The VRR: Cowboys OTA Storylines
by Dave Halprin on May 20, 2010 2:08 PM CDT
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PrintThe Cowboys put the first OTA of the offseason to bed yesterday. Don't worry, they have plenty more coming up. Some of the interesting things coming out of the recent OTA:
I love stories like the following one about Roy Williams. Why? Because we spend a lot of time complaining about players, in this case Roy, and their shortcomings. We get caught up in the trade that brought him here and if we wasted picks, we talk about how much he makes, or where he'll be (or should be) on the depth chart. All valid stuff to be sure, but sometimes, we need to think about how Roy can get better. And it can't be as simple as just saying catch the ball. Sure, we want him to show better hands, but things just don't happen magically. We also complain about Roy's route running. Many have contended this is Roy's biggest flaw, especially in a timing offense like Dallas runs. Receivers need to be where Tony Romo expects them to be and be there on time. So, the Cowboys are trying to do something about that.
"We're working on synching his hips, bending his knees a little more, getting down in some of his routes,'' receivers coach Ray Sherman said. "We felt last year he might be a little high. We want him to play a little lower.''
Williams is a tall receiver at 6-foot-3. How does playing lower help him?
"You run routes with more body lean,'' Sherman said. "When you don't run as high, when you're staying down, you keep your shoulders down. It gets you in better position coming in and out of breaks."
The Cowboys are currently working on finding their new free safety now that Ken Hamlin has hit the bricks. First out of the gate is Alan Ball.
Ball seems to be the early favorite for the starting job. Head coach Wade Phillips said Ball's quickness as a converted cornerback allows the defensive playbook to open up and provides the opportunity to send Ball on safety blitzes.
Making his play to leap-frog Ball is Mike Hamlin.
But strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh said [Michael] Hamlin also has tremendous talent which people haven't yet witnessed.
"They both can play," Sensabaugh said. "You've seen what Alan's done. I don't know if anybody's got a good chance to see Mike Hamlin at the safety position, but Mike Hamlin has excellent ball skills."
Campo said the competition remains fierce, and the spot is still for the taking despite Ball getting the majority of snaps at the first day of Organized Team Activities.
Speaking of Gerald Sensabaugh, he still hasn't signed his restricted tender offer yet, but he's been participating in OTAs and other activities at Valley Ranch ever since he found out Jerry Jones wants to sign him to a multi-year deal.
"They said they were going to do a long-term deal. They've told my agent that," he said. "It's all about the timing and when they're going to get it all done is the issue."
And that's why Sensabaugh isn't worried about participating in this week's Organized Team Activity practices (OTAs) even without signing his tender, although he and Austin both signed an injury-waiver protection, just like the unsigned draft picks sign to participate in the summer workouts.
More from Sensabaugh on the free safety battle.
"We've got some smart guys over there," Sensabaugh said. "Mike Hamlin and Ball, they'll be great at the position. Pat Watkins has had some starts at safety before. We've had some guys that have played a lot of football. I'm not really worried about it."
One guy not participating in OTAs is Patrick Crayton. I'm a Crayton fan, but it just seems more and more like he and the Cowboys will need to part ways. But, the Cowboys won't be giving him up for free, he's too valuable. If they can find a reasonable deal before the season starts, they need to take it. Still, Crayton will be participating in required offseason events, and might even show up for next week's OTA..
[Crayton's agent] told Crayton to not attend the OTAs mainly because they're voluntary, and hope the Cowboys work a trade for him while he sits.
Coach Wade Phillips said he wants Crayton at Valley Ranch, not so much to learn the offense, he knows it well, but to build solidarity with his teammates, who need him.
Lyles said Crayton might return to workouts next week and will attend mandatory workouts in June.
Turns out Doug Free will be part of a three player scramble for the two starting tackle spots along the offensive line. Hudson Houck confirms the situation.
The team insists that [Free] will have to battle Alex Barron, who was acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Bobby Carpenter earlier this month, and starting right tackle Marc Colombo, on his way to his first full-time starting gig.
Hudson Houck, the Cowboys' revered offensive line coach, said in a recent report on ESPNDallas.com that, very simply, the best two of the three-man field will start. And it's a battle that he will be looking forward to watching throughout OTAs, training camp and the preseason.
"This is a great thing to watch," Houck said, per ESPNDallas.com. "This is fun. This is about competing. This is about team play. This is about seeing somebody step up to take a job. I'm really excited."
