DE Eric Ogbogu & LB Kalen Thornton competing to for starting OLB

[jksmith269]

Plenty of competition is a good thing at least this year we have players that can actually compete and make things intresting IMO

Cowboys | Ogbogu to Compete for OLB Spot - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 17 May 2005 21:13:04 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys DE Eric Ogbogu is expected to compete for a starting outside linebacker spot in the team's 3-4 defensive package during training camp.

Cowboys | Thornton to Compete for OLB Spot - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 17 May 2005 21:12:17 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys LB Kalen Thornton is expected to compete for a starting outside linebacker spot during training camp.

[Crown Royal]

At this point, isn't it safe to say that everyone is competing for a job, starting or not?

That being said, I like Thorton. I would be pretty pleased with:

Ware: WOLB
Nguyen: WILB
Burnett: SILB
Thorton: SOLB

Not an experienced bunch, but I expect to see a LB rotation anyhow (subs involving Singleton, Shanle, maybe Fowler...)

[blindzebra]

Thornton and Ogbogu are competing to back up Ware period, no way we have two converted DEs at OLB in a 3-4.

[jksmith269]

I was more surprised with the Eric Ogbogu being mentioned as competing for the OLB notice it said 34 nothing about a 43 wheres nors he'd be all over this...

[blindzebra]

I was more surprised with the Eric Ogbogu being mentioned as competing for the OLB notice it said 34 nothing about a 43 wheres nors he'd be all over this...

Nothing is set in stone, despite the I told you so we have been getting.;)

We still have more quality depth on the DL than at LB, if you honestly put our best 11 on the field it's in a 4-3 and not a 3-4. Please explain the logic of putting the likes of Shanle, James or Thornton on the field over a pro bowler like Glover?

[Eddie]

At this point, isn't it safe to say that everyone is competing for a job, starting or not?

That being said, I like Thorton. I would be pretty pleased with:

Ware: WOLB
Nguyen: WILB
Burnett: SILB
Thorton: SOLB

Not an experienced bunch, but I expect to see a LB rotation anyhow (subs involving Singleton, Shanle, maybe Fowler...)

I think James will win out the SOLB spot over Thornton. But honestly, this isn't a LB corps which scares me.

[jobberone]

I expect Singleton, James and Dat to see the field a fair amount. They have the only real experience. Ware and then Thorton/others are going to have to fight for time. Yes, I expect Ware to contribute. Until I see him I don't know how much he will. It will depend on how well he contributes and how fast he learns as well as earns Bill's trust. Same for Burnett et al. I just don't see Bill throwing a bunch of rookies and people who have played little on the field all at the same time.

[Nors]

I was more surprised with the Eric Ogbogu being mentioned as competing for the OLB notice it said 34 nothing about a 43 wheres nors he'd be all over this...

It as good as a done deal we are going 3-4.

[Nors]

I expect Singleton, James and Dat to see the field a fair amount. They have the only real experience. Ware and then Thorton/others are going to have to fight for time. Yes, I expect Ware to contribute. Until I see him I don't know how much he will. It will depend on how well he contributes and how fast he learns as well as earns Bill's trust. Same for Burnett et al. I just don't see Bill throwing a bunch of rookies and people who have played little on the field all at the same time.

Singleton gets cut

Burnett if Hip is ready this year pushes all for starting time. Ware gets OLB spot in 3-4

[HITBYROY31]

Im Still A Little Confused On Where D.ware Is Going To Play If Thorton & Ogbogu Are Compeating For A Starting Spot.
I Also Think I Read Somewhere That James Was Going Inside In The 3-4
I Just Cant Imagine We Wpould Draft Ware 11th And Not Start.

[jobberone]

Singleton gets cut

Burnett if Hip is ready this year pushes all for starting time. Ware gets OLB spot in 3-4

Well Nors I glad you can predict the future so well. I would like your advice in the stock market yada.

I don't think we can do more than hope Ware, Burnett and all do as well as we all hope. It's a mistake to think that every rookie is going to start IMO. If most of them contribute some much less a lot then I'll be happy.

