Most Overrated Cowboys

[Maikeru-sama]

We all know of the list Dennis Dillion of The Sporting News put together that specified who he felt were the most overrated players in the entire league. Of course, 2 Cowboys made the list and you can see it here (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=thealloverratedteam&prov=tsn&type=lgns)

I disagree....

I disagree, here is my list of players I think are the most overrated on this team:

Marcellus Wiley - Everyone here heard all the excuses for why he was unproductive in San Diego for the later part of his stint there. There was a new scheme change or he lost Seau, Harrison and other key members on the defense. 4 Million dollars coupled with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus and the fact that they decided to sign him when Bert Berry (who is having another breakout season) was signed by the Cardinals for about 1-2 Million dollars more than what the Cowboys offered all points to Parcells and Company's expectations for this guy. Sadly, 13 games later, Wiley has yet to make a decent play (oh wait he did have that roughing the passer call during against Skins) and could only muster one sack which came against the lowly Bears.

Brady James - Mr. Coakley made the Pro Bowl last year but Parcells declared all positions up for grabs in the offseason and in particular, Weak Side Linebacker. He was big, has good size so that automatically helped James gain favor in Bill Parcells' eyes. At times he seems lost other times he is caught out of position. A poster once told me that James was going to be a great blitzer because of his size. I had to point out to him, first that even in the 90's, the Cowboys didnt get great sack production out of the Weak Side. Oh yeah, how many sacks does he have again?

Eddie George - All I heard was how George was going to plow through defenders and close out games in the waning moments of a win. Unfortunately, wins are too few and Eddie George has not shown anything, not even in the Preseason. When Julius Jones returned, he had 80+ yards against the tough Ravens defense, 150 yards against the Bears, and 198 yards against the Seahawks. Let's see, the offensive line is the same, but the running back isnt, I can only come to one conclusion.

Honorable Mention:

Terence Newman
Roy Williams


- Mike G.

[Everlastingxxx]

I don't think anyone is overrating the players you listed.

I would go with Keyshawn, Allen, Singleton and Cundiff.

[Jersey]

I'd agree with Singleton & Cundiff, but Key has been OK. He never came in to be the leading receiver in the league. He's done OK in all aspects especially as a blocker. Also, LA will make the probowl this year. I'll admit that on some plays he has stumbled, but overall he has played extremely well. This is most evident since JJ's YPC are 3-4 times higher to his side.

[Maikeru-sama]

I dont think Keyshawn is overrated. He has already been more productive then Joey Galloway, they player we traded for him.

Larry Allen is still one of the most dominant Left Guards in the NFL. If he would have had a similar year last year, Detroit would have budged and given us a second round pick (instead of a fourth round pick) like we wanted. Julius Jones had 80+ yards on the Ravens tough Defense, 150 yards on Chicago, and 198 yards on Seattle, and around 88 yards and a TD against New Orleans, so what side do you think he ran to the most and who do you think was opening up those holes?

Cundiff has been inconsistent his entire career...

Wiley was expected to be a dominant pass rusher, he is overrated....

George was suppose to be a short yardage back and be able to close out games, he failed to do so, he is overrated...

James was suppose to compete for a starting job and take a Pro Bowlers place, not only has he not taken the job from Coakley (who is struggling himself), he has struggled mightily as well, he is overrated....

- Mike G.

[Eskimo]

I guess it depends on who you are talking about - general public, Cowboys fans, fans on this forum, NFL beat writers, etc.

In terms of this forum, I would say the following players are overrated:

Tucker - has had several supporters here throughout the year when he has been the worst player on the offense

Keyshawn - this one is controversial. I think he has been okay and played to expectations and is having a decent year. I just think most here think way more highly of him than his play warrants.

Tony Romo - has quite a few supporters here. Outside of one game, he has been mediocre to terrible. He is quite limited athletically.

Dat Nguyen - has lots of supporters here but has been damn near invisible this year. Has really struggled in coverage. His run D has improved with the improved play of Carson. Hopefully he'll rebound next year. Even more hopefully, he'll be replaced by Hartwell.

Bradie James - has made a few highlight reel tackles but has been shockingly bad. Blows tons of assignments.

Roy W - I know lots have been critical but I think his supporters are way too forgiving of his many deficiencies in coverage and tackling.

[Mash]

Most overrated.....this year.......

Roy Williams
Newman
Allen
Adams (basically our whole OL)
Vinny ( he be lucky to find a backup job in the NFL)
Eddie (worst pickup should of retired a Titan)



I was expecting more from the top 4 here....the other two....we spent to much on them.

BTW....Ellis would of been on list years ago....but I don't expect much from him anymore.....he is solid....

[irvin88]

Roy Williams Hands Down.

[Quicksilver]

Roy Williams Hands Down.

sad but true Irv.

Roy has been a major dissapointment

[Oh_Canada]

Our coach.

[SALADIN]

We all know of the list Dennis Dillion of The Sporting News put together that specified who he felt were the most overrated players in the entire league. Of course, 2 Cowboys made the list and you can see it here (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=thealloverratedteam&prov=tsn&type=lgns)

I disagree....

