The VRR: Could Cowboys Address Free Safety Position Via Free Agency?
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 28, 2010 1:30 PM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys News
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PrintAs of now, the free safety position for the Dallas Cowboys looks to be some mix of Alan Ball (who signed the dotted line today), rookie Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and perhaps a Mike Hamlin or Patrick Watkins. Going into training camp, we can surmise that Ball has the better grasp on the starting job, for now.
But is the team finished addressing the position? There are some big name veteran free safeties out there. Adam Schefter speculates that the Cowboys "might be poised to make" an offer to safety Darren Sharper if he does not sign with the Jaguars. Interesting.
The Cowboys also did not draft a safety last weekend and they released Ken Hamlin before the draft. Dallas is known to be eyeing Sharper. The Cowboys would like to weaken the defending Super Bowl champion Saints while strengthening themselves.
No safety in the draft? What about AOA, Scheft?!?
Anyways, NFP's Matt Bowen asks whether Sharper's visits could be a marketing ploy on the player's part.
However, this could still be a classic case of Sharper trying to drive up his market value and entice the Saints to offer some more cash at the table.
I’ve said before that the veteran safety is a perfect fit for Gregg Williams’ defense down in New Orleans, and I still believe that. He gets some freedom in that scheme — controlled freedom — that allows him to make those plays on the football.
More VRR after the jump.
Recently released Dallas FS Ken Hamlin will be visiting the Bengals.
Rookies Dez Bryant and AOA are both known for their return skills. This seems to be an area of the game that the team is seeking desperately to upgrade. Incumbent punt returner, Patrick Crayton, has yet to give up the job. Although Crayton managed to break some big returns in '09, how efficient is Dallas' punt return game? DMN breaks down Crayton's punt returns.
Crayton tied Cincinnati's Quan Crosby for the most punts fielded with 59. The breakdown for Crayton was 36 returns and a league-high 23 fair catches.
Factor in the fair catches, and Crayton's average drops to 7.4 yards. That drops him ninth among the 18 returners who had at least 40 punts fielded last season.
Add UDFA CB Bryan McCann to the Cowboys' growing list of return men for training camp.
Former PC defensive back Bryan McCann was signed to a free-agent deal by the Dallas Cowboys following a solid career at SMU. With his versatility as a defensive back and kick returner will give him a chance to make the squad.
He finished at SMU as the active career interceptions leader in Conference USA.
So...who is this New Hampshire TE Scott Sicko we keep hearing about?
The 6-foot 4-inch, 235-pound Sicko, who reportedly turned down five free-agent deals last week in favor of continuing his education, today signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
Last season, Sicko caught 55 passes and scored nine touchdowns for the Wildcats. He was named a Football Championship Subdivision first team All-America tight end.
Hat tip to Far Rider for the FanShot.
Sicko's agent spoke with FOXSports.
"After Scott initially decided not to play football and pursue his graduate studies, the Cowboys as well as other teams continued to pursue him," Rickert wrote in an e-mail to FOXSports.com.
"We maintained active dialogue with the Cowboys and they also continued to speak to Scott. After considering all factors, Scott has decided to become a member of the Cowboys. We are very grateful that the Cowboys have given him this opportunity and he is 100 percent committed."
NC State's basketball player, Simon Harris, is the Cowboys' current try at landing their own "Antonio Gates".
The Cowboys will also bring in a former college basketball player to the mini-camp on a tryout basis. Simon Harris, a 6-3 guard for two seasons at North Carolina State, has not played football since the eighth grade, but he showed enough during the Wolfpack's pro day to earn an audition at tight end.
Harris played pro basketball in Ireland last year.
Taking a quick glance at the team's UDFA signings both from this year and last year, it looks as if they are into developing offensive linemen and looking to find a prize TE/FB to compete with Deon Anderson. Notice any other trends?
Cowboys 2009 Undrafted rookie free-agent signings:
Rudy Carpenter, QB, Arizona State
Asaph Schwapp, FB, Notre Dame
Michael Turkovich, G, Notre Dame
Greg Isdaner, G, West Virginia
Travis Bright, G, BYU
Julian Hawkins, WR, Boise State
Jamar Hunt, TE/LS, UTEP
Kevin Ogletree, WR, Virginia.
Cowboys 2010 Undrafted free agent signings:
Delbert Alvarado, P/K, South Florida
Junior Aumavae, NT, Minnesota State
Will Barker, T, Virginia
Barry Church, S, Toledo
Phil Costa, G/C, Maryland
Rashaun Greer, WR, Colorado State
Chris Gronkowski, FB, Arizona
Terrell Hudgins, WR, Elon
Bryan McCann, CB, SMU
Danny McCray, S, LSU
Lonyae Miller, RB, Fresno State
Matt Nichols, QB; Eastern Washington
Scott Sicko, TE, New Hampshire
Chet Teofilo, G/C, California
Mike Tepper, T, California
Nick Tow-Arnett, TE, Minnesota
Verran Tucker, WR, California
Lorenzo Washington, DE, Alabama.