Pet cat alert! Titus Ryan, anybody?
While [Dez] Bryant and [Roy] Williams stole the headlines from this OTA, the receiver that had the defensive backs buzzing was [Titus] Ryan.
"Pretty much all of the Dbs were talking about Titus,'' cornerback Mike Jenkins said after the first day of OTAs. "He came out and made a lot of catches and ran by a lot of guys. He was under the radar before today. I think he impressed a lot of the Dbs. He's got a motor.''
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that was one of the greatest plays in the history of the game
no question about it.
In Romo we Trust
I dunno what play y'all are talking about. The snap over his head that he
turned into a miracle play? The TD to Crayton against Atlanta? That dude has had his share of amazing plays.
Yep...
Saw that one live 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 20, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the Barber run against the Pats better
Romo’s scramble was great too, don’t get me wrong.
by RisingSunCowboy on May 21, 2010 5:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Saw that one live 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 21, 2010 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions
me three
I was sitting on the 10 yard line, it happened right in front of me…it was incredible
In Romo we Trust
Would've been better...
If Dallas won.
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 21, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I hated how many douchebag patriots fans were there.
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 21, 2010 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Douchebag patriots fans
All Patriots Fans Fans of any Boston Area Sports Teams are douchebags. Ergo, use of the adjective ‘douchebag’ is redundant.
I fracking hate Boston sports fans
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
typical New Jersey comment :)
By the way, I’m also from New Jersey. But let me guess: You’re a Yankees fan. They’re the only ones that complain about Boston. I grew up hating the Yankees, and thus secretly luvin’ me some Red Sox.
Rays just swept the Yankees.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Nope, but everyone just assumes I am yankees fans
I just hate the Red Sox. I really don’t care about the Yankees one way or the other. Boston sucks donkey balls. I went to school with a bunch of people from Boston, and I learned to hate them
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
and the Rays sweeping the Yankees does not move me one way or the other
the Rays sweepng Boston would make me dance around the living room
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
one last thing
F^@# BOSTON!
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
LOL
I hate me some Patriots and Celtics … but hating on Boston? Dude, it’s one of America’s funnest towns. Just the Universities in Boston make the nightlife worth a visit … BU (Boston University), BC (Boston College) … NorthEastern, UMass-Boston, MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology), Harvard, Tufts, Brandeis, Emerson, Suffolk, the list goes on … not to mention all the massive Medical Schools, Business Schools, Law Schools – attached to the above or otherwise.
Makes for a fun town, you’re missing out if you want to write it off.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
These are not small schools
Boston University = 32,000
Harvard = 25,000
Northeastern = 24,000
MIT = 19,000
Boston College = 14,000
UMass-Boston = 13,000
Tufts = 9,000
Suffolk = 9,000
Bunker Hill CC = 8,000
Simmons = 4,000
Emerson = 4,000
Berkeley = 4,000
personally, I liked the school of dance at Emerson, but that’s another story :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
I accept everything you say as true (and add my respect for Sam Adams Brewing for kickstarting the craft beer movement in the US) and still disagree
Here are my reasons:
1. The worst accent in America. The Boston accent is like nails down the chalkboard
2. The Kennedy Family: Let’s just say that if I ever meet William Kennedy Smith again, I am going to give him the beating he should’ve received the last time.
3. When the Patriots won their 1st Super Bowl and had their parade, Tom Brady led the crowd in a “YANKEES SUCK!” cheer. Again, I am not a yankees fan, but what the frack s that about? What do the yankees have to do with the NFL?
4. Boston sports fans have gone from long suffering to insufferable in record time.
5. And the long suffering bit was complete and total unadulterated bullspit. I used to hear them bitch and moan about the tragic nature of Boston sports, and I’d be thinking “Don’t the Celtics play in or near Boston? You know, the most successful NBA franchise of all time, and by some metrics the most successful American sports team in any sport? WTF are you all whining about?”
6. Matt Damon
7. Ben Affleck
8.and don’t give me that “cradle of American Democracy” song and dance either. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, there were no more battles fought up there, all the action moved south. New Jersey was the site of far more battles than that place.
I realize that what I am about to say is an unpopular opinion on this board, but give me Philly 8 days a week over Boston.
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
wow, all of that before my 1st cup of coffee this morning
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
It is true, that accent reeks.
Someone can say the same thing in a boston accent, and it comes off as rude that anyone else would say normally.