I disagree, here is my list of players I think are the most overrated on this team:

Marcellus Wiley - Everyone here heard all the excuses for why he was unproductive in San Diego for the later part of his stint there. There was a new scheme change or he lost Seau, Harrison and other key members on the defense. 4 Million dollars coupled with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus and the fact that they decided to sign him when Bert Berry (who is having another breakout season) was signed by the Cardinals for about 1-2 Million dollars more than what the Cowboys offered all points to Parcells and Company's expectations for this guy. Sadly, 13 games later, Wiley has yet to make a decent play (oh wait he did have that roughing the passer call during against Skins) and could only muster one sack which came against the lowly Bears.

Brady James - Mr. Coakley made the Pro Bowl last year but Parcells declared all positions up for grabs in the offseason and in particular, Weak Side Linebacker. He was big, has good size so that automatically helped James gain favor in Bill Parcells' eyes. At times he seems lost other times he is caught out of position. A poster once told me that James was going to be a great blitzer because of his size. I had to point out to him, first that even in the 90's, the Cowboys didnt get great sack production out of the Weak Side. Oh yeah, how many sacks does he have again?

Eddie George - All I heard was how George was going to plow through defenders and close out games in the waning moments of a win. Unfortunately, wins are too few and Eddie George has not shown anything, not even in the Preseason. When Julius Jones returned, he had 80+ yards against the tough Ravens defense, 150 yards against the Bears, and 198 yards against the Seahawks. Let's see, the offensive line is the same, but the running back isnt, I can only come to one conclusion.

Honorable Mention:

Terence Newman
Roy Williams


- Mike G.

Mike G, that was as bogus a list as I've ever seen.

Key was brought in to be a possession receiver and that's exactly what he's done. Not Blow past DB's on 9's.

Wiley. You have to be good to be rated and Wiley hasn't been good for a while.

IMO L.A. is the most overrated player the Cowboys have, if not in the entire league. L.A. will bury a player on his initial block however, after that he usually stands around and looks, never going to the second level to attack the LB or DB. When L.A. makes a block he’s done, you can usually see him looking around to see what the back is doing rather than looking up field to see the next defensive player to block.

L.A. is still a good OL-men and blocker but his rep has taken over his performance in the NFL of 2004.

Strength, power… nastiness mean nothing if you can’t finish.

oh yeah, RW

[Banned_n_austin]

In team History -

#1)Emmitt Smith: He accomplished alot as a RB, but never would have done it without his supporting cast. Thus, his supporting cast gave him an advandage that any average back would have had similiar results. In other words, Emmitt was a good player, but not as good as Emmitt himself thought he was and of course the fans loved Emmitt too, but most will admit that he couldn't have done it without his line. More of it had to do with the team he played on and the line that blocked for him. He arrived to Dallas in the nick of time - on an upswing.

#2)Tony Dixon: When drafted he was supposed to be, according to the staff - the best thing next to pudding. Man, were they wrong. And he's not one of those guys who just haven't had time to adjust to the game. He has had time and plenty of it. He hasn't shown flashes of anything. Three years this guy had to adjust to the NFL level and he obviously can't cut it. He can't cut anything - not even butter. He gets burned, beat, juked and toasted in all aspects of his game. And has been a downfall on team play. In other words, a bust and a loser. Next guy please.

#3)Eddie George: Recently, the Cowboys have been on a 'budget' so-to-speak. They've been being "real careful" with the money they spend on personell. And they thought they'd take a short-cut along the paths of the half-back postition coming into the season. The team passed on the obvious choice of Corey Dillon, who could have helped the team tremendously. Instead, they went with the 'best bargain' and signed Eddie George to a one year contract - that one can only suppose was structured for a year because Eddie's ablity was seemingly declining. Heaven forbid someone spend a little money - and you get what you pay for. Have a nice career Corey Dillon. . . IN NEW ENGLAND!!!

4)Drew Henson: Why is everyone so high on this guy right now? Is it perhaps because we've got a guy who could be called 'grandpa' under center? Dallas has been QB starved since Troy Aikman. If it's not squandering real possibilities- even if that's all they even are is possibilities (e.g) Quincy Carter - then it is making bad personell decisions in trying to find a player through other methods. But a guy who has mainly played high school level football? Gimme a break.

Why do we want to sit around for another 3 years whatching a quarter back develop, when you could just sign a guy out of free agency or make a trade to get a guy who you know can play in the NFL consistantly. You have to look at where we're at right now. We're going to be signing FA's this year and we're going to be in a good position in the draft. It's all systems go. Why slow our 'go' process with a developing quarter back? It's nonsense people.

[The30YardSlant]

I hate people who say RW is overated. He was the best safety in football last year, period. This year he is forced to play out of his game.

[Rack Bauer]

I hate people who say RW is overated. He was the best safety in football last year, period. This year he is forced to play out of his game.


I don't know what his "Game" is, but he's still playing the safety position and he's doing a piss poor job at it. He may be "Best" in the box, but you still have to be able to do what a safety does, and he doesn't do it very well.


He's been overrated THIS season. HOpefully he turns it around next season.

[The30YardSlant]

I don't know what his "Game" is, but he's still playing the safety position and he's doing a piss poor job at it. He may be "Best" in the box, but you still have to be able to do what a safety does, and he doesn't do it very well.


He's been overrated THIS season. HOpefully he turns it around next season.

If our biggest worry next year is RW performance we will be in good shape....because it is the least of our worries this year

[Banned_n_austin]

I hate people who say RW is overated. He was the best safety in football last year, period. This year he is forced to play out of his game.


