SB Nation Dallas Editor's Pick
Santa left Dallas a win-win scenario this morning
by ScarletO on Dec 25, 2011 11:24 AM CST
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With a win on Sunday evening in the New Meadowlands (where the Cowboys are 1-0), the Cowboys officially become a playoff team. In order to enter the playoffs, Dallas needs to win a direct elimination match: in other words, a playoff game.
Depending upon ones point of view, the Eagles game had several very encouraging developments. For the first time since blowing out the Buffalo Bills (44-7), the Cowboys defense gave up fewer points in the second half of a game.
In fact, Dallas went from yielding 239 rushing yards in the first meeting between the Eagles and Cowboys, to a meager 105 yards despite trailing the entire game again. For only the second time since playing Buffalo, the Cowboys defense did not permit a receiver to catch passes totaling over 100 yards (Tampa Bay was the other game).
Dallas also held the Eagles to 38.5% on third down conversions (compared to 58.3% on 10/30/11), well below Philadelphia's current 41.2% third down conversion rate. The Cowboys defense also limited the Eagles' offense from their previous 24.4 points per game average.
Rob Ryan is proving to be closer to the solution as a defensive coordinator, and making it apparent to most observers that the Dallas defense lacks talent at too many positions. Ryan made many good defensive calls, and showed the admirable ability to be flexible in revising his preferred blitzing schemes. Several times during the game, Ryan made the right call in the right situation, only to see a player (or players) screw-up. Rob finally came out in the post-game interview and indicted the players for not executing properly (see dallascowboys.com).
It is interesting that as the season has progressed, the offense has improved and played smarter (scoring an average of 28.1 points per game the six games leading into the Eagles game, compared to the 22.4 the offense was scoring during its first eight games). The defense, on the other hand, seems resolute in continuing to play with the intellectual malaise that marred the Phillips regime.
If Ryan is able to manipulate the defense into another above average performance despite its obvious talent limitations, the Cowboys will enter the playoffs. If Rob is unable to offset Romo's hand injury with a strong defensive performance, the Cowboys begin the process of trying to improve a defense with obvious holes throughout the secondary and defensive front.
As of this moment, the Cowboys would draft 18th. Santa, however, has given the Cowboys a realistic opportunity to draft as high as 13th in the 2012 NFL draft.
If Dallas loses (hopefully Santa gives Dallas an extra gift of making the playoffs), the Cowboys will be 8-8. Here is what needs to happen for Dallas to move up to the 13th pick (each occurrence moves Dallas one from its current 18th position):
Philadelphia defeats Washington (@ Philadelphia)
Seattle beats Arizona (@ Arizona)
San Diego vanquishes Oakland (@ Oakland)
Chicago wins one of its last two games (@ Green Bay and @ Minnesota)
Tennessee overcomes Houston (@ Houston)
Philadelphia is playing well right now, as is Seattle. San Diego has improved lately, and Tennessee has a chance to make the playoffs. Chicago gets to play a Minnesota team sans Adrian Peterson (who will also miss the majority of next season with an ACL rupture).
If Dallas cannot make the playoffs, it would be nice to get a top 15 pick. Here is the current top 12 draft order:
1. Indianapolis (2-13)
2. St. Louis (2-13)
3. Minnesota (3-12)
4. Jacksonville (4-11)
5. Cleveland (4-11)
6. Tampa Bay (4-11)
7. Washington (5-10)
8. Miami (5-10)
9. Carolina (6-9)
10. Buffalo (6-9)
11. Kansas City (6-9)
12. Arizona (7-8)
Since the Cowboys game has been flexed to the Sunday night game on NBC, all of the games impacting the Cowboys draft position will already have been played. It should make for a great day of watching football...
PS: Santa, I haven't received that phone call from Jerry yet offering me the team at a MUCH discounted rate. I wasn't as naughty as in past years...what do you say? I promise that I would never second guess Jason Garrett, nor go to the field in the first half to talk to him. I would even invite all fellow BTB'ers to my new luxury suite.
Pleeeease...
Merry Christmas to all, Happy Hanukah and Kwanza!
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
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I also left that game feeling much better about the defense.
They were flying around that second half, getting to vick and forcing penalties. Not only that but the cowboys offense couldnt stay on the field for more than 3 plays, the defense wasnt getting any rest, yet they produced.
