Analyzing Jerry Jones' Interview on NFL Network

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 4:58 AM CST

On Tuesday at the Senior Bowl, Jerry Jones took a 10-15 minute respite from watching the action on the field with his scouts and coaches. He stopped by NFL Network's make shift set to chat with host Paul Bermeister, as well as analysts Charles Davis and Mike Mayock.

Among the topics they discussed: the evaluation of 2011 rookies DeMarco Murray and Bruce Carter; how the Cowboys organization goes about evaluating players; Jerry's opinion of Eli Manning. Below, I will discuss in detail each of these topics.

1) The Evaluation of Running Back, DeMarco Murray:

Mike Mayock started the conversation by explaining how he felt Murray was more of a third down type running back who could pass protect, but wasn't sure if he could carry the load full time in the NFL. Jerry Jones explained that when the Cowboys watched tape of their future RB, they saw that he was an excellent pass catcher, an explosive runner, and really good in pass protection. Jerry acknowledged, that from the tape they too had concerns about his ability to run between the tackles. Jerry felt it was the Senior Bowl practices last year that eased their concerns about his running for tough yards. Moreover, Jerry explained that just shaking Murray's hand gave him an idea for how strong he was, and compared his handshake to Adrian Peterson's. He also added that despite there being only 5 pounds diference between Felix Jones and DeMarco Murray, the thing that separates the two players is Murray's ability to absorb contact and run through it.

Judging from these comments, it seems rather obvious that the Cowboys view DeMarco Murray as their feature back when healthy. Whereas, Felix Jones, during the remainder of his time in Dallas, will resume the change of pace role he had earlier in his career.

2) Evaluating Inside Linebacker Bruce Carter:

Charles Davis brought up the topic that, if not for his ACL injury in 2010, Bruce Carter would have been a first round pick. Mike Mayock asked Jerry Jones if the feeling was, that drafting Carter in the second round meant the Cowboys got an extra first round pick. Jerry answered affirmatively, as well as explaining that Butch Davis, Carter's former head coach at North Carolina, informed them of the type of player the Cowboys were getting. As we know, Carter is played on defense and special teams. Jerry said it was remarkable that despite having an ACL injury some 5 or 6 months prior to the NFL draft, that Carter was even able to come back and contribute on special teams.

After listening to this conversation, it becomes clear that the Cowboys have plans to start Bruce Carter at ILB opposite Sean Lee. As Jerry Jones explained, the Cowboys like that tandem because of their ability to cover from sideline to sideline. He said he envisions the Lee Carter duo to be Dallas' version of the San Francisco 49ers tandem of Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman. While Bowman is the ideal complement to Willis since he's a thumper, the Cowboys feel Carter's athleticism makes him a nice compliment to Sean Lee.

3) The Cowboys Draft Process and Player Evaluation:

According to Jerry Jones, the Cowboys Scouts spend the college season scouting players through December. After the season ends, but before the Senior Bowl, the scouts submit their initial grades. Then, prior to the first practice of Senior Bowl week, Jerry gathers his coaches and scouts together, and has them submit an on the spot grade for the players they'll evaluate. Despite the fact the coaches and scouts hate this process, in Jerry's mind this on the spot evaluation is important to him. He said that he really prefers the initial grades he receives on a player before "it becomes homogenized" in the months leading up to the draft. The way I read this, Jerry Jones subscribes to the notion that an initial impression is probably the correct one, and further laboring only tends to cloud the picture.

Moreover, Jerry explained that when it comes to assigning grades to players, he goes with the scouting department's analysis, since they spend more time studying the players. When it comes to picking the players to target, and select, he asks the coaches to visualize how that player will fit their system, and the different schemes they like to run. Essentially asking the question, how does player X project as a Cowboy? This is the part where the Cowboys first establish who the league feels are the top players in the draft, based off the scouting grades, and then with the input from the coaching staff, the Cowboys go about setting their big board of 120 or so players.

Overall, Jerry reiterated the point, which most of us knew, that Jerry listens to what the coaches and scouts say about the players. He wanted to make sure it was patently clear, that he's an excellent listener. Jerry's more of a consensus builder than dictator.