Roy Williams is probably in the top two safeties in the league. And you're right. He is being forced to play out of his game because Woodson is out. No doubt about it. I think that anyone who says any different is just ignorant. I'm not trying to be mean either. It's just that's how it is. 32 teams would agree with that statement. Goofy fans are the only ones who say like that.

[Rack Bauer]

He is being forced to play out of his game because Woodson is out. No doubt about it. I think that anyone who says any different is just ignorant. I'm not trying to be mean either. It's just that's how it is.

If you're a safety you need to be able to do what a safety does. That's just the way it is.

[Banned_n_austin]

If our biggest worry next year is RW performance we will be in good shape....because it is the least of our worries this year


That's exactly right.

[Banned_n_austin]

If you're a safety you need to be able to do what a safety does. That's just the way it is.


Gimme a break. If you're saying Roy Williams can't play safety we're not even going to have a discussion. He's picking up slack from Woodson being out. He's got more responsibility than he had last year and teams still run plays AWAY from Williams. If you have any perception at all, you know Roy Williams is a great, if not Hall of Fame safety.

Get off the crack, Rack.

[lcharles]

Emmitt Smith as no.1 on anyones list of most overrated Cowboys has to be the craziest post I have ever witnessed. :eek:


surely you were joking.

seriously, you were joking, weren't you?

[Maikeru-sama]

Mike G, that was as bogus a list as I've ever seen.

Key was brought in to be a possession receiver and that's exactly what he's done. Not Blow past DB's on 9's.

Wiley. You have to be good to be rated and Wiley hasn't been good for a while.

IMO L.A. is the most overrated player the Cowboys have, if not in the entire league. L.A. will bury a player on his initial block however, after that he usually stands around and looks, never going to the second level to attack the LB or DB. When L.A. makes a block he’s done, you can usually see him looking around to see what the back is doing rather than looking up field to see the next defensive player to block.

L.A. is still a good OL-men and blocker but his rep has taken over his performance in the NFL of 2004.

Strength, power… nastiness mean nothing if you can’t finish.

oh yeah, RW

I stopped reading after I read the text in bold.

Anybody else see Keyshawn Johnson on my list?

I dont...

BTW, Why would Jerry Jones give him a Multi-Year deal with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus if expectations weren't high?

- Mike G.

[Banned_n_austin]

Emmitt Smith as no.1 on anyones list of most overrated Cowboys has to be the craziest post I have ever witnessed. :eek:


surely you were joking.

seriously, you were joking, weren't you?


Those were in no particular order.


I am not trying to take anything away from Emmitt.


Emmit is perceived by some of the homeristic as one of the greatest players of all-time. I disagree. He had some of the best stats of all time, but that is not because he was such a great player. It's because he was a good player with a great team in front of him, particullarly his offensive line.


Emmitt was a good RB, but wasn't great IMO and a lot of others as well.

[Banned_n_austin]

I agree with this entire post.


I dont think Keyshawn is overrated. He has already been more productive then Joey Galloway, they player we traded for him.

Recognizing the obvious here. It's amazing how some people see it differently.

Larry Allen is still one of the most dominant Left Guards in the NFL. If he would have had a similar year last year, Detroit would have budged and given us a second round pick (instead of a fourth round pick) like we wanted. Julius Jones had 80+ yards on the Ravens tough Defense, 150 yards on Chicago, and 198 yards on Seattle, and around 88 yards and a TD against New Orleans, so what side do you think he ran to the most and who do you think was opening up those holes?

Without this guy, we'd have no running game. I'm dreading the day he leaves Dallas. We'd better prepare starting this year. But I must say, it's absurd to even think that this guy is overrated.

Cundiff has been inconsistent his entire career...

Right. And you should have to be rated first before being overrated.

Wiley was expected to be a dominant pass rusher, he is overrated....

Another 'bargain' that was a bust.

George was suppose to be a short yardage back and be able to close out games, he failed to do so, he is overrated...

We passed up real possibilities by believing in the clown. We got burned on this signing, even if it was a 1 year deal.

James was suppose to compete for a starting job and take a Pro Bowlers place, not only has he not taken the job from Coakley (who is struggling himself), he has struggled mightily as well, he is overrated....

Dexter Coakley WILL NOT die. :D

[The30YardSlant]

Those were in no particular order.


I am not trying to take anything away from Emmitt.


Emmit is perceived by some of the homeristic as one of the greatest players of all-time. I disagree. He had some of the best stats of all time, but that is not because he was such a great player. It's because he was a good player with a great team in front of him, particullarly his offensive line.


Emmitt was a good RB, but wasn't great IMO and a lot of others as well.

Emmitt Smith is the greatest RB of all time, in the end its about the facts, the numbers and Emmitt has more than anyone ever:

All-Time leading rusher
All-Time rushing TDs leader
2nd all-Time overall TDs
Super Bowl MVP
NFL MVP
3 Rushing titles
3 Super Bowl titles
A 25 TD season
All-Time postseason rushing yards leader
All-Time postseason rushing TDs leader

How can anyone argue with that and say he isnt great?

[THEHEREAFTER]

Those were in no particular order.


I am not trying to take anything away from Emmitt.


Emmit is perceived by some of the homeristic as one of the greatest players of all-time. I disagree. He had some of the best stats of all time, but that is not because he was such a great player. It's because he was a good player with a great team in front of him, particullarly his offensive line.


Emmitt was a good RB, but wasn't great IMO and a lot of others as well.