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 22, 2010 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Off the top of my head after a night out thoughts:
1. I’ll give you this one
2. I’m gonna need details here … sounds interesting :)
3. but, but, but … the yankees DO SUCK!
4. if your grandfather wasn’t born and died before the Sox won ONE championship, how could you appreciate?
5. Celtics are great, but the Red Sox lost for 50 years before the Celtics started winning. And when your rivals from New York are stacking up trophies… well, you should be able to appreciate their pent-up enthusiasm.
6 & 7. I don’t think enough about Hollywood to care.
8. I grew up in Jersey, but do you really want to argue about a war 200 years ago?
I get it that you don’t like Boston, but come on, dude …
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
I think
Titus Ryan will take Hurd’s spot if he keeps it up, regardless of what happens with Crayton.
Also, let’s hope that Roy is REALLY working hard at staying lower, which was his biggest problem last year. It’s one thing to work at it in the OTAs and mini camp and even training camp. It’s another thing to stay low when there’s 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter, he’s fatigued, and his mind is racing. That is when players usually revert back to old bad habits. I hope he keeps this up (or down I guess?) and it eventually becomes natural to him so we don’t see the old habits of playing high creep up again late in games or late in the season.
Ryan might be the best kick returner we have
Last year he lead the CFL in kickoff return yards, and had the only return for a touchdown in the league (stats link). Guy also has jets – former sprinter who ran a 4.28 40 at his pro day. Has bounced around the league a lot and never stuck…hopefully his hands and route running are good enough to give him a real shot.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 20, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Hurd's a gamer ... but amazing quality fight for #5 (here's hoping we find a trade for Crayton)
As for your concerns about Roy, while there’s some cause for concern, I’d say these are techniques that, once adopted, become habit. It’s the same in any sport, basic balance techniques that Roy clearly has yet to master.
Here’s my most optimistic thought on Roy: he’s been humbled by both the season itself and the buzz about Dez … that the perfect mindset for truly working on your game. While he should have been doing all of this last year, perhaps the money created a sense of entitlement. Here’s my bottom line: if Roy can generate some momentum for himself and get his Longhorn mojo back, maybe just maybe he can have a strong year.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Personally
i would rather see him find his COWBOY mojo. He rests on his college career soo much. I dunno about this guy….hope in one hand..you know what in the other. see which one fills up faster.
#9 has the most incredible 4 yard gain in the history of the NFL.
Hurd is just below Pro-Bowl Level on Special Teams
That will keep him on the roster if there is any doubt.
by JimmyJohnson on May 20, 2010 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions
is his roster spot worth keeping a receiver off that can make more of a difference in the passing game?
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
I would say yes because ST is really where he will get the most snaps
Fifth WR, Fourth CB, and at least one backup safety all need to give us solid ST play, since that’s where they’ll be seeing the most playing time. My question is do we need an Ace coverage guy like Hurd more than an Ace return guy like Ryan (if he proves to be one)?
We seem to have solid coverage guys coming up – Barry Church, JWill, and AOA? come to mind. Unless Ogletree or AOA become our kickoff guys, I don’t know who we have…but I don’t see Felix or Miles doing it except in emergency situations.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 20, 2010 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd buy that if he returned kicks or punts.
Since he doesn’t, I think that makes him vulnerable to a guy like Titus.
Rabid and luvin' it
+1
on the idea of having a guy with that type of speed really catch on and contribute.
#9 has the most incredible 4 yard gain in the history of the NFL.
he is supposed to be sinking his hips, not synching hips whoever wrote up that excerpt…Roy’s hands still look pretty pathetic in the ota highlights that “circus catch” was a joke he should of been able to stick the ball, instead of slapping the ball in the air, like dez over jenkins…Sensabaugh has a great attitude i am real curious to see what his contract will be.
Maybe they're testing bionics on Roy
So he can synchronize his hips to the play and just focus on catching the football. Once they also get his anti-glare contacts working right, he could surprise people and be a darn good #3 WR.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 20, 2010 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed on the circus catch
But hey, improvement is improvement I guess. Last year he’d have probably dropped it. If it was across the middle of the field he might have heard footsteps and dropped it too.LOL
Rabid and luvin' it
Campo raises an interesting point
even though these camps are a try-out, they are also a practice. That means that more reps, and reps with the first team, go to the top seed. That makes it a little harder for the challenger to make his case.
