Cowboys First Depth Chart Of 2011: More Questions Than Answers
by One.Cool.Customer on Aug 10, 2011 11:43 AM CDT
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PrintA few hours ago the Cowboys posted their first official depth chart for the 2011 season at dallascowboys.com.
Training camp is barely two weeks old. No preseason games have been played. There are a number of injured players not on the list. And for all we know, the depth chart was put together by an intern at Valley Ranch. Yet we can't help but try to divine meaning from a list that's bound to be obsolete by this time next week.
In the old Soviet Union, Kremlinologists tried to infer meaning by the way curtains were drawn in the Kremlin, by which pictures were on display on which walls during which events or from seating arrangements at the Red Square parades. After the break, we assume the mantle of Garrettologists and look at the indirect signs conveyed by the Cowboys depth chart to understand how the position battles for a spot on the 53-man roster have been going so far.
Some of the injured players like Tashard Choice or DeMarco Murray don't show up on the depth chart at all, while others like Keith Brooking, Terence Newman or Bruce Carter are listed at the very bottom of the depth chart. Whether this has any meaning is anybody's guess, but we'll have to keep the injured players in mind as we walk through the depth chart, which at this point in time predictably offers more questions than answers.
Wide Receiver: Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are at the top here, and Ogletree looks like the third receiver for now. Somewhat surprisingly, it looks like Jesse Holley is the fourth receiver, ahead of Dwayne Harris and Manuel Johnson, who look like they're battling it out for the remaining fifth receiver roster spot. Raymond Radway and Titus Ryan don't look to figure in the depth chart battle - yet.
Offensive Tackle: Free and Smith are set as the starters here, and they are backed up by Sam Young and Jermey Parnell respectively. There's no way to tell from the depth chart how far apart Young and Parnell are, but those two may be fighting over who the swing tackle could be on the game day roster.
Guard: The surprise here starts right at the top, where Holland and Kosier are penciled in as the starters as expected, but David Arkin is slotted in as Kosier's backup. All camp we've been hearing about how Arkin could maybe, potentially, perhaps challenge Holland for the starting spot, but it seems that whoever put together the depth chart may have a different take on this.
Fullback: It looks like Chris Gronkowski gets the returning starter bonus here, and is ahead of Shaun Chapas and Jason Pociask. But my understanding is that the competition for the FB spot is much, much closer than the depth chart indicates, and that converted tight end Jason Pociask may even have a leg up in the competition so far.
Defensive End: The surprise that jumps off the page here is that last year's starters have switched positions. Olshansky is now listed at LDE and Spears at RDE. I don't know whether this has any meaning by itself, but it's probably fair to assume that Ryan's scheme will see a lot of ration at DE, so the depth chart may have relatively little value at this position anyway.
Outside linebacker: Victor Butler and Brandon Williams are listed as the primary backups for Ware and Spencer. Williams in particular may face stiff competition from training camp favorite Alex Albright ("That’s a wonderful story," Rob Ryan said of Mark Herzlich and the Giants, "and I like that young man over there, but I like 47 [Albright] a whole lot better.") and my own personal pet cat, Alex Daniels, a converted DE.
Safeties: Sensabaugh and Elam at the top as expected, with AOA and and Church holding off Danny McCray and Andrew Sendejo. By most accounts, Church seems to have a firmer grip on the backup role than AOA at this point.
Specialists: No surprises here unless you consider David Buehler as the lead kicker as a surprise. Dez Bryant dispelled any doubts about who would be returning punts once the regular season starts:
"It's still on. I'm probably not going to do none in the preseason. Punt return? I got it. That's me. I love it."
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In the first preseason game I am looking at 4 things:
1. Bryan McAnn will he have som more awesome big plays and be the 4th corner oveer alan ball
2. Sean Lee will he play crazy, like kith brooking did when we first got him in 09, but younger faster and stronger, just as smart.
3. Tyron Smith will he look like a manchild out there stronger and faster, or will inexperience lead to him getting pwned.
