Schein of FoxSports's Take On Atogwe...Mega Atogwe Speculation Thread *Merge*

[ThreeSportStar80]

Hmmm very interesting... Makes too much sense so of course Jerry won't do it.

http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=a0952ab8-e9d8-4ab7-8ee0-bad48b7c32da&from=foxsports_en-us_videocentral

[CATCH17]

I don't trust that guy.

I feel like I just watched a sham wow commerical.

[evarc]

I don't trust that guy.

I feel like I just watched a sham wow commerical.

lol he does make a good point. I dont think there is a better fit for atogwe out there but is jerry willing to pony up the cash for a game changer? Every move dallas has made this season screams dumping contracts I dont know if they want to do this.
With the money saved this year and the money we will save next year by cuting barber and williams jerry could do it if he wanted.

[SLATEmosphere]

It's all about cap details at this point. Jerry wants him but he's trying to be smart about it so it doesnt end up like the Hamlin deal.

[CATCH17]

Yeah, Jerry has said all along he will let free agency come to him.


So Jerry may end up paying top dollar for this guy but I doubt it touches 7 mill per year like he is wanting.

There is just no way.

Im thinkin 3.5 a year.

[speedkilz88]

Jerry has number, but right now Atogwe's agent is asking a lot more. Nobody is wanting to pay what he wants though so when the price comes down we have a chance.

[ThreeSportStar80]

Yeah, Jerry has said all along he will let free agency come to him.


So Jerry may end up paying top dollar for this guy but I doubt it touches 7 mill per year like he is wanting.

There is just no way.

Im thinkin 3.5 a year.

I thinking like 4 or 5 mil.

[BIGDen]

The guy probably wants a long-term deal, but we could offer him a generous one-year deal that could land him a boatload of money and enormous exposure while he plays for a contract next year. He'll have a shot at a ring and would likely be much sought after by the end of the season. Jerry wouldn't have to worry about the cap in the future and this would be a great move for our defensive backfield. Upgrades and deepens safety as well as deepens corner (ball back to 4th corner). It's the kind of move that this team should make. We got screwed by the salary cap in the 90's and it killed our dynasty. This is a chance to get a top playmaker at a position of need with no salary cap hit. I really hope Jerry does this like when he went after Deion. We needed Sanders and he really strengthened our chances of getting that 5th ring. Go after this guy hard IF he's healthy and willing to take a front-loaded or 1 year contract.

[flashback]

C'mon Schien. This guy will be 29 in a few weeks, and apparently, there isn't a team in the NFL who's even willing to admit they're interested in him, outside of the Rams, who lowballed him, and the Lions, who already said they won't meet his price. I don't think its too much of a stretch for the Cowboys to say they like Ball better. He's cheaper, younger, and we saw him for 3 or 4 games last year, and the defense did just fine. And if Hamlin or AOA beats him out, fine.

Why is everybody - except, of course, GMs of NFL teams - drooling over Atogwe?

[evarc]

C'mon Schien. This guy will be 29 in a few weeks, and apparently, there isn't a team in the NFL who's even willing to admit they're interested in him, outside of the Rams, who lowballed him, and the Lions, who already said they won't meet his price. I don't think its too much of a stretch for the Cowboys to say they like Ball better. He's cheaper, younger, and we saw him for 3 or 4 games last year, and the defense did just fine. And if Hamlin or AOA beats him out, fine.

Why is everybody - except, of course, GMs of NFL teams - drooling over Atogwe?

Because the guy has more turnovers in last 5 years then the our entire secondary for one. Another reason that comes to mind is that yea Ball filled in and the defense was okaybut with a guy like Atogwe playing along side Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick and Sensy it would allow for more exotic blitz packages causing more pressure, more sacks and more turnovers. If dallas gets him Ware breaks sack record you book it.

[john van brocklin]

One year deal ???? Prove your worth !

[ThreeSportStar80]

He's a playmaker... The secondary would greatly benefit.

[CowboyMcCoy]

IMO, this could be the worst non-move Jerry never made. This would literally be the final piece to the puzzle.

Where else would we have a weak spot?

Safety is the only answer here. And Atogwe makes the most sense.

Get this done, Jerry.

It would make 2010 something really special!!!

[CowboyMcCoy]

He's a playmaker... The secondary would greatly benefit.

It makes everyone in the secondary, and on the defense for that matter, that much better.

[SLATEmosphere]

I thinking like 4 or 5 mil.

It's awkward because he's already 29. If you give him a 4yr deal(which is what he probably wants) the last few years he might be on the decline.

I'd offer a 3yr 15 mil deal. 10 guarenteed. Have him make 6 mil this season.

[TheSport78]

IMO, this could be the worst non-move Jerry never made. This would literally be the final piece to the puzzle.

Where else would we have a weak spot?

Safety is the only answer here. And Atogwe makes the most sense.

Get this done, Jerry.

It would make 2010 something really special!!!
:hammer:

[ThreeSportStar80]

It makes everyone in the secondary, and on the defense for that matter, that much better.

Yep...

[ThreeSportStar80]

It's awkward because he's already 29. If you give him a 4yr deal(which is what he probably wants) the last few years he might be on the decline.

I'd offer a 3yr 15 mil deal. 10 guarenteed. Have him make 6 mil this season.

Yeah I can't believe he's already 29...

[theebs]

No one seems to be interested right now and I am assuming its because of his health status.

Chris mortensen said yesterday that Atogwe is still rehabbing his shoulder and it is now known he also has a sports hernia.

[TheSport78]

No one seems to be interested right now and I am assuming its because of his health status.

Chris mortensen said yesterday that Atogwe is still rehabbing his shoulder and it is now known he also has a sports hernia.

I'm all for a 1 or 2 year deal, with a bunch of incentives this year.

[theebs]

I'm all for a 1 or 2 year deal, with a bunch of incentives this year.


what if he is hurt all summer and misses camp? Its going to be a risky and tough decison for whatever club decides to sign him.

Newman wasnt right for two months with that sports hernia.

Who knows what lingers from atogwe's health issues.

[TheSport78]

what if he is hurt all summer and misses camp? Its going to be a risky and tough decison for whatever club decides to sign him.

Newman wasnt right for two months with that sports hernia.

Who knows what lingers from atogwe's health issues.

Worst case, we sign him to a 1 year deal with a bunch of incentives; if his injuries linger throughout the year, we go through the year with Ball/Hamlin, and develop AOA for the future, and if Atogwe recovers, he could be a force on our path to the SB this year.

[speedkilz88]

It's awkward because he's already 29. If you give him a 4yr deal(which is what he probably wants) the last few years he might be on the decline.

I'd offer a 3yr 15 mil deal. 10 guarenteed. Have him make 6 mil this season.Dude, at the end of a 4 year deal he will be 32. That shouldn't even be a worry.

[NextGenBoys]

Yeah, Jerry has said all along he will let free agency come to him.


So Jerry may end up paying top dollar for this guy but I doubt it touches 7 mill per year like he is wanting.

There is just no way.

Im thinkin 3.5 a year.

I'm against signing Atogwe, but for 3.5 mil per year, I would absolutely jump at that opportunity to add him.

[willsanity209]

We need to get this guy. We would instantly have the best secondary in the NFL, i dont care what anybody says, Newman is still a beast, and Jenkins is gonna be better this year than he was last year. Throw in a better Sensy and Beastly *** safety like OJ Atogwe and our secondary is #1 in the NFL, I wouldnt take any other combo of those 4 positions right now. And our defence would be just NASTY. Giving up less than 10 points a game every week except for like maybe 2-3 games lol.

[Primetime42]

No one seems to be interested right now and I am assuming its because of his health status.

Chris mortensen said yesterday that Atogwe is still rehabbing his shoulder and it is now known he also has a sports hernia.
Did not know that.

I think I have to stay away with that bit of news. He needs to have surgery a la Newman a few years back, trying to play with that could be disastrous.

[Apollo Creed]

I'd seriously give him a 1 year 5-6 million dollar incentive laden deal. Especially considering how banged up he's been.

If he takes us to the next level, sign him up. If he doesn't, oh well - a one armed Atogwe is better than a healthy Allen Ball.

We face serious some pass happy offenses next year after week 5. Minny, Green Bay, New Orleans, Philly twice, Indy, and Arizona.

