On the Bubble - Trend Lines
by tdships on Aug 14, 2010 9:17 AM CDT
Email
Print
A largely unqualified take on the yet-to-be determined role players and question marks headed into this season. Didn't include the TC fodder, this was plenty to work with:
Stock Up
Ball - in this case, the lack of a negative could be a positive
Barron - perhaps better than we thought at this point. Legit swing tackle candidate. At the very least - addition by subtraction
Brent - showing signs there's a spot for him
Butler - athleticism always been there, now the light has turned on
Free - just as advertised, ready for this level
Gordon - leader in the clubhouse for 4th CB
Gronkowski - versatility as TE, H Back elevates chances
Holley - is he really making a move for a roster spot? Pretty remarkable the conversation is even being held
McCray - keep seeing him making plays, worth watching more
Williams, B&J(stop) - proving to both be keepers
Young - better than advertised, but likely not good enough. May benefit from McQ's potential departure
Stock Down
Brewster - not hearing good things - apparent grad from Montrae Holland school of conditioning. This trend line continues, candidate for a visit by The Turk before camp end
Bright - taken out of C rotation, some potential for much needed Interior OL depth. but value as a 2 spot sub diminished(the Proctor conundrum)
Hodge - inability to get on field now looking like a trend. And not a good one
Hurd - nothing he's really done, more what he hasn't. Contract value is his biggest liability
McQuistan - looks like the end of his DC career looming
Octavian, Sharpe - the numbers at a very deep position put these guys here, not everyone can be exceptional. If Octavian gets cut, he'll land somewhere else. Good problem to have
Ogletree - rumblings of an attitude not helping. Definitely taken a step back from this time last year. Shame, looked promising.
Watkins - career dissipation light blinking more rapidly
Williams, L&T - not so much
Stuck in Neutral
ASA - time to see something on the field
Bryant - borderline in this category, with all the excitement around his early exploits. But you can't make an impact from the Trainer's table. More of an Incomplete grade here
Hamlin - promising in every aspect but staying healthy enough to play
Holland - starting to really annoy me. Like my golf game, nothing worse than being stuck in mediocre
Lee - see Bryant comment
Lissimore - in this case less is not more, losing valuable opportunity to make an impression. Losing ground to Brent?
Siavii - what you see is what you get. Not necessarily a bad thing
Walls - hasn't distinguished himself as exceptionally good or bad
TBD - need more data to support a conclusion on the Trend Line
Buehler - not his fault, but I just can't trust an unproven PK until he earns it. Encouraged, though
Church - thought he was the UDFA keeper, may be getting passed by McCray
Costa - thought he was doing OK, since OAK, entire OL took a step backwards
M Johnson - not much of an idea, does it really matter?
Sicko - burning daylight here, what could have been a legit opportunity being frustrated by injury
Tepper - little idea, doesn't that say enough?
Again, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, just relevant. Weigh in accordingly at your discretion.
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
31 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Buehler's Stock is Way Up
5-6 with his only miss being a long 49 yarder. The 42 yarder he had Thursday would have been good from 62.
I think his stock is going up up up
by Blue Eyed Devil on Aug 14, 2010 10:58 AM CDT reply actions
You bring up an interesting point.
I wonder what the over-under will be for his longest FG this season.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
by Pnut Gallery on Aug 14, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
64
i think hes got the leg for it
by I draft the Cowboys!!!! on Aug 15, 2010 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Considering Elam has the record for longest FG at 63...
I’d say that’s doable…if he gets lucky.
Rabid and luvin' it
Tied for record - John Dempsy - New Orleans Saints is the co-record holder.
Underestimate No One, Take Nothing For Granted
by SaintsFanInIraq on Aug 16, 2010 2:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Dempsy was great
Doubt he would even be allowed to play today, but I loved to watch him swing that club of his and nail them.
Yes, I am that old. I’m old enough to remember Meridith to Hayes, too
Come after my cigars, and we will then be discussing my second amendment rights
It's ok, I like old people
The only way I know about it is through old highlight reels. I used to love watching the old games, way back in the day and stuff. I am not really old, not really young, I am in the “Just Right” age of life. Young enough to enjoy my youth, but old enough to not be blinded by my own stupidity.
Underestimate No One, Take Nothing For Granted
by SaintsFanInIraq on Aug 17, 2010 3:17 AM CDT up reply actions
some disagreements
but pretty much my thoughts, i would change:
wall-down
l. williams-up
b. sharpe-up (still not enough for making the team)
ball-neutral
buehler-up
Brewster isn’t a LT, that’s easy to see, but he’s being forced into playing the position too much… I wouldn’t place him on stock down just because of how he’s looking on the left side… If the team were deeper outside, I would love to see that he’s moved inside… He looks like a fine Guard prospect.
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
+1
I’d like to see him get more reps inside. What are the thoughts on his capability of pulling backup C duty? Not immediately, but somewhere down the road.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
by Pnut Gallery on Aug 14, 2010 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Backup Guard
Can McQuistan really be that tough to beat out for a roster spot?
by Blue Eyed Devil on Aug 14, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Brewster May Be A Fine Guard Prospect
. . . but he give every appearance of being a big fat slow – mistake; I have not too much hope for him but let’s hope he proves the doubters with some performance over the next few preseasons games.
Ogletree
Is getting a bad rap. DMN and ESPN should be held for libel for this whole “bad attitude” thing. You don’t hear anything about it from the coaches, players, etc. There IS such a thing as a sophomore slump you know…just ask Orlando Scandrick.
(Actually don’t, he may tackle you)
If the Cowboys lose to McNabb in Week 1, I am drinking myself into a coma.