Ware looked better than he has in the past month, ratliff had some much needed inside pressure. It appears they have gotten past the limitations of their injurys.
As long as Tonys hand isnt limiting him in some way I feel good about the cowboys winning in NY. Playing on the road agaisnt a team who doesnt play as well at home isnt such a bad thing.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Dec 25, 2011 12:15 PM CST reply actions
don't bash the Cowboys!!
(just kidding!!!! but your last line could equally be adressed to the Cowboys)
I am worried about the o-line at this point.
The eagles got a lot of pressure yesterday, and I think if we get good pass protection we can score some points and really help the d out
Hey thanks for figuring that out
Personally I think that would be a nice constellasion prize
"Our guys are gonna be good, and we know it. So that ain't talkin'. That's just the (bleepin') way it is." - Rob Ryan
"There is a wide range of activities between a drunken rape festival and playing hide & seek in the woods." - Seanrude
by Specific on Dec 25, 2011 2:42 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Yay halfassed autocorrect
"Our guys are gonna be good, and we know it. So that ain't talkin'. That's just the (bleepin') way it is." - Rob Ryan
"There is a wide range of activities between a drunken rape festival and playing hide & seek in the woods." - Seanrude
by Specific on Dec 25, 2011 5:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
defense did play better
if they hold the Gmen to 20 or under, we easily win the game
In Romo we Trust
Something to Look Forward To
. . . if Dallas loses. I am anticipating a win but there have too many key games in the last few years that have gone south.
so glad someone is not dipping in the negative egg nog
glad someone else felt good about the defense. thought those guys played their hearts out. to hold those guys to 20 points was a good sign. I know with a healthy romo and felix jones we would have scored more than 20 points
Yes
the defense “held them” to 20 points, but let’s not forget about the TD that became a turnover when the WR dropped the ball reaching for the pylon. Hard to argue that the score shouldn’t have been 27-7.
But I agree, the defense played much better in the 2nd half. I also think that if the game had been more competitive, Philly would have gotten more done though. Our pass defense, when needing a stop, has been atrocious. The DBs have struggled, but the pass rush (lack of) has been a major Achilles heel other than DWare.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 26, 2011 11:04 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks Scarletto
Great post as always, and it will give me something to root for before what is essentially a playoff game for us.
I agree that there were some encouraging signs. The defensive effort was far better than the previous game, dare I say respectable?
A couple questions
1. Are the draft order rules the same as last offseason? If thats the case, we would draft 21st if we make the playoffs and lose in round 1, so thats a pretty distinct difference. If we win in round 1 but lose in round 2, we’d draft 25th. So even though I would never root against us, the truth is this is not a SB caliber team, and a loss Sunday could actually do far more for this team than a win. We’re talking about 10 draft spots in each round here, thats huge.
But personally, I see the playoffs as a crap shoot – the more times you put your hat in the ring, the better your chances are to make a run at some point. So I’d prefer we get in. Not to mention, this team really hasn’t faired well in these playoff type games (1-4 by my count including Philly 08 which we all like to forget), so I think it would be good for team confidence to win another one or two.
2. Did you use some sort of program to do this? because I know SOS doesn’t change that much at this point, but it seems possible we could pass Arizona if they beat Seattle if the right outcomes happen, though thats obviously more complicated.
If you can draft decently, I don't think the difference between 15 and 25 is necessarily that great.
Plus, I seem to remember OCC doing a draft breakdown in the past that showed past like #10 the value of draft picks (as measured by the expected career value of the player picked in each spot) tends to very gradually decline into the second round.
The way I see it is thus:
If you can draft well, there is not going to be a huge difference between the talent likely to be taken at #15 and the one you pick at #25.
If you can’t draft well, then you are likely in trouble no matter where you pick.