4) Jerry Jones' Opinion of Eli Manning's 2011 Season (Monday and Tuesday)

Most of you are aware that on Monday Jerry Jones explained Eli Manning was the reason for the Giants' success this season, and how he was the difference in the games between Dallas and New York. Furthermore, I'm sure most of you are aware, that Calvin Watkins took his quotes out of context, cherry picked a juicy line, and fabricated a controversy that Jerry Jones was throwing Tony Romo, much maligned star Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, under the proverbial bus.

I would hope by now, those of you who know about that story, also took time to see the comments in their entirety at the mothership, and understand, that at no point Jerry badmouthed Romo. If you still think Jerry badmouthed Tony Romo, let me summarize for you what Jerry Jones said. Jerry Jones said that the quarterback position, for the Dallas Cowboys, was not a position needing much improvement. Jerry Jones felt, that Tony Romo was playing at a level similar to Eli Manning; meaning Tony was playing like a playoff caliber QB. Jones went on to say, indirectly, that the rest of the team needs to play at as high a level as Tony Romo before the Cowboys can start to jell like the Giants. More specifically, Jerry hinted that changes will come to the secondary, the offensive line, and possibly the pass rush and or defensive line as well.

On Tuesday, during his interview with NFL Network, Jerry Jones was again asked about Eli Manning. Jones explained that he felt in 2011 Eli Manning has played the best football of his NFL career, and after the Sunday Night loss in December he made it a point to let Archie Manning know that. Jones explained that first and foremost Eli's play, as well as the Giants getting healthy on their dline, especially Chris Canty, were the reasons the Giants were able to make the playoffs and win the NFC. Jerry also explained that Eli Manning's improved play should be the difference in the Super Bowl.

Judging from Jerry's comments on Monday, if any Cowboys players should feel slighted it should be the defensive backs not named Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins, or any offensive linemen not named Tyron Smith and Doug Free. Moreover, I see nothing wrong with Jerry Jones statements. Eli Manning has played well this season, and the Giants pass rush was really good this year. Jerry Jones was simply making statements of fact. It's not a public dis of Tony Romo when Jerry Jones points out Eli had his best season. Nor is it an insult to Tony to say that Eli's improved play amd the Giants pass rush coming together enabled to the Giants to make their run.

Perhaps Jerry Jones shouldn't have said anything as he tends to put his foot in his mouth. However, this clear instance of ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins fabricating a controversy out of thin air by cherry picking a select quote from a larger statement being made by Jerry. Skip Bayless even came to Jerry's defense after reading the entire transcript and not just the select statements ESPN put on the screen during First Take.

In Closing

It's a long off season guys. The Cowboys have gotten off to solid start this off season with their hiring Bill Callahan and Jerome Henderson. Lets look forward to 2012 by continuing to loom over the potential free agent signings, and potential draft picks. Rather than stressing over Calvin Watkins and other controversy seeking media members want to write about this team.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

Tweet Comment 84 comments | 7 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

We can only hope

for the first 27 years the Boys had only three coaches and won all thier Super Bowls during that period.

In the ensuing years we have had only one decent head coach,Parcells, and he quit.I wonder why.

We all hope that maybe Jerry has seen the light and won’t make any more stupid mistakes that will set us back.One pundit has already pointed out that giving Sesebaugh his new contract is evidence that Jerry has not changed his spots.

We all hold our breath as the draft and free agency approaches.Another bunch of mistakes and the window of Romo et al will close and we will wander in the wilderness of the NFL for another decade or untill Jerry gives up as GM.

by TCB Orange Dino on Jan 25, 2012 5:29 AM CST reply actions

I think the sensbaugh deal was more born out of necesity than anything else

We forget that before his injury sensabaugh was playing pretty good football, football worthy of the contract he received.

Lets also not make sensabaugh’s deal more than it was, it was a 22 million dollar deal that’s set up so if he plays poorly we can cut him next year and suffer almost nothing.