Ogletree, by Ray Sherman
"There are some things that he needs to clean up and he knows that, but I like the effort that he’s giving out on the field," receivers coach Ray Sherman said. "I think he’s a good football player. I’ve just got to keep bringing him along, keep working with him where he can be consistent."
"I think he hit a little plateau," Sherman said. "I think he had more success the first camp. He caught on pretty good. He worked very hard this offseason. He’s in the best shape he’s ever been in, and he was getting more reps. I think sometimes a young guy may hit a little wall. But I like his attitude. I like his work ethic. We’ve just got to keep working with him and bringing him along, but I think he’s going to be fine." Per ESPNDallas.
by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 14, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope he's not on the Hurd Track
Look great in the first year, then hit your ceiling in the second.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Aug 14, 2010 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Just like in weight lifting.
You hit a series of plateaus where it doesn’t seem like you’re progressing much despite putting in the same amount of work or more. Sometimes you have to change up the workout a little. Other times, you just have to stick with it, work just that extra little bit and bust on through.
There’s a difference between hitting “a little plateau” and reaching your ceiling. Just as long as the plateau doesn’t become permanent through complacency.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Aug 14, 2010 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree with most of it.
Like ratware, I’m not down on Leon Williams. I’d rate his stock as up. He may knock Octavian off the team as the Special Teams LB. He’s around the ball and making plays quite a bit. Teach him how to catch and he’d be really scary.LOL
I’d rate Teddy Williams stock as up. The expectations were really low for him and he has been a pleasant surprise despite that. He’s actually been better than Wall in coverage IMHO. He’s also done well on Special Teams. I’d say very well except for that running into the kicker penalty and his inability to block the Bengals gunner away from our returner. All things considered, his stock should be up. Up high enough to make the 53-man? I doubt it. But up none the less.
I’d rate Jason Williams stock as neutral until he demonstrates he can play better in coverage and not get fooled on screens. I’m not totally down on him because of how much he missed last year and how much he has improved from last pre-season. But, I can’t say his stock is up overall. More like he’s where he should be at this point in his career with everything considered.
Rabid and luvin' it
My Thoughts
Teddy Williams is surprisingly good P-squad material. He’s the kind of raw talent you want on your P-squad, assuming he can keep up this level of play. I care about his ability to cover. If he runs into a punter on one pre season game, so what?
Leon Williams, you have to make that interception. Just like Victor Butler has to make that shoe-string sack on Donovan McNabb last year that may have been the winning play of the game.
On the same note, Jason Williams has to make that play. You can’t get sucked inside by a 3rd string offense and let a RB screen go for 40 yards. Being Mr. 75% in the NFL means the offense gets a first down every 4 downs. You have to do better in this league or you’re the Detroit Lions.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Aug 14, 2010 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Leon Williams
may be downgraded for the one play he didn’t make: from reports it sounds like all of the D has been working on catching passes in practice. On top of that, on a defense where turnovers are being stressed and you fail to make the play when it is being handed to you on a silver platter, it’s not a good sign.
If the Cowboys lose to McNabb in Week 1, I am drinking myself into a coma.
What of Curtis Johnson??
I thought he had chances?
Oline
At least two roster moves.
If Brewster was really slated for tackle he should cut. Likely he’s protected with the understanding he’s going to guard. I’m sick of out of shape linemen. Free is the model the team should be looking for.
The big linemen theory went too far as a cowboy tradition. Hopefully they can find two over achievers on the cut wires for tomorrow. They should keep at least 3 on the PS in this area.
Injuries
it’s a little scary how many there are per day. Hopefully some of the trend is warehousing in nature, letting vets protect themselves from excess pre-season contacts. I think this practice is widespread at this point in the league and on this team.
I wish they would move Brewster inside
I never thought that trying to make him a RT before letting him really compete for G was a good idea. They are wasting time that could be better spent evaluating him at RG or LG. I suppose that now with Colombo’s knee scope, we can forget seeing Brewster moved.
Thank you #22, for everything you did for the Cowboys. There will never be another one like you.
I'm wondering more about Jesse Holley and Josh Brent
I didn’t get to see the last game and not enough is being said about them that I can find. What are their games looking like so far? I’m intrigued that their stocks are up from this observation. I wish I could attend the practices and see for myself. I don’t think Holley gets a lot of reps but I can’t be sure. Any info, anyone?
God 1st, Family Always & Dallas Cowboys 4 Life!!!!!
Holly & Brent are doing well
he could bump Hurd off the roster if they keep 6 WRs. he’s doing very good on special teams & is showing potential as a WR. Hurd has showed promise in TC every year but never carries over to the regular season. his special teams play kept him around this long but they want players who can play their positions also.
Brent has made some noise at NT & showed a good burst of speed, he also run a RB down from behind against Oakland. he could bump Savii off the roster if he keeps getting better.
Move Over Sweetness, Make A Place For Emmitt!
Oline shake up is required
Trade Hurd, Crayton, Spears and likely a few LB’s for two 3-4 year emerging prospects at inside oline. pick up a few more from cuts.
McQuistan, Holland are certainly at risk. If they found some talent Kosier, Davis could be moved as well.
The oline is weak.
Nothing Wrong With Dallas OLine Top Five
it is the remainder of the group that is questionable; the long term perspective is troubling considering the failure of many of the backups . . . Dallas needs to look to the free agency pool to find a center then find a RT . . . then they need to use the draft to find quality longer term replacements for Bigg and Kozier – Dallas got its current line in large measure to spending huge money to lure free agents
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- How Kyle Orton almost cost the Colts Andrew Luck
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
