DMN: Garrett on OL: ‘We feel like we’re playing the best five guys... right now

[WoodysGirl]

By Rainer Sabin / Reporter (http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/author/rsabin/)
rsabin@dallasnews.com
7:56 pm on October 2, 2012 (http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/cowboys-coach-jason-garrett-on-offensive-line-we-feel-like-were-playing-the-best-five-guys-for-our-football-team-right-now.html/)| Permalink (http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/cowboys-coach-jason-garrett-on-offensive-line-we-feel-like-were-playing-the-best-five-guys-for-our-football-team-right-now.html/)

IRVING – These days, the Cowboys’ offensive line isn’t just being besieged by oncoming rushers. The unit is also being ambushed by critics, who have roundly denounced their overall performance in the first four games this season. The onslaught continued Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the Cowboys lost 34-18 to Chicago.

At different points this season, pass protection and run-blocking have been inadequate. But head coach Jason Garrett said the team’s personnel aren’t at the root of the problems.

“We feel like we’re playing the best five guys for our football team right now,” he said. “…We feel confident about that group.”

Garrett’s comments resembled the ones made earlier in the day by team owner Jerry Jones. During his weekly appearance on KRLD-FM (105.3), Jones was asked if he envisioned any changes being made within the team’s offensive front.

“Not that I would address or look at today,” Jones replied.

Read the rest: http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/cowboys-coach-jason-garrett-on-offensive-line-we-feel-like-were-playing-the-best-five-guys-for-our-football-team-right-now.html/

[fivetwos]

They are playing the best five guys? That's probably true.

Unfortunately THAT is the problem.

[Wolfpack]

Its hard to envision how they thought they had a good OL line up heading into the season. It is very similar to the thinking about how Ball was a great FS or Pete Hunter at CB or Tucker at RT. Glaring holes at positions while drafting more CBs and WRs. Matt Millen would be proud!

[dogberry]

When Costa is ready who will be the best five?

[jjktkk]

Its hard to envision how they thought they had a good OL line up heading into the season. It is very similar to the thinking about how Ball was a great FS or Pete Hunter at CB or Tucker at RT. Glaring holes at positions while drafting more CBs and WRs. Matt Millen would be proud!

Could you let me know who exactly said Ball was a "great safety"? I don't remember ever hearing that? Pete Hunter and Tucker were also considered great as well? Wow!

[viman96]

This is PC talk and need to read between the line. Best 5 guys that are currently on the team which is not saying much. No way Jerry or Jason can be content let alone confident with this line.

[bbailey423]

Could you let me know who exactly said Ball was a "great safety"? I don't remember ever hearing that? Pete Hunter and Tucker were also considered great as well? Wow!
please believe....before the season.....Jerry raved about Ball at Safety

[AbeBeta]

unfortunately I think he is correct -- of the healthy players these are the best 5 guys. now with Costa healthy you might whip up a little competition at RG - but I doubt it. Cook just isn't good at run blocking.

I am still puzzled by Bern -- he looked really good when he finally got going in TC and pre-season. Looked like our pro scouting department really found something.

[jobberone]

There is a reason why they looked good against NY and not so good since. It's there for all to see.

I'm not at all happy about the OL but all the blame is not there.

[Zimmy Lives]

unfortunately I think he is correct -- of the healthy players these are the best 5 guys. now with Costa healthy you might whip up a little competition at RG - but I doubt it. Cook just isn't good at run blocking.

I am still puzzled by Bern -- he looked really good when he finally got going in TC and pre-season. Looked like our pro scouting department really found something.

Yeah, "Bern" is a head scratcher. He's built like a tank but he has the disposition of a school nurse. Maybe he is just not interested in getting down and dirty.

[Verdict]

There is a reason why they looked good against NY and not so good since. It's there for all to see.

I'm not at all happy about the OL but all the blame is not there.

Please elaborate?

[AbeBeta]

Yeah, "Bern" is a head scratcher. He's built like a tank but he has the disposition of a school nurse. Maybe he is just not interested in getting down and dirty.

But also, he's faced some really good DTs -- they've gotten the best of him for sure, but I think a guy like McCoy is going to make lots of guards look awful this year

[Zimmy Lives]

But also, he's faced some really good DTs -- they've gotten the best of him for sure, but I think a guy like McCoy is going to make lots of guards look awful this year

Very true.

