Things that can stop Dallas...

[StanleySpadowski]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.

[WV Cowboy]

Surely you can find more than 4 reasons why we suck.

If the coach and QB suck, we probably won't win a game. :rolleyes:

[5Stars]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggresive" isn't a dirty word.

#4 is what bothers me the most! For some reason or the other, I just cannot acquire a taste for Parcells' method of "playing close to the vest" kind of football...

I like the gameplan to be agressive from the get go, like the team did against the Green Slime Parakeets in the first game last year...!

This "playing to win" in the final minutes of a game is not the kinda of ball I like to see...but, if the Tuna thinks it works...OK?

:star:

[Next_years_Champs]

#4 is what bothers me the most! For some reason or the other, I just cannot acquire a taste for Parcells' method of "playing close to the vest" kind of football...

I like the gameplan to be agressive from the get go, like the team did against the Green Slime Parakeets in the first game last year...!

This "playing to win" in the final minutes of a game is not the kinda of ball I like to see...but, if the Tuna thinks it works...OK?

:star:


As opposed to playing to lose maybe? I don't think these comments came across as intended.

[miamicowboy21]

The only thing that can stop us is injuries, and poor offensive line play. I expect to be in the playoffs this season.

[StanleySpadowski]

Surely you can find more than 4 reasons why we suck.

If the coach and QB suck, we probably won't win a game. :rolleyes:

I said "can stop", not "will stop".

Are you so confident that Bledsoe is going to step up huge after making a career of not doing that? You can't see "playing not to lose" rather than "playing to win" coming back to bite Dallas in the playoffs where one play can end a season?

[5Stars]

As opposed to playing to lose maybe? I don't think these comments came across as intended.

Yeah, my comments are a little ambiquous...! :eek:

But, to me the Tuna tries to "play to win" at the end of the game, or "play not to lose" at the end of the game! :eek:

Damn, maybe I don't know what I want to say! :eek:

:starspin

[iceberg]

As opposed to playing to lose maybe? I don't think these comments came across as intended.

it's ok. people tend to take them as they want to vs. intended anyway. : )

[5Stars]

it's ok. people tend to take them as they want to vs. intended anyway. : )

You are very wise, grasshopper! :)

[aznhalf]

I don't view Bledsoe as a bus driver.

To me a bus driver type QB is one who just makes the easy throws and takes care of the ball.

Bledsoe has the ability to make people open with his arm and is able to make the spectacular throws when he has time.

[Chocolate Lab]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.
Good ones...

Besides the obvious injury problems that could sink any team, here are some more:

1) The O-line simply not being good enough, even if healthy. Rivera hasn't played well, Kosier might not be able to handle huge mauling DTs like LA could, and Fabini might be diminishing due to age.

2) Carpenter struggling. Everyone, including me, likes him -- but what if he starts slow? He is a rookie, after all. And there's hardly anyone else to even play the position if Carpenter isn't good.

You could even say the same thing for Ayodele playing a new position, except that I think Fowler could be serviceable there if need be.

3) Julius continuing to be injury-prone. I think his injuries have been flukey, but if he gets hurt again it'll take a lot of steam out of our offense. Barber is rock-solid but can't break anything big.

4) Dare I say the initials? If a certain WR starts grousing...

[Next_years_Champs]

Yeah, my comments are a little ambiquous...! :eek:

But, to me the Tuna tries to "play to win" at the end of the game, or "play not to lose" at the end of the game! :eek:

Damn, maybe I don't know what I want to say! :eek:

:starspin

LOL!
Yeah I have those days as well, I really understood the gist of your comments. I took you to mean Parcells plays "not to lose" late in the games.
I just thought you might want to rephrase them.

In my opinion Parcells game planning is really similar to Tom Landrys, both used run oriented play calling to try and win games without exposing their entire playbook. Both would throw out the stops during critical times especially late in the season. I personally think Parcells strategy is based with an eye toward the entire season rather than a game by game perspective.

In my mind both coaches played close to the cuff with the strategy of having something new left in the late season showdowns. I also think that this or a similar strategy will win championships when combined with the right mix of talent, and indeed has probably won most of the championships by a wide margin.

[REDVOLUTION]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.