I don't want to get by with Ball during those first 5 games with a false sense of security and then get exposed.

We have way too much riding on this season for Jerry to suddenly get cheap on a guy that can take us from good to great.

[ThreeSportStar80]

I'd seriously give him a 1 year 5-6 million dollar incentive laden deal. Especially considering how banged up he's been.

If he takes us to the next level, sign him up. If he doesn't, oh well - a one armed Atogwe is better than a healthy Ken Hamlin and Allen Ball.

:laugh2: Pretty much...

[MWILL]

IMO, this could be the worst non-move Jerry never made. This would literally be the final piece to the puzzle.

Where else would we have a weak spot?

Safety is the only answer here. And Atogwe makes the most sense.

Get this done, Jerry.

It would make 2010 something really special!!!

It would be the final piece of the Defensive puzzle.

Dallas still have holes on Offense.

[MWILL]

I'd seriously give him a 1 year 5-6 million dollar incentive laden deal. Especially considering how banged up he's been.

If he takes us to the next level, sign him up. If he doesn't, oh well - a one armed Atogwe is better than a healthy Allen Ball.

We face serious some pass happy offenses next year after week 5. Minny, Green Bay, New Orleans, Philly twice, Indy, and Arizona.

I don't want to get by with Ball during those first 5 games with a false sense of security and then get exposed.

We have way too much riding on this season for Jerry to suddenly get cheap on a guy that can take us from good to great.

I would seriously doubt he would take that. What elite NFL player wants to play for a 1yr contract?

[Rockytop6]

Yeah, Jerry has said all along he will let free agency come to him.


So Jerry may end up paying top dollar for this guy but I doubt it touches 7 mill per year like he is wanting.

There is just no way.

Im thinkin 3.5 a year.

If the price drops one penny under 5m then he should sign him.

[big dog cowboy]

If the price drops one penny under 5m then he should sign him.
Whichever team ultimately signs him, it won't be anywhere near $5Mil a year.

[dbair1967]

Hmmm very interesting... Makes too much sense so of course Jerry won't do it.

http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=a0952ab8-e9d8-4ab7-8ee0-bad48b7c32da&from=foxsports_en-us_videocentral

:rolleyes:

Yeah, nothing Jerry has done here the past 7 or 8 years makes sense. Thats why the team is loaded now.

[dbair1967]

I'm all for a 1 or 2 year deal, with a bunch of incentives this year.

I'm sure you are...Jery probably would be too.

But apparently Atogwe and his agent aint.

[HoosierCowboy]

why take a shot at Jones? has he not made some very good moves to make this team a contender? and i'm not sure we want a near 30 year-old safety who had some stats on a pathetic defense and wants a long term deal worth a fortune when we have maybe four young guys who might be ready now or next year--we've got a lot of pieces and one of them will fit

[jterrell]

Because the guy has more turnovers in last 5 years then the our entire secondary for one. Another reason that comes to mind is that yea Ball filled in and the defense was okaybut with a guy like Atogwe playing along side Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick and Sensy it would allow for more exotic blitz packages causing more pressure, more sacks and more turnovers. If dallas gets him Ware breaks sack record you book it.

which basically means people are stupid....

finding one stat and holding it up as the gold standard for a safety is beyond silly.

atgowe has never been to a pro bowl, has never been all-pro and has never been presented in any overall metric as a top flight safety.

he does force fumbles and yet still doesn't get judged highly for overall run support by unbiased profootballfocus.

if our nfl scouts rated him as highly as the silly little fan we'd have already signed him.

[CCBoy]

This is the backend of the personnel adjustments...and there probably won't be a major deal struck bringing a new talent onto this roster. Unless someone really under performs or a starter goes down, top end changes just aren't going to happen to this Dallas roster. It's already a very good team...and needs to continue working and laying foundations down during the pre-season to start the season hungry and strong.

In defense of exuberant fans....this is the off season and a little wishful longing isn't fatal this time of year.

[CowboyMcCoy]

It would be the final piece of the Defensive puzzle.

Dallas still have holes on Offense.

I don't see it that way, especially with mah boy Romo driving the bus. ;) You hold a team to less than 14-17 pts per game, and you'll do just fine. A team's best asset can often be its defense.

[JohnsKey19]

I dont think there's anyway Jerry signs him unless it's for a 1 year deal. Chances are Atogwe will be able to get a mutiyear deal from some other team desperate for S help.

[Oh_Canada]

They need to do it....this year's version of Darren Sharper.

[evarc]

which basically means people are stupid....

finding one stat and holding it up as the gold standard for a safety is beyond silly.

atgowe has never been to a pro bowl, has never been all-pro and has never been presented in any overall metric as a top flight safety.

he does force fumbles and yet still doesn't get judged highly for overall run support by unbiased profootballfocus.

if our nfl scouts rated him as highly as the silly little fan we'd have already signed him.

Really he isnt top flight?

2005 (Rookie) Season he played in 12 games, finishing the year with 11 tackles, one sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
2006 season, he finished the campaign with 72 tackles and three interceptions and forced five fumbles.
2007 season, Atogwe had a team and NFC-high 8 interceptions along with 75 tackles and one touchdown and forced two fumbles.
2008 season he recorded 5 interceptions to lead the Rams once again. He also recorded 83 tackles and forced six fumbles.

Atogwes tape would suggest that he struggles with the run and even if this were true so does every safety on our team not named sensy. But the fact is that he played on a horrible D where the line struggled with the run. Our line would not allow the rusher to reach J nearly as much as the rams line did.
The fact is that the guy is a beast and going into the offseason I had him hire then rolle as a top fa even with the injuries.

[TheSport78]

I'm sure you are...Jery probably would be too.

But apparently Atogwe and his agent aint.

The longer he doesn't find a team, the more likely he'll be a Cowboy. His price is coming down every day.

[CowboyMcCoy]

I dont think there's anyway Jerry signs him unless it's for a 1 year deal. Chances are Atogwe will be able to get a mutiyear deal from some other team desperate for S help.

I think this is a gamble Jerry should ante up for. The potential upside to Atogwe is way more than the downside.

I'm all for hearing arguments to the contrary, but I'm really for taking a gamble on Atogwe.

[CowboyMcCoy]

The longer he doesn't find a team, the more likely he'll be a Cowboy. His price is coming down every day.

This is somewhat true. But look at it this way, too. The longer he doesn't sign with us, the higher the chance he signs with another team.

[Dhragon]

lol, I can see it now. We pony up big bucks for Atogwe and he plays hurt for us since he is far from 100%. He nowhere lives up to his contract ( since he is hurt ) and the same people clamoring for him call him a bust and dog on Jerry for being so stupid to sign another bust player to big bucks.

If Atogwe was healthy, I'd agree with those wanting him. But he is not and I doubt he'll be able to play at anywhere near 100% this upcoming season.

I think this is just some peoples way of trying to get a replacement for when Roy is let go next season. There always needs to be a player or two to bust on, and I'd bet Atogwe would fill that roll next year if we sign him.

[UncFelix28]

IMO, this could be the worst non-move Jerry never made. This would literally be the final piece to the puzzle.

Where else would we have a weak spot?

Safety is the only answer here. And Atogwe makes the most sense.

Get this done, Jerry.

It would make 2010 something really special!!!

lol we still have weak spots in the kicking game-FB-DE isn't a strong position for us-who knows at LT... final piece to the puzzle talk is silly, you saw how good this defense was with the horrible safety Ken Hamlin back there so give me a break with the final piece talk. He would be a huge addition and add a playmaker back there, but just calm down

[CowboyMcCoy]

lol we still have weak spots in the kicking game-FB-DE isn't a strong position for us-who knows at LT... final piece to the puzzle talk is silly, you saw how good this defense was with the horrible safety Ken Hamlin back there so give me a break with the final piece talk. He would be a huge addition and add a playmaker back there, but just calm down

FB can be strong depending on how we approach it/who we use. I think DE is just fine and I think we improved at LT.

The excitement from Atogwe would be that he'd make us have the most complete secondary in the league, imo.

We'd wreck shop.

[swj010]

IMO, this could be the worst non-move Jerry never made. This would literally be the final piece to the puzzle.

Where else would we have a weak spot?

Safety is the only answer here. And Atogwe makes the most sense.

Get this done, Jerry.

It would make 2010 something really special!!!

