The Season Of _________?
by 5Blings on Jul 29, 2009 11:23 AM CDT
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PrintChecking the rear view mirror…
Prior to the beginning of the 2007 season, I was thinking about what would serve as the tipping point for upcoming Cowboys season. As I surveyed the landscape, it was clear (at least to me) that Tony Romo’s play would be the major dependency upon which the success of the season was hinged. I called it, “The Season of Romo”. Looking back, it was somewhat prophetic in that he had a breakout year and the offense was ‘electric’. Lots of things stood out that year, especially on offense, but nothing shined so brightly as the performance Romo put in.
In 2008, I ventured out, once again, into the world of football season nomenclature and touted it as “The Season of Wade”. Once again, modesty aside, the entire season of turmoil and dashed hopes revolved around a divided locker room, a defensive coaching change, claims of impotence around Phillips’ coaching style and an overall lack of leadership and/or ‘team-first’ commitment to winning. Again, lots of things were notable about the past season, but in the end, the vast majority pointed to Wade. Truly, when you add it all up, last year was all about Wade Phillips and the varying degrees of dissatisfaction around how he did not ‘lead’ this team over the proverbial mountain. In fact, his future with the team (fist pounding on the podium notwithstanding) is now in jeopardy as a result of what Wade didn’t do last year.
In retrospect, I completely agree with everything I said. ;-)
Admit it, you know what’s coming…
There is no way I’m going to miss out on the opportunity to roll a turkey (because bowling and football clichés are so cool together). Nope, as the dawn of a new hope-filled season approaches, it is time again for me to lay it all on the line for 2009 and how I see the horizon for Dallas’ upcoming season.
Truthfully, this one was tougher than the first two. I thought about all of the areas that I view as strengths and weaknesses. I think about all of the lynchpin players like Romo, Newman, Ware, Ratliff, Sensei and Hamlin. I wondered if it would again be about Redball and what he could achieve without the big distraction, but also hearing about the need for him to be more imaginative in his play calling. I thought about Folk, McBriar, Kosier and Barber having healthy feet (is it me or does that seem like an inordinate amount of foot issues for one team in one year? Maybe I screwed up and 2008 should have been the Season of Feet?) along with Flozell’s shoulder and whatever laundry list of ailments T-New brings to camp. I thought about the additions on defense and the ‘main subtraction’ on offense and how those things will impact the team. I even thought about Wade’s predicament, likening it to Holmgren’s, and whether this team would pull a ‘Seahawk-esque’ nosedive if things got tough and just plain tank (the verb, not the player) the season.
As a backdrop, I have expectations. I expect the defense to improve, even if it is only marginal improvement. I expect our QB to improve, even if that means only limiting his number of bonehead plays. I expect Ware to continue to surge and for Spencer to develop into a solid bookend as the season wears on. I expect the safeties can be serviceable in center field and generate some turnovers, which is more than anyone could have said in the last 3-4 years. I think the locker room can be more united and that the team will respond, better than in years past, to tough December and January battles. I expect the injury bug to go bite some other team and for it to be less of a factor in Dallas’ fortunes this year. Like everyone, I’m going into 2009 with expectations and if those expectations, whether they are reasonable or not, aren’t met, well…all bets are off.
In the end though, this came down to one very painful realization…
Last year, the team faltered up front on offense. More than anything else, while the defense improved year-over-year and as the season played out, the offense was unable to sustain its output from the prior year and it all began up front. Never before had people bemoaned the loss of a position coach as much as we did with the loss of Tony Sparano (although you could argue we STILL miss David Lee a whole lot!). One could make an argument that the 2007 front wall was largely injury-free. But in fact, that group lost its Center for 2.5 games in the famous Haynesworth Curb Stomp. That team still generated good protection and opened holes throughout the season until the playoff contest against the Giants.
This year’s O-Line is coming off of a rash of injuries that some would call anomalous. The team lacks proven depth inside and out, but the starters have flashed the ability to take over games (again, see 2007), create a secure pocket and allow the offense to keep opposing defenses on their heels. In the final analysis, the play of this unit represents the single largest variable in forecasting Dallas’ success for 2009. If you believe, like I do, that strong O-Line play has to do with communication, trust, chemistry and smarts, then you probably agree that the role that good coaching plays is accentuated. Here more than maybe any other place on the team, coaching looms largest in the position group’s success or failure (again, injuries notwithstanding). All the talent in the world can’t overcome poor blocking schemes and/or shoddy communication. But great coaching can take a less heralded unit and elevate it to elite status on the field.
And so…
This season, is The Season of Hud. In a year that is all about the unveiling of a ‘new’ home for the team, I give pause to a man who is anything but new to us Cowboys fans. That’s right, 66-year old Hudson Houck, the Offensive Line coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Hudson Houck, who first coached O-Line in 1983 with the Rams and has 26 years of NFL Coaching experience. I’m talking about the guy who spent 9 years coaching the Dallas O-Line where Dallas gave up the fewest sacks in the league over that span of time. The same guy who coached the O-Line that helped Emmitt Smith win two rushing crowns. Yes, THAT Hudson Houck.
Gotta Face Facts…
This team, on offense, will NOT be as explosive without T.O. as they were with T.O. (and anyone who argues that with me can go pound sand…I’m not biting). But that could be the BEST thing to happen to the offense, and more importantly, to Tony Romo, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, ‘Tellus Bennett and others. This year’s offense will need to be more methodical, more precise and more controlled, with a greater commitment to the ground game than in the past few years. So, it’s no surprise that the play of the Offensive Line will singularly determine whether or not Dallas can do those things with any consistency. Many people hailed the addition of Houck when Sparano left, assuming there would be no drop-off in play from the Line. Again, keeping in mind that injuries hit that unit in a disproportionately harsh manner in 2008, it still seemed that the backups were ill-prepared to play even in short stints and that the communication and feisty demeanor of the prior year were lacking. Okay, so no whining, no complaining and no excuses (by the way, that’s from John Wooden, and they’re words everyone should live by). The overall play of the O-Line is on Houck. You know it, I know it and happily for us fans, he knows it.
This year, it is on Houck’s shoulders to rebuild the Line’s confidence and recapture the chemistry and tenacity that led to an outstanding regular season campaign in 2007 under the “other guy”. It’s on Houck’s shoulders to ensure that Romo isn’t running for his life because of missed assignments, poor communication or incorrect line calls. It’s on Houck to make sure the holes for Choice and Barber are there to run through and that the edge is sealed for Felix to run around. Yes, so much depends on what Houck and this O-Line are able to accomplish that this could only be…The Season of Hud.
So…
As I ponder the possibilities for 2009, it is clear that despite most pre-season publications and sports news outlets picking Dallas to be a 3rd place team in the NFC East and missing a post-season berth, there is an opportunity for Hudson Houck to be our hero. Our man Hud has a chance to take a season, where Dallas isn’t on the national media’s Championship radar screen, and put us squarely into the mix with a great coaching performance. It’s a lot to ask of a man who’s already put many more games behind him than he has in front of him. Nonetheless, this team needs a hero, and I, for one, truly believe Hudson Houck is the man for the job.
In the Season of Hud…
Go Cowboys!
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hahaha true
+1
Irvin’s got high hopes for his reality-tv boy though so maybe he’ll push for that #1 spot??
by RIP26_litodoin'work on Jul 29, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Playpen
Can we have a Playpen comments section where we keep all the special kids? That way, no one has to listen to them furtively circle jerk to the thought of Andy Reid crapping out the remains of Hank Baskett’s underweight overtanned girlfriend after he mistakenly mistook her for an extremely bony piece of beef jerky and devoured her during his midmorning snack.
Squish.
by Squishmytomato on Jul 29, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Well as an Eagles fan...
I am sure you know just how bad he sucks. Wait, though, wasn’t it him that lit your team up for 9 catches and 200 yards (1 TD) in 2007? Well, it was him, but I bet that was just a fluke. But wait, wasn’t it also him that lit you up for 9 catches and 135 yards (2 TDs) in his rookie year? Amazingly, that was him as well.
In conclusion, I guess I would say that if there is any team who should know the potential of Roy Williams it is the Eagles.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Jul 29, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Value is subjective.
