Cowboys Draft '10, Part Five: You Have to be Cold Blooded
by Rafael Vela on Feb 18, 2010 1:13 AM CST
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PrintSuccess in the NFL requires patience. Top players like Tony Romo, Miles Austin, Anthony Spencer and Bradie James took three years to consistently make plays. Doug Free oozed potential as a rookie, regressed in '08 and then served as a lifeboat when Marc Colombo broke his leg. He's back on the up escalator.
On the other hand, this is a bottom-line business, where patience increasingly becomes passe. Everybody wants production NOW and is ready to declare a draftee a bust before he's had a chance to get his head around the game. Success does require ruthlessness, but in what measure? Where does an organization find its balance?
I think a lot depends on the position and on experience. Take Romo, for instance. He didn't start until his third season, but I was told he was making noteworthy plays in his earliest practices. Bill Parcells used a boxing analogy with quarterbacks, arguing that if you put them in the ring with big punchers too soon they could get knocked out and lose their confidence. He kept Romo on a slow developmental curve and finally let him into the NFL ring when he could punch as good as he got.
Austin was the same way. He didn't become a starter until his fourth season, but that was probably delayed a year by injuries. He was making big plays in his limited '08 appearances. He caught a game-icing bomb in Green Bay. He made two critical catches in a road win at Washington before wrenching a knee. What's more, Austin was making big plays from the beginning of his career. A 90 yard kickoff return in the '07 Seattle playoff game showed Austin could perform on a big stage.
Yet teams cannot cheat themselves. Good organizations will cut their losses, and quickly, if they see priority picks won't fill a need. I've mentioned the Alexander Wright bust. Jimmy Johnson did not linger on the fact that Wright was his pick, and a high second rounder. Jimmy spent a first the next year to get Alvin Harper, because he saw enough in 1990 to know Wright would never excel.
Look at Jeff Fisher's Titans this decade. In '03, they spend a 3rd rounder on running back Chris Brown. He proved to be a good, but not great back, so in '06 Tennessee spent their 2nd on LenDale White. The next year, the Titans spent another 2nd on Chris Henry.
When the '08 draft rolled around, Fisher made it clear that running back was his top 1st-round priority. It didn't matter that he had just taken two backs very high in consecutive years. He wanted to run the ball and didn't feel he had a marquee back. Fisher was going to keep picking backs till he got it right, because he had to. He got Chris Johnson that year and finally checked running back off his needs list.
We have to be equally cold blooded in looking at the Dallas roster. The Cowboys were when they drafted Anthony Spencer in '07, even though they had spent a number one on Bobby Carpenter the year before and still had Greg Ellis. Wade Phillips didn't feel he had the rusher he needed at this crucial spot and picked another one.
Fans often take repeat picks a a sign of weakness, or of failure. Don't. Every team makes mistakes. The better ones identify them, and write them off faster than poorer ones do.
Looking at the wide receiver position this week, I'm becoming more convinced the Cowboys are going to target receiver high. It doesn't matter if Roy Williams has a big contract or if Kevin Ogletree has promise. The team has to ask, are the guys opposite Miles Austin big enough to carry the passing game if he goes down? If that answer is no, then wide receiver becomes a priority. The same is true at every position on the team.
It's as cold and as simple as that.
Next: How good is Dallas at scouting WRs?
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First!!!
the last time i wanted the cowboys to avoid a skill position pick in the first round so that they could choose a Tackle was the year they drafted Felix. I disliked the idea of the pick at first but Felix turns out to be great an my son’s favorite player. If their is a repeat this year I will be the guys biggest fan
WR is neither the biggest need, nor the best use of a #1
They need to get young on the OL and fast. I think you may be overthinking this one.
by speedmetal on Feb 18, 2010 1:27 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Oh? You gonna write my pieces then?
I’m doing a series on every position.
I'm just an ass. I'm gonna take a break from commenting.
by speedmetal on Feb 18, 2010 11:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
In Raf's Favor
Dallas has never drafted a 1st Round OL in Jerry Jones’ tenure.