I am not inalterably opposed to signing Atogwe but there is a downside. First, he is a strong safety so what happens with Sensabaugh? Move him to free so he is playing outside his natural position? Or play Atogwe at FS which is not his natural position?

Also, Sensabaugh is also looking for a big contract. What does it do to chemistry if we pay Atogwe big and keep Sensi as a RFA at a low price?

Finally, the Boys have been working hard to build great chemistry. JJ has seen that talent alone, without chemistry, can lead to missing the playoffs (2008) or an early exit (2007). One of the important features of building chemistry on this team is that players are being given the chance to win positions. Pay your dues and you get your chance. Like, Romo, Austin, Ratliff and others. Bringing in Atogwe could be seen as a default on that expectation for Ball and Hamlin. If they had no talent that would be different, but the coaches, same ones who thought Austin had talent, think Ball and Hamlin have the ability to succeed. Along with the other issues, I think there is more risk to this move than just writing a big check.

[Muhast]

I am not inalterably opposed to signing Atogwe but there is a downside. First, he is a strong safety so what happens with Sensabaugh? Move him to free so he is playing outside his natural position? Or play Atogwe at FS which is not his natural position?

Also, Sensabaugh is also looking for a big contract. What does it do to chemistry if we pay Atogwe big and keep Sensi as a RFA at a low price?

Finally, the Boys have been working hard to build great chemistry. JJ has seen that talent alone, without chemistry, can lead to missing the playoffs (2008) or an early exit (2007). One of the important features of building chemistry on this team is that players are being given the chance to win positions. Pay your dues and you get your chance. Like, Romo, Austin, Ratliff and others. Bringing in Atogwe could be seen as a default on that expectation for Ball and Hamlin. If they had no talent that would be different, but the coaches, same ones who thought Austin had talent, think Ball and Hamlin have the ability to succeed. Along with the other issues, I think there is more risk to this move than just writing a big check.


Truthfully I see Sensi as a solid player and nothing more. He doesn't deserve a big payday. I want to keep him, but if he wants good money he hasn't earned it yet imo. Atogwe is a much better player then him.

[rocyaice]

What if Atogwe isn't healthy? Its gonna kill your cap room. Especially when you like what you see in Ball, AOA and Hamlin.

[burmafrd]

Bottom line is that our biggest lack on D is turnovers. This guy gets them better then any other safety in football the last 5 years. And think about this: the rams STINK- its not like he was getting easy pics and the like; the rams barely ever were in the lead late in the game; no desperation passes, etc. And he still got turnovers.

oh and the poster complaining about not making the Pro Bowl; yeah look at the losers that get sent there.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Bottom line is that our biggest lack on D is turnovers. This guy gets them better then any other safety in football the last 5 years. And think about this: the rams STINK- its not like he was getting easy pics and the like; the rams barely ever were in the lead late in the game; no desperation passes, etc. And he still got turnovers.

oh and the poster complaining about not making the Pro Bowl; yeah look at the losers that get sent there.

For once, I agree with burm.

*pinches self*

OK, ouch, that hurt. This is real.

[NextGenBoys]

I would seriously doubt he would take that. What elite NFL player wants to play for a 1yr contract?

Calling OJ "elite" is a laugh.

[jswalker1981]

Truthfully I see Sensi as a solid player and nothing more. He doesn't deserve a big payday. I want to keep him, but if he wants good money he hasn't earned it yet imo. Atogwe is a much better player then him.

Sensabaugh is a solid good player. I hate when people think he wants a big payday. He wants a long term contract. I've never heard him say he wants top pay. This isn't the same as Hamlin. Hamlin went to a pro bowl, and the raiders signed gibril Wilson to a huge contract which caused us to inflate hamlin's deal.

[Muhast]

Sensabaugh is a solid good player. I hate when people think he wants a big payday. He wants a long term contract. I've never heard him say he wants top pay. This isn't the same as Hamlin. Hamlin went to a pro bowl, and the raiders signed gibril Wilson to a huge contract which caused us to inflate hamlin's deal.


My post was in response to the poster that said it'll hurt chemistry b/c Sensi wants a big deal. Thats why I said he doesn't deserve one.

[evarc]

I am not inalterably opposed to signing Atogwe but there is a downside. First, he is a strong safety so what happens with Sensabaugh? Move him to free so he is playing outside his natural position? Or play Atogwe at FS which is not his natural position?

Also, Sensabaugh is also looking for a big contract. What does it do to chemistry if we pay Atogwe big and keep Sensi as a RFA at a low price?

Finally, the Boys have been working hard to build great chemistry. JJ has seen that talent alone, without chemistry, can lead to missing the playoffs (2008) or an early exit (2007). One of the important features of building chemistry on this team is that players are being given the chance to win positions. Pay your dues and you get your chance. Like, Romo, Austin, Ratliff and others. Bringing in Atogwe could be seen as a default on that expectation for Ball and Hamlin. If they had no talent that would be different, but the coaches, same ones who thought Austin had talent, think Ball and Hamlin have the ability to succeed. Along with the other issues, I think there is more risk to this move than just writing a big check.

you mean the same ones that thought carp and williams had talent? ohhhh in that case CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!

[evarc]

What if Atogwe isn't healthy? Its gonna kill your cap room. Especially when you like what you see in Ball, AOA and Hamlin.

NO CAP!!!

[ThreeSportStar80]

They need to do it....this year's version of Darren Sharper.

That's the whole reason why I said sign him...

[speedkilz88]

I am not inalterably opposed to signing Atogwe but there is a downside. First, he is a strong safety so what happens with Sensabaugh? Move him to free so he is playing outside his natural position? Or play Atogwe at FS which is not his natural position?

Also, Sensabaugh is also looking for a big contract. What does it do to chemistry if we pay Atogwe big and keep Sensi as a RFA at a low price?

Finally, the Boys have been working hard to build great chemistry. JJ has seen that talent alone, without chemistry, can lead to missing the playoffs (2008) or an early exit (2007). One of the important features of building chemistry on this team is that players are being given the chance to win positions. Pay your dues and you get your chance. Like, Romo, Austin, Ratliff and others. Bringing in Atogwe could be seen as a default on that expectation for Ball and Hamlin. If they had no talent that would be different, but the coaches, same ones who thought Austin had talent, think Ball and Hamlin have the ability to succeed. Along with the other issues, I think there is more risk to this move than just writing a big check.
No, Atogwe is a FS. In fact he is a playmaking centerfield type free safety. Which by the way is the exact type of free safety the team claims they want opposite Sensabaugh.

[ThreeSportStar80]

No, Atogwe is a FS. In fact he is a playmaking centerfield type free safety. Which by the way is the exact type of free safety the team claims they want opposite Sensabaugh.

Actually Atogwe is a great value because he's played both FS and SS in the NFL.

[SLATEmosphere]

Calling OJ "elite" is a laugh.

Before he got injured that would be a fair assumption.

Other than Ed Reed, what FS would you take next? Nick Collins? Pretty much a toss up.

[flashback]

I am not inalterably opposed to signing Atogwe but there is a downside. First, he is a strong safety so what happens with Sensabaugh? Move him to free so he is playing outside his natural position? Or play Atogwe at FS which is not his natural position?

Also, Sensabaugh is also looking for a big contract. What does it do to chemistry if we pay Atogwe big and keep Sensi as a RFA at a low price?

Finally, the Boys have been working hard to build great chemistry. JJ has seen that talent alone, without chemistry, can lead to missing the playoffs (2008) or an early exit (2007). One of the important features of building chemistry on this team is that players are being given the chance to win positions. Pay your dues and you get your chance. Like, Romo, Austin, Ratliff and othttp://cowboyszone.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=3426206hers. Bringing in Atogwe could be seen as a default on that expectation for Ball and Hamlin. If they had no talent that would be different, but the coaches, same ones who thought Austin had talent, think Ball and Hamlin have the ability to succeed. Along with the other issues, I think there is more risk to this move than just writing a big check.

Everything I've seen lists him as a Free Safety.

I'm not saying he isn't a good player. I'm saying the Cowboys are making a judgment that their resources will be better spent developing Ball, Hamlin and Owusu-Ansah.

Also, don't underestimate the value of rewarding a players hard work. I'm talking about Alan Ball. For the last 3 years, he's done everything the Cowboys asked of him and excelled on the field. His reward is a shot at the FS job. All of the other guys on the roster see this, and think, "if I work hard and listen to the coaches and execute in games, the team will take care of me, too."

