The VRR: The Dallas Offense Rushes to the Top; Michael Irvin Files Counterclaim
FOX Sports ranks the Cowboys' running back package at number eight in the league. That may sound a bit low to Cowboys fans, but had two-thirds of the trio stayed healthy last year they could have at least broken into the top five. Of course, we may not have found out the full extent of Tashard Choice's talent had Marion Barber and Felix Jones stayed healthy.
Here's what the article said :
Jerry Jones had big dreams last summer after watching his fellow Arkansas alum Felix Jones electrify during training camp and the preseason. But an early-season injury derailed what the owner hoped would be the ultimate backfield combination, pairing the rookie's big-play potential outside with Barber's grinding style inside. The good news from Jones' injury: Dallas found out that Tashard Choice had game, giving the 'Boys a solid No. 3 RB. The bad news: Barber wore down with the grueling punishment he created for himself, meaning Dallas lost their key fourth-quarter advantage of Barber cutting defenses down in the final 15 minutes. If Felix is healthy in '09, this backfield trio could be one of the league's best.
Hat tip to One.Cool.Customer for the FanShot.
Gregg Rosenthal at PFT suggests that the Cowboys' running game may be number one in the league.
Jones has the flexibility to line up wide or go in motion. (There is talk he may start.) Barber is also a versatile receiver and runner. Throw in Tashard Choice, who was excellent in three starts last year, and Dallas arguably has the best backfield in the NFL.
The key word here is "arguably". You never know what's going to happen up in Minnesota or down in the Carolinas. The fact is: the Cowboys are three deep. Three. Only time will tell.
More VRR after jump.

Tim McMahon cites KC Joyner's Scientific Football 2009 to emphasize his point that the offensive line is not dominating the opposition at the point of attack. It's obvious these backs are more talented than what the numbers on the back-half of the slashes dictate.
Marion Barber averaged 5.0 yards per carry when there was no point-of-attack loss, 1.7 when at least one O-linemen got beaten. Felix Jones' splits: 10.8/2.4. Tashard Choice's splits: 7.2/1.2.

PFW points out that the Cowboys aren't just stacked at running back, but tight end as well--two positions that should bode well for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
Part of an offensive coordinator’s challenge is to get his playmakers on the field and get them all the ball. At least we know the first part of the equation should be doable for Jason Garrett. Although receiving is still being sorted out, the Cowboys' good depth at running back and tight end allows him to put some interesting formations to work.

Roy Williams leads off Albert Breer's list, "Four players expected to rebound in '09" .
With Terrell Owens gone, the newest heir to the Drew Pearson-Michael Irvin throne needs to start playing like he's worthy, which Williams believes he is. "I feel like I can do it all," Williams said. "If I'm coached to do it the right way, I can do it." It's simple: Williams performs, the Cowboys contend. Absent that, the otherwise-loaded Dallas offense could struggle.
Breer asked former Lions coach Mike Martz how Williams will "put in all together" this season. Martz pointed to four reasons why RW will excel: understanding the offense, the quarterback understanding him, the fact that the games will matter in Big D, and the sheer talent the big WR has.

Tony Romo will be inducted into the Hall of Fame--the Eastern Illinois University Hall of Fame, that is.
Romo will be running his annual football camp this week on his old stomping grounds at Burlington High School. What he had to say about the Cowboys' offseason was pretty interesting.
"It’s been very football heavy this offseason," Romo said. "We had a lot of OTA’s (Organized Team Activities) and a lot of minicamps, the most since I’ve been here. The guys have worked their butts off and we’ve tried to put ourselves in position to be successful by doing everything we can this offseason.
"Since I’ve been playing in the NFL, this has been the best offseason to date and that excites you as a quarterback. In that regard, it’s been real enjoyable."

Michael Irvin filed a counterclaim against the group that accused him of stealing "their" idea for 4th and Long. Go get 'em, Playmaker!
Irvin says he had the idea to produce an "American Idol"-type reality show about football try-outs years before he met the plaintiffs. The counterclaim filed by Irvin also contends that Irvin told his attorney about the idea before meeting any of the plaintiffs.