The other thing that occurred to me is, no way Colombo is vying for the LT. I think his job and Free’s penciled-in position are up for grabs. If Barron bumps Free, then Free may bump Colombo, but I can’t see any other possibilities. Colombo is simply not quick enough for LT.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
While it's "competition"...
It’s Free’s job to lose. I think he would really have to blow chunks not to win.
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 20, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I really agree with your second point.
I think Barron or Free could play RT, but I don’t see Colombo ever playing at LT.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on May 20, 2010 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed on columbo at LT
But another possibility is Barron beating out Columbo at RT. If doug went down with free and barron as starters columbo comes in as RT and Barron flips to LT
by TONYINCC on May 20, 2010 4:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'd love to see Barron and Free as the starters
Providing that they earn the spots, of course. That would be 2 athletic young bookends.
by Baked Potato Soup on May 20, 2010 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Not a big fan of the run game, eh?
Free should be a big upgrade over Flo in pass protection, but he gives up size and power in run blocking. Barron has never shown strong RT skills, or the ability/will to power run block. Unfortunately he also tends to negate is pass protection skills with an abundance of penalties and mental lapses.
Brewster is probably our best hope for the future at RT – has the frame and the feet for it – but likely needs at least a year of post injury experience to beat out Colombo.
I’d love to see Barron do well, but he seems to have a mix of Leon Lett’s brain and Marty B’s maturity…tough combo to overcome.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
He gives up size
but his mobility and pad level may make him a better run blocker. The run game certainly didn’t suffer on his side while Colombo was out last year. I’m not saying he is in fact better than Flo, but I think there’s a decent chance he will be.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I think this goes back to the misconception that Free is undersized.
Free is as big or bigger than most of the Top 10 LT’s in the league.
Sure, he’s not as big as Flo. But he’s not a light weight either. Not at over 320lbs.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on May 21, 2010 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Not just size, but also style
Everything I’ve seen and read about about Free emphasizes his great feet and motor, but challenges his upper body strength and initial punch. Flo, and Bigg, are on the other end of things; they’re slow footed and occasionally pass-protecting turnstiles, but moving forward off the line they can simply latch onto and out muscle almost any defender.
Free is one of my pet cats, so I like him a lot, but I have to give Flo credit where deserved and that’s power run blocking. I think OCC did a run analysis on last year with a simple conclusion – our best rushing results came when running left.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
But the runs left
involved lots of pulling, which this line has excelled at.
Flo in his prime was with few peers, so no, i don’t expect Doug to be Flo.
Free’s run blocking on the right side looked very good last year, so I’m not worried that he can’t get it done. I worry more about the rest of the line’s ability to fire off the ball, a key issue in short yeardage situations and straight-ahead running.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Like I said, IF they earn the spots.
I’m not advocating just handing either one of them anything. But I think in the short and long term, if they are both good enough to beat out Colombo, that would be great for this team. The important thing, obviously, is that we get 2 quality starters out of the 3 players.
by Baked Potato Soup on May 21, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I think its Houck lighting a fire under Columbos ass, letting him know if the other 2 play better, he sits.
Both Free and Barron can play both spots. Columbo needs to work hard and lets not forget Brewster.
KICK ASS every day!!!
I think they'd much prefer to let Brewster
marinate on the roster another year. But yeah, I think Houck likes the drive competition will create in all three guys, and maybe Barron in particular.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Agreed
I can see Brewster in a backup only role this season.
And yes, I see Free and Barron as the only true “Swingers” at Tackle. As much as I’d hate to see them jumbling multiple positions to fill one slot on game day, ya do what ya gotta do sometimes to get the best people where they need to be.
I am encouraged that they don’t seem to have Colombo locked in at RT. Let the best players play!
Rabid and luvin' it
But on the other hand
they don’t make change easily, so I guess I’d be pretty shocked if they actually made many moves.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Dead on. They don't make change easy.
Although they have been a little better at it lately. However, the only way Columbo comes out of the starting lineup this season is if Barron and Free become monsters, or if Columbo stinks it up or gets injured.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I am not so sure about that
I don’t think Houck is lying when he says it’s up for grabs. I think if Barron proves he’s worthy of a shot at RT, that is who will be out there against the Skins.
I really don’t care who starts, because there were times last year when Columbo was our best O-Lineman. He leads by example, usually playing a nasty version of the game that hopefully is a bit contagious.
If Barron wins the job, so be it… but either way I think you’ll see the best man start.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
I don't think Barron can be our best RT...
