Blogging The Boys

Pacman Cartoon

325424 — Sun, 11 May 2008 16:15:19 -0000

HI guys, long time no post. Hope all is well. Work has bee busy and other than watching the draft (and I give it a B minus) I haven't been that active.

Still a coworker sent me this link on Friday and I howled. Pretty funny stuff.

Can't wait for pre-season.

By the way, the great thing about having two first round picks is it feel near as bad when we read that Jenkins looks bad in minicap.

Anyway, enjoy this link:

http://www.bangcartoon.com/2007/pacmandallas.htm

there is some strong language (before you play it at work)

here is another (albeit less relevant)

http://www.bangcartoon.com/2007/pacman2.htm

Koren Robinson

Nelson... — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:23:55 -0000

I read earlier that he was released by the Packers. That was a head-scratcher, because I was under the impression that he did pretty well when he returned upon the end of his suspension. Or at least that's what other people were saying.

From: BSPN

The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time.

Not long after Green Bay signed the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Robinson in 2006, the league suspended him for a year for alcohol-related problems.

He sought treatment that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and taking a drug that would make him sick if he drank alcohol again.

When he was reinstated to the league he appeared to have put his troubles behind him. Teammates said they were impressed by his work ethic and his obvious efforts to stay clean.

Maybe the Packers simply felt he didn't fit in their future plans, maybe he's lost his effectiveness, I don't know (only game I saw him play in was the playoff game against the Seahawks)

What do you guys think? Would he be someone worth a look? He does seem to have his head on straight and isn't on the brink of suspension ala Chris Henry.

Poll

Should the Cowboys give Koren Robinson a look?

A couple of thoughts on the rookies

sublimezg — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:23:01 -0000

Felix Jones:

I love this kids attitude. He seems to be very humble almost to the point of quietness. You want him to talk? He'll explain everything you want to know on the field. I really do like the kids game but I have to admit it took me some time to settle into this pick @22. Reggie Bush keeps crossing my mind when talking about Felix.. I'll let you decide if that's a good or bad thing.

Mike Jenkins:

Before the draft he was one of the top CB's on my list (#2) and to see him fall all the way to #25 was just awesome. In my mind I was comparing him to TNEW with his speed and ability to leech onto his opponent. Rookie camp kinda jaded that comparison a little for me, but I really do think with some coaching that comparison will stick. I loved this pick.

Martellus Bennett:

I was a little confused at this pick at first. Tight end?? I know we just traded Fasano but I'm pretty sure we have a guy named Jason Witten who as I recall was, uhhhh, prettyy good. Then we have that other guy (Tony Curtis) who refuses to do anything but catch TD's. It didn't take me long after learning this guys size and athletic ability to really like this pick. Him having super powers is definitely a plus too. I am quite excited to see him play.

Tashard Choice:

What's not to like about a natural leader who can inspire and be productive in the running and passing game? This kid WILL produce, bet on it.

Orlando Scandrick:

This kid is slowly becoming one of my favorite picks in the draft. He's extremely fast and apparently can cover like my favorite Cowboys blanket. Granted all the hype on him comes from covering young, unestablished receivers. Still this kid has mad potential and I'll be pulling for him in a major way. On top of being able to cover well, I fully expect to see this kid get a few sacks this year rushing off the edge. Hopefully he'll block some kicks too.

Erik Walden:

I haven't a clue.. Has anyone watched him play? Someone enlighten me on this guy.

_________________________________________________________________

As for the undrafted guys we've snagged..

Danny Amendola:

I can certainly see why this kid gets the Wes Welker comparisons. They both come from the same school (Texas Tech), have similar size and speed. Both are extremely quick and tough to cover. I'm pretty excited to see what he can do in training camp. Can he separate from the likes of TNEW, Ant Henry, and the PAC? We shall see, we shall see.