Calvin Watkins ranks the players on the Cowboys roster. Here are his Top 10:
The top three were pretty easy with Ware, Romo and Ratliff. But is Austin (left) more valuable than Witten? Jones moved into the Top 10 on his potential to have a big season. Bryant, if used the right way, could win the rookie of the year award. We have two Pro Bowl corners in Jenkins and Newman, who might have another strong season.
| 1. DeMarcus Ware, OLB | 6. Felix Jones, RB |
| 2. Tony Romo, QB | 7. Anthony Spencer, OLB |
| 3. Jay Ratliff, NT | 8. Mike Jenkins, CB |
| 4. Miles Austin, WR | 9. Terence Newman, CB |
| 5. Jason Witten, TE | 10. Dez Bryant, WR |
It sounds as if Dez accepted Ireland's apology, as suggested here during Ireland's backpedal.
"I appreciate his acceptance of that apology, and I told him I wished him well as he embarks on his NFL career."
Tim MacMahon looks at some of the free agent tackles available.
What options are already out there?
Garland native Mike Gandy, Levi Jones, Ephraim Salaam, John Tait, Tra Thomas and Damion McIntosh are unrestricted free agents with starting experience who might be willing to be cost-effective backups.
Mr.Jones, any chance of re-signing Flozell Adams?
"I haven't ruled out anything, at all," Jones said. "That's not impossible, but I haven't ruled that out. What's wrong would be to imply for him, that seems presumptuous about that.
"No, I haven't ruled out anything."
Why is Miles Austin laughing at DeAngelo Hall on his FaceBook?
"Can't breathe can't stop laughing De Angelo Hall is a comedian!'
Evidently, Hall's comments below inspired the chuckle.
"It's based on the talent we feel like we've got. It's based on the improvements I feel like we've made. It's based on the scheme," Hall said during an interview with Dan Steinberg of the DC Sports Blog.
"The scheme alone is gonna give us four or five more wins. The games we lost by two, three points, we'll win those games, easy."
"We'll dominate our division, off of bringing Donovan McNabb in here, a guy who's dominated the division in the past," Hall continued. "So that's just an educated guess. That's an educated guess, and I stand behind. I'll stand behind that. I'll fight and claw to try to make that happen."
Do you tweet? Check out the True Blue Fan Club's official list of Cowboys Twitter accounts to follow.
In case you haven't heard, the Cowboys re-signed unrestricted free agent guard/center Montrae Holland.
Here's what the trade for Holland netted the Broncos Saints.
27 (158) Saints (From Cowboys through Patriots, Broncos, Raiders, and Jaguars) Tennant, Matt C 6'5" 300 Boston College
Sean Lee's high school football and basketball coaches say he is a perfect fit with the Cowboys.
"(Sean) fits what (the Cowboys) needed," said Render. "He moves extremely well. He's a more fluid runner than when I coached him. He makes the cuts and drops a linebacker should make.
"Of all the teams that use the 3-4 defense, their linebackers are some of the oldest and they could use a guy who is well-trained and well-schooled. Sean is in a good situation."
While his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers passed on him the pick previously, all agree the Cowboys are a good fit for Lee.
"He was picked by the right team," Holzer said. "They needed a linebacker. A team that has a need for him."
More from Coach Phillips on what Lee can learn from Keith Brooking:
"It goes to temperment a little bit," Wade Phillips said. "You can tell he's a feisty player. I don't know that he's going to be that kind of leadership. But his agility - he can play first, second or third down, he can play Mike, he can play Mo - and that's where Brooking was unique."
[snip]
"The first thing he's going to learn from him is to try to out-do everybody every practice, every drill, everything he does," Phillips said. "And if he learns that from him I think it'll really be a great start for him. (Brooking) competes all the time and he tries to be the best every play, in practice, in walkthroughs, whatever."
Lee on Galloway & Co. (audio).
Click below to donate to BTB's Dallas Cowboys 2010 Training Camp Fund!
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WOW
no hat tip on the Sharper info?
Nice…
ladies and gentlemen
give it up to “that guy” he just arrived.
sarcasm…brozilla
by elFURIOSOpozo on Apr 28, 2010 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL
it’s all good. btw i’m officially on your boat..let the youngins play
by elFURIOSOpozo on Apr 28, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks!
I really feel like people around here are a bit too young-averse. Everyone thinks playing young guys is way too risky or whatever. Also, a lot of people around here seem to be hell-bent on making the SB this year. While that would be awesome and I’d be as happy as anybody, this is only one year. So what if we lose in the Playoffs again because Alan Ball hasn’t fully developed? Think how much experience he will have gained by playing throughout the season. He’ll be a lot better off. And really, he’ll probably be a lot better off by the time the Playoffs roll around, so we may be set at that point with him anyways.
But if Sharper comes in, we’re just going to have this exact same “but the young guys aren’t ready!!!” discussion next year when Sharper is gone and we’re left with the exact same guys once again. They are the future. Let’s get them going so we can get as much good time out of them as we can. A year of Sharper is essentially a year wasted in the development of these young guys and a year of their overall careers.
The window to win is so small
Look at Philly. When you have a chance to win, you MUST go for the gold. Dallas is easily a top 4 team in the conference(New Orleans, Minnesota, and Green Bay all could present arguments on why they are better), and if Ball’s progress get’s delayed in order to get us one of the best DB’s in recent memory, then so be it.
