RunDMC
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Okay since I've been accused of being a negative Nancy and I'll openly acknowledge that I have been, but I'll look at some of the positives from this season. Obviously not in terms of record, but just some of the things that are positives going forward.
First off we were all concerned about the offensive line and with good reason given they didn't look anything like they did last season early on in the year. Even our three Pro Bowlers on the line had shaky starts to the year, but I think we saw once Weeden was benched as well as Leary who was getting pushed back and overpowered at the point of attack. Insert La'El Collins and he's clearly shown why most considered him a first round talent. He's powerful, mobile, athletic, an enforcer, has some nastiness to him. I mean damn he looked like a young Larry Allen in some of those blocks. Obviously like any young player there's always room for improvement. Philadelphia tried to go after him and yet he held up for the most part. They've gotten back to imposing their will in the run game. I think they've also been helped by a guy like McFadden who despite his limitations unlike the other backs doesn't hesitate and has ran very hard and they haven't had to sustain their blocks forever like with Randle. Pass protection wasn't spectacular against the Eagles, but I also think part of that is on Cassel for holding onto the ball and not finding the hot reciever.
Now to Cassel I was initially very hard on him, but after re-watching the game (had to listen on the radio) I think he played his best game by far. The pick six was a killer, but that doesn't mean the defense had to allow 13 additional points after that. He made a beautiful back shoulder throw to T-Will who dropped it. On the Dez TD albeit a bit of a prayer he showed great mobility to be able escape the pressure and still get just enough it to give Dez a chance. He took us right down the field to tie the game after the defense let the Eagles retake the lead. Him and Beasley clearly showed to have a good connection in this game. He was on target and allowed him to get yards after the catch. Seemed a lot more comfortable in the offense. I'm fine with him coming back, but I would like to see us try and draft a quarterback if one is to be had. You don't wanna have to reach for one, but if one is there take him.
Darren McFadden, I think he has another year in him at least. Obviously we still need to try and find a reliable #2 who can be the apprentice back so to speak. I won't lie I was disappointed with how he looked early on. He just didn't seem to have the same explosion. Looked slow. I don't know if there was an injury that bothered him early on, but since he got the starting job he has looked a lot livelier. Hitting the holes. Being patient. Getting tough yards which was the big question. Not being afraid of contact. Been good in pass protection as well. I think we're all seeing what this guy can be with more talent around him. You go from a situation in Oakland where he had one of the worst offensive lines to the best and you see what happens. Is he better than Murray? No I don't believe so, but he's more than adequate as a starter. For all the fear about him getting hurt he's been one of the more durable players this season.
Defensively I'd be remissed if I didn't mention Byron Jones. He looks like a steal where we got him. The athleticism, the ability to play with range, he's more physical than I thought, sound technique wise, great size, and he has been absolutely phenomenal when you talk about defending opposing tight ends. For a team that's really struggled with that in recent years it's something we've needed. Obviously great versatility being able to play corner and safety. The other night he played slot corner which is as tough a position as there is. Yeah he fell down on the last play, but that should've been called a push off.
David Irving. Picked up off a practice squad in Kansas City. Has been getting more and more work each game. For a guy with such massive size, he's so quick off the ball, can get low and underneath which is very impressive for someone so tall, good motor which we know Marinelli covets, he can get push and get around. Had that big block against Seattle. Good balance and just a superb overall athlete.
Randy Gregory is a guy who had a sensational debut. Super explosive off the ball, he was spinning, dipping, capturing the corner, and then he sprained his ankle. Haven't seen much from him since, but again the Cowboys are doing the smart thing. Working him back in slowly. It does seem like he's getting closer to being all the way back. I think that's a big reason the pass rush has been disappointing in many people's eyes. We had all anticipated Gregory, Hardy, Lawrence, Crawford. Does the Crawford contract look like a mistake right now? Sure, but if the Cowboys can go out and get a one tech that can loosen up some of the doubles on Tyrone that could all change. He was very disruptive the other night. Got into the back field a number of times. Flushed Bradford out a few times. Neither of the defensive ends had a very good game especially contain wise, but for the most part D-Law has held his own against the run. Because he's not super explosive off the edge like a Gregory or Hardy he needs to refine some of his moves. He can't just win on power. He missed half of last season and he's shown flashes this season and gotten pressures at times. The consistency isn't where you'd like to be as a rusher, but he's a guy who works hard. He knows we need more from him and I think he'll get better. I also think moving him to the right side could help him. Not having to face those big, strong right tackles. That's where I think his strength could help and he can push guys back.