You know whats funny.... is that while I can see your points.... we were STILL only a kicker and few plays here and there from going 11-5 or 12-4 and maybe a good playoff run.... just my thoughts....

[AsthmaField]

#4 is what bothers me the most! For some reason or the other, I just cannot acquire a taste for Parcells' method of "playing close to the vest" kind of football...

I like the gameplan to be agressive from the get go, like the team did against the Green Slime Parakeets in the first game last year...!

This "playing to win" in the final minutes of a game is not the kinda of ball I like to see...but, if the Tuna thinks it works...OK?

:star:

I know what you're talking about... but maybe Parcells simply hasn't had the weapons to play as "open" with the gameplan as he wanted to.

We do have more weapons than we have had... so maybe he'll open things up a bit this year. Who knows?

Parcells will probably always be a little close to the vest... but he may be more open than he has been.

[Kangaroo]

Bledsoe is why we want make it. Sorry I just do not have faith in the guy :grrr:

[cobra]

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather.

Do you have any basis for any of these claims?

They all look completely made-up to me.

[wileedog]

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.

Not arguing your point, but I think this is more of a coaching philosophy thing. Parcells would rather play to his own teams strengths then let the other team dictate his strategy. That's why we rarely if ever come in with a radically different game plan or big halftime adjustment based on who we are playing.

We can debate the merits of this probably all day long, but I think in Parcell's mind even if the other team is weak in the secondary, its doesn't mean your team built to pound the ball and/or having offensive line protection problems is going to be successfull throwing it 50 times.

Its a philosophy IMO that will work better if you have a really good team. Jimmy for example rarely came in with any totally unique game plans because he didn't have to - nobody was going to stop Emmitt anyway. And it will probably fare better for Bill too once the talent level gets to where he wants it.

Is the talent enough now? Dunno, guess we'll see this year. But if not then its a very legitimate question mark. If it is and we avoid the injury plague then i think it diminishes as a concern significantly.

[Yeagermeister]

Bledsoe is why we want make it. Sorry I just do not have faith in the guy :grrr:
I hear ya but we don't have any other choice :(

[Pottsville Maroons]

#4 is what bothers me the most! For some reason or the other, I just cannot acquire a taste for Parcells' method of "playing close to the vest" kind of football...

I like the gameplan to be agressive from the get go, like the team did against the Green Slime Parakeets in the first game last year...!


I know what you're talking about... but maybe Parcells simply hasn't had the weapons to play as "open" with the gameplan as he wanted to.

We do have more weapons than we have had... so maybe he'll open things up a bit this year. Who knows?

Parcells will probably always be a little close to the vest... but he may be more open than he has been.

Agreed. I don't like keeping pace with the opponent and then relying on that one final drive and ensuing field goal attempt to dictate my team's fate from week to week.

The thing that encourages me about opening up the gameplans this year is largely based on that Philthy game last year, too. That was game 5 of the year, the game before Flozell went down. Parcells seemed very encouraged at that point about the team's potential, based on press conference quotes. Clearly, the loss of Adams changed the team's philosophy for the rest of the season.

My hope is that, with Adams back, we can quickly return to the level of performance that we displayed against Philly in that game. That team was really getting it together at that point and JJones had 70 yds in the first half, I think. Having TO and a year's more experience in the 3-4 Defense should only further our development.

[burmafrd]

Frankly most of those so called reasons are fantasy. Davis was not great but he was not bad. He was OK. We get more pressure and he will be more then OK. Bledsoe is not really an issue but some people want to make him so- he made some big plays last year so your so called small is a joke. NO TEAM can take injuries to key players - what happens to NE if Brady goes down? ETC. INVALID. Coaching- BP does not like to gamble much- especially if he does not think he has the horses. This year could be very different.

[EMMITTnROY]

the ONLY thing that would stop us this year is injuries.. we have the talent..

[Bob Sacamano]

nothing can stop us! BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

OW! damn shades are too prim-rosed, I ran into the wall!

[Bob Sacamano]

Not arguing your point, but I think this is more of a coaching philosophy thing. Parcells would rather play to his own teams strengths then let the other team dictate his strategy. That's why we rarely if ever come in with a radically different game plan or big halftime adjustment based on who we are playing.