In Irvin’s response, he alleges that a friend of his, Bonnie-Jill Laflin, knew of Irvin’s interest in producing such a show and connected him with one of the defendants Shannon Clark who also had mentioned creating a show with a similar concept.
Irvin says without the friendship with Laflin, the plaintiffs never would have been able to secure a meeting with him. In addition, Irvin said he told Laflin he would meet with the group, but already had the idea for the program and did not make a commitment to them at any time. His filing also states that the meeting wasn't exclusive and that Irvin had meetings with others, including former Cowboys Coach Barry Switzer, about doing a TV show.
Irvin also said he learned the group "had nothing to offer" and the show discussed was not based on proprietary information, but rather on a common business plan that many in the entertainment industry were pursuing after the success of American Idol-type reality shows, according to court documents.

Who is the greatest living Dallas Cowboy? The Star-T debates this question.

Terence Newman and Courtney Brown took in an Australian Football League (AFL) game and were impressed with the talent 'down under'.
Brown and Newman came to Melbourne on the advice of team-mate Mat McBriar, one of several Australians forging NFL careers as punters. But after watching this year's two top teams battle on Sunday, Newman had no doubt that AFL players could succeed in other NFL roles as well. "Some guys could play it on a playing level, not as punters - there are some guys who could play wide receiver, safety or corner back," Newman said.

In our own blogging community news, SB Nation adds Mobile Commenting and Retweeting Features. Sweet!
We are very excited to introduce mobile commenting to the platform. You can now sign in to each blog you are a member of and comment in GameThreads from the game or the bar or participate in an interesting discussion happening on a blog from anywhere with your phone.
[snip]
We are also very excited about the new retweeting feature. If you see a post that you find interesting and want to share it via twitter, now you can with just one click rather than copying and pasting the link.
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65 comments
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Comments
First
in the NFL I mean. No doubt this is the best backfuield going.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 2:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think 8th is fair.
Dallas was only 10th in ypc last year, and 21st in total rushing yards. I realize some of that is due to the line, injuries, and scheme, but you can only go with potential and results, and even with this group’s potential, that was the results they produced. I hope they stay healthy and get both more opportunities and better line play this year, and then maybe next year they can make a clear claim as the best in the league.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 7, 2009 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they won't be the best
because our OL isn’t a great run blocking OL and we will still be a passing team first and foremost.
I think our RBs will be more effective as pass receivers under Garrett.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it our line's fault?
Choice averaged over 5 yards per carry last year, and played against some of the toughest defenses in the league. The Steelers allowed an average of 3.3 per carry, and he had 3.8; the Ravens allowed 3.6 and he had 5.3; the Eagles allowed 3.5 and he had 4.3, even Seattle allowed 4.2 ypc, and he had 5.2 against them. So in every game where he had at least 10 carries, he had at least half a yard better per carry than those teams typically allowed, and 3 of those were the last 3 games of the season against the #1, 4, and 5 rushing defenses.
Felix Jones averaged 8.9 yards per carry with the same line. But Marion Barber only average 3.7 ypc behind that line, with 6 games where he had 10 or more carries and averaged less than 4 ypc, including 2 with less than 3 ypc. Those 2 were while Romo was hurt and against good defenses, so that’s a factor, but I still think that Barber was just as much of a problem last year, whether due to injury or ability, as the line.
I would really like to see a pretty even split between the 3 backs this year, out of various sets. That way all the backs will be fresh, and teams can’t change their D depending on the back and formation. Choice and Jones have proven that they are as capable, if not moreso, as Barber as far as carrying the ball.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jul 7, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
our OL can't run block that well
Choice’s and Felix’s yds/carry is attributable to their great talent and ability more so than the OL opening up massive holes.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, does that mean Barber is more dependent on the line's play?
Or did the line just straight-up blow it in the running game in every other game?
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think MB3 was playing with a bad toe
which of course affected his yds/carry
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup, being a power runner really affected his busting thru piles
he still bounced some good runs outside, which goes to show that the line may have been better on pulling and traps rather than pushes up the gap—of course those run ds we played last year were nothing to sneeze at
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 8, 2009 8:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our line seems to be better at pulling than at straight ahead run blocking
And I’m specifically thinking of Corey Proctor when I say that (probably not as much the case with Bigg). We did not show an ability to dominate the point-of-attack in straight ahead inside runs last year, which were the kind that MB3 was typically featured on.