I wouldn't cut Singleton yet either. Better wait and see how the rest of the LB corps works out. Singleton has more experience than any of the others and while I bemoan the lack of big plays he does steadily go about his job. Could he be cut? Sure. Will he? I doubt it with only two regulars returning and James being still an unknown.

The rest are learning. BooBoo at OLB? Give me a break. If he can do that my hats off to him. And he has much more experience than a certain player from a Div II school and Thorton who played how much last year?

Burnett has the best chance of being a regular. Ware will likely start out as a situational player and go from there. If he's all world this year then great but I wouldn't bet on it right now.

[Hollywood Henderson]

BZ the only "logic" you need to know is Parcells is taking over to what he knows HE can & will coach...Its the 3-4... :cool:

Give me Ware & Thornton outside
With James & Burnett inside...

[Tio]

BZ the only "logic" you need to know is Parcells is taking over to what he knows HE can & will coach...Its the 3-4... :cool:

Give me Ware & Thornton outside
With James & Burnett inside...WOw. You would take unprovens like ware, thornton, burnett, and james over nguyen and glover.

[Compacity]

Thorton is a hell of a pass-rusher... I think that Bradie James is due to start though but let all of em compete...

[Hostile]

Well Nors I glad you can predict the future so well. I would like your advice in the stock market yada.

I don't think we can do more than hope Ware, Burnett and all do as well as we all hope. It's a mistake to think that every rookie is going to start IMO. If most of them contribute some much less a lot then I'll be happy.

I wouldn't cut Singleton yet either. Better wait and see how the rest of the LB corps works out. Singleton has more experience than any of the others and while I bemoan the lack of big plays he does steadily go about his job. Could he be cut? Sure. Will he? I doubt it with only two regulars returning and James being still an unknown.

The rest are learning. BooBoo at OLB? Give me a break. If he can do that my hats off to him. And he has much more experience than a certain player from a Div II school and Thorton who played how much last year?

Burnett has the best chance of being a regular. Ware will likely start out as a situational player and go from there. If he's all world this year then great but I wouldn't bet on it right now.Save your money.

[jobberone]

Save your money.

He or anyone else couldn't do worse.

[Hostile]

He or anyone else couldn't do worse.You're absent the dollar green thumb huh?

Invest in rental real estate like apartment homes. Ones closer to Universities are great investments. Look for strong property management companies to manage it for you. Shop them well.

Buy 5 or 6 small properties and in 10 years sell all but one and pay it off so that each month is actual income as opposed to mortgage. There's your retirement fund.

[InmanRoshi]

Obogu played 3-4 OLB with the Jets. Thornton played OLB when the Cowboys went to 3-4 packages last year. Neither of them are fish out of water in the 3-4.

[Dough Boy]

You're absent the dollar green thumb huh?

Invest in rental real estate like apartment homes. Ones closer to Universities are great investments. Look for strong property management companies to manage it for you. Shop them well.

Buy 5 or 6 small properties and in 10 years sell all but one and pay it off so that each month is actual income as opposed to mortgage. There's your retirement fund.

Easier said than done. What cap rate should he buy on? What does the depreciation recapture do when he sells in year 10? Whats the advantage of lossing the mortgage deduction on his taxes for the rest of his life?

[dbair1967]

Plenty of competition is a good thing at least this year we have players that can actually compete and make things intresting IMO

Cowboys | Ogbogu to Compete for OLB Spot - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 17 May 2005 21:13:04 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys DE Eric Ogbogu is expected to compete for a starting outside linebacker spot in the team's 3-4 defensive package during training camp.

Cowboys | Thornton to Compete for OLB Spot - from www.KFFL.com
Tue, 17 May 2005 21:12:17 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys LB Kalen Thornton is expected to compete for a starting outside linebacker spot during training camp.

niether of these guys is starting on this team, barring unforeseen injuries to others...wouldnt be a total shock if niether of them even made the team...I am not saying they wont, but it wouldnt be a surprise

David

[VThokie7]

Im Still A Little Confused On Where D.ware Is Going To Play If Thorton & Ogbogu Are Compeating For A Starting Spot.
I Also Think I Read Somewhere That James Was Going Inside In The 3-4
I Just Cant Imagine We Wpould Draft Ware 11th And Not Start.

