4 Huge Concerns

[Plankton]

So you are saying last year teams knew exactly when we would run the ball? That could not be further from the truth. In fact, it was the exact opposite. We were not scripted and predictable like the years past. And defenses respected the run last year. Which opened up the pass game. Defenses will not respect this run game is Randle and McFadden are who many think they are, which are subpar. You can have a great OL but if the RB is not that good, well the running game will take a hit.

The Cowboys absolutely put personnel groupings on the field that gave away run tendencies. The two WR groupings from above are examples of that. They blocked and ran well enough that it wasn't a problem.

Whether other teams respected the run game or not is a completely different argument. I do think that there will be a hit without Murray - he provided threats as a runner, receiver or blocker when he was in the lineup. I don't think that Randle or McFadden provide that level of diversity in their play.

 

[lwehlers]

special teams will take care of itself once the coaching staff gets the right players in there spots. the only position that I am really concerned about is swing tackle because I do not see free playing all sixteen games.

 

[KJJ]

I know it's only preseason but I did expect the Cowboys to look better than they have so far. Last nights game almost put me to sleep the offense had trouble getting past mid field the entire game and the special teams continue to smell like sewage. The poster who was arguing with me last summer claiming Vaughn would be the second coming of Tony Romo care to revisit that argument? As for McFadden's debut he looked as advertised by those who watched him in Oakland...stiff! Randle didn't look very impressive either but showed more than McFadden. Neither one has the look of a back who's going to pick up a lot of tough yards. The OL better be as advertised if this group of backs are going to produce. Last night was an example of what happens when you end up in a lot of 3rd and longs.

Lost track of how many 3rd and 8's, 9's and 10's we saw that led to at least one int and several punts. A 3rd and 10 stalled Romo's only series of the game. The Cowboys defense had some real issues stopping the run last night they're going to have to clean that up. I'm aware the team didn't look very good last preseason and after a bad opening day performance were able to rebound and have a solid season but they can't afford a sluggish start to the 2015 season opening with 2 divisional opponents. A poor start against the Giants opening day at home is going to put the Cowboys in a tough spot having to rebound the following week on the road in Philly. Hopefully things look better next week so we have some positive vibes heading into the opener.

 

[nalam]

1) Backup Quarterback -

2) Punt/KIckoff returner/Special teams -

3) Runningbacks -

4) Swing Offensive Tackle -
These are my observations only.

Solid concerns , but I think everyone knows if Romo is injured we can kiss the playoffs goodbye. So no surprise there, special teams haven't been special in Big D for a while and that continues ( even with all the personnel overhaul ) all those ST signings ( gachkar, etc...) So it's the coach ?

Rbs, Randle has some ability , except the short yardage pounding ( Gus the Bus for that), and I will wait to see the Rbs running with first string OL blocking.

Swing tackle is not solved with Weems , basically our OL backups including Collins look spotty.

 

[DogFace]

I think you're understating how and Weeden is. I don't think I'm overreacting because of his recent play. It's very consistent with his pro career. He just isn't very good.

 

[DogFace]

My concern is the cost of beers at games here in the NYC area. It's getting outta control! I was at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. The standard price was $12 for a beer and if I wanted Becks, its was $15!

That is a valid concern.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm hoping Jamiel Showers proves to be the longterm answer at backup QB. Of course that bears further proof. My confidence in Dustin Vaughan has evaporated considerably. Weeden is Weeden -- we're stuck with him.

Kick returns remains questionable but Lucky has a chance to improve. Many rookies need time to simply develop and settle down into a more consistently reliable force. That initial fumble might not prove habitual.

The RB situation may or may not be resolved without another talent being added to the RB corps. Perhaps if McFadden can stay healthy, he'll help but that's debatable. Otherwise, we might look for a trade or someone from the waiver wire upon the final cuts. There might actually be a surprise in the offing. Sure hope so.

The staff will probably be obliged to find someone else to handle the swing tackle spot. Weems has already proven he likely isn't the answer. The answer may well be already within the rookie ranks--Collins or Gibson. Green might be out for the year but next year, who knows?

 

[casmith07]

1) Backup Quarterback - Weeden absolutely no good; bad decisions and can't really use the hes too young and hasnt played. Hes played even as a starter and still making same foolish plays. He needs to go. Dustin Vaughn may have potential strong armed and good size but simply not ready and makes too many mistakes at this time. Bottom line need to sign a Backup QB or if Romo goes down they don't have a prayer.

2) Punt/KIckoff returner/Special teams - been bad and they did not replace DeWayne Harris who left for the Giants. They need to be looking and looking fast.

3) Runningbacks - Big Concern if we cannot control the clock we are doomed. Right now its hard to judge since the Offensive Lineman or backups. But I honestly have a lot of doubts that McFadden/Randal can handle the workload they are not built for the pounding on the inside runs and if we have too constantly gain yards on the outside we are in trouble. We have to pound it inside or this offense want click.

4) Swing Offensive Tackle - Weems want get it done, something is going to have to be done here.

These are my observations only.

1) 31 other teams are screwed if they have to resort to their backup.

2) We'll be okay.

3) You answered your own concern here - its the preseason, and too hard to judge.

4) A swing tackle with the top 4 other starters won't concern me as much.

Step back from the ledge, pls.

 

[Doomsday101]

1) Backup Quarterback - Weeden absolutely no good; bad decisions and can't really use the hes too young and hasnt played. Hes played even as a starter and still making same foolish plays. He needs to go. Dustin Vaughn may have potential strong armed and good size but simply not ready and makes too many mistakes at this time. Bottom line need to sign a Backup QB or if Romo goes down they don't have a prayer.

2) Punt/KIckoff returner/Special teams - been bad and they did not replace DeWayne Harris who left for the Giants. They need to be looking and looking fast.

3) Runningbacks - Big Concern if we cannot control the clock we are doomed. Right now its hard to judge since the Offensive Lineman or backups. But I honestly have a lot of doubts that McFadden/Randal can handle the workload they are not built for the pounding on the inside runs and if we have too constantly gain yards on the outside we are in trouble. We have to pound it inside or this offense want click.

4) Swing Offensive Tackle - Weems want get it done, something is going to have to be done here.

These are my observations only.

I think each concerns is legit. On RB I will say we just have not seen enough to determine how effective they will be. 3 starters out of the lineup kind of hard to judge how effective these guys will be. I think the upcoming preseason game may be a better indicator as it tends to be used as a dress rehearsal and I think many of the starters will be playing more min together.

 

[CowboyRoy]

and probably injuring himself doing it.

No doubt. The guy pulls up lame before he even gets in the game. Randle is the key to this running game. If he disappoints then we are in trouble. Which is why I would like to get another solid vet at cut downs.

 

[cowboys2233]

Your points are valid, but on the other side I doubt the 2015 version of Murray will be close to the 2014 version even if he stayed in Dallas. I wouldn't have expected more than 1200-1300 yards. Not saying I couldn't be wrong, but I think last year was easily his career year.

You can say that until you turn blue in the face, but there is absolutely no evidence that merits your opinion that last year was Murray's "career year." It's called "wishful thinking."

 

[LandryFan]

You can say that until you turn blue in the face, but there is absolutely no evidence that merits your opinion that last year was Murray's "career year." It's called "wishful thinking."

I'm pretty sure I prefaced my opinion with "I could be wrong" (meaning unlike some, I realize my opinion is not always right).
The logic I used was that he got run into the ground last year, he won't have as effective an OL in Philly, he won't get the carries again that he got last year, and with each passing year he gets a little older. All of that lead me to conclude that IN MY OPINION (I COULD BE WRONG) he had his career year last year.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I'm pretty sure I prefaced my opinion with "I could be wrong" (meaning unlike some, I realize my opinion is not always right).

You should work on that so you can be like me. My opinions are fact and I'm never wrong.

 

[HellCrowe]

Neither one has the look of a back who's going to pick up a lot of tough yards.

That's what worries me. None of them look to be a goal line type of back or just a player who can move the pile for that extra inch for that 1st down. Even if you say McFadden is that back, I'd be surprised if he'll last past half the season being our tough yardage back.

What surprises me is how in college Randle looked to have power resembling Murray. Now, he seems to be quicker and lighter with a drawback from his power. Maybe it's the level of competition or he in fact is a different back.

 

[garyv]

That's what worries me. None of them look to be a goal line type of back or just a player who can move the pile for that extra inch for that 1st down. Even if you say McFadden is that back, I'd be surprised if he'll last past half the season being our tough yardage back.

What surprises me is how in college Randle looked to have power resembling Murray. Now, he seems to be quicker and lighter with a drawback from his power. Maybe it's the level of competition or he in fact is a different back.

As I said earlier "run in the middle back" more of outside backs that will prevent this Offense frm Clicking