I think any concerns over draft order are overblown.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
*sigh from a long term standpoint
We don’t need the playoffs this year, let the giants go to the playoffs and get beat out early. I don’t see any nfc east team making a run this year. If we could get pick thirteen and get kirkpatrick and some other secondary players as well as some d lineman we can seriously contend next year. I hate to give up when we’re still in it, but this is not a super bowl team. If we can make these moves, cut Newman, James, brooking, walker, and ball, and replace them with some young talent and a couple FA guys. Hell, if we cut Spencer and sign Mario Williams then we could be SERIOUS contenders next year. Not gonna happen this year, let’s crap out like usual and add those missing pieces.
by matt575 on Dec 25, 2011 11:35 PM CST via mobile reply actions
mario wont come here......
he doesnt like playing the 3-4 def, which is why texans might lose him this off season .
redskins- bought by Snyder, OWNED by THE Cowboys !
Ryan- If only i could get that kind of aggression from my. Hey! You gonna eat that ?
Texans .....stand tall and REP !
One of the most negative posts I've ever read on BTB
I guess your not a true or real fan anymore.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Are we seriously talking about draft position with a game virtual playoff game in a week?
Who the hell cares right now about the difference between the 13th pick and the 19th pick? Dont you think a couple of playoff wins does a hell of a lot more for this team than 5-6 draft slots? Did I really see somebody say
We don’t need the playoffs this year
What planet is this. Im sure the Packer fans had pretty low expectations when their squad snuck into the playoffs last year too. Do I expect a run like that? No. But its the NFL and strange stuff happens. Id much rather have a spot in the tournament and a chance to fight than a higher draft pick in any draft. Let alone a draft shallow on shutdown corners and lights out pass rushers.
I want my team to win EVERY game. I dont care if the first pick in the draft is on the line. Win EVERY game you can, take whatever pick that gives you, and do the best you can with it in April.
What planet is this?
Administrator of www.startaterriblerumoraboutpatrickpetersonsoheslidesto#9.com
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Dec 26, 2011 7:14 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
totally agree...
I HATE when the boys lose any game (even preseason, which I know is stupid)…
by biggdavo on Dec 26, 2011 2:12 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Welcome to...
Earth.
We call ourselves Man. Hu-Man. But wait’ll ya get a load of our better half… – Wo-Man. Whoa, man.
Cry "Havoc!"
The packers did not have low expectations last year...
The team was actually on a roll. The Cowboys defense will not perform well, not because of the coach, because of the players. They are not smart, lack talent, and most of all, they lack heart. I’m a true fan, and I’ll be rooting for them, and I’ll be ecstatic if they win. But I am not expecting the defense to come thru.
That’s why people are talking about draft picks. Regardless if the Cowboys make the playoff or not, they need serious upgrades in all three levels of the defense.
Some of the players in the draft already are better than Newman, James, Brooking, Coleman, and Spencer, just to name a few.
by beautifultyrant on Dec 26, 2011 5:53 PM CST up reply actions
I agree that the two teams are completely different
I thought the Packers and Eagles were the two best teams in the NFC last year. It just so happened that the Packers closest competition was against Philly. The Packers had a near complete team that was hitting its stride.
We are a totally different situation, and I’m being kind here.
But I agree with Carl(to an extent) – despite the fact that I can see the logic behind it, I don’t know how you can be a fan and root for the team to lose a playoff game like this. But if we do lose, a higher draft pick would surely brighten my mood.
This. Rec.
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
8.3 net pass yards per attempt.
that was actually worse the than the 1st game.
RR isn’t the problem or solution. it’s the players.
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 26, 2011 8:16 AM CST reply actions
If the Cowboys get to 13
With the 13th selection the Dallas Cowboys select
Quinton Coples defensive lineman North Carolina.
The Cowboys have traded their second , third fourth fifth sixth and seventh choices for the 24 pick in the draft
With the 25 pick in the draft the Dallas Cowboys select
Janoris Jenkins defensive back University of North Alabama
this team has far more needs than 2 players
not to mention many contracts are up this offseason.
terrible TERRIBLE idea jonathan
"Some people wear Superman pajamas, Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas. But Chuck Norris wears Sean Lee pajamas. That is all." --sirjason22
"I'm gonna punch you in the ovary, that's what I'm gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker." --Ron Burgundy
by DarkKnight88 on Dec 26, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Defensive Playmakers not depth or JAGS
IMHO the US needs dominant impact play makers much more than depth or blue collar lunch pail guys.
The Cowboys have plenty of jags. Team depth is not great but the lack of defensive play makers is a far, far greater problem.
