The Fake Games Are Over. Now, Dallas -- and Everybody Else -- Will Unveil the Good Stuff
by Rafael Vela on Sep 6, 2009 9:43 PM CDT
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PrintFour years ago, I watched a week of Camp Parcells at Oxnard and stumbled across a startling fact while writing my summary: the Cowboys, in year one of their switch to a 3-4 front, did not practice any blitzes. Not once in any of their second-week workouts did they bring five or more rushers at their QBs. Dallas blitzed plenty that year, but the ever-paranoid Bill Parcells waited until his guys were in the privacy of Valley Ranch before they were installed.
Wade Phillips and his coaches took a different approach with their season preparations. The team worked out a long list of tactics, offense, defensive and special teams, on a daily basis. Once the fake games began, however, the Cowboys threw a cape over them and made these specials disappear. It's a big reason why the scores of the exhibitions remain meaningless.
Here's some of what you haven't yet seen, but will, starting next Sunday in Tampa.
Offense -- The "Felix Package" has yet to be unwrapped. Dallas has a variety of runs, passes and variations of base packages concocted just for him. The base sets are the same ones used for Marion Barber and Tashard Choice, but the end results are very different. Jason Garrett understands Jones' value in space. Trust me on this. Defense ends are going to hate number 28.
The much-discussed two-tight end package was also rolled out of the garage, but Garrett never switched on the ignition. Think to the San Francisco game, the last time the starters played. Several times in the first half the Cowboys deployed Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett together -- and ran almost every single time.
Once, Dallas used a set which had two receivers in a slot formation on the left and the two tight ends lined up together outside right tackle Marc Colombo. Dallas worked this set extensively in San Antonio and it has many delicious passing possibilities. Here, however, Witten flexed into the backfield, giving the Cowboys a far more vanilla slot-left, power right, offset-I formation, the kind you'll see from every team in the NFL down to high school. The play run was a simple counter. I doubt Garrett will be remotely this conservative when the games count.
How many deep throws did you see? How many combination routes? The receivers worked hard on several individual routes that they threw only a handful of times in recent weeks.
That won't happen again.
Defense
Pick your blitz. Did you see Dallas run a corner blitz? How many safety blitzes did Wade call? He threw the proverbial kitchen sink at his offense, starting at the May mini-camps. He never let up in the Alamodome. When the fake games came, he would tease with a blitz here and there. He used an effective inside linebacker twist once in the first quarter of the Oakland game, but went conservative after that.
Dallas loves to rush five guys and more. Wade will throw four at you, if you're in 3rd and long, and he's gonna go zone, but he's a blitzer by nature. Dallas rushed five in August, but not as much as they normally do, and not with the variety you'll see.
Special Teams
Joe DeCamillis ran a special teams laboratory in camp. He experimented with several return formations, to experiment with the NFL's new two-man-wedge rules. He showed one in the exhibitions. He's got a bag full of returns, coverages and tricks.
They'll come, but he's spent his time sorting through a few dozen prospects, trying to settle on his best units. Now that he knows who he'll use, he'll work that much more on refining their games.
Put August out of your mind. You've seen the Cowboys in uniform, but really, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
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Ha ha ha
You’re taking pleasure in Pat Watkins making the squad.
He’s here because Michael Hamlin broke his wrist.
You willing to bet he’s still on this roster by season’s end?
Ill put fifty on it..
fifty cents that is
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 6, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Pro or con?
Hamlin will be back.
Dallas tried to get rid of him. They drafted Hamlin to play S and Hodge to be the coverage ace. Hodge never really got his preseason off the ground and is on IR.
Hamlin HAD beaten Pat out. The two SS were Sensabaugh and M. Hamlin and the FS were K. Hamlin and Ball.
Then Ball and Hamlin got hurt, Watkins found himself the only healthy backup S, aliens invaded his body and he had the game of his life against the Vikings’ 3rd stringers.
Yeah, he’s still here, but can anybody argue that he EARNED it?