We can debate the merits of this probably all day long, but I think in Parcell's mind even if the other team is weak in the secondary, its doesn't mean your team built to pound the ball and/or having offensive line protection problems is going to be successfull throwing it 50 times.

Its a philosophy IMO that will work better if you have a really good team. Jimmy for example rarely came in with any totally unique game plans because he didn't have to - nobody was going to stop Emmitt anyway. And it will probably fare better for Bill too once the talent level gets to where he wants it.

Is the talent enough now? Dunno, guess we'll see this year. But if not then its a very legitimate question mark. If it is and we avoid the injury plague then i think it diminishes as a concern significantly.

:hammer: just stay away from QB debates and you'll be fine ;)

[WV Cowboy]

I said "can stop", not "will stop".

Are you so confident that Bledsoe is going to step up huge after making a career of not doing that? You can't see "playing not to lose" rather than "playing to win" coming back to bite Dallas in the playoffs where one play can end a season?
If I was a worrier, I would find several things to worry about prior to coming to Bledsoe, ... but since I'm not a worrier, I just don't think that way.

I am excited about the possibilities this season holds, .. not thinking about everything that could go wrong.

[Jarv]

I don't view Bledsoe as a bus driver.

To me a bus driver type QB is one who just makes the easy throws and takes care of the ball.

Bledsoe has the ability to make people open with his arm and is able to make the spectacular throws when he has time.


How many of you guys has played on an offensive line ? I was a RT through my senoir year in HS (Also played LB, which I prefered, but small school...had to play both).

I know in the film sessions after the game I love to see that perfect pocket or the crack back block on the LB as the line blocked down on the defenders to spring the RB for a big gain.

We had a QB like Bledsoe (Sr. Year), strong arm but kinda slow. I know it would demoralise us when we saw that great pocket, he would just hold onto the ball and get sacked. We would punch him in the film room and say get rid of it you idiot.

Now, my Jr. year we had a more mobile QB. This guy would setup faster and...take off faster. I mean there were times he HAD more time to look or wait for a reciever to get open, but he would take off running. Now we won more games with this guy in our Jr. year than the other guy in our Sr. year...

But I'm not sure, as a lineman now...Which I liked better.

Make me think how the linemen feel in Atlanta where the work their butts of for Vick to make a pocket and the guy takes off.

If we had a mobile QB last year maybe Rob and Torin don't give up as many sacks, yet they lose that rush of watching a completion in the film room from the perfect pocket if they had a Vick like player.

Not sure my point here, maybe none at all...Just wondereing with all of the O-line talk here what old O-line guys here think.

[StanleySpadowski]

Do you have any basis for any of these claims?

They all look completely made-up to me.


:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I won't rehash Bledsoe over and over again but good gawd, all those claims are easy to substantiate.

Check out his anemic career postseason rating, go to NFL.com and compare his September stats with his December ones for almost every season of his career and I've shown examples of his poor play in bad weather on this site more times than I care to.

[big dog cowboy]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.
1. Actually is a minor thing. The rest of the D is good enough that having issues at FS won't stop us.

2. The biggest concern for our team. Should he get hurt, the entire season could be lost. The most non-replaceable player on our team.

3. Better depth this year and with the off season workout program in place we generally esperience fewer injuries. You never want injuries because depth is usually a problem. That is just a part of the game.

4. I completely understand your point. Here is hoping BP finally knows he has to get his head in the game each week.

[Cowboys&Caps]

I said "can stop", not "will stop".

Are you so confident that Bledsoe is going to step up huge after making a career of not doing that? You can't see "playing not to lose" rather than "playing to win" coming back to bite Dallas in the playoffs where one play can end a season?


we lost our playoffs on three seperate plays last year if we had had just one go for us we would have been in the playoffs.

[cowboywho?]

The Redskins of course.

:rolleyes:

[The30YardSlant]

The Redskins of course.

:rolleyes:

Care to elaborate on that in some form of detail? Perhaps how they will go about doing that? :rolleyes:

[cowboywho?]

Care to elaborate on that in some form of detail? Perhaps how they will go about doing that? :rolleyes:

Dont tell me you didnt expect that response.

However I dont think it is a sure win for either team.
But i know for damn sure that we are going to put up a fight.

[The30YardSlant]

Dont tell me you didnt expect that response.

