Cowboys Magazine: Fans Expectations and Special Teams
by Dave Halprin on Jul 10, 2009 8:00 AM CDT
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Print[Ed Note]: BTB will be running a series of posts over the next few weeks highlighting some of the articles in the new magazine Maple Street Press Cowboys Annual. You can pre-order the magazine for delivery by visiting the Maple Street Press website. We appreciate any orders, you'll be supporting Rafael and I along with BTB. So go pre-order now.
Today's feature article is by DCFanatic entitled: Five Questions For 2009: Cowboys Fans' Expectations Are All Over the Map. I'll let DCFanatic do the set-up for the article.
[DCFanatic]: After being stunned that Dave thought I could pull off an article, writing and blogging are two different worlds in my opinion, and after happily accepting the offer, I then had to decide what to offer up. I figured I would go with a 'fan's expectations for 2009' theme.
Here's one of the topics I covered, and while it may not be the sexiest part of the game, most diehard fans know that if this team doesn't change it's ways on special teams we probably won't see the playoffs come January.
And again I have to thank Dave for the opportunity and I hope you guys enjoy the read.
[Excerpt from the actual magazine article]:
If you believe the quiet chatter that began coming out of Valley Ranch early last season about Wade Phillips not really putting much emphasis into the Special Teams units then you are happy to see that the Cowboys are now completely invested in getting things turned around in that area.
In comes new Special Teams Coach Joe Decamillis and a slew of fast and fearless rookies to help the Cowboys win some battles on kickoffs and punt returns.
When you look at the kick return, punter and kicker positions on the Cowboys you will not find any real problems. Whether it was Felix Jones, Miles Austin or even Isaiah Stanback returning kickoffs the Cowboys were in good hands. It looks as if Mat McBriar is going to make a full recovery from a broken foot so he should be back to a Pro Bowl level in 2009. And in drafting a kickoff specialist in David Buehler to go with Pro Bowler Nick Folk the Cowboys are all set at Kicker.
The main problem last year was that at key times opposing teams were allowed to come up with big plays while the Cowboys just seemed to be punching a clock on those same plays. Just think Arizona Cardinals.
Special teamers are a different breed. When you have guys begging to play special teams then you will most likely find some success. But when you have guys walking around wondering why they are playing special teams and not starting then you are destined to find failure.
Decamillis has to find a punt returner and his name can't be Patrick Crayton. Ask some players around the NFL if they are afraid of Crayton's return skills and you will most definitely get a few chuckles. Fifth round rookie Cornerback/Safety DeAngelo Smith was a punt returner while at Cincinnati so he's going to get a shot at winning the job.
Then Decamillis has to find some guys from the current roster and rookie class who have what is called the ‘want to' in the game of football. What is that? That is when no matter what the task is in front of you, you ‘want to' tackle it head on and with full force. You get enough of those guys on special teams and things usually work out ok, if not great.
What to expect from the Cowboys special teams in 2009?
The answer is in the magazine!
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First
read is impressive. Looking forward to reading the whole thing!
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I have to believe our ST will be significantly improved in 2009
for no other reason than the hiring of Decamillis and drafting all those rookies with ST skills.
Our only weakness should be punt returning and we have Michael Irvin to thank for that by cutting Andrew Hawkins from 4th and Long who would have been a tremendous improvement over Crayton.
In Romo we Trust
oh please Terry....
Hawkins isn’t even returning punts for the Alouettes – he’s blocking on the punt team
he's also returning punts
and you’re delusional if you don’t think Hawkins would be an upgrade over Crayton, obviously you never watched him run.
In Romo we Trust
bro - i've seen him run and i have watched the show
i just think its telling that if he’s not returning punts in the CFL, on a bigger field with smaller players, that he likely wouldn’t be an upgrade over whomever the cowboys throw out there to return punts
are you sure about that??
i watched the game last night – he wasnt returning punts – he was blocking on ST…and the game was a laugher (50-9 at one point in 4th Q)
i cant find any stats on him so it leads me to believe that he wasnt returning punts in the first game either
Did you see that fumble he had last week that worries me
If he is fumbling it to those scrubs what happens when a gunner like Keith Davis knocks his lights out?
YOU GUYS ARE DEBATING A TV REALITY SHOW!!
I’m as mad as hell and I can’t take it anymore!
(Look up the quote and watch the most prescient movie ever made for extra relevance!)
This is the second thread in a row hijacked about debates about a TV SHOW!
There is about a 1% chance of one of those dudes making the team.
Seriously, start a fanpost.
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Seriously Larry
how do you really feel about 4th and Long?
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I know caps button and all!
But last thread same thing. Who cares?
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I can't watch reality TV
it just doesn’t work for me.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
how long do you think this tangent will last?