Things you really need cost more. (supply and demand can be a bitch if your on the wrong side of the scale) Peters wasnt free. Lets actually finish the season and see where the value actually lies.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
The offense not as explosive?
Maybe not, but it is going to be better in a lot of other catagories, like time of possession, first downs, third down percentage, red zone profenciences, YPA on runs, catches for first downs, 20+ yard runs, rushing touchdowns, completion percentage,
I prefer it this way.
That's the point, I think
People hear that the offense won’t be as explosive and automatically give that a negative spin but the offense could be less explosive and still be better.
If the offense can limit mistakes, win the TOP battle by running the ball and converting a high percentage of 3rd downs and be effective in the red zone, then we won’t need 70 yard bombs and “explosive” plays to be effective.
From your keyboard to God's ear
Nice write-up, rec’d. I agree that the OL will be one of the key components for the season.
But if you’d had a poll, my vote would’ve gone for “The Season of Wade: Reloaded” and the defense. Even the best OL will not help you when you give up more than 30 points in six games. Our record in these games: 1-5. Conversely, we were 8-2 in games where we gave up less than 30 games.
In 2007 we gave up more than 30 points only twice, losing one and winning one. And that, my friends, is the greatly simplified difference between 13-3 and 9-7.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 29, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions
It's a fair question
…but if you see my comments about expectations, you’ll see why I landed here.
It’s a Chicken and Egg conversation and I picked the Chicken (or is it the Egg?) in that if, as Musiccitynorm suggests, we can be more effective on offense in terms of running the ball, extending drives and holding onto the ball for longer periods, then I expect that our defense will benefit greatly as a result.
"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
That's right put it on the 66 year old dude who was given no new toys!
Sure he has a couple Tonka’s that can still do some heavy road grading, but the wheels are kind of wobbly , and the tracks come off, and the blade won’t go up and down at times on some of these old reliables. The cost of new toys is very expensive if you by the good ones, as I’m sure the Cowboys will find out next year, but they are usually worth it if you are a smart shopper. Yes, the Cowboys have been buying the Fisher-Price version hopping that they will with hard work, turn into Tonkas, but we have seen what happens when they do this. They break when they try to be like Tonkas. They don’t get played because we are afraid they won’t hold up against the other kids Tonkas, and when we do have to use them because a wheel has come off one of the good old toys, we find out what we knew all along, and the other kid abuse and make fun of us!
I want some New Tonkas!
I don't know if I agree with this
Later round draft picks develop on other teams. I think Free is going to be fine too.
I just dont know about this, but I do agree some with it.
Confused?
by Musiccitynorm on Jul 29, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Head swimming in yellow toy dump trucks and such...
I think your point is that he has what he has, and last year, that wasn’t good enough.
I agree completely.
As a result, I think Hud’s value, and thus the pressure on him to deliver, is underscored by your comments.
"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
Ya, after righting it I realized......
That you maybe absolutely right!
If they prove they can do the job and the back up come through, show improvement, then he has done an absolutely remarkable job!
I Vote for
The season of Garrett. Either he shows how to utilize his personnel and call flexible games to keep the defenses guessing, or else he should be shown the door. It will be his third year, and he needs to show that the success in 2007 had little to do with Tony Sparano. He has an aging offensive line that will probably break down from injury at some point, and he’ll have to learn how to play around that. You can’t have All-Pros at every line position giving Romo 12 seconds in the pocket to throw it 30 yards downfield every play, then blame any breakdowns on lack of execution. Lots of coordinators have done more with less (see Arizona for one good example); if he can’t figure out how to manage personnel and games with the tools at his disposal, it’s time to find someone who can.
I generally agree
they have to have more plays in the book than Romo to Witten and Romo to TO. But the line problems were real. No one expected 12 seconds, but more than 1.5 is sort of standard. And hopefully they will not only improve there, but as you suggest, scheme to work around that – running, quick hitting plays to TEs and backs, etc.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
NO OC ANYWHERE
…can “play around” the breakdown of an offensive line due to injury. If they could, then owners would not pay the ridiculous salaries they pay and there would be less of a disparity between the pay that starters make versus 2nd and 3rd stringers.
I don’t mean to be derisive, but even the best play calling requires the professionals to do what they are supposed to do. Conversely, even the most basic play calling can be hugely successful when your players carry out their assignments.
As simply as I can put this, if you get crappy blocking up front, even the most imaginative play calling is worthless.
No place on this team are there more and bigger questions than on the O-Line and Hud has the responsibility of being able to do more with what might be less.
"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
Not True
Tampa Bay ran a very efficient offense in 2002 with a pretty bad offensive line and won the Super Bowl. You don’t think John Gruden schemed around that? The Colts plugged a rookie left tackle into the lineup a few years ago when and hardly missed a beat. Arizona has had notoriously bad offensive lines for years, decades even. Well, they scored the third most points in the league last year and went to the Super Bowl. You don’t think scheme had anything to do with that?
There’s this mythology that has taken root on this board that our offensive line is horrific, that it’s the cause of our offensive problems. The problem with that thinking is a) it’s not true by any reasonable measure, and b) even if it were, it’s still the responsibility of the coordinator to not blindly play into our weakness. Until we see Garrett demonstrate that he knows how to effectively mix up his play calling to keep defenses honest; to properly utilize the personnel he has (and most offensive coordinators would kill for his embarrassment of riches, even on the offensive line); and if his line is having problems pass protecting, running pass plays with quicker releases and patterns, the growth of the offense will be stunted.
It’s the year of Garrett. Either he develops into a true NFL coordinator, or we look for someone else.
Whoa Nelly!!!
Fact Check;
The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 18th in the NFL in yards gained and 24th in points scored. You want to give Jon Gruden credit for a great scheme? go for it, but you must have low expectations.
What Gruden DID have going for him was the NFL’s #1 defense in the very same metrics (yards allowed and points allowed). As a result, the Bucs were #2 in point differential (again, keeping in mind that there were only 8 teams that scored fewer points than they did). What he did have, was Monte Kiffin and Warren Sapp and Brooks and Barber and Rice and, well, you get the point.
As for your Colts reference, I think you are referring to Tony Ugoh, who was the 47th pick in the draft that year and played extremely well for them. Ugoh was not only highly regarded, but he played well as a rookie, and that is where I think you missed the mark completely. You equated the insertion of a rookie with a breakdown. I think great O-Line coaching (wasn’t it Howard Mudd?) produced a unit that could weather the storm of this major change. Regardless, Tom Moore didn’t change a thing about his play calling and Manning did what he always does.
I think you inadvertantly underscored the Season of Hud!
BTW,
How exactly does an OC not play into the weakness when the weakness is the offensive line’s inability to do their job because of poor play?
He has to call a play where there is no pass blocking, run blocking or any blocking of any sort involved.
Where in the playbook do I find 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
I'm Assuming You Saw
The 2002 NFC Championship Game? The Bucs were playing the number two defense, on the road, and were quickly down 7-0. Gruden took that offense that was 24th in points scored in the regular season, against the second best defense, and outscored the Eagles 20-3 over the next three quarters. The defense put the nail in the coffin, with Barber’s interception for a touchdown return, but the offense put together scoring drives starting from their own 33, 4, 20 and 48. Against the second best defense in the NFL, on the road, in January, against the defensive coordinator who Garrett hasn’t been able to score a touchdown against in the month of December. The defense kept them in the game—sort of—but Gruden’s playcalling completely confused Jim Johnson, and that’s why they won. That’s scheme, and scheme wins.
Ironically, your comments about Ugoh “missed the mark completely”. The point was not that things worked out, but that Indianapolis felt comfortable replacing three time Pro Bowl left tackle with a nearly-completely unknown quantity. Tackles in the middle of the second round are not “highly-regarded”, unless there are sources that consistently placed him in the first round. I didn’t find any. And keep in mind he would be protecting the blind side of the best quarterback of our generation, who had little mobility. That’s quite a risk to take…unless the playcalling can compensate for it.
I noticed you ignored the Arizona Cardinals example. Nothing to say about that?
I think you inadvertantly underscored the Season of Hud!
Not quite.
He has to call a play where there is no pass blocking, run blocking or any blocking of any sort involved.
