USAtoday hates us
So usatoday came out with offseason grades for all the teams in the NFL.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-09-07-offseason-grades_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
Our grade? C-
Meanwhie they agve the Fav-rah led Vikes an A-
Something is fishy here. Did we really do that bad? We have healthier backs than last year, hopefully a healthier quarterback, a more polished Roy wi11iams, some new defensive talent, especially the upgraded safety...
OK, so we lost TO. I call the ellis for spencer a wash. Other than that who did we really lose?
I would argue for a B. Arguably slightly less talented @ wideout, but improved greatly on pass coverage = at least as good as last year, and if you plan on barber, felix, and romo all staying healthy through the year (God Help Us), then I'd say our offense is significantly better.
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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57 comments
Comments
I agree
that C- is harsh. But I’m sure they’re looking at strictly a talent gained vs. talent lost ratio here. I doubt very seriously they’re going to be saying, well…they had a great offseason because all their players got healthy (although we all feel that way). Same thing when we’re considering this year vs. last as far as growth and chemistry, they’re not going to take that into account, either.
Minny getting an A- is laughable to me. I consider losing (potentially and probably) the QB of the future for the team in order to lease an aging QB that was just OK last year to be a pretty crappy move. I know they’re all about the “right now” because of A.P., but i really think the team would’ve been better off (and more cohesive) behind Rosenfels or Jackson…just my two cents.
Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake. - Napoleon
by MadDawg03 on Sep 8, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bring on the hate!!!!
I love it, Mike & Mike predicted us to go 7-9 & 8-8. Every prognosticator is saying we will finish 3rd in the division. I love it, keeping talking shit and all I hope is that they stay off the bandwagon when we start winning.
by sduncan24 on Sep 8, 2009 8:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what do expect, they are both Cowboys haters
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 8, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think 9-7 isn't all that bad
Right now, Dallas is the third best team in the NFC East.
Ratings are subjective, but you can’t discount the facts from the recent past. Dallas continued to play poorly in December last year, and in the last game of the season and a chance to make the playoffs, Dallas played poorly and was blown out in Philly, a team who I thought was thee best team in the NFC east last year, and said as much here after Dallas beat them early in the season last year when I said the better team lost that game. Looking at what the Giants and Eagles added in the offseason in free agency and the draft complared to Dallas, then I can see why people are rating us third in the division, and I have no problem with that at all. The NFC East is the toughest division in all of football. Dallas, for three years and have failed to meet up with their expectations year in and year out for the last three years when they were picked to win the division, make the playoffs or make it to the superbowl, so flying under the radar after clearing out the criminals, whiners and Cancers out of the locker room on this team and with the fact this team from day one of OTA’s has been about Football and only football, instead of the circus atmosphere surrounding this organization is a good start and a welcome one for me. as any ragular reader of this blog would know, I have no time for these types of Character players on the cowboys, never have and never will. It may not show in the end record of this team but in the long run for the changes this team made during the offseason, I think it’s a good thing.
by Deke on Sep 8, 2009 9:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But this is the thing about preseason ratings,
every year is different. We had largely the same team last year that went 13-3 the season before. I really don’t think it’s reasonable to base this year’s preseason prediction on what happened last year.
But examining every team’s offseason moves and looking closely at what is happening in every training camp this summer seems to be too much for professional writers.
I’m with you, Deke, on understanding why so many pundits have us third in the division. But I think our division is wide-open this year, and the Cowboys are one of the teams that have a chance to win it.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 8, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don’t mind being third, my only objection are the pundits that claim the Giants and Eagles are significantly better than us and conveniently forget that those teams have serious issues too
by sduncan24 on Sep 8, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But they both made vigorous efforts to dramatically increase their talent levels over the off season
Not sure we can 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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're bashing us not for what we did...
but for what we didn’t do.
We didn’t draft well (come on, no one is going to give us a good grade with that group except BTB’ers), we didn’t get any O-Line depth, we got thin at ILB and CB and we didn’t find a speed receiver.
Plus, the coach is still the coach, which surprised a lot of pundits, especially when Shanahan became available.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 10:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you can't judge a draft this early
For all we know Williams, Brewster, and Hamlin could end up being pro bowl players someday, it’s way too early for that.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Sep 8, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We can say that 6 draft choices made the team.
Would everyyone agree that in any year, that’s an acceptable number?
I agree with Terry in that you can’t judge the draft yet, but in most years, 6 picks making the squad is a good thing. Why is that different this year because we had 12 picks instead of another year when me might have only 7?
The abundance of picks just increases the odds of finding half a dozen guys.
And we have three other choices who are injured, and though we can’t know for sure, I think all three of them would have made the team.
