A couple roster evaluations I don't understand

[CowboyManDan]

Lance Dunbar

I don't understand how his job has been so seemingly safe. He obviously has open field talent, but it's nothing so extraordinary that Randle and McFadden couldn't take on. He is not someone I want in there to block a blitzing LB and in my opinion most likely cannot handle significant carries without getting hurt or fumbling. Also, for someone in their 3rd or 4th year, he is a liability in special teams coverage as evidenced by the last preseason game against Minny. I'm certainly not saying he is a scrub, he's got some talent, but I don't think he provides enough value on the current roster and the current RB makeup. I would much rather have a bigger, more physical back who can be relied upon for 3rd (and 4th) down and short distances (especially since McFadden and Randle aren't super physical themselves).

Geoff Swaim and James Hanna

Since when did Hanna become known as a good blocking tight end? I know he's been trying to play that role in previous seasons, but can we honestly say he's been doing that really well? I have been reading reports by Broaddus saying things like Swaim has a ways to go to become the blocker Hanna is. The scouting report since day 1 on Hanna has been he's "much more of a crafty receiving threat than he is a blocker". Yet the scouting report on Swaim is that he spent most of his time as a blocker than a receiver. I'm guessing we keep 4 tight ends, but if we keep 3, I think Swaim is the better fit given Escobar's less than stellar blocking ability.

 

[Longboysfan]

Dunbar is a lightin back. Given a chance he be light in up the opponents.

 

[muck4doo]

Dunbar is better than Fred Jackson apparently. That's all you need to know.

 

[Stash]

Lance Dunbar

I don't understand how his job has been so seemingly safe. He obviously has open field talent, but it's nothing so extraordinary that Randle and McFadden couldn't take on. He is not someone I want in there to block a blitzing LB and in my opinion most likely cannot handle significant carries without getting hurt or fumbling. Also, for someone in their 3rd or 4th year, he is a liability in special teams coverage as evidenced by the last preseason game against Minny. I'm certainly not saying he is a scrub, he's got some talent, but I don't think he provides enough value on the current roster and the current RB makeup. I would much rather have a bigger, more physical back who can be relied upon for 3rd (and 4th) down and short distances (especially since McFadden and Randle aren't super physical themselves).

I definitely agree with you here!

 

[jaybird]

Lance Dunbar

I don't understand how his job has been so seemingly safe. He obviously has open field talent, but it's nothing so extraordinary that Randle and McFadden couldn't take on. He is not someone I want in there to block a blitzing LB and in my opinion most likely cannot handle significant carries without getting hurt or fumbling. Also, for someone in their 3rd or 4th year, he is a liability in special teams coverage as evidenced by the last preseason game against Minny. I'm certainly not saying he is a scrub, he's got some talent, but I don't think he provides enough value on the current roster and the current RB makeup. I would much rather have a bigger, more physical back who can be relied upon for 3rd (and 4th) down and short distances (especially since McFadden and Randle aren't super physical themselves).

Geoff Swaim and James Hanna

Since when did Hanna become known as a good blocking tight end? I know he's been trying to play that role in previous seasons, but can we honestly say he's been doing that really well? I have been reading reports by Broaddus saying things like Swaim has a ways to go to become the blocker Hanna is. The scouting report since day 1 on Hanna has been he's "much more of a crafty receiving threat than he is a blocker". Yet the scouting report on Swaim is that he spent most of his time as a blocker than a receiver. I'm guessing we keep 4 tight ends, but if we keep 3, I think Swaim is the better fit given Escobar's less than stellar blocking ability.

Dunbar adds a dimension the coaches like. I think they are going to use the short passing game as an extension of the running game. If a RB comes available that they really like a real thumper type, I think Dunbar will be sacrificed. But that's a big if.

The TE deal is interesting. We do have too many. They must really value Swaim for the future.

 

[JBS]

Replace Dunbar w who?

He returns KOs and also is on other STs units...this doesn't even mention the value he brings (which can be argued) on offense...

Any big name rb you want to replace him with, doesn't offer help in any of those areas...get a better RB and you are probably looking at replacing Randle or DMC...not Dunbar

 

[muck4doo]

Replace Dunbar w who?

He returns KOs and also is on other STs units...this doesn't even mention the value he brings (which can be argued) on offense...

Any big name rb you want to replace him with, doesn't offer help in any of those areas...get a better RB and you are probably looking at replacing Randle or DMC...not Dunbar

This is why we can not have nice things.

 

[CowboyManDan]

Replace Dunbar w who?