4. David Arkin…will he get owned and will we look to upgrade, just for more experience but on a talent and value level just the same.
I don't think Arkin will get owned
I think he’ll play almost as well as Smith actually.
In Romo we Trust
I'm more worried about Holland getting owned.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Holland not even insurance
Arkin will be fine maybe waiting on guard for WW and after 1st game contract can B voided at no cap hit to the team JMHO… I would like to see Waters but maybe he doesnt fit the more atheletic lineman JG wants on this team but he is a RKG
Over-run. Blitzkrieged.
Apparently Denver’s shift to a 4-3 D’s about as accurate as ours being a 3-4. Dumervil/Miller seems to be clicking for them, coupled with what Allen’s been playing with in camp, has them giving a lot of different looks, even, by some accounts, looking somwhat Ryan-esque (though the ref was to Rex). Lot of mixing things up. Holland’s gonna be occupied.
Cry 'Havoc!'
The knock on Arkin was his technique more than his want or strength...
He bent at the waist instead of the knees, according to his draft scouting reports. If that’s something he’s improved upon, I think he’ll be passable this year.
Why Jones is so stubbornly against adding a guy like Waters for a year to turn a question mark into a strength is beyond me, though. A one year FA is not a progress stopper for a fourth round o-linemen, who ideally spend a red-shirt year getting stronger and working on technique anyway.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I have a feeling Smith is going to struggle with Denver's ends
if not, I will be very pleasantly surprised.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Did we jump the gun?
Follow the link and, …“No official depth chart at this time”
"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but what you should have accomplished with your ability."
-John Wooden
working now
"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but what you should have accomplished with your ability."
-John Wooden
I was thinking that
the guys left off are because they have no chance of playing the preseason game but the others can if they really had to?
But they have Mike Jenkins listed as a starter so I’m not sure what to think of that. He’s not expected to play correct?
Garrett siad jenkins will play if he's able
Leadership is the ability to influence a man to either give his life or take the life of another willingly and with the confidence that what's asked of him is within his ability to do and that his well-being was the first priority of his superior's decision.
No suprises for me
Houck says guard is interchangable – interview in mothership – no big deal.
Posiask is no suprise – why else convert a TE who is buried in the depth chart other than not having a warm fuzzy with Gronk and Chapas? We’ll probably get a chance to see all of them alot in preseason.
We’ll know about the DE on the first defensive series
Leadership is the ability to influence a man to either give his life or take the life of another willingly and with the confidence that what's asked of him is within his ability to do and that his well-being was the first priority of his superior's decision.
Igor being on top
doesn’t surprise me. Raf keeps saying in his chats that Igor is the DT in a lot of nickel. RR obviously feels he can utilize him effectively.
Of course, Rob Ryan said the same thing about Vernon Gholston…
"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile."- Roger Staubach
I don't know why people are so shocked about Holley being the 4th WR...
Hurd was the #4 last year and had 14 Rec for 120 yards. He was outstanding on ST and that’s why he secured the spot.
Same thing is going to go with Holley this year.
I’d write his name in ink on my 53.
Yeah, I think Coach D might have dibs on Holley
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Yeah, he lost Hurd and he needs to keep Holley
I’m sure Garrett will let him. How many times does he call a 4WR set anyways?
If there is an injury to the top 3 then they will probably bring in someone else over Holley.
This feels like the depth chart for tomorrow's game...
Nothing more. Or am I off base here?
Defending Big D - Dallas Stars news & analysis
Proud member of the Joe Nieuwendyk support team.
by Brandon Worley on Aug 10, 2011 12:38 PM CDT reply actions
my thoughts as well...
we are reading WAY too much this depth chart
by death of the cool on Aug 10, 2011 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions
but thats precisely what we Garrettologists do!
Scour a landscape of efficiency and sameness for the smallest clues to what’s really going on…
Fanpost! very useless depth chart at this point
Where are the police?