That said, Choice was able to spring through some holes in the middle for big gains. So there certainly is something to be said about MB3 lacking burst last year (hopefully because of injury).
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Jul 8, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's always hard to know
but just from watching the games, the line was at a minimum inconsistent in getting a push. A lot of the runs depended on breaking to the outside to pick up yardage. I will say that Choice was singularly good at finding and exploiting the smallest creases; Emmitt-like really.
As in pass protection, I think the line is generally good, but consistently inconsistent.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If your that big and good enough to pass block then you can run block.
If you are right then expect another disappointing season. Balance is key, without it we are doomed.
I read no newspaper but Ritchies, and in that chiefly the advertisements, For they contain the only truths to be relied upon in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson.
by squidlo97 on Jul 7, 2009 4:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Not always. Pass blocking is more about quickness (especially hands), but you also need (lineman) speed and a lot of leg power for most run blocking. In fact, that’s the topic of discussion among scouts now – it’s really hard to be sure about linemen now in the draft because so many colleges are playing the spread offense – they can’t tell who will translate to the pro game as well as they used to.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's not true
That’s simply the greatest myth in football and you’re falling for it.
Just because your enormous, doesn’t mean you can be a great run blocker. It’s about attitude as much as physicality.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not falling for nothing
I believe in attitude and that starts inTC. Pass blocking is passive and we passed so much our line became passive. We need to have some physical practices especially in goal line situations.
If you want the monkey off of Romos back then you better pray for balance. We went with the pass heavy offense the last 2 years and this just came in, we didn’t get it done. The physical giants an eagles did.
I read no newspaper but Ritchies, and in that chiefly the advertisements, For they contain the only truths to be relied upon in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson.
by squidlo97 on Jul 8, 2009 12:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I got news for you, Eagles can't run the ball either
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got news for you
Both teams are more physical than us and both teams beat us when it counts most.
Eagles struggle when they get pass to much but they get back to it when it counts.
If you think we will go deep passing 60% of
the time then your romo fantasies have gotten out of hand. You may need counseling before it’s too late.
I read no newspaper but Ritchies, and in that chiefly the advertisements, For they contain the only truths to be relied upon in a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson.
by squidlo97 on Jul 8, 2009 7:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
when it happens, I'll remind you
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 9, 2009 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would sya it's about technique, not attitude
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Jul 8, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disgaree
Houck is a HOF OL coach, those guys are coached on technique plenty.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, but being coached up
doesn’t always result in proper performance. I’m sure people have worked with TO in the past on route running and catching the ball, but for an elite receiver, he was below par in those areas.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and you're making my point for me
It all comes back to attitude, some of our OL are the lazy types and I think you know which ones I’m talking about.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess that's a fair point
The line and the pass-run ratio will reduce their production, but as a pure backfield I don’t think any team can match up.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as talented indivuals, I agree
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this could be a very special year for the trio.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3 more weeks until TC
I don’t want to wish away the summer, but….
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank GAWD!!
I miss it so dearly. After the end of last season, I thought I’d never be excited to see football come again, but I was dead wrong.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Jul 7, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longest offseason ever.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greatest Living Cowboy
is Roger Staubach, hands down. No matter what was on the scoreboard or the game clock, if No. 12 was on the field, the Cowboys were still in the game.
Although several of my favorite players — Randy White, Drew Pearson, Tony Dorsett — are still alive, nobody can top Roger as the best of the best.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on Jul 7, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's too difficult a question to answer
The top producer is Emmitt. No other player has claim (even if disputed) to be the best at his position ever. My favorite, like you, was Roger. Irvin and Troy were phenomenal leaders and players in very different ways. Guys like Walt Garrison, Bob Lilly and Randy White were indomitable tough guys you couldn’t help but admire.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there is a strong argument
to be made among Roger, Emmitt, Troy, Dorsett and Lilly, clearly the 5 best players the franchise has ever produced.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Add Larry Allen
This dude was in a class by himself.
by Iowacowboy on Jul 7, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bob Lilly has a claim on being the best defensive lineman ever
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Jul 7, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever
Gary Hogeboom, baby!!
