After 6 Games, How Confident Are You In The Receiving Corps?

[Hoofbite]

I went 50% but without Austin I'd probably say the above 25% option.

Austin is this teams #1 receiver and it isn't even close. He's the biggest threat Dallas has behind Felix which pretty much defaults him into Dallas' biggest threat. Its good to see his work payoff and his emergence has given Dallas some future options.

Williams has been a major let down IMO. I expected a lot more out of him. After all the media hoopla I thought he would come out and play with a chip on his shoulder week in and week out but its just not there. I'll admit he gets far fewer looks than he should but but even still, 12 catches is horrendous. At least he's got a kick *** average I suppose. And he's doing a good job blocking. Couple positives I guess but playing the role of 4th TE isn't what he was brought here to do. This guy needs to step his game up and quit dropping passes. I don't know how many he has on the season but 2 in a single game and the dropped fade TD is far too much for a guy who's best asset is his hands.

I didn't really have many expectations for Hurd. I didn't think he would get much playing time and he really doesn't. Sucks he couldn't capitalize on the time he did get.

Crayton's been a sine wave thus far. Up and down almost weekly. Coming off his best game he practically did nothing in week 2 and coming off his worst game in KC he made a couple of great plays to help close the door on ATL. Guy pretty much washes out. Still can't believe he caught a case of fumblitis like that. He got saved on 1 and put the ball on the ground after that. I expected more consistency but didn't ever think I would see him take a quick pass the distance or return a punt like a bat outta hell so he's a break even right now.

Ogletree, not really much to say. He's on the roster but has only touched the ball a time or two. Fumbled outta bounds didn't help him at all. Really doesn't have any impact on how I feel about the WRs. I would like to see him get a few opportunities at the WR position.

Witten is Witten. Steady as can be and could probably be a bigger part than he already is, if needed. Definitely a guy that can be counted on a one that I have total confidence in.

Bennett has been another let down IMO. After all the offseason hype about the mismatches he would create and all the training camp success we heard about, a catch here or there doesn't cut it. I think a large reason for Bennett's ineffectiveness is because he isn't given the opportunities. I don't buy the BS about not knowing the playbook. Apparently he knew it well enough last year and I think anyone would be hard pressed to believe he was oblivious during TC. But, if he really is an idiot and can't grasp all the plays, don't pigeon hole him into being an additional lineman all game. Find out what he does know and have him learn a couple of assignments where those mismatches are greatest.

The guy is 6'6", 265 lbs and has a world of ability. Dallas should be able to line him up out wide and go to him up top all day. Look at Seattle. Their biggest DB is Deon Grant and he still gives up 4" and 50 lbs. The rest of their DBs come up at least 6" and 50 LBs short. Their best DB is undersized by 7" and nearly 70 lbs. Even worse, Kelly Jennings concedes 7" and 85 lbs. Martellus outweighs the guy by almost half his weight. Dallas has absolutely got to find a way to make his presence count.

John Phillips is in the same boat as Hurd. I never expected him to be a large part so anything he provides is a plus. One thing I do have to ask is why was he getting split out wide a couple of weeks ago? It just doesn't make sense. You have Witten and Bennett and you decide to send him out there? Its almost as if Red is convinced the thought alone of sending the #3 TE out there would create confusion for the other team.

I think between 50%-75% is about right. Lots of unrealized potential and really only 2 guys who are performing well consistently. I think its reasonable to be upwards of 75% confident but going any higher is pushing it. Those who ventured into 100% territory are nuts.

 

[Dallas4ever]

I agree, what happens when Austin goes against a shutdown corner?

Most teams don't have one.....including us.

 

[casmith07]

Most teams don't have one.....including us.

Yeah I was going to say there really isn't any such thing as a "shutdown corner" anymore. Champ Bailey was the last one.

 

[THUMPER]

I can't put a percentage on it per se, but I would say that I am cautiously optimistic about this receiving corps. There is definitely room for improvement but we seem to be progressing nicely as the year goes along. For the sake of this discussion I will only talk about the 5 main receivers and tight ends in my mind.

Roy Williams
I am, as I'm sure we all are, still waiting for Romo to Roy connection to heat up. I am not sure that he will ever live up to the expectations set by fans due to the trade,his contract and the memory of our last #1 receiver , but I do not believe that this team needs him to put up the same style of numbers that Owens did in order to be successful. I think we can all agree that he isn't going to out maneuver defensive backs through his route running so maybe we should quit having him run routes that try to force him to do this. Get him running routes that don't rely on separation for success. Let him run slants and other crossing routes where position is more important than separation and let him out physical the defender to get the ball. I know I may be in the minority, but If Roy can just be the guy who consistently moves the chains and is a real threat in the redzone and I will be a happy fan.

Although we are waiting for the receiving side of Roy to come around, there is no doubting that his downfield blocking has tremendously helped our rushing average for the season. I believe that he should continue starting opposite Miles Austin because if used correctly, these two pose the biggest threat to defenses.

