Cowboys TE John Phillips: "I Like To Associate Myself With Guys Who Work Hard"
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 23, 2011 8:53 AM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys General
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When a player suffers a season ending injury, that player often disappears almost completely from the public perception. Tight end John Phillips is such a player.
After showing some promise towards the end of the 2009 season, he had an outstanding training camp last year, before tearing his ACL in the Hall of Fame game during the preseason. Many observers at the time had him in a head-to-head race with Martellus Bennet for the No.2 tight end spot.
After that, it became kind of quiet, as Phillips had surgery to repair his ACL and started the long process of rehabbing. Now he's back and tells WDBJ7.com in a video interview that the rehab on his knee "has been phenomenal."
In the video of the full interview on the right, Phillips talks about his his workout regimen, the plight of the 2011 rookies, his optimism about the offense, his work ethic, the recent OTA's, the lockout, competition and more.
If Phillips is fully healed, this should make for one of the most competitive roster battles in training camp as Martellus Bennett, John Phillips, Chris Gronkowski, Shaun Chapas and perhaps an UDFA or two battle it out for a role in the Cowboys offense.
Phillips was drafted in the sixth round of the 2009 draft out of Virginia, where he was coached for two years (2005-06) by Cowboys tight ends coach and passing game coordinator John Garrett.
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Good to see...
Thanks OCC. It’s no secret there are a lot of Phillips (John, that is) supporters on here. But what’s interesting is
this should make for one of the most competitive roster battles in training camp as Martellus Bennett, John Phillips, Chris Gronkowski, Shaun Chapas and perhaps an UDFA or two battle it out
The question is….Just how many spots are available there?
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
2
more traditional backup TE and then a hybrid Hback TE, FB monster. Right?
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
It would be nice, but I'm not sure.
I know it’s either 2 or 3. Looking at the names above, I’m hoping it’’s three, but I’m also thinking that it’s probably only two.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
by Pnut Gallery on Jul 23, 2011 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions
3 roster spots
TE2, TE3, and FB.
Unless a trade is made, Marty B and Jonny P are locks for TE2 and 3. And Chapas will probably easily beat out the collar-bone murderer for FB.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jul 23, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
see that's the thing I don't think JG wants 3
TE3 needs to do FB.too. When philips went down it ruin his plans
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
All NFL teams have at least 3 TEs
You can’t have a TE go down to injury in the 1st quarter and just play with 1 TE an entire game.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jul 23, 2011 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
you read it wrong
I’m saying JG.doesn’t want 3te and a fb. The 3rd te needs to be a hybrid
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
I don't know of a team
That doesn’t have a combined 4 players between TE and FB spots
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jul 23, 2011 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Ok then, I guess that's final
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
by thebigham on Jul 23, 2011 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Especially with the love of the 2TE set
That’s why I was hoping there would be 3 spots, and I agree on the three you propose above.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
by Pnut Gallery on Jul 23, 2011 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
i can see 3 TE's and 1 FB
it depends on how suspect the line is. witten the last few years has been somewhat restricted from having to block so much.
Double TE’s sets(especially if we give up on RW) seem to be the norm now for the offense and allow witten to run his routes from the snap over the middle and the other TE to block
The realist keepin it real amongst the surrealists
R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"
by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 on Jul 23, 2011 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't think so
Anyone who believes Phillips, returning from injury no less, is even in Bennett’s class for the 2nd TE role is beyond moronic.
Smiles ahead
by accidental innuendo on Jul 23, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Disagree
While it will be a challenge for Phillips, he was playing better than Bennett before he was injured last year in trainiing camp. I think it will be closer than people think…
This is one of those "potential vs performance" arguments
Bennett athletically is superior to Phillips, hands down. Bennett is a superior blocker on the field. He is an inferior pass catcher because he appears to not be in the right place at the right time and has dropped passes with some regularity. A JG TE has to be reliable in both aspects of the position.
The question of whether Phillips will supplant Bennett is really up to Bennett. If he accepts his shortcomings and works on the mental aspects of the game, Phillips can’t pass him on the depth chart. If he continues to have problems as a pass-catcher, as well as create off-field distractions (like calling out team mates), we’ll see a lot of Phillips.