If he grows on the last game...
Yes he does, do I think he will…..No…. unfortunately. I only he had a brain, his height would be great for a FS
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 6, 2009 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Put a big S
on Watkins chest for stupid. No other situational player has made as many stupid costly penalties as Watkins the last few year.
I would have kept denagelo smith over him.
by oneforthethumb on Sep 7, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
A game like he had
regardless of the validity should do quite a bit for his confidence, how could it not. If someone is questioning their ability to make plays, he answered that last friday night. I’m rooting for him to carry that over
Yes
but he was also drafted because he was a kickoff and punt coverage demon. That’s the role that’s keeping Watkins on this team.
If the Aliens
stay camped out in his body, he might stick around.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
Now Now Raf don't move back the line
you lost fair and square. But even when Hamlin comes back Watkins won’t be release.
Watkins only made this roster because of the injuries to the rookies
He’s barely holding on to his roster spot with this team. Another nine lives candidate, like Proctor.. both should of been gone last year
Watkins may finally be turning the corner
Wade has really been praising him of late. His ST play will keep him in the mix for a few more years and (hopefully) should improve his safety play.
Remember, he moved to SS from FS and admitted that he struggled last year. This year, he really seems that the “light” has turned on for him.
Also, he was injured most of the year with the neck strain. Give the guy a break. He couldn’t be worse that “Killer” Davis and he was a fan favorite.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Don't read to much into what Coaches say in preseason about players
They aren’t going to come out and say he’s not making this team or he sucks. Wade also praised Gibbons and where is he…
Watkins isn’t a strong safety and has neck problems because he still doesn’t know how to tackle, his last game might be via a stretcher after a tackle.
Didn’t want the Bullet magnet here last year, both are nothing more than special teamers at best and if you’re at the bottom of the roster, you have to be more versatile than a one dimensional player to stick. He’s only here because of all the injuries…
Dallas likes Ball’s ability to play corner and safety. Dallas brought in another safety this week, who is more in the mold of a strong safety, that’s indicates what they think of Watkins to me.
I don’t see Watkins here after this year, and may not last until the end of this year..
There's nothing wrong with ST aces
We’ve had one for years (remember Bill Bates?).
Watkins has been our leading ST tackler, is extremely fast, and a decent hitter.
The fact that he may be becoming a serviceable safety is a bonus.
I say give the kid a chance. That being said, if he’s in at Safety during the season, I’ll be a nervous wreck. But I like his abilities on ST, and hope that he can become a better safety.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. - Thomas Jefferson
Thats a hell of an endorsement. "He couldnt be worse tha Killer Davis."
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
bbbbbaby, they ain't played football yet.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Any love is good lovin
So I took what I could get,
Yes, I took what I could get.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
and then, and then ware looked at me with those big brown eyes and said....
You aint seen nothing yet…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 12:55 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I met America’s team,
They took my heart away,
Jerry said, he comin’ to him,
But I wanted TO to stay.
I think that any football is good football, and
So I took what I could get mmh,
Oooh, oooh Romo looked the safety off with big brown eyes
And said:
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,
B-B-B-Barber, you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet,
Here’s something that you never gonna forget,
B-B-B-Bennett, you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
And now I’m feelin’ better,
‘Cause what the Cowboys have in store
They’ll move the ball downfield
And take it for the score!
Any football is good football, and
So I took what I could get mmh,
Oooh, oooh Romo looked the safety off with big brown eyes
And said:
You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,
B-B-B-Barber, you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet,
Here’s something that you never gonna forget,
B-B-B-Bennett, you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
by scottmaui on Sep 7, 2009 4:41 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
veddy nice......iss next svimwear..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 11:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
This was great Scottmaui
but this line sort of creeped me out…
Romo looked the safety off with big brown eyes
I’m not sure what Terry will have to say about this, but watch your back…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
lol
i was thinking of just using “Romo looked the safety off with his eyes” but decided to keep the big brown just cause it sounded funnier and kind of played to the whole tabloid reporting aspect of the whole thing…. but could go either way….
at least you didnt say...