It's been a rough season and even though like I said I'm not gonna make excuses there's still some positives for this team. Obviously the big one is getting Romo back. This man is the MVP. That's evident. Everything changes when he returns. He's a leader. He inspires guys. He holds guys accountable. He won't make the same mistakes some of these backups have. Looking off defenders, being able to escape like no other, his touch, changing plays and knowing what to do at the line of scrimmage, reading coverages as well as anyone, his excellent maneuvering in the pocket, his accuracy within, and when the games are on the line he makes phenomonal plays. I don't think there is anyone better. I think he's the best quarterback in football. I'm glad people can appreciate his greatness more. Just one more week and we get this man back. There are some glaring holes on this roster, but every team has holes. The collarbone injury can happen to anyone. It sucks, but Aaron Rodgers had it a few years ago. I don't think he's missed a game since. Listen as much as we've all complained including myself we've been in all these games. We clearly have enough talent to stay in them and have a chance to win. Just gotta finish them.
We can talk about scheme and what have you, but there have been opportunities to make plays and we just gotta make them. Go win at Tampa. I refuse to believe we're losing seven straight and the Eagles still have to play the likes of New England, Arizona, Buffalo, the Skins again, and the Giants one more time. The Giants have the Pats next, Minnesota, the Jets, Carolina. I mean who knows? Is it likely? No, but who cares? As negative as I've been I'm still gonna cheer every week because before we know it the season is over. Then it's just a long, boring offseason. It's been one of those years, but things can always change. Things can change quickly and even if they don't it's not all doom and gloom.
You fill some of these holes in draft and free agency, re-sign some guys, you still have that young and great offensive line, still have a superstar quarterback, with some changes on defense we can be right back in the hunt next season. Also Mo has had a bounce back season. Played physical, hasn't given up many big plays, has gone up against some big time recievers and has used his physicalness to fluster them. Playing more man has helped no doubt. He's a guy you need to bring back. Scandrick who we've missed is one of the better slot corners. Corner really isn't a huge problem going forward. Safety is the bigger issue. Linebacker depth, but again you don't need a Kam Chancellor or somebody like that. Just someone who won't get beat over the top, who can make and take proper angles in space and tackle, and obviously being a physical presence.
First off we were all concerned about the offensive line and with good reason given they didn't look anything like they did last season early on in the year. Even our three Pro Bowlers on the line had shaky starts to the year, but I think we saw once Weeden was benched as well as Leary who was getting pushed back and overpowered at the point of attack. Insert La'El Collins and he's clearly shown why most considered him a first round talent. He's powerful, mobile, athletic, an enforcer, has some nastiness to him. I mean damn he looked like a young Larry Allen in some of those blocks. Obviously like any young player there's always room for improvement. Philadelphia tried to go after him and yet he held up for the most part. They've gotten back to imposing their will in the run game. I think they've also been helped by a guy like McFadden who despite his limitations unlike the other backs doesn't hesitate and has ran very hard and they haven't had to sustain their blocks forever like with Randle. Pass protection wasn't spectacular against the Eagles, but I also think part of that is on Cassel for holding onto the ball and not finding the hot reciever.
Now to Cassel I was initially very hard on him, but after re-watching the game (had to listen on the radio) I think he played his best game by far. The pick six was a killer, but that doesn't mean the defense had to allow 13 additional points after that. He made a beautiful back shoulder throw to T-Will who dropped it. On the Dez TD albeit a bit of a prayer he showed great mobility to be able escape the pressure and still get just enough it to give Dez a chance. He took us right down the field to tie the game after the defense let the Eagles retake the lead. Him and Beasley clearly showed to have a good connection in this game. He was on target and allowed him to get yards after the catch. Seemed a lot more comfortable in the offense. I'm fine with him coming back, but I would like to see us try and draft a quarterback if one is to be had. You don't wanna have to reach for one, but if one is there take him.
Darren McFadden, I think he has another year in him at least. Obviously we still need to try and find a reliable #2 who can be the apprentice back so to speak. I won't lie I was disappointed with how he looked early on. He just didn't seem to have the same explosion. Looked slow. I don't know if there was an injury that bothered him early on, but since he got the starting job he has looked a lot livelier. Hitting the holes. Being patient. Getting tough yards which was the big question. Not being afraid of contact. Been good in pass protection as well. I think we're all seeing what this guy can be with more talent around him. You go from a situation in Oakland where he had one of the worst offensive lines to the best and you see what happens. Is he better than Murray? No I don't believe so, but he's more than adequate as a starter. For all the fear about him getting hurt he's been one of the more durable players this season.