…unless our offense decides to be much more pass happy and less run balanced. Given our push last year to become a better running team and general agreement that we want a balanced offense, I don’t think we downgrade our power run blocking at both tackle positions. Unless Garrett moves closer to a pure West Coast scheme that swaps a TE/H-Back for the Fullback and substitutes short passes for hand offs.
That could be fun to watch…or a train wreck, so I’d be very surprised to see that big a change in an already very successful scheme.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Or we try an unbalanced line like the Ravens.
Or we bring in one of the road graders like Bright or Holland to plug the end.
There are options. Unfortunately, most tip our hand to the defense.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on May 21, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose we could even try the wishbone...
…and use a Fullback plus H-Back as duel lead blockers.
My point is that Barron at RT would further limit our running/short yardage game out of our base offensive formations. And if we can’t run effectively out of our base formations, I think we’ll need more than gimmickry to keep defenses from coming after Romo, HARD.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
No but he could back up right tackle.
With Free or Barron starting RT if the LT gets hurt the RT switchs sides and Columbo go to RT.
Titus Ryan would be a nice addition
Speedy depth that can provide a spark in the slot and return game.
Jerry has been doing a good job in getting good personnel lately.
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
If we lose
both Hurd and Watkins we might be a little weak on coverage units. Seems like Ryan would have a hard time seeing the field with all of our WR depth. That said, may the best men win.
by Satch30 on May 20, 2010 4:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's a problem we pay DeCamillas to deal with
I’m not staying up at night worrying about who’se on our coverage team. Give DeCamillas players and let him line them up and fire them up.
53 spots is too few to carry guys whose ceiling is return coverage.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 21, 2010 12:56 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Another ST ace is barely treading water
Anderson’s days may be numbered. I am so down with that because he contributes so little to the offense, but get’s so many reps.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
He's been a very good lead blocker
And an equally horrible pass catcher.
I don’t think we dump Deon unless he’s starting to break down physically and we expect him to get worse and worse, or we make a fundamental move away from power running and towards short passing to compensate.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Or he gets in more trouble.
It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the TE/H-Back/FB situation plays out.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on May 21, 2010 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd rather see Sicko get a roster spot than Anderson.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Me too
although I admit that it’s in large part because I want me a “Sicko” jersey…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I hadn't even thought about the Sicko apparel
Anderson is just one of my anti-pet cats. He runs like he has a corncob up his ass, and to me, carrying a guy because he makes about 10 good blocks a year is Sickoning.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Puns like that
are exactly what will pick Sicko over the top. Now we just have to keep D-Luke from giving him the KOD by adopting him…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I both applaud, and am appalled by, your pun
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
You have to keep this going!
BTW, are Sicko jerseys available yet?
by StillHateTheGiants on May 22, 2010 6:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Well
we have a number of tall fast receivers. Kevin Ogletree runs under a 4.4 (hopefully closer to 4.3 now than the 4.36 he ran out of college but who’s complaining :P) – I’m not sure what Austin is running now but his pro day was about 4.5 (but guessing from the weight he’s dropped and an eye ball test from last year I’m sure it’s creeping down to a 4.3 also). If the Cowboys are really thinking about letting go of Crayton I think we have to figure out who his best replacement is. Wes Welker is so lethal in the slot because of his quickness – so that’s where one of these receivers is going to have to prove themselves.
While I hope Crayton stays – our wide receivers corps are beastly. I like Titus Ryan’s speed but if he doesn’t have the hands to finish off catches then it’s a moot point. He does bring a lot of value in the return game though – it’s funny how this time last year we didn’t have any spectacular options (P.C. is solid, maybe spectacularly solid :)) for kick returns and now it looks as if we have 3 beastly return guys all with different types of top end athleticism.
All in all though I can see both P.C. and R.W. getting pushed down the depth charts by Dez and K.O.. If Titus Ryan proves he can run good routes and catch balls I definitely see him making the final roster. That type of speed is rare and makes him an elite physical specimen – even in the NFL.
Who would you guys think would take the last roster spot @ WR out of Jessie – Manny – and Hurd? I think Hurd disappointed the coaches in that Denver game (with Miles Austin wide open in the end zone, irony) but his ST work is invaluable. At the same time though he’s gotten too many REPs and is getting paid a lot of money just for special teams. The most likely choice is going to be Hurd because of his ST abilities – which I agree with, but for how long? If I were to pick looking forward to the future it would be Manny.