Jessica looked at his one brown eye and said..you aint seen nothing yet…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 2:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I want me some Beans and Rice!
Can feelix catch like a WR, no Wait, like a TE, on the run and down the field more than 5 yards?
Blitz’s are great, CB blitz’s can Bite you, better get there!
Raf, always enjoy reading your "write-ups"...you do your homework, state your opinions, and back them up with facts...why aren't you writing for the Dallas Morning News?
It’s so hard to read that dribble on their blog these days…those guys are “real” journalists and they write useless stuff, while taking unwarranted “pot shots” at the players and organization. The sad truth is that they have extensive access to the team, but I get more useful information on this blog…
by CaliFanInTx on Sep 6, 2009 10:17 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
+100000000000000
It’s a job to those guys.
Raf probably has a job, but you can tell he also does what he loves!
Thanks to all you at BTB
But the fact that it is "THEIR" job, one would think their editors would demand more substance form their posts. Isn't there any quality control? There is a reason why people are reading less and less newspapers.
It’s lazy journalism and I scratch my head all time wondering how these guys keep their jobs.
MacMahon doesn't bother me toooooo much
I hate JJT, he is one of those, the sky is always falling type of writers, the Cowboys could go undefeated, win the super bowl in a complete rout and he would find some reason to throw some negative press…But truthfully this site is where I find all my in-depth coverage, I haven’t found a place that is better for everything Cowboys
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 6, 2009 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
The only reason I go to espn.com
Is for Fantasy football
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 7, 2009 4:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Speaking of the World Wide Loser
I kept it on last night after the race, and they were paying homage to themselves for thirty years of coverage. I couldn’t help but think how none of them recognize what horses asses they have become. I just couldn’t stomach it. Man, I wake up to the Weather Channel now. I just love getting video bytes from around the country to start my day, and I find the weather so much more interesting than some biased sports report.
As for the comparison between BTB and DMN; there is none. The only guy I can stomach over there is Archer, and I just don’t post there anymore because of principle. I will not patronize a bunch of Cowboy haters!!!!
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Oh, and BTW
Raf, you really ARE the best. All the BTB bloggers are great, and you sir, are the flagship.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Yeah
and all through training camp coverage, Archer kept saying “Horn blows”.
Talk about throwing a co-worker under the bus. You have to wonder how Barry took that…
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
lol!
The season begins in 3...2...
http://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys
by Aaron Novinger on Sep 9, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
The sad truth is that they aren't haters...
They concentrate on useless things that they think are tantalizing and controversial in order to drum up readership. Look at one of the recent entries…“Cowboys win NFC East”, which was a crack on how Wade said we won preseason…Wade was only making a joke…I got it…didn’t they? Furthermore, they announced the cuts almost an hour after this blog did…and they have access? If I’m the editor, I’m making some changes…
They aren't haters?
Has JJT ever said anything good about this team?
Every article McMahon writes has some jab at the pokes in it. Even the new guys are beginning to follow suit.
You don’t remember some of the antics of Calvin Watkins? His in the face challenge to TO in the locker room? How he said he could coach the Cowboys to the playoffs. How he wrote an article specifically to taunt a fan, admitting he was a Steelers fan? What Steelers fan likes the Cowboys?
The truth is they were hired to cover the Cowboys, and just like ESPN, and many others, they let their personal feelings get in the way. Oh, they’re haters all right. If I let my personal feelings get in the way in my job, I wouldn’t last very long.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Actually, JJT has been slightly opimistic this offseason...
again, they’re not haters, but want to stir things up for readership.
I agree they want to stir things up
but the old-timers there have enjoyed their role as instigators for years. I posted there for years. Were you aware McMahon was banned from the Mavs locker room? They know he’s a hater. Mark Cuban personally asked him to leave the locker room. Why? Because of his poisonous journalism.