He returns KOs and also is on other STs units...this doesn't even mention the value he brings (which can be argued) on offense...

Any big name rb you want to replace him with, doesn't offer help in any of those areas...get a better RB and you are probably looking at replacing Randle or DMC...not Dunbar

It's more about the type/style of his RB spot to replace him with. Obviously it depends on who is available.

He might be a decent returner, but as I mentioned, I think he is a liability in special teams coverage. Watch the Minny game and take notice on how he inexcusably got hooked inside on the KO return that was returned for a TD. He's no inexperienced rookie in that situation.

 

[jazzcat22]

I tend to agree somewhat on Dunbar. As I keep waiting to see how he will be used, as the coaches keep saying. So unless they actually plan to use him. I been ready for a big back to replace him too.
however, since they put him in on KR's, and had some decent returns. and if they use him on some screen plays, miss-directions like they say. Then I am for keeping him to see this. As if he gets in the open field, he can get some yards.

Take Broaddus' comments on Swaim with a jar of salt. He has been trying to cut him since he been drafted. Broaddus has been much better this year. But for some reason he is a bit off on Swaim. Or so it seems. We shall see.

 

[Stash]

Replace Dunbar w who?

He returns KOs and also is on other STs units...this doesn't even mention the value he brings (which can be argued) on offense...

Any big name rb you want to replace him with, doesn't offer help in any of those areas...get a better RB and you are probably looking at replacing Randle or DMC...not Dunbar

A question for you and anyone else who wants to answer it:

How is it that we keep guys like Dunbar, Heath, and McCray - who are complete liabilities or non-factors at their reported on-field positions - because they're supposedly key special teams contributors, and yet our special teams suck? Why is that?

 

[xwalker]

Lance Dunbar

I don't understand how his job has been so seemingly safe. He obviously has open field talent, but it's nothing so extraordinary that Randle and McFadden couldn't take on. He is not someone I want in there to block a blitzing LB and in my opinion most likely cannot handle significant carries without getting hurt or fumbling. Also, for someone in their 3rd or 4th year, he is a liability in special teams coverage as evidenced by the last preseason game against Minny. I'm certainly not saying he is a scrub, he's got some talent, but I don't think he provides enough value on the current roster and the current RB makeup. I would much rather have a bigger, more physical back who can be relied upon for 3rd (and 4th) down and short distances (especially since McFadden and Randle aren't super physical themselves).

Geoff Swaim and James Hanna

Since when did Hanna become known as a good blocking tight end? I know he's been trying to play that role in previous seasons, but can we honestly say he's been doing that really well? I have been reading reports by Broaddus saying things like Swaim has a ways to go to become the blocker Hanna is. The scouting report since day 1 on Hanna has been he's "much more of a crafty receiving threat than he is a blocker". Yet the scouting report on Swaim is that he spent most of his time as a blocker than a receiver. I'm guessing we keep 4 tight ends, but if we keep 3, I think Swaim is the better fit given Escobar's less than stellar blocking ability.

I don't think 1 play on special teams proves that he (Dunbar) is a liability there. He was a decent ST player last year. We really have not seen enough as fans to really know what he can do. Apparently, he is almost impossible to cover in practice. Many coaches and players seem to love him. I've heard rave reviews from Garrett, Witten and Beasley. It would be good to give him more snaps in the final preseason game but with backup OLinemen is will be hard to judge.

Hanna was a very good blocker last year. The Cowboys are not looking for a TE that looks like and OLineman. The Cowboys TEs (including Witten) steer defenders away from the play more than they just try to out muscle them. Hannan knows the offense really well and can play all of the positions (Y, H back and F back) which is something that a guy like MartyB could not do because it was too complicated. Hanna is also a good ST player. The "scouting report" from college was a long time ago. Hanna has been much more of a blocker in his time with the Cowboys than a receiver.

Swain appears to be a near lock to make the team and they probably keep 4 TEs. I wouldn't pay much attention to what Broaddus says about his blocking. I've seen Swaim make some very good blocks in the preseason games but as a rookie he obviously makes some mistakes. His receiving has obviously been good.

 

[Maxmadden]

I would personally take Jackson over Dunbar. Dunbar has been on this team for 3 years and he has put in a lot of hard work and that creates loyalty among the coaches. They seem to really like him, but at some point I think they need to give him the touches to find out what he can and can't do.

 

[jazzcat22]

A question for you and anyone else who wants to answer it:

How is it that we keep guys like Dunbar, Heath, and McCray - who are complete liabilities or non-factors at their reported on-field positions - because they're supposedly key special teams contributors, and yet our special teams suck? Why is that?

