Cowboys Off-Season 2010: The Youthquake is Rumbling
by Rafael Vela on May 2, 2010 3:49 PM CDT
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When the Dallas Cowboys cratered in 2008, staggering to a 9-7 finish after entering camp as Super Bowl favorites, they faced a stark, grey reality -- they were an old team.
The Cowboys have steadily pared the greybeards from their lineup. Look at the '08 starters who have already left, with their ages this season, and compare them to the ages of their replacements:
| '08 Starter | Projected '10 Starter |
| Roy Williams (SS) 30 | Gerald Sensabaugh 27 |
| Ken Hamlin (FS) 29 | Alan Ball 25 |
| Anthony Henry (CB) 32 | Mike Jenkins 25 |
| Terrell Owens (WR) 37 | Miles Austin 25 |
| Patrick Crayton (WR) 31 | Roy Williams 29; Dez Bryant? 22 |
| Greg Ellis (OLB) 35 | Anthony Spencer 26 |
| Flozell Adams (LT) 32 | Doug Free 26 |
| Average age: 32.3 | Avg. newbie age with Roy -- 26.0; with Dez -- 25.0 |
The youth movement could accelerate if the two kid inside linebackers make their moves this summer or early in the season:
Vets on the Fence:
| Keith Brooking (WILB) 35 | Jason Williams 24 |
| Bradie James (SILB) 29 | Sean Lee 24 |
| Avg. veteran age: 32.0 | avg. newbie age: 24 |
Dallas has nine total starters with an average age of 32 who could make way for nine youngsters with an average age just under 25 by season's end. If the kids can play, they won't just raise the Cowboys' window of contention, they'll extend it.
The benefits may go beyond youth and lower salaries. A few weeks ago, I published a quote by Oakland A's GM Billy Beane where he touted youth for its resiliance; he claimed younger players suffer fewer injuries than players over 30. Was that age a factor in the crippling wave of injuries which struck the '08 team? Are the younger NFL teams indeed healthier overall?
I've put our resident numbers cruncher OneCoolCustomer on the case. He tells me he'll have his findings ready sometime late this week. Stay tuned for his followup. Who knows, shaking up your lineup could actually make it far less shaky.
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Now
If only a couple more youngsters could step up to replace Bigg, Colombo and/or Kosier in the next year.
Rabid and luvin' it
Yep, just ask ByeDawk
He’s licking his lips in anticipation of our OL missing games
"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart."
They don't even need to miss games
If Bigg continues to regress, he will be an easy target for opposing defenses. And Colombo better return to his former road grader self after his injury led to the worst performance by a Dallas Lineman in a game since we started Proctor (maybe since Torrin Tucker).
+1
Columbo is a huge worry for me. Davis is too, but I think he will probably perform at the same level, its not like hes playing consistently well anyway.
I'm not worried about Colombo
Guy has three years of playing well while hurt versus one game of playing really poorly while hurt.
WHich is more likely to be predictive?
Davis is the most likely spot where a leak could spring.
But I have to say, the team is about to turn over, in just two years, NINE positions where they have players at or well over 30 and plugged in productive kids.
I’m not going to rip them to pieces because they couldn’t replace eleven starters in two years.
The difference is
hes coming off a major injury right now, and he is older. Its no sure thing, and getting absolutely manhandled in that playoff game should be a cause for concern.
He could potentially play as well as usual – it wouldn’t shock me, columbo is a warrior. But at some point age and injuries HAS to catch up to him, you know?
Im actually worried more about Columbo than I am about Free
maybe that playoff game isn’t because of injury, maybe its an effect of the injury
Just a biased Cowboys fan
I respectfully disagree...
Flozell’s game this year against Green Bay was the worst game performance by a Cowboy offensive lineman in the past 3 years. Having said that, no one put together back to back disasters like Colombo did against PHI and then MINN. I chalk it up to returning far too early from his injury. Given some time to heal, he should be much better next year. Having said that, all of the aging linemen started putting up progressively worse games as the season endured. It could be a simple matter of them beginning to show their age.
Worse than Leonard Davis' game against Baltimore in '08?
You got to get up and start sucking pretty early in the morning to out-suck that performance.
If you want next season...