Defensively I'd be remissed if I didn't mention Byron Jones. He looks like a steal where we got him. The athleticism, the ability to play with range, he's more physical than I thought, sound technique wise, great size, and he has been absolutely phenomenal when you talk about defending opposing tight ends. For a team that's really struggled with that in recent years it's something we've needed. Obviously great versatility being able to play corner and safety. The other night he played slot corner which is as tough a position as there is. Yeah he fell down on the last play, but that should've been called a push off.
David Irving. Picked up off a practice squad in Kansas City. Has been getting more and more work each game. For a guy with such massive size, he's so quick off the ball, can get low and underneath which is very impressive for someone so tall, good motor which we know Marinelli covets, he can get push and get around. Had that big block against Seattle. Good balance and just a superb overall athlete.
Randy Gregory is a guy who had a sensational debut. Super explosive off the ball, he was spinning, dipping, capturing the corner, and then he sprained his ankle. Haven't seen much from him since, but again the Cowboys are doing the smart thing. Working him back in slowly. It does seem like he's getting closer to being all the way back. I think that's a big reason the pass rush has been disappointing in many people's eyes. We had all anticipated Gregory, Hardy, Lawrence, Crawford. Does the Crawford contract look like a mistake right now? Sure, but if the Cowboys can go out and get a one tech that can loosen up some of the doubles on Tyrone that could all change. He was very disruptive the other night. Got into the back field a number of times. Flushed Bradford out a few times. Neither of the defensive ends had a very good game especially contain wise, but for the most part D-Law has held his own against the run. Because he's not super explosive off the edge like a Gregory or Hardy he needs to refine some of his moves. He can't just win on power. He missed half of last season and he's shown flashes this season and gotten pressures at times. The consistency isn't where you'd like to be as a rusher, but he's a guy who works hard. He knows we need more from him and I think he'll get better. I also think moving him to the right side could help him. Not having to face those big, strong right tackles. That's where I think his strength could help and he can push guys back.
It's been a rough season and even though like I said I'm not gonna make excuses there's still some positives for this team. Obviously the big one is getting Romo back. This man is the MVP. That's evident. Everything changes when he returns. He's a leader. He inspires guys. He holds guys accountable. He won't make the same mistakes some of these backups have. Looking off defenders, being able to escape like no other, his touch, changing plays and knowing what to do at the line of scrimmage, reading coverages as well as anyone, his excellent maneuvering in the pocket, his accuracy within, and when the games are on the line he makes phenomonal plays. I don't think there is anyone better. I think he's the best quarterback in football. I'm glad people can appreciate his greatness more. Just one more week and we get this man back. There are some glaring holes on this roster, but every team has holes. The collarbone injury can happen to anyone. It sucks, but Aaron Rodgers had it a few years ago. I don't think he's missed a game since. Listen as much as we've all complained including myself we've been in all these games. We clearly have enough talent to stay in them and have a chance to win. Just gotta finish them.
We can talk about scheme and what have you, but there have been opportunities to make plays and we just gotta make them. Go win at Tampa. I refuse to believe we're losing seven straight and the Eagles still have to play the likes of New England, Arizona, Buffalo, the Skins again, and the Giants one more time. The Giants have the Pats next, Minnesota, the Jets, Carolina. I mean who knows? Is it likely? No, but who cares? As negative as I've been I'm still gonna cheer every week because before we know it the season is over. Then it's just a long, boring offseason. It's been one of those years, but things can always change. Things can change quickly and even if they don't it's not all doom and gloom.
You fill some of these holes in draft and free agency, re-sign some guys, you still have that young and great offensive line, still have a superstar quarterback, with some changes on defense we can be right back in the hunt next season. Also Mo has had a bounce back season. Played physical, hasn't given up many big plays, has gone up against some big time recievers and has used his physicalness to fluster them. Playing more man has helped no doubt. He's a guy you need to bring back. Scandrick who we've missed is one of the better slot corners. Corner really isn't a huge problem going forward. Safety is the bigger issue. Linebacker depth, but again you don't need a Kam Chancellor or somebody like that. Just someone who won't get beat over the top, who can make and take proper angles in space and tackle, and obviously being a physical presence.
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