I have to go to work so I'll cut this a bit short by saying I'm not mad at all about not drafting a receiver. There were a couple in this draft that I really did like and am confident will become good players in the NFL, but I agree with the decision to not take one with one our top picks. We had much greater needs and I think we took care of those needs quite well. With that being said, I am extremely anxious to see a few of the rookies as well as a couple of last years rookies battle it out at training camp. Daniel Polk, Danny Amendola, Mark Bradford, Joe West, Isaiah Stanback, and Mike Jefferson. I'm pretty sure Sam Hurd is a lock to make the team but Miles Austin better bring his A-game or he may find himself in Miami swimming with the Tuna.

May an epic training camp battle be had, and here's to finding one or more diamonds in the rough!

Ellis opens his big trap about Roy Williams

quincyyyyy — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:44:13 -0000

Ellis said Williams first expressed concerns about the Phillips 3-4 during training camp in San Antonio.

"He said, 'Greg, this defense does not fit me. I don't fit in well with this defense at all,'" Ellis said. "So when he told me that, I was like, 'Well, man, it's still new. Get used to it and it'll probably be fine for you.'" And obviously I think it came to be true. Just like he said, he doesn't fit what's going on here in Dallas right now...
Ellis went on to say that he was bothered by the way Williams has isolated himself from his teammates. He said Williams is still working out at Valley Ranch, but he's leaving the facility by 7:30 a.m., so he's not spending any time with his teammates.
Ellis said he thinks Williams wants to stay in Dallas, but it's just a bad football fit.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/05/ellis-roy-doesnt-think-defense-fits-him.html

This is getting absurd. I doubt Roy will get any better than he is now. He is almost 28 and it is very doubtful he'll miraculously improve. Its time to cut our losses and kick this guy to the curb. I believe if we cut him after June 1st his cap hit will be spread out over next year and this year. Seems like it would be a good time to do it. Maybe then we can move Hamlin to SS and have Watkins or Brown at FS.

Henry interested in Dallas

downsetgo — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:47:01 -0000

"There are two teams that I would always love to play for: That's New Orleans and Dallas," Henry said. "New Orleans is home for me. That's always been a big dream of mine. Hopefully I can get in there and sit down with the coaches and maybe have an opportunity to get down there. And Dallas is another team that I've always looked up to as a kid and wanted to play for them."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3385733

Lets hope Dallas isn't interested in Henry

Dimensions at Receiver

scottmaui — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:39:43 -0000

I think these quotes give some good insights into what the coaches are thinking about the passing game, and why they chose not to draft a WR and still feel confident about the air attack, even beyond the existing WR corps.

Kevin Sharrington, DMN on Dan ny Amendola:

Can he be another Welker? He certainly has the pedigree and the quarterback. Leach tells us that Amendola isn't as quick as Welker, but he's faster.

Bottom line: If Jason Garrett takes advantage of Amendola's special set of skills, he could give the Cowboys a different dimension at receiver.

Tim McMahon on Martellus Bennett:

Bennett is eager to serve as Pro Bowl TE Jason Witten's "apprentice," but the Cowboys wouldn't have used a second-round pick on him unless they thought he could help them win this season. He'll be given a chance to earn the No. 2 tight end role, and his versatility should give Jason Garrett more freedom to create mismatches with the Cowboys' two-tight end packages. His size could add a dimension to the Cowboys' passing game.

COWBOYS TE COACH JOHN GARRETT on Martellus Bennett (same link as above):

He's a good enough athlete to be a motion guy, be an on-the-line tight end or be in the slot. ... I expect him to challenge for playing time. That all hinges on how fast he can pick things up. I envision him seriously contributing in a significant part of the offense.

Tom Osborn on Martellus Bennett:

Owner Jerry Jones sees all kind of possibilities for Bennett in the red zone. The same goes for coach Wade Phillips, who suggested Bennett could follow in the footsteps of Antonio Gates because he's a former basketball player, just like San Diego's Pro Bowl tight end.