I will perform analyzations of total suckage for each player, strictly off of beer fogged visualization.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions
what should we call it
this measure of “sucktitude?”
We can also add to the hat the performances of...
… Kosier in the Playoffs against the Giants and Vikings…
He was a non factor blocking on the move and he got himself pushed around during the whole games…
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
Yes....
or Cliff’s drunken crapoloameter. I warn you though, if written drunk I’d need you to edit my post for F bombs and things of that nature.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
The Proctometer
Graded in shades of Procter ranging from “Full Reverse, Let’s Get a Mop Out Here For Romo’s Body Parts” (worst case) to “The Play Didn’t Go to His Side” (very best case).
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Have you forgotten Procter????
Or was it so traumatic that your brain has blocked out the memory?
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
isn't Miles more of TO's replacement?
rather than Roy and Dez… he’s the #1 WR going into this season, which was TO’s role in ’08.
Yes and no...
Miles isn’t the same type of receiver as TO. IMO, he’s more of a Terry Glenn type receiver. Roy Williams is built more like TO and Bryant seems like he is, too. So, even if Miles is the #1 WR, he’s not really replacing TO. That will be up to Roy/Dez.
It would be like taking Wes Welker and saying he’s the best WR on the team, so he’s the #1 WR and will be running the same routes that Moss used to run and Moss is moved to the #2 position. IMO, the #1 and #2 WR positions aren’t locked down as far as plays go.
As a straight up #1WR to #1WR, yes, that will be the spot Miles has, but he’s not really replacing TO.
by Northern Cowboy on May 2, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I would argue that
Austin in closer to Owens than Glenn in terms of role on this team.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions
?
Miles isn’t the same type of receiver as TO. IMO, he’s more of a Terry Glenn type receiver.
Not picking but Glenn was a 5 foot 11 speedster, while Austin is 6 foot 3 and while he has speed, he is much more like Owens in terms of yards after the catch and tackle breaking ability.
He might end up being the 2 guy in the offense in couple of years, but I don’t really think he’s anything like Glenn.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
Plus, Austin can do something T.O. didn’t…catch the dang ball reliably.LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
How quickly some people forget...
Owens can’t be that bad, I mean he has over 1000 receptions, 15000 yards and 144 TDs. Not too shabby if you ask me.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Make that 147 Touchdowns
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah he was a badass
Although I will still fight that he wasn’t the same guy in 2008 as 2007.
He did have some drops but he also made some big plays.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Without a doubt...
I know statistics can be played with any which way, but consider that TO averaged around 60 yards a game in 2008 if you subtract his game against the 49ers. This is doubly significant since the 49ers game was the game in which they refused to press TO like almost every other team and allowed him to get to full speed in their secondary. I had no doubt at the end of 2008 that teams could severely limit our passing offense if they simply pressed TO and asked our other weapons to beat them.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on May 2, 2010 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I like how you start off
by stating you can manipulate stats… then you manipulate them to prove your point. Lol
Semper Fi Do or Die
And how many drops in how many targets?
In 2008, he had 10 drops in 139 targets…or 7%
In 2007, he had 10 drops in 72 targets…or 14%
This year with Buffalo, he had 10 drops in 105 targets…or 10%
He’s consistently in the 10 worst in dropped passes.
Rabid and luvin' it
true enough
His big play ability was always enough to put up with drops, but… eh he had a hall of fame career.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions
And Austin
…looks to have some big play ability…without all of the drops, which was my original assertion.LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
Yeah
Although Austin did have a couple of drops this last season too.
Everyone remember his breakout game against tKC, but he dropped an easy TD in the endzone too.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh yeah he was great...
just saying that he had a couple, that was the only huge one.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes well my assertion is that
If Austin produced like Owens without all the drops, he would be the greatest WR of all time. Which I think overstates his ability.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions
High expectations there
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Of course.
Always high expectations. I happen to think Austin has the ability to be one of the greatest. You don’t, and that’s fine.
Rabid and luvin' it
Even more impressive when you consider he didn't start until week 4
With an entire off-season as the #1 WR, I expect Dallas to use him even more, and for him to be better than he was last season in terms of strength and conditioning. Could be unstoppable.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
But you also have to consider
that opposing DCs will have a better idea of what his weaknesses are, and how to defend him.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 4, 2010 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions
But
if Dez has any kind of impact in his rookie season, Miles may be even harder to account for,
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
... it's what we were all hoping to get when we traded for Roy ...
