maybe Holland, Bobby Carpenter has the best opportunity to contribute of any first-time starter.
It's not personal, it's just business
Hudson Houck
Anyone out there wonder if he can stilll coach and is capable of developing OL? It has been a long time since we have developed a lineman from the draft. Seems to me we should had a least a couple.
It's hard part about being on the outside
Is it coaching? Is it players? Is it the talent assessment? I wonder about all of those. And it bugs me because I know that championship teams more than anything can run and protect the QB.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Me2.
If a guy like Brewster can show to at least be a solid backup at guard and tackle, the rejuvenation of the Oline’s depth would be much easier.
"Grow where you are planted."
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 28, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Where do you see
MartyB fitting in with this team. If he continues to do well, they’re probably going to have to trade him for salary reasons and he’ll be as good as a starter in the league.
Shhhh!!!
I suggested that a while back and got tarred and feathered by everybody.
WELCOME HOME SEVEN!!
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Jun 28, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
we all do agree he's capable but he really hasnt done anything yet
lets wait for him to pile up the stats. It’s not like he carries Tony Gonzalez’s cred, and how often do TEs force football teams to do anything? It’s not a position i ever see hold franchise’s hostage. TEs are relatively inexpensive. If Marty B is all that he may be a cheaper than a quality #2 WR
by AustonianAggie on Jun 28, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Stanback
In addition to staying off sick call, Isaiah will need to answer question: How much mental prep has Stanback done while on the mend, and can he transfer it to the field?
Yep, he has to show up physically. If/when he does that, will he be mentally prepared?
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Jenkins and Austin should be on here too.
Due to Scandrick already being the slot corner, we’d be fools to move him out of there. He’s a natural at it. Jenkins is getting as big a chance as anyone on this roster. Austin was targeted by the owner himself. So my six players who MUST make an impact are:
Anthony Spencer – No one to speak of behind him. He has to.
Mike Jenkins – No one to speak of behind him. He has to.
Felix Jones – He could be the new star of this team in the post-TO era.
Martellus Bennett – This kid has star written all over him.
Tashard Choice – Having a talent like this riding the pine would be a monumental blunder.
David Buehler – He’s not a returning player as the story suggests, but pinning the opposing team deep in their own territory is something the Cowboys have missed for a very long time.
Let’s make sure we get the most out of those who are truly ready to win games for us.
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
why
why does Tashard Choice have to make an impact? You don’t want him on the field. It means the #3 RB is playing a lot. How is that good?
Why wouldn't you want Choice on the field if it came to that?
As long as he’s competent picking up blitzes, in no way, shape or form is he a downgrade from Marion Barber. If you think he is, please explain away.
On the other hand, I see what you’re saying. If Choice is riding the pine, there’s nothing wrong with that because it means the Barbarian is back to bulldozing people and having a monster season. However, if Choice is carrying the load, it means Barber or Felix(NO!) are injured and nobody wants that. Isn’t Choice signed through ‘011? He’ll get his turn to be the man and when he finally does, not having all that mileage on him will benefit him greatly.
Well Choice is Carl's example
of the one who already proved he was prepared when the opportunity presents itself. Because of that he’ll probably be given more opportunity earlier this season, but he’ll still be the 3rd back in the rotation.
But his stock has already gone way up with his performance last December, and even if he’s not carrying the load this season, we can have confidence that if he needs to he’ll be ready, and he’ll get his chance eventually whether it’s here after MB3’s gone or somewhere else after his contract here (or he’s traded, but I don’t think they would want to do that).
I'd play him Joey
because I have a policy against letting good football players sit. C’mon. You telling me we can’t get him in the game? 2 good rb’s are better than 1, and 3 are better than 2. This is the problem we had last year. We couldn’t figure out how to use what we had. The guy has earned the right to play.
Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.
Joe ThEEsman
The team just seemed hesitant to use these guys, probably cuz they were rooks.
Didn’t want to put too much on them, or develop their confidence or something.
I remember being frustrated when Parcells kept starting Dan Campbell over Witten even though Witt was showing more pass-catching ability. They won’t be as hard pressed to use this year’s crop of rooks unless one either really makes some noise or there is an injury.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jun 30, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
That certainly seems like the pattern
Same with the hesitation to put Felix in. I guess if my job were on the line instead of just my blogging reputation I might be really conservative too, but it’s frustrating as a fan…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I'm not saying they won't play him
He’s earned playing time, but he’s still the 3rd back in a 3-back rotation. He’ll likely get in on a couple series a game, I would think…
I think Carl was being kind with the title to this piece
I might have used “If the Cowboys hope to get better, someone from this group of underachievers has to play up to their potential”.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jun 28, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions
In the past five years....
the defensive line has fared better than the offensive line….(or so it seems). Despite the purchase of expensive free agents. Raf, is there any chance you could analyze the drafting and development along the offensive line. I think we have fared dismally. Hard to imagine we can’t find a better than average backup at tackle and guard.
Maybe because we have drafted Dline more and earlier.
Im curious. Are Dline overall more expensive in FA than Oline. (pass rushers and LT excluded.)
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the goverment from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
PS...with better offensive line play...
Romo will be much better and Tex won’t have as much to say. Sweet….
Except for the fact that Romo will have only two WR's to throw to
Roy Williams & Crayton
The rest will be getting ultrasound or surgery all season long because they are made of glass.
by torchindefenses on Jun 28, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions
Jason Garret and Hudson Houck
are the ones who need to step it up. The O-line really regressed last year and the offense for whatever reason seemed to be somewhat predictable.
It seems Sparano was high on Free and McQuistan. Maybe it was a different philosophy in types of players, but when they were needed last year they didn’t contribute much.
So maybe I need to add those guys to my list instead.
Questions, questions, questions
No real answers.
Spencer will do better than just OK. The rest….questions…….
I live and die with the Dallas Cowboys
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