Counting on Aldon/Gregory is like playing Russian Roulette

Cowboyny said:

Good analogy. My point is, if they are going to prepare for the worse, like they try to do at QB/Swing Tackle this week, they have to do the same at DE.

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Crawford started multiple seasons at RDE.

Armstrong was 1 or the 4 active DEs for 15 games in 2019 and 15 games in 2018.

The draft pick Anae is likely to be 1 or the 4 active DEs.

They can manage with those players:

• DLaw
• Crawford
• Anae
• Armstrong

Ideally one of the following options steps up and out performs Crawford:

• Anae
• Armstrong
• Gregory
• Aldon Smith
• Joe Jackson
• Jalen Jelks
• Ron'Dell Carter
• Ladarius Hamilton
• Garrett Marino

Cowboyny said:

Many believe that the team is covered at the DE spot due to the pending returns of Aldon Smith & Randy Gregory. Broaddus stated over draft weekend, he heard Aldon Smith has a better chance of reinstatement. Nobody knows what will the commissioner decide to do. He could impose in season game suspensions for prior infractions or even have stipulations to their reinstatement.

I am not aware how the new CBA will treat a player like Randy Gregory. If he continues to fail drug tests, will their be any punishment, will he be forced to get treatment? Does Goodell have the power to suspend him indefinitely? As for Aldon Smith, it's more clear, if he falls off the wagon, he will be suspended again.

Taking away the drugs/alcohol, neither has played any meaningful football in a long time, Aldon Smith hasn't played a single snap in 4 years. When he went to the Raiders, many thought his skills have greatly diminished to the player he once was with the 49ers. How will he be now with such a long layoff? As for Gregory, he has played in almost 30 games in his career, with just only 7 sacks. A realistic expectation for both, is that they are brought along slowly and hopefully are playing meaningful snaps down the stretch.

I would like nothing more to see both these players succeed as Dallas Cowboys, but with their track records, one mistake could end their comebacks. I don't believe the team has protected themselves enough at this position. The team has decided to play Russian Roulette and we all have to hold our breaths every time we read daily NFL news.

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under the new CBA policy, Randy cannot be suspended anymore for failed drug test that involves marijuana, as which has been his frequent problem since
entering the NFL, i'm not sure how the new CBA pertains to other banned substances but i thought it separates substances such as Marijuana from PED substances which i believe players can still be suspended after repeated violations.

Since the new CBA policy is in placed, Randy's existing suspensions under Marijuana abuse cannot be grand fathered in.
he can only be fined excessively not suspended. The amount of the fines increase as failed drug tests frequents. i dont think
the fail tests will be reported.
And understand that there is a different between substance violations vs personal misconduct violations.
That's where Alden Smith stands head and shoulders above randy's past violations. Randy has never had the domestic abuse issues or
law enforcement arrests as Alden has had.

i dont think Cowboys would have even considered idea of signing Alden if they didnt good of his chances of reinstatement.
and i dont take Broaddus word has firm source, he was one that was pushing his opnion that zeke wasnt gona get his 2nd contract.

xwalker said:

Crawford started multiple seasons at RDE.

Armstrong was 1 or the 4 active DEs for 15 games in 2019 and 15 games in 2018.

The draft pick Anae is likely to be 1 or the 4 active DEs.

They can manage with those players:

• DLaw
• Crawford
• Anae
• Armstrong

Ideally one of the following options steps up and out performs Crawford:

• Anae
• Armstrong
• Gregory
• Aldon Smith
• Joe Jackson
• Jalen Jelks
• Ron'Dell Carter
• Ladarius Hamilton
• Garrett Marino

Click to expand...

No one is saying we don't have bodies to play RDE.

They are saying the Cowboys should have been looking to get better at RDE than they are. They have a guy in Griffen out there who would be their best RDE the moment he put ink to paper.

The Cowboys are simply taking a cheap, risk heavy approach to RDE. They did the same thing at WR in 2018. Let's hope RDE turns out better than their plan at WR.

quickccc said:

under the new CBA policy, Randy cannot be suspended anymore for failed drug test that involves marijuana, as which has been his frequent problem since
entering the NFL, i'm not sure how the new CBA pertains to other banned substances but i thought it separates substances such as Marijuana from PED substances which i believe players can still be suspended after repeated violations.

Since the new CBA policy is in placed, Randy's existing suspensions under Marijuana abuse cannot be grand fathered in.
he can only be fined excessively not suspended. The amount of the fines increase as failed drug tests frequents. i dont think
the fail tests will be reported.
And understand that there is a different between substance violations vs personal misconduct violations.
That's where Alden Smith stands head and shoulders above randy's past violations. Randy has never had the domestic abuse issues or
law enforcement arrests as Alden has had.

i dont think Cowboys would have even considered idea of signing Alden if they didnt good of his chances of reinstatement.
and i dont take Broaddus word has firm source, he was one that was pushing his opnion that zeke wasnt gona get his 2nd contract.