All this deal does is give us at worst a decent safety at a reasonable price, and make no mistake it is reasonable, and really doesn’t give us a need that we realistically cant fill. You can win with Sensabaugh healthy and back there, does he need a compliment? absolutely, is he a JAG? Kinda, but hes a higher level JAG than the Phil Costa’s of the world. Look he’s not Daren Woodsen, and that makes us all really sad, but he’s also not Alan Ball. he’s realistically a top 10 safety in this league, no where near elite, but completely serviceable.

by Proxy406 on Jan 25, 2012 7:58 AM CST up reply actions

If I could rec from my phone this comment would definitely get one

Ill take a bong rip in honor of that comment instead.

by matt575 on Jan 26, 2012 5:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Since his tenure with New England

Parcells tends to act like a carpet bagger. He burns out really quickly.

He’s one of those guys, where if he senses he can’t win it all after 3-4 years, he’d rather get out of his contract early, as opposed to being run out of town.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 12:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Calvin who?

by IronCowboy on Jan 25, 2012 5:33 AM CST reply actions

Nice

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 5:42 AM CST up reply actions

Is Callahan really a good hire?

I only recall his days at the Raiders and never came away feeling impressed. Didn’t his players revolt on him or something along those lines?

by jrogersdal on Jan 25, 2012 7:40 AM CST reply actions

That wss when Callahan was a HC the year after the SB

As offensive coordinator, and play caller through 2002, when the team was healthy, there were no problems with Bill.

Bill mostly feuded with Charles Woodson in the year after the SB.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 11:37 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

What did Skip Bayless say?

by Fernie67 on Jan 25, 2012 8:44 AM CST reply actions

on Tuesday's episode of First Take

Skip hated being made to debate the issue as whether or not it counts as bashing Tony Romo. One of the Two Live Stews agreed with Skip, the other one, who played for the Lions, jumped on it and said Jerry was throwing Romo under the bus.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 11:35 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I missed the interview

Thanks for the recap. I see that your a rec short of the recommended section, here let me fix that…

by TheCowboyWay on Jan 25, 2012 3:14 PM CST reply actions

I figured after what transpired Monday, people would want to know what's on JJ's mind.

Thanks for the rec!

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 3:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Absolute gold, Roh!

I appreciate stuff like this, since I am sometimes strapped for time and can’t go back and watch all the interviews myself. This is a huge help.

And I must compliment you on your grasp of Jerryspeak. Did you find a Rosetta Stone program for that?

Finally, if I were not a front page writer and constrained by the need to maintain the proper decorum, I would observe that Calvin Watkins is an asshole. But since I can’t say that he is an asshole, being on the front page and all, I will have to leave the observations concerning his assholeness to others.

Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos

by Tom Ryle on Jan 25, 2012 4:24 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

"Did you find a Rosetta Stone program for that?"....NICE one.

by fivetwos on Jan 25, 2012 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

Piney

I think the grammatically correct term would be “assholery.” ;-)

But still an accurate assesment of Watkins as a journalist.

"A successful coach needs a paitient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback. But if you don't have a wife the dog can pull double duty." --Barry Switzer

by Tennessee_Jed on Jan 25, 2012 4:47 PM CST up reply actions

nice term assholery

is it above or below tomfoolery?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 6:32 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Hey don't be tossing insults ;)

You just went and called watkins a journalist. I suspect that sets the bar a bit too high for him… but then i don’t think ‘douche’ is a recognized media position, just a way of life, so we can’t call him out properly.

by OmahaCowboy on Jan 26, 2012 5:01 AM CST up reply actions

Journalist

and Douche are equivalent life forces these days, with rare exceptions

by Iowacowboy on Jan 28, 2012 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

Lol, I didn't use a Rosetta Stone

I recorded the entire show, and zeroed in on the interview. I think what makes it hard to understand Jerry is his drawl and the fact his brain moves faster than his lips can move.

I know when I’m speaking, it’s hard for me to speak clearly unless it’s a pre-written or pre-rehearsed speech. It’s much easier for me to communicate via writting. I guess the same could be true for Jerry.

Jerry, when he was speaking about Eli, wasn’t speaking like a bitter Cowboys owner/gm, he was speaking like a fan of football. That’s one thing I really like about Jerry, at the end of ghe day, he’s a fan of the game just like your or I. Despite his gaffes, and impulsiveness, you can tell he’s passionate about the NFL.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 6:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

ghe-the*

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 6:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

This is true.