I'll live and die with number 9....
Plus Ball isn't our Long-term FS
Ansah is. And, in all likelihood, Ansah will not be our starting FS this year. It would be un-Wade-like to start a rookie 4th rounder at FS, no matter how good he may be.
So the question is who will be our interim FS until Ansah develops – Ball or Sharper. Nothing against Alan Ball, but my vote is for Sharper.
by JimmyJohnson on Apr 28, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions
And if Ansah
…could pick even a quarter of Sharper’s knowledge, he’d be a lot further ahead.
Rabid and luvin' it
So then why not trade 6 years-worth of future 1sts
To be able to draft Earl, Dez, and Iupati?
The window to win is only small when you go all in and bust. The Colts’ window to win has been a decade long. Same with the Pats pretty much. They draft well and always keep the window open. Eagles too really, because I’ll take my chances making 5 Championship Game appearances that I’d get at least one Super Bowl win out of that. But if the Eagles freaked out and went all in after the 3rd one, they would’ve busted and never made 4 or 5. They never ended up winning it, but that doesn’t mean they were wrong. The odds were on their side, but they just turned up wrong each time. Just the way it goes.
you really only need to have a few things to keep that window
an elite QB
an elite pass rusher
consistently good drafts
and a owner who is willing to bring in crucial FAs when need be
if you look at it this way, our window is closer to its opening than its close
No
Aside from New England, the Colts, and the Steelers, what teams have been consistently challenging? Hell, throw Philly in there too. That is a grand total of 4 out of 32 teams. And really, New England hasn’t drafted well for the last 4 years or so, and have made many “bigger” moves(Moss, Thomas) to try to win a championship.
And besides, you act like we are trading away or giving up the future for a chance for a title. We are talking about bringing in Darren Sharper to push one of Alan Ball/Michael Hamlin for a starting job. How is this THAT big of a risk? Stop overreacting.
I'll live and die with number 9....
Rather...
Brosky, we’re not hell-bent on making the SB this year, we’re hell-bent on winning the SB EVERY YEAR.
“So what if we lose in the playoffs again…better for the experience…” ?…so what, my ass!
If one doesn’t expect to win every year, then one can root for the Browns.
Brosky.
by KaceOFbass on Apr 29, 2010 2:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Based on all the great info everybody's been supplying here, my hat fell off!
Anyways, thanks for the FanShot.
I’m kind of 50/50 on the Sharper thing. If he comes in, great. If he doesn’t, fine. I think there are enough vets on defense to allow a youngin’ to play some centerfield.
Trust them...they know what they're doing.
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 28, 2010 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
...and personally, I would prefer Atogwe.
But I can see if they use Sharper as just a one-year Bandaid while AOA is groomed.
Trust them...they know what they're doing.
by Aaron Novinger on Apr 28, 2010 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions
Why would we bring in Sharper? Austin beat him like he owned him...
…didn’t the Cowboys go into the Saints game attacking him like he was the weak link? He wants a boat load of money and is a progress stopper. Schefter is a joke…he throws stuff \up against the wall and hopes it sticks. He’s second only to Mike Florio.
Schefter is about the most reliable source there is.
ESPN sucks, but if Schefter says it I put quite a bit of stock into it.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux on Darren Oliver’s 0.00 ERA this spring:
"Economical work. He ain’t getting paid by the hour."
No I'm serious.
Schefter knows his stuff.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux on Darren Oliver’s 0.00 ERA this spring:
"Economical work. He ain’t getting paid by the hour."
Give me Jay Glazer any day.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
by APerfectStar on Apr 29, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
What!?
Schefter is by FAR one of the best “insiders” in the league, and if right far more than he is wrong. Just, you’re wrong.
I'll live and die with number 9....
Indeed.
Again, not a fan of ESPN but Schefter has been dead on since I first saw him on NFL Network. He should have just stayed there, screw ESPN. Oh well, he’s still a great source for information. If Schefter reports it then it’s probably got legs.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux on Darren Oliver’s 0.00 ERA this spring:
"Economical work. He ain’t getting paid by the hour."
Why did NFLN ever let Shefter go?
I liked him way better there. It just seems he was a better fit with the other NFLN guys.
Let the chips fall where they may
I'm sure ESPN offered him some good money.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 28, 2010 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Schefter said this afternoon on ESPN
that the Cowboys would probably not pursue Sharper, so lets put this silly rumor to bed already.
In Romo we Trust
Quan Crosby?
Also, I’ve seen that same comment of “The Cowboys failed to address their needs at safety in the draft” just about everywhere on the internet, and it REALLY pisses me off. Not in the fact that they I guess are making us look like poor drafters, but in the fact that they don’t even know enough about the team to realize that we did in fact draft a safety. A couple draft experts (like Mayock) I believe pointed out that Ansah would be a good fit at FS for us, but other than that, the rest of the idiots just skim the list of players and see “CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah” and then write about how horrible a job we did at not drafting a safety.