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Jul 7, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm going with a familiar...Irvin.
Even though Dorsett is my favorite. I was too young to remember Staubach but what he’s meant to the organization is pretty much the nuts & bolts behind building the Cowboys legacy.
I get the feeling that Michael is as dedicated to the Cowboys as ever. It seems to be a lifelong passion for him. That’s admirable, to me.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
People forget the Cowboys ONE-HIT-WONDER-KID...
DUANE THOMAS!!!
He was simply amazing but “burned out” and was off the Cowboys and out of the league in a matter of – if I recall – three years. He also went to the hated Redskins after us, thus a bit of animosity. But … HE WAS THE MAN in the Cowboys first Super-Bowl run… and also the guy I emulated my amazing career as a running back after. Of course, mine too was cut short in a matter of years, as the JV high school coach couldn’t seem to recognize my immense talent.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 4:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I listened to Gil Brandt
about Duane. Interesting stuff. Basically he said that Duane was as talented as he appeared and could have been an all time great, but his head off the field just completely sabotaged his career.Thomas just could not separate the buisness part of football from his ego and eventually it left him both bitter and unable to achieve his potential.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 5:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wrote a post on Anthony Spencer having a breakout year in 2009.
Dennis Dillon from The Sporting News Agrees. He has him as his number one rated break out player of 2009 in the new Sporting News issue.
by beautifultyrant on Jul 7, 2009 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
very well could be true
In addition, I think the Cat, Austin, Bennett and Scandrick are all capable of having really big years.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 7, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It will be tough for Bennett to improve on an excellent rookie campaign
He caught some key touchdown passes and was often part of the offensive scheme. Given the talent around him, I just don’t see us wanting to give him so many more touches.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 4:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the opposite is true
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 8, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Spencer breaks out, this defense will be Top 3 all around.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fourth & Long is TERRIBLE
I loved Michael Irving the player, even Michael Irvin the pimp lookalike going into court, but Michael Irvin the reality show host just stinks. It’s just a stupid idea because there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell any player on that show is even going to get a shot at the Cowboys roster.
I watched two episodes and nearly shot myself. I’m seriously Jonesing for football, but watching the ridiculous drills and melodrama on that show is unbearable.
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Jul 7, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't take this personally
but what exactly would happen if a ghost shot himself? Just sort of wondering…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 7, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You gotta admit that Irvin rocks those trenchcoats, though.
All eyes on Free.
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 7, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummmm.....
So don’t watch it?
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 7, 2009 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to see some of this... is there a link for us overseas boys?
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 4:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can watch it from the Spike TV website I think
Cadel Evans:
2007=2nd 2008=2nd... 2009=1st?
by aussie_cowboy on Jul 8, 2009 5:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
T-New and Butler picked a good game to go and see
First time in league history two teams met 14 games in and were each undefeated.
But Brown really is ignorant
“Coming here, we thought the guys were going to be a lot smaller than what they were,”
Of course our proffesional athletes can match it with those of the NFL
Cadel Evans:
2007=2nd 2008=2nd... 2009=1st?
by aussie_cowboy on Jul 7, 2009 11:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I really wish the USA would put together a formidable Rugby side...
It just pains me to see us pick from a group of guys that played college rugby … because they couldn’t make their college football team. That is just too far down the food chain, and it shows. I played some college rugby, and one year we had a graduate student that had played a year in the NFL for… the Dallas Cowboys. (No, I don’t remember his name… it was 1983 and he had been a Cowboys LB before going to Carolina for Grad school)…
But the point I want to make is that this guy, who wasn’t even a starter in the NFL, dominated in USA College Rugby – and we had an excellent team – one of the top on the East Coast.
The flip side of this discussion is that there is TREMENDOUS un-tapped talent in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, etc… that is well-worth a small scouting expedition. With the money available in the NFL, we should be able to steal a few guys away from their beloved “down-under” sports.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 5:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that USA valuing rugby more highly would be good for the sport at an international level
However I doubt that it will ever happen.
