DC.com Parchy 8/2 Blog: Linebackers Boast A Remade Look - Dallas Cowboys Forum

**WoodysGirl** · 08-03-2006

posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006 10:00 PM by wparchman

I can remember that familiar sinking feeling after realizing the Cowboys' linebacking corps would remain pat through the 3-4 transition the defense ultimately had to go through following the 2005 off-season. Most reports had pegged Bradie James as the aloof linebacker of the olden days, Dat Nguyen as too small, DeMarcus Ware as too young and Scott Fujita as too... average.

We know it ended up being a serviceable unit, but a year later and it seems Mike Zimmer is dealing with a group of experienced linebackers who could actually anchor a top five defensive unit. They always say things can change overnight in today's NFL, and the Dallas linebacking corps illustrates that perfectly.\

Bradie James obviously came out of his shell and shed that marvelous title of most detatched defensive player, due in no small part to the familiar 3-4, and DeMarcus Ware's eight sacks proved that even rookies can alter the course of a game. His sack to open the Eagles' offensive march in Week 5 probably changed the course of that game in the Cowboys' favor.

All of the sudden, undersized Dat - who often performed far above his stature - has been replaced by oversized and overtalented Akin Ayodele, and our only other question mark has been erased by the blonde locks of a great looking first round pick.

And the depth here - it can make your head spin. Kevin Burnett is a second round pick and former captain at Tennessee who we've seen very little of, and Kai Parham was, in my estimation, the biggest steal of the entire post-draft signing period. Compliment those two guys with the returning backups and some undrafted free agents with some very impressive measurables, and it appears that the competition will be neverending, even as the season progresses. In a 3-4 scheme, depth at linebacker is just about as essential as it gets.

So while half of the linebacking corps remains from a season ago, the players you're likely to see this year will be much different than those you saw in 2005. Ware will have a compliment to his speed rush in the way of more moves at the line of scrimmage and Bradie James seems to have improved his game in every way imagineable. And if the Cowboys don't give him a contract before the season starts, the added bonus of playing hard in his contract year could be yet another accelerating factor to his game.

The linebackers this year remind me a ton of the cornerbacks from last year. The Cowboys made a couple big-time moves for corners, and despite the injuries, it ended up as one of the team's most solid positions. Lets hope this year is the linebackers' turn. This unit is a far cry from the questions we had here from last year, and we can be absolutely certain that they only stand to benefit from playing along with one another as training camp wears on.

CooterBrown · 08-03-2006

From what I have read, Parham has been the invisible man so far. Has this guy seen something nobody else has?

Dayton Cowboy · 08-03-2006

Did I miss his name or was there no mention of Al Singleton?

RockyMountainFan · 08-03-2006

What a horrific article - JMO

Charles · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyMountainFan

What a horrific article - JMO

Let's just put it this way.........He ain't NO DALE!!!!

**WoodysGirl** · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles

Let's just put it this way.........He ain't NO DALE!!!!

But he's still just as valuable member of the Zone. Show a little respect for the effort produced even if you disagree w/the premise.

Stick to debating the topic, not the writer.

It bugs the crap out of me when I see people crap on people's work as if it's something that can just be easily reproduced.

RCowboyFan · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

But he's still just as valuable member of the Zone. Show a little respect for the effort produced even if you disagree w/the premise.

Stick to debatuing the topic, not the writer.

It bugs the crap out of me when I see people crap on people's work as if it's something that can just be easily reproduced.

Well said.

Bob Sacamano · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

But he's still just as valuable member of the Zone. Show a little respect for the effort produced even if you disagree w/the premise.

Stick to debatuing the topic, not the writer.

It bugs the crap out of me when I see people crap on people's work as if it's something that can just be easily reproduced.

Hiero · 08-03-2006

I agree with the part about Parham. I thought he would be drafted sometime 2nd day, but apparently not. 1 year from now he could be a force, he definitely has the size and skills.

Bob Sacamano · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiero

I agree with the part about Parham. I thought he would be drafted sometime 2nd day, but apparently not. 1 year from now he could be a force, he definitely has the size and skills.

I had him going 3rd round in my Dallas mock

CowboysFaninDC · 08-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by CooterBrown

From what I have read, Parham has been the invisible man so far. Has this guy seen something nobody else has?

he is always going to be very limited in pass coverage so his use is only for short yardage defense and 1st or 2nd downs depending on down and distance. TEs would eat him up with his 5.0 speed and offensive coordinators would drool if they see him in there. I don't think he has much of a chance.

the kid 05 · 08-03-2006

i like our linebackers, just wish that Dat was a few inches taller and a bit more filled

** far away "shuffle shuffle" **