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
What else can we debate about do you want to go back to the bottom heavy?
There is nothing as exciting on tv as this right now so why not?
It's fine that other people watch it
it just doesn’t do it for me.
And right, better this than talking about made-up stories from the MSM…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
we need 4th & Long Threads
so we can debate it there, otherwise no choice but to hijack other threads! seriously, even though it is just a reality show and the winner has so little chance of making the team, it is the Cowboys and every show has some legend on and it is worth it just for that. So I’m kind of surprised that after the first couple shows there have been no threads or even fanposts here to discuss it, especially in these pre-camp doldrums.
although to add...
this is at least relevant to this thread re special teams, and we do need to find a more dynamic returner than Crayton.
Crayton is actually a very good returner for certain situations. Like when you are protecting a lead, want a guy who is going to catch the ball, not muff or fumble it, not do anything stupid like run backwards or try to return when he should fair catch, then you can hardly get better than Crayton. He’s great as the “safe” returner/fair catcher. So he has an important role as one of our punt returners. But when you want to actually get a return, not so much lol.
He's too small.
I don’t watch the show, but I googled him, and it says he’s 5’8/165. So he would not only be the shortest Cowboy, but the lightest by over 20 pounds. Alonzo Coleman is currently the shortest Cowboy at 5’9, but he weighs over 40 pounds more. If the guy is on that show, I’m guessing he doesn’t have special skills at WR, and at that size, he can’t cover kicks. So unless he was the next Dante Hall or Devin Hester, there’s no way he would have made the team. Hall is also 5’8, but he weighs 187, so that shows this guy is not just short for the league, but extra thin on top of it.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 10, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Bingo
I love a good Rocky Balboa story like the next guy, but lets be real.
Our only weakness should be punt returning and we have Michael Irvin to thank for that by cutting Andrew Hawkins from 4th and Long who would have been a tremendous improvement over Crayton.
Seriously Terry? Based on the fact that he’s fast?
I want a better punt returner too, but basing an equation on a reality television show where he competes against guys that aren’t even near NFL class is just silly.
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 Jul 10, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Terry
Terry can you help me out? Last time I looked Montrel Jones got sent home and Hawkins was still one of the frontrunners…….
not if he's playing for a CFL team right now he's not
the cat has been out of the bag for a few weeks now. Holley more than likely will win the spot as the DBs really suck.
In Romo we Trust
I'm Hoping for Holley as well
Honestly, I like him more than Hawkins as a WR but as a KR/PR Hawkins definitely would be a better fit.
I doubt the winner will make the team anyways, unless Stanback and Hurd are just awful or injured… again.
Wow did not know that thanks for the info I didn’t hear that……..that sucks I was pulling for him just because I played a high school game against him when he played for Bishop McCort.
I played for the Central Scarlet Dragons from Martinsburg, Pa. Right before my Junior year we switched to the Laurel Highlands Conference and we played Bishop McCort the next two years. We sucked though going 1-9 both years we were way overmatched playing those bigger schools. Needless to say they’re back in their original conference now playing more evenly matched opposition
I played against him my senior year. He was just a sophomore at that point but he was starting both ways and was already showing he had talent.
I've been to Martinsburg
Just outside Altoona, right? My girlfriend plays in a few volleyball tourneys out that way. She actually has a few friends who graduated from there.
In Romo we Trust
First paragraph says it all
The ultimate problem and the reason for the wide variety of expectations is because we use the offseason to improve our talent base and get injured players back . This results in high expectation by itself.
What everyone seems to forget in the offseason is who the HC is which should level your expectations to the ground.
Why does Wade get credit for fixing the defense when he hired the DC that screwed it up in the first place? He’s fixing a problem he created and then is only reactionary in the manner he corrects it.
Why is special teams now a priority to fix? Why wouldn’t it be a priority from day 1 when he got here? He gets credit for going out and getting Decamillis but he hired the ST coach that screwed it up in the first place. Again, a reactionary correction.
I am hoping out talent is enough to overcome the shortcomings of our HC. Otherwise, it will be another frustrating and wasted season
So what you are saying is
Phillips should have made massive changes after a 13-3 season? That would have made even less sense.
They emphasized STs last year as well, spending more time on it in practice than they had under Parcells. But they discovered that (1) Read wasn’t getting it done even though he was a successful ST coach in the past and (2) They didn’t have the right players to do any better. They corrected both. Same thing applied to the DC.