YOU DON'T THINK EMMITT SMITH WAS GREAT... You won't even give the man great? So I guess Joe Montana and Jerry Rice are both overrated as well.?? ... and by the way when Emmitt got to Dallas.. they were just coming off of a 1-15 season. EVER CONSIDER THAT HE WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS the team became great? :banghead: Jeeeeeeeeeeeez.. EVER CONSIDER THAT HE HELPS MAKE The O-line look good as well... so based on your premise.. you could have stuck any average back on that team and received the same results? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? :eek: IMO.. Emmitt Smith had the best vision/eyes.. I've ever seen out of a running back in my life... quickness, heart, determination, toughness, leadership, moves, football speed, consistency ... not to mention.. the guy IS STILL putting in 100 yard games.. w/ a terrible Arizona team.. I'm sorry.. more yards than ANY back in NFL history is not a fluke.. and I'd say.. the Cowboys were truly a "great" team only for maybe a six or seven year window of Emmitts career (think about it)

[Banned_n_austin]

Emmitt Smith is the greatest RB of all time, in the end its about the facts, the numbers and Emmitt has more than anyone ever:

All-Time leading rusher
All-Time rushing TDs leader
2nd all-Time overall TDs
Super Bowl MVP
NFL MVP
3 Rushing titles
3 Super Bowl titles
A 25 TD season
All-Time postseason rushing yards leader
All-Time postseason rushing TDs leader

How can anyone argue with that and say he isnt great?


Emmitt was fortunate enough to be on the Cowboys. Barry Sanders could have done the same thing. A lot of running backs could have done what Emmitt did if they played for the Cowboys when Emmitt did. That doesn't make him the greatest back in my mind. Stats and titles don't mean everything to me.

[The30YardSlant]

Emmitt was fortunate enough to be on the Cowboys. Barry Sanders could have done the same thing. A lot of running backs could have done what Emmitt did if they played for the Cowboys when Emmitt did. That doesn't make him the greatest back in my mind. Stats and titles don't mean everything to me.

Then I guess Peyton Manning is just "good" because he has great receivers and all he has are the greatest stats ever at his position...give me a break....

[Banned_n_austin]

YOU DON'T THINK EMMITT SMITH WAS GREAT... You won't even give the man great? So I guess Joe Montana and Jerry Rice are both overrated as well.?? ... and by the way when Emmitt got to Dallas.. they were just coming off of a 1-15 season. EVER CONSIDER THAT HE WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS the team became great? :banghead: Jeeeeeeeeeeeez.. EVER CONSIDER THAT HE HELPS MAKE The O-line look good as well... so based on your premise.. you could have stuck any average back on that team and received the same results? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? :eek: IMO.. Emmitt Smith had the best vision/eyes.. I've ever seen out of a running back in my life... quickness, heart, determination, toughness, leadership, moves, football speed, consistency ... not to mention.. the guy IS STILL putting in 100 yard games.. w/ a terrible Arizona team.. I'm sorry.. more yards than ANY back in NFL history is not a fluke.. and I'd say.. the Cowboys were truly a "great" team only for maybe a six or seven year window of Emmitts career (think about it)


The Cowboys - as a team - being great for "only 6 or 7 years" is a luxury that most NFL running backs NEVER get the opportunity of even speaking of.

[Banned_n_austin]

Then I guess Peyton Manning is just "good" because he has great receivers and all he has are the greatest stats ever at his position...give me a break....


Peyton has a great offensive line, but that guy is a great QB too. He makes almost all his reads correctly and hits his guy with so much accuracy on a consistant basis. That guy is great. He does have the luxury of a supporting cast though.

[Maikeru-sama]

LOL, Banned_N_Austin you crazy man!!!!

Even though you had me cracking up with your last response regarding my post, I have to disagree with you about Emmitt Smith being on the Most Overrated Historically List.

Ive already done the research and written an article about this :D ;) .

PROVING EMMITT'S GREATNESS (http://www.dallascowboyz.com/articles/Emmitt_Smith_Haters.asp?QVal=&SearchKey=)

BTW, I have alot of respect for Roy Williams and like him as a person and a player but after reading so many articles before each game, where he would always state how close he was to particular players on the opposite team that we were playing that week, I just got a little tired of it.

It all came to a head during the Eagles Games this year, a game I attended. This pictures still has me upset with Mr. Williams...

http://www.dallascowboyz.com/avatars/roy_owens.jpg

- Mike G.

[Banned_n_austin]

LOL, Banned_N_Austin you crazy man!!!!

Even though you had me cracking up with your last response regarding my post, I have to disagree with you about Emmitt Smith being on the Most Overrated Historically List.

Emmitt was very good and was a part in the Cowboys success. However, I don't think he was a great running back.

Ive already done the research and written an article about this :D ;) .

I am farmiliar with what Emmitt has accomplished statistically. But if Barry Sanders weren't retired, he'd be the All-time leading rusher and so on.

I liked Emmitt and still like Emmitt alright.


BTW, I have alot of respect for Roy Williams and like him as a person and a player but after reading so many articles before each game, where he would always state how close he was to particular players on the opposite team that we were playing that week, I just got a little tired of it.

Roy played with Emmitt Smith in his first year when Dave Campo was still here. He hit Emmitt so hard he broke his shoulder and made the warrior cry - literally. Don't tell me he takes it light on players because he knows them - I'm not hearin' it.