There is also one more thing . Most players drafted after round three just end up being JAGs or journeyman or even . Adding more JAGS or depth will not help the Cowboys .
The defensive line all of sudden would look pretty good if we had Coples.
If the Cowboys had J Jenkins with Mike Jenkins and T Newman as the 3rd CB all of sudden the CBs are decent.
We could keep Spencer. As I have said before if the DL and/or the secondary were better he could get 8.0 sacks a season. While I would much rather have Aldon Smith than Spencer , Spencer is OK.
Adding Coples and Jenkins while keeping Spencer would leave the Cowboys with a pretty decent defense.
During the offseason I would try to get Jason Smith from Rams and sign him for the right price. I think he is fixable.
Chances are most of the players the Cowboys get after round 3 will be JAGS or worse. See . See AOA. A JAG is not that much worse a wasted choice.
Every team has needs – we don’t need to fill them all. We can fill a lot of them with JAGS just with the waiver wife
The Cowboys need to restore defensive playmaking above all.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 4:54 PM CST up reply actions
Janoris Jenkins
Look I don’t care how good the guy is… he’s the WKG for the Cowboys. No No No.. why go backwards instead of forwards and trading the friggin house to get him. I know you are lost. Dude, Janoris Jenkins is not the answer… he’s talented but if he’s sitting on the couch watching the game because he’s been suspended for substance abuse and believe me getting caught with dope twice in college does mean something.
RexP
by Rex Pfister on Dec 26, 2011 11:39 AM CST up reply actions
Means not only is he stupid for:
Endangering his NFL career hopes but he’s also not going to change!
RexP
by Rex Pfister on Dec 26, 2011 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
clearly your in need of a themometer and enlightenment......
how does 24 pick turn into the 25th…lol
and we are NOT going to draft Coples
nor will we pull a NO saints trade
redskins- bought by Snyder, OWNED by THE Cowboys !
Ryan- If only i could get that kind of aggression from my. Hey! You gonna eat that ?
Texans .....stand tall and REP !
No No No No
This team needs 7 draft picks (more if we can get em).
Pass rusher or two
CB or two
ILB
G
C
Two players do not fix what’s wrong with this team.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 26, 2011 11:11 AM CST reply actions
Oops. Reply fail
Meant to be in response to Johnathan Stern’s post
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 26, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
That goes for the first round.
Guys like Spencer . Spears Jones and Jenkins were all taken far too high.
M Bennet? Who cares?
I like Victor Bulter but he isn’t special.
One great player would be worth all of them. One Mario Williams would be worth all of them.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
Mario Williams
would have been worth every player the Cowboys drafted in
2006
2007
2008
2009
When it comes to the draft quality not quantity.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 5:30 PM CST up reply actions
really????
yea but then he would have had to play all those positions and I really think you are slighting Scandrick, Jenkins, and Jones a bit… and maybe a few others too.
RexP
could have filled in off the waiver wire
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
Quality not quantity.
Each JAG we get is not alot worse than a wasted choice.
If we draft more Sam Youngs or AOAs who cares?
While the jury is out on Nagy and Arkin if they aren’t close to pro bowl players then they were wasted choices.
Remember Jamar Wall in round six?
How about Josh Thomas?
Dwanye Harris?
AOA?
Most of the guys after round three just aren’t that good.
If the guy isn’t great then we blew the pick.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 5:01 PM CST up reply actions
What if
Coples or Jenkins is a bust? Then you wouldn’t have any other picks that may be taken later that pan out. You’d have no shot at anybody like Free, Scandrick, Ratliff, Butler, Lissimore, Brent, etc. Obviously, Free and Ratliff are good players. Lissimore is coming on, as is Brent, and you’ve already said you like Butler, so even if you consider these guys JAGS, you have to have guys like this to fill out a roster. You can’t have stars at every position. If you limit your draft picks, and somebody doesn’t pan out, or gets hurt, then what?
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 26, 2011 9:19 PM CST up reply actions
there is always the chance of a bust. In fact Coples is boom or bust.
But the higher you pick the less your chances of a bust are.
A JAG isn’t that much better than a bust.
you can always fill out the roster off the waiver wire.
One DeMarcus Ware type of player is worth half a team.