We cannot say that all 6 (or 9) picks will become contributing players for us, but again, our chances are increased because of the number of those rookies.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 8, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh, but that's the part we can't judge yet.
Who knows? We’ll find out over the next couple of years.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
by 24Hz on Sep 8, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm STILL trying to figure out what they did at the draft...
Why not package some of those picks and move up… or trade for picks in 2010. If you know full well that 12 picks aren’t making the team, what’s the point? They botched the draft this year… badly.
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 8, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Choking back the tears...but I agree.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My only complain was not trading up 10 or so spots for unger
I have my doubts that too many other guys would’ve made an immediate difference. By the way, after many people called for wr help, ogletree has looked as good as any rookie out there.
And lets keep in mind, once guys get healthy, 9 of the 12 will be on the team. Jason Williams, Brewster, Butler, Hamlin could all become impact players. And that Buehler pick was trashed way too much when you consider its gonna significantly worsen opponents starting field position.
by foyesboys on Sep 8, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We didnt have a 1st or 2nd round pick. Nobody has ever had a good draft grade without a pick
in the first 2 rounds.
Remember, a good draft is 3-4 starters. We may only get 2 starters but if our STs improve over the next 3 years and we get significant contributions from a few I will be satisfied.
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
by squidlo97 on Sep 9, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
We HAD a 2nd round pick. We just chose to squander it.
See if New England ever does what we did. See if Reese in New York would do what we did. See if Jimmy Johnson would have done what we did. Never…ever.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 9, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they dont see value they trade down. They always have and always will.
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
by squidlo97 on Sep 9, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why the Cowboys have had some lousy drafts, Jerry loves to wheel and deal a little too much
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 9, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree. He gets cute way too often. But still if you dont like the guys there.
Do you pick them earlier because everyone knows the higher your picked the better you become.
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
by squidlo97 on Sep 9, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trading down is obviously a great way to acquire more picks...
But when you already have 37 picks, what’s the point?
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 9, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It always scares me just a little when Jerry starts talking about value
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 9, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you count recovering from injuries
as an “offseason move”, I think B- (my vote), or even C is fair. And if you do count that, you’d have to count all the injuries to our rookies against us too. I think being healthy and the modest improvement in the offseason (mostly Sensabaugh) will make us better, but that’s not the same as a high grade for the offseason.
by jrduncans on Sep 8, 2009 10:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who cares
The only place where questions are answered is on the field.
If we go 8-8 I won’t feel okay because USA Today gave us an A-.
by I_miss_Switzer on Sep 8, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
note
Not really directed at you specifically HEP. I just find the grading business in general to be kind of a waste.
As a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist, I assume you would be opposed to these activities.
by I_miss_Switzer on Sep 8, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken
I agree, and as some have mentioned above, it will make it that much sweeter when we’re playing in the NFC championship game.
Now excuse me, I need to open a mine in Peru…..scratch that, i’m going to build a roller coaster instead.
Jerry: George is dating a convict.
Kramer: Really? What's she in for?
George: Embezzlement.
Kramer: (Seriously) Sounds like a nice girl!
by HEpennypacker on Sep 8, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
grading business is a COMPLETE waste
nobody has a CLUE what the’re talking about, especially when it comes to this conference, as aside from philly, the best teams are different every year.
by foyesboys on Sep 8, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i guess from the outside looking in it seems..
We didn’t do much but with injurys last year we really didn’t need much but players to get healthy…and on the minn. Front I agree with maddog I think they looked smother and more cohesive with rosenfieldburgstien..
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 8, 2009 10:51 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
The same could be said of all other teams with injured players
That does not qualify as a move to upgrade your 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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't matter...
It is USA Today. Since when have they had meaningful opinions that influenced the game. Quite frankly, I am happy not being picked because I think we are more of a team this year and will respond well to the idea of not having a world of expectations on their shoulders.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Sep 8, 2009 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
when has any newspaper had a meaningful opinion which influenced the game?
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on Sep 8, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s exactly the point. None of these experts opinions or thoughts have any real significance as to what happens on Sunday. There is no point in being upset about it because they truly are meaningless.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Sep 9, 2009 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let them discount the Cowboys
No one remembers the injuries last year (most people don’t even know about the injuries to Flo and Witten). Everyone thinks we’ll stink this year. No one pays attention to the defensive struggles that will go on in Philly and NY due to the losses of their coordinators.
Our only problem is depth. Our starters can play with anyone in the league, but if anyone gets hurt, we’re in trouble.
by rhbgsherb on Sep 8, 2009 11:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh my goodness...
This one is just sitting on a tee for me… begging me to turn this into a 200-post debate on a number of different topics. It’s almost taunting me.