I also think that the scheme is a little too finesse. These guys in the interior have size. Let them use it.

[MichaelWinicki]

Would it suprise anyone to see Costa at center and Cook moved to RG instead of Bern?

[Risen Star]

They are playing the best five guys? That's probably true.

Unfortunately THAT is the problem.

Right.

Nobody cares if you're playing the best five guys. We care that those 5 guys collectively suck.

[MichaelWinicki]

Right.

Nobody cares if you're playing the best five guys. We care that those 5 guys collectively suck.

3 of them have anyway.

[jobberone]

Please elaborate?

In the first half against the Giants we didn't run well. We didn't do much well until the latter part of the half. We started hitting those slants and that opened up the running game.

Teams are now stopping the run by run blitzing, stacking the LOS, 8 in the box yada. That forces us to pass. They are teeing off on that, taking the inside away, shading Miles, and jumping the short out routes. We aren't taking advantage of it.

The OL looked ok in the first game but they are having problems running against a D playing the run first. They are also having problems in pass protection particularly the blitz and stunts. Our mistakes put us more passing situations and longer ones which are just harder to convert and more likely to result in negative plays. Turning the ball over and getting behind makes you even more one dimensional.

If Tony weren't able to make plays happen we'd be 1-3 at best and would look even worse. Even Tony isn't going to have a Buffalo game with these problems.

If you can't run and can't pass you are in deep do do. You will look bad.

[Wolfpack]

In the first half against the Giants we didn't run well. We didn't do much well until the latter part of the half. We started hitting those slants and that opened up the running game.

Teams are now stopping the run by run blitzing, stacking the LOS, 8 in the box yada. That forces us to pass. They are teeing off on that, taking the inside away, shading Miles, and jumping the short out routes. We aren't taking advantage of it.

The OL looked ok in the first game but they are having problems running against a D playing the run first. They are also having problems in pass protection particularly the blitz and stunts. Our mistakes put us more passing situations and longer ones which are just harder to convert and more likely to result in negative plays. Turning the ball over and getting behind makes you even more one dimensional.

If Tony weren't able to make plays happen we'd be 1-3 at best and would look even worse. Even Tony isn't going to have a Buffalo game with these problems.

If you can't run and can't pass you are in deep do do. You will look bad.

Good stuff here.

Also, the yards in the running game mostly come in the second half when the defense is getting tired a little. I dont know that Red get that...when he panics and goes shotgun (74% last game) it really hinders the offense in so many ways.

[DallasDW00ds0n]

5 linemen getting blown off the snap.. all part of the process

[DallasDW00ds0n]

3 of them have anyway.

right. 3.









































nope, wait thats right.... 5.. Yup the entire line has been dreadful

[TheSport78]

Would it suprise anyone to see Costa at center and Cook moved to RG instead of Bern?

I'd rather see Costa at center and Dockery or Holland at RG.

[Risen Star]

right. 3.

nope, wait thats right.... 5.. Yup the entire line has been dreadful

They really have. If anybody sees quality play from any of the 5 thus far, they're clueless.

Tyron's improving. He's a future beast. The other 4 are slop that need to be off the roster ASAP.

[Sarge]

How does JG feel confident about that group (OL)??

JG is getting more and more annoying each passing interview he does. He should be a politician.

[RS12]

‘We feel like we’re playing the best five guys... right now

:lmao: Well then, I just feel so much better.

[MichaelWinicki]

I'm not sure what anyone would expect Garrett to say, "Hey I'm disappointed in our offensive line and expect to replace one or two."

That's not going to happen... not to the media. And what purpose would it serve other than making the fans happy?

Once a coach goes down that path of throwing players/units under the bus, things have a tendency to really spiral out of control at that point with the result being a coach who has lost his players. See Bobby Valentine as a prime example.

Garrett is saying what he needs to say-- in public.

[Risen Star]

I'm not sure what anyone would expect Garrett to say, "Hey I'm disappointed in our offensive line and expect to replace one or two."

That's not going to happen... not to the media. And what purpose would it serve other than making the fans happy?