There may be a variety of reasons: Not glamorous enough, value to be had below the 1st, not a game breaker
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
Our OL grow into the position
Or come as ready to go FA. When was the last time the Boys started a rookie OL – maybe Petiti? Only teams will big holes play rookie OL. I can’t see Jerry going that way in the first unless he’s hot for Iupati or a top OT slides.
I’m thinking safety maybe even a trade down to the early mid second.
Maybe they should have . . .
. . . let’s take a look at our starters: Columbo (1st round), Davis (1st round), Gurode (2nd round), Kosier (7th round), and Adams (2nd round) — now, which one of our starters has everyone been clamoring to replace?
From the hometown of Bob Lilly, Long Ball
I still hope the Cowboys pick 2 OLinemen in their first 3 choices...
Beyond that, I’m all for taking BPA … as our needs are fairly even across the board. People want to criticize our Safety tandem, but I don’t see that as a tremendously weak link. Same for our wide receivers. Crayton was a viable #2 and now may find it difficult to be the #3 … I think we’re solid with Austin at #1 and Roy #2 … if Ogletree progresses he’ll be pushing Roy for playing time. The only concern I have on offense is the line.
As for defensive moves, everything up the middle seems to me an equal priority – for depth, not immediate starters. Of course, getting a play-maker safety – if available – would be great. But it seems that people forget easily how solid this D was in 2009.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
As of right now, our WR and S corp are okay.
Truly though, “okay” will not win Super Bowls. We need to add playmaking ability to our defense and offense since I think most would agree that in general, both sides will need to make more big plays this year to become an elite team (just look at the lack of forced turnovers and the lack of a passing playmaker not named Miles Austin). To do this, I think the most obvious spots to start are definitely WR and S. On defense, we have a playmaking corner, two playmaking LBs, and one playmaking NT. Unfortunately though, we lack a playmaking safety. On offense, we have a playmaking QB, a playmaking RB (Felix), and only one truly explosive pass catcher (Austin). Unfortunately though, we really are going to need more than one explosive WR to be an elite offense. As such, I think that these two spots, alongside our obvious need for O-linemen, should be the focal point of the first four rounds.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Feb 18, 2010 2:01 AM CST up reply actions
Say It Louder Brother: Fix the Oline
I agree with you on two olinemen in first three choices. And maybe a slight move up in round one if necessary. In presidential politics, it is all about the economy . . . this year for the Cowboys offseason, it is all about the oline. Fix it now and forever.
Move up for what?
OTs Okung, Williams, Bulaga maybe Davis should go in the first 15 to 20 picks. You think Jerry should move up for injury prone Burce Campbell or OG Iupati? It fine to draft those guys is they slide beyond 25 but why when there are other equally promissing OTs and OGs availabe moving down.
Maybe not equal but does 6-7 310 LB Campbell fit the Cowboy OL mold better than 6-5 330 LB Vlad Ducasse?
Likewise Maurkice Pouncythe best C that can also play OG should be availabe at the bottom of the first. Still, I don’t think he can beat out Gurode. OL just doesn’t improve the team in the first round.
Raf, I have loved your articles for years now…that stated, give me two offensive linemen at or around the first round, and this Cowboy fan doesn’t care about lost opportunity elsewhere. Give me:
G Mike Iupati Idaho grade: 93
OC Maurkice Pouncey Florida grade: 90
…and this Cowboy fan will be seen with a huge smile.
I don’t care how much wheeling and dealing this one cost.
There is no right way to do the wrong thing. GO COWBOYS!!
That might change with who goes where in the draft. Centers often do fall along with guards as well..just going by history. If he went to the second round, then a future pick and the current pick might be enough fuel to rise up and grab him, in a similar way that Flozell became a Cowboy, (top second round).
There is no right way to do the wrong thing. GO COWBOYS!!