Kind of like why do people like a big mac over a whopper, when clearly Wendy's is much better? ....

 

[xwalker]

I tend to agree somewhat on Dunbar. As I keep waiting to see how he will be used, as the coaches keep saying. So unless they actually plan to use him. I been ready for a big back to replace him too.
however, since they put him in on KR's, and had some decent returns. and if they use him on some screen plays, miss-directions like they say. Then I am for keeping him to see this. As if he gets in the open field, he can get some yards.

Take Broaddus' comments on Swaim with a jar of salt. He has been trying to cut him since he been drafted. Broaddus has been much better this year. But for some reason he is a bit off on Swaim. Or so it seems. We shall see.

People put too much stock into what Broaddus says. If Broaddus questions a pick at draft time he will generally continue to point out all faults of that player and minimize that players accomplishments or sometimes if he just see one or two negative plays by a player he'll continue repeating that they're not good in that area.

 

[The Natural]

I cant recall the third RB being such a topic of conversation here in recent years. McFadden/Randle are going to get the bulk of the carries, I'm cool with whatever they throw Dunbar's way provided it fits the skills he brings to the table.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Sturm just wrote an article stating that McClain and Hayden are locks to make the roster. I don't get that.

 

[BAT]

Lance Dunbar

I don't understand how his job has been so seemingly safe. He obviously has open field talent, but it's nothing so extraordinary that Randle and McFadden couldn't take on. He is not someone I want in there to block a blitzing LB and in my opinion most likely cannot handle significant carries without getting hurt or fumbling. Also, for someone in their 3rd or 4th year, he is a liability in special teams coverage as evidenced by the last preseason game against Minny. I'm certainly not saying he is a scrub, he's got some talent, but I don't think he provides enough value on the current roster and the current RB makeup. I would much rather have a bigger, more physical back who can be relied upon for 3rd (and 4th) down and short distances (especially since McFadden and Randle aren't super physical themselves).

Geoff Swaim and James Hanna

Since when did Hanna become known as a good blocking tight end? I know he's been trying to play that role in previous seasons, but can we honestly say he's been doing that really well? I have been reading reports by Broaddus saying things like Swaim has a ways to go to become the blocker Hanna is. The scouting report since day 1 on Hanna has been he's "much more of a crafty receiving threat than he is a blocker". Yet the scouting report on Swaim is that he spent most of his time as a blocker than a receiver. I'm guessing we keep 4 tight ends, but if we keep 3, I think Swaim is the better fit given Escobar's less than stellar blocking ability.

Agree with you on Dunbar but Hanna is a very good blocking TE. Is he all world, probably not, but he is better than every TE on the roster with the exception of HOF bound Jason Witten. Some teams use an athletic back up OT or DL as an in line TE on short yardage or goal line but you also have to think that chemistry with the current OL has to be a factor, especially because no one was used in this capacity during TC and preseason.

Best scenario is to place Hanna on IR (if at all possible) and retain them both. Otherwise, I could see Cowboys going with 4 TEs.

 

[xwalker]

It's more about the type/style of his RB spot to replace him with. Obviously it depends on who is available.

He might be a decent returner, but as I mentioned, I think he is a liability in special teams coverage. Watch the Minny game and take notice on how he inexcusably got hooked inside on the KO return that was returned for a TD. He's no inexperienced rookie in that situation.

That is 1 play on special teams and it's one that was pointed out for everyone to see.

 

[blindzebra]

A question for you and anyone else who wants to answer it:

How is it that we keep guys like Dunbar, Heath, and McCray - who are complete liabilities or non-factors at their reported on-field positions - because they're supposedly key special teams contributors, and yet our special teams suck? Why is that?

Have our STs been bad during the regular season?

 

[CowboyManDan]

Kind of like why do people like a big mac over a whopper, when clearly Wendy's is much better? ....

When clearly Five Guys is better than all of them!

Sturm just wrote an article stating that McClain and Hayden are locks to make the roster. I don't get that.

Yea, I don't get McClain much either since he's barely been healthy. Sturm has a good article on Dunbar's worth too actually.

I cant recall the third RB being such a topic of conversation here in recent years. McFadden/Randle are going to get the bulk of the carries, I'm cool with whatever they throw Dunbar's way provided it fits the skills he brings to the table.

For some, at least me, it's concern about the lack of a tough inside runner who can take a pounding and get dirty yards when necessary. I like Randle and McFadden but don't see either as that type and would like one of those types on the roster as a role. I think Dunbars role can be filled by Randle and/or McFadden.