A second legit WR that would give DC’s fits.
Back then it was Roy and TO … now 18 months later it is two guys that could very easily BOTH be better than the 2008 version of TO-RO
:)
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Before that it was Terry Glenn and T.O. in 2006
We’ve been trying to get two legitimate recievers in this town for half-a-decade now but something always goes wrong.
We’ve been trying to get a legitimate pair of wide recievers in this town forever and it always falls apart.
Hopefully no more knee injuries, no more Roy Williams sucking ass, hopefully we can just get two healthy solid wide outs on this team.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 5, 2010 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions
thats pretty overrated imo
when you consider how many big plays he produced in 06 and 07. When a guy can produce that well, I’m not concerned with drops. On the other hand, in roy williams case, where he has like 1/3 as many drops as catches, thats just awful.
+1
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Correct
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 2, 2010 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions
okay, so add Patrick Crayton to the list
He was the #2 in ‘08 and he’ll be 31 this year.
Makes the list a bit longer but doesn’t change the overall trend much.
tuned in just in time to watch the great Romo escape
for the TD pass to Crayton— god I miss live football
2009 BTB Part Deux Fantasy League Champion. 'Kill Everybody 13-2'. KDP knows football.
If OCC FInds That Older Teams Are Healthier
It’s because he didn’t collect enough data. Over the long haul, older teams almost certainly are less healthier.
My hero Bill James also made an interesting observation about age and baseball performance. He found that younger teams on average played better at the end of the season than did older teams. I’ve also heard that rookies tend to fade at the end of their rookie seasons, because they aren’t used to the 16 game grind. Still, it’s ironic that after we got younger last year we finally finished a season on a roll. I don’t think that was coincidence.
More interesting to me
was Barry Church, the undarafted FA S. Keep an eye on him.
That's what he did at UToledo
very happy for a fellow Rocket.
by Northern Cowboy on May 2, 2010 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
4 time All conference player
I didn’t think he had a shot till I heard that and now I’ve been trying to keep track of him, heard to tell from the reports, every once in awhile a pass breakup but typically the only thing to report is someone catching on them, but still they say he has had a good practice.
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm taking Church as my pet cat
He’s got to overcome the small school to NFL leap in talent, and the fact that he’s more of an in the box SS. But I like what I’ve read about him.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
What about my boy Lissi starting on the D-line?
Speaking of the post-practice sprints, Sean Lissemore can run. The nose tackle from William & Mary was among the top three finishers, beating every wide receiver. I’m pretty sure that’s the “Jay Ratliff motor” the coaches were talking about after the draft.
He’ll surprise people in the preseason games. That’s when he’ll shine.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/05/picked-up-pieces-from-sundays.html
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
Well he was a 100 meter runner in HS.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
The NFL is Bladerunner
Life in the NFL is the young over taking the old and old starts at about age 30
You can add Ellis to Spencer to the list
Logan's Run?
where you have the futuristic women with two navels?
No with Farah Faucet and Michael York
A futuristic society where at the age of 30 you were “renewed” (aka exterminated)
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
Hmmmm
there was a futuristic move which came out at the same time in the early to mid ’70s where Mariette Hartley played some woman who had two navels. That was the joke.
But hey, better a Farrah citation than an Arnold “Running Man” one.
Man...
a refernce to bladerunner… nice.
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Do androids dream of electric sheep?
Trust them...they know what they're doing.
by Aaron Novinger on May 5, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
that applies to almost every position except qb
QBs actually reach their peak when they hit their 30s because experience is so important to the position and they rarely take the beating other positions do.
In Romo we Trust
My Research Has Shown
Quarterbacks in general reach their peak at age 27, which is the peak age of most professional athletes. The really good quarterbacks, however, are in a different class. They reach their peak in their late 20s and remain there until their mid-30’s. Romo is a really good quarterback, so I know what you’re saying, but it’s not a universal rule. The overwhelming majority of quarterbacks never play into their 30’s. In case anyone is wondering, my database includes every QB who has thrown a pass in the NFL since 1940.
when did they start?