Well, maybe that's a little over-simplistic. Obviously, guys like Crayton and Hurd are getting no such consideration. But the Cowboys feel like they've got young guys on the roster who are going to develop into starters.

Of course I would love to have Ball at CB this year, and bringing in Atogwe or the development of Hamlin or Owusu-Ansah would make that happen. But the Cowboys, and everyone else in the NFL, don't seem to think he's worth the price tag right now.

[MWILL]

I don't see it that way, especially with mah boy Romo driving the bus. ;) You hold a team to less than 14-17 pts per game, and you'll do just fine. A team's best asset can often be its defense.

That Vikes game still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. After the 1st Qtr (when the offense was moving the ball well ). I felt we had no answer for what the Vikes "D" was doing.

Until Garrett does a better job he will be the reason Dallas can't win a SB.

[evarc]

Everything I've seen lists him as a Free Safety.

I'm not saying he isn't a good player. I'm saying the Cowboys are making a judgment that their resources will be better spent developing Ball, Hamlin and Owusu-Ansah.

Also, don't underestimate the value of rewarding a players hard work. I'm talking about Alan Ball. For the last 3 years, he's done everything the Cowboys asked of him and excelled on the field. His reward is a shot at the FS job. All of the other guys on the roster see this, and think, "if I work hard and listen to the coaches and execute in games, the team will take care of me, too."

Well, maybe that's a little over-simplistic. Obviously, guys like Crayton and Hurd are getting no such consideration. But the Cowboys feel like they've got young guys on the roster who are going to develop into starters.

Of course I would love to have Ball at CB this year, and bringing in Atogwe or the development of Hamlin or Owusu-Ansah would make that happen. But the Cowboys, and everyone else in the NFL, don't seem to think he's worth the price tag right now.

That Vikes game still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. After the 1st Qtr (when the offense was moving the ball well ). I felt we had no answer for what the Vikes "D" was doing.

Until Garrett does a better job he will be the reason Dallas can't win a SB.

Yawwwwwnnnn....

[MWILL]

Calling OJ "elite" is a laugh.

He's one of the best. Is that good enough for ya.

Thinking we are good at saftey,is a laugh.

[MWILL]

Yawwwwwnnnn....

Go take a nap

[evarc]

Go take a nap

Dude honestly your a joke. You have no intelligent reasoning for your comments just that you say something and everyone should listen and agree.
Why dont you tell me what exactly JG is doing that is holding the cowboys back? Is it that he hasnt used roy williams in and romo the right way? Even though roys best routs are romos worst throws and vice versa... Is it that he doesnt throw the ball or does he throw it to much?
Is he holding back younger talent from growing and becoming starters? What is it that he has done because I think he has done a pretty good job of hiding most of our players weaknesses while making their strengths shine. He has done a great job of bringing along young players like Tony, Miles, felix, choice and free to be the players they are today.
What is it that he does or doesnt do that holds this team back? Or are you just posting things so you sound like you know something? If thats the case then I guess the other trolls on the board forgot to tell you that JG was the goat last year not this year... This year our Oline is garbage. Get with the program man.

[juck]

Id grab this dude. He is a ballhawk.

[Rockytop6]

which basically means people are stupid....

finding one stat and holding it up as the gold standard for a safety is beyond silly.

atgowe has never been to a pro bowl, has never been all-pro and has never been presented in any overall metric as a top flight safety.

he does force fumbles and yet still doesn't get judged highly for overall run support by unbiased profootballfocus.

if our nfl scouts rated him as highly as the silly little fan we'd have already signed him.

I confess I don't know whether they should or shouldn't sign him, but I do know I want a SB win. It has been too long and if he can make the difference then I want him signed. I don't want JJ to overspend to do it. Maybe the young guys we have can do it. The problem is if their youth or inexperience winds up costing us one game it could mean the difference in getting a shot at the SB. That might be short sighted. I don't want to be short sighted but neither do I want us to miss a golden opportunity for the gold.

[sureletsrace]

Could Jerry say, "Hey bud. Now you lookie here. You're gettin' a salary of 2mil guaranteed this year. But, I'll give ya a million for each INT you get, with each INT return for a TD doubling it to two million. Make some plays, pal."

Kinda kidding/exaggerating here, but, are contracts ever setup like this? Pay for performance?

[MWILL]

Dude honestly your a joke. You have no intelligent reasoning for your comments just that you say something and everyone should listen and agree.
Why dont you tell me what exactly JG is doing that is holding the cowboys back? Is it that he hasnt used roy williams in and romo the right way? Even though roys best routs are romos worst throws and vice versa... Is it that he doesnt throw the ball or does he throw it to much?
Is he holding back younger talent from growing and becoming starters? What is it that he has done because I think he has done a pretty good job of hiding most of our players weaknesses while making their strengths shine. He has done a great job of bringing along young players like Tony, Miles, felix, choice and free to be the players they are today.
What is it that he does or doesnt do that holds this team back? Or are you just posting things so you sound like you know something? If thats the case then I guess the other trolls on the board forgot to tell you that JG was the goat last year not this year... This year our Oline is garbage. Get with the program man.


:lmao: :lmao2: Is Garrett a family member of yours?

JG has a RB in Felix that did nothing but score TD's in every game til Dallas played Washington. HE HAD NO CARRIES! Great job Garrett!! Woo Hoo!

Miles! I can't believe you have Miles in your silly statement. Hello, Genius.....MILES WAS AN ACCIDENT!!!!! Dallas got lucky with Miles. If Roy didn't get hurt, Miles would have been on the bench!! Great Job Garrett for finding Miles for us. Woo Hooo! Thanks Garrett.

Miles was almost an GB Packer last offseason! That's proof that we have a bad OC/Assistant head coach. He can't put Cowboys players in the best position to succeed.

BTW, in the last two seasons how did Dallas end? Oh Yeah, We got stomped by Philly and We got stomped by the Vikes! With a combined score of 9pts! 9 *** points!!!! Great Job, Garrett how is the Bennett experiment going? Did any other GM's decide to make you an HC......NO!!!!!

Do me a favor and tell me Garrett will be the the Next HC in Dallas for I can have less respect for you. If this post makes you sleepy, I'll be happy to slam a book right in front of you to wake you up.

Night, night for now. :chainsaw:

[evarc]

which basically means people are stupid....

finding one stat and holding it up as the gold standard for a safety is beyond silly.

atgowe has never been to a pro bowl, has never been all-pro and has never been presented in any overall metric as a top flight safety.

he does force fumbles and yet still doesn't get judged highly for overall run support by unbiased profootballfocus.

if our nfl scouts rated him as highly as the silly little fan we'd have already signed him.

Really he isnt top flight?

2005 (Rookie) Season he played in 12 games, finishing the year with 11 tackles, one sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
2006 season, he finished the campaign with 72 tackles and three interceptions and forced five fumbles.
2007 season, Atogwe had a team and NFC-high 8 interceptions along with 75 tackles and one touchdown and forced two fumbles.
2008 season he recorded 5 interceptions to lead the Rams once again. He also recorded 83 tackles and forced six fumbles.

Atogwes tape would suggest that he struggles with the run and even if this were true so does every safety on our team not named sensy. But the fact is that he played on a horrible D where the line struggled with the run. Our line would not allow the rusher to reach J nearly as much as the rams line did.
The fact is that the guy is a beast and going into the offseason I had him hire then rolle as a top fa even with the injuries.

I confess I don't know whether they should or shouldn't sign him, but I do know I want a SB win. It has been too long and if he can make the difference then I want him signed. I don't want JJ to overspend to do it. Maybe the young guys we have can do it. The problem is if their youth or inexperience winds up costing us one game it could mean the difference in getting a shot at the SB. That might be short sighted. I don't want to be short sighted but neither do I want us to miss a golden opportunity for the gold.

and you my friend are correct... He doesnt know what he is talking about is prolly the kinda guy who just watches his team and no other. He must be to say that atogwe only has good stats in one area. He is one of st.l top tacklers since his second year with the team. He did have to make tackles more then he should have but the dline should have to account for that. When a back made it to him he hit him and hit him hard as you can see by his caused fumble stats. Not only was this guy a turnover machine but he did it on a horrible team and he was always having to account for the backs because his line was not trust worthy enough to hold up for him. Could you imagine if we could just turn him lose and let him get after the ball knowing our line would take care of the backs!? WOW!
Not just the turnovers either but the extra second or two a QB would have to stand in the pocket would turn all those near sacks from last year into sure things this year.