Once a coach goes down that path of throwing players/units under the bus, things have a tendency to really spiral out of control at that point with the result being a coach who has lost his players. See Bobby Valentine as a prime example.

Garrett is saying what he needs to say-- in public.

And what do you expect the informed fan to say in response?

So what? Nobody said you weren't playing your best hand. But you shouldn't have dealt yourself a pair of 2's in the offseason. This team made a conscious effort to use the bulk of their resources to strengthen the CB position, at the expense of the OL. We're now paying the price for that. We are not a better team today than we were last December.

[Sarge]

And what do you expect the informed fan to say in response?

So what? Nobody said you weren't playing your best hand. But you shouldn't have dealt yourself a pair of 2's in the offseason. This team made a conscious effort to use the bulk of their resources to strengthen the CB position, at the expense of the OL. We're now paying the price for that. We are not a better team today than we were last December.

:signmast:

[Doomsday]

I'm not sure what anyone would expect Garrett to say, "Hey I'm disappointed in our offensive line and expect to replace one or two."

That's not going to happen... not to the media. And what purpose would it serve other than making the fans happy?

Once a coach goes down that path of throwing players/units under the bus, things have a tendency to really spiral out of control at that point with the result being a coach who has lost his players. See Bobby Valentine as a prime example.

Garrett is saying what he needs to say-- in public.

I would tend to agree with you in general, however, he also said he thought they played well on Monday Night. Im all for not calling people out, but what tape is this guy watching when he says they played well? Certainly not the same all-22 that I watched. What makes him an expert in player evaluation to begin with? His track record hasnt exactly been stellar in that regard the last few seasons.

[jnday]

And what do you expect the informed fan to say in response?

So what? Nobody said you weren't playing your best hand. But you shouldn't have dealt yourself a pair of 2's in the offseason. This team made a conscious effort to use the bulk of their resources to strengthen the CB position, at the expense of the OL. We're now paying the price for that. We are not a better team today than we were last December.

Do you know thst you are.my hero? :laugh2:

[Risen Star]

Do you know thst you are.my hero? :laugh2:

Don't get all Bette Midler on me. :)

[MichaelWinicki]

And what do you expect the informed fan to say in response?

So what? Nobody said you weren't playing your best hand. But you shouldn't have dealt yourself a pair of 2's in the offseason. This team made a conscious effort to use the bulk of their resources to strengthen the CB position, at the expense of the OL. We're now paying the price for that. We are not a better team today than we were last December.

And what does that have to do with what Garrett said?

Nice agenda rant there.

[ravidubey]

We are not a better team today than we were last December.
The OL is equally as poor as last year's. There's no difference there, and DeMarco Murray is healthy and he was not last December and January.

They clearly matched up better vs the Giants' quick passing game, but unfortunately that seemed to be the only team they planned for over the offseason.

Dallas gambled on Arkin, Bernadeau, Costa, and Nagy for a time and have come up snake eyes with only a bit of last second churn in Cook.

In the last year and change they've managed to build an OL that at its most focused and intense looks like a leaky roof. Great confidence builder that must be for Romo.

[MichaelWinicki]

The OL is equally as poor as last year's. There's no difference there, and DeMarco Murray is healthy and he was not last December and January.

They clearly matched up better vs the Giants' quick passing game, but unfortunately that seemed to be the only team they planned for over the offseason.

Dallas gambled on Arkin, Bernadeau, Costa, and Nagy for a time and have come up snake eyes with only a bit of last second churn in Cook.

In the last year and change they've managed to build an OL that at its most focused and intense looks like a leaky roof. Great confidence builder that must be for Romo.

Both Cook and Livings have played well (so far).

[Chuck 54]

Our best OL and only probowler is playing out of position, too. There just are no positives. That doesn't mean we aren't doing the right thing with Smith for the long haul at LT, but even that is a problem right now.

There is no easy fix for two OTs playing new sides, one not very good to begin with, and three interior starters all new to the group, one new after the season started. Most of these guys never even played a preseason game together except the OTs out on the ends...struggle is not surprising.

If they don't get significantly better as the season wears on, tragic.

[Sasquatch]

I'm not sure what anyone would expect Garrett to say, "Hey I'm disappointed in our offensive line and expect to replace one or two."