I don't see AOA contributing at FS this year
he is due for a late start, and switching positions and the jump in competition are serious hurdles.
by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 28, 2010 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
But if we drafted a Safety in the 6th round, people would at least say “the Cowboys addressed Safety in the draft, however he likely won’t contribute this year, so they could get Sharper.” That’s much more accurate and more educated than “the Cowboys didn’t address Safety in the draft, so they could get Sharper.”
totally disagree
Ansah played a bit of safety already, can participate in non-contact drills, and will be full-on from yesterday investing himself into the position. We’re not talking about rocket science here, if he can grasp the mental part of his job … then as Campo has already stated, it’s just a question of translating that to the field.
My money is on Ansah being the future at FS. The guy is a stud of a talent, a hard worker and smart enough to absorb what’s being thrown at him.
Will he start the first game? Unlikely. But will he contribute significantly at the position this year? I’d be surprised if he doesn’t.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Maybe this is obvious ... and already addressed, but ...
While Dez was a Cowboy fan all his life … it looks like Lee was (gulp) a STEELERS fan from birth! While I’m sure he’ll say all the right things, there’s gotta be a little bit of “rut roh” mixed in with his enthusiasm to be a Cowboy :)
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Honestly
I don’t think he’s probably old enough to really remember the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry when it was really worth anything.
Dude, the Cowboys and the Steelers remain opposites in the NFL ... one is blue-collar lunch-pail ...
… and the other rides a white horse, gets the celebrities … and wears a star :)
Outside their division, Steelers fans have two teams they love to hate: Philly and Dallas.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Dude, the Steelers passed on him...if he was a fan before, isn't that tempered a bit now?
The Cowboys truly showed they wanted him bad enough to trade up for him. Put yourself in his shoes, wouldn’t you place your loyalty with a team that demonstrates they want you more? Besides, he already acknowledged that he has a good chance to go to the Superbowl with this team…not like he got drafted by the Lions.
LOL at IQ is room temp ... I'm stealing that one!
I think my post is a little vague… I’m not saying Lee won’t be psyched to play here or that he is anything less than appreciative… I’m sure he’ll be as proud to wear that STAR as Dorsett was… and that the Steelers passed on him is nothing short of poetic.
I’m just pointing out a simple fact. I’m sure most of his HS and College buddies are either Pittsburgh or Philly fans, so he’s sure to take a ribbing every time he goes home. And his reply will be…
he’ll be telling his family, "look, this Cowboys thing is the real deal. I loved rooting for the Steelers as a kid, but this is where it’s at. And Philly still sucks."
-speedmetal
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
I assume Tony Dorsett was a Steelers fan growing up
And that worked out pretty well for us.
by Bluecheese on Apr 29, 2010 1:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't think that's quite it
I think it’s a transition. He won’t start off day one loving the rich Cowboys tradition and history. It’s going to start with his appreciation for the Cowboys trying so hard to get him. Then, slowly he’ll grow to love and respect the people in the organization. Over time, he’ll meet the people who define the franchise. Tony and Jerry first, then Irvin, Aikman, and sooner or later, Staubach, and Randy White. By the time he’s helped us win a few Super Bowls he’ll be telling his family, “look, this Cowboys thing is the real deal. I loved rooting for the Steelers as a kid, but this is where it’s at. And Philly still sucks.”
careful, that's dangerous ground you're treading there
we all make mistakes and every family has a few people who’ve made real bad ones. It’s not as if no Cowboys player has every raped a woman, or that we make a special point of acquiring players who are unlikely to commit rape. We take the same chances as any other team, and as our haters like to point out, sometimes more. Certainly, I’m thrilled to have a QB like Tony, and would hate to be in any way associated with what Roethlisberger has done, but if I recall correctly Dallas was interested in Roethlisberger before the Steelers got him.
He said in an interview before we drafted him
That he would love to come here because we have such a tradition of winning and a great history. I think he gets it.
yeah I think player just hope Oakland doesn't draft them
and a few other black hole franchises
Don't You Think
Every player comes in a fan of a team and most likely plays for a different team. I think they probably start realizing the business side of all of this as they mature in college. Besides, most of these guys do not have the same type of passion that we do as fans. They have passion but I think it’s to play and win and not necessarily win for a particular team.
rare, except for the Cowboys
so many Cowboys fans in the parts of the country that produce a lot of talent. It’s good to be America’s Team.
There was something extra special about watching Dez's family celebrate ... knowing they were already Cowboys fans :)
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Better Than
an Eagles fan.
"You have to have a stronger belief in yourself than the disbelief of others."
Antonio Ramirez Romo
I voted No
On the poll earlier. and i think i may just be on the “let the young guys have at it” train. It’s kind of like when i came to terms with Tony Romo a month after the 44-6 game (that never happened). He is the QB of this team, like it or not. We supposedly got value out of AOA in the 4th, we have Hamlin and Ball on the squad as it is.
At this point, i say go with it.
I’m more concerned about the OL depth.
couldn't agree with you more
I’d be very surprised to see the Cowboys go after a free agent FS.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
I wouldn't rule Hamlin out.