Either way, Phillips coming back is critical to the Cowboys, whether it’s to provide competition to drive Bennett or to replace him if he doesn’t “get it”.
Don't believe everything you think.
"If" is what MB is all about.
Unfortunately, he’s already through 3 years! “If” it was going to click with him, it would have already.
He’s not a horrible player, OK backup TE, but ever since he’s been drafted fans have been waiting for something big from his “athleticism” (which doesn’t really show up onfield, he lumbers with those screens when given a chance).
It’s not happening.
Stats: 2008: 20 catches, 14 ypc, 4 TD’s. Nice rookie year.
2009: 15, 159, 11 ypc, 0 TD’s
2010: 33, 260, 8 ypc , 0 TD’s
Even as a backup to Witen there should be some growth and better stats than that.
I’m hoping he can fetch a 4th rounder from some desperate team.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Jul 23, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
2010.
Wasn’t that the season he had to catch most of the passes from Kitna, of the three step drop and short pass? That would seem likely to lower the average a tad.
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
The excuse for id Kitna?
No one else had a drop in ypc like that.
Not trying to sound personal, but objectively, that’s a lame argument.
The passing offense did OK w/Kitna last year.
Look at those stats and tell me, where’s the growth?
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Jul 23, 2011 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Spot on Larry,
" where’s the beef" was an american saying once,don’t see " the beef" in the defence of Bennett.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Right, I'm not saying it's going to happen
just that the ball, so to speak, is in Bennett’s court. He won’t be on the roster based on is potential any longer. Unless someone gets injured.
Don't believe everything you think.
Trade him for a nt.
Jerry can't get it done ! At least I have LSU !
by football mensa on Jul 23, 2011 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Phillips will be the TE2
RHG said all spots are open, and Phillips is the RKG whereas Marty B is working on his next asinine YouTube video.
get ,got,won't .will .what is it?.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
my bad.poor attempt at humour..
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
cool. salud.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Moronic?? It may be Terry, but.......
Did you watch this guy play? He was already better than Bennett. Bennett is so overrated.
He’s inconsistent and barely seems to have his head in the game.
Moronic is say they’re “not even in the same class.”
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on Jul 23, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
is beyond moronic.
I could be wrong but I believe that statement is uncalled for and unsupportable.
Plenty of people think that Phillip could beat out Bennett.
Let’s look at the facts.
http://www.fftoday.com/stats/players/2892/Martellus_Bennett?LeagueID=1
Bennett had a career best with 33 rec last year. However, he needed 48 targets to get those 33 catches and gained 260 yards. That 5.4 yards / targets which is terrible.
For comparison, Felix produced 8.7 per target in the passing game (admittedly that was tops on Dallas but it gives you a feel for possible efficiency).
I don’t see how its moronic to think that Phillip could improve on that and beat out Bennett. Bennett is a tremendous blocker and possibly the more complete player, but there’s a reason that Dan Campbell is an NFL footnote and Antonio Gates is a yearly all-pro.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 23, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
make this comment green
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 23, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Marty B is a free agent next year, no reason to keep him
John Phillips is going to take his job in 2012 anyway, why not let him just have the job now?
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Jul 23, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wait a minute....
You mean we can tell ahead of time whose contracts will be up and can plan to have replacements already groomed and ready to take over?
WHEN THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?! Is that part of the new CBA?
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
by Pnut Gallery on Jul 23, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions
No. That's just another trick employed by Bill Bellichick.
We don’t believe in short cuts like that.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 23, 2011 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
Abram Elam is not an NFL caliber safety… You need to get Alan Ball on the field.
by JimmyJohnson on Jul 25, 2011 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Baaaa Baaaaa..
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
So we are meant to be surprised that a 2nd rd pick at TE ,
has better stats than a 6th rd pick?.give me a break.
the fact that fans discuss the abilities of them both is a slur on Bennett.
there should be no comparisons but there are .
why’s that?.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Bennett has been overrated by fans since day one
If his head was in the game like Phillips he may make something of himself, but the way he is now he won’t amount to much.