[evarc]

:lmao: :lmao2: Is Garrett a family member of yours?

JG has a RB in Felix that did nothing but score TD's in every game til Dallas played Washington. HE HAD NO CARRIES! Great job Garrett!! Woo Hoo!

Miles! I can't believe you have Miles in your silly statement. Hello, Genius.....MILES WAS AN ACCIDENT!!!!! Dallas got lucky with Miles. If Roy didn't get hurt, Miles would have been on the bench!! Great Job Garrett for finding Miles for us. Woo Hooo! Thanks Garrett.

Miles was almost an GB Packer last offseason! That's proof that we have a bad OC/Assistant head coach. He can't put Cowboys players in the best position to succeed.

BTW, in the last two seasons how did Dallas end? Oh Yeah, We got stomped by Philly and We got stomped by the Vikes! With a combined score of 9pts! 9 *** points!!!! Great Job, Garrett how is the Bennett experiment going? Did any other GM's decide to make you an HC......NO!!!!!

Do me a favor and tell me Garrett will be the the Next HC in Dallas for I can have less respect for you. If this post makes you sleepy, I'll be happy to slam a book right in front of you to wake you up.

Night, night for now. :chainsaw:

You really cant be this dumb... First of all when you have a guy like barber who is being paid #1 money you dont just bump him off the #1 for someone who cant stay healthy. You would destroy his confidence and when felix goes down what are you left with? Garrett is doing the right and smart thing by bringing these younger players along. Look at KO, He will be mentaly tough after playing on the st all season. You dont throw a guy to the wolves that does not know the entire playbook because then you have to run plays tailored to that player and it makes it easy for the D to catch on.
As far as miles being an accident... I seem to remember Jerry saying he could be the #2 since Glenn left but I could be wrong (I am not) He was never almost a packer. He wasnt going anywhere. Thats like saying Dez was almost a Raven.
So your gonna talk about the blowouts in philly and minny? How bout ya look at the defense that allowed those teams to put up those numbers? That didnt put the offense in a position to win by not making sacks and turnovers... So the defense allowing those teams to put up big numbers and not causing turnovers and sacks had nothing to do with the loses.
Yes the oline can be faulted for last seasons offensive play and JG fixed that problem in the offseason.
Like I said once again nothing that comes out of you is intelligent or factual. Just a bunch of garbage rambling that makes no sense to a football fan with half a brain.

[dewby]

It would be nice if it worked like that. It's a shame that everything has to be so politically correct nowadays that people would actually get in trouble if they ever conjured something up like this.

[Bob Sacamano]

Yeah, it's called playing incentives. Kind of exorbitant, don't you think?

[67CowboysFan]

Yeah, it's called playing incentives. Kind of exorbitant, don't you think?
He should play for $0 base salary with incentives like that. :D

[Bob Sacamano]

He should play for $0 base salary with incentives like that. :D
:laugh2:no kidding.

[pupulehaole]

i think the longer he doesnt have a team the lower his asking price will be which is good for us so far.

[RealCowboyfan]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=nfl&id=3283

Cowboys seem to have no interest at the time.

[Jon88]

I don't.

[Heisenberg]

I don't.

I don't really either. I think we need to save as much cap space as possible for the people we need to re-sign here pretty soon. You can't have high dollar guys all over the field. We have to find cheap and serviceable young guys for some spots.

[Jon88]

I don't really either. I think we need to save as much cap space as possible for the people we need to re-sign here pretty soon. You can't have high dollar guys all over the field. We have to find cheap and serviceable young guys for some spots.

We aren't signing him. End of story.

[UncFelix28]

We aren't signing him. End of story.

who made you GM & Owner? It's definitely a possibility, even if you don't think it's likely...

[Jon88]

who made you GM & Owner? It's definitely a possibility, even if you don't think it's likely...

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.

[UncFelix28]

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.

Dude a lot of stuff Jerry says is smoke screen at times if you haven't figured that out by now. He might not be interested now, but that asking price drops you bet he will be

[Frozen700]

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.


seriously bro chill...stop listening too every word a man says and running with it...n then turning around and acting like you really know for sure

i for 1 don't think we will sign him, but there is a possibility

i rather see what our young guys got

[MWILL]

You really cant be this dumb... First of all when you have a guy like barber who is being paid #1 money you dont just bump him off the #1 for someone who cant stay healthy. You would destroy his confidence and when felix goes down what are you left with? Garrett is doing the right and smart thing by bringing these younger players along. Look at KO, He will be mentaly tough after playing on the st all season. You dont throw a guy to the wolves that does not know the entire playbook because then you have to run plays tailored to that player and it makes it easy for the D to catch on.
As far as miles being an accident... I seem to remember Jerry saying he could be the #2 since Glenn left but I could be wrong (I am not) He was never almost a packer. He wasnt going anywhere. Thats like saying Dez was almost a Raven.
So your gonna talk about the blowouts in philly and minny? How bout ya look at the defense that allowed those teams to put up those numbers? That didnt put the offense in a position to win by not making sacks and turnovers... So the defense allowing those teams to put up big numbers and not causing turnovers and sacks had nothing to do with the loses.
Yes the oline can be faulted for last seasons offensive play and JG fixed that problem in the offseason.
Like I said once again nothing that comes out of you is intelligent or factual. Just a bunch of garbage rambling that makes no sense to a football fan with half a brain.

Who the hell said that Barber needs to be bumped off the #1? And what the heck does that have to do with Felix not getting any carries against Washington? Hello...McFly!
Wow! YOU really can't be this dumb! :lmao2:

Glenn has been gone for a while and Miles consistantly gets hurt (except last season) And you were believing that he was #2 material then. Please sell that BS to someone else. Miles wasn't playing with the 1st string during preseason games.

Blowouts: It's hard for a Defense to get stops when your offense goes 3 and out, turnover, 3 and out, turnover, miss FG, get to the redzone and not score. Do me a favor and watch the games for a change.

And if I was you. I'd watch who your calling dumb.

[sbark]

He should play for $0 base salary with incentives like that. :D

problem there, with incentives just for int's, is that he would wander out of the defensive scheme at the expense of the team in order to take chances on piks .......

[CATCH17]

problem there, with incentives just for int's, is that he would wander out of the defensive scheme at the expense of the team in order to take chances on piks .......

Yep.

I would too for 1 million a pick.

[juck]

Before he got injured that would be a fair assumption.

Other than Ed Reed, what FS would you take next? Nick Collins? Pretty much a toss up.

Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA. He will be smiling at end of year.Altho I despise the Lakeshow.

[Jarv]

problem there, with incentives just for int's, is that he would wander out of the defensive scheme at the expense of the team in order to take chances on piks .......

Good point, I don't know the player much at all and can't really even think of a time I saw him play. I've seen stats that say he is good at turnovers, but does he take too many chances ?

[dfense]

Hmmm very interesting... Makes too much sense so of course Jerry won't do it.

http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=a0952ab8-e9d8-4ab7-8ee0-bad48b7c32da&from=foxsports_en-us_videocentral Does it make alot of sense to hand a big contract to a guy who just had shoulder reconstruction? Hand him 40 mil and watch him mess up his shoulder on the first big hit.

I applaud Jerry for not taking the bait. Notice the Eagles haven't swooped in yet?

[Stautner]

:lmao: :lmao2: Is Garrett a family member of yours?

JG has a RB in Felix that did nothing but score TD's in every game til Dallas played Washington. HE HAD NO CARRIES! Great job Garrett!! Woo Hoo!

Miles! I can't believe you have Miles in your silly statement. Hello, Genius.....MILES WAS AN ACCIDENT!!!!! Dallas got lucky with Miles. If Roy didn't get hurt, Miles would have been on the bench!! Great Job Garrett for finding Miles for us. Woo Hooo! Thanks Garrett.

Miles was almost an GB Packer last offseason! That's proof that we have a bad OC/Assistant head coach. He can't put Cowboys players in the best position to succeed.