“(Bennett) just has a feel for where other people are,” Phillips said. “He's got that body control to rebound, where you have to go up and get the ball. I've already noticed him kind of put his hip in there and catch the ball on the side, like basketball players do.”

Phillips also raved about the way Bennett, who will wear No. 80, runs routes and gets open.

“I like the way he moves,” Phillips said. “He separates from the defensive backs or linebackers. He naturally does that well, which is a real positive.”

Another Bennett asset is his ability to block, something he did often for the Aggies. Because of that, the Cowboys can play Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten more in the slot, a move that could result in a mismatch if the defense covers him with a defensive back.

“(Bennett) gives us versatility,” Phillips said. “That's what we were looking for. If (he) can play ‘Y' (the in-line tight end), you can play two tight ends where you don't know which one is going to be the receiver.”

The Cowboys are counting on Bennett, who had 49 receptions as a junior last season, to make an immediate impact.

COWBOYS RB COACH SKIP PEETE on Felix Jones:

He's a guy that has the ability to be a runner inside and outside and be utilized in the passing game.

[...]
That [route running] was something we had the opportunity to see [during minicamp]. He had the opportunity to run routes out of the backfield and catch the ball. He seems very comfortable doing that. He's very fluid. The guy is a very special kid in my mind. I had an opportunity to coach a guy who had a lot of similarities to him as far as impacting the game - a kid by the name of Charlie Garner.

Charlie Garner:

He was a multi-talented running back and an excellent receiver. In the 2002-03 season with the Oakland Raiders, he was the team's leading rusher with 962 yards and 7 touchdowns, while also leading all NFL running backs in receiving with 91 receptions for 941 yards and another 4 touchdowns.

The real reason we didn't draft a WR

emmitt22 — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:26:36 -0000

I think we want to give our 3rd year guys a shot first. As any fantasy owner will tell you, year 3 is usually a WRs breakout year and between Hurd and Austin they have a chance. Jerry also believes TGlenn will be back as well. And the biggest reason? We need to spend money on TO; and Roy Williams and TJ Houshmanzedah are both FAs next year. We can't spend big money on 3 WRs..........

Proud of my team?

rhbgsherb — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:02:14 -0000

I don’t make too many posts on this site. Between my job and my 2 week old son, my time for writing is limited. However, that doesn’t stop me from checking in every day and reading everyone’s opinions. I’ve tried to write a few more detailed items in the past, usually when my emotions over my favorite team are especially strong (i.e. after the playoff losses each of the past two years). This will be the first I’ve actually finished…

Let me start by saying I’m a HUGE fan of the Cowboys. Tony Dorsett was my idol growing up. I remember the 99½ yard run like it was yesterday. I blamed Danny White for every playoff loss in the ‘80’s. I struggled through the 1-15 year and thought (think) the early ‘90’s teams were the best ever. Throughout it all, through the good times and the bad, I’ve stayed loyal.

I believe in second chances. I started as an entry-level shlub at my company and moved up to Director, making every mistake imaginable along the way. I always feel it’s not the mistakes you make once, it’s the learning experience you get from them that’s important. But if you continue to make the mistakes, then we have a problem.

This brings us to our beloved team. Through the thick and thin, I’ve supported Jerry Jones. There are too many teams that worry more about profit than about winning (I’m in Finance so I’m being totally hypocritical here), and Jerry has always valued winning more than anything (and understanding that winning brings in the profits). When he made his mistakes in the late ‘90’s, I chalked it up as a learning experience. When he hired Bill Parcells, I thought “Wow, he finally gets it.”

The first couple of years were good. He listened to Parcells and the talent level improved and the bad seeds left. Then things started to change. First it was T.O. I couldn’t stand him when he was with the 49ers, and I outright hated him with the Eagles (I live in Eagles country, so it was unbearable). He’s made the best of his situation with Dallas, but there’s always a worry.