Jerry is able to seamlessly change the subject in the middle of a sentence. Something he does, well, in every sentence. This is an indication that he has multiple thoughts circulating simultaneously. It’s also an indication of a lack of focus.

In medical terms this is known as rambling on. It doesn’t mean there aren’t valid things to glean from his verbal gumbo. It just means he’s emptying out the kitchen cupboards to concoct his recipe. The amazing aspect is that he’s able to sell the gumbo as gourmet cooking.

Due to the fact that he can’t hold a thought long enough to finish it, Jerry has all the organization of an indie-pop boy-band. Something I believe we’ve all suspected for a very long time.

We have the goal of winning Super Bowls. If you don't have that, find the door.
Jason Garrett

by White Wolf on Jan 28, 2012 5:59 AM CST up reply actions

. . . this ADD type

thought process is also typical in long term alcohol abuse; Jerry has poured too much hooch down the hatch, and it shows.

by Iowacowboy on Jan 28, 2012 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

Great job Rohpuri

It is funny about Jones wanting the scout grades before first practice. I went through the same thing. As a scout you start sweating about the grades those first couple of days, in particular small school guys

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

How do you want to be rememberd. Go out there and play every play like it is your last play. Be remembered as the person you want to be for the rest of your life. Spike Dykes, Midland Lee and Texas Tech Coach.

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 4:28 PM CST reply actions

I was going to ask you this in your thread

But why is it that scouts start to sweat when they’re asked for a grade on a player?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 6:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

As a scout you get to see the well known prospects play against a high level of competition

You really make a name for yourself off of the later round guys and small school guys. Many times you do not get tape against say a DB playing against the top receivers in a draft. You really have to breakdown their play and project how that would translate into the NFL. You know they will need more time to develop. It is also very important to make sure these are high character guys with a strong work ethic that will put in the work to progress and be a starter down the road.
The sweating can really come in when one of your small school guys gets picked for the Senior Bowl or the Shrine Game and all of the sudden you have every team, scout, analyst and draft fan watching how they will do. Add on that you just gave a grade on this guy and the owner/GM is there to watch how he does on that stage.
This week I went out on a limb with Asa Jackson from Cal Poly. This I mentioned before practices ever started on BtB. More importantly I have an owner, coaches and scouts watching him this week and seeing, just how solid is my grade. At times this can be the Superbowl of scouting.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

Great points

That makes a lot of sense.

I was intrigued by Asa Jakson; I noticed he’s projected as a 6th rd pick, but has good measureables. Where do you think he projects? Do you think he’s the type of CB Dallas would target? Or is Dallas more likely to target a big school player?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 8:24 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I see him as a 6th round to UDFA

He can make the roster on his return and ST skills in the first year and I think he can play in sub packages for the DB’s. I feel he would make a solid nickle or dime guy who could breakout as a starter down the road.
I sweated him just getting blown out at the Senior Bowl but he has held up very well this week.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

Cool,

Thank you for the information. I’ll keep a look out for him on the 3rd day of the draft.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Rohpuri

Good synthesis of the interview with Jerry and follow up of Bayless (who I think is a complete knucklehead). Is it just me or has ESPN become more of a mix of TMZ, American Idol, and Entertainment Tonight? Calvin Watkins is just one of many examples. Whatever gets ratings and page views I guess, but I wouldn’t call it journalism or “news” or objective analysis…more like National Enquirer stuff of throwing poop against a wall and seeing what sticks.

"A successful coach needs a paitient wife, a loyal dog, and a great quarterback. But if you don't have a wife the dog can pull double duty." --Barry Switzer

by Tennessee_Jed on Jan 25, 2012 4:31 PM CST reply actions

I agree

ESPN has become a mix of American Idol, TMZ, and Entertainment Tonight.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 6:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

ESPN = Entertainment and Sports Programming Network

Note the that “entertainment” is the first word of their name.

Too many writers, sportscasters, bloggers fall into the trap that “eyeball count is king.” They would rather say something controversial and get the eyeballs than say something accurate and bore everybody except the hardcore fans to death.