Free, Scandrick, Ratliff, Butler, Lissimore, Brent,
out of so many picks. and we can replace those guys. If we lost one of those guys or even several of them it would not be nice but we could get over it
We can’t replace a Ware , a Tyron Smith or a Bryant. (Miles Austin wasn’t drafted)
(We got really lucky with Murray and Witten. Exceptional situations. )
Of course the more picks the better. But at the same time the higher your choice the higher your chance at a franchise player or a superstar. One superstar changes everything.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 26, 2011 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
yeah i bet thew chargers would argue that point with ya ... hell they took a QB no! and he was a serious bust....
redskins- bought by Snyder, OWNED by THE Cowboys !
Ryan- If only i could get that kind of aggression from my. Hey! You gonna eat that ?
Texans .....stand tall and REP !
I completely disagree with this line of thinking
We got lucky with guys like Romo, Austin, etc.
We drafted Witten and Murray in the 3rd round. You need 3-5 rounders.
If you look at the current NFL statistics, you’ll see that a lot of the better players were not 1st round picks. Here are some examples:
Of the top 5 QBs in passer rating, 4 were not drafted in the first round.
Of the top 6 RBs in rushing yards, NONE were first rounders.
Of the top 6 TEs in receiving yards, only 1 was a first round pick.
Of the top 6 DEs in sacks, 3 were first rounders, with a 3rd rounder, a 4th, and an UDFA making up the other 3.
The majority of high level OLBs were drafted early, and it’s too difficult to measure DBs and lineman statistically, and I wouldn’t even try to disagree that most of all of those positions are littered with high draft choices, but the fact remains, the are tons of good players not drafted in the first round. And that giving up chances to add players give you a better chance of having a talented, and deep roster, is a recipe for disaster. This is exactly what people have been hammering Jerry Jones for through the years, the “shiny toy” mentality.
I just think it’s a huge risk to limit yourself to one or two players in a given draft. If they don’t become superstars, you’re completely screwed, and even if they do, if your franchise isn’t “one player away” (which this one is clearly not), then you are setting yourself up for failure. Jmo.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 27, 2011 8:36 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Look at last year we could have traded out of nine for more picks? Would it have been a good idea?
The Cowboys had lots of picks in the 2009 draft. And they all failed.
Sure there are successful late round picks however the majority of them don’t amount to anything.
Every time you end up with a JAG you nearly blew a draft choice.
JAGS are not much better than guys you get off the waiver wire.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 7:29 PM CST up reply actions
of course it is good to have more choices but it is better to have quality.
This franchise isn’t one player away it is TWO players away.
IF big IF
The Cowboys draft Coples and Jenkins
and the they both turn out well as Tyron Smith did
The Cowboys would easily be good enough to BLOW OUT the Packers 38 -14
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
"and they both turn out as well as Tyron Smith did"
That’s the dilemma. What if they don’t?
I agree 2009 was a disaster, but we have drafted well since. Second and third round draft choices are a must. In the last two years alone, we have gotten Sean Lee and Demarco Murray, and while the jury is still out, Bruce Carter. We’ve had two years of multiple first rounders recently, and have had one star out of the 4 players drafted (Ware), and three guys who are good players, but not great (Felix, Jenkins, and Spears). I don’t know about you, but right now, I’d take Murray and Lee (3rd and 2nd rounders) over all three of those first rounders. And I’m fine with agreeing to disagree.
I used to think along the dame lines as you do, but I’m an older guy, and I’ve seen teams do this kind of thing a few times, and it never seems to pay dividends. The best, most consistent, organizations build their teams through the draft, with multiple picks each year.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 28, 2011 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
If we go by that theory we wouldn't have guys like:
Romo, Ratcliff, Austin, UDFA C Kevin Kowalski, UDFA Dan Baily and many other players that have contributed over the last 5 years that were not drafted Number 1 or 2 and believe it of not every team has missed on some big time players including San Diego who cut Wes Welker who they signed as a UDFA his rookie season.
RexP
Of course there are successful late round choices however the majority of them – the vast majority of become JAGS or are cut.
One Darrel Revis would have been worth every single player the Cowboys drafted in 2008 and 2009.