Now I haven’t been on there lately, so I won’t say anything about what JJT has had to say this preseason, but I know his work well. Hate his ploy of (click here to see my thoughts) Perhaps he’s succumbing to the pressure of the fan displeasure with their tactics.
We can go all night with they’re haters, no they’re not, or we can agree to disagree on it, and move on to more productive topics. I left them behind a year ago, and haven’t missed them at all. I REALLY have no interest in debating about that hack blog.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
Hey I was just responding to your post. I don't want to debate a useless point either...
But the sad truth is that until there is a more “balanced” source of information on the Cowboys, where are you gonna look? I love the Boys and want all the information I can get, even if I have to sort through all the BS.
I think I read someone else say this earlier
I’ve found my home right here. It makes my quest for information so much better to read it from someone who is a true Cowboy fan.
Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, "where the heck is the ceiling?"
I'm a true "fanatic" I want every detail, even the human interest stories.
I wish this blog had more video audio links.
JJT
I can’t remember JJT ever backing up his opinion with anything, much less facts. I don’t think he knows what a fact is. Last year, if the Cowboys had gone undefeated & won the Superbowl, JJT would have still been predicting that Jerry would/should fire Coach Phillips.
I have no use for JJT’s opinions. Sure he has a “right” to state his opinion, but I don’t have to read that crap.
All Jounalism At Major News Outlets Suck
Sports writers often times just plagerize. Ever notice that the Cowboy Weekly (now Star whatever) has a blanket copywrite waiver allowing anybody to use their material. I recall reading newspaper reporter bylines with word for word stuff from this in-house magazine. Sites like BTB are the future.
I think it helps to remind ourselves
that despite our expectations of some degree of fairness and truth, journalism is big business, and they talk about what excites people rather than what enlightens them. So TO and Cabo dominate their articles and blogs, while real football analysis gets nada.
That’s what I love about this site. There’s a little of the silly stuff, but it is generally hard-core football.
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
Yep, and when Raf does pull a fast one ...
… like the Rifling Through Romo’s Underwear Drawer he has the common decency to put it up as a fanpost lol.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 7, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
... and he gets ripped on his own blog for not making it a fan-shot!
BTB, bottom line, is hands-down the best place for everything Cowboys. It’s not too optimistic nor reaching for a negative angle that isn’t there. The comments are often as knowledgeable as any journalist’s articles. And the debates are, for the most part, respectful and thoughtful.
Except for dunk… has anyone else noticed his posts have slipped off a bit?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
The media is about business...the media has embraced "tabloidism"...geez look at CNN...
when Bernard Shaw was there. it was a serious news organization, now it’s a joke. Is this trend permanent? Isn’t there an outlet for real journalism, sports or otherwise?
what's sad about it?
you get what you’re looking for.
You think coverage was any better when newspapers were the only game in town?
Actually, the Metroplex coverage has off since Dallas became a one paper town. Sorry, two (looks in the FST’s general direction.) When the Times Herald and the Morning News were competing the stories were much better.
Unfortunately, I don't know how the local papers were during the "great" 90's, I'm a California transplant.
I’m a fan, I read whatever I can get on the Cowboys in what spare time I have…admittedly, I spend too much time searching for Cowboys info on the web, and what I find is very superficial and repetitive. I’m just saying that If I was a “paid” writer, I would spend more time researching stories and trying to “earn” my salary…
You are assuming...
That their job is to objectively report the facts. Unfortunately, it is not. Their job is to capture eyeballs. Much easier to do this by infuriating fans. It also allows them to get national acclaim by “asking the tough questions.”
This is the point that still keeps the print media ahead of the blog media
Extensive access.
Get some blog types sitting in the pressers, talking to the players, and sitting in press boxes during games, and the picture changes radically.
Well, maybe not, the casual fans will still read the drivel.
Common sense would say you are right...but have you read the stuff that's been written? These guys don't care about doing a good job.
They have access, but they spend their time waiting for stories to come to them, try creating stories, and general follow the lead of national press.