Then, there was Tank Johnson. I really don’t think Tank is a bad guy. I think he’s learned his lesson. But again, the character issue comes into play.

Now we have Pacman Jones. I don’t care what anyone says, this guy is an ass. He doesn’t get it, and he never will. I don’t care if he does make our team better. I don’t like it today and I’m not going to like it tomorrow.

I wish I could feel that we’re done with this, but we’re not. There are constant rumors about Chad Johnson. I think the guy is funny on his touchdown celebrations, but there is no evidence to show he’s a good teammate (actually, all evidence points to the contrary). I would love to get Anquan Boldin or Roy Williams, but please, no Chad Johnson.

Today, I read this rumor at ProFootballTalk.com. Do you think anyone reads that and doesn’t immediately think Dallas (5 out of the first 10 commenters listed Dallas)? It’s the first thing I think of when I see articles like this.

I personally can’t take this anymore. When does it stop? I love to see my team win as much as the next guy. My wife hates in when Dallas loses because I’m in a bad mood for 4 days. But, in the past few weeks, my interest has waned. For a while, I thought it was just burnout from the season. But when I saw that article today, I realized it’s not burnout. I’m not proud of my team any more. I cringe when I see an article about Dallas, but it’s invariably about some turd that’s linked to the Cowboys in some way.

I’m making an open plea to Jerry Jones. Stop the madness. Winning at any cost is what’s gotten baseball in the mess it’s in. It’s what’s caused ProFootballTalk.com to have a Days Without an Arrest meter that rarely makes it to double digits. There are great talents throughout the league that are also great guys. Everyone wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys. Stop picking the jackasses! While I’m at it, stop looking for the “Wow” factor. “Wow” leads to big names and big egos. “Wow” leads to the New York Yankees having the biggest payroll and no championships. “Wow” is what Dan Snyder does. “Wow” is for guys without a plan. The Dallas Cowboys don’t need a “Wow”. They are the “Wow”. Please Jerry, let me be proud of my team again.

Like I said earlier, it's important to learn from your mistakes. I don't think Jerry has. I feel like this is Jerry "Pre-Parcells" Jones. Taking flyers on guys in the draft. Trading around incessantly on draft day. I'm scared the talent on this team is going to drop because we have too many unreliable guys with bad character and too many guys that only Jerry saw as having great upside.

My rant is now done.

Chris Henry meeting with an unknown team

Boyzfan94 — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:36:11 -0000

Former Bengals receiver Chris Henry is drawing the interest of a yet-unnamed NFL team.

Henry’s lawyer made that claim on Tuesday in order to obtain for Henry permission to travel out of the area for the purposes of visiting with said team. Henry is on house arrest in the wake of a recent assault charge, and the judge assigned to the case previously had denied a request that Henry be allowed to leave the area in the hopes of landing a new football gig.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/

Oh brother!!...............I sure hope not!!!

Character Scouting

Impatient — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:32:34 -0000

So after the first weekend of rookie minicamps, what do we know?

So far it seems that the Cowboys scouts have pulled gems out of the rubble. First we get news that Mendenhall is robbed at gunpoint after pulling a hammie in his rookie camp and Fred Davis is not smart enough to set his own alarm clock or order a wake up call.

These type of setbacks are not usually an indication of a picks worth on the grand scheme of things, BUT...

How many rookies coming in to the leauge can you name that have had early adversity have gone on to star in this league? Not to sound Terryesque and claim the sky is falling for these youngsters after the first NFL weekend for them, but I have to say that I am pleased that from the player positions we drafted, the other guy we didnt draft has had issues. Its not like we would have moved up for Fred Davis, but Mendenhall was within our grasp. The more time passes and the more spin I hear has me glad we went with Felix.

I think Mendenhall is this years Blair Thomas. I just cant see him turning out to be all that considering all the mitigating factors in his career. One good game against USC does not a hall of fame career make.

Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint in Chicago

barrypopik — Tue, 06 May 2008 03:31:11 -0000

First NY Knicks center Eddy Curry, then Miami Heat forward Antoine Walker, and now Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall, robbed at gunpoint in Chicago. What is it with Chicago, Illinois? This wouldn't happen if Barack Obama represented--nah, never mind.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3382968

Steelers new running back Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint

Updated: May 5, 2008, 8:17 PM ET

Another famous Chicago athlete was victimized early Monday morning.

Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft choice Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint while walking along the city's lakefront, his agent and mother said.

The former Illinois running back was with another companion along the South Side walkway when he was robbed of his wallet, phone and cash, sources familiar with the investigation told the Chicago Sun-Times.

"It was obviously a scary moment," his agent Mike McCartney said, according to the Sun-Times. "But he is fine. He is doing great. He said he doesn't have anything that is worth his life."

Reports said the two alleged perpetrators wore black hoodies and ski masks.

Coach Wade's Status After this Season

Valainferno — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:48:39 -0000

Let me preface this by saying that I was not a big fan of the hiring of Wade Philips in the first place. Though I do have to say his laid back personality may have been the best thing for the team after Parcell's iron-fisted rule. He's a great defensive mind, but he seems more like the Campo/Switzer type coach than the Jimmy Johnson/Tom Landry kind of guy who inspires confidence from the fans and the players.

My view now is that Wade just might be gone after this season regardless of whether he wins or loses in the playoffs this year. Wade's for sure gone if we miss the playoffs, and the odds are good that he'll be gone if we have another first round loss.

If we have success, other teams are going to come calling for Garrett. I don't know about you guys, but I'd rather push Wade out the door to keep Garrett, especially when you consider that Wade may only be coaching for another couple of years. I believe Wade's contract is up after this year anyway (with an option for a third year), so maybe we just don't renew. I'm just curious as to what everyone else thinks about this.

Believe!

Staggolee87 — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:57:30 -0000

The Dallas Stars completed a 4 over time game at about 4:30 Monday morning, sending them to the Western Conference Finals. The most exciting games I've seen in my short 21 years of being a Dallas Sports fan, they've earned the support of the fans with gutsy leadership by Captain Brendan Morrow hard hitting and near flawless goaltending by Turco. If you get a chance to go to a game don't be afraid play off hockey is electric and if you want to see some wild stats from game 6 there is a link below. Bring it Home Stars!

http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280504009

It's Fake, but it's Funny

tdships — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:51:45 -0000

Spoof article on TO's reaction to PacMan Jones joining the Boys in The Onion

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/terrell_owens_not_sure_about_this

It riffs on a couple of themes that will be familiar to Cowboy fans. Must admit, not too many Onion references on BTB, what next Mad Magazine ?

Apparently I need to add more words to hit the 75 word minimum. I certainly hope this is enough. Where am I going to get seven more from ?

David Pollack Retires?

slash — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:24:15 -0000

anybody catch this? I completely missed it, i caught the injury a couple of years ago but didn't expect this...i remember him at Georgia and then of course in the draft...Really really depressing to see the guy retire and it sucks for Bengal Fans eccspecailly with the loss of Smith

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Roy on Michael Irvin's ESPN Radio Show

alienasia — Fri, 02 May 2008 06:55:23 -0000

This is really painful to read as a Cowboys fan and a RW fan...

"Sometimes you just hope they don't throw the ball your way, because sometimes you're like, if they go inside, you don't have any help; if they go outside, you don't have any help."

Blog post about the interview on DMN

Other things that made me grimace:

Roy isn't comfortable covering someone one-on-one
Something about dedicating himself to God, and that being correlated with a lack of big hits

Maybe Pacman can help rehabilitate RW back to a normal football playing dude.

Bush buys into Simpson "curse"

ronus20 — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:24:24 -0000

Just saw this article and it made me shake my head.....literally.