Miles Austin
Miles Austin has finally begun to bust out of his shell, remain relatively healthy, and may be becoming the player we all hoped he could be. Given his success in his first two starts, teams will undoubtedly begin to give him more attention which could significantly help the rest of our receivers and tight ends who seem to be more of the underneath, possession types. I don't expect him to put up the big numbers that he has every week, but he gives us a consistent down field threat that helps to stretch defenses vertically. This could also be a big factor in opening the running game up later in the year.

Patrick Crayton
Patrick Crayton, thus far, has been what Patrick Crayton has always been. A very solid contributor who Romo can depend on to do what is expected on any given play. He isn't the type of guy who is going to put up great numbers but he gets the job done. I am of the belief that Crayton should remain our slot receiver as he has proven that he is able to contribute the most to this team from that role.

Jason Witten
There isn't much that needs to be said about Jason Witten. The man is an amazing blocker and pass catcher. He has often been asked to fulfill the role of blocker this year, much to the chagrin of Cowboys fans, but he has still been effective when allowed to release into routes. I would like to see him run more routes down the seam where he has made big plays in the past, but overall I have no complaints about Jason Witten.

Martellus Bennett
Finally there is Martellus Bennett. While he hasn't been the receiving threat that many of us expected him to be at this point, his blocking has been superb. We must remember that he is a tight end and that the first job of the tight end in an offense is usually to block. I have no complaints for him in that department. I would like to see him become more involved in the passing game whether it be through any way possible. Whether it be tight end screens or, as I mentioned with Witten, running him down the seam. The tandem of Bennett and Witten cause mismatches in both the rushing and passing game, and moving forward I believe we will begin to see much more of the latter as Romo and Garrett gain confidence in Bennett.

So there you have my thoughts, and although not exceptionally well written out, I believe that I got my main points across. Feel free to discuss where you may agree or disagree as I am always looking for more information to form better opinions.

Excellent post!

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I voted in the 25-50 range. We still have 10 games to play and that is a long way to go. I want to see some more before I claim "satisfaction."

Agreed. I want to see more from Austin before I'm a believer and the rest need to be more involved. Defenses will now be looking for Austin.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Holy smokes!? 75% really? LOL

50% is a stretch. Reason being, its only been a handful of games.

What happens if Austing gets covered well or double teamed. The offense pretty much shuts down.

Developing...

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

75%, like I was at the beginning of the season, and like I am now. I obviously want to see more from Austin, but I truly believe he can and will be a #1 receiver.

I'm disappointed in Williams, but never held him on the pedestal that some did. I never expected him to be a electric #1 type guy, but instead a strong possession receiver. I felt he'd be a deadly red zone threat, and certainly hasn't. I think he can still get there, especially with the emergence of Austin.

Crayton is exactly what I want in a 3rd receiver. Perfect slot receiver who can fill in as a #2 if needed and contributes on special teams.

Ogletree is also exactly what I want in a 4th receiver. A speed guy who can learn from the sidelines, give you a handful of snaps, and contribute on special teams. He should be returning kicks.

Hurd would never dress again for me. I pulled hard for the kid, but the experiment is over. He contributes nothing in the passing game, and is invisible on special teams unless there is a yellow flag laying next to him. How Dallas lets him dress above Ogletree is beyond me.

I still think Dallas needs some quicks to get me to the 100% satisfaction mark though. I don't necessarily want the blazing straight line speed, but rather one of the quick break water bug types. Just looking at this years draft, both Golden Tate/Notre Dame, and Jordan Shipley/Texas fit the exact mold of what I'd like to see Dallas add at WR.

 

[Hook'em#11]

I am more concerned about the O-line, scheme.

QB And WR's are second.

Team is 4-2, looking a little stronger.

I also reserve the right to change my decision at any given time.

 

[Z mann R2]

Hurd is a joke

 

[Hook'em#11]

Hurd is a joke

Don't hold back all that helpful information now. So much has helped with this discussion, please enlighten us with some more.

 

[HoosierCowboy]

austin is productive because he has been ignored--not anymore--if teams focus on Austin (which they will) I expect Williams or Crayton to get more action (Witten will always get his looks)--we should also have more throws to the RBs because many will keep safeties deep--I hope we can be patient and settle for the short game

i voted 75%

 

[DallasEast]

This thread has turned out to be a lot better than I had first anticipated. There have been a lot of good comments from practically everyone. Many thanks to those who have already participated.

And major props to BHendri5. That's exactly the reason why I added that particular option. There's nothing I can do except highly respect his choice.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm very confident in the group as a whole.

 

[Coakleys Dad]

I feel like it's still a work in progress but still getting Better. Still interested in what the Tree has to offer.

 

[Alexander]

Pleased with Austin, possibly even elated at the end of the year if he shows he's consistent.

Indifferent with Crayton. He's doing basically what he's always done. Solid and good enough to win with normally. Mildly aggravating and annoying at his worst.

Extremely disgusted with Roy Williams (except for the blocking, but last I checked he's being paid millions to catch the football).

I could care less about a spare part like Hurd. I am curious about Ogletree, but outside of Jerry Jones' man-love, I can't say honestly what he's capable of doing in a real game.