My ideal WR line-up? Today?
Miles Austin – #1 Receiver
Dez Bryant – #2 Receiver and Punt returner. (AOA as the second Punt returner with Newman as the emergency guy)
Kevin Ogletree – “Slot” receiver
Manny Johnson – Backup WR and special teams
Titus Ryan – Kick Returner, Special Teams and backup WR (AOA as the second Kick returner with Austin and Dez as the emergency guys)
Add in Crayton if we can afford to carry a 6th WR.
Too bad it’ll never happen.
Realistically:
Austin
Williams (at least initially)
Crayton in the slot
Dez in the rotation with Williams and Austin
Ogletree in rotation with Crayton
Maybe Hurd if we carry 6 WR’s.
Rabid and luvin' it
Doubtful...
I just don’t see Crayton back with the Cowboys this season.
ProHockeyTalk: General NHL news, rumors and analysis, from the best hockey mind at NBCSports.com.
by Brandon Worley on May 20, 2010 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I think he will be at training camp,
because he only makes $2M. If the coaches are comfortable with the young WR and the punt returner then Jerry might try to trade him before the deadline. If a teams loses a WR or two and needs an experienced WR Dallas might get a 4th or 5th him.
Kick returner
I’d like to see El Gato as the starting returner. The guy is dangerous in the open field. Since we split the RB carries three ways its just another way to get him more touches.
by b roo on May 21, 2010 3:56 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Two problems with that
Felix is supposedly getting more touches this season. If he’s going to be the “featured” back, you don’t want to risk him on kick returns.
Felix hasn’t been as effective as a Kick Returner as people expected. He looks tentative back there. Or maybe a better term would be “indecisive”. He hesitates and spends too much time going laterally instead of picking a hole and going for it. It’s almost like he sees so many juicy options that he can’t decide which one he wants to go with.
Austin was our best KR last season with a 25.6 avg
Felix was a distant second with a 21.8 avg
Ogletree was almost as good as Felix with a 20.8 avg
None of them were overly spectacular. That’s why we brought in Rossum…just to watch him go down to injury on his first play.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on May 21, 2010 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Money quote:
now it looks as if we have 3 beastly return guys all with different types of top end athleticism
While losing both Watkins and Hurd would concern me with the coverage, we also lost Carpenter, so it might be a wash :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Wasn’t ST one thing Carpenter did very well or was that just another gratuitous shot on the way out the door?
by StillHateTheGiants on May 22, 2010 6:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Whoever replaces Carp on the ST squad will likely be an upgrade.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Also,
I figure that Barron is an underachiever due to the losing culture he was surrounded with. While it’s not the best competitive spirit it could happen to the best of them. I actually saw him beating out Colombo for the RT spot since this trade materialized. Colombo’s game was exposed and he made Ray Edwards look like Jared Allen in the championship game last year. I do realize he was injured but Barron has been injury free and is substantially younger. All in all, our most glaring area of need is shoring up quite nicely. I think it would work out well, if Doug Free went down we could move Barron over to LT and then Colombo could jump in at RT and presumably hold up a little better with less wear and tear throughout the season. These guys are young studs though and I can’t see them breaking down towards the end of the season (which ultimately doomed us last year).
+1
People think if Barron starts somewhere its the end of the world. I feel if he starts, he stepped up and earned it and it can only mean he is finally playing to his potential.
KICK ASS every day!!!
yea
i mean, if he can crack the starting lineup here, up against muuuch better competition than he had in stl, it would prove the guy has a lot more to offer than he has shown thus far.
#9 has the most incredible 4 yard gain in the history of the NFL.
Roy
All this sh*t about Roy fixing his flaws, sinking his hips, etc just cracks me up. It reminds of the last time a 7 to 8 year veteran underachiever turned things around and became a stalwart receiver … oh wait.
What type of production are you looking for out of him?
He’s obviously the #2 option now, so maybe 50/750/8, as I said in another thread. That’s only 12 more catches 155 more yards and 1 more TD over the season than what he did last year in 13 starts. If you can get about the same out of Dez, Austin has a similar year, and add in Witten and the running game, that’s a pretty unstoppable offense.
by Baked Potato Soup on May 20, 2010 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah I agree.
I think Roy has been a pretty big bust as well, but I’m not saying that by his #’s.
I don’t care if he becomes a “stalwart receiver”, I just wish that he could provide the threat of a really good #2. Just that would make the team pretty sick.