Tantalizing post, Raf. Can't wait for the season to start.
I am interested in knowing more about who’s doing what on the coverage teams now that the roster is settled. Maybe a future post?
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
What have we turned into here when people want to know who's doing what and why, instead of
who’s doing who? Are we growing up as sports fans?
Look at one of his latest blog entries...
“The Cowboys put waivers claims on three players. Surprisingly, none of them were cornerbacks.”
What’s so surprising…care to name a few players the Cowboys passed over? Or at least acknowledge other reasons why they might be waiting. Stick your neck out…
It is a good lead, but as you say no substance
I was under the the assumption we would pick up a CB, I think we still need 1, maybe after the 1st game.
their waiver claims were purely for ST
They got a S. They had a claim on a LB. I forget the 3rd one.
We got a RB from Jax
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 7, 2009 4:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Really? Haven't been to DC.com this AM,
I was wrong about saftey then , The 2 players from Jax they were looking at were LBand RB. Damn mostofthetimers
Exactly, Does anyone really think this organiation is not trying to find another CB? Seriously?
My guess is that they have already reviewed the waivers and have contacted anyone they felt would be an upgrade to the bottom of our roster…but guess what, those players are also weighing there options…do you want to come to a team where you have no chance to start unless there is a catastrophic series of injuries, or to a team that you have some small chance to actually start?
Not to mention, the Cowboys criteria for bringing anyone in is that they can also must contribute on special teams…
there is also the fact that few veteran CBs hit waivers and guys who were decent
like Marcus McCauley, had multiple teams claim them.
Dallas is in the 2nd half of the waiver claim list, so their odds of getting somebody who could actually play some quality corner is remote at best.
+1
I was going for him, he was here, played well
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 7, 2009 4:19 AM CDT up reply actions
A Teachable Moment
Merriman accused of choking MTV’s Tequila… Tony, please stay away from pseudo celebrities/ and loose women. And, nothing good happens after 1 a.m.
Cali, may I introduce you too one of BTB's infamous bloggers?
’Cito, this is Cali…
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
I'm familiar with Tex...usually when I see a post with his name, I just skip over it...
I’m just trying to save some pixels from my monitor…
Nothing good ever happens after 1 am?
Huh. You’ve never met my girlfriend. :)
Loose
Tex likes jeans loose… pours, slots, and interpretations. Gravel, and women, not so much.
by Montecito Tex on Sep 6, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
... that you remember ...
ba-da-bing!
Congratulations Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on Sep 7, 2009 1:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Tex has a point for once and he and raf are saying two different things
Nothing good happens, on the street, after 1.
if you’re off the street by then, all kinds of good things can happen.
Another pearl of wisdom, from parcells no less:
dont go where you’re not welcome and not wanted.
And dont drool too much over rafael's thread
he is just reminding you that you haven’t seen much yet.
He’s not saying we’re going to roll on to victory after victory.
This is the part where you all take a deep breath and…….
manage your expectations.
“Guardedly optimisitc” is a good way to put it.
Forget that
This article pumped me up, don’t harsh my mellow.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Sep 6, 2009 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions
+!
don’t harsh my mellow
well put!
1. Defense after Wade last year = top 10
2. Offense with a health O-Line = record breaking
3. Humility after off-season bad taste from Philly game = price-less!
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Sure can
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Sep 6, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions
all well and good fellows
Just dont be on here spreading your vitriol when dallas loses a game they should have won.
dont harsh my mellow, i like that.
mellow is better than drooling right now.
I tested negative for vitriol
So no worries
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Sep 6, 2009 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
theJAR, it's the week before game 1 ... do you know a better time for unbridled optimism?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
yeah,
after we win another SB.
Dont get me wrong. Im optimistic too. In some ways more so than last year.
Lets just say, experience in the cowboys blog world has shown that unbridled optimism leads to bitter, bitter nastiness when the bottom falls out.
No one has been waiting for this week since the philly game as much as me.