Well, now the argument is just getting silly. You make it sound like all five linemen just lay down at the snap, and Romo had to run for his life. Let’s stick to reality. Losing Kosier hurt, and Adams was hurt limiting his effectiveness, but Romo was only sacked 20 times last year, which among the best in the league. We ran the ball fewer times, for more yards, than last year. Choice was able to run very well against top-tier defenses. You think that’s because the linemen just quit every play?
Like I said, there’s this mythology our line is horrible. No one offers much substantive evidence to support it, it’s just gets repeated over and over again. The problem is we need an offensive coordinator who knows how to think on his feet. I hope he shows up this year, because this team has too much talent to go to waste.
I think we are misfiring here...
I made a point about OC’s not being able to overcome injuries to front line starters on the O-Line and you steered toward something else. Then you said something about the Colts, which wasn’t germane to the conversation either, but I tried to connect it back to my point, which still stands up to the test of reason. I also invalidated the Bucs example (even though you’re now pointing to a single game to make a larger point, which I won’t go further on…I made my counterpoint and it remains valid).
Finally, as for the Cards…hehehe…here’s what jumps out at me;
1. 9-7 team (just like another team I know)
2. In 2008, they gave up 24 sacks, Dallas gave up 25
3. Did you notice that they got a new, highly sought after O-Line coach in 2008?
I really think you ARE highlighting the value of Hud with every juxtaposition you ask me to make.
"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
Do Not Agree
You did mention no offensive coordinator can play around offensive line injuries. But there’s a broader point that I am making, namely that offensive coordinators can and have been very successful with mediocre offensive lines, and that offensive coordinators can not make a career blindly continuing to call the same plays ad nauseum. There’s some credibility to the argument about Flozell being injured for part of last season, but any team that complains they should be given a free pass because they lost their fifth-best offensive linemen at left guard is just making excuses. Garrett must learn to manage the game, mix up the play calling, and for Pete’s sake stop acting like the second coming of Mike Martz and wanting to throw it deep downfield every time Romo takes a snap.
That’s the point, and until Garrett learns those basics, fans will be moaning, and apparently, looking for scapegoats.
The same OC that went 13-2 in '07?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
You Mean
13-3, right? You almost sound like Wade now.
With Sparano in 2007, the offense played well. I am not encouraged that the Dolphins offense took a major step forward last year, and we took a major step backwards. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but I seriously doubt it.
He was Candidate #1 for 3 seperate jobs.
Ravens, Rams, and Falcons all offered him their HC position after the ’07 season.
And now he’s an idiot savant?
Non Sequitur
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
I have to agree with Fighter15 here...
which is notable in and of itself. Comets are in plain view more often than us arriving at the same place.
I think it is the natural conclusion of most everyday fans to blame too much on the OC and DC and not give enough credit/blame to the position coaches.
Redball was never the “genius” they made him out to be, but neither is he the myopic neophyte that you paint him to be. Some of the playmaking you observe may not be his doing at all, but possibly Romo learning how to play under duress unlike anything he saw in 2007.
Either way, I’m stuck on the fact that I agreed with F15 on sumthin. Amazing!!!
"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
I think that there is also this myth that Garrett cant ajust.
1) our offense wasnt bad
2) our STs were abysmal
3)our D let us down as much as our O
4) what embarassment of riches
5) what exactly are your qualifications on play calling
I think our line is over rated. Its OK but its a far cry from special even before the injuries. Someone always seems to be blowing an assignment on every drive. TO is overrated. We dont have a true fullback most of the time.
Our problems were injuries and special teams. That is what lost us out on the playoffs. Injuries to Romo cost us 2 games. Special teams lost us Cards and Steelers(punt return swung momentum) Throw in the worse starting field position for our D and you have a recipe for disaster. 3 of those loses came from teams that played in the last 2 super bowls.
If you dont believe me check out the 1st thing we do every practice. Check out our last draft. Check out our ST stats from last year.
I dont discount you points on play calling and agree with you many but it wasnt our offense that cost us season.
Indys tackle was taken in the 1st round and the Bucs Oline was average but of course they won with D.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Yep
Except Ugoh was #47. They took Anthony Gonzalez in Round 1.
"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
Your right. Didnt he have a 1st round grade.
I do know he was drafted with the expectations of starting soon. He was by no means a project.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
And the point is that...
HE PLAYED WELL!
So Indy didn’t see a dropoff in O-Line play.
People put wayyyyyy too much emphasis on schemes, when in actuality, so much of it has to do with the Herring’s and Rogers’ and Houck’s of the world than it does the OC and DC.
"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
Don't forget Alex Gibbs
Though I despise the cut blocking…should be outlawed.
It's not personal, it's just business
Truthfully...
Tony Sparano should get a lot of credit, because he did do some great things while here.
Sparano was the first guy to get out O-Line to open lanes inside against some of those ferocious blitzes dialed up by Jim Johnson (RIP) and he made JJ pay for being too blitz happy.
"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
My point is he is good and was the starter from TC on.
He wasnt the backup and neither the backups back up. We were also down to our 3rd string RB and Flo had problems with his wrist or shoulder.(I forget)
Judging him on a year when we led the league in injuries and crummy special teams is over the top. How about the fact that we were even a playoff hopeful with our injuries and dysfunctionasl locker room shows a guy with some moxie.
TB won with their starters. Including the best defense good special teams and (I cant find it) top notch running game. Both teams you tout prior to their winning it all were runner ups with historys of not getting it done in the playoffs. Its year 3 for Garrett, he has been to the top and dealt with problems. He is still learning too. This year will tell us more.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
1) our offense wasnt bad
Irrelevant. We are loaded with talent, and should have been much better, especially down the stretch, especially against the Eagles at the end of the year.
2) our STs were abysmal
Not relevant to the discussion.
3)our D let us down as much as our O
Debatable, but irrelevant in any case.
4) what embarassment of riches
One of the best tight ends in the game. Three outstanding running backs. Arguably the best center in the game. Very good quarterback. Outstanding developing young tight end. Outstanding right tackle. Inconsistent but at times dominant right guard and left tackle. You think you need Hall of Famers at every position to score points? Guess how many Pro Bowl offensive linemen played in the Super Bowl last year? Hint: It was less than one.
I dont discount you points on play calling and agree with you many but it wasnt our offense that cost us season.
Not true. We were mediocre at best on offense, only 18th best in points scored. Given the talent at our disposal, we should have been in the top ten, even with the injuries that everyone constantly cries about. Romo was healthy when we played the Eagles at the end of the year, and we still got our clocks cleaned. Everyone has injuries, but well-coached teams don’t make excuses. The Patriots had the best excuse, losing the second best player in the league almost the entire season, but they still went 11-5 and almost made the playoffs. Losing Romo for three games, in the scheme things, is almost incidental.
Ugoh was not taken in the first round. He went in the middle part of the second.
You discount relevant arguments
Injuries are VERY relevant. The vast majority of stat skewing poor play occurred during a 3 game stretch without Romo (not incidentally). Losing 2 OL to season-ending injuries and one to limited effectiveness at THE key OL position (LT) certainly can explain the statistical lapse…imo, far more effectively than suddenly our RHG becoming a dolt.
ST & Defensive lapses certainly skew the important stats, like W-L and points scored.
By the end of the season, the “embarrasment of riches” was reduced to only 1 RB, 2 WRs down, 2 OL out, a QB unable to completely overcome injuries, a TE at 1/2 speed, and an OC that simply ran out of options. And nobody mentions t.o.’s inability to defeat press covereage.
Both the Stillers and Cards were heathly teams playing together all year that each reached their primes. And the Pats, no matter the record, still missed the playoffs and lost to a previously 1-15 team. Think Brady didn’t matter?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
So Guess Losing a Starting Left Guard
Who before last year most everyone considered the worst starter cripples the team? I agree Flozell getting hurt was problematic, but you’re exaggerating the impact. In 2005 we lost Flozell more than half the season, and put a waiver wire guy at left tackle after that, had a limp rag at right tackle, a broken down right guard, an undersized center, a very inconsistent Larry Allen at left guard. No Terrell Owens, a mistake-prone statue for quarterback. Many more serious injuries than last year, and Dallas was still 15th in points scored. If injuries are so murderous, if we should just start making excuses when one guy stubs his toe, then explain to me how we did BETTER in 2005 with less talent and more injuries.