On the scouting side of things, I agree also. There is definately the money to draw players away from our codes (although I dont know if that would be a good thing). For example, the salary cap for the Australian rugby league is only $5.5 million, nothing compared to that of the NFL. However I do know that there is scouting going on at some level, two guys I used to play football with have recieved scholarships to play gridiron in the US. One I believe is actually going to Boston College next year.
Cadel Evans:
2007=2nd 2008=2nd... 2009=1st?
by aussie_cowboy on Jul 8, 2009 5:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem isn't size or athletic ability
it’s simply technique and experience. That’s why only the rare sprinter has ever made a dent at WR in the NFL. The US has some excellent athletes playing soccer for example, but virtually none of them grow up with a soccer ball at their feet and the national team is always second tier.
Not saying it can’t happen, but the person almost has to be a super-athlete to overcome the lack of experience and knowledge.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 7:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no doubt about it, dunk
ultimately you need kids growing up with the sport. In Fiji, they grow up playing a game called “touch” … basically rugby, but all you need to do is touch the guy and he is down. You would be simply amazed at how good that makes these guys… both in avoiding tackles and in quick passes.
As for USA soccer, they just beat the #1 team in the world, Spain … and then were up 2-0 at the half against Brazil before the Brazilians woke up and won 3-2. We’re not there yet, but soccer is the #1 sport among American youth. But I don’t think it will make a dent at the fan level for a long time to come, the quality of the MLS game is lower than at the ACC tournament.
Now back to the regularly scheduled NFL discussions!
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always ask myself
What would Barry Sanders have been like if he had grown up playing soccer? Another Pele I’m thinking…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technique and Experience is right
I have no doubt that the best rugby players are athletically equal to the best NFL players and vice versa, but unless you grow up playing the game, unless the game is in your DNA, it is very difficult to transition to a new game later in life.
Before his stroke, Dr. Z used to write about rugby in his column, and he said that the difference in technique in tackling between rugby and football was enormous. In rugby, playing without pads, you basically wrestle a guy to the ground, whereas in football, with pads, you knock the guy down. He wasn’t saying one was superior, just that the techniques were different, and while Ray Lewis (I think that was the example he used) was as athletically gifted as any rugby player, he’d be lost during a rugby game because the techniques were so different.
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Jul 8, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I played rugby for years and it was nothing like football. For starters, reagrdless of position, it’s aerobically more similar to soccer. You are moving all the freakin time. No way Bigg Davis would be able to hang.
If I recall correctly, American Football, which descended from rugby, was almost outlawed in the US in it’s early days because of mounting fatalities, causing them to adopt more and more sfety equipment over time.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
right, which is not to say that players of one sport are better athletes than the other, they just develop different skill sets
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Jul 8, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Exactly
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and more often than not, those skills do not transfer
punter obviously excluded
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Jul 8, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like that weird
volleyball serve thing they do.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dunk you played rugby, and you call a line-out a weird volleyball thing? LOL
I would say it might be easier for a great Rugby player to play in the NFL than for an NFL player to try Rugby. The skill sets are not totally different, but the passing techniques in Rugby are definitely unique life-time skills. I could see a 20 year old rising star Rugby player becoming a line backer, a DB, a TE, WR or even a running back. Just like raw QBs coming into the NFL to learn the WR position, it takes a couple of years, but it’s possible.
Learning Rugby, on the other hand, would be like learning to speak Chinese to most NFL guys… the zone style tackling, the passing, situational strategies … it could take 5 years or more and you’d still be in the learning curve.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on Jul 8, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think a RB could transition well
and as a former second rower, the scrum wasn’t the most intellectually demanding thing I ever did.
But you’re right, rugby (league, not union) is like basketball – you have to shape and reshape on the move, and it really was a thinking man’s sport. When we payed Brits or Aussies, they beat you with finesse even in a sport as rough as rugby.
My left knee hurts just thinking about it…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
by dunkman on Jul 8, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mobile commenting
Yes! Finally!
by WareWolf on Jul 8, 2009 8:36 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Glad to see someone jumped on WareWolf
That name needs to catch on.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Jul 8, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
roy williams is better then everyone thinks
i seen him play and he will make sure a nother no.11 makes the probowl
by bleedinbluensilver on Jul 8, 2009 7:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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