JJT | Inside Valley Ranch 7-20-04

[Bluefin]

Jean-Jacques Taylor: Buy George? No interest will pay dividends for Jones

07:51 PM CDT on Tuesday, July 20, 2004


Eddie George used to be a great back. He used to be a difference-maker.

He used to be the kind of runner who could will a team to victory.

Sadly, he's no longer any of those things.

He's still a warrior. He'll come to play every Sunday. And there will never be a doubt concerning his effort or intensity.

But you don't pay age in the NFL.

You don't pay for the name on the back of the jersey; you pay for the talent within the player.

Tennessee says George's talent is no longer with $4 million per year. They want to pay him $1.5 million.

An insulted George has asked for his release. He says Dallas is one of three teams he'd like to play for.

At this point, the Cowboys have no interest - and that's a good thing.

George has not missed a game in years, testament to his durability and character.

But that's not to say he hasn't been banged up.

He's had a bad toe. A bad knee. A bad calf. And those are just the health issues we know about.

In his prime, George was a workhouse. He carried the ball with a ferocity few have.

And he has paid a price.

He's no longer a dominant runner. He averaged only 3.3 yards per carry last season.

He'll be 31 in September.

To most, he is young man. To the NFL, he's just about ready for Social Security.

There's no need for George in Dallas. This team isn't ready to win a Super Bowl, so it doesn't need a security blanket like George.

This team needs to let Julius Jones carry the ball 320 times so he can learn the nuances of the NFL and make rookie mistakes that will make him that much better in his second year.

Every carry George would have wearing a star on the side of his helmet would be one fewer chance for Jones to gain valuable experience.

George has had his turn. Now it's Jones' time.

COWBOYS Q&A

Q: I have read about how many holes the Cowboys have. Bill Parcells doesn't name starters. He lets the whole world know that each position is pretty much up for grabs, so the perception is that there are a lot of holes. What do you think?

J. Harter

TAYLOR: I'll give you credit for imagination, but I don't agree with you. That's because your point suggests that the media buys into whatever Parcells is selling, and I know that's not the case. You can look at the roster and see they don't have a solid right tackle or cornerback. You can also see they have an unproven running back and questions about depth behind their top three receivers. You can look at the stats and see they haven't had a defensive lineman with double-digit sacks since 1996, so there is a hole when it comes to rushing the passer. The holes on the Cowboys' roster have nothing to do with perception and everything to do with reality.

• • •

Q: If it looks like Jamar Martin doesn't fit into the plan for fullback this year, is there any chance for a trade? Even a draft choice next year would be nice.

Daryl Mayer, Leominster, Mass.

TAYLOR: I can't see it happening. Why would any team give you anything - even a conditional seventh-round pick - for a one-dimensional player like Martin, who has accomplished little in the league. Dallas would love to get something for him if he's not going to make the team, but I would say it's unlikely.

• • •

Q: I know the Cowboys' defense has been highly regarded the last few seasons, and no doubt they have been outstanding. However, how much of this has to do with the offense? Teams do not fear the Cowboys offensively and so opponents are less likely to open up their offense and take a lot of chances. Your thoughts?

Todd Iverson La Crosse, Wisc.

TAYLOR: That's a popular theory, but I don't know how much weight I put into it. You don't luck your way into the type of defense Dallas played much of last season. Now I don't put a whole lot of stock into how the NFL calculates the top defense because it's based solely on yards. But the Cowboys were among the league leaders in points allowed, third-down defense, first-down defense and completion percentage. Let's not qualify why they played good defense. Let's just say they did.

• • •

Q: Last year the Cowboys averaged 18 points a game. What changes have you seen or do you anticipate this year that will allow the Cowboys to become a more consistent offense or will the team still struggle to score at crunch time?

R. Dixon, Brookville, Md.

TAYLOR: I have maintained for months that the biggest asset the Cowboys have this year is continuity. This marks the first time Quincy Carter will have the same quarterbacks coach, head coach and offensive coordinator in consecutive seasons. Trust me, that is a big deal. The addition of Keyshawn Johnson should help because this staff knows exactly how to get the most out of him. Julius Jones should also help. I would bet you that Jones will have more yards, touchdowns and a higher average per carry than Troy Hambrick. Those few things alone should make the offense more productive.

• • •

Q: Could you please explain why Dallas seems content to go forward with Julius Jones, who has never played a single down in pro ball? I do not understand this, and as Dallas goes forward, what if Jones has a serious injury, then what? If we are to contend for the division and playoffs, we need a stud running back. I just hope - and it's a huge hope - that Jones can fit the bill.