However I dont think it is a sure win for either team.
But i know for damn sure that we are going to put up a fight.

By "fight", you mean losing games, then having Gibbs whine to the NFL front office about it? :rolleyes:

[superpunk]

Say word.....

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b93/bobby_james/joegibbs_cruise.jpg

[cowboywho?]

By "fight", you mean losing games, then having Gibbs whine to the NFL front office about it? :rolleyes:

care to elaborate on that? you know how you guys are going to win?

[superpunk]

care to elaborate on that? you know how you guys are going to win?

I'll venture a guess -

we score more points than you.

[Kareemovweet]

Yeah man, I joined a few weeks ago, just never posted anything yet.....

[cowboywho?]

And how your going to score more points then us?
Let me guess TO right?

[superpunk]

Kareem is one astute fellow. :-)

[superpunk]

And how your going to score more points then us?


Touchdowns, field goals, maybe a safety.

I don't know - it could get pretty crazy.

[The30YardSlant]

Mr. cowboywho, what you've been typing are some of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. At no point in any of your rambling, incoherent posts are you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this forum is now dumber for having read them. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[Jimz31]

Just 3 words can stop us....Bad Line Play.

By either the o-line or the d-line.

[Kareemovweet]

Thaaaaaaats right!!!! :)

[Kevin]

I believe the Cowboys chances at success this year is directly proportionate to the performance of the offensive line. It's easy to cast off an old QB as a washup (see 2004 Mark Brunell), but any NFL QB is going to hit his mark if he's given enough time.

A good offensive line will not only provide pass protection though. If the Cowboy's running game can become more effective, the connection between Bledsoe and Owens will develope more rapidly.

So there...in my opinion a solid offensive line is the key to success. Not only for Dallas, but for everyone. Seeing as how the Cowboys' line struggled mightily this past year, I believe that should be a prime focus.

I haven't paid much attention to the Cowboys offseason acquisitions besides Draft Day and TO...was the O-Line issue addressed at all?

[jterrell]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.


rofl.
Was this an effort to get in all biases in one post:)

The coach and QB on any team can cost them games. If we get into the playoffs it will be largely because of them and any run at all will depend upon them. Those are not team weaknesses by any means.

1. Injuries and a tough NFCE.

Thats about it.

[iceberg]

']I believe the Cowboys chances at success this year is directly proportionate to the performance of the offensive line. It's easy to cast off an old QB as a washup (see 2004 Mark Brunell), but any NFL QB is going to hit his mark if he's given enough time.

A good offensive line will not only provide pass protection though. If the Cowboy's running game can become more effective, the connection between Bledsoe and Owens will develope more rapidly.

So there...in my opinion a solid offensive line is the key to success. Not only for Dallas, but for everyone. Seeing as how the Cowboys' line struggled mightily this past year, I believe that should be a prime focus.

I haven't paid much attention to the Cowboys offseason acquisitions besides Draft Day and TO...was the O-Line issue addressed at all?

define "addressed".

we signed kosier. a det OL who was more or less a sleeper we hope will do well.
we signed fabini.
flo and rivera *should* be healthy.
petitti we *hope* gets better.
al johnson got 11 lbs bigger or something like that. (all we really needed was 11 more lbs - the irony!)
and we got (2) 7th round picks who shoulda been FA walk ons and 1 is already out for the year.

we're fine dude. rock solid.

[Bob Sacamano]

']was the O-Line issue addressed at all?

we jettisoned the immobile LA for the quick, mobile Kyle Kosier at LG, signed the solid veteran Jason Fabini to compete with Pettiti for the RT job, Fabini will also serve as the swing tackle, just in case Flo gets hurt, and drafted 2 guys in the 7th round as developmental prospects

the biggest change we have going for us is getting Flozell ADams back at LT, last year our offense did pretty well with him in the lineup, in fact, Bledsoe was the NFL's #1 rated QB while Flo was starting, then add TO's ability to seperate from man-coverage, Witten being able to run more pass-routes, the 2-TE offense, I think we'll be fine on O

[REDVOLUTION]

And how your going to score more points then us?
Let me guess TO right?

answer 1: T.O.
answer 2: Yes.