Other than an excuse to slam Phillips, I’m not sure what to make of this point.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Watch the end of the 13-3 season
and the Giant playoff game. ST were an issue then but he, just like you, would rather look at 13-3 and feel like everything is alright. Reed should have been gone a year before he was so if “massive expectations” means firing the ST coach after 13-3, then yes. Although I don’t think you could firing a ST coach as a massive change
Yes, it is a slam on Phillips but it’s also a response to why expectations are so varied
Firing two primary coaches - ST and DC
are big off-season moves if your team did well. I get that is fans were the GMs, coaches would be fired after the first two losses of the season.
I agree that both Read and Stewart probably needed to go, but I don’t think any team in football would have canned them after one season (a successful one). So blaming Phillips for not jumping the gun is where you and I differ. He moved a lot more decisively than some teams would have.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Can't argue with your points until proven otherwise.
They’re expressed strongly, but you’re giving facts. I hope Phillips can get this team over the hump this year, but we’ll have to wait and see. And why wasn’t he looking strongly over the DC’s shoulder all last year anyways?
Some of the blame has to go to the players too. I mean, I don’t think special teams are the most demanding in terms of assignments etc.-maybe Read was coachiing great but it ’s just the players.
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Reed was coaching great?
I understand that Bruce Reed got a little more blame than he probably deserved, but you can’t say that he was coaching “great”. He was putting in the wrong packages and getting burned by crappy teams. Do you remember the Rams game? There is no excuse for that.
no no I said "Maybe" important difference
in other words we don’t really know.
Look at the amount of penalties this team has been gathering since back in Parcells’ day. Something is wrong on the players’ end too.
I’m not saying it wasn’t Read’s fault or that he shouldn’t have been fired. Just that the coach is always the one burned but the players have a part in it too.
But then, it’s the coach’s job to get their attention, so in the end he had to go.
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he was
looking over Stewart’s shoulder, but you have to remember that not only did he have to deal with a new DC, he had a new OC, and a problematic ST and then there are all the other duties of a HC (as I heard on Sirius yesterday) – media, administrative/personnel matters, schedules and travel decisions and on and on.
The other point we shouldn’t lose in this is that you pay a price for firing coaches. Players have to learn a new style of coaching and teaching, different nuances of performance, etc. As great as Houck is, the line still underperformed because it takes time to get players on the same sheet as the coach. I personally believe that this fact also hamstrung Parcells – not having guys around him who really understood what he wanted done.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
yeah, we've had way too much turnover lately.
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
It seems like you're a WP apologist
We should expect the HC of the Cowboys to be able to handle all of the duties a HC should.
I want 16-0 but there are going to be times this year where you ask yourself what the gameplan was or how can we look so disjointed and confused. You’re then going to see a shot of WP on the sidelines with the facial expression that matches the question you just shouted in anger.
It seems like you're WP basher
but sure where these labels get us, except to avoid the point – WP had what he or Jerry or both believed was a coaching problem and he/they fixed it by changing out coaches. And they did that after essentially two seasons. That’s not hanging on to failing coaches in the scheme of the NFL. Your only real point is that they should have done after the first season and I think that is completely unrealistic. First, no one fires coordinators after one year, Second, no one but AJ Smith fires coaches after an overwhelming number of wins. Third, you pay a price when you fire coaches in terms of continuity, which is why no one rushes into it except fans.
So essentially you think your judgment in coaches you don’t know and have never seen actually coach is greater than Phillips’. That’s fine but I disagree. It’s not an apology for Wade, just my reasoning. Personally I’d be happier going into this season with Holmgren, Cowher or Shanahan, but that’s not who is coaching the Cowboys in 2010.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Fair enough
Cowher has been my guy for three years going because I believe in strong character at the HC position and a sense of discipline/integrity. I will come back and say how wrong I was if WP is able to garnish a playoff win but I believe our expectations should be more than that.
This is the part noone likes to hear about our leader and would rather focus on everything but our HC. But that was the problem throughout the mid to late 90’s and forward until we hired Parcells. We did not get to where we wanted with him but he commanded and demanded respect and built the talent base we have now. That, again, is debated to nauseum but would you feel more comfortable going in to this season with WP taking over for Campo?
Well
I think what Jones is doing is attempting to develop continuity by keeping Garrett and Phillips in place as long as possible. And that seems to be what the most successful franchises have been doing – Pitt, Philly, NE… In other words, what Phillips might lack (if he does) in fire and brimstone, the team gains in understanding the system better every season. Better understanding equals better execution. Look at what snyder has done to Jason Campbell by changing the offense every year. It’s pretty disruptive.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Okay
I think the two go hand in had though. Having the same coaching staff in place is good if the coaching staff is capable. You have to have both and WP doesn’t strike me as the man to take us to our 6th. We’ll see, I hope I’m wrong
DeCamillas is just what the Cowboys needed...