Steven J. Bone

TAYLOR: I don't understand. They needed a runner in the draft, so they took one. They passed on the three players - Stephen Jackson, Kevin Jones and Chris Perry - who most draft experts tagged as the best. But on their draft board, they had Jones rated nearly as high as the other three. Would you be asking the same questions if they had picked Jackson, Kevin Jones or Perry? Probably not. You have to accept the fact that Jones is the guy they coveted and the guy who is supposed to be their featured back.

• • •

Q: Darren Woodson had a solid 2003 season at safety. At 35, No. 28 is nearing the end. How many productive years do you think he has left, and will the presence of Roy Williams help to lengthen his career with the Cowboys?

Brett James

TAYLOR: I think Woody will play two more years at a pretty high level because he keeps himself in such good shape. I do not, however, think Williams is going to extend Woodson's career because Woodson struggles some in coverage, which means he can't play a traditional free safety role the Cowboys need. Free safety would also prevent him from taking such a pounding because he wouldn't be so involved in the running game.

• • •

Q: Knowing that Parcells despises turnovers and players who commit them, would you agree that this is the reason we drafted Julius Jones and traded for Drew Henson? If I recall, each one is exceptional when it comes to avoiding fumbles and interceptions, respectively.

M.J. Klouda, Tyler, Texas

TAYLOR: Actually, I don't think that had much to do with it. Henson is a terrific talent who gives the Cowboys a chance to get a big-time quarterback at a cheap rate - at least for awhile - if he plays to his potential. Jones was a good college running back, something Dallas lacked.

• • •

Q: Jason Witten had a good rookie year, and Dan Campbell is solid. Why does Parcells keep looking for more tight ends?

Bob Stair, Dallas, Pa.

TAYLOR: He loves the versatility the position gives him. He loves formations with two tight ends because they give balance to the formation, so the defense can't assume that you're running to the strong side. It also helps the running game because they're usually better blockers than fullbacks, especially in today's game. And when you run as many formations with two tight ends as Parcells does, you need four on the roster to give you depth in case of injury.

• • •

Q: I'm assuming that this will be Billy Cundiff's first year to handle the kickoff duties. Just curious, but has his off-season workout regimen been more aggressive this year to prevent his leg from tiring toward the end of the season? Handling the kickoffs, along with a new holder, could have an impact on his ability to kick field goals from a reasonable distance in the second half of the season.

Scott Clark

TAYLOR: You make some intelligent points. I talked to Cundiff about that during the last minicamp, and he said that his routine in the off-season really hadn't changed that much. He's worked hard to increase his strength to ensure that he's not fatigued during the latter part of the season, but he doesn't think it's that big of a deal. After all, he said, he handled both duties in college. The biggest thing is that if he knows in training camp that he's going to handle kickoffs, he can work on it before the season as opposed to having it thrust on him in the middle of the season.

[Bluefin]

Q: If it looks like Jamar Martin doesn't fit into the plan for fullback this year, is there any chance for a trade? Even a draft choice next year would be nice.

Daryl Mayer, Leominster, Mass.

TAYLOR: I can't see it happening. Why would any team give you anything - even a conditional seventh-round pick - for a one-dimensional player like Martin, who has accomplished little in the league. Dallas would love to get something for him if he's not going to make the team, but I would say it's unlikely.

Why not just end the discussion by keeping J-Mart on the team?

I'm not at all in favor of keeping one fullback on a team looking to create a running identity.

Go with Martin and Lousaka Polite just makes sense to me.

Q: I know the Cowboys' defense has been highly regarded the last few seasons, and no doubt they have been outstanding. However, how much of this has to do with the offense? Teams do not fear the Cowboys offensively and so opponents are less likely to open up their offense and take a lot of chances. Your thoughts?

Todd Iverson La Crosse, Wisc.

TAYLOR: That's a popular theory, but I don't know how much weight I put into it. You don't luck your way into the type of defense Dallas played much of last season. Now I don't put a whole lot of stock into how the NFL calculates the top defense because it's based solely on yards. But the Cowboys were among the league leaders in points allowed, third-down defense, first-down defense and completion percentage. Let's not qualify why they played good defense. Let's just say they did.

It is a popular theory and it's one I've seen AdamJT13 stick a fork in.