If I had to rid the team of one this second it would be Martellus, and it wouldn’t even be close.
by Dezstroyer88 on Jul 23, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I Would Not Be Surprised
. . . to see a trade of Tellus . . . JG wants a team of special players with the right attitudes; moreover Tellus might entice some team desparate for a TE.
a little unfair imo
marty has put on about 20 lbs since his rookie year, and i think it has shown: better blocking, poorer agility. look how quickly everyone blamed felix’s weight gain for his apparent lack of burst this past season. this doesnt excuse drops obviously, but i think there has been a noticeable decline in his ability to create space.
with our poor line play, Marty has essentially become another lineman. i hope that Smith can step in and play well, possibly allowing Marty to cut a little weight and regain some athleticism.
even i disagree with you Terry,
no fan of MB but he is better all round than Phillips.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh please. Phillips can't block in the same stratosphere as Bennett.
And considering that’s the main job of the second TE, I fail to see how he will beat him out.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
by Creasy729 on Jul 23, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
And considering that’s the main job of the second TE
again I could be wrong. is it always the case that the 2nd TE’s main job is to block.
Look at NO and NE where they had Shockey, David Thomas, and Jimmy Graham and NE where they had Gronkowski and Hernandez. One those teams the 2nd TE is a significant receiving target.
As the 2nd TE for Dallas, Bennett received 48 targets. Roy Williams had 64 targets, so RW got 16 more targets (1/game) than Bennett. Don’t you think the receiving portion for the 2nd TE could be very important? for example, if Dallas had Aaron Hernandez do you think he’d replace Bennett even though Bennett is the better blocker?
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 23, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think it is always the job of the TE to block.
I simply think it’s the place of most emphasis for the 2nd TE in Dallas’ scheme (especially considering that it was a big way that we planned around our O-line deficiencies).
Regardless, I do think the 2 TE can be significant in the passing game. But as it pertains to Bennett vs. Phillips, I just don’t see Phillips being so much better in the passing game that he could some how jump Bennett in the depth chart considering the advantage that Bennett has in the blocking department.
Also, and this has really nothing to do with anything, but looking at RW’s targets, it is pretty shocking how they fell off when Kitna took over. That is definitely opposite of what most would have predicted before last season.
And lastly, as far as Hernandez, I could see him replacing Bennett on passing downs, but I honestly don’t know how he compares in the blocking department.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
As opposed to Dez Bryant, who likes to associate himself with… Martellus Bennett?!?
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
Dumb and Dumber is my moniker for that pairing,
only saving grace is that Dez will be elite and make you " shegals " wince in pain at his greatness.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Tashard Choice.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
lol lol .nice .
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Haha, it was just sitting there on a tee.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
just what tiger used to say !!..
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Close
His actual favorite quote was
it was just sitting there on a wet tee.
Don't believe everything you think.
mmmmm wet.........
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope, that's not the way it was meant.
Listening to Phillips he sounds an awful lot like what Garrett has described a the Right Kind of Guy. And that sentence epitomizes that thought. I could have led with his knee or that he thinks the offense will “take off”.
Anyway, I thought it was very interesting to hear that as he talked about surrounding himself with hardworking guys, he specifically mentioned Stephen McGee and Teddy Williams. Now Jimmy might say “Duh, those are two guys that need to worj the hardest anyway,” but I found it remarkable regardless.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 23, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Teddy Williams
My dark horse candidate to make the team. Leaving the team with one receiver named Williams.
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
I love the RKG approach but ,
i don’t want the team to get suckered into keeping players that ( kiss the badge) say the right things and train hard ,but they are’nt any good during the game.
hopeflly Coach Garrett is able to differentiate between these players.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, he's got his hat on backwards.
doesn’t that make him immature and overrated?
by mdlusk on Jul 23, 2011 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
No, because he goes into the mountains of Virgina to hunt and chop wood. Doing manly things trumps backwards hats.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 23, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
but you gotta admit, backwards hats just trump EVERYTHING a player could do.