The Patriots lost the second best offensive player in the NFL, and still finished in the top ten in scoring. Think coaching doesn’t matter?
"Everyone" was wrong
Including me.
And how did we do in ’05? Were they better? Same record. Same result.
F statistics, did we succeed? Maybe that line WAS a problem?
The Pats still finished out of the Playoffs!
Stats are sexy and the mother’s milk of Fantasy Football. Championships are won on the field…and sometimes the “truisms” of the NFL are accurate. “Games are won and lost in the trenches”. Seems pretty true to me.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
The Point Your Were Making
Is that injuries were very relevant. If that’s the case, then explain to me why we did better in 2005 with more injuries.
“F statistics”? That’s funny. You don’t care about how many points we scored? You think that statistic doesn’t matter? Please.
And I guess injuries are hyper-critical…until I can bring up an example that completely undercuts your theory. Then, I guess, it’s irrelevant.
I want to know who this 'Statistics' chick is and if she's hot or not
…before I figure out who to agree with on the “FStatistics” subject.
"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
Good One!
Tthere is in fact a statistical test call the “”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-test" >F Statistic" test.
No mention of chicks on the article, and from my experience, it doesn’t draw many groupies, either.
You want to hang a guy after 2 years
The first year he set the world on fire. The next year he struggled but dealt with injuries and chemistry.
He has been an OC for 2 years but what year do you actually think he learned the most from. The year where everything worked or where it didnt.
What others did is not relevant. Situations during a season are to vast and varied and to compare one to another is tough enough but you pick 2 teams with vastly more big game experience prior to the season you used to compare. TB had been a great team that had already been to a NFC championship game prior to the year they won. Indy had been to 2-3 AFC championship games prior to winning the SB. How about we let Garrett finish his 3rd year before those unfair comparisons. Your stacking the deck.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Good points
I never believed Garrett was as good as his press clippings after 2007 (in fact, I think Sean Payton as HC would have helped elevate Romo much more than Garrett has as OC), but you are right. He’s 1-1 in my book and this is going to be a year where we learn alot about Redball.
"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
Hang a Guy?
You’re missing completely what I’m saying, which is par for your course. The offense in 2007 was very good, but then again, Tony Sparano was also helping Garrett. Tony leaves, the offense, with all its talent, suddenly becomes below average; and Miami’s offense, which was awful in 2007, suddenly becomes respectable. Watching the Dallas play calling in 2008, it’s clear to me that Garrett did not show much awareness of mixing up his play book or utilizing personnel. He continued to blindly call the same plays, over and over. A good coordinator does not go to the well too many times; you could set your watch by what Jason was doing. As a result, defenses could anticipate his calls and shut down the offense. With the talent we have, that’s inexcusable.
What others do is absolutely relevant; you’re wrong again. It’s a competitive sport, and how others perform is the yardstick against which they are measured.
Tampa Bay was not a “great” team prior to their most recent Championship game appearance, unless you count being knocked out of the first round by a combined score of 52-12 in the first round the prior two years as “great”. Their only That’s making a mockery of the English language.
The rest of your comments were too incoherent and poorly written for me to decipher. It was just babbling. mindless nonsense.
Do you really believe your own drivel?
’07 = ’08 – Sparano
Miami = Dallas + Sparano
No other explanation need apply.
What a complete load of crap. How others perform has no bearing other than the standings.
The Thesis you’re espousing is that losing Sparano is the primary reason why our offense suffered last year.
And you dismiss (with the weakest logic I’ve seen used) injuries to 2 OGs, the QB, 2 RBs, and a partridge in a pear tree. Give a rest, please.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Fighter...blue....
You can both be a little more polite.
You’re missing completely what I’m saying, which is par for your course.
Do you really believe your own drivel?
We’re all Dallas fans here, and it’s not like the opinions are COMPLETE garbage. I personally don’t think that you can compare teams with different personel packages but that’s me and different injury scenario’s.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 1, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I think your giving too much credit to Sporano.
I have no doub that Sparano would have been more comitted to the run but I dont think its fair to compare years that have minimal injuries to league leading injuries. It limits what you can do.
I also think with a young guy(Garrett) dealing with numerous injuries for the first time in his career you expect growing pains. Bad calls will be made but he is also limited in what he can call. Flo believe or not is/was a great run blocker. We ran left more than right for most of Flo’s career. Suddenly because of injuries we cant run right.
I think their was a miscommunication. I thought the conversation was about the Bucs and Indy the year they won the super bowls. I really no nothing about the Bucs in the playoffs other than to say if we would have been in that division we would have made the playoffs too.
Before you annoit Sparano 2 things,
1) do you think Miami wins the division if Brady doesnt go down in the first quarter or Farve fries his elbow mid season losing 4 of his last 5 games against such powerhouses like SF, Seattle, and Denver. (What the hell, do you mean to tell me injuries can affect your ability to win)Gasp!
2) Would you like to bet some serious coin that Miami doesnt repeat this year.
Lastly Miami ran an offense (outside of the wildcat) that was vanilla. The same game plan we used against the Seahawks in the playoffs that gets villified everytime it comes up. Garrett no doubt got away from the run a little too much last year. A fact that everyone on here (besides Terry) acknowledges. My only point is after being a OC for 2 whole years maybe, just maybe its to early for the final verdict on his ability to call plays.
OK, last thing. Lets drop the “with all the talent we had” mantra bulls—t. Philly and NY are every bit as talented as we are. We are the only ones that think we have superior talent.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
How...
am i giving credit to Sparano? I just said you can’t compare two different teams.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry, I meant to put that under Kindablue.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
It's all good..
I kind of figured that.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
Be sure to remind me when I get into one these as well. It’s too easy to get caught up in the moment.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I get fired up.
As much as the next guy, but I’ve tried to be more peaceful here.
The way I see it, is if you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, you shouldn’t say it online.
It takes ZERO balls to do something over the internet.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree completely
it’s my preseason resolution.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
That being said...
I have nothing against smartass comments.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I dont mean to be rude and i hate getting sucked into
these kind of debates yet this time of year I find myself getting into them more often. Iam sorry for that. They tend to get boring as well. I guess 6 months of no football and the same questions being debated tend to wear on you.
Whats worse is the most heated debates seem to be miscommunication. I know, its hard to believe.
I do agree with the if you wont say it to their face then you shouldnt say it on here. Maybe thats should be the golden rule for blogging.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Pardon Me?
I’ve already addressed (twice) your exaggeration of injuries through a clear, real life example, not just mythological thinking. Other than adopting a dismissive tone, you have not provided a meaningful reply.
It’s more than a little humorous, given your angry language, for you to suggest I am the one who needs to give things a rest. But inadvertent humor is always the funniest.
I think their O-Line mattered a lot!
"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
I am right there with Kindablue- Season of Garrett- Lets see what ole Carrot can do with an arsenal of great backs and TE's
Will he continue to be the idiot I’m yelling at every game for his inept play calling, and his always untimely (everyone go deep) mentality?, or will we see more flares, screens, hitches, and dump offs to the RB’s, and more seams, screens, come-backs, or passes to the flats for our talented TE’s………I will be focused solely on the offensive play calling, use of clock, and personnel utilized during situational plays. If your line breaks down, there must be adjustments, and you must reign in the troops and methodically advance the football, even if it’s at 4 yards a clip. This is not a big strike offense, nor should the plays be called in such a manner. If we pass the ball more than 34 times a game, we are either behind, or lost the game. Of course, if we don’t average over 30 carries a game, that will be our demise, and the fate of boy “genius” will become very clear. I predict this will be the last year you’ll be hearing about Jason Friggin’ Garrett here in Big D.
I agree with you about to many deep throws and not enough screens or shorter passing game.
I too was pissed about not attacking underneath more. I cant put that all on Garrett(well maybe the screens) Romo has to throw underneath too. Passing plays have guys running to all areas. Not everybody runs a go. Romo needs to come underneath more himself. Romo changed out of too many runs at the line of scrimmage on audibles. Some of thats on Garrett and some on Romo.
I agree on this being Garretts last year. He will either go deep in playoffs and be HC or crash and burn and get fired.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Sorta...
I think that there were alot more checkdowns thrown than people remember. Alot of it came down to execution.