The team has said on multiple occasions that they like what he’s doing. At the very least, the Cowboys are content to go to camp with what they have, and let them war it out for the safety position. Perhaps Ball has a slight edge right now, but if one of those three, Hamlin, Ball, or Kwasi stand out, I would expect that player to win the spot and start the season as our new FS. It will be one of the more interesting battles of this training camp. That, and the ILB situation. I’m also looking forward to the WR showdown that is brewing. Ah hell, we have a lot of talent, and a lot of playing time to settle here…all over the field.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
if Hamlin starts it is at SS
Sensi to FS
not sure where I read this
by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 29, 2010 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Sharper = Overrated
7 of his picks last season came against rookies Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman as well as Chad Henne and Kevin Kolb…. Those accounted for 7 of his 9 INTs. The other 2 INTs came from Matt Ryan and Tom Brady.
So he pretty much fluffed his stats against poor/inexperienced QBs. Couple that with his age and propensity to give up big plays, and I’ll PASS hard on Sharper.
Reminds me of Hamlin a couple years ago, lots of fluff picks to mask the fact that he couldn’t play with the big boys.
Much rather have me some Atogwe in another month.
And we play...
Kevin Kolb(x2)
Matt Leinart
Matt Stafford
Vince Young
David Garrard
As well as the likes of Matt Schaub and Jay Cutler, who still have questions about them. Not to mention there is Eli, who just does not play well against him as well as Brett, who will NOT have as good of a year as he did last year, statistically speaking. And really, McNabb in Washington is a huge question mark, as we really don’t know how he will preform without Reid and in the Washington system. That leaves Peyton, Brees, and Rodgers, who are probably the top 2 QBs in the league as well as a top 10 with a chance to be a top level QB if he keeps developing. I just don’t see how people can say we would be better without him next year than with him. Just makes zero sense. This is a case where you bring in a veteran with a Super Bowl ring into the locker room, you bring a leader into the secondary, and you also help develop a secondary which is still VERY young.
I'll live and die with number 9....
Kolb's picks were
Generally desperation throws because the game was out of hand. There’s no point in making INTs if you’re already gonna win anyways. Again, worthless picks bolstered Sharper’s resume. You act like Garrard is a INT-machine or something. Two years ago this guy threw what, 6 INTs in 16 starts? And Leinart, Stafford, and Young will throw picks to anyone, whether they’re named Darren Sharper or not.
Sharper’s productivity was all in the Saints’ scheme.
No
Pretty easy to try to prove your point when you blatantly lie and exaggerate to attempt to make a point. Just stop. Show me evidence of these “worthless” picks. You first attempted to discredit Sharper because the INTs were against QBs who weren’t “good”, and then attempted to change your argument to “Oh, well, his picks came at worthless times”. Further more, Garrard threw 13 and 10 INTs these last two seasons. Not extremely high, but it isn’t like Garrard is a world beater or anything. Hell, he isn’t that good of a QB as is and probably is gone after this year. And “they will throw picks to anyone” is an idiotic argument, as all it is is an attempt to undercut what I said to prove you wrong with a blanket statement which has absolutely no bearing on the situation. If they are going to throw them to anyone, why not Sharper? At least Sharper has a chance to get INTS against BETTER QBs than the lowest level.
Just stop.
I'll live and die with number 9....
If Calvin Watkins list referred to the most valuable player on the Cowboys, Romo should be #1.
…and NO, I’m not Terry. lol.
I agree.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 28, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions
and Witten is no lower than #3
He’s better than Rat and Austin. And Dez being #10…thats laughable.
In Romo we Trust
OL
If we sustained more then one injury to the OL we would be in trouble. TE would be a drop off but our backups would allow us to continue to win with other playmakers on the team. Same is true for every other position on the team.
I don't know about better than Rat.
There is no other nose tackle in the league like Rat. And he’s a damned good one. I;ll agree that he’s better than Austin.
And Dez on the list before he’s played a down is just silly.
Not many TE's in the HOF
Its a tough road. If Witten stays healthy for 5 more seasons and racks up similar stats, then he is a shoo in. But if he starts to decline it’s not a certainty. Plus remember that tons of Media hate the Cowboys and there definitely is an anti cowboy bias in HOF voting.
While I agree he needs more time...
Look at Witten’s stats vs HOFer Ozzie Newsome. With a couple more years, he would appear to compare pretty favorably. Granted, this does appear to be a rather TE heavy league right now, but I would say he has among the best chances of any modern-era TEs in the league (save for Tony Gonzalez)
by BVandy on Apr 28, 2010 3:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Witten is going to need a ring
Plus all the stats before he makes it into the HoF. It is very hard to get a TE into the Hall, and considering that Witten is really in the first group of dominate TE’s who have emerged post Sharpe, and my only fear is another 2 or 3 younger TE’s coming in and having even more production than Witten. Looking back, Witten’s numbers MAY not compare favorably to the likes of this potential. We already know that Gonzo is going to go before him, and I have a feeling Gates is going to go in before him(and not deserve it mind you, but he will…anti-Cowboy bias), and by then, a new set of TE’s will be there with comparable numbers.
Listen, I want Witten in the hall, I’ve loved him since he played with a wired shut jaw and the first thing I did in Madden that year was sub him and Campbell, but I really don’t know if he is going to make it.