They are already stacked with a Pro Bowl punter and kicker in Folk and McBriar. Add the new “kickoff specialist” to the mix and there is already a huge improvement. No more out of bounds kicks (hopefully) and plenty of touchbacks. Plus, if they do return it you have a linebacker sized kicker (Buehler is 6’2" 227lbs) to help cover the field.
It looks like the young guys are going to be able to help out on special teams as well, and I might just be optomistic, but I see this group doing a lot better than the media outlets are giving them credit for. The offense is stacked, the defense is basically unchanged, and the special teams appear to be improved. They could have easily gone 11-5 last season if they weren’t plagued with injuries. There is no reason they can’t acheive that record this year.
+1
The Defense will miss Ellis, but when you consider the net changes (-Williams -Henry -Zach -Ellis -Canty … +Sensa +Jenkins/Scandrik +Brookings +Spencer +Olski) you gotta like the youth movement and the clear improvement on AT LEAST 2 of the spots (Safety and CB) … I would argue all 5.
The Offensive will be greatly improved if only by getting back injured players. While all bets are off if the O-Line sees another injury spree, this offense has the potential to be explosive.
Special Teams remains the question mark, but again, the improvement from last year is clear…
Getting McBriar back and adding Buehler is worth at least 30-40 yards / game. That is HUGE. But after the Bills game (those CLUTCH 53 yarders – twice – by Folk), I doubt Buehler will see a Field Goal attempt unless there’s an end-of-half or end-of-game situation where a 60+ yarder is an option.
Throw in all these rookies that have demonstrated special teams desire and success, and you have a recipe for a big turn-around in our weakest area…
It’s easy to get excited about our first year in the new stadium!
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
I agree
It just seems that the media has the Cowboys pegged as 4th place in the division and I just can’t see it.
This offense will be #1 in the NFC East if the line performs well. That’s a big “if” but I would like to have faith in them. I loved what I saw from Montrae Holland in the few games he played and he could give Kosier a run for starting time. As long as Procter improves and they all stay healthy then I can see this team destroying defenses.
I’m okay with Matt Mosley and GAC saying the Cows are the 3rd best team in the division, because I want them to prove everyone wrong. I would much rather they exceed expectations than fall incredibly short like they did last season.
Is it September yet?
Not September
but it is July-
training camp!
by Realist Larry on Jul 10, 2009 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep, Coach Joe D
and the Riders On The Storm rooks will make a huge impact on our season.
Buehler is an exciting addition to me. Not only can he boom the ball into the end zone, but he can play the safety position on kickoffs and apply the wood if necessary.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Recommended Reading
One magazine nailed the quarterback position… “it looks like Romo might not have the necessary work ethic to be a top-level quarterback. Sneaking off to Mexico with Jessica Simpson the week before a playoff game. Judging a Miss Universe pageant. Skipping OTAs to compete in a U.S. Open qualifier – winning doesn’t seem to be a priority for him. Romo didn’t play well enough last year to merit a mail-it-in off-season.” – Fantasy Football Index
Recommended Reading
Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
You can buy it on Amazon.
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 Jul 10, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not...
Why not just write ‘Broken Record’ every time you post.
It would save some space on the internet for more Michael Jackson took pills stories.
You wrote like 100 words and we all could have read those two words above and gotten the same experience.
Please say Brandon Jacobs was right in his comments on Romo.
Go Cowboys!
One magazine
had Romo involved in an alien abduction too. Since you like that kind of “tabloid analysis” I’ll let you know how that all turns out.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Quick note.
I don’t know if everyone knows this or not, but today was my last day in the military. Well officially it is August 18th, but my last day in a uniform.
Really not Cowboys related, but I’ll be changing names soon and figured I’d offer an explanation. Thanks to everyone who has supported me on here and SBR throughout about the last three years of my career.
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.
I could....
but it’s time for a new identity, perhaps Ron Mexico… haha.
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.
Right on, dude!
How about James Theodore Logan?
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 11, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for serving AirforeBat or whatever you become
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Thanks for your service, AFB.
The rest of us will pick up your slack so you can press on with civ-life. Best of luck in your endeavors.
Just got mine in the mail...
why do I feel like Ralphie when he just got his Little Orphan Annie Secret Decoder Ring? I have a feeling that in this instance, my excitement will be well rewarded.
Crayton:Punt returner/#2WR
Unfortunatley unless someone proves themselves, Crayton could do it again, But if he’s the #2WR like it or not and get’s hurt on STeams it could be catastrophic with Austin+Hurd+Stanback’s unending health issues. If you think they’re weak now take Crayton out,we got 1 WR and 3 ?’s.
Thanks AFBat,GTex,FRoST for keepin it real,enjoy it now @ some point you may miss it.
Good Luck,but actually you won’t need it,your well prepared.
USN 1985-92
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