I think that screens to the running backs really weren’t the problems, but I do agree that there weren’t enough short routes to the receivers. It seemed that iwas only the tightends and running backs that were involved in the short passing game.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
True, I also got to thinking of the screens
Screens are all about timing and execution. How good could they be if you have 3 different guards and 3 different RBs(2 rookies at that) during the season. You have to sell a screen and everybody has to be in sync. Maybe we didnt run them because we didnt get a chance to be good. Just thinking out loud.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Dallas hasn't been good with the screen since Preston Pearson hung up his cleats
However, they did run some pretty nice TE screens with both Chan Gailey and Sean Payton at the OC helm.
"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
I think its something that you have to practice a lot to be good.
Landry’s team practice it all the time.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
I agree
Eagles run it well with Westbrook, Niners do it well with Gore, Jax does it well with MJD…why can’t we bring it back as a staple given the blitz happy division we reside in and the new RB’s who have some sizzle?
"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
Based on one season?
Because no one has ever had a bad season as a coordinator or a coach.
Incredible.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, I don't understand that either...
No one was saying anything like this after the 2007 season.
I take it as another reminder of the fickle nature of the fans’ perspective.
"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
Great Observations
One of the things I wanted to do this summer, but time has not let me, is to study his play selection when the game was in the balance. It’s my sense he calls too many runs up the middle on first downs, which leads us to more thirds-and-long than other similarly talented teams. Then he wants to go deep, and I mean really deep, down field. If the defense knows that predictable pattern, no amount of talent can make up for that. There’s this mythology the offensive line is bad—which no one will prove, they seem to think repeating their opinions over and over somehow is a substitute for proof—but even if it is as bad as they claim, the offensive coordinator has to adjust. That’s the most important thing a coordinator does, and from what I’ve seen, Garrett’s done poor job, and all the scapegoats of injuries and the line are just excuses missing the most important point.
I’m with you, man.
I don't think that there is a question that Garrett struggled last year.
I also don’t think that Dallas’s offensive line when healthy is very very good but…
There were injuries and that does effect the game. It’s amazing how much better the team looked with Kosier and Holland than Cory Proctor. When Proctor was in, you had him plus a banged up Flozell and that does effect the game when your entire left side is somewhat of a liability.
Garrett did a bad job but I think it’s also foolish to completely write him off after one year. Now if he’s not better this year.. than yeah.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Not Writing Him Off
But I am not encouraged. It’s too late in the year to think of replacing him, and he still is young and a somewhat unknown commodity, so of course we give him a third year. I’ve always been in favor of that, as dissatisfied as I am with his performance.
And to be clear in a discussion that unfortunately runs off into all sorts of directions and gets inflamed, I agree we don’t have a great offensive line. And obviously Proctor completely sucks, so I know injuries can affect their performance. What I take exception to is the line of reasoning that a) our o-line is awful, b) we can explain most of those woes due to injuries, c) the remainder of the problem is Hudson Houk’s coaching, so d) Jason Garrett’s play calling is beyond criticism. You, dunkman and a few others have agreed with me that Garrett shares in the responsibility, so I think we’re all in agreement. However, what those who disagree with me have never acknowledged is that Garrett has any responsibility for the problems with last year’s offense. Given how predictable is his play calling and his seeming infatuation with a high-risk, Martz-like passing attack, that strikes me as perverse. One doesn’t step on the accelerator when the oil pressure gage needle is at zero…but that’s what I saw Garrett do.
Even if the offensive line is as atrocious as many claim, Garrett has the responsibility to run a flexible attack and call plays with shorter patterns. It’s just basic common sense. But he didn’t do that last year, and he shares in the blame of the offenses problems.
Kindablue,
I dont have the time to look all of that up either nor do I know where to find all of that data. Im assuming your basing your opinion on the fact that with basically the same team 1 year we are 13-3 and the next 9-7. Sporano seems to be what you believe the biggest factor is based on the success of the Dolphins after he went there. (did he even call the plays or do they have an OC)
I can tell you that if polled every respected football man in the business and told them you have a team that had the talent to go 13-3 but wanted to ask them how many more games would they lose if
1) They lose their starting QB for 3 games with broken pinky.
2)They lose their starting guard and Backup LG having to rely on their 3rd stringer for about 9 games
3) Lose pro bowl punter
4)Lose starting RB injures big toe limiting his effectiveness for half of season
5)Lose back up RB after 5 games
6)Pro bowl caliber CB plays several game with sports hernia, has surgery and misses a few games, and comes back to play.
7) lose number 4 WR for year and number 3 WR for several games with dislocated shoulder.
8) You play in the toughest division in football
9)you play 3 reams from the NFC and AFC championship games
You ask them how do you think they would of done and Im willing to bet they would say you would be lucky to 8-8.
No matter what you think thats a lot to overcome.
We didnt run enough on 1st.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Yep.
Even though there were coaching failures there were also alot of injuries.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Aug 2, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions
See My Reply Above
At 10:16pm. That’s as clear and brief as I can be. I don’t want to get into a discussion of the special teams or defense…that’s a separate subject and not what I’m talking about.
If you can’t live with what I said in my 10:16 reply, then I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
I mostly agree
except this part:
This year’s offense will need to be more methodical, more precise and more controlled, with a greater commitment to the ground game than in the past few years.
Listening carefully to the logic Jerry has stated recently (I know, it’s Jerry-Speak so it could mean anything from “I love football” to “where did Knees put my Tonka Toys”), the off-season moves were designed to create more offensive diversity. They had been focusing the offense on two players – Owens and Witten. Over two seasons teams figured out how to limit (if not stop) those two player’s impact and it collapsed the whole offensive scheme. Even before the line fell apart, teams were taking Owens out of the game and making life harder for Witten. I believe they are now looking at ways to create more offensive problems than teams can solve simply – use of running backs, use of both talented TEs, razorback formation, etc.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Huh?
The ’Boys were 3-0 when Kosier went down.
I agree that more diversity is necessary, but if the line stays intact and playing at a high level, the sky’s the limit for this team.
One thing every OL worry-wart seems to forget is that NO team can replace the LT during the season and not get a drop in production. With Bigg on the roster, the Cowboys are in as good of shape as any other team in the league.
It's not personal, it's just business
Exactly
The LT is truly the key position on every team (unless your QB is a southpaw) and I don’t think any team can overcome the loss of that starting player.
"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
Re-reading your post
I would say that moving Bigg to LT would very much hamper the line and the offense as a whole.
Davis struggled at LT in Arizona. Facing facts, Bigg does not have the feet to block the elite pass rushers in the blitz-happy NFC East.
If Flozell goes down, we’re as ill-prepared (and prepared) as anyone to compensate.
"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
Bigg's struggles in 'Zona is hyperbole
When GM Jerry brought him in he said as much. Az’s line sucked at every other position (as Russ Grimm’s overhaul points to). They simply could not match Owner Jones’ offer.
The fact that he has played there, at a decent level, speaks volumes over any other candidate available, on our roster or any other for that matter.
It's not personal, it's just business
I think that is where we differ
I’m not sure he played all that decent.
"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
The reports I read
were that he played well, but they were disappointed that he wasn’t a Pro Bowler every year. And to me that’s more based on reputation and over-all offensive performance than Davis’ individual play. Like Flo going to the PB last season – he was a shell of himself.
Davis in my mind is excellent, maybe the best lineman on the team.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I went back a read a lot of press and mediot rantings as well.
The consensus was that while Bigg was the best of a bad line, he simply wasn’t worth the money.
While not All Pro, he was more than serviceable and had great games against great pass rushers. Inconsistency was another critique.
My point is not whether or not Bigg is the best LT option, it’s that he IS an option, should Flo go down (literally or figuratively).
It's not personal, it's just business
Based on what read from Jerry
when they signed Bigg, I think he’s the team’s first option, maybe not in a game, but if Flo went down for an extended period of time.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I hate looking for stats
Who has the link to the # of sacks he gave up while playing that position?
Maybe they might tell a story?