BTW, in the last two seasons how did Dallas end? Oh Yeah, We got stomped by Philly and We got stomped by the Vikes! With a combined score of 9pts! 9 *** points!!!! Great Job, Garrett how is the Bennett experiment going? Did any other GM's decide to make you an HC......NO!!!!!

Do me a favor and tell me Garrett will be the the Next HC in Dallas for I can have less respect for you. If this post makes you sleepy, I'll be happy to slam a book right in front of you to wake you up.

Night, night for now. :chainsaw:

How is it that keeping a guy from a tiny college and developing him for 4 years is luck. The Cowboys kept Austin all along because they thought he had the potential to be a good NFL WR. Yes, Roy getting hurt helped move things along, but the team had Austin there and ready to step in. That wasn't luck, that was player development.

[speedkilz88]

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.Jerry never said that. He wouldn't comment directly on Atogwe other than he didn't know what Atogwe's situation was right now. (which is bs) He then showed support for the current players at the position. That is typical Jerry not telling the media much of anything. It's pretty obvious that a lot of teams have interest in him but nobody wants to pay what he's asking. They are all waiting for the price to come down.

[Stautner]

Could Jerry say, "Hey bud. Now you lookie here. You're gettin' a salary of 2mil guaranteed this year. But, I'll give ya a million for each INT you get, with each INT return for a TD doubling it to two million. Make some plays, pal."

Kinda kidding/exaggerating here, but, are contracts ever setup like this? Pay for performance?

The problem is proven players want guarantees. When taking a chance on a player who has had injury or personal or legal problems a team has a little more leverage to negotiate that kind of deal. With veteran, proven players with no other issues they don't. Someone will usually pay based on past performance, and if the player is asking too much already he certainly isn't going to settle for taking a contract based on conditions.

[Kangaroo]

Jerry never said that. He wouldn't comment directly on Atogwe other than he didn't know what Atogwe's situation was right now. (which is bs) He then showed support for the current players at the position. That is typical Jerry not telling the media much of anything. It's pretty obvious that a lot of teams have interest in him but nobody wants to pay what he's asking. They are all waiting for the price to come down.


Ding ding

Look I do not blame the guy he is trying to see if a team is stupid enough to meet his price it only takes one desperate team to overpay for a player.

[Doomsday101]

I think all of this plays in the favor of the Rams of getting Atogwe resigned as he is finding out his value on the market is not as high as he thought it would be.

[THUMPER]

There are 4 threads on Atogwe in the top half of the Fan Zone Forum page. That is ridiculous for an average player that somehow a bunch of people believe we cannot do without even though Jerry has already stated that we have no interest in him and are comfortable going into the season with the players we have at Safety.

No other team has rushed to sign this "future HoFer" so why should we be so enamored with him? He had one good year, 3 years ago, and didn't make the Pro-Bowl, in fact has never made the Pro-Bowl or been named to the AP team. What makes this average player so special that we should overpay to sign him?

Nitwits! :bang2: :bang2: :bang2:

[stasheroo]

It's pretty obvious that a lot of teams have interest in him but nobody wants to pay what he's asking. They are all waiting for the price to come down.

Yeah, that definitely looks to be the case.

He's a very good player, but coming off of shoulder and hernia surgeries, I don't think anybody is in a hurry to pay him the big bucks he's looking for.

I think the best multi-year offer is likely coming from the Rams.

He's got to decide if he'd rather get paid long-term to toil in obscurity in St Louis or to sign a short-term deal with a high-profile team and hope to improve his stock and show he's healthy for a long-term deal in 2011.

Given the injuries, his age, and the timing of his free agency, he's in a tough spot.

[Doomsday101]

Yeah, that definitely looks to be the case.

He's a very good player, but coming off of shoulder and hernia surgeries, I don't think anybody is in a hurry to pay him the big bucks he's looking for.

I think the best multi-year offer is likely coming from the Rams.

He's got to decide if he'd rather get paid long-term to toil in obscurity in St Louis or to sign a short-term deal with a high-profile team and hope to improve his stock and show he's healthy for a long-term deal in 2011.

Given the injuries, his age, and the timing of his free agency, he's in a tough spot.

Rams are down now but who is to say they remain that way? They are bringing in good young talent much like we did just a few seasons back.

[The Quest for Six]

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.


The fact about Jerry is that you know he's lying when his lips are moving....The man loves to hear himself talk, and when he does, he contradicts himself with double talk every other sentence. I never believe one word that comes out of his mouth.....

[Doomsday101]

The fact about Jerry is that you know he's lying when his lips are moving....The man loves to hear himself talk, and when he does, he contradicts himself with double talk every other sentence. I never believe one word that comes out of his mouth.....

Jerry is no different than any other GM or owner when it comes to matters like this. Hell Vikes had claimed back in Feb of last year of not having an interest in Brett Favre

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said he would not have any interest in Brett Favre if he was released by the Jets and available. "I would have been interested 15 years ago," Wilf said. "No, I'm not interested. No way. I think he's done well, he retired, it's good. He's a great guy. I'm just happy that we don't have to keep on facing him."


This idea that Jerry lies or double talks is a joke he does the same things his counter parts do which is never lay all your cards on the table.

[PhillyCowboysFan]

The fact about Jerry is that you know he's lying when his lips are moving

:lmao2: :lmao: :lmao2: :lmao:

[stasheroo]

Rams are down now but who is to say they remain that way? They are bringing in good young talent much like we did just a few seasons back.


I think they'll stay that way for the next 2-3 years at least.

I think the cupboard is that bare.

By that time, the one great player they do have - Steven Jackson - will be broken down and they'll need to replace him.

[Doomsday101]

I think they'll stay that way for the next 2-3 years at least.

I think the cupboard is that bare.

By that time, the one great player they do have - Steven Jackson - will be broken down and they'll need to replace him.

Their cupboard is not all that bare they have brought in some good lineman in the draft over the last 2 years added a QB and have some pretty good but young talent on defense.

[stasheroo]

Their cupboard is not all that bare they have brought in some good lineman in the draft over the last 2 years added a QB and have some pretty good but young talent on defense.

Opinions vary I guess.

The jury is still out on the linemen they've drafted and Bradford hasn't thrown a single pass yet, not to mention who exactly will he be throwing to? Danny Amendola?

And I don't see the talent on defense either. Who's rushing the passer? Chris Long?

I think there are few teams as void of talent as the St Louis Rams.

[superpunk]

Where is my Atogwe twitter updates?

[Doomsday101]

Opinions vary I guess.

The jury is still out on the linemen they've drafted and Bradford hasn't thrown a single pass yet, not to mention who exactly will he be throwing to? Danny Amendola?

And I don't see the talent on defense either. Who's rushing the passer? Chris Long?

I think there are few teams as void of talent as the St Louis Rams.

Many of these guys are young so while I'm not predicting over night success I think it may take a couple of years before they are at least contending for a playoff spot.

However just as it was with the Cowboys players were not looking to leave here when things were not looking good often guys want to be part of getting a team back to respectablity. I think the ideal that Atogwe does not want to play for the Rams is a bit narrow sighted.

Of course guys who know they have 1 or 2 years left like Gonzalez as much as he liked playing for KC he wanted that last chance to play for a contender.

[stasheroo]

Many of these guys are young so while I'm not predicting over night success I think it may take a couple of years before they are at least contending for a playoff spot.

However just as it was with the Cowboys players were not looking to leave here when things were not looking good often guys want to be part of getting a team back to respectablity. I think the ideal that Atogwe does not want to play for the Rams is a bit narrow sighted.

Of course guys who know they have 1 or 2 years left like Gonzalez as much as he liked playing for KC he wanted that last chance to play for a contender.

I think a bad team has to overpay. If it were me, I'd take comparable but less money from a good team with a higher profile and a chance of winning. You can make up the difference with merchandise and endorsements and you may actually win a championship in the process.

I think that if he ends up staying in St Louis it means that they were offering substantially more money than anyone else and that was Atogwe's biggest motivation, getting paid.

[Doomsday101]

I think a bad team has to overpay. If it were me, I'd take comparable but less money from a good team with a higher profile and a chance of winning. You can make up the difference with merchandise and endorsements and you may actually win a championship in the process.

I think that if he ends up staying in St Louis it means that they were offering substantially more money than anyone else and that was Atogwe's biggest motivation, getting paid.