Agree: Great Draft
G Mike Iupati Idaho
OC Maurkice Pouncey Florida
As the season closed I wasn't even thinking about receiver
With Austin officially penciled in as No. 1, and Ogletree flashing some brilliance, and with a last whisper of hope that Williams will get his head out of his gluteus maximus, it just didn’t register watching Romo run for his life. I’m coming around now. I still just can’t wrap my brain around a 1st rounder, because I just don’t see it out-weighing our need to keep the man who delivers those explosive plays on his feet. After watching Jordan Shipley pick his team up in the National Championship game…with a QB who had never started, and probably didn’t even prepare to play in that game, I just see us getting a great football player in that position in the 3rd. Besides, my son has decided to wear No. 8 next season as the best sophomore WR in Albuquerque.
My one reservation about taking Shipley in the 3rd is that Roy might want to take the kid under his wing, and that could be disastrous.
Keep talking though, Raf. You’ve moved me from impossible to envision, to what if.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Nor I, but there's an argument to be made there.
especially when Raf puts it like this:
The team has to ask, are the guys opposite Miles Austin big enough to carry the passing game if he goes down?
I’m not sure the answer is “yes”, though I’m not sure the answer is “no”.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
by Uncle Angus on Feb 18, 2010 11:28 AM CST up reply actions
I'm 80% no, 20% yes.
Another talented WR is a need. This offense looked, last season, to strive towards getting the ball in the playmakers’ hands and not so much just hit-and-run with Romo. Another playmaking skill positioned player is necessary—not for luxury’s sake either.
I’d even like that little Ole Miss’ RB/WR guy at the bottom of the 2nd if there.
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2010 7:26 PM CST up reply actions
This is where the debate really exists ...
Another playmaking skill positioned player is necessary—not for luxury’s sake either.
Some people see the combo of Miles and Roy as quality. When you add in our RBs, TEs and Romo, you already have an abundance of riches. This group (myself included) believes the extra playmaker is indeed a luxury. Therefore the myopic obsession with O-Line help.
The other group (We’ll call ’em Aaron and Co. :) believes this offense is still a playmaker away from being elite. The theory here is that while good, the Cowboys are still not in the same class as the Colts, Saints, Vikings, etc…
The more I think about it, the more inclined I am to hope Jerry finds O-Line quality in BOTH the draft and the FA market. Steal a starter in FA; develop your future bulk through the draft. But either way, the O-Line is my only major concern on offense.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
I'm down with an Olineman early on if there is a guy who can not only compete, but win a starting position this year.
That sounds like a tough road to haul though.
The Cowboys needed points this year. Whether that be from a skill-position player on offense, or a ball-hawking safety that helps shorten the field for the offense, it is a need. Many here have questioned why Garrett and Romo did not attack defenses deep. They would be able to more with another playmaker on the field. Think about how many times Romo completed short passes that went for a good 40+ yards or for TDs. Those were mainly to Austin and Felix. Both of those guys have had injury histories in the pros.
Obviously, offensive line in the bigger need and that is something that must be addressed. The team will certainly do so in the draft and maybe even free agency.
But in my opinion, this team NEEDS a couple more playmakers. A WR, S, pass-rushing DE…guys that can be potential Grade A players. You can only do so much with B and B+ guys.
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Feb 19, 2010 8:29 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed. We have several needs.
We need that shark in the middle of the defense, ball-hawking, and driving daggars home. I don’t know if there’s a Troy P. or Ed Reed in this draft, but I do think we have a chance at Earl Thomas, and if he’s there, I’m all in. The kid was dominating Division 1 College football as a sophomore. I think he’s the real deal. I really can see us trading for an O-lineman, but I just don’t know what we’ll have to give up to get him.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I just want some more interceptions, forced fumbles, something!
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Feb 20, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
I agree that drafting a 2010 O-Line starter is a pipe-dream
But I disagree with whether we’ve got quality on the field now. Our receiving corps – short of an injury – is close to elite already. Roy, Miles, Ogletree and Crayton match up well against almost any other team’s group. If we can find another Terry Glenn or Steve Smith, then sure let’s go … but those draft picks can also be risky.
And the defense was rockin’ last year – shutting teams OUT. People want to write off Hamlin and Sense, but I just don’t see this as a top need. Favre dropping that hail-mary over Sensabaugh’s left shoulder changed the nature of that game – and was as lucky as the original from Staubach to Pearson.
