The Way of the game DAL vs MIA 9/1

The Way of the Game: Preseason DAL v MIA

Apologies to those that followed my draft related posts that I was unable to finish, I unfortunately had a family tragedy occur not long after my last post. Sometimes when life happens other things become irrelevant. However, I am back now and excited for the football season.  
These are my final thoughts from the game. 

Phillip Tanner gave this to Lonyae Miller after the game...

Miller meet toast... toast meet Miller... you guys have a lot in common...

Lonyae Miller may have size and athleticism, but is capable of only slamming into the back of his own guard. Whatever potential you showed us last season has apparently been lost. Get him some lasik surgery so he can see his hole open up for once... or cut him, whatever. 

Speaking of Tanner and Miller, these guys are mostly the same athletically. Seriously, look it up on draft scout if you don't believe me. Difference is, Tanner has vision, and Lonyae does not. Tanner has a football future, Lonyae does not. 

Don't be so quick to discount Choice. While Tanner has shown some good things this preseason, athletically he is a poor man's Tashard Choice. I like Tanner, and believe we will find a way to keep him to develop for the future, and after AutographGate I am not too high on Choice, but he still brings alot to the table, like experience in our complicated offensive system, especially should there be an injury to Felix Jones. Instead of pushing Choice off the roster, it is likely the extra DB, WR or TE that sees the turk instead (though Bennett's injury complicates things). The only way Choice is off this team is if we receive appropriate compensation in a trade, which is NOT a late round pick. 

DeMarco Murray is looking fantastic. Speed, power, catching ability. He is exciting to watch and may be a star in the making. I was particular impressed that he was able to get his pads low at the point of contact, which I thought was going to be a problem coming out of college. 

Martin Rucker has shown up this preseason, as well as last season. I don't know that we are to that point, but I wouldn't have my feelings hurt if he bumped Bennett off the roster. At least he catches the football when he has the opportunity. As a 2nd/3rd TE you have to be consistent and take advantage of your limited looks. At that position, I take consistency over unfulfilled potential. Not sure how long Bennett's blocking ability can save him. 

Seems like Manuel Johnson and Jesse Holley are almost the same person. Unfortunately for them, only one makes the roster, likely Holley. Good luck to them both. 

Did anyone else watching channel 11 that in this game and the last, the referees annoucements came through almost in an underlay to the audio for the commercials? Probably a mistake, but I thought it was cool. Paid more attention during the commercials because of it.   

Some people hated Jerry Jones in the 3rd Q of the last game. I LOVED it. It was a rare look into the alcohol soaked mind of the decision maker of our beloved team, and we were able to glean a little of his thought process, even if you didn't like what you heard.   

Mike Jenkins is on Jerry's crap list, and mine. Stinger or not, you are NOT a proven all pro. You do NOT have the right to decide if you want to sit out training camp. Just another "Business Decision". Ole. I do not know how the Cowboys are going to handle this, but if any player has shown an unearned "sense of entitlement", its this guy. Do something about it. 

Watching Lumpy play in preseason is comical. During the regular season not so much. Please football gods don't make us play him during the real games. 

John Phillips is baby Witten. That's all I have to say about that. 

If anyone misses Roy Williams because you think he still has potential, just relax. He is still on our team. Just take a look at Raymond Radway. Same athleticism, same lanky look. Same limited route running. Difference is, Radway is an unpolished rookie UDFA with upside (oh and he TRIES), what's your excuse Roy??

I love Radway and his potential, but I think he is too raw for the 53 and ends up on the practice squad in favor of either Holley or Johnson (or Tanner). [EDIT: Hope his knee is ok, looked like he had a bad twist. Maybe goes IR now, and made this decision much easier for the 'Boys. Just hope he is able to carry the momentum into next season and not end up like Teddy W.] 

Hey Dave Rayner- if I wanted to hold my breath on every field goal, we can just keep Buehler out there, he has been missing them just fine on his own. Thanks for giving the job to Bailey. Probably a placeholder till Forbath comes off the PUP anyway. I believe that we may carry two kickers this season.

Like it or not, I think Ansah goes to the practice squad. We have our two starters, and so far I think the coaches have seen more from both Church and McCray in coverage. I don't think anyone wants to give up on him, but there just may be too many bottom roster potential guys to keep him on the 53. Also did nothing to acquit himself in the kicking game, and we have others that can provide the same potential in that respect. 

Stephen McGee has a cannon arm. Unfortunately his release is too slow. Maybe I am spoiled by Romo, but it just seems like his loading motion takes about a half second too long. Still like his potential though. 

Sean Lissemore is a stud. Period. Josh Brent is not. I keep wanting this guy to succeed, but he does not have the ability to anchor like his size suggests, and does not have the quickness to make up for it. Don't be shocked for the cowboys to keep on eye on the waiver wire for a back up NT. 

I think Cummings makes the squad over Lemon, but I hope we find a way to keep them both. I like Lemons aggressiveness and potential.

If Igor makes this team I am placing a flaming bag of bear turds outside the door to valley ranch. 

I like Mario Butler, but his speed keeps him from being starter material. This will be a hard cut, as he has shown more than some of the other young guys, but you also know that he has a low ceiling. 

If a fullback makes this team, it think it will be Gronkowski. He got a few looks early. But I think that there is a better than 60% chance that this team rolls without one. Chapas has shown some good things, I think he at least goes PS.

Jeremy Parnell looked awful tonight. As, expected, did Sam Young. We have to do something about this, and hope we can pull a gem off the waiver wire or a decent FA. Back up interior depth is a concern as well, but even more so for the tackles. 

Thanks for reading my Gameday ramblings.