(tongue in cheek so far that I can barely talk) :)
What about....
Marrying a super model. Or starring in a neverending string of annoying commercials. Or dating underage girls. Or doing a photo spread in Michigan Ave. magazine? Or finally getting to see a woman naked?
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 23, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Marrying a super model is wrong? ,
prefer sending a ring through the post as a definition of being dumb.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
No, marrying is wrong...
Why make one unfortunate woman miserable, when you can make…
Besides, how could you do that to someone you profess to love.
Gentlemen, we’re 0-16. Let’s change that.
well let me remember something to you....
I cant imagine JG want still MB in Dallas…. I remember Hardknocks from 4 years ago? We drafted MB as a rookie and it was clear that john garrett wasnt satisfied with MB work ethic..
now is it 3 years later? and MB is above average blocker, but no receiving threat as we hoped for…. I m absolutely sure that his work ethic is still same, and he is not RKG …. I dont think that he will ever be above-average TE, because his attitude is awful…his is not making any progress three years in a row….
I m not going to tell you, that MB is lost, but this is probably his last TC with Cowboys….JG as HC will give him last chance to be sure thats MB is the same guy he really dont want in his team and then, he is gone for somethning like 4th-5th round pick at the best….
for me, its even not a competion between Phillips, Marty-B and Chapas, its just about Phillis and Chapas…I cant imagine JG will take at this point talent over character… Phillips and Chapas are his guys, because they have work ethic to be better players despite lack of elite ahleticism ….so say goodbye to Marty-B…..
before there was law, there were the Cowboys!!!
Yup
And even if Martellus does come out this season with a great attitude, works hard and wins a spot, I still doubt I’d be convinced that he’s actually changed. More like a temporary shift of attitude to get what he wants.
by Dezstroyer88 on Jul 23, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Yawn
Martellus Bennett was the best blocking TE in the entire league last year not named Jason Witten. That makes him elite in his role which is to open up holes in the running game, something we need even more with our underachieving OL. Wake me up when Philips becomes elite at anything. His 33 catches last year is also almost 5x as much as the amazing John Philips’ whopping 7 career catches,
Yeah, Philips has a great attitude and work ethic and I really like what I see from him. But he is a different kind of player than Bennett. Philips is more of an H-Back hybrid TE while Bennett is the LOS in-line blocker type who simply doesn’t get much opportunity to use his athleticism in the passing game because of someone named Jason Witten,… and Miles Austin….. and Dez Bryant….. and even that Roy Williams guy.
Bottomline: Bennett and Philips are different types of players with different roles on this team. But they both have a role so idiotic talk about trading Bennett, cutting him, or Philips overtaking him is quite frankly absurd.
I’m tired of Bennett getting unsubstantiated flak and people not liking him because they’re offended by his sense of humor, his youtube videos, and his tweets – or expecting him to light the world on fire because he’s really athletic and want to pin his lack of huge numbers on his goofy off-field nature. He’s the #2 TE on the team, and is one of the top 2 blockers at the TE position in the entire league, who also had 33 catches last year with an old backup QB who can’t consistently push the ball downfield. What the heck more do you want from a backup TE behind the best TE in team history?
by BigD88 on Jul 23, 2011 12:39 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Roy Williams is elite as a blocking WR
I think that pretty much sums up my case.
Don't believe everything you think.
by dunkman on Jul 23, 2011 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
hahaha ..nailed it..
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I know you are joking
but clearly there is a difference between the job descriptions of a #2 WR and a #2 TE.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Yes and no
First, the 2nd TE has to be able to replace the first if he’s injured. You can’t have your whole offense collapse around a single injury. Bennett can’t do that reliably enough. Second, in Garrett’s offense the second TE or H back has to be a very credible receiving threat. As we can see, Garrett wants the same thing in his RBs. Bennett COULD do it, I just don’t know if he will. On the other hand, Phillips does a decent job blocking and a very good job catching. If Garrett is forced to choose (and he will be) he may very well go for the guy who does both pretty well as opposed to the guy who does one great and the other sketchy.