Bad form to criticize a frontpage, I know, but c’mon, this is way too early.
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 Aug 10, 2011 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions
After the vast wasteland of the off-season, the first depth-chart isn't news?
These guys cover about every angle known to fandom, why would you skip this one? I love this stuff … another excuse to discuss camp battles… is there something more pressing than this?
I can't wait to crush the J-E-T-S JetsJetsJets!!! :)
it's a great discussion
for a fanpost! lol
As it has been discussed 100+ different ways. And will continue to be.
This depth chart is a joke and not front page stuff.
I love this blog, just being critical in a way that wasn’t patronizing.
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 Aug 10, 2011 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
First impression of depth chart doesn't really tell us much.
I think they’ll be a few surprises in the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if they keep the young linebackers at the expense of Brookings just because of Keith’s age. Wide receiver is up in the air and STs will determine who stays. Don’t think they’ll give up on AOA yet. He’s still a rookie for all intents and purposes. I’m sure there will be other developments that may mildly shock us.
Jerral created this thing
He really wasn’t doing anything else right now. Rocket’s idea of giving him a quarter & sending him to the movies.
"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders
RR1 = RedRocket
RR2 = RobRyan
RR3 = Ready for Retirement(JerryJones)
rr = rabblerouser
Igor does surprise me.
I thought he was not doing anything special in camp, and that Lissemore was having a good one. But that might have been what other posters were saying. Also thought Lemon was coming on stronger. Oh, well, at least we’ll have some game performance to judge soon.
First saw the depth chart about 0500 while fighting insomnia, and started to do my own post on this. Well, there goes that idea.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
this is good
Guys like Radway and Albright and Lissamore shouldn’t be rewarded too much for having a few nice practices in SA. As the pundits have echoed for weeks, the games matter most.
It’s between this game and next that we could really start to see some shakeup on the depth chart. This one basically reflects how things ended last year, except with injuries taken into account.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Dez returning punts.....
Hopefully we see a lot more of this
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 12:56 PM CDT reply actions
" … as a receiver you can’t play off of this kid, you can’t press him, and when he is covered he goes up and makes the catch anyways … and DO NOT kick the ball to this guy under any circumstances!
The announcer (Gruden?) is right … I’m expecting Dez to have a great year opposite Austin.
On another note, the interview link OCC posted makes you squirm a bit. I’m reminded of LT in his early years, before he had a speech-consultant help him. LT later became a great interview. Dez usually looks comfortable in front of the mic, but it’ll take some time before his interview is as silky-smooth as his on-field game :)
I can't wait to crush the J-E-T-S JetsJetsJets!!! :)
Actually that is why I want Dez back there for KO's.
They would kick to the other side, away from him. Leading to more mistakes on their kickers part, out of bounds, etc. Have McCann or someone else good over there and rock away.
Offtopic: Say they weren't in the same division AND the knee was healthy... doesn't an OSI for Marty B+Igor trade work for both clubs?
Seems like the money works.
NYG get a starting-caliber TE on their roster as they absolutely have none and they get a DE replacement.
Osi reunites with his college buddy to form the best DE tandem in the league and JPhillips able to take #2TE spot.
Of course, Osi would want a new contract, but with reworking Romo & Austin and shedding Igor and MartyB, it could be done.
…. ok, call me crazy.
Founder & Editor of SouthOrangeJuice.Com
Bye, Bye, Bobby!
your crazy
Osi for Marty B and Igor would get laughed at by Jerry Reese
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog
http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Aug 10, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I know you're right.
Just trying to match up salaries and playing on the need for a TE in New York. I mean, they have no one and Marty B would at least be able to start and maybe shine.
Founder & Editor of SouthOrangeJuice.Com
Bye, Bye, Bobby!
by GonzoBallSHU on Aug 10, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
And Reese doesn't want to pay the man.
So either, keep going through this headache with him, or trade him for what you can get. Marty and Igor doesn’t seem like all that bad of a package considering their circumstances.