Sure would be interesting
To see what other offers NE fielded for Seymour. Would be nice to have seen this guy in Dallas for one year. I am sure that uncapped year/contract issues played a big part. No clue as to how, but it’s all relative.
you think Al Davis and Belichick are related?
Now, things are making some since!
The force I think is strong with him ...
Guess which one’s the SIth …
Congratulations Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on Sep 7, 2009 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions
haha
So you think Belicheck is using the jedi mind trick?
by Musiccitynorm on Sep 7, 2009 3:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I disagree
He’s gonna be 30 next month and I’ve heard from people who follow them that he hasn’t played up to his peak since he signed a huge deal about three years ago.
And he’s gonna cost a mint, and Dallas isn’t — and shouldn’t — be looking at huge deals until Ware is re-upped.
Just a thought
But I thought I saw that he was in the last year of that contract. Hungry man? Rent a defensive guy with hunger for one year? Keep in mind my original musing: the interesiting thing would be to see what offers were on the table.
the relative theory keeps making more since!
Either that or the Big Macs under the table,( The Pats do own Mcdonalds or visa versa right?)
and risk another lawsuit
The one think Al Davis can still probably do well is beat the NFL in court.
Al Davis is a bitter old man... my guess is he's got enemies on the Jets
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Actually, he got a financial infusion a few years ago from a group of investors who gave him money but yet ceded
any controlling interest. There’s a sucker born every minute…
The Bay Area at it's best: Multi-level everything
The Raiders faithful have got to be pulling their hair out: they’ve got some decent young talent, and yet they make INSANE trades and use roster spots for the likes of Ellis.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Talk to some 49er fans. They still think back fondly on the Debartolo days...
The Yorks have really screwed that team.
no not near the hit,
but caused us to draft 2 more LBs and bring in 2 FAs
Especially since they passed on Aaron Rogers who played up the road at Cal.
Think what they 49ers fortunes would be if they had made the right pick…or what our fortunes would be if Parcells didn’t hang onto Romo as the 4th QB at one time…
Of course not
But I am willing to bet that no one else came close to the Raiders’ lunacy. Would be cool to see where reality based trades are lining up at this snapshot of the season. You think any other deals are possible? I don’t. Al(zheimer’s) Davis can screw up a ball bearing in an open field. What else in the realm of reality would have landed Seymour?
Al is still in the '60s and '70s
He picked up a lot of old vets and resurrected their careers. Ted Hendricks. Jim Plunkett. Bob Brown. Billy Cannon.
The last trade he pulled like this was getting Mike Haynes from N.E. But he was one player shy of a title then. He’s not close to a SB now.
Reading b/t the lines then,
this deal would not have happened at all if the Raiders weren’t there? I know, he is there and the market has its values because of him, but what other deals are possible?
Here's the sad part: They actually think they are close!
They are optimistic about their O-Line, they probably feel their D is one or two guys from greatness, and their young skill-guys show potential.
Of course, Stanback shows potential too.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
not to mention
He has been injured and banged up the oast few years, I think the pats stole one from the raiders, but that’s what they always do.
by TONYINCC on Sep 7, 2009 10:14 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Patriots Get Richer
But, they diminished their chances at a Super Bowl in the meantime. That is a big risk for the big reward. You have Brady and a short window to make this magic re-occur after a four year absence. Ripping out a vital clog in your defensive line is very risky.
Unless
They thought he had so little left in the tank he wasn’t worth keeping. He is 29 after all. It’s hard to say, but the Pats always seem to get other teams to make stupid trades.
I just saw where Ryan Fowler was released by Titans
wasn’t he pretty good under Parcells? I was just thinking he might be a good LB to pick up for depth.
I Saw That Too
He was a very good special teamer for us back in 2005-2006. Hopefully he’s still a decent ST player, we could use them right now.
yeah, and I still don't feel real comfortable with the LB's we have
behind our starters. He did start for a couple of years for the Titans and he did play in the 3-4. Just a thought.