The defense wasn't dominant, but it was very good and difficult to score on.

Dallas was tops overall in yards allowed, fourth in third down percentage and time of possession, tied for fourth in touchdowns allowed, second in points allowed and the only team to hold opposing passers under 50% in completions.

It isn't frequently discussed, but teams threw the ball more than they ran it against Dallas.

I'm sure offenses weren't as aggressive against Dallas because of the offensive problems after mid-season, but they still had to put points on the board.

It wasn't easy.

I hope it gets a lot harder.

[InmanRoshi]

If Cundiff is handling kickoff duties, that's a good sign for Mat McBriar.

as Parcells said in his press conference .. he doesn't want a FB who just blocks or just catches the ball ... he wants guys who can do it all. I'm sure Parcells would be more inclined to keep a one dimensional Martin if he could contribute in the least on special teams, but he doesn't ... he's too slow. You can't dress all 53, and if Martin can't provide anything other to the team than 10 snaps as human battering ram then he is a waste of a suited uniform. Fans need to start weaning themselves off the Martin infatuation, because you're about to get your hearts broken.

[dallasfaniac]

Originally Posted by Bluefin

George has not missed a game in years, testament to his durability and character.

Not that it matters, but he has never missed a start in the NFL.

[Chocolate Lab]

Originally Posted by InmanRoshi

As Parcells said in his press conference .. he doesn't want a FB who just blocks or just catches the ball ... he wants guys who can do it all. I'm sure Parcells would be more inclined to keep a one dimensional Martin if he could contribute in the least on special teams, but he doesn't ... he's too slow. You can't dress all 53, and if Martin can't provide anything other to the team than 10 snaps as human battering ram then he is a waste of a suited uniform. Fans need to start weaning themselves off the Martin infatuation, because you're about to get your hearts broken.

Wasn't Sam Gash one of Parcells' favorite players in a previous life?

I know the signs from the media haven't been the best, but we know how much they know. And Martin was just a rookie coming off a bad knee injury the year before... Maybe he deserves a little break, just like all rookies.

[InmanRoshi]

Wow, the Martin Love Affair is so strong that now we have a media conspiracy against a backup fullback.

Parcells said in one of his press conferences that Martin almost didn't make the team last year. Then he pays out top dollar to bring in the best UFA FB on the market and trades a draft pick to bring another one in. Its not a media concoction.

Early in his career, Gash was more than just a human batttering ram. He had 48 rushing attempts one year. Despite that, and the fact that he probably contributed to special teams which also seperates him from Martin, Gash was never a full time starter under Parcells.

[ravidubey]

Originally Posted by Bluefin

I'm sure offenses weren't as aggressive against Dallas because of the offensive problems after mid-season, but they still had to put points on the board.

You can pull that fork right out. Those statistics are compromised if offenses played Dallas differently. The Dallas defense was very good, but the ugliness of the offense and the VERY lucky draw of the competition were major contributing factors to Dallas' ranking despite how any of you rationalize statistics. Are you saying that the Jets led by Testaverde are no different than the same team led by Pennington? Atlanta with Vick (of yeah, we lost that one).

How did Dallas rank in terms of allowing big plays?

How can anyone deny that good offenses and good teams all but had their way with Dallas? It's almost pathetic to see people clinging to the "first" Philly and Carolina games. In one game a bizarre onsides kick return for a TD ( ?) saves Dallas and in the other inexplicably the other team refuses to blitz. Dallas had to fight hard in both games.

Miami utterly dismantled Dallas-- and coincidentally the fins were the only team Dallas faced with a good big WR! BTW, SEVEN good big WR's were just drafted in the first round this year.

[InmanRoshi]

Originally Posted by ravidubey

You can pull that fork right out. Those statistics are compromised if offenses played Dallas differently. The Dallas defense was very good, but the ugliness of the offense and the VERY lucky draw of the competition were major contributing factors to Dallas' ranking despite how any of you rationalize statistics. Are you saying that the Jets led by Testaverde are no different than the same team led by Pennington? Atlanta with Vick (of yeah, we lost that one).

How did Dallas rank in terms of allowing big plays?

How can anyone deny that good offenses and good teams all but had their way with Dallas? It's almost pathetic to see people clinging to the "first" Philly and Carolina games. In one game a bizarre onsides kick return for a TD ( ?) saves Dallas and in the other inexplicably the other team refuses to blitz. Dallas had to fight hard in both games.