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 20, 2010 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I think we are on the same page
Look, articles about fixing flaws by sinking hips etc are designed to generate hope and excitement. OMG, Roy is finally going to be what we thought we were getting when we gave up picks and $$ to get him. My point is only that that ship has sailed. I also dont care or believe he’ll become a “stalwart receiver,” and that’s what I find silly about the flaw fixing and hip sinking. In my view, even if he becomes a “really good #2” that’s still essentially “just a guy,” or if you find “just a guy” to be too harsh, I think we can all agree that a “really good #2” is not fair value for the picks and $$ we gave up.
And I love the comment somewhere in here from a poster about “where were the scouts?” +100 to that. We spent draft picks and $$ on a receiver that needs to learn to sink his hips at year 8 (or whatever year it is for him)?!?
Good points but
he doesn’t have to better than anyone else except the next best WR on the team in order for him to play. For this season, RW is a “sunk cost” (to match his sinking hips) so he just needs to be better than the next guy to get playing time.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Elberraco, you make a good point, but just to play devil's advocate...
Roy has frustrated people for MOST of his NFL career. He’s shown brilliance for stretches, which to me says more mental than physical. Turning that around is equally doubtful, but at least he’s capable physically of having another quality year.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Let me second your devil's advocate
Roy shouldn’t even be on our radar right now. We have so much young talent at WR. Big Roy should have to earn the right to be a topic on this board. Let him go out there and have a career year. Until then, the young guns should be getting their print. If you watch some of the vids on DC.com, Ogletree looks smooth, Dez is…well, Dez. Austin seems to be even more comfortable, and we have some other kids that are going to be putting up the effort of their lives. Roy’s had his day in the sun, and it wasn’t that big of a deal to him.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
what he said
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Exactly.
I’m kind of in the same boat, the bashing Roy thing has gotten pretty old. I don’t disagree with people, but he isn’t worth the time to talk about right now.
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 21, 2010 8:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Well said
There’s almost no way we’ll be able to afford Miles+Dez+Roy after this year anyway, and it seems equally unlikely that we cut Roy this year since we’re paying him either way.
So we can all just hope he has a great year, helps us win the SB, and maybe even develops trade value. While knowing it’s far more likely he’ll wind up fighting w/ Ogletree for #3 WR reps and get sent packing with little more than a “Hang in There” kitty poster after this year is done.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 21, 2010 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
I just hope syncing/sinking his hips does not screw up his awesome blocking prowess
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
Scouts???
It seems like the scouts should have picked up on the fact that Roy can’t “run low” or “sink his hips”. Much less the “two bobble catch”. I know it’s Jerry’s pick but jeez…. But I do agree taters’ prior assesment of needed production for 2nd WR.
by Lumberjack90 on May 21, 2010 6:11 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Kicker
Buehler’s FG % was unacceptably low in college and there is no reason to believe he can get into the 80% range in the pros. “No Problem”, I had been thinking, since Phoenix is about to cut Neil Rackers. Then I saw this from Folk’s practice with the Jets. Now it looks like we will have some competition to sign a real FG kicker. Thanks Nick Folk! You just screwed our kicking situation up again.
DCfanatic was talking about this too on his blog radio show, that the cards are having a kicking competition and that one of the two kickers
in this case, Neil could be available.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I find it very hard to believe we just hand the job to Buehler.
Even if he’s improved on his accuracy, why wouldn’t you bring in AT LEAST 1-2 guys to compete. You can’t tell me it’s a salary thing, because we’re talking about a key position.
I don’t care how good your team is, there are times each year when the game – and some times the season – rests on the kicker’s shoulders. I’m not sure who is available, but 300 college kickers are looking for a job each year … you telling me there are no options?
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Agreed, I doubt it will be as simple as the FO is stating it, but I have faith in Joe D to not leave his ST core in bad shape.
If we still had that other stiff he replaced then I would be worried. Remember that Joe is the guy who is driving ST, he had Cpt fair catch (Crayton) benched and brought in a guy to replace him; the man will have ST in good shape at the start of the season.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
Good point ... Joe D has turned into yet another great UDFA :)
Three quick thoughts:
1. He’s totally turned around a struggling special teams unit. That’s no small feat.
2. His leadership is the perfect addition to Wade’s laid-back style. You need a coach that is willing to step up and rally the troops. Joe D was the man last year.