We may be operating with a bunch of B+ guys, and of course I’d like to see an Earl Thomas wearing the star, but I guess it comes down to what need on the team is screaming loudest, and to me that is OLINE, OLINE, OLINE.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
If they actually stay at pick 27...
I think it’s much more likely they pick WR than OL, provided that player can fill the KR/PR role.
A guy like Golden Tate can add a tangible dimension for 2010. Wheras a Bruce Campbell (for example) provides future potential, he doesn’t do much to get them to next next level now, which I am sure is a factor for JJ—and it should be.
OL will need to be developed over time, and there’s guys to be had a bit later.
Agree with the concept
Not the player. Tate is not Steve Smith. He’s not Percy Harvin. He won’t beat Ogletree, he can’t beat Williams.
He won't beat Ogletree?
Are you basing that off the 5 catches Ogletree had last year? Because I would suggest that as a rookie Tate would probably surpass that number. And he can’t beat Williams? When did he suddenly go All-World?
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
Tate isn't that fast
Ogletree already has a year in the league, he’s seen what it takes.
Williams has long arms, long body with a big stride,
Tate doesn’t have those tools or experiences. Maybe he can find success as a slot WR. He won’t run by NFL corners. He gets first round cred and compared to Steve Smith because he is small, not because of heart, strength or the ability to jump over tall buildings. How many DBs has Golden Tate punched out? I’m not saying he’s a bum, but it’s not a given that he starts ahead of Williams or even Ogletree. Tate in the first is a risky pick at a risky position.
I bet Ford puts up better 40 and cone numbers
Tate may be fast, even NFL fast, but so are NFL DBs. He’s not blazing fast like Chis Johnson.
So to play NFL WR
you have to be as fast as CJ?
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
Yep....
Let’s stop the comparison to the guy who has the single season yards per scrimmage record and now has the most 40+yard runs in one year.
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 19, 2010 8:44 AM CST up reply actions
+1
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 19, 2010 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
If you've ever seen Tate play,
you would know that he excels in taking the ball right out of a defender’s hands. Tate is also very fast and quick, the only knock is his size, and the fact that Dallas’ O line looks to be shaky. I think that our O line is fine actually, why don’t we start giving some credit to the Viking’s D line? Jared Allen is total Beast, Ray Edwards had the game of his life, and the William’s Wall speaks for itself.
Golden Tate can believe it's not butter.
I think that our O line is fine actually, why don’t we start giving some credit to the Viking’s D line?
Good point! … and not mentioned enough.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
oline not fine..
Witness Dallas vs Minnesota – No pocket, fifty sacks by Ray -Who? – Edwards and Tony Romo running for his life.
For sure not fine ... but also not as bad as one game would indicate.
This O-Line has failed the team miserably in the last two playoff losses. But good defenses deserve some of the credit. That Giants defense made Brady’s line look suspect, and that was one of the best lines in the NFL at the time. The blame / credit for this last game should be shared… quality personnel and planning by Minnesota cannot be overlooked, nor can the fault of our own personnel and planning.
But to “throw out the baby with the bathwater” is also not the solution. Drafting guys to compete in future years, looking at the FA market for a possible steal, and scheming to minimize our weaknesses … these are all viable options for improvement.
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Witness Dallas vs Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans
I think our line held up pretty well against some quality defensive lines throughout the season
Golden Tate can believe it's not butter.
From that analysis I would suggest
that maybe you actually watch him play. Tate doesn’t have amazing speed, but he is serviceable in that area. He runs great routes, has very good hands, is very strong especially in the lower body (see broken tackles) and for a small guy actually wins quite a few jump balls.
The only area on your list that I would definately put Smith ahead of Tate is his willingness to punch his teammates out when they are faced the other way. And clearly it takes a big man with great WR skills to do that.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 8:36 PM CST up reply actions
Ahem Roy Williams
Every team makes mistakes. The better ones identify them, and write them off faster than poorer ones do.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
its not impossible to me to imagine Dallas cutting RW
though i believe JJ when he says he wants to give him another chance, for the reasons JJ listed: RW has physical gifts, and RW works hard. You give those guys a few chances.