Don't believe everything you think.
You are welcome to your opinions but...
We have never seen Bennett play #1 TE. Obviously he couldn’t replace Witten, but how does anybody know he wouldn’t be serviceable?
Furthermore, I find it interesting that you have doubts about Bennett’s catching ability and yet you say that Phillips does a “very good job” catching the ball. Good to see you are basing that off of one game in the regular season.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Easy Creasy
It’s not personal, unless MB posts under Creasy729.
I don’t know anything, it’s true. I don’t see him in practice or get his tape to review. So it’s just my impression of Marty. And my impression is that he has concentration lapses when out in patterns and during the catch. I don’t just have doubts, the team must as well since they mostly had him blocking. So in a Garrett scheme, I can’t see him as number 2 as long as he’s faltering in one phase of his responsibilities. That sounds a lot like number 3 – the situational TE.
Don't believe everything you think.
I don't make any of this personal. This topic is particularly frustrating to me though.
Still though, why is it shocking that Marty B is in blocking a lot? He is not Jason Witten and his strength is blocking. Would it not follow that he should be in blocking?
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
I think it's a couple of things
first, I think we all are looking for someone who could actually replace him some day, but at a minimum if Witten goes down, replace him on a given Sunday. If he’s not the long-term plan for the number one, they need to churn him out at some point. The second is he frustrates fans because he could be a lot more. Even RW admits his shortcomings. Bennett isn’t even at that stage, so it’s even more disappointing to fans.
Don't believe everything you think.
Well I do think that he will probably be gone after this year due to FA so that should satisfy many here.
But still, I just question if the expectations laid out are even fair considering he caught 69% of his targets while being a great asset as a blocker. This isn’t to say that he couldn’t improve (he certainly could), but I guess I wonder how much more we really should desire from our #2 TE.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Amen.
It baffles me how so many people on this board can defend Romo and simultaneously rip Marty B. The logic in both arguments is the same (e.g. too scrutinized, we don’t know them, teammates like them), but it is selectively applied.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Not at all
if Romo didn’t know the playbook, could only run and hand-off (vs also being able to throw) and threw team mates under the bus, you’d have a better comparison.
I think we’d all LOVE to see Bennett live up to his freakish athleticism, but his immature statements indicate that he hasn’t accepted that he has any part in his lack of productivity. AA says that’s an essential step to getting better, and DalaiLuke assures me AA is very good.
Don't believe everything you think.
Well the first problem you reference was from his rookie year so glad to see that’s still being brought up.
The second problem is pure speculation since Garrett seems quite comfortable having Marty B run routes and Romo feels comfortable enough throwing to him that Marty caught 3 balls against the Vikings when nobody was doing much of anything.
And as for the throwing teammates under the bus, I still haven’t seen a clear example of that.
But it doesn’t really matter, since after all, the guy could make a litany of immature statements and still be a hard worker. But we wouldn’t know that, would we?
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Actually I have seen him out of position or run the wrong routes
each season. He got better at understanding where to be in the formation somewhere in year two, but QBs were still talking to him about his routes last season. So yeah, I’m still talking about it. I wish like hell he’d make me stop.
I was pretty clear in how I related his immature comments – if he doesn’t accept that he needs to work on some facets of his game, he won’t get better. How is that a controversial thought? And he was essentially blaming Romo for his lack of production when he called for Kitna to start. And finally, no, the coaches and QBs don’t see him as reliable. That should tell you all you need to know. He’s a talented athlete who needs some work if he wants to be a starter.
Don't believe everything you think.
Hmmmmmmm.....
Let’s start with your first paragraph. I guess I can’t really respond to vague, unspecific criticisms that I didn’t notice myself, but once again I think your criticisms might be a little harsh considering Marty B is not even asked to be a passing-game threat very often.
Now, first, where has Marty B said that he doesn’t need to work on his game? I would be interested to see that quote.
And as far as the Kitna comment, Marty B nowhere in that quote explicitly threw Romo under the bus. He simply commented about how much he loved playing with Kitna and the fact that he would love to see a competition between the two of them. He then added that there should be more competition at every position. I don’t really see some great immaturity in that comment.