Had they played 5 or 6 fulls seasons when they reached 27 or 2 or 3 full seasons?
As You Might Guess
The answer is, it depends. Although I can’t think of a single quarterback who had played six full seasons by the age of 27. Bledsoe, maybe, but even that I’m not sure. Most get significant playing time before the age of 25, going from what I recall seeing. It’s not like the average NFL quarterback is hiding under a basket until age 27 or something.
Yes, the numbers are a little
skewed in romo’s case. he was in the league a while before starting for a whole season. not sure the average above applies to him.
Only Quarterbacks
Who threw more than 100 passes at the age of 21, and all are relatively recent: Tommy Maddox, Bledoe, Michael Vick, and Alex Smith. Except for Bledsoe, none of them had much of a career playing football.
Aikman Finished His Rookie Season
As a 23-year old. He turned 23 on 21 November, 1989. Recall Aikman spent five years in college, transferring to UCLA after two years at Oklahoma.
I have to say
I’m pretty much thrilled with the state of this team outside the oline. We have the perfect combination of experience and youth.
Okay, added Patrick Crayton and Greg Ellis to the list and Miles Austin and Spencer as the replacements
That’s a pretty darn impressive makeover. Nine starters in two years. Add Julius Jones and the Felix/Tashard duo and you have almost half your starting 22 flipped in two years.
Hopefully by the end of the season it looks more like
Terrell Owens 37 to Miles Austin 25
Roy Williams 29 to Dez Bryant 22
Patrick Crayton 31 to Kevin Ogletree 23
Rabid and luvin' it
If Romo gets off
to a rough start in Game One, don’t be surprised to see McGee in the game!
"The Most Dangerous Man in the world is the one with nothing to lose"
by SaratogaRacing on May 2, 2010 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions
That would be a much bigger fear of mine
than the Oline melting down.
Positive
I completely agree with the idea that the 2008 squad was broken and old. Despite the fact that I am one for signing Darren Sharper to fill a need on the defense, the positions where we had turnovers were all positive. Owens was regressing at a remarkable rate down the stretch, and it was time for a change. Crayton has been, in my opinion, under appreciated while he has been here, but prospect of Dez in his position is looking amazing. Felix(who will be starting next year) is a huge upgrade over Julius, and while Barber may have regressed, Choice should be seeing some more reps this year as an actual HB(I hope), and the duo of them is a huge upgrade in talent. I mean, really, I don’t even need to address the defense because while Parcells may have brought in the 3-4, Wade’s defense has been VASTLY superior in many aspects.
I expect Lee is going to be spelling Brooking often this year, especially to keep Keith healthy down the stretch. And really, at this point I think Brooking just wants a ring, and would be willing to give Lee sometime as long as he has success. I worry about Williams developing, but Bradie is still good enough to keep him in as a starter.
The offensive line is very questionable. I expect us to lose Kosier and potentially Colombo by next year, and who knows what the future holds for Bigg and Gurode. I really would like to see us get a stud center in the next draft, bump Andre back over to guard(or tell him to get out), and also grab a future star at LT, as Free simply doesn’t seem to be the answer. The turnover will continue, but it NEEDS to be next year. Dumping Flo for Free was huge, but it needs to continue. And personally, I see Free as more of a RT type anyway, but whatever…
I'll live and die with number 9....
free has been projected by as a LT
He was the swing guy and played RT b/c the RT went down.
We’ll see what happens, but it wouldnt surprise me if the LT for the next 10 years is already on the team.
I don't think Bryant ankle injury is serious but I do find this comment from Phillips interesting...
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&Show=SKILL&id=5558
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 5:48 PM CDT reply actions
Depth chart come opening day..
1-Austin
2-Dez
3-RW
4-Ogletree
#88 Dez Bryant-Welcome to the Cowboys!!!
That was my thought on draft day
But with Wade saying things such as "Dez Bryant is the most impressive rookie he’s seen practice “in 33 years of coaching.” I am begining to think he will be too talented to keep on the sideline. In the second of Wade’s 33 years of coarching he got to watch a pretty good rookie named Earl Campbell.