I'd Forgotten
He was implicated by David Jacobs, and was suspended by the league for a while for steroids use. The whole Jacobs story and his murder is something I want to stay at least a mile away from.
don't know nuttin about no murder
I was thinking about late hits and such
Well Late Hits
Could be a byproduct of steroids use. One of the symptoms of long-term use is uncontrolled anger. Just ask Rodney Harrison, assuming he won’t throw a temper tantrum if you do.
well, scratch him off the list I guess.....
I didn’t know all that. I’m still uneasy about our LB depth and so I’m grasping at straws.
Thanks Rock
I know I’m not always funny, but I still can’t stop myself; kind of like the Dallas Draft stratagy the shot gun approach; cept they have probably got a better success rate.
Too much
don’t they always? I thought I read a 1st round pick in 2011. Is this nothing for something in terms of the uncapped 2010 possibilities? I don’t know cap-ology too well.
Good article, kudos!
Raf, you had me at
The “Felix Package” has yet to be unwrapped
Endorphin rush begins.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
I really like the Felix package, but I'm more excited to see what Romo does unhindred by the demands of Owens.
I think this guy is going to have a record breaking season that surpasses 2007…
Agree with the first part, Romo Unbridled
But if they plan on using a more balanced attack, I’m not expecting Romo to post gaudy numbers. Although I wouldn’t complain a bit if he did.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on Sep 7, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Key word...""more" balanced...not completely balanced. Does anyone really believe it will be 50/50 run/pass?
RedBall loves to throw the ball…Romo loves to throw the ball…Jerry loves him some Romo…they’re gonna pass that ball. The only difference is that Romo is going to protect that ball a little better and not force plays. He’s gonna spread that ball around and look more for the safe checkdown. He’s still gonna give up interceptions, just a little less “incredibly” stupid ones. Look for a lot of jump balls to Witten, Bennett, and Roy in the end zone.
the man with one red ball loves to throw down field.
So between that and felix’s package the tight ends we might not have to come from behind….whew…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 1:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Great Write-up
But, why did Felix go in the 1st round in my fantasy draft tonight?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
agreed
I was like wtf? I planned on grabbing him in the 7th or 8th rd. I was able to get him, Romo, and Witten in another league.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account
by Wmillion on Sep 7, 2009 1:28 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
i think he's been way undervalued on a lot of the rankings
in one (non-cowboys fan) ppr league i picked him up at the 80th spot (end of 8th round in 10-team league), while barber was drafted 10th overall.
he’s actually my 4th back, i got ray rice at the top of the 7th round and he’s shot up the ranks since then, so i may try to trade rice for a WR where I’m weaker and put felix in the flex spot, but i think he could easily end up with RB2 numbers. they are going to get the ball in his hands, and he is going to have a high average and make big plays.
I got Felix in the 10th round of our draft tonight.
He’s my fourth back. Starting to think the people in my league are idiots.
Can't resist:
WTF were YOU thinking in the 9th?
8th? 7th? 6th…?
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
I was thinking
that I have to draft a WR sometime. lol. Actually, I got Roy Williams in the 5th. Couldn’t believe the Cat was still sitting there that late.
You better not be taking money from these people
Thye have to be mentally deficient
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.
i missed out on barber and felix but got..
M.j.drew, b.jacobs, ron brown and t.jones so I feel ok at rb
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 1:19 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't mean to judge but I would throw up in my mouth if I had Jacobs on my team...
For me, I went with a heavier emphasis on WRs this year. In one league (only 8 teams mind you) I managed to get Forte, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, and Ryan Grant in my first four picks. Needless to say, I like that team a lot. The biggest victories for me though were officially not drafting any NFC East players that don’t wear the star (although I did have the computer pick up a few when I had to leave my draft early) and capturing Felix in 3 out of 4 leagues.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
Actually, I go with the reverse strategy
I tend to go NFC East heavy. If they do well, then I have a good team. If my team sucks, then the rest of the NFC East is doing badly. I’m happy either way.