Bet you wish you had a T.O.:starspin

[Manster68]

we jettisoned the immobile LA for the quick, mobile Kyle Kosier at LG, signed the solid veteran Jason Fabini to compete with Pettiti for the RT job, Fabini will also serve as the swing tackle, just in case Flo gets hurt, and drafted 2 guys in the 7th round as developmental prospects

the biggest change we have going for us is getting Flozell ADams back at LT, last year our offense did pretty well with him in the lineup, in fact, Bledsoe was the NFL's #1 rated QB while Flo was starting, then add TO's ability to seperate from man-coverage, Witten being able to run more pass-routes, the 2-TE offense, I think we'll be fine on O

See, that is what will help out the offensive line the most. The additions of Owens and Fasano.

Don't forget, one of the aspects of Dallas' offensive troubles last season was backside blocking. Fasano plays a role here - and will be an upgrade over Campbell. Owens, on the other hand, stretches the defense. This will allow the line better opportunities to open holes for Julius, Marion, and Tyson.

[lspain1]

Manster, I understand your point....I'm just not sure I agree. We had Keyshawn last year and and a healthy Glenn. While they aren't Owens, they were far from the worst in the NFL. They also were nowhere near good enough to compensate for the lousy OL play. The root of your argument is that TO is a special player and will force defenses to modify their alignment. I beleive Owens is not going to be enough if our OL does not improve.

We didn't run the ball well last year (except in spots), and it is a clear weakness until the Cowboys prove otherwise. I believe our opponents will take the same strategy they did last year and that was stop the run first! They will force the Cowboys to throw and pass protect (which we did badly). It was the formula that beat the Cowboys last year and we will see it again this year.

[WV Cowboy]

Manster, I understand your point....I'm just not sure I agree. We had Keyshawn last year and and a healthy Glenn. While they aren't Owens, they were far from the worst in the NFL.
The difference will be that with KJ, he could catch a 7-9 yd pass to beat the blitz, .. the defense didn't care, they would just blitz again.

7-9 yds occasionally, who cares.

But with TO, that same 7-9 pass can turn into a 40 or 50 TD play.

The defense will be a little more cautious to blitz.

[burmafrd]

TO can hurt you so much more then Key that it is ridiculous to compare them. We were scoring points and doing very well offensively even with the running game problems untill we lost the Hotel. Fabini was a very solid guy for the Jets- 119 straight games or something like that- and while not an all pro was good enough. Kosier had several teams VERY interested- so we should have SOME confidence there- at the VERY LEAST he will be able to reach guys that LA could only look at. If AL keeps that extra 17 pounds he will be a lot harder to shove backwards. A healthy Rivera was a Pro Bowl guard. It all comes down to injuries- and this year we have more depth. I think that Columbo and Peterson will contribute this year. We have potentially the best offense in the NFL: we have people who have made big plays at every skill position and new guys that have a lot of potential. There is hardly anyone in the NFL that can cover Glenn one on one and the same for TO; Witten has proven himself, Fasano certainly has the pedigree; and JJ has proven that he can take over a game all by himself when he gets halfway decent blocking.
Bledsoe if given good time (not the PERFECT protection some morons keep claiming he needs) can slice up any defense.

[Doomsday101]

The difference will be that with KJ, he could catch a 7-9 yd pass to beat the blitz, .. the defense didn't care, they would just blitz again.

7-9 yds occasionally, who cares.

But with TO, that same 7-9 pass can turn into a 40 or 50 TD play.

The defense will be a little more cautious to blitz.

Using the 2 TE sets with 2 TE who can catch the ball also may force teams to back off a little on the blitz. Also when a D sees 2 TE they tend to look for the run so that may help to slow defenses down. As for your take on TO I think your dead on, no team is going to want to man up on TO because of his ability to make the catch and break the tackle for the big gainer.

[Cowchips]

I don't view Bledsoe as a bus driver.

To me a bus driver type QB is one who just makes the easy throws and takes care of the ball.

Bledsoe has the ability to make people open with his arm and is able to make the spectacular throws when he has time.

Bledsoe demonstrates on a regular basis that he still has the best arm in football. Given protection, he will put another 4,000 yd season on his resume.

As for his gaffs. His get magnified out of proportion because everyone focuses on him. Tom Brady threw 4 ints against KC last year and Peyton Manning absolutely sucks during the playoffs.