As an aside, let me make the observation that you shouldn’t believe everything that anybody says … be it a coach, a commentator, a player, anybody. Just because somebody says “X, Y, and Z” doesn’t mean they believe “X, Y, and Z.” Too many times I’ve heard somebody getting on player/coach for saying something when you know that what they said isn’t quite the truth. You have to realize that players/coaches aren’t on a stand in front of a judge after being sworn in to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

I think that is one thing about Wade Phillips that rubbed people the wrong way. I remember we got off to a great start his first year and whenever somebody asked him a question about the play of a particular group (e.g., the cornerbacks), he would say “well … the cornerbacks are 6-0 this season.” We all knew that the cornerbacks or safeties (why is it always the secondary?) were playing like cr@p but Wade couldn’t even begin to tell us the truth.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 25, 2012 8:54 PM CST up reply actions

Yup

never take for granted that the E in ESPN stands for entertainment.

What irritates me though, is that ESPN allegedly pays legitimate writers/journalists to work for them. The things that Calvin Watkins engages in like his creating a controversy out of thin air, are what I expect from Pro Football Talk, a site run by Mike Florio, a who allegedly is a Washington Redskins fan.

How does Calvin Watkins get off doing this? Does he want to jeopardize his access to the Cowboys? I could see a point where the players boycott him from the locker room and valley ranch.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:37 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

the difference between the Giants and the Cowboys is the Giants GM Jerry Reese.

If you can’t tell by my handle I believe Jerry Jones is a buffoon masquerading as a GM. To Jerry’s credit, he admitted this week what most objective evaluators of the Cowboys’ talent recognized before the 2011 season started….that Jerry and JG overestimated the ability of the young offensive lineman. The season was doomed before it started because the offensive line was just too inexperienced and the talent underdeveloped, and the secondary was a repeat of the hot mess from 2010 with the only change being Abe Elam (an average player by any objective measure). Our best hope and the silver lining in the Giants postseason success is that Jerry is forced to accept and recognize the talent gap between the Cowboys and the top teams in the NFC. Let’s all hope Jerry is motivated to make significant additions to the talent level of the team.

by jerry_jones_killed_our_cowboys on Jan 25, 2012 5:29 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

yes, of course...

… of course, the JJ hatred requires much ignoring of facts, such as the multiple O-Line injuries, the fact that Nagy played very well before his injury, or that EVERY team transitions young linemen at some point or another.

But just keep on hating, of course.

Mmmm ... draft season ... a time for optimists :)

by DalaiLuke on Jan 28, 2012 2:53 AM CST up reply actions

Hate Maybe

. . . but Romo has taken a beating the last several years. Dallas could have secured the services of anyone of several veteran centers (Birk) or drafted one of the many centers that have floated across the draft boards over the last so many years. Alas, Dallas was chasing stupid moves like Roy Williams and overpaying the likes of MBIII. Truth is that Jerry the GM has been very very very inept for over a decade and a half, in terms of player acquisition. Jerry the GM has squandered the legacy of Landry and team who won and won and won and created the most attractive franchise in team sports. Then Jerry and Jimmy got very lucky, buying a financially distressed team, with high picks already in fold, then the Hershel Heist, and Jerry’s bright period; followed by going on nearly two decades of futility. I don’t hate Jerry, but, he is a very bad GM and Dallas will be a long time getting over his folley.

by Iowacowboy on Jan 28, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

The key point in the history of Jerry the GM is the advent of Free Agency and the salary cap.

Before this, Jerry was able to overcome his inadequacy by just buying and paying the best players, winning 3 super bowls.

After this, Jerry cannot adapt and cannot build or maintain a true playoff caliber team.

In the 17 seasons from 1966-1982, the Cowboys went at least to the conference championship game 14 times. In the 16 seasons from 1996-2011, the Cowboys have won 2 wild card games.

by fs65 on Jan 28, 2012 6:35 PM CST up reply actions

What does it say about our press when the Canadians (with all due respect) get

it better:

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/25/nfl-notes-wasnt-romos-fault

by Fernie67 on Jan 25, 2012 7:46 PM CST reply actions

That's the difference between Canada an us

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 7:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

As a Canadian I say Wow

If the Toronto Sun can get it right what the hell is wrong with BSPN. The Sun and accurate sports reporting do not often go together in the same sentence.