I'll live and die with number 9....
That really depends on the next few years.
If he continues with 80+ receptions and flirts with 1000 yards for 4 more years it would be tough to keep him out.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 28, 2010 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
I think that beyond Dez at 10
the list is fairly accurate. Witten could be higher sure, and that Romo is more valuable than Ware can be debated.
Most valuable doesn't always mean best.
If Witten gets hurt we have Marty B and Phillips. If Rat gets hurt we have Junior Siavii and Sean Lissemore. Which scenario scares you the most? I think it is pretty clear for me.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Apr 28, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I was about to argue against this point,
but then I realized how much of a beast Spencer is. I think the team could get by for a few games without Ware. I’m not sure I’d want to see this team without Romo.
We already saw what can happen in 2008. Romo didn't play and we got rolled by the lowly Rams.
The worst part is that we scored first on a nice drive, but when the Rams scored quickly, you could see the Defense deflate in front of your eyes…Ware was healthy in that game…
Ware and Tony are the two clear-cut leaders ...
My list would be:
My top 7 most VALUABLE … after this list it drops IMHO
Tony
Ware
Austin
Witten
Rat
Felix
Jenkins
… The O-Line as a unit (any missing piece could be ugly) would probably, in my eyes, go 2nd after Romo. Austin because he simply made the WRs last year… Witten’s replacements are just too strong to put him higher. Rat is HUGE … but I just don’t see the defense collapsing if he had to miss some games. Felix and Jenkins are the kind of rising stars you just love to have on your team…
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Two options at safety
FS Ball, SS Sensi
Fs Sensi, SS Hamlin
I think the team is a little more relaxed with this flexibility.
I don’t see them moving on Atogwe, because I bet they hope they can coach AOA up into being a decent starter next year. Atogwe is good, not elite.
AOA may be merely good ... or may be elite ... nobody will know for sure until camp.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
... addendum: training camp is the earliest anyone will know this ... Like Spencer, it could take time.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
He came from D2.
It’s going to take a year minimum, and probably more like 2 or 3 unless he’s just insanely good.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux on Darren Oliver’s 0.00 ERA this spring:
"Economical work. He ain’t getting paid by the hour."
Well you hope it won't take him 2-3 years.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 29, 2010 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
You hope.
But the jump in talent level from the level he played at to where he’ll be playing now is immense. Like I said, a year minimum if he’s incredibly good, but sometime between 2-3 years wouldn’t shock me.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux on Darren Oliver’s 0.00 ERA this spring:
"Economical work. He ain’t getting paid by the hour."
Maybe.
If you have talent, which AOA does.. it surely helps.
He went to a small school because he played RB in high school and was only 170 lbs when he went to college.
Hopefully after a year he’ll get used to the speed of the game.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 29, 2010 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Deunta Williams
Just get a short term solution (hopefully AOA proves himself and gets a shot this year) and go after a guy like UNC FS Deunta Williams next year.
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Apr 29, 2010 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd love to see a Tar Heel as the Boys defensive chief :)
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
That also depends on Mike Hamlin's development.
I would really like to go into next year not having to talk about getting a safety in the first round.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 29, 2010 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
If We Bring In a FA
I hope it’s someone to challenge for the C/G position. I think we are fine everywhere else including OT for this year.
I could get behind a Levi Jones signing.
For the right price. He was a damned good tackle for the Bengals a few years back. He’s the youngest of those mentioned and he also had the highest peak. His injuries recently might be a little scary, but it isn’t as though we’d be asking him to start every game.
Depends on the price.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 28, 2010 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Obviously, since he will be a backup.
The question I have is would he want to? He’s been a starter his entire career. Is he ready to be a backup now?
Scott Sicko is either really dumb
or getting Converted to Full Back. But to come to Dallas, thinking he can make this roster as a rookie UDFA TE is ludicrous
I don't think Scott Sicko should pick a camp based on what he thinks the Boys will do with Bennett
I’d assume they’ve already told him his best shot would be to own the HBack/FB role
by AustonianAggie on Apr 28, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Sicko is a guy who decided to quit football because he wasn't drafted...logic may not be a primary concern...
The Chargers, Chiefs, Jaguars, and Jets also offered him a contract, but Dallas took the time to convince him that ""Football is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can do both and still accomplish my career goals." (his quote)
I agree with him, audition for the Cowboys, try and be a part of history. I’d reckon he’s got one camp to do it in.
Just, TE, in Dallas? this roster is already stacked
by AustonianAggie on Apr 28, 2010 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
well according to an article I found on Scott Sicko’s pro day,
Sicko measured 6’4 1/4" and weighs 251 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.53
That puts him on a competitve level with Dallas’ TEs. Maybe we just ditch FB and roll with 4 TEs?
by AustonianAggie on Apr 28, 2010 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
6'4" 240lbs is a bit tall and light
for FB. Moose was considered a bit too tall at 6’2" and he weighed about the same.
I think this signing is a foot to the buttocks of Bennett.
Best case scenario- Bennett steps up his game and Sicko gets signed to the Practice Squad or cut.