That's not going to happen... not to the media. And what purpose would it serve other than making the fans happy?

Once a coach goes down that path of throwing players/units under the bus, things have a tendency to really spiral out of control at that point with the result being a coach who has lost his players. See Bobby Valentine as a prime example.

Garrett is saying what he needs to say-- in public.

Agreed.

[BAT]

Our best OL and only probowler is playing out of position, too. There just are no positives. That doesn't mean we aren't doing the right thing with Smith for the long haul at LT, but even that is a problem right now.

There is no easy fix for two OTs playing new sides, one not very good to begin with, and three interior starters all new to the group, one new after the season started. Most of these guys never even played a preseason game together except the OTs out on the ends...struggle is not surprising.

If they don't get significantly better as the season wears on, tragic.

Probowler?? There is no probowler on this OL. Did you mean Smith? He is far from a probowler. He is still about potential right now, just like when he was in school.

[fivetwos]

As bad as the OL play has been, Arkin still can't push for a starting gig.

I thought miracle man Woicik was going to make all of these guys into world's strongest man candidates this offseason.

There WAS an offseason this year so that crutch is gone.

What a bust. HIM himself being a bust doesn't surprise or disappoint me anywhere near as much as Missouri State in round four was the second best answer the team had for an OL that needed a complete overhaul that offseason.

They slapped high fives in the war room like they just won a game when they selected him. Microcosm of the total ineptitude of the brass on this team when it comes to evaluating OL.

Well, at least he is making some progress...he's managed to actually dress this year.

[burmafrd]

And what does that have to do with what Garrett said?

Nice agenda rant there.

pot meet kettle

[MichaelWinicki]

As bad as the OL play has been, Arkin still can't push for a starting gig.

I thought miracle man Woicik was going to make all of these guys into world's strongest man candidates this offseason.

There WAS an offseason this year so that crutch is gone.

What a bust. HIM himself being a bust doesn't surprise or disappoint me anywhere near as much as Missouri State in round four was the second best answer the team had for an OL that needed a complete overhaul that offseason.

They slapped high fives in the war room like they just won a game when they selected him. Microcosm of the total ineptitude of the brass on this team when it comes to evaluating OL.

Well, at least he is making some progress...he's managed to actually dress this year.

OK, so a 4th round linemen out of pudunk U, who's not a starter by year 2 is an absolute failure, even though the guy showed improvement from year 1 to year 2?


Gotcha.

[Joe Rod]

5 linemen getting blown off the snap.. all part of the process

It's going to lead to some great screen plays in the second half of the season though. By that time, D-linemen will not know the difference between running over our O-line and our O-line intentionally letting them through.

[MichaelWinicki]

pot meet kettle

Please point out an agenda rant of mine.

[visionary]

OK, so a 4th round linemen out of pudunk U, who's not a starter by year 2 is an absolute failure, even though the guy showed improvement from year 1 to year 2?


Gotcha.

:laugh2: :laugh2:

you go to the threads about "cowboys have not expended any significant resources on the OL" and say: "of course they have, they have signed these OL and drafted those"

then you go to the threads about "our OL is not playing well" and say": " why are you surprised that a 4th round OL is not playing well"

[MichaelWinicki]

:laugh2: :laugh2:

you go to the threads about "cowboys have not expended any significant resources on the OL" and say: "of course they have, they have signed these OL and drafted those"

then you go to the threads about "our OL is not playing well" and say": " why are you surprised that a 4th round OL is not playing well"

OK, but I guess I'm not getting what you're in a tizzy about.

Just because a guy isn't ready (now) doesn't make him a failure.

I've said right along the team's drafting during the Wade era was a killer and it's still trying to play catch-up.

Lots of areas of the team needed and still need help.

I wasn't expecting an overnight transformation.

It appears some were (unfortunately for them).

[fivetwos]

OK, so a 4th round linemen out of pudunk U, who's not a starter by year 2 is an absolute failure, even though the guy showed improvement from year 1 to year 2?


Gotcha.

Well I did mention that his "lack of significant progress" (we'll call it for now so I don't further agitate you) didn't surprise me.