First real Football watching memory: "Montana to Clark, TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!" &*$%
Scarred for life.

by HateTheCatch on Jan 25, 2012 8:14 PM CST up reply actions

lol

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 8:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Fernie, Great find

In the past I have wieghed in on the Romo debate. I pointed out mechanical and throwing motion issues he has had. I have always said he is a top 10 QB in the NFL, not elite but very good. Romo progressed in the small things this year and through the season. He was a top 4 to 5 QB in the NFL this year. I know the Cowboys see that also. To many people bash him becuase someone else says they should. Time for this to stop.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Bird Dog

In your opinion, what separates Romo from his elite peers at the QB position?

Is it possible for him to reach elite status based purely on play? Or does the team need to win a SB?

In your opinion, who are the elite QBs?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 8:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I have to be honest

To be considered elite in the NFL as a QB you have to have SB’s on your resume. That is what seperates a a very good franchise QB from an elite QB. Romo being in Dallas puts added scrutiney to this.
I think JJ is very focused on making Romo a SB winning and an elite QB. There are many ways they can go about fixing the problems. We know the problems as fans and so does the coaches and scouts with the Cowboys. Shore up the Oline, get a solid pass rush, and take advatage of the secondary talent this year.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree

To be considered elite in the NFL as a QB you have to have SB’s on your resume.

Although a QB is a huge factor in whether or not you win a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl win is about the team — not the individual. There are 21 other starters on the team, and if just 1 doesn’t do his job consistently, you are SOL and will never make it to the Super Bowl.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 25, 2012 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

Conn, I agree with what you are saying.

The reality is to be elite it is Superbowl wins. That is what the fans and media want. I grew up in the Stuabach and Danny White era. To be honest I saw Dandy Don also. I revered White and took in every ounce of what he said and did. Romo is Danny White right now. That is the cold and hard brutal fact of being elite as a QB in the NFL.
Romo can do it and is there as a QB to be elite, but everyone else will base elite on SB wins. That is the yard stick.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 9:27 PM CST up reply actions

Admission

As a huge Romo fan (despite growing up with Aikman in the 1990s), my worry, since the beat down the team suffered at Minnesota in the 2009 playoffs, that Romo goes down in Cowboy lore as Danny White 2.0

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:31 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Working with clients from the Cowboys

JJ wants a SB for Romo. And Ware, Ratliff and others. Garrett is a guy who he feels will get him there, and I agree. I have known Garrett for many years and have consisered his dad a mentor of mine while I was a college player and through my life. Me and 5Blings had coversations about Garretts dad and my feelings about him. I think the Boys are on the roght path.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

This is music to my ears.

I too believe the Cowboys are on the right track with Jason Garrett. However, when friends of mine who follow other NFL teams ask me why I believe this, I always find it hard to explain, as it’s just a “gut feeling” based off his press conferences, the way the team competes, and how they’ve drafted and gone about player personel decisions. But I feel like this doesn’t help explain, especially since we still have similar carry over issues from the Parcells era and Wade era-blowing leads late, and getting tail whipped in about two gut check games per season.

What leads you to believe the Cowboys are on the right track?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 10:06 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Knowing JJ, Stephen and Ciskowski

Also knowing and talking with Garrett. I really sit down with him and know he is the smartest guy in the room.. No matter who is there.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 10:26 PM CST up reply actions

Even though I've never meet these guys

I get that feeling too; that Garrett is the smartest guy in the room.

So in your opinion, how does being the smartest guy translate to on field success?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 10:34 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Fans and media don't matter

That is what the fans and media want

I want to know what a general manager thinks when he is evaluating talent.

I think that too many Cowboy fans don’t give enough love to Danny White. He played some good ball for the Cowboys but the “Doomsday Defense,” by the time that Danny started playing, was definitely on its last legs. Winning a Super Bowl requires either superior talent than everybody else in the league or everything falling into place.

Things never fell into place for Danny White although he was more than capable of bringing a title to Dallas.

by Conn Cowboy on Jan 25, 2012 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

I also disagree.

Pick whoever you want as who you think was the #1 QB this year, and if his PR pulls a Kyle Williams in the playoffs the QB is bounced out with no SB.

I don’t think you can make SBs mandatory for elite. On the other hand, I think elite is too broad a term now days. I think elite should only be the top 2, and am not upset that Romo is not elite. He is good enough to win a SB with better teammates.