Of course you can talk about Ratliff. but for every Ratliff there is a Jamar Wall , or a Sam Young, Dwayne Harris
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 7:34 PM CST up reply actions
And for every Cam Newton
there’s a Ryan Leaf … what’s your point!!! Do you think every number one draft pick works out for the team … NO! It’s a 40/60 shot and even less at QB or the skill positions.
RexP
You do have 7 draft picks for a reason
1-3 solid players at skill position or on the Line
4-6 players with a good upside at any position of need
7- UDFAs Giving someone with heart a chance … someone that doesn’t fit the standard profile but plays with a special quality … special teams and growth or backup… or you never know.
RexP
When does a team draft where every player turns out?
A team has 7 picks to use them anyway they want. Not for any special reason
But more importantly as I said .
a single Mario Williams or Darrel Revis would have easily been worth every player the Cowboys drafted from 2006 to 2009.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:03 PM CST up reply actions
Believe me when they go into the draft they analyze their needs
and I’m willing to bet it just about falls into those categories. Recruiting on a college level I know it does. You have 20-30 scholarships you attempt to get the best skilled players in the area of need. The first 10-15 are going to players you know are going to be an impact then the next 10 if you have them go to players that can fill and maybe take the position in a couple years … then you go after the guys that just have the improbable or what people call the IT factor. I consider Wes Welker as one of those type players. If you graded him out he never gets drafted but because he has heart and fire and the will to do it he does… same goes for Romo.
RexP
Welker is a story for NFL films because that kind of player is so uncommon
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:12 PM CST up reply actions
same as Romo
UDFAs that turn out to be special players … Romo is just as good and imagine Wes Welker in slot on this team. You think Romo’s numbers would be better then Tom Terrific… we can all Dream.
RexP
You keep bringing up Mario Williams
You do realize that he was the #1 overall pick right? Only ONE team had a chance to draft a guy like that, and it’s because they were the worst franchise in the league. That’s a bit different from taking guys at 13 and 24. Top 10 picks are usually high % picks. After that, it’s a crapshoot.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 28, 2011 9:31 AM CST up reply actions
For every Cam Newton there is a Ryan Leaf sure
and for every Jay Ratlff there are 100 Jamar Walls and Sam Youngs
One great player is worth a team of JAGs I think is the point I was trying to make.
The success rate for low picks is much lower than for high picks. And a JAG isn’t much of success either.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 7:57 PM CST up reply actions
Jonathan
Your ideas are some what skewed by uncommon sense…. First you can’t have all first rounders playing for you… We don’t have the payroll nor does any other NFL team. These types of players want 60-100 million dollar contracts… you get too many you can’t even put enough players on the field to play. You have to have a great core and then work players in that fit.
For instance lets say we take Coples and Jenkins and only one is better then their replacement. Say Coples is less skilled then Spencer and now we can’t afford to keep Spencer so we have to run with Coples who can’t tackle his grandmother… another 5 players lost to a dream. Jenkins is a WKG and gets caught selling Mary Jane to his best friend the DEA agent that lived next door. Funny but it could happen. Now both players are in Jail or useless ….
RexP
isn’t there a rookie wage scale?
Spencer is ok. To lose him would not be the end of the world , He is better than a Jag but not that much more so.
I am sort of a Spencer defender but many posters here want him gone.
You could also redo the 2009 draft where every player was a JAG or a bust.
We traded up for Bryant and LEE in 2010 was it a bad idea?
Last year we didn’t trade out of 9 for more picks was it a bad idea?
Lets say Coples bombs and Jenkins is a druggie that would be bad , BUT NOT any worse than us taking 7 players all of whom end up being JAGs.
You know what would be THE WORST?
The Cowboys drafting 2 solid players and 5 JAGS who all make the team while Coples and/ or Jenkins turn out to be stars.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:10 PM CST up reply actions
The Cowboys drafting 2 solid players and 5 JAGS who all make the team while Coples and/ or Jenkins turn out to be stars – for other teams
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:11 PM CST up reply actions
Now yes...
But… you are talking back 2006-2009 sure we had some bad recruiting years but do we actually draft Revis or Mario… were the the BPA when we were on the clock. I highly doubt it.
RexP
in the book " the Catch" by Garry Myers the Cowboys were thinking about trading up for Lawrence Taylor. But they weren’t willing to offer more than two second round picks and two players.