Likely scenario- Bennett does just enough to keep his job and Sicko does enough to make the Practice Squad.
Worst case scenario- Bennett gets traded sometime between the end of camp and the start of the season and Sicko takes his spot.
Rabid and luvin' it
Maybe Phillips is getting converted to FB
by I_miss_Switzer on Apr 28, 2010 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
this sounds most likely
Phillips did pretty good lead blocking last year
by AustonianAggie on Apr 28, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
for people who think bennett is a prima donna...
…you can’t like Sicko. Obvious publicity stunt he pulled here. You think he really didn’t know that he could take online classes and stuff? And if he really wanted to be a legit academic, he would know that the Ph.D. programs he claims he wants to do will not give two hoots about his University of Phoenix credits. He was gonna be a really low draft pick anyway, and makes a bunch of headline.
No, he's a worry wart
He was thinking about what would happen if he started moving on from franchise to franchise if he isn’t signed by a team… The travels… The insecurity of trying for jobs…
He’s a smart guy, he can make a fine living without trying the NFL route, I’m guessing that he’s giving a try with the Cowboys and if he can’t make the team at least he made a good amount of money for his subsequent studies.
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Who said anything about University of Phoenix?
http://www.nfl.com/playerdevelopment/continuing
The NFL Continuing Education Program is designed to assist active NFL players with degree completion in their undergraduate, graduate or professional studies.
The NFL Player Development staff administers the program by collaborating with colleges and universities throughout the country to develop plans that allow players to return to school in their club cities, at their original institutions or at institutions near their offseason homes, or through long-distance learning.
The ultimate objective of the program is to help players complete their degrees and assess how best to utilize their education to attain meaningful employment opportunities at the conclusion of their NFL careers.
Tuition Reimbursement Program: The Tuition Reimbursement Program is a benefit used to encourage players to continue their education and complete their degrees. Under the program, eligible players who are enrolled in accredited academic institutions and who are receiving credit toward a degree may be reimbursed up to $15,000 per year. Players must receive a “C” (2.0) or better, or “Pass” if the course is Pass/Fail.
The following are NFL players who earned their college degrees in 2009:
Player Team College Major
Todd Johnson Buffalo University of Florida Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
Matt Forte Chicago Tulane University Finance
Brett Ratliff Cleveland University of Utah Human Development and Family Studies
Corey Hilliard Detroit Oklahoma State University Education
Jacoby Jones Houston Lane College Interdisciplinary Studies
Mike Hart Indianapolis University of Michigan General Studies
Drew Radovich Minnesota University of Southern California Sociology
Usama Young New Orleans Kent State University Educational Studies
Danny Woodhead New York Jets Chadron State College Interdisciplinary Studies
Jon Dorenbos Philadelphia University of Texas-El Paso Multidisciplinary Studies
Ellis Hobbs Philadelphia Iowa State University Art and Design
Billy Bajema St. Louis Oklahoma State University General Business
Craig Dahl St. Louis North Dakota State University Mechanical Engineering
Fred Robbins St. Louis Wake Forest University Sociology
Darius Walker Free agent University of Notre Dame Marketing
Nate Salley Free agent Ohio State University Economics
It’s called accreditation. Besides, we’re not talking a Ph.D. in Astrophysics or Neurosurgery here. We’re talking a Masters or Doctorate in History…which was his major. I’ve seen military officers working on their Master’s while stationed in Korea and Japan. I think the NFL can work something out in most major cities that can support an NFL team.
Rabid and luvin' it
Yeah the univeristy of phoenix is used by ALOT of military.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 29, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
And one of our own staff members teaches for them.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Apr 29, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
We were using the University of Maryland
…for decades before the University of Phoenix came along with online classes. We had a satellite campuses for them and Eastern Michigan on our base in NC back in the mid-90’s along with a couple others. There are a lot of different colleges on different bases.
It sounds like the NFL has set up a similar deal for their players. Where there’s a will and money to be made…there’s a way to make it happen.LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
My Ten Most Talented Dallas Cowboys
1 Demarcus Ware
2 Tony Romo
3 Mike Jenkins
4 Terrence Newman
5 Miles Austin
6 Felix Jones
7 Jay Ratlif
8 Anthony Spencer
9 Jason Witten
10 Roy Williams
Roy is obviously subject to getting knocked off. I based my list on shouting at the TV, yelling, “make a &^%&% play!”; in such a situation, who do you think would come through? Tnew for his Pass Breakups
Its ridiculous that Sicko even considered pursuing his education over playing for the cowboys
You can get an education anytime of your life, the NFL is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I just can’t believe Jerry Jones asked him to play for him and he turned it down. At least we got him, though.
Golden Tate can believe it's not butter.
i can't believe you believe sicko
no one says they want to get their Ph.D. and then goes, oh DUH i can take online courses (which will not help you get into any legit Ph.D. program)!!!
Anyone reckon we have a shot at ex-Titans center Kevin Mawae to backup Gurode?