In the 17 seasons from 1966-1982, the Cowboys went at least to the conference championship game 14 times. In the 16 seasons from 1996-2011, the Cowboys have won 2 wild card games.

by fs65 on Jan 28, 2012 6:46 PM CST up reply actions

Just out of curiosity, what did Romo do differently this year? Did he do what

you say Rodgers did and get someone to help with the “small things”? You’ve said a couple of times this season that he had progressed to elite-level play.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 9:05 AM CST up reply actions

I would say he got some help on fixing some of his mechanics and throwing motion midway through the season

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 26, 2012 9:46 AM CST up reply actions

Were these things he fixed

Issues sice he became a Cowboy or were they something he was going through because of his shoulder last year and ribs this year?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 26, 2012 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I had the same question. About mid-season was when his ribs

were getting better as well.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks, BD. It's also interesting that he said he made some mental

adjustments. He talked about playing within himself and realizing that he was pressing too hard because he was trying to make up for other people’s problems in executing. Put more people around him who do their jobs, too, and it’s even easier for him to do that.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

I can now die happy

"This team is going to win a Super Bowl at some point. It's going to be exciting when that time comes. And when we look back, we'll know who was on what side of the fence during those tough moments." - Tony Romo

by Trueblue122 on Jan 25, 2012 9:43 PM CST up reply actions

I live to serve.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 9:03 AM CST up reply actions

I hope that Jerry isn't as set in his initial grades as it sounds like he is.

The combine is a very important event to me and I think that seeing how player’s compare athletically is extremely important. It’s not the end-all-be-all, but athletic tests can give you a much better idea of what a player’s potential is.

Two of the teams that most notoriously draft based off of athleticism are the Steelers and the Giants. I would say that has worked out pretty well for them.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Creasy729 on Jan 25, 2012 8:27 PM CST reply actions

And yes, I know the Raiders like (or liked in the case of Al Davis) to draft athletic players as well.

I’m just saying that athleticism is pretty darn important and should be a big part of how we judge players.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Creasy729 on Jan 25, 2012 8:30 PM CST up reply actions

I can't say for other people

But my thing is to wait until the Combine and Proday’s are concluded…that way I can "weed out the players that just aren’t athletic enough, because I don’t care if you are Albert Einstein, if you don’t have the speed, C.O.D., and other measureables, you aren’t going to be a good Football player

Of course the reverse is true also

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

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Jan 25, 2012 8:42 PM CST up reply actions

yup

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

yup

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

JJ and Ciskowski place a lot of emphasis on the initial grades.

They want to see how these carry over into the Senior Bowl, Shrine Game and Combine.

You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a two-by-four. Dan Birdwell. Oakland Raiders

by Birddog26 on Jan 25, 2012 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

I just worry that that is how you end up drafting Jamar Wall, DeAngelo Smith, and Mike Mickens

in consecutive drafts.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Creasy729 on Jan 25, 2012 11:15 PM CST up reply actions

Creasy

I haven’t done a full indepth analysis on this, but from a cursory reading of the various draft classes in the last 8 years, I think Dallas drafted players who participated in the all the combine drills and evalutions.

For example: (looking at first rd picks)

2002
a) Ed Reed ran a 4.57 40 but didn’t participate in the 20 yard and 10 yard drills; he didn’t do any broad jump, vertical jump; no bench press; no shuttle; no 3Cone drill
b) Roy Williams ran a 4.53 40 and participated in every drill except the shuttle and 3Cone.
c) Roy and Ed were the only 1st rd safeties, Cowboys went with Roy.

2003
The only potential first RD CB who didn’t do all the drills was Nnamdi, but it didn’t matter as Newman basically checked out as the better athlete.

2004
a) Steven Jackson, the best RB in the draft ran a 4.45 40 but sat out all the other combine drills and tests.
b) Julius Jones, ran 4.47 40 but participated in every drill except the bench press.
c) This is probably what led Dallas to take pass on Jackson and take Jones.

2005
DeMarcus Ware ran the faster 40 time and unlike Shawn Merriman and Marcus Spears, he participated in every combine drill and evaluation. Hence the Cowboys left Merriman for the Chargers to take, and took Ware ahead of their second first rd pick, Marcus Spears.