I wonder what it would take for Bill Parcells to make such a comment regarding a rookie a week after the draft. I am pretty sure that leaping tall buildings would be insufficient.
lol
you are most likely right about that
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, first the player would have to be better that Lawrence Taylor. Not happening any time soon.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
yeah he pretty much said LT was a wolf incapable of being held off the field
as soon as he got him
by AustonianAggie on May 3, 2010 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's first see what Dez against the likes of Newman and Jenkins
before anointing him as a starter, I still think he needs to learn how to run better routes, if he improves in that area, he could see the field a lot sooner.
In Romo we Trust
Why do you have such a blind hate for Bryant?
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 3, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't hate Dez at all, I think he's a great player
from an athletic and talent standpoint. I just don’t think he’s the brightest or hardest working guy in the world and has a history of not making bad decisions. Obviously several NFL teams are in agreement because you don’t pass on a player of his ability if he’s a clean and safe player.
That said, if he can mature and learn from Austin how to work, then he could be special. He’s a risk, there’s no denying that, and I’ve never been a risk taker. Just my opinion.
In Romo we Trust
It wouldn't surprise me if Dez is working from the slot to open the season
Especially now that Crayton is asking for a trade. If Roy wasn’t in the way, they could put Dez out at flanker, but I’m guessing Roy gets a few weeks to show some improvement before they pull the plug.
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
Judging from his pre-draft hype and then his rookie camp, it seems he'll be hard to keep off the field
Roy will need to have a career year to keep Dez in the slot … I personally would love to see it!
Try not to get into a pissing match with a skunk :)
Nice
a 3rd WR who can’t go over the middle without cracking his ribs. It’s too bad we are letting go of Hurd this year. He is built like Roy, can go over the middle, and contributes on Special Teams.
But I sure do like the #1 and 2 on that list.
Even if he is the #3 WR
It doesn’t mean that he has to play in the slot.
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 3, 2010 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions
You think Roy can work the slot? Or do you have one of the other WRs moving inside on 3 WR packages?
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
It's going to be a blast watching these young guys
during training camp battles this year. I think certainly the older backups, like Watkins, McQuistan, and everyone’s favorite, Proctor, should be nervous.
"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin
Raf...
Do you see Williams ultimately being the Nickel LB this year?
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 6:19 PM CDT reply actions
I'm not Raf
but I’ve said many times I would be a lil shocked if both J. Williams and Lee weren’t both our nickle LBers
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Who can come in and be the backup swing guy
between guard and center besides proctor?
Maybe that Travis Bright?
Anything said above is purely the opinion of AFB unless said otherwise.
Also anyone who ever refers to Dez Bryant as a Dez Dispenser owes me a dollar.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on May 2, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Nobody
And that’s the problem. As much as everyone trashes him, he does have value in playing three positions and (according the coaches) not making mental mistakes. He does get physically overpowered, but Duke Robinson and Phil Costa are the only alternatives on the roster. I’m rooting hard for Costa.
You mean Duke Preston
Right?
Preston may be retiring.
My money would be on Bright or Costa. Long shot would be Holland.
Rabid and luvin' it
I think Bright has the highest chance
if Preston retires. He was a pretty good prospect last year as well as being mentioned as probably the strongest guy on the team from Eatman
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Yup
I’ve had my fingers crossed all off season hoping he developed during his year on the Practice Squad. I’d love to see him replace Bigg, Gurode or Kosier.
Rabid and luvin' it
Jerry seemed to hint that he wanted Holland to learn center
and the obvious point would be to finally show up and maybe outplay Proctor for that position.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on May 3, 2010 12:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Im not a Proctor fan
by any stretch, but he does have starting experience at G and C, the only guy on the team beside Gurode who does have it.
If we’re concerned about age, he’ll be 28 half way through the 2010 season. You can only take so many Olineman to the game on sunday.
Thats why its important
to watch Bright’s development, he has been working w/ McGee during the week at QB/Center exchanges and I hope he can knock off Proctor
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions
That's good to know.
He’d be one heckuva Center with his strength, intelligence and maturity.
Rabid and luvin' it
this is why I think Holland keeps making the team BTW.
I’m guessing the coaches see proctor as their best inside swing guy.
he fills the gap if someone goes down during the game. If its a G, Holland will be activated the following week to fill that gap, and Proctor will go back to being the swing guy.
Just a guess.
Inside swing guy?