Here is a question for you. In a playoff game, 2 minutes left, down by 3, who would you want behind center. Peyton (never won a playoff game) Manning or Drew Bledsoe? I'd take Bledsoe, but that's just me :)

[Cowchips]

Using the 2 TE sets with 2 TE who can catch the ball also may force teams to back off a little on the blitz. Also when a D sees 2 TE they tend to look for the run so that may help to slow defenses down. As for your take on TO I think your dead on, no team is going to want to man up on TO because of his ability to make the catch and break the tackle for the big gainer.

Teams can't double cover TO, Glenn, Witten and blitz. This season is gonna be very interesting. I think Bledsoe will throw for 4,500-5,000 yards and the haters will be saying he only did it because of TO. Drew Bledsoe, the HOFr everyone loves to hate :)

[Doomsday101]

Teams can't double cover TO, Glenn, Witten and blitz. This season is gonna be very interesting. I think Bledsoe will throw for 4,500-5,000 yards and the haters will be saying he only did it because of TO. Drew Bledsoe, the HOFr everyone loves to hate :)

They can blitz and I'm sure Defenses will test us. It will be the job of the Cowboys offense to make teams pay when they come at us with the blitz. Burn the blitz and teams will back off.. Let me also say I think people will be very impressed by the work of Fasano, the kid is a hard nose player just like Witten.

[Kangaroo]

Bledsoe demonstrates on a regular basis that he still has the best arm in football. Given protection, he will put another 4,000 yd season on his resume.

As for his gaffs. His get magnified out of proportion because everyone focuses on him. Tom Brady threw 4 ints against KC last year and Peyton Manning absolutely sucks during the playoffs.

Here is a question for you. In a playoff game, 2 minutes left, down by 3, who would you want behind center. Peyton (never won a playoff game) Manning or Drew Bledsoe? I'd take Bledsoe, but that's just me :)

What has has Bledsoe realy ever done in a playoff not much he has a 4-3 record threw 4 pics in the Superbowl

Last I looked Bledsoe was never even a league MVP so what ever

Then Brady throwing 4 picks one game who cares last I looked the guy was sporting 3 SB rings the team got after never returning Bledsoe to the lineup

I would taken a lot of QB's over Bledsoe including Payton

[juck]

From making a deep run in the playoffs.

These are in no particular order.

1. Free safety - Unless someone steps up to adequate, teams are going to expoit this weakness. Davis may have been the worst starter in the NFL last season. When teams needed to make a play, they went at him or to areas exposed by people cheating to help him. One or two huge plays over FS can turn a playoff game.

2. Drew Bledsoe - As said, he has a history of "coming up small" when it matters, is notorious for fading down the stretch and plays poorly in inclement weather. I guess the best analogy is that he could be a decent "bus driver" when he realizes that is what he is, not a formula one driver.

3. Injuries to key players - Last year Adams was key due to inadequate backups. This year the team could survive losing Adams thanks to Fabini but it cannot lose Ferguson or Ware. The depth just doesn't bring to the table anything close to what those two do.

4. Coaching - There's been times in the last few years where Dallas was simply out-coached during the game. Very few times has Dallas spotted another team's weakness and exploited it and "aggressive" isn't a dirty word.


I think NEGATIVE fans are what holds the team back.Now name 5 reason that we will be very good this year.:mad:

[Bob Sacamano]

Manster, I understand your point....I'm just not sure I agree. We had Keyshawn last year and and a healthy Glenn. While they aren't Owens, they were far from the worst in the NFL. They also were nowhere near good enough to compensate for the lousy OL play.

last year, esp. in the 2nd half, one of our biggest problems were our receivers failing to get seperation, Key because that wasn't his strong-point, and Glenn because he was getting doubled, plus add the fact that Witten was receiving double-teams, and was staying back to help the pass-protection, TO's ability to seperate from tight man-coverage alone, is going to be a big help for Bledsoe, and our Oline isn't going to be playing as poorly as it did in the 2nd half of last year IMO

[The30YardSlant]

']I believe the Cowboys chances at success this year is directly proportionate to the performance of the offensive line.

I believe the Redskins chances at success this year are directly proportionate to the amount of time Sean Taylor plays the role of prison beetch and how often little Gibbs whines to the NFL front office.