"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
Career Offensive Line Stats
Year Team G GS Pen Yds FS Hold Sacks Allwd Yds
2001 Ari 16 16 4 30 2 2 4.00 28.00
2002 Ari 15 15 4 30 2 1 7.25 55.00
2003 Ari 14 14 3 20 2 1 5.50 36.00
2004 Ari 15 15 8 50 6 2 6.00 55.00
2005 Ari 15 15 14 81 12 1 4.00 18.50
2006 Ari 16 16 11 65 9 2 8.00 57.00
2007 Dal 16 16 4 27 2 2 2.50 14.00
2008 Dal 16 16 6 55 2 3 4.50 23.50
As a comparison, Flo gave up 7.5 sacks last year and 14 false starts. Peters gave up 11.5 sacks last year.
During ’05 and ’06, Arizona ranked dead last (#32) in offensive line statistics according to Football Outsiders. Again, good LT on a bad line.
It's not personal, it's just business
How did his 8 stack up against other LT's in 2006?
"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
Sorry,
Not willing to look at every roster on every team in ‘06 to get individual stats. Unfortunately, it’s not a sortable stat on any site I’ve seen.
It's not personal, it's just business
No worries
I think 2006 really ticked off the AZ brass because Matt Leinart started most of that season and, being a lefty, they felt there was no way Bigg’s sack #’s should have been that high.
"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
Really interesting stat!
Flo had 7.5 sacks allowed in ’06 and made the Pro Bowl.
It seems that every other year, Flo gives up 7 or more sacks (’02, ’04, ’06, ’08) and followed it up by having great seasons.
Does this mean we can expect a great season?
(of course not, but it’s a neat trend).
It's not personal, it's just business
Cards gave up 35 sacks in 2006
Dallas gave up 37.
Bigg gave up more sacks in one of the weakest divisions in football (was anyone in the NFC west a great pass rusher in 2006?) and was effectively not playing the QB’s blinde side.
I still think we’d see a dramatic dropoff if Bigg were forced out there, so much so that we’d have to do the same things we did when Flo went down last time.
"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
and don't forget
freakin bledsoe was back there for 5.5 games, and he looked godawful that year – extremely slow.
I don’t think we’d see a huge dropoff with Bigg, but i don’t want to mess with the interior of our line
Bledsoe should be accountable for 3 of those sacks
So actually, Flo was even better!
"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
I wasn't attempting to say
that losing Kosier and having Flo hurt didn’t matter. Of course it did. But those guys were healthy as Dallas’ offensive production declined at the end of the 2007 season and teams were able to put the clamps on them a little.
So in addition to needing a healthy offensive line, I think they want to make themselves less predictable and therefore less easy to defend.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Hmmm...
Dunk, couldn’t every team say the same?
"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
They probably could
but not every team does. Dallas for example didn’t really vary it’s approach for the past two seasons. The Cowboys of the 90s relied on talent and execution, and ran about three basic running plays and a limited passing tree.
I think Garrett was banking on Romo, TO and Witten being able to impose their will and kept it pretty simple. RWII complained about it when he got to Dallas, and numerous opponents remarked that the team was very simple and predictable.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
And here I thought you were going to be mad about me not calling it the Season of Romo
;-)
"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
How about the "Era of Romo"?
That way, I can keep up my streak…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
really good post
I pretty much agree with everything. I would probably put it on the collective players shoulders as much as houck’s though. There are so many stupid plays we make on the oline, and that number wasn’t any better with sparano than any other oline coach. I generally don’t see the agressiveness in the run blocking that needs to be there.
Also, in general, I’m not sure expecting 2007 caliber play is realistic. In fact, you could argue:
The oline in 2007 while very good, didn’t exactly face great competition. The Giants, Eagles, Ravens and Steelers Dlines last year were better than ANYTHING we faced in 2007 including the Eagles and GIants lol. Last year, Bunkley started playing a lot better and overall the eagles were tougher. Last year, Tuck really grew into the monster he had the potential to be, and even without Osi, the GIants were fantastic up front.The Cardinals were a good pass rushing team too (in games where they actually came to play).
But overall, I think this year will come down to a. the oline’s play and b. our rookies playing well on special teams and some of our rookie lbers making some plays during the year – cause right now, we have zero depth at the most important position in a 3-4 D.
Thanks
You make an interesting point about who the team faced in 2007, but I can only say that you play who you are scheduled to play.
In 2007, Dallas played the AFC East and fared pretty well against them all. Even in the New England game, I thought the O-Line played pretty well, especially in the second half. The O-Line doesn’t get enough credit for their role in the comeback in the Buffalo game.
In 2007, (lotsof people forget) Dallas faced Strahan and Osi three times. In 2008, they faced neither one even once.
That all said, I think you are absolutely right about moderating our expectations. 2007 was over the top and I don’t think Romo gets 5 seconds in the pocket to read the D in 2009. But would you agree that the O-Line has to play closer to the level of 2007, especially in term of run blocking, than they did in 2008?
"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
The Pats weren't a defensively great team that year
but i agree with your points about strahan and osi. It just felt like the GIants didn’t come into their own untill the playoffs started.
I had a major argument with a Giants fan after watching our line shut down them twice in the regular season. They were tops in the nfl in sacks but i felt like they piled them up against lesser competition than say pitt, baltimore, some other elite Ds. So I compared their sack totals to the average given up by those teams and found the giants were like 5th in the league in sacks when you compared them that way, and they fell badly short against some of the elite lines (Dallas, NE killed them). IN the playoffs, they rocked those elite lines (us for the whole 4th quarter, NE for the first 3 quarters)
I don’t think we were significantly worse run blocking last year. IN 07, we had an elite, historically good offense the first 13 games that got out to big leads passing (in large part due to the oline) and then went into running mode and just pounded the opposition in the fourth quarter. We didn’t have those leads in 08, so i think its tough to say we played worse overall. We also ran effectively against two tough Ds in pitt and baltimore without those leads.
Overall, do we have to run better than the last two years and pass block better than last year to make some noise this year? definitely
Dunno
It seems like run blocking, especially on the left side, declined in 2008.
But, to be fair, since the offense couldn’t seem to get consistent through the air, maybe some of that was having to defend against more bodies closer to the LOS?
Left Guard and Right Guard both had a down year last season.
Left Tackle was hurt some and Center struggled without starting Left Guard to help with line calls.
"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
I'm so tired of everyone saying they missed Kosier's line calls!
Come on man, he may help some, I really don’t know; but the problems were all about getting beat ma-no a ma-no, and players who were so worried about getting beat by the defensive linemen that they were susceptible to the blitz. It turned out that Kosier wasn’t nearly as bad as we thought as linemen go, or at least as far as what we had to replace him with. Holland did ok, but only lasted what, 1 game. I guess I have to hope Gibbons turns into something, but from what I have been reading it sounds like he will need at least another year to do something, if he ever does.
I’m not encouraged by news of Flozell walking the sprints and finding out he did the same thing last year. Jeez! The Cowboys gave that big ole contract to a tired old man ( younger than I am). Now I know that’s a tough spot to fill and he was probably the lesser of all the evils when they thought of alternative routes to go in regards to replacing him, then you add in trying to secure the contracts you needed to secure and there we are. The Backfield is loaded and the QB and WRs are on a mission to prove themselves and the Naysayers, but the foundation that makes everything work is…….well, shaky. Who knows maybe these guys will develop a grudge and about their perception and kick some butt. I can only hope.
Thank you sir.
I’m glad it has conjured up some rich and spirited discussion.
"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
Ah, as I read your comments, I feel good about the idea that it truly is the Season of Hud...
"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
Here's my vote
How about the season of ST, with Buehler here and McBriar back and a ton of draft picks that are supposed to be ST aces or really hard workers.
Great write up, I really like you’re assesment on things. but I would sure like to see a really marked improvement on ST.
Me too
I think we all (generally) expect better play on ST if for no other reason than the fact that the group has a BETTER position coach than it had last year.
It kind of underscores the whole point about Houck and how important his performance will be to the team.
"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
Running to the left side...
seems to be a problem for Dallas.
I wonder if teams began to figure out that we couldn’t move the pile with Flo and Kozy and stacked it more in front of Bigg and Colombo?
"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
seems like they're working on that
Couldn’t believe what I was reading today
9:57 And a nice run off left tackle for Barber. Kyle Kosier had Igor Olshansky turned around at the point of attack. … 5-yard gain for Barber, with Jason Witten doing a nice job on Anthony Spencer.
9:59 That session closes with another nice run by Choice behind left guard against the second-team D that he bounced outside for a big gain.