Thats an interesting strategy.
I just make sure I don’t get Redskins…. They are my worse enemy and I really like winning FF games.
That's fair enough
but I have too weak a stomach to root for any players on the Giants, Eagles, or Redskins.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
that can give defenses fits
their running styles are so different and they can both catch passes, Ds have to think differently about how to defend them and angles to take to stop power vs. speed, ground vs. air and what area of the field.
add in 2 versatile highly talented TEs who can both run block and pass catch… going to be very interesting to see how mb3, felix, witten and martellus are all used together, moved around.
come on garrett give us some creative, effective play calling and let us enjoy watching all these weapons pick apart our opponents!
i love our team..i almost dont want the season to start..
Because then there will be proof that I don’t know jack about football…and yes it was very hard to take jacobs but he was the best available…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 1:40 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Don't give up hope.
I traded for Jacobs last year and he promptly got hurt. Wasn’t wishing for it, but didn’t shed a tear for that jerk either.
I have Portis on one team
But i would never have Jacobs, I hate that dude, he talks way too much, and I just don’t like the G-men at all…not even a bit
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on Sep 7, 2009 4:29 AM CDT up reply actions
In my keeper league I had Jacobs
when he was Tiki`s backup and last yr I traded him for WR Bryant Johnson (when he was hurt) and my next roster move was to release Bryant Johnson.
I'm going to the NASCAR race Saturday night
Then back home for the first game. This is my favorite weekend of the year.
Someone help me out
Isnt this girl Merriman is in trouble about the same girl that Tex always says Romo is dating/chasing?
Lets see what kind of year Merriman has. If its a good one, I guess the Tex theory is bunk.
Aren't Tex's theories
BUNK by default?
So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?
Why the hell would Romo chase Tila Tequila? She’s an attention whore who actually degraded herself enough to be a slut over national TV. Romo can get classy tramps without too much baggage. Plus, Tila is not that hot.
and shes got a wierd head...
Not to say I wouldn’t do unspeakable things to her face but I wouldn’t want to be seen I public with her…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 7, 2009 11:16 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Like a moped. Fun to ride until someone see's you.
Im mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm, and I can put a round through a flea's ass at 200 meters. So you go and hump someone else's leg mutt face, before i push yours in. Gunnery SGT Tom Highway
Romo's new fling
isn’t it Candice Crawford – former Miss Missouri and now host of Dallas Cowboys Weekly Show on CBS (What a travesty!…although eazy on the eyes).
Tila would be a huge step down in my opinion.
I think Tex just loves that his namesake for Romo’s women is actually in NFL news circles and he can’t help himself…like an addition
Merriman released a statement
that said Tila was drunk and he was trying to stop her from driving. Evidently EMS was called and she was not injured. If Merriman was choking this broad, she would show signs of injury. IF all this drama is because Merriman didn’t want her to drive drunk, she is the worst kind of bitch. “Attention whore” would seem to be a very accurate assessment.
Stanback
Unconfirmed (just read it on a Maverick’s Blog), and I haven’t read through all the fanposts here to see if it was already mentioned, but I just saw that Isiah was supposedly picked up by the Belicheats, who intend to return him to a QB.
Maybe they wanted Vick afterall?
So pardon my disposition; why should I listen to a system that never listened to me?
L-rd help us if he turns into a stud for the Pats.
The media will fry Jerry and Wade….
…and I might bring em the oil and frying pan
Stanback news already posted yesterday. Good for him, hope he doesn’t screw it up there like he did here.
How long can you wait
I agree it’s not all the players fault…especially when the guy is in shape like he was but injuries keep you off the field and at the very least keep you at less than your best…you cant wait around for ever
53 man rosters are for guys who can contribute…especially on a playoff team like ours
development is for minor leagues and practice squads not the 53
Injuries
kept him from learning WR. That plus a steady blast of hate from a segment of the Cowboy fan base.
Sounds like he is ready to go back to being a QB.
Best of luck, Isaiah.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
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