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I'm am not familiar with the details of the new cba agreement as it pertains to Marijuana use. I've heard players won't get suspended, but I am unaware how far the extent is; players will still be tested, can they fail multiple tests without any punishment outside of a fine? Do they have to enter a program?

Aldon Smith is a little more clear, if he has any issues pertaining to alcohol or with the law, he will get suspended indefinitely.

Sydla said:

No one is saying we don't have bodies to play RDE.

They are saying the Cowboys should have been looking to get better at RDE than they are. They have a guy in Griffen out there who would be their best RDE the moment he put ink to paper.

The Cowboys are simply taking a cheap, risk heavy approach to RDE. They did the same thing at WR in 2018. Let's hope RDE turns out better than their plan at WR.

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You replace Crawford with Griffen, I believe this team is a legitimate Super Bowl Contender, unless the secondary is a another year away.

xwalker said:

Crawford started multiple seasons at RDE.

Armstrong was 1 or the 4 active DEs for 15 games in 2019 and 15 games in 2018.

The draft pick Anae is likely to be 1 or the 4 active DEs.

They can manage with those players:

• DLaw
• Crawford
• Anae
• Armstrong

Ideally one of the following options steps up and out performs Crawford:

• Anae
• Armstrong
• Gregory
• Aldon Smith
• Joe Jackson
• Jalen Jelks
• Ron'Dell Carter
• Ladarius Hamilton
• Garrett Marino

Click to expand...

We have numbers, but not many questionmarks:

-Crawford can handle the base duties as a run defender, but he is coming off of major surgery to both of his hips.
-Armstrong in limited snaps, has virtually done nothing as a pass rusher since he has became a Cowboy.
-The rest are nothing more then prospects. DE's usually take time to develop
-Why not just sign a veteran to a 1 yr deal. It doesn't have to be a Clowney or even an Everson, but someone they can rely on at the position

I'm not worried about either. For the record, I think both will play this year.

New CBA weed policy...

https://sports.yahoo.com/new-nfl-cb...drug-tests-including-marijuana-215756378.html

It looks like Gregory may make next to nothing, but will be able to play.

Cowboyny said:

Many believe that the team is covered at the DE spot due to the pending returns of Aldon Smith & Randy Gregory. Broaddus stated over draft weekend, he heard Aldon Smith has a better chance of reinstatement. Nobody knows what will the commissioner decide to do. He could impose in season game suspensions for prior infractions or even have stipulations to their reinstatement.

I am not aware how the new CBA will treat a player like Randy Gregory. If he continues to fail drug tests, will their be any punishment, will he be forced to get treatment? Does Goodell have the power to suspend him indefinitely? As for Aldon Smith, it's more clear, if he falls off the wagon, he will be suspended again.

Taking away the drugs/alcohol, neither has played any meaningful football in a long time, Aldon Smith hasn't played a single snap in 4 years. When he went to the Raiders, many thought his skills have greatly diminished to the player he once was with the 49ers. How will he be now with such a long layoff? As for Gregory, he has played in almost 30 games in his career, with just only 7 sacks. A realistic expectation for both, is that they are brought along slowly and hopefully are playing meaningful snaps down the stretch.

I would like nothing more to see both these players succeed as Dallas Cowboys, but with their track records, one mistake could end their comebacks. I don't believe the team has protected themselves enough at this position. The team has decided to play Russian Roulette and we all have to hold our breaths every time we read daily NFL news.

Click to expand...

Gregory played starter snaps for us in 2018 after playing only 2 games over 2 seasons. He has since missed one season, and should be available for preseason and training camp.

We'll know about reinstatements for Gregory and Smith before the end of the month. That's not "counting" on much. We'll *know*.

If either is not available, we'll see about adjustments.

Note the level at which we're complaining now. We've got our Zillion Dollar Man at the other DE spot.

Let's ignore Crawford, Gregory, and Smith. We've got our 3rd year player in Armstrong, 2nd year player in Joe Jackson. Sometimes you've actually gotta play your mid round draft picks and hope they work out. That's obviously not what we want, but you don't get to have great players at every position.

People should put their worry over DE on ice until we know about Gregory. If he's reinstated, he's starting, and that's that. If he's not reinstated, maybe they try to sign someone. Give it a rest until we know.

Cowboyny said:

All have major question marks, two with off the field issues, where Crawford is coming off of major surgery on both his hips.

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Aldon no longer does. Been sober for a year, working out and teaching AA meetings to football players and athletes.