(resisting urge to type… trying to pull fingers away from keyboard… must… not… type… more…)
Bye, Big Stew and JJ :(
by Bye, Dawk :( on Sep 8, 2009 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Stay strong Dawk, you must ... resist ... the ... urrrrge
Resist the temptation of the beast
You slip and loose your grip and forever fall asleep
The venom is contagious, be wary of its spell
What you thought would be heaven, turns out to be hell
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 8, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol...you guy say some funny sh!t...
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 8, 2009 12:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
that should have been guys and no im not smarter than a 5th grader...
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Sep 8, 2009 12:27 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that's an unfair grade.
Bad draft, lost our most dangerous offensive weapon for no compensation, lost depth, did not acquire talent at OL or DL despite existing depth issues, 2 key areas that needed improvement, special teams and penalties, have shown no improvement. 6 new “starters” on Defense, none of which is an impact player.
I think it sounds worse than it is and that we’ll pull it all together, but I can see how an outside observer that is not as familiar with the team would give them a C-.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 8, 2009 1:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
USA Today?
That paper hasn’t been relevant since it was cool to have a big ass cell phone that plugged into your car’s lighter. Grade wise, nobody knows what a season will hold. A couple of dropped passes, a few key injuries, or a fumble or two are all that separates a 10-6 team from an 8-8 team. Sensi is going to make a ton of difference in the secondary. TO being gone allows for more diverse play calling since you don’t have to force feed him to keep him from crying. I’d say we’re 10-6 maybe better if we get rolling.
by Waterloo Joe on Sep 8, 2009 1:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Its not entirely unfair
judging solely on talent. But we all know thats not even close to the whole story for this team.
Its tough imo to grade a draft solely on players taken when Roy WIlliams takes up 2 of the first 3 picks. We have a proven receiver. THe Giants, who took 2 or 3 of them early, do not.
Most writers can’t even see that we’ve upgraded two weak spots on our starting defense – Brooking looks good ou there and Sensabaugh looks better than anything we’ve had in years.
by foyesboys on Sep 8, 2009 4:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But ummm...
that Nicks guy? He’s looked like a beast.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
but Ogletree has looked about as good as him.
Just saying….the only rookie wr whose stood out this preseason is comparable to what our undrafted FA is doing.
by foyesboys on Sep 8, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
Nicks will see the field (a lot) this year.
Ogletree not so much.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 9, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not really...
That huge TD he had was because of blown coverage….against 2nd and 3rd stringers. Most of his catches came against 2nd/3rd stringers. Not exactly a “beast” but has potential.
Felix is better than Brian. You can call me FIBTB.
by Route36 on Sep 9, 2009 3:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
context
He played against who they asked him to play against and used his body well, showed good hip fakes and made the catches when he was thrown to.
What else would you ask of him?
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 9, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
The guy slipped on his big TD.
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
by squidlo97 on Sep 9, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is the poll limited to 6 options? if so u should have left out the A and A- imo
by DavidLaFleur on Sep 8, 2009 4:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm ok with the grade
We cut a bunch of people, drafted a bunch of unknowns (who very well could produce 2-3 studs), and didn’t make any big FA signings.
I’d probably give us a C+ due to the Brookings and Sensabaugh signings which are upgrades, but do have concerns about the failure to address O-Line and D-Line depth.
by ChrisRichey on Sep 8, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wait...
you said something derogatory about the Boys?
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE REAL CHRISRICHEY ?!?!?!
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 8, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
It seems like I’m always defending Dallas, but I’m actually really critical of them. Want me to make a list? :)
by ChrisRichey on Sep 8, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I wasn't so lazy, I would keep track of these prognostications by all these
alleged experts on all these sites and newspapers to see how well they fare with their “before the season begins here’s what I think” articles. I really stopped paying attention when we had the superbowl trophy last year before stepping on the field. It’s ok to have an opinion, sure, but it really doesn’t matter what you write. That’s the great thing about the NFL, no one knows which team will get the bounces, have the good karma fairy watching over them or have the injury bug biting their key players in the arse. “Any given Sunday” rules. It is what makes this a great game and a great sport to follow.
by Benthere on Sep 8, 2009 10:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What was in their "Life" section?
They probably liked the new Tarantino movie too.
Who cares? USA Today?
That’s like going to the LA or NY Times for news/political coverage!
How does Pro Football Weekly have the Boys doing? Thta would be more relevant.
by Realist Larry on Sep 8, 2009 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I give them a B- for "offseason moves"
but in terms of the culture of the organization, I feel like theres been vast improvement.
by foyesboys on Sep 8, 2009 11:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
C for roster moves.
A for building a team culture.
"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
by 5Blings on Sep 9, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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