It all came to a head during the Eagles Games this year, a game I attended. This pictures still has me upset with Mr. Williams...

That made me mad too. But we had more class than to start a fight with Tersmell Blowins. He's a low-life and he acts like one. But Roy Williams wasn't the one covering him on that play.

[Maikeru-sama]

This year I just got tired of all his comments about how good friends he is with alot the opposition.

When asked if he would do something if T.O. disrespected the stadium in any way, he said he would'nt. Some say it is classy, but I know players in the past like George Teague wouldnt stand for that sheesh...

I was at the game, and unfortunately was sitting in the West Endzone when T.O. scored that particular touchdown. The Cowboys were in Cover 2, Frazier had short and Williams had deep....

I dont think Emmitt Smith is the greatest running back ever, but I do beleive he was great...

When he held out in 93, the Cowboys were dead...

- Mike G.

[Rack Bauer]

We need a "Roy Williams Apologist" smilie.

[Banned_n_austin]

When he held out in 93, the Cowboys were dead...

- Mike G.


Stuff like holding out and saying diamond surrounded by trash comments make him less than great IMO.

[THEHEREAFTER]

The Cowboys - as a team - being great for "only 6 or 7 years" is a luxury that most NFL running backs NEVER get the opportunity of even speaking of.


We may not have won 3 Super Bowls w/ Barry Sanders as our running back..... I'm a huge Barry fan.. and there was no better "pure runner" in my opinion.. but the guy dances and loses lots of yards.. whereas Emmitt was a move the chains type back.. also you never take Emmitt out for goal line/short yardage situations but you can't say the same for Barry.. IMO.. Emmitt was also a better receiver, blocker, and leader.. so I don't know if you plug Barry in our system if you'd get the same results...

[Mash]

Our OL were no-names without Emmitt.....how many pro-bowls did Newton get to before Emmit?

Emmitt was a catalyst for our offence......Norv Turner built that offence around Emmitt. Emmitt made players around him better. Something I'm afraid Aikman didn't do.

MVP....of that offence....was Norv Turner. He made all the pieces fit together nicely and designed the offence to the players strengths.

It doesn't hurt to have very talented players either :)

[Maikeru-sama]

Stuff like holding out and saying diamond surrounded by trash comments make him less than great IMO.


Lee Roy Jordan once held out for more money?

Everson Walls couldnt stand Jimmy Johnson?

Do I even need to get into how Don Meredith felt about Dallas?

- Mike G.

[scottsp]

Rack/Mick: I have to agree on Roy Williams. I love him, but the guy has been, along with many others, dreadful this season.

I do understand the impact Woodson's absence has on Roy and the entire defense, but there does come a time when certain plays need to be made and he's not made many. I also recognize that Roy Williams can't be as effective without a quality safety opposite him, and I'm not asking the guy to be Ronnie Lott in his heydey as the current conditions exist, but how about making a significant play once in a while, huh?

Aren't transcendent players supposed to make plays, regardless? If not, can they even be considered THAT good? The man himself even acknowledges as much. Roy knows it. It doesn't genius to realize this truth.

Again, understanding the gravity of the defensive problems and his responsibilities, we can grasp what Roy is now unable to do, but you can't tell me this would render "one of the league's top defensive players" damn near invisable for an entire season.

Just how many impacting plays has the man made this season? I could rattle off a few his first couple of seasons. Can anyone list SOME from 2004? Can someone list...I dunno...three such plays - through 13 weeks, just three? That's all I'm asking for.

Because quite frankly, if the man does this little in coverage, then why the hell is he a safety at all? He's closer to a glorified linebacker. Plays better in the box, good blitzer, and hellacious when he gets a run at you. And yes, hits like a truck. In this role, he is absolutely brilliant. There is no denying that.

I would expect more from a top ten pick.

I am as hard on Newman, and he is in the same boat, but his job is a tougher. He too has been a major disappointment. The problem with him is he will always be the fifth pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. And to spend that pick on a guy who has little chance to impact because of the manner in which league rules restrict how receivers can be played, is really haunting at this point.

The mandates in place now were different when he was drafted, but the writing had been on the NFL wall for a while now. And everyone knew the league was moving this way. Throw in certain players, such as Byron Leftwich who were taken after Newman, and it's like getting kicked in the 'nads.

And yes, Newman has his issues with performance despite the rules thing. He doesn't play the ball particularly well and he does allow his confidence to be affected way too much. The shaky confidence thing is bothersome because it's really something that can't be a part of a corner's makeup - not if he's to be successful longterm.

At any rate, we need these guys to be better. We've laid heavy investment into both these kids. And they're NOT lost causes and I don't believe most here think they are either. I certainly do not. The injuries and the dynamic of not having a pass rush to aid these kids is damaging, no doubt. But this season, both guys have been nothing more than...just guys. Nothing special.

And we need them to be.