The fact that that was the teams' second best answer for a line that needed a near total overhaul that offseason did.

He isn't ready to play yet and likely shouldn't be, but that's not what they needed then or now.

I guess the plan is to maybe get him on the field in year three, in which he won't play well, but have the first year starter excuse.

Then, best case, he is solid in year four, his walk year, and Jerry can give him a big contract off one solid season. Doug Free part two. Can't wait.

Not knocking Arkin, but the team needed someone that was more ready to play, not a project from Missouri State.

[visionary]

OK, but I guess I'm not getting what you're in a tizzy about.

Just because a guy isn't ready (now) doesn't make him a failure.

I've said right along the team's drafting during the Wade era was a killer and it's still trying to play catch-up.

Lots of areas of the team needed and still need help.

I wasn't expecting an overnight transformation.

It appears some were (unfortunately for them).


the same front office was making decisions regarding player acquisitions "in the wade era" so why exactly are we bringing up that strawman? wade was not making the picks.

there have been 2 off seasons with FA and 2 drafts "since the wade era", more than enough time to shore up an area if we actually thought it was important

the issue is not that we havent had the tme or dont have the resources, the issue is that people making desicions in the front office (jerry, stephen, garrett) have no idea how to build a consistent fooball team and how to prioritize in order to do this

[MichaelWinicki]

Well I did mention that his "lack of significant progress" (we'll call it for now so I don't further agitate you) didn't surprise me.

The fact that that was the teams' second best answer for a line that needed a near total overhaul that offseason did.

He isn't ready to play yet and likely shouldn't be, but that's not what they needed then or now.

I guess the plan is to maybe get him on the field in year three, in which he won't play well, but have the first year starter excuse.

Then, best case, he is solid in year four, his walk year, and Jerry can give him a big contract off one solid season. Doug Free part two. Can't wait.

Not knocking Arkin, but the team needed someone that was more ready to play, not a project from Missouri State.

Hey, I don't disagree on the premise of needing more "ready" guys on the offensive line.

But the same thought needed to be carried to several of the units on this team. Again, the drafts during the Phillips-era were poor. The offensive line and secondaries were left in the lurch while several picks were spent on guys who didn't pan out.

[MichaelWinicki]

the same front office was making decisions regarding player acquisitions "in the wade era" so why exactly are we bringing up that strawman? wade was not making the picks.

there have been 2 off seasons with FA and 2 drafts "since the wade era", more than enough time to shore up an area if we actually thought it was important

the issue is not that we havent had the tme or dont have the resources, the issue is that people making desicions in the front office (jerry, stephen, garrett) have no idea how to build a consistent fooball team and how to prioritize in order to do this

OK, so exactly the same front office, scouting staff and coaching staff has made the drafting decisions over the past 3 drafts (using the exact same criteria for picking players) as they did under the Phillip's era...

Interesting.

Oh, so you're the "judge" on how much time is needed to turn-around an underperforming unit.

Another interesting point.

[visionary]

OK, so exactly the same front office, scouting staff and coaching staff has made the drafting decisions over the past 3 drafts (using the exact same criteria for picking players) as they did under the Phillip's era...

Interesting.

Oh, so you're the "judge" on how much time is needed to turn-around an underperforming unit.

Another interesting point.

:laugh2:

you are smarter than the position you are taking

[MichaelWinicki]

:laugh2:

you are smarter than the position you are taking

:rolleyes:

[EGG]

:laugh2:

you are smarter than the position you are taking

I think pride has locked some people into indefensible positions(present company excluded of course, Michael) so the next best thing is to act like the previous decade+ didn't happen and that these current players are all late bloomers or diamonds in the rough or the coach just doesn't know how to airbrush out an inability to run block.

[burmafrd]

Please point out an agenda rant of mine.

you must be a lawyer; they know how to do that sort of thing.

You have from day one this year claimed

A) they will be fine
B) they will get better
C) it does not matter


You just vary which one you use

And you have been wrong on every one.

Our O line is miserable but you keep pumping sunshine and saying Kumbaya

[MichaelWinicki]

you must be a lawyer; they know how to do that sort of thing.

You have from day one this year claimed

A) they will be fine
B) they will get better
C) it does not matter


You just vary which one you use

And you have been wrong on every one.