Gregory smokes pot for his anxiety disorder and cant get suspended for that anymore. NO reason for him to ever get suspended again.

Crawford coming off both hips? Didn't hear that one.

You also have McCoy that can switch out to DE which he played last year in the 3-4 if need be. Then we have the younger guys and Anea from the draft this year. Not saying anything guaranteed, but that is a lot of good possibilities to throw at the right DE spot.

Cowboyny said:

Many believe that the team is covered at the DE spot due to the pending returns of Aldon Smith & Randy Gregory. Broaddus stated over draft weekend, he heard Aldon Smith has a better chance of reinstatement. Nobody knows what will the commissioner decide to do. He could impose in season game suspensions for prior infractions or even have stipulations to their reinstatement.

I am not aware how the new CBA will treat a player like Randy Gregory. If he continues to fail drug tests, will their be any punishment, will he be forced to get treatment? Does Goodell have the power to suspend him indefinitely? As for Aldon Smith, it's more clear, if he falls off the wagon, he will be suspended again.

Taking away the drugs/alcohol, neither has played any meaningful football in a long time, Aldon Smith hasn't played a single snap in 4 years. When he went to the Raiders, many thought his skills have greatly diminished to the player he once was with the 49ers. How will he be now with such a long layoff? As for Gregory, he has played in almost 30 games in his career, with just only 7 sacks. A realistic expectation for both, is that they are brought along slowly and hopefully are playing meaningful snaps down the stretch.

I would like nothing more to see both these players succeed as Dallas Cowboys, but with their track records, one mistake could end their comebacks. I don't believe the team has protected themselves enough at this position. The team has decided to play Russian Roulette and we all have to hold our breaths every time we read daily NFL news.

Click to expand...

Well then it's a good thing we have Crawford, Armstrong, Anae, Jackson, and Jelks.

Cowboyny said:

Many believe that the team is covered at the DE spot due to the pending returns of Aldon Smith & Randy Gregory. Broaddus stated over draft weekend, he heard Aldon Smith has a better chance of reinstatement. Nobody knows what will the commissioner decide to do. He could impose in season game suspensions for prior infractions or even have stipulations to their reinstatement.

I am not aware how the new CBA will treat a player like Randy Gregory. If he continues to fail drug tests, will their be any punishment, will he be forced to get treatment? Does Goodell have the power to suspend him indefinitely? As for Aldon Smith, it's more clear, if he falls off the wagon, he will be suspended again.

Taking away the drugs/alcohol, neither has played any meaningful football in a long time, Aldon Smith hasn't played a single snap in 4 years. When he went to the Raiders, many thought his skills have greatly diminished to the player he once was with the 49ers. How will he be now with such a long layoff? As for Gregory, he has played in almost 30 games in his career, with just only 7 sacks. A realistic expectation for both, is that they are brought along slowly and hopefully are playing meaningful snaps down the stretch.

I would like nothing more to see both these players succeed as Dallas Cowboys, but with their track records, one mistake could end their comebacks. I don't believe the team has protected themselves enough at this position. The team has decided to play Russian Roulette and we all have to hold our breaths every time we read daily NFL news.

Click to expand...

Except no one gets shot in the temple

The answer is sign Jadaveon Clowney.

Then trade for Hasaan Reddick.

Cowboys need more playmaking athletic freaks on defense.

Going cheap or settling for lesser talented players is not the answer when Cowboys are all in to win it THIS season.

Front 7 would be fierce:

Lawrence - McCoy - Poe - Clowney

Reddick - Smith - Vander Esch

Cowboyny said:

We have numbers, but not many questionmarks:

-Crawford can handle the base duties as a run defender, but he is coming off of major surgery to both of his hips.
-Armstrong in limited snaps, has virtually done nothing as a pass rusher since he has became a Cowboy.
-The rest are nothing more then prospects. DE's usually take time to develop
-Why not just sign a veteran to a 1 yr deal. It doesn't have to be a Clowney or even an Everson, but someone they can rely on at the position

Click to expand...

Besides those aforementioned two DEs, what quality starting vet DE did you have in mind that's out there like that to where we can sign him ? we can't be putting a vet DE out there, just to have him out there ? that's probably no better an idea and scenario than Crawford himself.

- Every time Crawford is in the base defense he hurts our pass rush - and teams do tend to throw on first downs in this throwing age.
Hes a subpar pass rusher from the DE edge. there's just enough edge rush burst agility or skill from him there whereas inside at DT, with a
closer inside path to the QB as he tiwsts and goes skinny vs OGs, in the nickel rush, he's more in his element.

