[THUMPER]

Originally Posted by Manster68

3. The draft picks were evaluated on high character as much as on-field play and leadership. Why is this important? I think this is important because these high character youths will be quicker in picking up the necessary skills and nuances of their positions from the high character seasoned veterans.

Case in point, I loved hearing how Glover spent time after practice with Marcus Spears. Parcells even mentioned in one of his conferences how Aaron Glenn will even be good for Newman.

Another case in point is how Rivera will help out the play of the right tackle position. So I think regardless who starts at right tackle, the quality of play will be upgraded by Rivera's presence alone. Any improvement by Vollers, Rogers, or Ben Noll on top of that will be gravy.

I love the mixture of youth and veterans that this team now possesses.

This is a big point IMO. The character of the guys Parcells has been bringing is, and the lack of it in the players he has avoided or gotten rid of, speaks volumes about what kind of team, and I do mean TEAM, he is building here. Guys with tons of talent but who lack character are not good team players and it is teams that win championships in the NFL not simply groups of ultra-talented individuals.

Players with high character are teachable, they will give good effort on every play, they will practice hard and be there for practice because they recognize the need for improving. Guys like that will help other players to improve even if the other guy is competing for the same job because it is about winning more than being the star. Glover helping Spears is a classic example of this.

Players with high character are going to be there when you need them. They won't be suspended, they won't be holding out (unless their contract is up), they won't have been traded because they were a problem in the lockerroom or to the team. They are guys you can count on.

I would still take Greg Ellis over Randy Moss every time.

4. The schedule. I do not think that the Cowboys schedule is brutal at all. This is especially true witht hey BYE week falling in the middle of the season. Looking at the schedule, I do not see any sure losses like I did last season. Now, this could change if pre-season rolls around and I do not see any improvement in the pass rush. THAT IS GOING TO BE THE KEY! If Dallas can't put pressure on the QB, then Cowboy fans can expect their favorite team cough up 350+ points again (regardless of the additions of Henry and A. Glenn).

Finally, I just do NOT see how a team like Dallas can make so many changes to upgrade nearly all of the areas of the football team and NOT be more competitive with any team that they go up against. If the play on the offensive and defensive line improves, like I'm expecting, then look out!

Totally agree on the passrush. If we can't put pressure on the QB with this group then Zimmer should be shot and Parcells should be shot in big butt for keeping him in the first place.

I still think it was a HUGE mistake to keep Zimmer but I guess we will find out for sure this year. No more excuses for him now, he has to produce or he will be gone and there won't be any teams like Nebraska bidding for his services this time if he fails. I am praying that I am totally wrong about him.