Our O line is miserable but you keep pumping sunshine and saying Kumbaya

I never stated "A", I said the unit deserves time.

I never stated "C".

The cases of stating "B" were in relation to specific players like Costa, i.e. comparing his first 6 games of the 2011 season to the final 10 games of the 2011 season.

[jnday]

Too much Mikey bashing going on in this thread. Mikey and me dissgree on the oline for the most part, but I have to defend him on some of this. He has taken the "wait and see" point of view most of the time. He has maintained more hope and support for the current mess of an oline than most sane people. The whole time he has debated his position without insults, attacks and common sense. I can honestly say that he is not the typical mean-spirited homer that questions fandom for disagreeing with the team. Mikey is much more. He is a CB loving, blind, hard-headed sunshine pumper that wouldn't know a quality olineman if he was sleeping with one, but he is still fun to argue with.

[MichaelWinicki]

Too much Mikey bashing going on in this thread. Mikey and me dissgree on the oline for the most part, but I have to defend him on some of this. He has taken the "wait and see" point of view most of the time. He has maintained more hope and support for the current mess of an oline than most sane people. The whole time he has debated his position without insults, attacks and common sense. I can honestly say that he is not the typical mean-spirited homer that questions fandom for disagreeing with the team. Mikey is much more. He is a CB loving, blind, hard-headed sunshine pumper that wouldn't know a quality olineman if he was sleeping with one, but he is still fun to argue with.

Thanks!

I think. ;)

[jobberone]

A lot of all or nothing/black or white thinking going on. The situation with the OL is complex. We are not doing the job combating the current schemes being run against it is the best I can say.

[jnday]

Thanks!

I think. ;)

You know what I mean.:lmao2:

[jnday]

A lot of all or nothing/black or white thinking going on. The situation with the OL is complex. We are not doing the job combating the current schemes being run against it is the best I can say.

It is simple. We don't have quality, talented players capable of doing the job. I wasvargued down on this board that it takes no special talent to play on the line. They just need time to develop. These are vets that are stinking it up. They don't have the talent that is not needed to do the job. There is no cure this season. It is too late. The gamble didn't work.

[jobberone]

It is simple. We don't have quality, talented players capable of doing the job. I wasvargued down on this board that it takes no special talent to play on the line. They just need time to develop. These are vets that are stinking it up. They don't have the talent that is not needed to do the job. There is no cure this season. It is too late. The gamble didn't work.

Here's my view on the situation:

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4768537&postcount=17

[jnday]

Here's my view on the situation:

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4768537&postcount=17

Your take is very good on the situation. I think it is going to be a season-long problem. I am not going to get my hopes up for massive changes this off-season. I have accepted the fact that it is what it is and it is not going to change.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Here's my view on the situation:

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4768537&postcount=17

Saying our linemen and coaches suck is just so much more compelling and insightful though. Then i recommend recognizing that we have no chance and just give up. That is obviously the ethic of success.

[ravidubey]

Both Cook and Livings have played well (so far).

Please define "well". If you mean they haven't totally broken down and blown assignments, well OK.

They are absolutely poor in run blocking, and I am very disappointed in Livings in that regard in particular.

In pass blocking they are barely holding together. Maybe they aren't giving up sacks exactly, but their blocks are so tenuous it's making Romo nervous and clearly affecting his game.

This team has no offensive rhythm and the OL are the biggest reasons why. Each and every member of them.

[MichaelWinicki]

Saying our linemen and coaches suck is just so much more compelling and insightful though. Then i recommend recognizing that we have no chance and just give up. That is obviously the ethic of success.

:lmao2:

[jobberone]

[quote=jnday;4770171]Your take is very good on the situation. I think it is going to be a season-long problem. I am not going to get my hopes up for massive changes this off-season. I have accepted the fact that it is what it is and it is not going to change.[/quote

Well, I'm not letting the OL off the hook. I'm merely saying they're really being tested right now and their jobs are tough.

I think they will be looking at one or more interior OL in FA or the draft and a T.

[Risen Star]

Please define "well". If you mean they haven't totally broken down and blown assignments, well OK.

They are absolutely poor in run blocking, and I am very disappointed in Livings in that regard in particular.

