FWST: Why are the Cowboys holding on to Matt Johnson? Jason Garrett explains

[WoodysGirl]

-- Carlos Mendez

Jason Garrett was asked that question – not those words, exactly, but close – in Friday’s press conference.

His answer:

“We liked him coming out of school. He’s a smart guy. We think he’s a good athlete. We think he has good instincts playing the safety position. That’s why we drafted him. Then, from the limited number of practices we’ve had with him, he’s demonstrated those things. It doesn’t seem too big for him. He seems to be able to pick things up and play well in the limited action that he’s had. So we felt like, it’s a long season. Over the course of 16 weeks, a lot of different things happen, a lot of different injuries happen. You’ve got to be able to absorb those things. So we felt confident with what we’ve seen so far. So hopefully we can get him back and get him going.”

And will he be able to actually contribute this year? And how?

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com...-explains.html

[ConstantReboot]

Doesn't seem like they are sure what to do with Matt Johnson. They can say all they want......but if they don't use Matt Johnson at all this year, especially with our safety situation, everything that they say is nothing more they heresay and won't believe it until I see it.

[myslamsareolder]

Originally Posted by ConstantReboot

Doesn't seem like they are sure what to do with Matt Johnson. They can say all they want......but if they don't use Matt Johnson at all this year, especially with our safety situation, everything that they say is nothing more they heresay and won't believe it until I see it.

Lee and Carter both sat on the roster without playing for most of their first year. Lee has been a stud since and Carter looks to be following the same path. I understand they were both graded as top picks, but it comes down to you don't give up on players you believe in. I think they believe in Johnson.

[Cowboy06]

Originally Posted by myslamsareolder

Lee and Carter both sat on the roster without playing for most of their first year. Lee has been a stud since and Carter looks to be following the same path. I understand they were both graded as top picks, but it comes down to you don't give up on players you believe in. I think they believe in Johnson.

I couldn't agree more. This is not a superbowl team (in my opinion) yet. Nor is the front office that great at picking talent that can play right away. However, what they do seem good at doing is picking playings that would be higher draft selections if not for injuries. They seem to be willing to take a chance when other teams move on from those players.

So keep the safety, let him learn in the "classroom", rehab, get stronger and let's see where we are two years from now. JMO...

[jobberone]

Originally Posted by myslamsareolder

Lee and Carter both sat on the roster without playing for most of their first year. Lee has been a stud since and Carter looks to be following the same path. I understand they were both graded as top picks, but it comes down to you don't give up on players you believe in. I think they believe in Johnson.

Sure sounds like it. Garrett doesn't gush about players either so....

[SilverStarCowboy]

Well ... so far he seems like the next Justin Beriault....without the chronic knee.

Instead it's the hammy and then the back wich required injections.

[Aven8]

He better be Troy Polumalu, or at least Weddle!

[MoClaiborne24]

Anybody else read the quote in Garrett's voice? I catch myself doing it all the time.

[StevenOtero]

Originally Posted by MoClaiborne24

Anybody else read the quote in Garrett's voice? I catch myself doing it all the time.

Guilty as charged

[ConstantReboot]

Originally Posted by myslamsareolder

Lee and Carter both sat on the roster without playing for most of their first year. Lee has been a stud since and Carter looks to be following the same path. I understand they were both graded as top picks, but it comes down to you don't give up on players you believe in. I think they believe in Johnson.

I would agree with you - however you can't really compare the skillset of Johnson to that of either Lee and Carter. Both Lee and Carter came from excellent NCAA programs and was projected as high round picks. As for Johnson many believe he was a reach since he came from a small school and as you can see his not really as durable either Lee or Carter.

Yes they may be believe that he has something. But I have my doubts. Especially when they easily gave up on Mana Silva who is more athletic and faster than Johnson, played NCAA ball and had 8 INTs as a safety in his senior year in college.

[Maxmadden]

I can't believe so many people are willing to bash this guy when they have never even seen him play. The coaches have seen something they like and are willing to be patient with him. There are people on this board who think even if they have seen a player play, they are qualified to make a judgement on a particuliar player. Meanwhile, they struggle to get the pizza sign to light up on top of their car.

The coaches and scouts spend hours upon hours watching film and watching players practice. They have seen something in this kid. They are not cutting him, they are not putting him on the IR, they are preparing him to contibute. Those are the facts. Wether he will pan out or flame out is another story. Ultimately we have to trust the coaches and wait and see.

[lane]

Originally Posted by Maxmadden

I can't believe so many people are willing to bash this guy when they have never even seen him play. The coaches have seen something they like and are willing to be patient with him. There are people on this board who think even if they have seen a player play, they are qualified to make a judgement on a particuliar player. Meanwhile, they struggle to get the pizza sign to light up on top of their car.

The coaches and scouts spend hours upon hours watching film and watching players practice. They have seen something in this kid. They are not cutting him, they are not putting him on the IR, they are preparing him to contibute. Those are the facts. Wether he will pan out or flame out is another story. Ultimately we have to trust the coaches and wait and see.

just a spectacular post.

[RoyTheHammer]

Why are they "holding onto him"??

Seriously?

[CowboysYanksLakers]

Waste of roster space... Sorry just MY opinion!

[RoyTheHammer]

Originally Posted by CowboysYanksLakers

Waste of roster space... Sorry just MY opinion!

If Kevin Ogletree is still on this team.. Matt gets at least 3 years.