[The Curly One]

"Emmitt was a great runningback" I agree with that, his records will say he is the best ever. I disagree with that, Emmitt was an exceptionally good runningback who ended up behind one of the most dominant offensive lines EVER. You go back and watch some of the games from 92' and 93' and you will see many times where Emmitt was 5 yards past the line of scrimmage before anyone hit him. The offensive line was blowing holes that anyone could run through. He was never stopped by the defensive line because they were on their butt. It was the linebackers and safeties that tackled him.
The statistics do not say that the offensive line pushed everyone back 3 yards from the line of scrimmage, it only says that Emmitt made X amount of yards. For that Emmitt is the greatest of all time.
Had Emmit ended up behind a poor line like we have now he still would have turned out to be a good, tough runningback but certainly not the greatest of all time. Also one would have to wonder how Barry Sanders would have done if he did not end up behind one of the WORST offensive lines ever.
Keep in mind that after our offensive line went downhill so did the performance of Troy Aikman and the whole offense, not just Emmitt.
Some would say Terry Bradshaw was not that great of a quarterback....
But when he had Swan, Stallworth and Cunningham as receivors he sure looked great to me.
The point is that Emmitt is a good runningback but the supporting cast makes a huge difference in the final outcome. Curly

[Maikeru-sama]

Once again, please read....

http://www.dallascowboyz.com/articles/Emmitt_Smith_Haters.asp?QVal=&SearchKey=

If you are gonna knock Emmitt for having great players, you better knock all the other great running backs in that article....

- Mike G.

[scottsp]

As for Deuce Deuce Blanda over there...

Emmitt was one of the greatest NFL runners who ever put on the pads. In the minds of many (including mine), he's not the best running back ever, but stating him not to be great is extremely humorous.

People forget he made an indelible impression his rookie season - prior to Turner's arrival as the OC. He was running behind a makeshift offensive line comprised of: a coverted defensive tackle (Tuinei), an NFL cast-off considered to be a joke in many NFL circles (Newton), and an extremely green center who was basically trying to survive week to week (Stepnoski).

The other linemen? Journeymen at best.

All of the sudden, this rookie runner had been the main reason for this team's resurgence. You kiddin' me? From 1-15 the season prior to 7-7 with two weeks left in the season (1990). This was under Dave Shula, kids. Aikman was still having all sorts of problems as well.

Fast forward to 1993. Emmitt held out through training camp. Season begins and we get torched on Monday Night in Washington. Derrick Lassic with ALL that talent around him couldn't get much going that night. Next week, we go 0-2 with a heartbreaking home loss to the Bills.

After that, it was remarkable how quickly Jerry swallowed his pride and made the phone call. Dallas went 15-1 the rest of the way with Emmitt as the starting running back. Their only setback was the debacle in Atlanta - a game Troy Aikman did not play in.

Also, if you doubt Emmitt's impact and his greatness, just watch both the 1992 and 1993 NFC Title Games. Dallas' plan of attack was obvious. Get Emmitt matched up on the Niner backers - particularly Romonowski - and throw him the ball. It worked beautifully.

Must I even mention the 1993 shoulder game at the Meadowlands? This was a performance the great Jim Brown himself deemed the most courageous performance he had ever seen by a football player.

Personally, I believe Barry to be a better runner. I believe Walter Payton to be a better running back as well as Jimmy Brown (the best ever). Emmitt was a more complete running back than Barry. Sanders, as great a runner as he was, will never be the blocker Smith was. And that's what most impressive to me about Emmitt. Loved the touchdowns and the anklebreaking moves, but the blocking and protection he gave Aikman was utterly fantastic. And he was very much self-made in that regard.

Like many of you, I watched Emmitt's first game against the Chargers. Saw him break the record vs. the Seahawks and watched him rattle off an extremely impressive eight-yard run last week on the Niners. I'm not his biggest fan, and he's pissed me off a time or two. But damn if he wasn't one of the special ones.

Forget the numbers for a moment. Think about the impact he had on games - even before we were flush with talent. As we got better, so did he. He was the centerpiece of one of the most dominant NFL teams of all-time. Three Super Bowls in four years. The brunt of that was Deuce Deuce. He not only ran with rare instincts, but an even rarer will.

Good grief, the longevity alone is incredible.

Anyone who denies Emmitt Smith as being one of the truly great players of all-time - not just running backs, but players - should be forced to watch a reel of every single carry he ever made. And if said person(s) were to respond with: "I've already seen them all," then I'd strongly urge those people to watch them again.

You missed quite a bit.

[The Curly One]

Most overrated.....this year.......

Roy Williams
Newman
Allen
Adams (basically our whole OL)
Vinny ( he be lucky to find a backup job in the NFL)
Eddie (worst pickup should of retired a Titan)

Roy Williams- Is not having a good year, not sure why
Newman- Same as above. I do not think they are bad players but are not performing as good as last year.

Larry Allen-Inspite of the "Mancrush" John Madden seems to have on Larry Allen he is the worst starter we have on the team hands down. Nobody is able to put the moves on the defenders to get out of their way like LA. Has not slowed down or stopped anyone in 3 years. Of course he was hurt in 2001, out of shape in 2002, did not understand Parcells system in 2003 and now maybe people are starting to realize he just stinks in 2004.

Adams- With the exception of the 2003 season he has been totally useless. Do not know why he was so much better last year and this year is back to his old form. Flosmell is back.

Vinny- Not as good as Quincy but he has been a little better than I expected.

Eddie George- What were they thinking? They got rid of Hambrick who was one of the best blockers we had for picking up Larry Allens missed block. Hambrick had a much higher yards per carry average than Eddie George last year and a lower salary. At Eddies age it only gets worse every year. I would not say Eddie George is overated I knew not to expect anything from him. I said from the very begining it was a big mistake. They brought in Eddie George to be the starter and he was the starter the first few games and they wondered where the running game was?
Now folks this is not rocket science here, no blocking and an old worn out runningback and you wonder why we are not running the ball good? Duh! The only good thing about Eddie is that he does not fumble the ball much, I will give him credit for that.