10:12 Nice cutback by Barber on a stretch play to the left.
10:30 Well set-up screen to Marion Barber on the left side. Kyle Kosier got out front to get a nice block on Jason Williams to make sure Barber got the first down and then some.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 30, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions
A healthy Kosier and Flo might have a little to do with that.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
I'm not a fan of Igor's...having seen him play many times
I think Cowboy fans will be looking to slide Ratliff out there and move a big body into the middle before long.
"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
The Season of Loving
“What’s your name? Who’s your daddy?…Has he taken any time to show, to show you what you need to learn”
If it is indeed on Hud then we could not be in better hands.
However, Daddy Wade has said Defense and Special Teams are what’s being remade. A dominant Defense will cure what ails us. When the D/ST gives up over 21 points/game (28th) then there is clearly room for improvement. Since LBs and DBs make up the core special teams as well as rotation depth, then seeing 10+ new faces is all you need for proof.
Is it DeCamillis? He’s proven at ST and which player is going to question him after the toughness he’s shown?
No, it’s the D. And our HC is the only DC in the league, if in name only. Trust me, Bellicheat, Marvin Lewis, and others are calling the D on their respective teams. Wade has taken full accountability not only for this year, but for his legacy.
Season of Wade? Yup, it can’t be anything else.
It's not personal, it's just business
Maybe, but think about this...
Wade is who he is. The fist pounding is laughable, but the defense will likely be better in some areas and maybe not as much so in others. For instance, I don’t think Dallas will lead the league in sacks again. But I do think we’ll get more INT’s as a result of pressure. If you really think about it, it’s not likely this defense will fall off of a cliff in terms of any one area, but I also don’t expect them to lead the league in INT’s either. Wade will most likely be marginally better, the same, or marginally worse than the leader he was in 2008 and I don’t believe the season hinges so much on any of those outcomes.
As for ST, as I said, I expect them to be better, as we all should. How much? who knows. But DeCamilis could make them as good as they were in Jax and, well, look at them last year. ST can break you, but I don’t think they can make you.
So, at least in my mind, Wade is not anywhere near the question mark that the O-Line (and logically, it’s leader) is.
Every player and coach has to do what they have to do, but my thrust was that no one has the uphill climb that Hud has, in such a critical position as he has, with such a dropoff (perceived or otherwise) in year-over-year play of the unit that he has.
Truth be told, I think a great performance by Hud and his unit would overcome whatever failings of Garrett and Wade come to pass, short of some unforeseen catastrophe by either or both
Not trying to convince you, but I am trying to illustrate how I got here.
"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
Shocking
But I remain unconvinced. You know I hate stats, but finishing 28th in scoring defense leaves a lot to be desired.
I expect significant improvement from the defense based on 3 things:
1. More aggressive schemes
2. Better LB play (Ellis and Zach were liabilities)
3. MUCH better DB play. I don’t think there is any doubt that we’ve improved.
Defense wins championships (I know, it’s cliche, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong).
It's not personal, it's just business
im worred about #2
we are going from ellis & spencer, zach and burnett to spencer & rookie, brooking and bobbie&rookie.
Not saying its impossible for our rookies to step up, but i see no way anyone can outright say we improved at lb this year considering what ellis and burnett brought to the team
Here's my theory
Everyone knows that LBs are the life blood of the 3-4.
Wade got his guys early (Octavian, Stewart, Brookings, dumping Ellis). Then went out and spent half his draft on chosen talent (Williams x2, Butler, etc). Would you risk your legacy on lesser talent?
But to your point, Spencer is better than Ellis (according to every stat, mediot, and the team), Brookings is a better fit than Zach Thomas (according to Zach & Brookings themselves), and Bradie and Ware are hitting their primes. Yes, I’d have to say that we’ve improved.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
What about Burnett?
I find it hard to believe Carp and WIlliams, who is rather raw, will fill his spot comfortably.
Brooking is certainly a better fit than thomas, but i don’t think anyone can say right now that he will play well for us. The guy, though he was out of position, was BAD in atlanta the last 2 years. Zach Thomas was no sure thing last offseason but performed pretty well, I don’t think its right to assume Brooking will follow the same path
I agree spencer is better than ellis at this point, but not by that much and its a stretch to say our rookies will provide as quality play as ellis did.
If one of our rookie olbs step up and carp improves, we’ll probably enter the season with very similar play. But keep in mind we didn’t suffer many serious injuries last year at lb.
I thought NT's were the life's blood of a 3-4?
"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
I goggled it
it’s gatorade, but LBs and NTs are a close second and third.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Goggling is like Googling only
after a beer. Or three.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Be careful, 3 more and you'll find yourself in the octagon with a pig...
"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
Really? I thought the Octagon thing was a nice MMA infusion
I promise to try harder.
"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
No the reference was great
I meant me, in the octagon, with a pig. It happens to me a lot for some reason
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Tip: hang out at bars that are close to big gyms/health clubs
The women are thinner there.
"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
the one I go to is next to the Waffle House
I once woke up the next morning in a strange bedroom next to a creature that had 6 boobs,6 legs and 4 teeth; then I realized it was just three of the waitresses.
Wrong...just plain wrong
"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
Doesn't matter...
The defense is good enough (assuming improved play by the safeties), if not forced into horrible situations from turnovers and poor ST play, that they can win a Championship, if…
the offensive line plays well and keeps opposing defenses on their heels.
See a pattern here?
;-)
"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
Can we call a truce on the OL
At least until someone gets hurt?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Is that an "if or a "when"?
"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
I'm not convince the defense will be great against the run or that the starting O-Line will be much better than last year.
I think the pass defense may have been up graded.
No evidence for or aginst my opinion, it is what it is, and only the season will prove me right or wrong, and I will change my opinion as evidence is presented from week to week. Until that time,we all are just writing for entertainment.
Im hoping with Brookings instincts, having played in Wades system and being bigger than Zack it will be an upgrade.
Every time I read about him he filling a hole or snuffing out a sweep.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
I'm not either
If Hamlin and Sensei stay healthy, the deep middle should be better defended than in years past.
"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
also
our defense wasn’t that bad over the last 7 or 8 games. That defense plus some actual solid performances from Romo and the oline and we win out from washington to baltimore, no question about it.
I agree with 5blings, i thnk the oline is the key factor this year.
Finally
Some sanity!!!
:-)
"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
I do too. The oline is our achillis.
I think the starters are ok but the depth scares me. We are a little long in the tooth and dings are expected.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Scary, but true...
I wonder what happens if Colombo goes down?
"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
But seriously, who fills in?
McQ?
I think that is scarier than Free filling in at LT for Flozell.
"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
Yes, but its too early to pass judgement.
McQ has been a backup LT his first year. He was the swing tackle for 2 years. With the developement of Free and the drafting of Brewster the plan was to move him to guard. He spent all offseason as a guard and shortly before camp Brewster goes out for year. He has to redo/relearn his footwork and assignments/line calls. Lets give him a few weeks and maybe a couple of Preseason games before we make a final call. There is no doubt he is struggling but he has time to work out the kinks. Lets also not forget that he is going against a lot of guys that can flat out rush the passer. Not always the best guys to go against to make a good impression but will make you much better in the long run.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
We will regret not taking Gopork
Bet on it.
"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
were boned...
Columbo seems to be the leader on the line, hes such a reliable player…Columbo going down may have the worst affect on us
Depth...
Free (no experience), Holland (fat and slow), Procter (ugh) and McQ (double ugh)?
I don’t know about the rest of you, but this is just a scary situation.
"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
Holland looked good
in the games he played in last season. I think he’s a solid back-up. Free is just unknown so I still claim the right to be optimistic. The rest? A nightmare.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
I like the idea of Holland as a backup center
"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
Thus far in camp...
Holland has looked pretty bad, based on all accounts.
I truly think that Hud needs to work on the backups as much as he does the starters, because injuries to this unit are a ‘when’ proposition moreso than an ‘if’.
"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
no scarier than the rest of the league
In the salary cap era, rarely do teams have good depth at all positions. We should just be lucky to have good depth at RB, TE, WR.
A lot of teams have those type of OL for starters.
In Romo we Trust
Its true about depth but I would feel better if we had a couple of starters south of 30.