- That's why it's more idea have a Robert Quinn on the edge than it is a Crawford despite the criticism of Quinn's lack of run defense.
and its' not like Crawford is an adept run defender, hes just adequate at that. But as of now there's no candidates that's been set up to make a more
serious challenge at RDE role. Adlen is supposedly bulked up to 285 pounds,(and they " say" he's low fat % at that weight as well,,ok for what that's worth
as i'm more from hearing from Cowboys trainers themselves with that instead of promoting gig. - but even at 285 lbs, that's about the same size as Crawford -and there's no question who is the better pure pass rusher between the two - but i'm not sure Alden has played pure DE and he has missed considerable amount of time away from the game.

- And it may take the bulk of this entire season for him to get back into playing form even in his nickel rush position, ..and there's also will always be the lingering
thought that one misstep by Alden off the field, and he could instantly be off the team (cut) and facing another indefinite ban away from the game again.

BAT said:

The answer is sign Jadaveon Clowney.

Then trade for Hasaan Reddick.

Cowboys need more playmaking athletic freaks on defense.

Going cheap or settling for lesser talented players is not the answer when Cowboys are all in to win it THIS season.

Front 7 would be fierce:

Lawrence - McCoy - Poe - Clowney

Reddick - Smith - Vander Esch

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Clowney and his 3 sacks is not the answer but fans want so much to hear a familar name on the back of the jersey instead of looking at the guy on the field
and his 3 sacks in 14 games guy ...naaah. a very Overrated guy who vastly wants to be overpaid as such.

Pass .....big time.

FuzzyLumpkins said:

Well then it's a good thing we have Crawford, Armstrong, Anae, Jackson, and Jelks.

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i think Armstrong could be on the bubble. i'm not seeing anything that looks like a Tasmania Devil like pure pass rusher that the Cowboys was so supposedly so enamored for him per draft day that they thought about trading up a round earlier to get him.
He seems like just a decent try hard guy but i don't see anything special or unique about him that wows or stands out yet.

Jackson is gonna hve to be ne of those move inside on the 4-3 as a nickel rush DT .. or move inside as a 3-4 DE, .. like Crawford he seems to play more
effectively when has a inside path to the QB. Ironically he is just about same size as Crawford too at 285 pounds.

He has skilled rush moves and power but the more wider he has to play on the edge outside, the more its' a struggle with him even in pursuit where he
lacks that kind of speed needed.

Why? Nothing should bar their being readmitted into the NFL. Dallas has exclusive rights to both of them. By the way, both have come out and fully agreed to shoulder the yoke of doing what is right and keeping their respective noses clean.

You really think that neither of the could contribute, even as a team, opposite to Lawrence? Maybe one should then take a second look...

Hawkeye0202 said:

Good post! I agree 1000%.....Gregory CAN'T stop smoking and although Aldon should be proud of being sober 8-9 months, the fact is his issue is still fragile, one drink and he relapses. This is why signing Markus Golden is no brainer IMO. Quality player who immediately STABILIZE the position for about $6M.

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The league has already reduced the affects incorporated with the useage of marijuana. If the NFL then doesn't comply, the Players Association will have them in court faster than a blink of an eye. Both will be reinstated, and both have agreed to live their lives out committed to the principals involved - compliance.

Both are young enough and with enough talent, that combined, they will present adequate presence opposite to Lawrence and additionally resume personal growth. Something about adults allows them to change and overcome.

Cowboyny said:

Many believe that the team is covered at the DE spot due to the pending returns of Aldon Smith & Randy Gregory. Broaddus stated over draft weekend, he heard Aldon Smith has a better chance of reinstatement. Nobody knows what will the commissioner decide to do. He could impose in season game suspensions for prior infractions or even have stipulations to their reinstatement.

I am not aware how the new CBA will treat a player like Randy Gregory. If he continues to fail drug tests, will their be any punishment, will he be forced to get treatment? Does Goodell have the power to suspend him indefinitely? As for Aldon Smith, it's more clear, if he falls off the wagon, he will be suspended again.

Taking away the drugs/alcohol, neither has played any meaningful football in a long time, Aldon Smith hasn't played a single snap in 4 years. When he went to the Raiders, many thought his skills have greatly diminished to the player he once was with the 49ers. How will he be now with such a long layoff? As for Gregory, he has played in almost 30 games in his career, with just only 7 sacks. A realistic expectation for both, is that they are brought along slowly and hopefully are playing meaningful snaps down the stretch.

I would like nothing more to see both these players succeed as Dallas Cowboys, but with their track records, one mistake could end their comebacks. I don't believe the team has protected themselves enough at this position. The team has decided to play Russian Roulette and we all have to hold our breaths every time we read daily NFL news.

Click to expand...

Russian roulette only for know nothing fans.