Lastly, your quote that “the coaches and QBs don’t see him as reliable” is once again interesting considering that you have nothing to substantiate that claim. It’s even more interesting since the very logic I am using here is the very same logic you have used in the past to defend Romo.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
It's chicken and egg
I see Marty staying in to block (although last season was an anomaly because of Colombo) because they are less confident in his catching abilities. And the fact that in a playoff game, they went to Phillips on critical plays and not Bennett… Sure I am reading into it, but it’s not a far-fetched conclusion.
When the whole planet (except apparently Bennett) doesn’t understand that Romo is the franchise QB and Kitna isn’t, it’s either an unique level of stupidity or throwing the franchise QB under the bus. I don’t think there’s a positive option between those two.
Don't believe everything you think.
Well just to be clear, they went to Phillips once in the playoffs.
They went to Marty B three times in those same playoffs.
And as for your second paragraph, I agree that it should be clear that Romo is the guy, but considering that Marty B obviously has relationships with these guys I wonder if that played into what he said. I would certainly say that it is clear from his quote that he thinks very highly of Kitna. Regardless though, it is still just a quote that will ultimately have no impact on what goes on on the field for the Dallas Cowboys.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
What?
I haven’t seen an instance where Marty B was told where he had to line up since 2008. Not one instance. Show me one.
No, that's OK
I don’t really have the time or ability to review every game over the past 3 years.
Don't believe everything you think.
dunkman, in response to this:
Actually I have seen him out of position or run the wrong routes…He got better at understanding where to be in the formation somewhere in year two, but QBs were still talking to him about his routes last season.
Don’t take this personally because I don’t mean anything mean about this….but… have you read CotySaxman’s breakdowns on Garrett offense?…In particular the one where he breaks down the TE’s responsibilities?… I would say that any player coming in from College would have issues Learning the position…..now consider that (and this is an overlooked fact) Bennett came from a Run -Based offense(the same one that Stephen McGee was in BTW), and wasn’t asked to develop his receiving skills in college….
So not only has he had to adjust to the speed of the NFL, learn all the routes in Garrett’s Offense, but at the same time develop himself as a receiver, all the while getting only what 20% of the snap in practice? I would say that he has done phenomenally well….JMHO
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 24, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
He was drafted in the 2nd rd ,
not the usual slot for a number 2 TE.
Great blocker but a 2nd rd pick?.
that’s what people have a problem with.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
yup
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 23, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I like John Phillips
he looked awesome until he got hurt, I really hope he bounces back and has a great camp because he could be a nice addition to the offense
ever since that Saints game Phillips really looked like a great draft pick
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 23, 2011 1:07 PM CDT reply actions
lol I know
him and Butler
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 23, 2011 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
When?
When he caught the one-yard TD against Philly that anyone could have caught? Or was it the 14 yards he gained in the game 17? Or, even better yet, was it when he was tearing up the vaunted backup Cincinnati Bengals defense in the Hall of Fame game?
I mean everyone on here cries about how Marty B is overrated, and then we turn around and are anointing a guy with one career game over 14 yards? 1!!!! Who is really being overrated here? Because as far as I’m concerned, Marty B can’t be that overrated considering he is one of the best blocking TEs in the game.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
by Creasy729 on Jul 23, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So MB is one of the best blocking TE's in the league?,
worthy of a 2nd rd pick then?.
you are debating his abilities against a 6th rounder?,c’mon man!!.
the fact it is a debate means something,surely?.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh boy. Everytime somebody brings up the draft pick status I should have to take a drink.
That would put me in quite a stupor soon enough.
Anyways, he absolutely is one of the best blockers in the league. He has consistently been rated as such and the coach’s rave about his abilities in that department.
If you are upset about his draft position, I suggest you aim your crosshairs at Jerry Jones, not Marty B considering it isn’t his fault that he plays behind one of the best TEs to ever play.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
MB will always be judged on his drat position,
sorry if that does’nt fit with your great blocker argument ,for a 2nd rounder.
hey look on the bright side,have a drink :) cheers!!.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
So, just because I am curious, what do you think Marty B's stats should look like?