Its a tough transition, look at Terrell Suggs he didn't start as a rookie, but he was able to generate a pass rush on 3rd down when he did come in.

[Sandman52]

compete for a starting outside linebacker spot in the team's 3-4 defensive package

All it really says is that Og and Thornton are competing for starting spots in the 3-4 "package." Don't be surprised when they throw up a report that Bradie and Burnett are competing for the starting outside linebacker spots in the team's 4-3 defensive package.

[Hollywood Henderson]

Tio:
Yes, I want the best players to start that can create havouc in the 3-4 while dat & Glover would get extensive duty in the nickle/dime passing downs where they can best excell to their strengths...

[ravidubey]

At this point, isn't it safe to say that everyone is competing for a job, starting or not?

That being said, I like Thorton. I would be pretty pleased with:

Ware: WOLB
Nguyen: WILB
Burnett: SILB
Thorton: SOLB

Not an experienced bunch, but I expect to see a LB rotation anyhow (subs involving Singleton, Shanle, maybe Fowler...)

Where do you have James, CR?

[HITBYROY31]

Its a tough transition, look at Terrell Suggs he didn't start as a rookie, but he was able to generate a pass rush on 3rd down when he did come in.


YOU HAVE A GREAT POINT ABOUT SUGGS.
THAT WAS RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE CONSIDERING I LIVE IN BALTIMORE.

[CanadaBoys]

wow....

I had hoped we'd see the names of Shanle, Singleton and James involved. maybe it's time we make a call to Mr. Boulware's agent.......

[jobberone]

You're absent the dollar green thumb huh?

Invest in rental real estate like apartment homes. Ones closer to Universities are great investments. Look for strong property management companies to manage it for you. Shop them well.

Buy 5 or 6 small properties and in 10 years sell all but one and pay it off so that each month is actual income as opposed to mortgage. There's your retirement fund.

I had three properties and sold one. I want to get rid of the others and go to Costa Rica or Thailand. My retirement is set but all the complications are driving me nuts.

It's simplify and have a bowel movement everyday for me. :)

[Crown Royal]

Where do you have James, CR?

I have him inside - I don't think he is an outside LBer in the 3-4. Depending on how many LBers we have, I expect to see a healthy rotation - not the way I expect it on the line, but I expect subs. I don't see Singleton being cut. He isn't a star by any means, but he isn't nearly as bad as many would like to make him out to be. He has held down the strong side effectively since he has been here - good player to have on the team, and brings some experience, something we are lacking.

My previous post was probably not realistic - it depends on too many players stepping up without experience. Something a bit more possible is below:

WOLB: Ware
WILB: Nguyen (Back up = James)
SILB: Singleton (Pushed by Burnett)
SOLB: Shanle? Fowler? Thorton? Singleton or Burnett, maybe. This one is a toss up for me. I really don't think we have two true OLB for the 3-4 on this team. Everyone other than Ware, Thorton and Ogbogu seems to be inside type guys to me.

[CoCo]

You're absent the dollar green thumb huh?

Invest in rental real estate like apartment homes. Ones closer to Universities are great investments. Look for strong property management companies to manage it for you. Shop them well.

Buy 5 or 6 small properties and in 10 years sell all but one and pay it off so that each month is actual income as opposed to mortgage. There's your retirement fund.

Hey, doesn't this belong in the financial management forum?? :grin:

[bobtheflob]

I think Kalen could surprise some people. He started at UT as a freshman and only went undrafted because of injuries. He's always been a leader and has a great combination of size, speed, and brains. I'll admit I'm biased because I was friends with him in high school, but I really do think he's got potential (and Parcells seems to agree)

[slick325]

niether of these guys is starting on this team, barring unforeseen injuries to others...wouldnt be a total shock if niether of them even made the team...I am not saying they wont, but it wouldnt be a surprise

David

I think you nailed that David. When I read the Eatman blurb all I read was the are competing for a roster spot. If they don't win the starting job I think both are gone. I don't see either one starting barring injures to Ware, Burnett, James, Singleton etc....