Founder & Editor of SouthOrangeJuice.Com
Bye, Bye, Bobby!
by GonzoBallSHU on Aug 10, 2011 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I would Rather trade Spencer and say Phillips
that gives the Giants the headache of Spencer’s contract season to them plus gives them a TE more inline with what Boss was…a good blocker that can be a reliable receiver…..
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
ok great we trade perhaps the best run stopping OLB in the game for
a guy who lost his spot due to not being able to stop the run,,,,,,no,no,no!!!
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 10, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
well in a passing league
which is preferable? a OLB that allows 3.0 yards a carry and gets 3 sacks a year, or an OLB that allows 3.8 yards a carry and gets 10 sacks a year?….hmmmm
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
well you can say the same about Spencer too
(see last year)…just saying
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
all have bad plays but i don't remember him being a liability
kinda alan ball at S, osi by the other hand is a liability against the run
not to mention...
Osi isn’t a 3-4 end… hes a 4-3 end, <— which would need to convert to 3-4 outside linebacker… and he’s a punk
by CowboysFan4Life on Aug 10, 2011 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Considered both of those points. I guess him and DWare are close off the field though. Maybe he'd be able to corral his punk ways.
Founder & Editor of SouthOrangeJuice.Com
Bye, Bye, Bobby!
by GonzoBallSHU on Aug 10, 2011 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Osi would not be able to make the adjustment to 3-4 OLB
4-3 DE is all he would ever be
Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys
Twitter: @silva918
you don't know that
most people said the same about Greg Ellis too….
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Osi will never be able to drop back in pass coverage. All he wants to do is rush the passer
by Dynamicduo on Aug 10, 2011 2:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
again you don't know that
while it may be true that he prefers to rush the Passer, isn’t that true of any DL player?
I am sure that Ware prefers to rush the passer, and that Spears prefers to rush the passer…but they don’t say it…..which is why I think that if put on this team Osi would probably keep his mouth shut about it…..and I am sure that Ryan wouldn’t complain about adding Osi’s 11.5 sacks to his arsenal…..
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Osi would get lost trying to cover a TE
As a OLB I doubt he would have the speed to drop back in coverage and cover TEs and RBs, besides he is so overrated as a pash rusher.
Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys
Twitter: @silva918
Overrated as a pass rusher?
he got 11.5 sacks last year…I wouldn’t go that far….at worst he has gotten 6 sacks (other than his rookie season) at best he has gotten 14….I would say that would be an upgrade over Spencer…..
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions
not even then....
lets look at this…on any given play the Dallas defense will be “rushing”:
D-ware and Ratliff +random dude #3 and 4
with Osi
Ware, Ratliff, Osi, and random dude #4
given our current line up which would you rather have? Osi or random dude #3?…I will take Osi every time……
Notice I put Rushing in quotes due to the fact that more than likely The other two DL will be 2 gap players… thus not rushing the passer
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I rather have Victor Butler..
There is no proof Osi can play OLB
Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys
Twitter: @silva918
have you ever seen Spencer cover TEs & RBs?
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth!
why would they want to take a 34 DE for a 43 DE?
especially one that isn’t an effective pass rusher?
by somebodyquiet on Aug 10, 2011 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
which is why I would rather trade Spencer.....
for Osi…..
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
are you kidding?
martellus and igor for osi?
if you want to be robbed better go to the ghetto with a brand new watch
1 big point that I hope JG will consider.
And that point is who are his FA’s after this season.
We have a bunch of them next year and we won’t be able to keep them all. So if a younger guy isn’t much behind I hope they will either trade or release the ones in front that are soon to be FA’s, like Choice. It will save us a lot of headache next off season trying to replace or resign those guys when we won’t have the $ under the cap.
The more I look at our team, the more confident I become...
1) I like the fact that we don’t have any thugs or lazy workers on the team. Everyone seems to have the correct attitude and are all concentrating on getting ready for the season. I can’t say that for a lot of teams in the NFL right now, and that includes the reigning champions, who looked horrible in their first scrimmage.