2006
This year presented an anomoly, Bobby C(ra)penter only ran the 40 and sat out every other combine test/drill.

2007
Anthony Spencer ran a faster 40 time than LaMarr Woodley, and participated in every combine drill/test while Woodley held himself out.

2008
a) Felix Jones ran a slower 40 time than Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Jamal Charles, and Rashard Mendenhall, while having a similar 40 time to Matt Foret. However it looks like Felix was grading out as the better athlete. Chris Johnson was the only back in that group to not participate in most of the other combine tests/drills.
b) Mike Jenkins tested out as a better athlete than Brandon Flowers. DRC was the better athlete than Jenkins, but it looks as though Jenkins graded out ahead of McKelvin.

2009
No first Rd pick-thanks Roy

2010
a) Dez was taken after Damarius Thomas. Both of them had the 6’2/6’3 height 220 weight, and both ran a 4.52 40. Neither guy participated in the rest of combine drills. Be interesting to see if Dallas would’ve taken Damarius had Dez gone first.
b) Since Sean Lee and Navarro Bowan received similar grades by the Cowboys, I included them here. Sean Lee tested as the better athlete than Bowman.

2011
a) Tryon Smith weighed less than the other first rd tackles, ran a sub 5 40, and benched the same as those guys, but sat out other drills, I think he was still rehabing an injury.
b) Bruce Carter for medical reasons sat out the combine but still ran a 4.57 40. I guess they had their info on him from Butch. He was given a first rd grade.

From the looks of this, Dallas tends to place emphasis on combine testing and will hold lack of participation in the combine (beyond 40 yrd dash) as a negative unless due to injury, or your name is Bobby Carpenter.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:18 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I included Lee, Bowman, Carter

because Dallas gave em first rd grades

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 25, 2012 9:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

This made me want to pull my hair out.

Despite the fact the coaches and scouts hate this process, in Jerry’s mind this on the spot evaluation is important to him. He said that he really prefers the initial grades he receives on a player before “it becomes homogenized” in the months leading up to the draft. The way I read this, Jerry Jones subscribes to the notion that an initial impression is probably the correct one, and further laboring only tends to cloud the picture.

This is just asinine. Prime example of why Jerry needs to get the hell out of the way and leave the football men to their jobs.

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 AM CST reply actions

Agreed. I didn't like that either.

The draft process exists for a reason.

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Creasy729 on Jan 26, 2012 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

Not according to Jerry.

Apparently he knows what’s best.

/facepalm

"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel

by TXHC on Jan 26, 2012 5:04 PM CST up reply actions

gentlemen, relax

There is nothing here that says Jerry ignores additional input. Merely that first impressions are important to him, and that he likes to hear his scout’s impressions at many stages. We’ve been thinking about this stuff for about a month; it’s a year-round job for these guys. It isn’t too much to ask that they put forth their body of work before the Senior Bowl week starts, even if information will continue to flow in the coming months.

Mmmm ... draft season ... a time for optimists :)

by DalaiLuke on Jan 28, 2012 3:31 AM CST up reply actions

Why is Doug Free exempted

from criticism of our O-line play?

Sure hope Tyron can switch and that Free can be a great RT, but Free’s underperformance arguably lost us some games.

by boyman on Jan 26, 2012 12:34 PM CST reply actions

He's been criticized here. I certainly think the understanding that he was underwhelming

this year is implicit in the likely plan to switch him back to RT. I do think it’s disappointing that he’ll be making LT money as a RT.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 1:35 PM CST up reply actions

Jerry, FacePalm

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Jan 26, 2012 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

Yup.

by Fernie67 on Jan 26, 2012 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

Actually

Free isn’t getting “LT” money:
Doug Free:

Signed a four-year, $32 million contract. The deal contains $17 million guaranteed, including a $10.3 million signing bonus.

D’Brickashaw Ferguson:

Signed an eight-year, $73.6 million contract. The deal contains $34.8 million guaranteed, including a $1.6 million signing bonus and a first-year roster bonus of $3.1 million.

Free avg : 8 million

Ferguson: 10 million avg

Free is actually making roughly the same as Jahri Evans: