Don’t let the big names guide your thinking

[Bobhaze]

One of the habits I see many fans here, and even many sports writers that cover the NFL fall into is this bad habit: Thinking a “big name” player- even just a player that they have heard of is a good acquisition.

We see it here all the time. Recommending we sign some “has been” guy who was good 5 years ago in their mid to late 20s but are a shadow of what they used to be. And they are often more expensive because of their prior fame and performance, yet past their ability to deliver the performance that justifies their pay.

Here are some recent examples of formerly good/great players that many overvalue because of their name recognition:

• Dez Bryant- Having a 32 year old recent injury prone player is just a bad idea. If he were from another team, the calls to bring him back would be less. Emotional connection to a former player are strong. But you can still love Dez and what he did here without signing him.

• Ndamukong Suh- He was once a dominant force who was worth the price tag. Now at 33, while still good, he’s no longer near dominant. But too many fans see his name and assume it would be nice to get a big name like that.

• Tom Brady- he’s probably the GOAT. But he’s not what he used to be, and at 42, physical abilities can disappear almost instantly. Believing that Brady would be a good signing here was crazy to me because he’s a shadow of what he was and thinking he could “carry” a team now was shown to be not so evident in last year’s stretch run and playoffs. The bucs signed him for two years. I doubt he makes it that long.

• Jadaveon Clowney- JC is actually still in his prime, but he’s not dominant enough IMO to match his price tag. His talent remains, but he’s never been consistent enough to match the pub he got from being the #1 pick in the draft in 2015. He’s a big name who still has game, but he’s not worth what he’s asking. Otherwise he would’ve already been signed.

• Clay Matthews- once great. Too many miles on the treads. He turns 34 in May. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s played his last NFL game.

This list could go on and on...every year.

Here’s the encouraging thing though- there are tons of talented young players (mostly in the draft) that most of us have never heard of that will be future All Pros or maybe even a HOFer or two. The future is NOT in the past. Our future stars will most likely not be former stars from somewhere else. They will be NEW stars here! Don’t let the big names fool you. Most big names that are still available right now are not signed for a reason.

 

[noshame]

Letting good coaching guide my thinking

For the first time in 15 years

 

[lqmac1]

I might be in the minority, but I think the Cowboys have done a phenomenal job the past decade in free agency & draft. Unfortunately, we had horrendous coaching so it didn’t flourish onto the field. I know it’s a bit disappointing to all of us when we don’t sign a major player in the off-season, but more often than not that doesn’t work. When it doesn’t work, it sets your franchise back, just look at the Rams. Remember the Eagles team earlier in the decade? Signed every big-name they possibly could and didn’t even make the playoffs.

 

[Bobhaze]

I might be in the minority, but I think the Cowboys have done a phenomenal job the past decade in free agency & draft. Unfortunately, we had horrendous coaching so it didn’t flourish onto the field. I know it’s a bit disappointing to all of us when we don’t sign a major player in the off-season, but more often than not that doesn’t work. When it doesn’t work, it sets your franchise back, just look at the Rams. Remember the Eagles team earlier in the decade? Signed every big-name they possibly could and didn’t even make the playoffs.

The best “big name players” are home grown.

 

[CowboyRoy]

One of the habits I see many fans here, and even many sports writers that cover the NFL fall into is this bad habit: Thinking a “big name” player- even just a player that they have heard of is a good acquisition.

We see it here all the time. Recommending we sign some “has been” guy who was good 5 years ago in their mid to late 20s but are a shadow of what they used to be. And they are often more expensive because of their prior fame and performance, yet past their ability to deliver the performance that justifies their pay.

Here are some recent examples of formerly good/great players that many overvalue because of their name recognition:

• Dez Bryant- Having a 32 year old recent injury prone player is just a bad idea. If he were from another team, the calls to bring him back would be less. Emotional connection to a former player are strong. But you can still love Dez and what he did here without signing him.

• Ndamukong Suh- He was once a dominant force who was worth the price tag. Now at 33, while still good, he’s no longer near dominant. But too many fans see his name and assume it would be nice to get a big name like that.

• Tom Brady- he’s probably the GOAT. But he’s not what he used to be, and at 42, physical abilities can disappear almost instantly. Believing that Brady would be a good signing here was crazy to me because he’s a shadow of what he was and thinking he could “carry” a team now was shown to be not so evident in last year’s stretch run and playoffs. The bucs signed him for two years. I doubt he makes it that long.

• Jadaveon Clowney- JC is actually still in his prime, but he’s not dominant enough IMO to match his price tag. His talent remains, but he’s never been consistent enough to match the pub he got from being the #1 pick in the draft in 2015. He’s a big name who still has game, but he’s not worth what he’s asking. Otherwise he would’ve already been signed.

• Clay Matthews- once great. Too many miles on the treads. He turns 34 in May. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s played his last NFL game.

This list could go on and on...every year.

Here’s the encouraging thing though- there are tons of talented young players (mostly in the draft) that most of us have never heard of that will be future All Pros or maybe even a HOFer or two. The future is NOT in the past. Our future stars will most likely not be former stars from somewhere else. They will be NEW stars here! Don’t let the big names fool you. Most big names that are still available right now are not signed for a reason.

Tom Brady won the SB last year bub. If anything, people need to stop doubting Brady.

Every guy has a price that makes sense. Although Dez is garbage.

Mathews is a guy that falls into your category as a good example.

 

[lqmac1]

Tom Brady won the SB last year bub. If anything, people need to stop doubting Brady.

Every guy has a price that makes sense. Although Dez is garbage.

Mathews is a guy that falls into your category as a good example.

Brady got eliminated by the Titans

 

[quickccc]

Jadaveon Clowney - i can't get over 3 sacks in 13 games. That's not a difference maker. While We had a guy who had 11 sacks in 14 games. i think Clowney is so
associated with being the ex-No.1 overall pick , that people think he is a future Hall of famer in the making.

One thing for clear- no one thinks he is warranted of least getting the type contract Quinn did ... as he is still out there,

this reminds me of the bid we made trying to acquire DT sheldon richardson when he was with the Jets, but after he went with unsuccessful stints with his last 3 NFL teams ( seattle, minny,cleveland) ..hes been a total bust. So glad that did not come thru.

Clay Matthews-- he will eventually get on with some team, even if it could be NE Pats as either a one year, 7 million deal starter or a nickel pass rush specialist His dad Ironically his dad, the senior Matthews, played until he was well in his 35 age year too.

Dez Bryant- a guy with no separation skills, doesn't run routes well, and liable to be a sideline, locker room, and social media distraction, but many fans so reminscence what he did in the past Romo days and still want to be he can be that same player again. the jump ball alley oop end zone guy.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Brady got eliminated by the Titans

Brady got eliminated this year. Won the SB last year.

 

[Jake]

Brady got eliminated this year. Won the SB last year.

Yeah, and let's remember how "he" won that SB. His defense held the Rams to 3 points and he handed off to Sony Michel.

Brady will be 43 when he plays his next game. Anyone who still thinks he's the guy who beat the Falcons either didn't watch him play the 2019/20 season or is kidding themselves. Father Time always wins.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Yeah, and let's remember how "he" won that SB. His defense held the Rams to 3 points and he handed off to Sony Michel.

Brady will be 43 when he plays his next game. Anyone who still thinks he's the guy who beat the Falcons either didn't watch him play the 2019/20 season or is kidding themselves. Father Time always wins.

Father time Wins, but Brady has done a hell of a job fighting it. To put Brady on that list is silly. Brady for 25 million is a hell of a deal.

I hope he continues to prove you Brady haters wrong this year. Guys like you have been saying this nonsense about Brady for 10 years. He finally doenst win the SB and you love it.

 

[Bobhaze]

Yeah, and let's remember how "he" won that SB. His defense held the Rams to 3 points and he handed off to Sony Michel.

Brady will be 43 when he plays his next game. Anyone who still thinks he's the guy who beat the Falcons either didn't watch him play the 2019/20 season or is kidding themselves. Father Time always wins.

Father Time is undefeated. And when he knocks for a 43 year old, there’s nothing gradual about it.

 

[Bobhaze]

Father time Wins, but Brady has done a hell of a job fighting it. To put Brady on that list is silly. Brady for 25 million is a hell of a deal.

I hope he continues to prove you Brady haters wrong this year. Guys like you have been saying this nonsense about Brady for 10 years. He finally doenst win the SB and you love it.

I have nothing but respect for Tom Brady. I’ve only said this criticism about him for a year. But too often some of the greatest don’t know when their time is up. Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer ever, but he didn’t know when to hang it up. Michael Jordan IMO was the greatest basketball player but his last 2 years as Washington Wizard were an embarrassment to his greatness.

Brady should have retired after his last SB win. Would have been a great way to go out. This isn’t disrespect or “hate”. It’s actually respecting his greatness enough to see that he’s not great anymore.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I have nothing but respect for Tom Brady. I’ve only said this criticism about him for a year. But too often some of the greatest don’t know when their time is up. Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer ever, but he didn’t know when to hang it up. Michael Jordan IMO was the greatest basketball player but his last 2 years as Washington Wizard were an embarrassment to his greatness.