2) As much as people like to find glaring holes in our team, we appear to be competitive on almost every position group. Yes, I wish we could have upgraded our secondary more, but based on all of our available options, we did everything we could do to solidify the position. I think we will be more disciplined this year and will be improved on defense this season. It certainly couldn’t get worse.
3) We brought in quality new blood to continue improving our team from the inside out. Love hearing about all the rookie names like Smith, Arkin, Albright, Miller, ect that have surprised so early into the season.
4) We were a competitive team at the end of last year after we got our “head’s straight”…we were competitive the prior 3 years…why wouldn’t we expect to be good this year?
5) Finally, look on our schedule, do you really fear anybody we play? We have the easiest schedule we’ve had for quite a few years…we play the NFC West this year. The most difficult team we are likely to play this year is the Eagles, and I don’t see them being substantially better than us, even if the media wants to dub them the “Dream Team”. They weren’t able to wipe the floor with us last year and haven’t done so in the past 2 years, why should we think we could do it this year?
Call me a Kool Aid drinker, but I just have a serene feeling about this year…I feel confident in what I’m seeing…
by CaliFanInTx on Aug 10, 2011 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
We play the patriots away...
That will be our most difficult game
by Dynamicduo on Aug 10, 2011 3:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
well I would say the jets game is right up there....
if only due to the fact that it will be on the 10th anniversary on 9/11… Though we do match up well against them….
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
what is it with the scheduling every year
we play some one on thier first monday night game in two years, or we play a hated rival to open our stadium, or -— we seem to play certian people at the wrong time every year.
by Musiccitynorm on Aug 10, 2011 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Patriots are better than the Eagles in your opinion?
Is that going on past glories are current ones? Not saying The Patriots will be an easy game…but I don’t fear what they have on that team.
I’ll define fear as how I felt last year going into the 2nd Giants game…right after we laid down against the Jaguars and Packers…hoping that we wouldn’t be embarrassed…that’s fear…I don’t have that with any teams we face this year…we can compete well with every team…as long as we show up with the correct attitude…
Patriots > Eagles IMO.
Until I see some performance out of the “dream team”, I’ll go with Belicheck over Reid. The Pats also signed some big names. Whether those big names will work out remains to be seen, but the Patriots have proven they can go deep in the playoffs, pretty much with whoever they have as Tom Brady’s supporting cast. The Eagles are still trying to get there.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Again, based on past glory?
Don’t the Patriots remind you a little of the Cowboy’s in the late 90’s? When everyone still picked them to go to the Superbowl, even when they weren’t the same caliber of team they were several years earlier? Granted, the Patriots have something we didn’t…superior coaching. Look closely, you might see a few more holes on their roster than ours. They just cover up better.
I’ll agree with you that Belicheck is the best coach in the league…and with him and Brady…they will always have a shot. I’m not discounting any team that we play. I’m just saying I like our chances if we bring our “A” game.
Yeah, but they won 3 Superbowls...would have had 4 in a row if Jerry hadn't gotten rid of Jimmy.
But what’s your point? The 00’s Patriots are better than the 90’s Cowboys? Seriously?
Besides...how many Superbowls did the rest of the AFC East win in the 00's?
Don’t you think the NFC East was a better division (more difficult) to play in? Apples to Apples.
My point?
Well, you did say
“Don’t the Patriots remind you a little of the Cowboy’s in the late 90’s?”
The answer, as implied by my above post, is of course they don’t, because the Cowboys in the late 1990’s were a badly crumbling dynasty, only going over .500 one time in the three year stretch 1997-1999. The Patriots, on the other hand, went 14-2 last year, 12-4 the year before that, and 11-5 the year before that, without one of the best players in the league.
So, no, the current Pats team and the late 1990’s Cowboys not even remotely comparable.
That is my point.