In pass blocking they are barely holding together. Maybe they aren't giving up sacks exactly, but their blocks are so tenuous it's making Romo nervous and clearly affecting his game.

This team has no offensive rhythm and the OL are the biggest reasons why. Each and every member of them.

Mike's too busy gazing hungrily into the secondary to know what's going on up front.

To say those two have played well is just completely laughable.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Even Smith is looking bad out there all too often although the only time we ever seem to be able to run the ball is behind he and Livings.

I think Jobber is spot on. They are not adjusting well to what defenses are throwing at them. Teams are shooting gaps either with LB or DL and we are doing nothing to stop it.

I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times we've had DT/LB crash the A gap and Cook doing absolutely nothing about it. The Bears started to toy with them about it. Recall Gruden talking about sugaring the A gap?

For all that Wilfork jobbed Costa, he is still a sight better than Cook and is coming back. I don't think it impossible that might improve a bit. This is a new scheme with a new OL coach and guys that played together for all of 1 week before the season started.

I don't like giving up. Just don't. I hope like no tomorrow that neither does the team.

[Zordon]

i question the football acumen (and quite frankly the sanity) of anyone who believed it was acceptable to come into this season with this oline, particularly with all the hoopla about "windows closing" and "romo friendly". this was a colossal mistake.

also if you're going to sacrifice the oline for secondary enhancements, then they damn well better be creating turnovers. the secondary has created zero turnovers thru a 1/4th of the season.

[burmafrd]

Even Smith is looking bad out there all too often although the only time we ever seem to be able to run the ball is behind he and Livings.

I think Jobber is spot on. They are not adjusting well to what defenses are throwing at them. Teams are shooting gaps either with LB or DL and we are doing nothing to stop it.

I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times we've had DT/LB crash the A gap and Cook doing absolutely nothing about it. The Bears started to toy with them about it. Recall Gruden talking about sugaring the A gap?

For all that Wilfork jobbed Costa, he is still a sight better than Cook and is coming back. I don't think it impossible that might improve a bit. This is a new scheme with a new OL coach and guys that played together for all of 1 week before the season started.

I don't like giving up. Just don't. I hope like no tomorrow that neither does the team.

"sight better then Cook"

another Costa homer
With no evidence to back it up

[ravidubey]

Mike's too busy gazing hungrily into the secondary to know what's going on up front.

To say those two have played well is just completely laughable.

The 1997 Cowboys with Deion, Pup, Marion, and Woodson led the #2 pass defense. But the overall defense and offense was terrible.

Building a team via its secondary is like signing a great goalie in hockey and thinking you're half way to a championship.

The secondary is the last line of defense. Their failures are the most glaringly obvious, and so I guess they catch the attention of a guy like the Cowboys GM.

But the lines on both sides are what enable everything else. You simply can't build on quicksand, no matter how strong and beautiful a house you put together.

The defensive line is adequate, having been largely ignored since 2006 until Crawford's selection, but adequate doesn't win playoff games.

The offensive line is awful because the team for some reason can't properly evaluate college linemen. They've selected OL routinely enough, but somehow refuse to change their scouts or grading standards. Multiple 2nd and 3rd round failures at the position has led to debacles like what happened Monday Night.

[visionary]

The 1997 Cowboys with Deion, Pup, Marion, and Woodson led the #2 pass defense. But the overall defense and offense was terrible.

Building a team via its secondary is like signing a great goalie in hockey and thinking you're half way to a championship.

The secondary is the last line of defense. Their failures are the most glaringly obvious, and so I guess they catch the attention of a guy like the Cowboys GM.

But the lines on both sides are what enable everything else. You simply can't build on quicksand, no matter how strong and beautiful a house you put together.

The defensive line is adequate, having been largely ignored since 2006 until Crawford's selection, but adequate doesn't win playoff games.

The offensive line is awful because the team for some reason can't properly evaluate college linemen. They've selected OL routinely enough, but somehow refuse to change their scouts or grading standards. Multiple 2nd and 3rd round failures at the position has led to debacles like what happened Monday Night.

agreed

actually i would argue that a goalie in hockey is far more valuable to success than a secondary is in the NFL