Its not that they are old its just were minor breakdowns start occuring more frequently. Its not that the olines is in dire straights but I fell confident about every other position even NT.
I find the harder I work, the luckier I get. Thomas Jefferson
Not true
I like the depth Philly has much better than we do.
I like the depth the G-woMEN have better than we do (especially since they drafted Beatty, even though you called him soft).
"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
I don't
first, I don’t think they’ve had many olineman at all go down the last two years. The one that did was replaced by Kevin Booth was was just torched last year.
The GIants are younger on the line though than we are, so their depth shouldn’t be as signficant in their success this year.
Interesting
McKenzie was hurt, Boothe wasn’t awful, Diehl showed he could move out to tackle, they’ve had issues and still done well…
William Beatty, Andrew Carnahan and Tutan Reyes look like the backup OT’s. Boothe will back up Snee and Seubert.
You would take Free, MCQ and Brewster with Holland and maybe Gibbons over the Giants’ backups?
"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
the season of...
eli manning getting ridiculously overpaid.
romo should be pissed at this news. i feel he’s better than eli is. this is a joke. a hilarious joke. good work giants’ FO.
by RIP26_litodoin'work on Aug 5, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions
Eli has a ring and playoff wins
Regardless of what any Cowboys fan thinks to the contrary, he’s younger and more accomplished than Romo.
It is what it is.
"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
the man also has:
- a 5 star defense
- a 5 star o-line
- a great RB
- a great WR, until recently
- don’t forget David Tyree. he’s really good, REALLY good.
by RIP26_litodoin'work on Aug 5, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Like I said...
It is what it is.
"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
Wouldn't it be nice if Romo had a ring so we could put hsi discussion to bed?
Until then, I fear more people and media will side with Eli.
"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
should have read "put this"
Gues I should have Prroofread it. ;-)
"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
If we should judge qbs soley on rings
then Brad Johnson, Jeff Hostetler, Trent Dilfer and Jim Plunkett would all be considered better than Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, Fran Tarkenton and Jim Kelly.
Question, who out of those qbs are in the HOF and who are not??
That should put an end to this discussion.
In Romo we Trust
What would you rather have?
A HOF QB or a Lombardi?
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
that's irrelevant
the issue is how to judge a qb. Teams win Lombardi trophies, great qbs go to the HOF.
Obviously one doesn’t have anything to do with the other, because if they did, guys like Marino, Fouts, Tarkenton and Kelly would have SB rings.
In Romo we Trust
Better is subjective...and extremely irrelevant
Other than FF, what does it matter who is “better”? Did it matter whether Aikman was better than Young or Favre? He was better for our team…‘cause that’s who we had.
Do we have a shot at any other decent QB? No. So barring a complete collapse of Romo causing us to begin the search anew, this is an inane argument.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Pick me! Pick me!!
I will take….THE BLING!!!
"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
Of course, then I would have to change my screen name
But I’m prepared to make huge sacrfices for my team.
That’s how I roll.
"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
yeah, I feel for you, I had to give up my Jessica profile image.
by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 6, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Somebody had Adriana Lima on theirs
I gotta find one with Bar Rafaeli that I like, not that there are any of her I don’t like, but…well, you get what I mean. I mean, I’m not a stalker of hers or anything. Although, I’ve never been that close to her before so I’m not sure how I would respond. That’s not creepy, right? I mean, it’s not like I go on her fan site and post EVERY night. Oh man, this isn’t going the way I planned…
"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
she's yummy
like a klondike bar
Everything's looking up, Milhouse!
by accidental innuendo on Aug 9, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Not Drafting OT's was a mistake
Both Sebastian Vollmer, who is wowing them in camp, and Troy Gopork would have been valuable additions to the depth at OT.
Right now, it is Doug Free and a prayer.
"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
My Preference Would Have Been
To take Max Unger, had he been available. That would have allowed us, in all likelihood, to dump both Proctor and Holland, freeing up a roster spot and giving us better depth. The problem is that if we moved up too far to get him, we would have reached, and there was no way to know Seattle was going to take him out from under our noses. For what might have been.
I don’t know how excited I would get over Vollmer or Kropog, yet. There was a nice study on Football Outsiders several years ago, which looked at when premier players are drafted. The really good left tackles, the ones you build your line around, are usually found in the upper half of the first round. Historically, there’s a big drop off after that, although you can find good ones after that. Really good running backs, on the other hand, can be found in the lower rounds.
At any rate, we need to some serious shopping for offensive linemen in next year’s draft. We need good young players across the board.
Not so sure
Right now, if you look at the NFL’s best O-Lines, many of them have been built without the benefit of high 1st rounders.
Come to think of it, who do you think ARE the top 5 O-Lines in the NFL right now?
"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
My Top Five, Right Now, Would Be
1 Giants
2 New England
3 Denver
4 New Orleans
5 Atlanta
with Tennessee, Washington, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Cleveland behind them.
Just for grins, I looked up the draft position of the starting left tackles of my top five. Dave Diehl (5th round), Matt Light (48), Ryan Clady (12), Jammal Brown (13), and Sam Baker (21).
So while you don’t need a mid- to upper-first round tackle to make my top five, they certainly seem to help.
What would be your top five?
I agree with your top 2
Then I go Eagles, Vikings and Ravens (who narrowly beat out the young and highly talented Tampa Bay line).
I find it interesting that the Steelers and cards are conspicuously absent in people’s rankings, and yet ,last year…
;-)
"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
i think
once you get into the playoffs, the nfc is an utter crapshoot. It really is. I think luck plays an unbelievable role in this conference with its lack of elite qbs and only one elite year after year (Philly) defense. Giants us, Giants Packers, Eagles Cards, Seahawks us, Bears Seahawks etc etc…In the last few years the only totally dominant team was the Seahawks in a down year for the conference.
Top ten O-Lines
To avoid a personal bias, I’ll use the Foxsports OL rankings. Now they may be biased as well, but that’s a different dicsussion.
1. Giants – David Diehl – 5th Round, Pick 160
2. Panthers – Jordan Gross – Round 1, Pick 8
3. Titans – Michael Roos – Round 2, Pick 41
4. Vikings – Bryant McKinnie – Round 1, Pick 7
5. Eagles – Jason Peters – UDFA
6. Falcons – Sam Baker – Round 1 Pick 21
7. Ravens – Jared Gaithers – 5th Round suppl. Draft
8. Patriots – Matt Light – Round 2, Pick 48
9. Jets – D’Brickashaw Ferguson – Round 1, Pick 4
10. Cowboys – Flo – Round 2, Pick 38
4 first rounders, 3 second rounders, 2 fifth rounders and one UDFA
by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 6, 2009 5:42 AM CDT up reply actions
And look at the 2008 records of all 10
Not only were many playoff teams, but there isn’t a sub-.500 team in the bunch.
"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
that is interesting
and i’ll admit i don’t know much about the rookies, but from what i’ve read on those late second round tackles, they seemed like projects. aside from unger who i felt we really could’ve used.
LOL
Thanks.
I think it has more to do with just how much Dallas Cowboys’ fans truly love their team. As I read through the whole thing, I see complete disagreement AND agreement, humor, thought provoking commentary, good humor and best of all, fervent support of the end goal…a sixth Bling.
GO COWBOYS! (and Go Hud 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
Post of the Preseason, and of coarse it shows what everyone is really concerned about!
Big uglys are the root of all hopes and dreams!
Gurode was hurt by Haynesworth in 2006
not 2007…I don’t think that any O-line starters were injured in the 13-3 season.
Good catch
Gurode started and played only 14 games in 2007, so the Big(g) 5 weren’t able to play a full season together.
Instinctively, isn’t the idea of any line playing 16 games (plus pre and post season) without missing a single game due to injury really just wishful thinking?
I’d suggest that you have to go into a season thinking about what you do WHEN an injury happens, not if it happens.
"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
I'd Say
It’s wishful thinking given the age and maybe conditioning of our starting offensive linemen. They have gotten as good as they are going to get—injuries start to creep in more frequently with offensive linemen in their 30’s, and all our starters are over 30.
I’ve heard many comments that we should be better this year because our o-line will be healthy. The problem with that thinking is that it ignores the fact that what happened last year is not that unusual for older offensive linemen. Guys like Jackie Slater are productive into their late thirties are very rare birds.
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