[View Full Quote]Miami utterly dismantled Dallas-- and coincidentally the fins were the only team Dallas faced with a good big WR! BTW, SEVEN good big WR's were just drafted in the first round this year.

Funny how you declare the Panthers game and the first Eagles game as anamolies, and then proceed to base your entire analysis on one game. I wish we could all be so lucky to just ignore an entire season and pick out one game when it suits our arguments.

"They didn't play any good big WR's before Miami" argument also holdss no water. They played numerous WR's who are not only bigger than Chris Chambers (5'11"), but were also better players last year (Lav Coles, Anaquin Boldin, Amani Toomer, Keenan McCardell)

[Hollywood Henderson]

IMHO Parcells would be smart to use Martin well...The guy is simply the best blocker we have...

It was a waste to use Anderson as a blocker and put more pressure on carter to win games...Thats not something Carter is ever going to do...

Moose made quite a nice living out of smashing LBers without being a threat as a receiver...

With a better Online, good blocking TE's and improved runner/weapon in J.Jones...Parcells would be very wise to use Martin alot and smash defenses into submission....

[Bluefin]

Originally Posted by InmanRoshi

as Parcells said in his press conference .. he doesn't want a FB who just blocks or just catches the ball ... he wants guys who can do it all. I'm sure Parcells would be more inclined to keep a one dimensional Martin if he could contribute in the least on special teams, but he doesn't ... he's too slow. You can't dress all 53, and if Martin can't provide anything other to the team than 10 snaps as human battering ram then he is a waste of a suited uniform. Fans need to start weaning themselves off the Martin infatuation, because you're about to get your hearts broken.

Martin did play on special teams last year and it was something he'd never done before.

I'm willing to see if he can get better at it before kicking him to the curb.

J-Mart can also continue to get better as a ball carrier, receiver and even as a lead blocker.

I don't know what Darian Barnes or Lousaka Polite will bring to the mix at fullback, and I'll be a lot happier if Parcells keeps two fullbacks instead of one.

That could be Barnes and Polite, I haven't seen them yet, but I love the physical dimension Martin can give the offense as a blocker and hope he stays in the mix.

Originally Posted by ravidubey

You can pull that fork right out.

The fork stays.

I'll remove it when offenses start marching up and down the field at will against Dallas this season.

How did Dallas rank in terms of allowing big plays?

Dallas allowed five runs of 20 yards or more, only three teams allowed fewer.

Dallas allowed 40 receptions of 20 or more yards, which placed them 13th.

In comparison, New England tied for first place by allowing only two runs of 20 or more yards and allowed 37 receptions of 20 yards or more for an 8th place ranking.

Dallas played a very aggressive scheme and such defenses give up their share of big plays.

Miami utterly dismantled Dallas-- and coincidentally the fins were the only team Dallas faced with a good big WR! BTW, SEVEN good big WR's were just drafted in the first round this year.

Who might that receiver have been?

Chris Chambers is 5-11.

Derrius Thompson is 6-2, but he only caught two passes in the game.

The Fish now have David Boston, but he was a Charger last year.

[Chocolate Lab]

Originally Posted by InmanRoshi

Wow, the Martin Love Affair is so strong that now we have a media conspiracy against a backup fullback.

Parcells said in one of his press conferences that Martin almost didn't make the team last year. Then he pays out top dollar to bring in the best UFA FB on the market and trades a draft pick to bring another one in. Its not a media concoction.

Early in his career, Gash was more than just a human batttering ram. He had 48 rushing attempts one year. Despite that, and the fact that he probably contributed to special teams which also seperates him from Martin, Gash was never a full time starter under Parcells.

Martin Love Affair? Media Conspiracy? What are you talking about?

I never said any such thing about any conspiracy. I do think that the media has simply assumed that because two fullbacks were brought in, Parcells is unhappy with Martin. Do we really know that? That line of thinking doesn't apply at the quarterback position, does it? Has Parcells said anything bad about Martin other than the comment about him being a little heavy in June? The "almost cut" comment was last year, and I remember the same thing being said about Daleroy Stewart.

And as for the "love affair", there were many times last year when our running game didn't do anything until Martin came in to lead block. It was obvious. Maybe he was just a role player, but still, Martin contributed last year. And as a highly-regarded rookie coming off a bad knee injury, it's not unreasonable to expect that he could improve in his second year... Is it?

Maybe the love affair is with a 235 lb 7th-round eccentric and another guy so good he wasn't even drafted last year.