In other words, what type of numbers would you expect from your #2 TE?
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Well Creasy ,i don't really expect great numbers from the no 2 TE but,
i would expect a good blocker and decent pass reciever but from a number 2 pick -i would want a guy that could step in if my no 1 went down,without a great reduction in service.
saying that ,you believe he can take Wittens place or you would’nt have advocated trading Witten last year.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions
I do believe he could take Witten's place and be a solid TE.
I don’t think he would be as good as Witten (obviously), but I really don’t think there are too many (if any) TEs that could.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
That's the point Creasy,
he can’t take Wittens place,so we need to look on from him.
you see my point now?,we drafted Wittens replacement too soon.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think Bennett was drafted with the purpose of definitely replacing Witten..
I mean when we drafted Bennett, Witten was what, 26 years old?
I do think Bennett’s contract status will probably dictate that he goes somewhere where he may get more of a chance to start, but I don’t think we should get rid of him soon because he isn’t the next Jason Witten.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
ok,so is Bennett worth resigning?,
i would say no..
therefore the cowboys need to draft a TE in 13 or 14 .
then start grooming him to start.
this is why Bennett was a wasted pick.
Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
Go Cowboys!!
by scotscowboyfan on Jul 23, 2011 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions
It all depends on what he asks for.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
Bennett was drafted for............
Jerry Jones was quoted saying Bennett was drafted to be an offensive threat to add more wrinkles so to speak
great blocker though…………….
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 24, 2011 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I mean obviously Jerry is not going to say that we picked a TE just to block.
And I am certainly not saying that that is what we drafted for. All I am saying is that I think the expectations heaped on a #2 TE here are a bit much considering he is one of the best blockers in the league and caught 69% of his targets last year.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
you couldnt be more right.
same thing happens when a team isnt doing well, everybody always think putting in the backup QB will fix everything.
by DavidLaFleur on Jul 23, 2011 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
actually
Phillips had 4 rec 60 yards against the first team
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 24, 2011 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Not so sure it is quite that simple.
Out of the guys who made tackles on the drive that Phillips that got most of his yards on, only one started a significant number of games.
Look me in the eye. It's okay if you're scared. So am I. But we are scared for different reasons. I'm scared of what I won't become. And you're scared of what I could become. Look at me. I won't let myself end where I started. I won't let myself finish where I began. I know what is within me, even if you can't see it yet. Look me in the eyes. I have something more important than courage. I have patience. I will become what I know I am.
I think it all comes down to
passion for the game
Witten has it
Phillps has it
Marty B does not have it
I wish we had traded this head case to the bengals when we had the chance
"Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?"
ive heard this type of statement a lot
why exactly do you consider Marty B a headcase?
this is a case of.....
one god-gifted player that has never had to work hard and has had everything handed to him on a football field because he was always a freakish athlete compared to his peers….however it is not that easy in the NFL, and that player has a good share of mental mistakes and shows a side of himself that really turns fans off and shows his immaturity.
Then we have the effort guy who is not a phenomenal athlete but gets the most out of what he has. He is dependable, but you can’t expect him to do what he can’t
This should be interesting. I for one do not like Marty B, but I do hope he gets his act together at some point so that he is a value to Dallas. I do not believe that Garrett will have much patients for Marty, so he better come ready to play.
by death of the cool on Jul 24, 2011 3:51 AM CDT reply actions
Great thread fellas. A++
All I know for sure is that Phillips is the type of guy I want on my team. Marty B superimposes himself over a HOLLYWOOD sign in a mediocre video highlight for YouTube. Our line will prob be good enough that we won’t constantly keep our second TE in to block.
Give me UR calls! Give me highstepping by CBs and PRs entering the endzone! Give me screaming on the sidelines and headbutting! Give me Fortitude, Solidarity and VIOLENCE! Bring me CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Bring me Ridolin LOL! - B'nSB
by BlueNSilverBlood on Jul 26, 2011 7:20 AM CDT reply actions
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