[JackMagist]

I do not know who will play this year. However, I predict that we will see more of the 3-4 than we do of the 4-3. We WILL see a great deal of Ware at OLB in that set and we will see Dat Nguyen on the inside and middle in our 4-3 packages. I expect to see Burnett (depending on health) at the other ILB spot and at the SLB in the 4-3 sets.

I read that Ogbogu has indeed played some OLB in the 3-4 previously which lends credence to this report. We saw Thornton playing OLB last year and Parcells has spoken highly of Thornton and his ability to play that position. Personally I give both of these guys a better shot at starting than I do Bradie James in the 3-4 sets. James might see some time in the 4-3 sets.

It will be interesting to see who ends up playing but one thing is for sure; The only experienced linebackers we have are Nguyen and Singleton (and Ogbogu perhaps...I don't know hoiw much he has played the position).

I predict for the 3-4:

Ware / Thornton
Nguyen / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Burnett / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Shanle or Ogbogu (maybe a rotation with Og coming in on passing downs)

and for the 4-3:

James (if he doesn't get cut) / Ware
Nguyen / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Shanle or Singleton (if he doesn't get cut)

This is encouraging for the 3-4 and very discouraging for the 4-3. I am tired of this offseason already. I can't wait to see what Bill Parcells does with this bunch of raw talent.

[blindzebra]

I do not know who will play this year. However, I predict that we will see more of the 3-4 than we do of the 4-3. We WILL see a great deal of Ware at OLB in that set and we will see Dat Nguyen on the inside and middle in our 4-3 packages. I expect to see Burnett (depending on health) at the other ILB spot and at the SLB in the 4-3 sets.

I read that Ogbogu has indeed played some OLB in the 3-4 previously which lends credence to this report. We saw Thornton playing OLB last year and Parcells has spoken highly of Thornton and his ability to play that position. Personally I give both of these guys a better shot at starting than I do Bradie James in the 3-4 sets. James might see some time in the 4-3 sets.

It will be interesting to see who ends up playing but one thing is for sure; The only experienced linebackers we have are Nguyen and Singleton (and Ogbogu perhaps...I don't know hoiw much he has played the position).

I predict for the 3-4:

Ware / Thornton
Nguyen / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Burnett / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Shanle or Ogbogu (maybe a rotation with Og coming in on passing downs)

and for the 4-3:

James (if he doesn't get cut) / Ware
Nguyen / (Fowler, O'Neil, etc.)
Shanle or Singleton (if he doesn't get cut)

This is encouraging for the 3-4 and very discouraging for the 4-3. I am tired of this offseason already. I can't wait to see what Bill Parcells does with this bunch of raw talent.

It still comes down to the fact that Ware, Thornton and Ogbogu all play the rush LB in a 3-4.

I also think we will play a lot more 4-3 than you guys think. Our best 11 players on defense fit the 4-3 better, Glover is a much better player than Shanle, Thornton, Ogbogu, Fowler or anybody else we throw out there at LB in a 3-4.

[InmanRoshi]

It still comes down to the fact that Ware, Thornton and Ogbogu all play the rush LB in a 3-4.

So, you only have one "rush" LB in the starting lineup in a 3-4?

So between Mike Vrabel/Rosie Collins and Willie McGinnest in New England's 3-4, which one is the "rush" and which one isn't?

And between Boulware and Suggs in Baltimore's 3-4, which one was the "rush" and which one isn't?

Who's the "rush" between Joey Porter and Clark Haggans?

[blindzebra]

So, you only have one "rush" LB in the starting lineup in a 3-4?

So between Mike Vrabel/Rosie Collins and Willie McGinnest in New England's 3-4, which one is the "rush" and which one isn't?