3. I had something incredibly important and somewhat relevent to say here, but I just got a call and … well… priorities :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Not to mention
Have you noticed how much Wade confers with Joe D during the game? He seems to value his opinion beyond ST.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Signing a "real FG kicker"
doesn’t solve anything anyways. Do we not remember Mike Vanderjagt?
Let Boniol have his time with Buehler, kick a few in the preseason, if he looks good than great, if not then there is plenty of time to sign a guy before the start of the season.
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 21, 2010 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
exactly, FG kickers are like golfers
their game can turn south at any given time. I say give Buehler every opportunity to win the job and if he busts in pre season then like DalaiLuke said, there are several hundred kickers all over the place looking for a job.
Saints won the SB last season with a no name kicker…just saying.
In Romo we Trust
Yeah I don't think Dallas wants to keep two kickers on the roster if all possible.
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 21, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
In two years as the place kicker at USC
Buehler hit on 79% of his field goal attempts. He can do it. According to DC.com Buehler is progressing nicely on his field goals.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Wasn't that Larry Allen?
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Man, am I losing my memory?
Of coarse it was Allen
Guess it falls on free because it needs to be an orginal Cowboy! Don’t ask me why….it just does!
The guy has only been kicking since HS senior year
and all his time in college had no kicking coach. The motion for KO’s is significantly different from FGs. So there is some reason to believe that he can adapt his “swing” to become more accurate on FGs. It may not happen, but it’s more than just a slight chance.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
The overriding concern going foward is what is left on RW contract? If he is still going to make 8-9 million next year
it may not matter if he make enough improvement to be considered a good to decent No 2 receiver when JJ still has to pay for Miles. I think that the contract could be an issue, here are the details from Rotoworld.
10/19/2008: Signed a six-year, $54 million contract. The deal contains $26.6085 million guaranteed, including a $10 million option bonus in the second year and $2 million of Williams’ 2010 base salary. 2010: $3,452,629 (+ $9.5 million guaranteed option bonus), 2011: $5,109,971, 2012: $6.802 million, 2013: $8.498 million (Voidable Years), 2014: $9 million, 2015: Free Agent
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
This is Roy's Last Year
Unless Roy Williams has the best season of catches, yards, and TDs of his career, he’ll be cut this offseason. And that’s going to be pretty tough since we have 2 RBs, an amazing TE, and a guy named Miles Austin that will be stealing targets from him.
This will be his last season with the star on his helmet.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 21, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
The next two years he is set to make 5 million, then 6.8, this year's production will determine whether JJ is willing to keep
the contract if he does no better than patrick did on a consistent basis. Dez’s rookie year will also play a factor, because if he shows promise that could lead to more balls going his way in 2011 and then the team could be faced with paying 5 mil, 6.8 mil for a player that is in the No 3. WR slot.
Do not get me wrong, I am not advocating RW be cut, but I see it 60-40 that he may get cut after this season, unless he can come close to producing closer to what Miles does because of his contract and Miles future contract.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
I feel pretty confident
that PC’s gone this year and RW’s gone next year. It’s really amazing if you think about it, we were so thin at WR just at the start of last season and now it looks like we could have one of the best wide receiving corps in the league. Next year should be great with #1 Austin, #2 Dez and #3 Ogletree. Plus, who knows what other undrafted gem may blow up for us (Ryan?) Jeez….hurry up September!
Roger Staubach was the original Captain Comeback......My childhood hero.
Formerly JAHII (actually, I am still JAHII, Retired United States Marine)
Thanks to OCC, Sublimz and others for the avatars!
You don't
make a billion dollars without some cut throat negotiation.
While Jerry grossly paid Roy Williams, I think if he steps up to the level we thought he might have been performing – he’ll get the option to renegotiate his contract or he’ll simply get cut and then get a cheaper offer to rejoin.
You think there’s a team in this league interested in Roy Williams at this point? With Dez, Miles, Witten, ET CETERA taking away touches his lasting impression on the league is going to be as more or less of a complete bust who barely put up more numbers than the Cowboys’ #3 Patrick Crayton.
If he actually does live up to his potential we’ll have a receiver with “#1” caliber for the price of a 2 or 3. Believe me Jerry knows what he’s doing. If Roy doesn’t show he can live up to the potential we thought he gets cut and the Roy Williams experiment is officially a bust and we move on being blessed (completely lucking into haha) with one of if not the finest receiving corps in the league.
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