But JJ isn’t so insecure that he can’t let others see a mistake. You don’t get to his position by being scared of failure. If JJ thought the team would be better w/o RW, he’d ditch him. It’s pretty naive to think JJ at this point, an old man with his pride well established, would feel humilated by a midseason deal for RW.
and I disagree with JJT saying RW is a worse trade than the Joey Galloway. 2 1st Rounder picks should never leave an organization for consecutive seasons
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 3:20 PM CST up reply actions
your forgot the most important reason...his salary
no way Jerry would ever cut a player when he’s due 9 million in guaranteed money…absolutely no way.
In Romo we Trust
well, what about TO?
was TO, when cut, guaranteed 9 mil, or was he just eating 9 mil in cap space?
by AustonianAggie on Feb 19, 2010 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
T.O. wasn't guaranteed money
We suffered a cap hit by releasing T.O. but Jerry didn’t pay him any money out of his pocket.
In Romo we Trust
I've seen this comment often, I haven't seen a lot of evidence to support it though
I’ve seen it said repeatedly that X,Y,Z player is only on the field because he was a high draft pick or has a big salary.
I haven’t seen a lot of evidence to support this though. I’ve also seen evidence of the opposite: that Dallas fields the best players regardless of draft position or salary. Romo took Bledsoe’s place. Austin over RW. John Philips at the expense of Martellus. Marion Barber at the expense of Julius Jones. Last year they were even rotating Jenkins (the 1st round pick) and Scandrick (the 4th round pick) on a game to game basis, until that blew up in Scandrick’s first game.
Maybe Terry has some historical examples I’m forgetting?
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Feb 19, 2010 9:58 AM CST up reply actions
The example is Jerry himself, he has never done it before and never will
I’m not talking about starting or playing, I was talking about him getting cut. Would never happen if the player is due guaranteed money of that significant amount.
In Romo we Trust
Disagree
For one thing taking a WR high would be Jerruh admiting he made a mistake on Roy. Not going to happen THIS year.
Cold facts show WRs wipe out at a very high rate.
Cold fact is that we NEED O line help and its VERY obvious. While frankly the need for more WRs is debateable.
Read people
The statement is “they’re targeting WR HIGH” not “in the 1st”
That could mean 1st, it could mean 2nd or 3rd.
They’ve been doing this each of the last several years.
I stand by my statement. I think WR is high on their list.
And why is everybody jumping to conclusions? I’m going position by position. This is WR week, so I’m gonna talk about, wait for it, receivers! If you want pieces that say “Mike Iupati” every day, well, there are other places.
I got ya.
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 8:37 AM CST up reply actions
How about Mike Iupati?
So if Jerry finally drafts a WR early is it:
No shot at Dex Bryant
6’2" 220 Arrelious Benn
6’1" 190 Mardy Gilyard
6’3" 210 Brandon LaFell
6’1’ 210 Damian Williams
6’3’ 230 Demaryius Thomas
6’5" 215 Denario Alexander
or
5’11" 195 Golden Tate
5’10" 185 Jacoby Ford
Iupati was sooo Senior Bowl.
Combine coming up…roll out the athletes!
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Feb 18, 2010 7:28 PM CST up reply actions
I think they'll take a WR in the 2nd-4th rd area
Unless one of the big 3 fall (Bryant, Benn or Tate), there won’t be a 1st rd caliber receiver at 27, but a guy like Gilyard should be available in 2-3 rd area and a receiver like Ford should be available in the mid rds.
In Romo we Trust
I would agree with that
Though I would exclude Benn from the list.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 8:59 AM CST up reply actions
why?
I think Benn is probably the 2nd rated guy, from the collaboration of what I’ve seen.
I also think Bryant may be the only guy with a 1st round grade. More on that tomorrow.