And between Boulware and Suggs in Baltimore's 3-4, which one was the "rush" and which one isn't?

You want a defense that is gonna work or not?

Ogbogu and Thornton are camp fodder and one will not make the final roster, and neither will start barring an injury to Ware.

[InmanRoshi]

Yes, we know. You don't think the 3-4 is going to work. You've bored everyone to tears for 4 months on it, and ruined many o'threads in the process. No need to turn this thread into another one.

The fact is that in a 3-4, you typically have 2 starting OLB's who are hybrids. Ware is going to occupy one. Ogbogu and Thornton will probably compete for the other as they best fit the bill, as the article said. They are no more or less spares than having to start Al Singleton in a 4-3, IMHO.

[blindzebra]

Yes, we know. You don't think the 3-4 is going to work. You've bored everyone to tears for 4 months on it. No need to turn this thread into another one.

The fact is that in a 3-4, you typically have 2 starting OLB's who are hybrids. Ware is going to occupy one. Ogbogu and Thornton will probably compete for the other, as the article said.

What bores me to tears is your condescension in every, I'm better than the rest of the board, post you make.

Ware, Thornton and Ogbogu are competing on the right side.

Shanle, James, and Burnett are competing on the left side.

IF we play a lot of 3-4.

This is where you edit your post to fit your argument, correct?

p.s. edit, Damned if you did not edit the post I quoted after I quoted it.:D

[junk]

Yes, we know. You don't think the 3-4 is going to work. You've bored everyone to tears for 4 months on it, and ruined many o'threads in the process. No need to turn this thread into another one.

The fact is that in a 3-4, you typically have 2 starting OLB's who are hybrids. Ware is going to occupy one. Ogbogu and Thornton will probably compete for the other as they best fit the bill, as the article said. They are no more or less spares than having to start Al Singleton in a 4-3, IMHO.


I wouldn't rule out Burnett opposite Ware in the 3-4. At first I thought he would be an ILB, but lately there has been some things that make me think he might be an OLB.

I see Ogbogu and Thornton both making the team and being rotational guys at OLB.

[InmanRoshi]

I wouldn't rule out Burnett opposite Ware in the 3-4. At first I thought he would be an ILB, but lately there has been some things that make me think he might be an OLB.

I see Ogbogu and Thornton both making the team and being rotational guys at OLB.

That's true. Parcells mentioned in his press conference that Burnett could play on the line of scrimmage in a 3-4, but that would be quite an adjustment for a 2nd round rookie who doesn't have much experience in a 3-4 who is going to miss mini-camps. I don't know if he could start immediately.

[junk]

That's true. Parcells mentioned in his press conference that Burnett could play on the line of scrimmage in a 3-4, but that would be quite an adjustment for a 2nd round rookie who doesn't have much experience in a 3-4 who is going to miss mini-camps. I don't know if he could start immediately.

Good point. Having him and Ware at bookends might be kind of dicey to start the season. The bad thing is that most of the others guys don't have much experience either. Ogbogu has some, but he is a rotational guy in my opinion. I don't think anyone else has played the 3-4.

LB is going to the best battle of camp IMO. Go Roger Cooper!

[blindzebra]

That's true. Parcells mentioned in his press conference that Burnett could play on the line of scrimmage in a 3-4, but that would be quite an adjustment for a 2nd round rookie who doesn't have much experience in a 3-4 who is going to miss mini-camps. I don't know if he could start immediately.

Big adjustment for a 2nd rounder with first round talent, but it's cake for a journeyman DE that did not play LB in any 3-4 looks last year and an UDFA DE that did zip last year when he played OLB.:rolleyes:

[ghettogandhi]

Singleton gets cut

Burnett if Hip is ready this year pushes all for starting time. Ware gets OLB spot in 3-4

I mentioned this about 3 months ago- you are correct sir

Singleton is as good as gone- he is too small to play anywhere in the 3-4

[junk]

I mentioned this about 3 months ago- you are correct sir

Singleton is as good as gone- he is too small to play anywhere in the 3-4

Then so is Burnett. They are essentially the same size.