Last year I thought the whole defense was overated and not performing as good as they were ranked. No turnovers, No pressure on the Qb's. Boy, I wish we had that overated defense now! Curly

[SALADIN]

I stopped reading after I read the text in bold.

Anybody else see Keyshawn Johnson on my list?

I dont...

BTW, Why would Jerry Jones give him a Multi-Year deal with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus if expectations weren't high?

- Mike G.

Mike, I was referring to the original list in the Sporting News.

And to answer your question, $4.5 million is peanuts in a NFL multi year contract since that's to only guranteed money the player will see.

Is there a problem Mike?

[5 Super Bowls]

Our coach.


Who do you want???????????????

[scottsp]

Who do you want???????????????

More often than not, these guys want the next former coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Until the overall talent is on par with much of the league, this team will struggle to win consistently. That's why 2003 was the miracle of all miracles. This team was not that good. It was not at all that talented.

But a lot of people don't wish to hear that. And it's easier to blame the head coach. No matter how good he may be.

[Maikeru-sama]

Mike, I was referring to the original list in the Sporting News.

And to answer your question, $4.5 million is peanuts in a NFL multi year contract since that's to only guranteed money the player will see.


Yep, his 4 year, 16 million dollar contract with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus is such peanuts, that "Dat Dude" will be counting more towards the Salary Cap than Greg Ellis in 2005 :eek: .

Trying to get rid of this guy next year will result in $3.375 Million at some point, whether it be before or after June 1st, that money will have to be paid. Something tells me Jerry Jones is not excited about having that kind of dead money just lying around. Coupled with the fact that they may want to get rid of Coakley and others with problematic contracts, just magnifies the problems....

Is there a problem Mike?

does that mean...a threat :rolleyes: ?

- Mike G.

[SALADIN]

does that mean...a threat :rolleyes: ?

- Mike G.

It just seems like you got some kind of beef with me.

[Maikeru-sama]

I stopped reading after I read the text in bold.

Anybody else see Keyshawn Johnson on my list?

I dont...

BTW, Why would Jerry Jones give him a Multi-Year deal with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus if expectations weren't high?

- Mike G.

Well, reading through that, I honestly can see why you would think I am attacking you personally, was just responding.

But if you thought I was going after you personally, I apologize :p :D .

- Mike G.

[The30YardSlant]

Peyton has a great offensive line, but that guy is a great QB too. He makes almost all his reads correctly and hits his guy with so much accuracy on a consistant basis. That guy is great. He does have the luxury of a supporting cast though.

Just like the candidate you support, you are a flip-flopper. Emmitt wasnt great because he had a great O-Line and supporting class and put up great numbers and made all the right plays, but Peyton is great for the same reasons? What a joke....

[SALADIN]

Well, reading through that, I honestly can see why you would think I am attacking you personally, was just responding.

But if you thought I was going after you personally, I apologize :p :D .

- Mike G.

http://www.etcetera.com.mx/2000/398/imagenes/olim5.jpg

;)

[TwentyOne]

We all know of the list Dennis Dillion of The Sporting News put together that specified who he felt were the most overrated players in the entire league. Of course, 2 Cowboys made the list and you can see it here (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=thealloverratedteam&prov=tsn&type=lgns)

I disagree....

I disagree, here is my list of players I think are the most overrated on this team:

Marcellus Wiley - Everyone here heard all the excuses for why he was unproductive in San Diego for the later part of his stint there. There was a new scheme change or he lost Seau, Harrison and other key members on the defense. 4 Million dollars coupled with a 4.5 Million dollar signing bonus and the fact that they decided to sign him when Bert Berry (who is having another breakout season) was signed by the Cardinals for about 1-2 Million dollars more than what the Cowboys offered all points to Parcells and Company's expectations for this guy. Sadly, 13 games later, Wiley has yet to make a decent play (oh wait he did have that roughing the passer call during against Skins) and could only muster one sack which came against the lowly Bears.

Brady James - Mr. Coakley made the Pro Bowl last year but Parcells declared all positions up for grabs in the offseason and in particular, Weak Side Linebacker. He was big, has good size so that automatically helped James gain favor in Bill Parcells' eyes. At times he seems lost other times he is caught out of position. A poster once told me that James was going to be a great blitzer because of his size. I had to point out to him, first that even in the 90's, the Cowboys didnt get great sack production out of the Weak Side. Oh yeah, how many sacks does he have again?

Eddie George - All I heard was how George was going to plow through defenders and close out games in the waning moments of a win. Unfortunately, wins are too few and Eddie George has not shown anything, not even in the Preseason. When Julius Jones returned, he had 80+ yards against the tough Ravens defense, 150 yards against the Bears, and 198 yards against the Seahawks. Let's see, the offensive line is the same, but the running back isnt, I can only come to one conclusion.

Honorable Mention:

Terence Newman
Roy Williams


- Mike G.

Not about you but about the article....

Since when is Keyshawn considered a deep threat? He came to us as a possesion receiver we lacked badly. And IMO he panned out!!! Remember he is playing hurt - i like him alot. He is a real team player - he was questioned for that before he came to dallas!

[TwentyOne]

Newman- Same as above. I do not think they are bad players but are not performing as good as last year.