Questionable hands
and not a great route runner. I dropped him from the list because if we were to draft a WR in the first, Bryant or Tate would be the only guys I would be comfortable with us taking at that spot.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
What that based upon
Did he ran bad routes and drop balls or did a questionable QB throw him bad passes? Philly WRs have looked bad for years but a how many people track stats on Donnies passes drilled into the dirt?
Maybe you are right
His QBs made him run poor routes (its their fault he has poor his flexibility) and his penchant to bodycatch is another fault of the QB. Or maybe it isn’t.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
"Questionable Hands and not a great route runner."
Ironic coming from a guy who is a huge Owens supporter.
: )
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
If he puts up great combine numbers and shows a good attitude
I think I could live with taking him in the first.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Feb 18, 2010 2:24 PM CST up reply actions
I'd be way down with that....
He played with Juice Williams….how can you put up good #’s with Juice Williams?
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
anyone who was a TO clone would probably be takin #1 over all
if they, at all, resembled TO’s talent in his prime
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
THAT
I will agree with, in his PRIME
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
Haha true enough
but this is a different case. But Owens was a phenomenal athlete, and while that label may also be given to Benn, I don’t think it is reasonable to assume that Benn could match him in that aspect. I don’t think Benn is polished enough for this team to spend a first round pick on him. I think there will be more value elsewhere.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Feb 18, 2010 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
Benn is the dude.
Very natural, very fluid. Big, fast. And everyone raves about his work ethic and coachability.
OBSERVATION - EMOTION = COMMON SENSE
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Feb 18, 2010 7:18 PM CST up reply actions
And....
Any QB in the league is instant improvement from Juice Williams.
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 10:29 PM CST up reply actions
that should be collation of what I've seen
not smart to eat breakfast and type at the same time.
Wouldn't surprise me. I have a feeling this is the offense's year to
get the overhaul the D and ST got last year.
I think RAF is dealing with one position at a time..that is a good thing so don't..
Bust his butt..You can’t throw out everything on the table for discussion at one time..Yeah you guys need to upgrade the O-line but that is not yet been thrown up for discussion…So let RAF do what he does best and that is methodically run through each position and then everybody can pipe in with their opinions.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
we're what, nine weeks from the draft?
Got to pace the breakdowns.
by Rafael Vela on Feb 18, 2010 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
Pace the breakdowns?
Is that nervous or position breakdowns I am pacing in this dead season of NFL winter?
Keep it up RAF, something you wrote a long time ago on BSR comes to mind now.
When you are on a blog with more readers, you will have more trolls and knee jerk argumentive responses. (OK I am paraphrasing from memory but you get the point)
Keep the analysis coming, it keeps away the non football doldrums.
And it will give some of us more ammo for the draft arguments the week OF the draft when we can really get carried away!
There will come a point in time this offseason..
After the draft and FA market, where we will all be telling each other jokes to get us to opening day…I know on my side of the coin that I can hope for aquisitions and picks..but it don’t/won’t amount to a hill of beans..but it is fun to talk about..After the draft when we are all done pissing and moaning about it …let the jokes begin..We fans can pick out some really good jokes, but cannot choose the players we get…
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
heck, I'm already telling jokes: Jerry should move up to the first overall pick to draft Tim Tebow!
Instant Romo replacement, don’t you know. Get rid of that bum.
As much as I'd love a consistently dominant OL
Dallas has been sacrificing speed for size for a while. I would not mind some lightening quick players added to the offense. I doubt any draft pick has the potential that Felix Jones has, so I’m leaning towards wideouts.
Every big play in the passing game was practically engineered by Miles Austin. Remember the Tampa Bay game? Miles Austin broke open the scoring in that game and then Crayton and Williams cashed in.
If we had another player who could create big plays, teams like Minny and GB wouldn’t be able to take away our one pass catching play maker, and Dallas’s Offense wouldn’t be playing with a deficit against those teams.