The president noted that along the way the Giants vanquished a team from his home state—the Dallas Cowboys. Many Dallas fans pinned their team’s surprise playoff loss not on the Giants, but on Simpson. Seems the singer-actress was accused of being a distraction to her boyfriend, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo.

Apparently, Bush bought in.

“I’m a good sport,” Bush said at the South Lawn ceremony. “We’re going to send Jessica Simpson to the Democrat National Convention.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-bush-giants&prov=ap&type=lgns

Comments, opinions, head shakes?

The season can't start soon enough!

OK....I'm going to keep this simple...compare, complain...or wake up.

BoyzRback — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:29:04 -0000

NFL ALL TIME CAREER RUSHING LEADERS :

1. Emmitt Smith - 5'9" 200 lbs.

2. Walter Payton- 5'10" 202 lbs.

3. Barry Sanders- 5'8" 200 lbs.

4. Curtis Martin- 5'11" 210 lbs.

7. Tony Dorsett 5'11" 192 lbs.

9. Marcus Allen 6'2" 210 lbs.

10. Marshall Faulk 5'10" 210 lbs.

12. Thurman Thomas 5'10" 206 lbs.

20. Tiki Barber- 5'10" 205 lbs.

I suppose none of the above mentioned players were " elite franchise featured backs" either.........

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Felix Jones - 5'10" 207 lbs.

2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. ...

Troy and Novacek in the College Football HOF

Dachs — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:25:03 -0000

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3376835

Congratulations to our 'Boys, as well as the other 13 inductees, including Lou Holtz and Thurman Thomas. It's certainly a great honor, and while it's great to see Aikman get the Pro/College HOF double, it's really great to see Novacek get this honor as well, especially the same year.

Shockingly, David LaFleur did not make it in this time around.

jeterchrist.blogspot.com

Terry you are not going to like this....

quincyyyyy — Thu, 01 May 2008 07:21:04 -0000

Here is what the Colts Blogger had to say in response to one of my posts about our draft:

Two things
1) If the Cowboys don’t re-sign Barber, they are finished. Done. Not going to win 8 game. Tony Romo is not a consistent big game QB, and without a healthy, strong, dominant Marion Barber the Cowboys have ZERO chance of making the playoffs to say nothing of getting to the Super Bowl. So, any talk of the Cowboys not re-signing Barber is silly. Felix Jones was drafted to spell Barber, and the reason I question the Choice pick is Dallas’ secondary still sucks. Their safeties can’t cover anyone, especially Roy Williams who could not cover my grandmother if she ran a pattern over the middle. Remember, Eli Manning carved up the Cowboys in the playoffs (12-19, 163 yards, 2 TDs, no INTs), yet Dallas did very little to address this weakness in the draft.

2) Manningham is a late-first, early-second round prospect that fell to the Giants in the late 3rd round. NY can afford to draft someone like Manningham because they won the Super Bowl last year. This means they have very few weaknesses, especially at WR where they have Burress, Tyree, Smith, and Toomer just to name a few. With Dallas, a team that nearly DEFINES the term “character issues,” they are coached by a bumbling idiot who cannot get his team focused enough to win playoff games. The absolute LAST thing they need is anyone with character flaws. They need high character, self-motivated men because their coach is a clueless fool.

So, based on those two things, I don’t think they got much value. Those 3rd and 4th round picks won’t do Wade Phillips any good if the Cowboys lose ANOTHER playoff series. the main focus of this series is to see if a team like Dallas did enough to overcome the Giants, and I don’t think they did. Eli Manning is still better than Tony Romo. The Giants defense, coach, runnning game, WRs, and general manager are all better than Dallas.The Cowboys needed an outstanding draft to get past NY, and they didn’t get it.

Thus, yang.

You can respond to him here:

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2008/4/30/462558/2008-nfl-post-draft-yin-an#comments

But keep it clean.