I don't think Newman doesn't play to his abilities. he is just a great athlete, but at this level you have to have a feel for the position you are playing and he is - simple as it is - no CB! He has no natural abilities - he is just a great athlete. But thats not enough for this position.

He is the real bust! If we picked him in round 4 he still would have been a bust. I don't care if people say he has lost his confidence. For me everybody who figures out that he doesn't have it will lose his confidence. That just happened to TNEW. Hope we ged rid of him on the offseason!

And please: Do never ever compare him to the likes of Deion!!!

[SuspectCorner]

... Bert Berry (who is having another breakout season) ...
- Mike G.

players only have ONE "breakout season". THIS SEASON - bertrand berry is ONLY reinforcing the FACT that he is a premier "sack artist". otherwise - good post. it only takes one emmitt "dismisser" to turn a thread into a blanket party for a smith-disser.

[big dog cowboy]

Who do you want???????????????

Stoops.

It could happen!

[Maikeru-sama]

Not about you but about the article....

Since when is Keyshawn considered a deep threat? He came to us as a possesion receiver we lacked badly. And IMO he panned out!!! Remember he is playing hurt - i like him alot. He is a real team player - he was questioned for that before he came to dallas!

TO, I agree. I was not on board with bringing Keyshawn Johnson aboard in place of Galloway, but since the season has started, he has been a present surprise. Johnson is more of a number 2 or 3 option, but lack that true number 1 that has the ability to stretch the defense and make defenses pay for doubling/jumping slants and outs Keyshawn normally runs.

I think the writer of the article is comparing Keyshawn to all the other receivers like Harrison and Moss that were drafted a little before, with, or a draft after he was...

- Mike G.

[Maikeru-sama]

players only have ONE "breakout season". THIS SEASON - bertrand berry is ONLY reinforcing the FACT that he is a premier "sack artist". otherwise - good post. it only takes one emmitt "dismisser" to turn a thread into a blanket party for a smith-disser.

Thanks for clearing that up.... :D

I used the words "Breakout Season" in jest. All I heard around the boards, on television here in Dallas, and from the local sports writers was that Berry had only had one double digit sack season and seemed to hint that it may have been a fluke.

He has already proved otherwise, thus I used the words "Breakout Season" to punctuate that point...

- Mike G.

[jay cee]

Those were in no particular order.


I am not trying to take anything away from Emmitt.


Emmit is perceived by some of the homeristic as one of the greatest players of all-time. I disagree. He had some of the best stats of all time, but that is not because he was such a great player. It's because he was a good player with a great team in front of him, particullarly his offensive line.


Emmitt was a good RB, but wasn't great IMO and a lot of others as well.

I gotta disagree with you on Smith, Banned. I think he was one of the 6 greatest rb's of all time.

I have sometimes taken a little flack, because I never thought Aikman was as great as many people think. What are your thoughts on Aikman? His stats were never that great.

At least those of us that feel Smith was great, can point to his stats as well as championships.

[CowboyPrincess]

I gotta disagree with you on Smith, Banned. I think he was one of the 6 greatest rb's of all time.

I have sometimes taken a little flack, because I never thought Aikman was as great as many people think. What are your thoughts on Aikman? His stats were never that great.

At least those of us that feel Smith was great, can point to his stats as well as championships.


Aikman may have not been as great as Roger Staubach, who is in the top 10 greatest QB list of most anyone that knows the game, but Aikman was a great QB. He is the Cowboys all time passing leader with 32,942 yards, MVP of Super Bowl 27, has 3 Super Bowl rings and had 165 TD passes to Staubachs 153. I'd say those are pretty good stats and championship records to list a few. Roger is my favorite Cowboy of all time, but I would concede that Aikman was a great QB too, not just good

[The Curly One]

I would rank Emmitt as one of the top 10 of all time. But I would not rank him as the greatest of all time even though his records could argue that fact. Much of it is due to his supporting cast. Still even with the great offensive line we had not just any runningback could have put up those numbers. He is a great runningback that ended up behind a great line. That does not happen very often and when it does it is you see what the results are.
To say Emmitt is the greatest of all time then yes, he is overated. No matter what you can not deny he was a good runningback. Curly

[jay cee]

Aikman may have not been as great as Roger Staubach, who is in the top 10 greatest QB list of most anyone that knows the game, but Aikman was a great QB. He is the Cowboys all time passing leader with 32,942 yards, MVP of Super Bowl 27, has 3 Super Bowl rings and had 155 TD passes to Staubachs 153. I'd say those are pretty good stats and championship records to list a few. Roger is my favorite Cowboy of all time, but I would concede that Aikman was a great QB too, not just good


I think Aikman was a very good QB. I will have to look up the stats, but I would guess that Aikman played a lot more games than Staubach. I know he also played in a much more passer friendly era than Staubach.

I never had a problem with Aikman as a player. My only complaint was for his draft position and salary, I would hope for a player that provided much more impact production wise.

[TooStupid]

I'd agree with Singleton & Cundiff, but Key has been OK. He never came in to be the leading receiver in the league. He's done OK in all aspects especially as a blocker. Also, LA will make the probowl this year. I'll admit that on some plays he has stumbled, but overall he has played extremely well. This is most evident since JJ's YPC are 3-4 times higher to his side. I must admit as a fan I set the expectations way to high for Key, Honestly I agree he has been mediocre at best, but lately when you see JJ get past the front line, Key has been the man clearing way down the field. I think given more time we'll see the offense throwing slant after slant to Key.