Brady should have retired after his last SB win. Would have been a great way to go out. This isn’t disrespect or “hate”. It’s actually respecting his greatness enough to see that he’s not great anymore.

Brady led his team to 12-4 and lost to the same team that beat up on they Ravens. Brady has earned the right to decide for himself. I look forward to Brady continuing to piss off the Brady haters. I actually respect the fact that still has fight left in him. It would be JUST like Brady do defy the odds AGAIN and lead the horrid Bucs to the SB.

 

[Risen Star]

He's just trying to slickly hate on Gerald McCoy.

Up your meds.

 

[Diehardblues]

Brady makes Bucs an instant playoff contender.

 

[Bobhaze]

Brady signed with Bucs.

Yes we know that.

 

[Loso86]

One of the habits I see many fans here, and even many sports writers that cover the NFL fall into is this bad habit: Thinking a “big name” player- even just a player that they have heard of is a good acquisition.

We see it here all the time. Recommending we sign some “has been” guy who was good 5 years ago in their mid to late 20s but are a shadow of what they used to be. And they are often more expensive because of their prior fame and performance, yet past their ability to deliver the performance that justifies their pay.

Here are some recent examples of formerly good/great players that many overvalue because of their name recognition:

• Dez Bryant- Having a 32 year old recent injury prone player is just a bad idea. If he were from another team, the calls to bring him back would be less. Emotional connection to a former player are strong. But you can still love Dez and what he did here without signing him.

• Ndamukong Suh- He was once a dominant force who was worth the price tag. Now at 33, while still good, he’s no longer near dominant. But too many fans see his name and assume it would be nice to get a big name like that.

• Tom Brady- he’s probably the GOAT. But he’s not what he used to be, and at 42, physical abilities can disappear almost instantly. Believing that Brady would be a good signing here was crazy to me because he’s a shadow of what he was and thinking he could “carry” a team now was shown to be not so evident in last year’s stretch run and playoffs. The bucs signed him for two years. I doubt he makes it that long.

• Jadaveon Clowney- JC is actually still in his prime, but he’s not dominant enough IMO to match his price tag. His talent remains, but he’s never been consistent enough to match the pub he got from being the #1 pick in the draft in 2015. He’s a big name who still has game, but he’s not worth what he’s asking. Otherwise he would’ve already been signed.

• Clay Matthews- once great. Too many miles on the treads. He turns 34 in May. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s played his last NFL game.

This list could go on and on...every year.

Here’s the encouraging thing though- there are tons of talented young players (mostly in the draft) that most of us have never heard of that will be future All Pros or maybe even a HOFer or two. The future is NOT in the past. Our future stars will most likely not be former stars from somewhere else. They will be NEW stars here! Don’t let the big names fool you. Most big names that are still available right now are not signed for a reason.

I agree. But don't underestimate the value of a fresh start or a scheme change ti rejuvenate SOME careers. Look at E. Sanders or G McCoy and the list goes on and on so it can go both ways SOMETIMES

 

[Diehardblues]

Yes we know that.

Then why is he in the discussion?

And he makes the Bucs an instant playoff contender.

 

[quickccc]

i actually think Brady best chances remained in NE , under coaches that were well aware of how he operates, and what systems and schemes makes him operate best.

though he has lost some push the ball zip on his fast balls, he still could have been championship effective with better receiving options than just Edelman and the
rookie WR N'Keal Harry, while maintaining the Josh Daniel's short passing game that still made the Pats SB favorites,

but i really believe it had to be more than that ... you know something had to be brewing within Pats organization to be intent on letting him walk rather than supplying and reloaded him with more weapons to contend for another SB run ...

and it's not like the Pats already have a heir apparent waiting in the ranks. i truly believe they are gonna be packaging a trade up to draft one of the young signal callers in the 1st round this year.

 

[Diehardblues]

i actually think Brady best chances remained in NE , under coaches that were well aware of how he operates, and what systems and schemes makes him operate best.

though he has lost some push the ball zip on his fast balls, he still could have been championship effective with better receiving options than just Edelman and the
rookie WR N'Keal Harry, while maintaining the Josh Daniel's short passing game that still made the Pats SB favorites,

but i really believe it had to be more than that ... you know something had to be brewing within Pats organization to be intent on letting him walk rather than supplying and reloaded him with more weapons to contend for another SB run ...

and it's not like the Pats already have a heir apparent waiting in the ranks. i truly believe they are gonna be packaging a trade up to draft one of the young signal callers in the 1st round this year.

I agree. Pats will be making a move in 1st round. They don’t expect to get lucky in later rounds again.

And they would have let Brady go before if he hadn’t signed team friendly deals.