I don`t think Proctor`s down to fill the need at L/RG it`s C that he`s down to cover. If Holland could take snaps Proctor would be gone in a flash. Montrae`s a man-mountain, when he`s free from injury
Is it just me or did Holland look sorta good in that one half game he played?
I remember the team being able to run better. Did he replace Proctor in that one?
Holland
…looked pretty good replacing Kosier a couple seasons ago. Too bad he got hurt too.
Rabid and luvin' it
Holland started against Seattle and Pittsburgh in 2008
The offense did very well against the Seahawks but Seattle’s defense blew that year, and the offense ended up doing fairly well against the Steelers until Holland went out with an injury.
I was therefore surprised when Holland was an utter non-entity in 2009. Assuming everything is OK with him emotionally and physically, I think he provides solid depth.
He might have eaten his way out of being active
but i think it was more the swing thing.
if holland cant play center, you can only take so many offensive lineman on the 45 man roster. a guy who can play G and C frees up another roster spot on gameday. thus the backup guard only never dresses.
I think it was reported before
that if a guard got injured and was out to start a game Holland would be in there but because he can’t play C, he was never active. Not on talent but they couldn’t have both Proctor and Holland active and since Proctor was the only other one to play C he got the place
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Thats right, if holland could take snaps
but he cant.
so proctor is the swing guy.
he can play guard or center.
he’d better be “down” b/c thats the only role I think he has on the team.
Jerry has already suggested that
…Holland might be playing a little at Center during the camps:
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4668051/houck-breaks-down-the-offensive-line
Rabid and luvin' it
hey, if he can play center, im all for it
i think he is better than proctor, but he’ll be 30 this year. Wouldnt let that be a factor though. his problem is his, ummm, eating habits.
Holland
I like as backup guard, I would watch Bright in camp
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
thats awesome, I forgot what I was listening to exactly but on some talk radio show they were talking about how relationships have evolved and how marriage should evolve into contracts that expire, like you marry a chick and you both agree on a 5 year deal, at the end you can extend it or part…..i got a chuckle from it
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2010 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I have coined a term for this
You’re aware of micro-loans in foreign banking, where small loans (usually $300 or less) are given to entrepreneurs in developing countries, where costs are low.
I think we should have micro-relationships. You negotiate terms (3 months, 6 months) with options to continue after that.
My women friends from grad school thought it was brilliant
One re-posted it on her facebook and all her lady friends gave it a big thumbs up. Might be on to something.
But
did they give it a thumb’s up on your Facebook page ?
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on May 3, 2010 12:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I like the idea
At 35 I divorced a 36 for a 21. This youth movement has been….just wow, but I realize I could get burned at any moment since I’ve clearly outkicked my coverage…
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha oh we’re going to hell
by AustonianAggie on May 3, 2010 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Brilliant
“Outkicked the coverage”
Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Felix Jones = defensive coordinator's Kobayashi Maru scenario
Haha, that’s great. The problem with that of course is that it works both ways. For example, I feel like I married up. I’m like… A 6.5? Maybe a 7 or 7.5 on a really good day? My wife is definitely better than me, and so I looked to sign a longterm deal below her value before she could hit the open market… Kinda the same way the Eagles do it.
by JimmyK on May 3, 2010 6:01 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
F'n a man
Why revel in rivals’ blog? We have a name for people like that, douchebags….
by Cknbonenowison on May 3, 2010 9:24 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Well, the Cowboys are our rivals. Since you’re new and I’m not sure of your football acumen, I’ll explain the significance of that – In the NFL, there are 4 teams in each division, and my team (the Philadelphia Eagles) plays in a division known as the NFC East, which includes 3 other teams (the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins). The Eagles play each of those teams twice every season, which breeds both familiarity and contempt. Also, only one team can win the division each year, so the success of the other teams in the division has a direct affect on my team (again, the Eagles).
Therefore, I like to keep up with the pulse of the other teams in the division (which again, is called the NFC East). I do this with all 3 of the Eagles’ division rivals. Since I feel that this is the most knowledgeable community among the Cowboys blogs, I’ve sort of set up shop here. Nice to meet you – If you stick around, we’ll be seeing plenty of each other. I’m looking forward to it.
Cheers.
+1
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on May 3, 2010 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I married up, eventually got dumped down, such is life
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
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