Agree about Pats > Sheagles
until I see otherwise. Plus… Brady vs our pass D is still somewhat frightening. Vick not so much. I think if we have the right game plan vs Vick, which includes forcing him to scramble to his right, he can be contained.
However I think we could beat either of those teams. RR2’s defense held Brady to 14 pts last yr in a rout.
"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders
RR1 = RedRocket
RR2 = RobRyan
RR3 = Ready for Retirement(JerryJones)
rr = rabblerouser
The Patriots are stocking up on draft choices.
that makes them different.
the pats don’t have a pass rush. Maybe the Cowboys could trade Brandon Williams to the Pats.
Brandon Williams is too talented to just cat and get nothing in return
by Jonathan Stern on Aug 10, 2011 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Pats are switching to a 4-3. Their 2 dt's are huge amd of Haynesworth is in the mood him and Wilfork will inflict damage.
I think u will see lots of teams trying the middle screen pass to get by those guys.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Aug 10, 2011 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions
I would pick the Patriots over the Eagles 9-10 games. Best coach in history and top three QB.
The eagles have Vick, we will be able to mess with his head if RR does it right. If you blitz Brady, he checks off and smokes you for a big play half the time. I’m still not sold on the Eagles. They probably will end the season with a better record than us, but they will get beat by a well coached team in the playoffs. Too many wrong kind of guys on that team to be successful.
by Dynamicduo on Aug 10, 2011 9:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't take either Detroit or the Rams too lightly-they have just as much reason to hope for improvement as the Cowboys do-
They are young, hungry, and will have nothing to lose this year. And the Rams will be playing for the playoffs in that weak division.
Miami would looove to come into town and beat Dallas with all those connections. (altho some coaches/players have left)
@ the Jets, I already have us 0-1.
@ SF-4th wek in a row with travel-the team will be tired.
@ TBay-they are a good team with a good young QB.
Add to those 6 tough division hames (you know it’s never easy with Wash.!)
So that’s 12 games I’m worried about, plus they’ll manage to lose one of the “easy” ones to Buffalo or someone.
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 Aug 10, 2011 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
This wasn't the point I was trying to make...
We can lose all of our games if we don’t show up…This is the NFL…where the best team can lose to the worst team any given Sunday. The point I’m trying to make is that if we show up with our “A” game each and every week, I like our chances. Our issue hasn’t been that we don’t have “game”, it’s that we didn’t always have our heads screwed on right. We only seemed to play at a high level when our backs were against the wall. I think we will be better prepared this year.
We can lose every one of those games you listed…but if we give our A+ games to those teams A+ games…we win every one..
yeah, that sounds like your points 1-4, and I agree with all of those
But not #5, I’m not so sure the only difference is mental and that Dallas’s talent is that much more than a lot of other teams.
Even their “A+ Game” could lose to those teams, I’m saying.
Some teams may see Dallas on the schedule and say, “That’s one we should win if we bring A our game!” You know?
There’s a lot of players, esp. on D, that need to prove they really are more than mediocre players. I’m not so sure there’s that much talent difference between, say, Dallas and Detroit or Tampa Bay.
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 Aug 10, 2011 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Dallas is not full of talent as some in the media think.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Aug 10, 2011 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe
Maybe this depth chart is the way it is to test the guys in the preseason that need to be tested.
At least I am not a Yankees fan...
by UTexan on Aug 10, 2011 2:29 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I don't see this getting handed to an intern.
I could see Garrett using it to motivate some of the hungrier players to step up their game, or to put certain players with the first team to see if that’s where they really belong.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
i can't wait to watch some football
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth!
+2011
Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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? Yes, due to an "unfortunate accident" to the previous holder of the title.
by I am Ironman!!! on Aug 10, 2011 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Let Holland go swtich Sam Young to Guard. He can’t be slower than Holland.
Kevin Gogan played guard. He was just as heavy or heavier than Young.
by Jonathan Stern on Aug 10, 2011 10:54 PM CDT reply actions
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