They ought to have tried harder and offered a lot more. Would have been better than every player the Cowboys drafted from 1981 to 1987.
That is what one player can be worth.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
In five years we can test this theory
I can bet that we don’t get Coples or Jenkins … maybe Jenkins but I don’t think we are going CB until the 2nd but I could be wrong and a win on Sunday would make that a mute point because he’s gone in the first either way.
RexP
I think Coples is a better prospect than JJ Watt and could be 90% of what Mario Williams is.
I think Jenkins is a poor man’s Neon Deion
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:26 PM CST up reply actions
I don’t think we will get Coples either
Which is why the back up plan should be to get Jenkins , a pass rushing linebacker and Jason Jones as a free agent.
What do you think about Jason Jones?
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 8:30 PM CST up reply actions
Yep.
He is pretty good player when he isn’t hurt.
by Jonathan Stern on Dec 27, 2011 11:19 PM CST up reply actions
If Dallas has number 13
And G DiCastro from Stanford is there….I would seriously consider adding a monster guard to our O-line.
Kosier and Holland are winding down, Arkin is “a project” and DiCastro could step in right away like Tyron Smith this season….
if Dallas can bring in any elite player at interior OL or at any position on the D
I am all for it. A great OG could make this offense more effective running the ball and a downright unstoppable unit overall.
+1
I do like him… he’s a power from the Guard position but still wouldn’t take him at 13 … I would hope to pull one of the SEC’s best in Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama or Claiborne from LSU if available at 13 and worry about the DL and OL on the 2nd or 3rd pick (BPA) if there is a center or guard available. I would even goes as far as picking up Stephon Gilmore, CB/PR, South Carolina instead of an OL man. Would be pushing it if a good DL pass rush specialist was available instead though.
RexP
Agree with everything you said except
Claiborne is expected to be a top 5 pick.
by sportsfanatic21 on Dec 26, 2011 9:22 PM CST up reply actions
Looking for some info.
The following players are all underclassmen that have been projected in one or more sites to be coming out for the 2012 NFL draft. As underclassmen, there is little information available, but all are ranked as potential first or second day selections that could help this Cowboys team. Has anybody watched any of these guys play or have any insight on them?
Thanks. Here they are:
Sam Montgomery (DE, LSU) 6’ 4", 245
Jarvis Jones (OLB, Georgia) 6’ 2", 242
Stephon Gilmore (CB, South Carolina) 6’ 1", 193
Jonathan Banks (CB, Mississippi State) 6’ 1", 185
Brandon Taylor (FS, Louisiana State) 6’ 0", 195
Montgomery is a stud. He will wait till the nc game to decide as will Michael Brockers.
I hope he doesn’t come out but then again I am a Tiger fan.
Jarvis Jones is going back to school.
Gilmore hasn’t declared as of yet. He really improved his ball skills this year. He has fs size and he might fit there even more than cb. That said I am not a huge fan of changing positions for players.
For those of you who don’t know who Brockers is , if he doesn’t come out this year you will know who he is next year. 6’6" 306lbs. Agile , fast and strong.
Jonathan Banks is a baller. I think he would have started on LSU moving the Honey Badger to safety.
Brandon Taylor is a safety who is a senior. I believe he will be one of the better safties to come out of this draft. He has something you can’t coach. Instincts.
I watch all conferences and love college football. However being an LSU fan I pay particulary close attention to the SEC.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
Being a Buckeye, this hurts...
…thank you.
Still sore about the National Championship game loss.
So if Alabama wins, are LSU and Alabama co-national champions?
Well that is going to be a tough call. If they win by 3 then I think maybe.
Nuff of that LSU by 10. (fan speak)
Being a Buckeye get ready for a return to glory. See the Buckeyes always had enough talent on offense. The difference is the top SEC defenses are that much more superior to the other conferences. Meyer will get the Buckeyes an SEC d. The Sec’s stranglehold will end soon.
The dynamics of turnovers in a game, especially in college creates momentum that is hard to overcome. Look at LSU vs Ga. this year. Ga had LSU on the ropes. Bam Honey Badger gets a turnover then the flood gates open. LSU clocked them. Same way Bama plays.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Dec 27, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions
Defense wins championships
Offense gets you there but your defense needs to come up big once you’re there.
RexP
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