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 11:01 AM CST reply actions
Go All In
With the Super Bowl being played in Dallas on Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday, this has to be the year for the Cowboys and Tex, who is also celebrating a milestone birthday. Finding a young interior lineman and a water-bug wide receiver that can return punts are two of the items that needs to get done this year… here are two other agenda items:
- Enrolling the beleaguered Wade Phillips in some psychology classes. He may never guarantee victories in 3" headlines, he may never have to stones to call an onside kick, nor will he ever have the creativity to develop gadget plays like Landry, but the bland head coach, who is better suited as a defensive coordinator, has to advance his understanding of the soul and mind of Cowboys Nation.
- Find Charles Haley. The acquisition of Charles Haley put the 90’s Cowboys over the top. Not only did they steal from a conference rival, but Haley brought a championship mentality and experience that catapulted that group to the Super Bowl. Another Brooking-type veteran with a Super Bowl on his resume. A fullback a safety or an end like Richard Seymour.
Why stop there
Get Julius Peppers to play 3-4 DE he can rotate with Elvis Dumervil on passing downs. As long as we have a rotation, bring in Vince Wilfork at NG, Casey Hampton too.
Pierre Thoms and Lance Moore play O, but they come from a conference rival and arrive with Super Bowl rings. Don’t forget Brandon Marshall to push Roy Williams. Did Manning and Brady sign long term contracts, maybe Jerry can trade for them.
Jerry likes to be in the news but I don’t expect much in FA, wait what about Neil Rackers?
Tex, keep your politics to yourself
what does Ronald Reagan have to do with football, other than starring in the Knute Rockne movie? The Cowboys went to crap during his terms in office.
wasn't Reagon in the film with the "win one for the gipper" line?
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
The jokes are starting sooner than I thought..lol!!..Bedtime for Bonzo..haha
Damn that’s funny right there..haha
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
You know, if we could find a legit pass rushing DE for Spear’s spot, that really could be the Charles Haley for this team. Not that I’m real down on Spears, but the pass rush there could be better.
by AustonianAggie on Feb 18, 2010 3:09 PM CST up reply actions
Just wondering Tex
who do you want the Cowboys to pick at 27?
Golden Tate can believe it's not butter.
.........
sigh
John McClain: Welcome to the party, pal!
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Feb 18, 2010 10:30 PM CST up reply actions
... and we humor this guy?
(grrr… I consider myself sucked)
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
Here's the NFP WR rankings
I was going to make a fanshot for it, but this seems as good a place as any to stick the link
Drago says, "We must break you!"
I’d say that Parcells groomed a quarterback that could deliver back a right cross when blows start to be exchanged. He kept him out of the ring with heavy hitters until he could handle the fight.
Having an over-the-top receiving corp is great, in a ‘greatest show on turf’ offense, but for my two cents addition, I would go for the tough and dominant line that holds up together all the way through December into the playoffs to give Romo a clean uniform to use what he DOES have.
There is no right way to do the wrong thing. GO COWBOYS!!
Yeah..you guys need to sure up the O-line some..
But it won’t take alot… Romo and those recievers will be fine…Might also have to take a look at the defensive backs..but that is about it I think..don’t fix what ain’t broke..Again, RAF will post material for all to discuss one step / position at a time.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
You know the funny thing about these Fan sites..
Is that we dream and talk about who we would like to acquire but we will all get what we get based on the guys in charge of getting them..Again I only post here because the wife is a Cowboy fan, and on my Giants site..and I must say I enjoy all of you I’d pop open a beer with any of you guys anytime..but the bottom-line is we don’t make the decisions..Sure we have fun as fans discussing it but the 22 starting players offense/defense is out of our hands…and the trolls that show up..they actually entertain me..I love playing around with them..These nit-wits who say “I hate the Cowboys” or “I hate the Giants”..blah blah blah..what a joke…The best equipped team will always win…and the equipment is out of our hands..We all just buy tickets and a couple of beers.
"When I was a boy and had no sense I got my pecker stuck in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair and tickled my balls, and made me shit in my overalls"
You know the funny thing about these Fan sites ...
Good thing ‘your equipment is out of your hands’, especially considering your sig.
by One.Cool.Customer on Feb 19, 2010 3:56 AM CST up reply actions
O.Cool... good to see the front-page work isn't taking away from your commenting acumen :)
Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.
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