Well considering no one is talking to him but the Rams I think they will get a contract hammered out that both sides can live with. I would think with the Cowboys looking at several contracts that need to be taken care of next season and with Miles and Sensabaugh looking for long term deals this year that the Cowboys are not going to be in the market for a high priced FA. Even back in Feb Jerry talked of not being overly active in FA.

[jterrell]

I think a bad team has to overpay. If it were me, I'd take comparable but less money from a good team with a higher profile and a chance of winning. You can make up the difference with merchandise and endorsements and you may actually win a championship in the process.

I think that if he ends up staying in St Louis it means that they were offering substantially more money than anyone else and that was Atogwe's biggest motivation, getting paid.

Not exactly.

Generally guys prefer staying where they are because it actually causes disruptions and costs money to move to a new team and city.

Once they are determined to leave than winning factors in but generally to acquire another team's free agent you simply have to overpay. Guy's leave for more money and generally stay for less.

Atogwe's biggest motivation is without fail, getting paid. That has been clear since day 1. Reports of his 7 mil per asking price and his continued availability speak to that.

If he did want to take a short-term deal for one year and 5 mil would Jerry sign him? I don't know. I wouldn't. I have no desire to rent a guy for one year that just stops progress of guys we actually have under contract long term.

Atogwe is a good, but not more than that, player who is coming off of major injury and wants to be paid like a Pro Bowler. It's been clear that the Rams like him at least as much as anyone else and they are the only team who has continued to negotiate with him throughout.

[Joshmvii]

If a team ever offered me this deal I would call up the opposing QB before every game and tell him if we get to garbage time and the game is already decided, toss one my way and you get 100k. :laugh2:

I'd have about 30 INTs before the season was over

[MWILL]

How is it that keeping a guy from a tiny college and developing him for 4 years is luck. The Cowboys kept Austin all along because they thought he had the potential to be a good NFL WR. Yes, Roy getting hurt helped move things along, but the team had Austin there and ready to step in. That wasn't luck, that was player development.

There are plenty of good players that come from small schools, I have no problem with that.

The reason why I said it was luck cause nobody, I mean nobody, not even the Cowboys staff saw that Miles was gonna have this type of season. And if they did....why the small contract?

[MWILL]

Who made you so annoying?

Jerry said we have no interest.


That's the problem "Jerry said".

I learned my lesson years ago. :D

[Stautner]

There are plenty of good players that come from small schools, I have no problem with that.

The reason why I said it was luck cause nobody, I mean nobody, not even the Cowboys staff saw that Miles was gonna have this type of season. And if they did....why the small contract?

Nobody ever sees it the first time a player breaks out like Austin did, and especially if it's a project player the way Austin was. They just see the potential for it, and hope that when the time comes it happens. The team has said all along that they felt Austin had the physical traits to become a high quality NFL receiver, but being from a small school it was going to take time to develop.

As for the contract, why would they give him a big contract before he proves he is worthy of it? They get burned enough on big contracts with players who are more proven than Austin was, so why take the risk on an unproven guy? I juast hope they find a way to get Austin signed to a longer term deal now.

[AbeBeta]

the last thing you want is players obsessed with individual stats.

a good incentive is making the probowl or something like that as it speaks to a high quality performance overall.

[stasheroo]

Well considering no one is talking to him but the Rams I think they will get a contract hammered out that both sides can live with.

I think his asking price has the rest of the league shaking their heads. If he's asking for $7 million, he'll be waiting a loooooong time.

I would think with the Cowboys looking at several contracts that need to be taken care of next season and with Miles and Sensabaugh looking for long term deals this year that the Cowboys are not going to be in the market for a high priced FA. Even back in Feb Jerry talked of not being overly active in FA.

Given the money that they've freed up with the releases of Adams and Hamlin, they should be in fine shape for this season and beyond.

I'm hopeful that Roy Williams has a good season, but I'm not sure anything short of a Pro Bowl year will keep him around at his current salary. If you released him, you could give Austin what Roy was due to make.

Hamlin's projected salary could be used for signing a guy like Atogwe for this year and after the season, you could decide between he and Sensabaugh on who to keep long-term.

I think the team will be looking to rid itself of a few more big-money deals in the next few seasons.

If Free plays well, he'll get the money Adams would have, if he doesn't, he won't.

And I think they'll be looking intently at the money they're paying guys like Newman and Leonard Davis next year as well.

I see several young guys' salaries moving into slots currently or recently occupied by highly-compensated vets.

[evarc]

Who the hell said that Barber needs to be bumped off the #1? And what the heck does that have to do with Felix not getting any carries against Washington? Hello...McFly!
Wow! YOU really can't be this dumb! :lmao2:

Glenn has been gone for a while and Miles consistantly gets hurt (except last season) And you were believing that he was #2 material then. Please sell that BS to someone else. Miles wasn't playing with the 1st string during preseason games.

Blowouts: It's hard for a Defense to get stops when your offense goes 3 and out, turnover, 3 and out, turnover, miss FG, get to the redzone and not score. Do me a favor and watch the games for a change.

And if I was you. I'd watch who your calling dumb.

You are that dumb... lol watch the vikes game again dude... You have no idea what your talking about. You know nothing about the sport and are a complete tool.

[stasheroo]

Not exactly.

Generally guys prefer staying where they are because it actually causes disruptions and costs money to move to a new team and city.

Once they are determined to leave than winning factors in but generally to acquire another team's free agent you simply have to overpay. Guy's leave for more money and generally stay for less.

I disagree. I think guys are happy to play with a high-profile winner over an obscure loser if the money is comparable. I think a team's standing within the league plays a big role. And a team like St Louis is among the league's bottom-feeders. Players use teams like that to boost their asking price to get more money from good teams, ask Brian Westbrook.

Atogwe's biggest motivation is without fail, getting paid. That has been clear since day 1. Reports of his 7 mil per asking price and his continued availability speak to that.

I agree. I think he's simply looking to get paid and likely will take the money from whoever he can.

If he did want to take a short-term deal for one year and 5 mil would Jerry sign him? I don't know. I wouldn't. I have no desire to rent a guy for one year that just stops progress of guys we actually have under contract long term.

I don't think the guys we have have shown enough pedigree or promise to warrant not signing a proven vet.

Atogwe is a good, but not more than that, player who is coming off of major injury and wants to be paid like a Pro Bowler. It's been clear that the Rams like him at least as much as anyone else and they are the only team who has continued to negotiate with him throughout.

He's clearly better than any candidates this team has and has an ability that this secondary clearly lacks, the ability to force turnovers.

An acquisition like him would likely take this from a very good defense to a great one.

But unless his asking price and expectations drop considerably, the only team he'll be negotiating with is the Rams.

[MWILL]

Nobody ever sees it the first time a player breaks out like Austin did, and especially if it's a project player the way Austin was. They just see the potential for it, and hope that when the time comes it happens. The team has said all along that they felt Austin had the physical traits to become a high quality NFL receiver, but being from a small school it was going to take time to develop.

As for the contract, why would they give him a big contract before he proves he is worthy of it? They get burned enough on big contracts with players who are more proven than Austin was, so why take the risk on an unproven guy? I juast hope they find a way to get Austin signed to a longer term deal now.

I felt Austin would be a good player after the Green Bay game a year or two back. Miles lack of staying healthly was a problem to me before last season breakout year.

I agree with you about the contract. Dallas has been burned plenty of times. If they do find a way to sign Austin, let's hope it's during the season. Therfore, we can see if last season wasn't a fluke.

[Doomsday101]

I think his asking price has the rest of the league shaking their heads. If he's asking for $7 million, he'll be waiting a loooooong time.



Given the money that they've freed up with the releases of Adams and Hamlin, they should be in fine shape for this season and beyond.

I'm hopeful that Roy Williams has a good season, but I'm not sure anything short of a Pro Bowl year will keep him around at his current salary. If you released him, you could give Austin what Roy was due to make.

Hamlin's projected salary could be used for signing a guy like Atogwe for this year and after the season, you could decide between he and Sensabaugh on who to keep long-term.

I think the team will be looking to rid itself of a few more big-money deals in the next few seasons.

If Free plays well, he'll get the money Adams would have, if he doesn't, he won't.

And I think they'll be looking intently at the money they're paying guys like Newman and Leonard Davis next year as well.

I see several young guys' salaries moving into slots currently or recently occupied by highly-compensated vets.