Granted, he’s 39 yrs old, and might demand more than we are willing to pay a backup center, but he’s fresh off another Pro Bowl, and I just read an article saying no team in the league has even contacted him. I’d take him over anyone else on our roster for center depth.
that is a really good idea
he could push procter off the roster finally and would be a nice upgrade over the proctologist
I second that motion
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Apr 29, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
No way
Too old for a 1-2 year deal
by Cknbonenowison on Apr 29, 2010 2:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't mind getting him
He’s like another coach, might help Gurode overcome some of his brainfarts.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
by APerfectStar on Apr 29, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Top 15
Found the whole ranking the Boys thing interesting. Top 15 with some explanation out of boredom:
1. DeMarcus Ware – As valuable as Tony is to this team, and we’ll touch more on that later…watch the game at New Orleans which was the game that SAVED the season for us. Ware took over that game, and with a bum neck mind you. That being said…
2. Tony Romo – And it is very close. The only thing stopping me from putting him at number one is that I feel the 2008 team would have had a far better chance with Kitna/McGee to beat the Rams than a fossil in Brad Johnson and a worthless Brooks. They seriously made a mistake not having proper QB depth that year, and it cost them. This team right now could still be a .500 team with Kitna as the starting QB, not a doubt in my mind. WIth Romo, they are a top level team in the league and a SB contender, don’t get me wrong. So yeah…
3. Miles Austin – Listen…if Witten was the ONLY go to guy on this team, we would be lost. Without Miles last year, our starting wideouts would have been Crayton and Williams. Romo needs his number one deep threat. Owens was great, and Miles is even better.
4. Jason Witten – But Witten is still amazing.
5. Jay Ratliff – Changes the defense and his constant motor helped carry this team when the offense was awful at various times last year.
6. Mike Jenkins – Watch our defense play before we had corners and see the value.
7. Terrence Newman – Because it is obvious.
8. Felix Jones – Game changer who is starting to become the player he always had the potential to be.
9. Leonard Davis – I hate putting a guard this high, but I just couldn’t leave a lineman out of the top 10, and I couldn’t put Colombo, Gurode, Koiser, or Free ahead of him.
10. Anthony Spencer – Has come on to really be a game changer. If he can just make more of the plays he is SO close to making, he would jump about 5 spots up the list.
11. Bradie James – Has been a solid player in the defense for a number of years and he really is the definition of a team leader.
12. Marc Colombo – Marc needs to have a good year next year, as there is going to be a ton of pressure on Free to preform. I assume Marc is going to get some work at LT sometime in camp as an emergency, and the pressure is going to be on him to help fill the roles left behind by Flo.
13. Keith Brooking – Amazing team motivator, and if he can help Sean Lee become his eventual replacement, as well as keep the defense fiery, he would have done everything I ever could have wanted him to do for us.
14. Andre Gurode – As inconsistent as he can be, and as much as I hate that he doesn’t make the line calls, and as MUCH as I want him moved back to guard, he is still a key component to our success.
15. Doug Free – All the pressure in the world is on him to take over for Flo. I have good faith in him and while I do think we are going to need a franchise LT in the future, he is still good enough to keep us going this year and he can certainly fill a starting tackle role in the future.
I'll live and die with number 9....
The debate here often is as much about who the back-up is (value) than any amount of talent...
My top-3 depth concerns:
1. QB … I just think Romo is a stud
2. O-Line … the depth is scary to say the least
3. DT … the entire defense has depth issues, but Rat is just that much better than the alternatives.
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Darren Sharper........
a player coach? Baseball used to have em……..I think a guy like Darren for a one year contract would serve as an upgrade to Hamlin and as a player / mentor coach to AOA, Ball and whoever else wins a spot on the roster. Jerry wants a super bowl this year like no other……….why not spend some money in FA already.
I will be curious to see how Terrel Hudgins does in camp……..
Sharper and Mawae
short contracts only please and no guarantee to start. that would be excellent for the boys, but i dont think the vets go for it.
If answering the FS position
I would say that I like O.J. Atogwe more than Darren Sharper to play here if he is going to be a long term solution. However, even though I like Atogwe more for his youth, I would have to say go with Sharper for the short term solution, maybe 1 or 2 seasons, and draft a guy like Deunta Williams, FS UNC next year as this will be his senior year there.
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Apr 29, 2010 12:08 PM CDT reply actions
Although I love the upside of AOA and will be watching him closely with high hopes this year just like I did Ogletree last year
Tony Romo off in dat hole, Watch roll and watch him throw, Watch him lead dem cowboys to the super bowl, now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys, Now watch me "yua!" crank dat cowboys!
by ProBowlFactory on Apr 29, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
For what it's worth
Mcshay already has us taking him with#26 next year…… Cmon Todd you know well be picking last :)
by Cknbonenowison on Apr 29, 2010 2:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Coaches must feel Ball is capable of being starting FS
Otherwise, it would have been dumb to let Hamlin go before the draft. I think Ball probably starts at FS in the beginning, then depending on what Mike Hamlin shows, they might move him to FS, or let him start at SS and move Sensi to FS. Next season is probably the target for AOA to become the starting FS.
This season AOA will be backup FS and ST ace. Probably also on the field in dime defense. He’s got to learn the defense, adjust to the speed of the NFL, and he’s not going to be 100% healthy until TC. Probably too many hurdles to overcome this season to expect him to start.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
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