We have some guys who will be looking at some good pay days. Spencer contract will be coming up and if he can put together a big season that is not going to come cheap.

If Dallas could get a healthy Atogwe at a good price I think it would be worth it but I don't see it happening and at this stage would rather stick to the guys we have at that position.

Ball may not be a super star player but he is not a bad player and has shown he can do the job without being a liability back there.

[MWILL]

You are that dumb... lol watch the vikes game again dude... You have no idea what your talking about. You know nothing about the sport and are a complete tool.

I'm thru with you Dummy! Go and continue to slurp Garrett, I can really give a rats.... of what you think.

[speedkilz88]

We have some guys who will be looking at some good pay days. Spencer contract will be coming up in 2012 and if he can put together a big season that is not going to come cheap.

If Dallas could get a healthy Atogwe at a good price I think it would be worth it but I don't see it happening and at this stage would rather stick to the guys we have at that position.

Ball may not be a super star player but he is not a bad player and has shown he can do the job without being a liability back there.
Fixed it for you.

[Stautner]

I felt Austin would be a good player after the Green Bay game a year or two back. Miles lack of staying healthly was a problem to me before last season breakout year.

I agree with you about the contract. Dallas has been burned plenty of times. If they do find a way to sign Austin, let's hope it's during the season. Therfore, we can see if last season wasn't a fluke.

That's a good point about Austin's health. It's not really fair to say he only got the chance due to Roy's injury. Had Austin stayed healty himself he may have already worked himself into regular playing time and may not have had to wait for Roy's injury.

I agree about the timing of a new contract. As exciting as Austin's breakout was, it isn't uncommon for players to have a breakout moment and then never live up to that level in the following years.

[speedkilz88]

Does it make alot of sense to hand a big contract to a guy who just had shoulder reconstruction? Hand him 40 mil and watch him mess up his shoulder on the first big hit.

I applaud Jerry for not taking the bait. Notice the Eagles haven't swooped in yet?There isn't any concern about the type of surgery he had, its a common one for football. If there is concern its on how long it will be for him to get back on to the field. Since he has to learn a new system.

[Doomsday101]

Fixed it for you.

And it is not uncommon to start talks the year before a player becomes a UFA. I would not doubt if Spencer can put up a big year this season that Dallas will address him before his contract expires. I know someone posted a report where Dallas will have some 20 players to deal with in terms of contracts? Last thing I want to see Dallas do is spend big money on a guy because people feel we must go to the SB this year. Building a team can't be about 1 year

[evarc]

I felt Austin would be a good player after the Green Bay game a year or two back. Miles lack of staying healthly was a problem to me before last season breakout year.

I agree with you about the contract. Dallas has been burned plenty of times. If they do find a way to sign Austin, let's hope it's during the season. Therfore, we can see if last season wasn't a fluke.

It had nothing to do with his "lack of staying healthy" if thats even consider a sentence. It had to do with the fact that Austin had a lot of holes in his game and honestly he still does. He doesnt make natural adjustments to ball it is very awkward the way he adjusts. He didnt run the routes the way he was supposed to and has gotten much better at that. He is also said to be very easily distracted and that once he focused he would break out.
Also in that green bay game miles only ran 10 different routes because he didnt know all of them. He had the physical aspect and EVERYONE knew that it was a matter of him focusing and learning the plays the routes and the natural motions a WR takes when coming off a line and going up for a ball.

[Doomsday101]

It had nothing to do with his "lack of staying healthy" if thats even consider a sentence. It had to do with the fact that Austin had a lot of holes in his game and honestly he still does. He doesnt make natural adjustments to ball it is very awkward the way he adjusts. He didnt run the routes the way he was supposed to and has gotten much better at that. He is also said to be very easily distracted and that once he focused he would break out.
Also in that green bay game miles only ran 10 different routes because he didnt know all of them. He had the physical aspect and EVERYONE knew that it was a matter of him focusing and learning the plays the routes and the natural motions a WR takes when coming off a line and going up for a ball.

Injury played a big part in slowing Austin progress, heck he was dealing with some type of injury every year until last season.

[evarc]

Injury played a big part in slowing Austin progress, heck he was dealing with some type of injury every year until last season.

Nothing that would keep him off the field for 4 years dude. Everyone deals with injuries and they work through it. Everyone likes to act as if miles was this stud WR that our coaching staff just ignored for 4 years but that isnt true. While he did have gifts he was very rough at the position and didnt know all of the play book.
Anyone could see that he had physical gifts I mean it didnt take a genius to see that.
I injurie kept him out as much as mwill says then miles would be gone with stanback because stanback just as much if not more physical gifts then miles but he couldnt stay healthy AT ALL.

[evarc]

Good point, I don't know the player much at all and can't really even think of a time I saw him play. I've seen stats that say he is good at turnovers, but does he take too many chances ?

No most of his turnovers are caused fumbles because of his hitting ability.

[Doomsday101]

Nothing that would keep him off the field for 4 years dude. Everyone deals with injuries and they work through it. Everyone likes to act as if miles was this stud WR that our coaching staff just ignored for 4 years but that isnt true. While he did have gifts he was very rough at the position and didnt know all of the play book.
Anyone could see that he had physical gifts I mean it didnt take a genius to see that.
I injurie kept him out as much as mwill says then miles would be gone with stanback because stanback just as much if not more physical gifts then miles but he couldnt stay healthy AT ALL.

Yes things that kept him from being able to practice and learn those injuries did play a big part in it. I agree he was raw even more reason why you can't be missing time on the practice field where you learn.

He made a nice grab a vs GB couple years back then misses 4 weeks due to a high ankle sprain that kept him on the sideline unable to continue to work and improve. The fact they saw he had the physical ablities to become a good WR is what kept him on the team but a big part of what kept him off the field was dealing with several injuries.

[MWILL]

That's a good point about Austin's health. It's not really fair to say he only got the chance due to Roy's injury. Had Austin stayed healty himself he may have already worked himself into regular playing time and may not have had to wait for Roy's injury.

I agree about the timing of a new contract. As exciting as Austin's breakout was, it isn't uncommon for players to have a breakout moment and then never live up to that level in the following years.

I feel that's when Miles Mania started, that's why I say that.

That's what I'm afraid of. I hope it doesn't happen.

[speedkilz88]

And it is not uncommon to start talks the year before a player becomes a UFA. I would not doubt if Spencer can put up a big year this season that Dallas will address him before his contract expires. I know someone posted a report where Dallas will have some 20 players to deal with in terms of contracts? Last thing I want to see Dallas do is spend big money on a guy because people feel we must go to the SB this year. Building a team can't be about 1 yearThe only time I see Jerry doing the deals early is when the player has proven themselves with multiple high quality seasons. That's why Austin isn't signed yet.

[stasheroo]

And it is not uncommon to start talks the year before a player becomes a UFA. I would not doubt if Spencer can put up a big year this season that Dallas will address him before his contract expires. I know someone posted a report where Dallas will have some 20 players to deal with in terms of contracts? Last thing I want to see Dallas do is spend big money on a guy because people feel we must go to the SB this year. Building a team can't be about 1 year

I think it's very rare for that to happen in Dallas.

In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I think both Romo and Ware waited until the final year of their deals.

And my point is that for every Free, Jenkins, Felix Jones, or Spencer who's due to get paid, there will be an Adams, Newman, Barber, or Brooking/James salary coming off the books.

[Doomsday101]

I think it's very rare for that to happen in Dallas.

In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I think both Romo and Ware waited until the final year of their deals.

And my point is that for every Free, Jenkins, Felix Jones, or Spencer who's due to get paid, there will be an Adams, Newman, Barber, or Brooking/James salary coming off the books.

True but we are not adding a 6 or 7 mill for atogwe. We have some very good player who will be looking to be paid and to me it is more important taking care of our own. As I said I don't see Ball as some star player however I do see him as a player who can go out there and do a good job for us. I just rather go that way than to pay out big bucks for a guy coming off an injury such as the one Atogwe has.

[stasheroo]

True but we are not adding a 6 or 7 mill for atogwe. We have some very good player who will be looking to be paid and to me it is more important taking care of our own. As I said I don't see Ball as some star player however I do see him as a player who can go out there and do a good job for us. I just rather go that way than to pay out big bucks for a guy coming off an injury such as the one Atogwe has.

I can respect your stance.

I disagree with it.

But I respect it.