Al Johnson

[Galian Beast]

Lets not get off the Al Johnson band wagon just yet...

Dude JUST turned 27 years young, and he really has only played 2 years in the nfl. His first year psuedo starting with DiNapoli was the first year he was coming off of a devestating knee injury. So you might as well call last year his rookie year.

I'd give him two, maybe even three years given the magnitude of his injury.

I remember when you jerks were all for running Bradies James out of town.

So players like Al Johnson, Kevin Burnett, Stephen Peterman who are coming off injuries... give them a break before calling them busts...

Especially Burnett and Johnson.

 

[AbeBeta]

great. now we have to read more posts about how Gurode is so much better at center and will be our starter next year.

those of us who watch the games know that Johnson was far better than Gurode at C.

 

[dbair1967]

great. now we have to read more posts about how Gurode is so much better at center and will be our starter next year.

those of us who watch the games know that Johnson was far better than Gurode at C.

not really, and if Johnson was that much than Gurode the Cowboys wouldnt have just signed him to a 1.5mil contract to come back and compete for the starting job

David

 

[speedkilz88]

great. now we have to read more posts about how Gurode is so much better at center and will be our starter next year.

those of us who watch the games know that Johnson was far better than Gurode at C.

Gurode is what you call a coach killer. He has what you want physically, but he makes mistake after mistake and if you ask him to go block a guy five+ yards away he will get there and wave at him instead of hitting him.

 

[Rush 2112]

not really, and if Johnson was that much than Gurode the Cowboys wouldnt have just signed him to a 1.5mil contract to come back and compete for the starting job

David

Does that mean Boiman is competing for a starting job.

 

[dbair1967]

Does that mean Boiman is competing for a starting job.

maybe...who knows

but if Johnson were a lock at C or THAT much better than Gurode, they wouldnt have signed him to a 1.5mil deal for one yr to be a backup...they could have signed a journeymen vet for the minimum or spent a late rd draft pick on someone to be a backup

David

 

[ravidubey]

great. now we have to read more posts about how Gurode is so much better at center and will be our starter next year.

those of us who watch the games know that Johnson was far better than Gurode at C.

I don't know about far better; I think it's safe to say that neither has completely answered the mail at center thus far. We need a full time center.

 

[Galian Beast]

why sign a journeyman vet, who doesn't know the system?

If gurode was the answer, why didn't they sign him to a multi-year deal?

 

[dbair1967]

why sign a journeyman vet, who doesn't know the system?

If gurode was the answer, why didn't they sign him to a multi-year deal?

I never said he WAS the answer, but its obvious from that move they dont think Al Johnson is either

David

 

[austintodallas]

not really, and if Johnson was that much than Gurode the Cowboys wouldnt have just signed him to a 1.5mil contract to come back and compete for the starting job

David

Gurode was resigned for his versatility, something Parcells clearly covets. He provides solid depth at both C and G.

If he winds up improving to the point that he beats someone out of a starting job...gravy.

 

[sago1]

Haven't you figured it out yet. If you don't get the job done in your first year, Cowboy fans will call you a bust. Probably something to do with their own job securities-- so people take opportunity to rag on somebody else making so much money during a job many would like to try.

Problem is also that most Cowboys fans have forgotten what it was to have enough talent that when a player is drafted, he'll sit on the bench behind a quality starter waiting his opportunity unless necessity required he play immediately --something the good teams in the NFL (Steelers/Colts) still do-- although there occasions when even they get a player who has the capability of starting immediately. Couple days ago I suggested we draft a OT in 2nd round and, unless emergency required it, ldevelop him that year & next year he challenges the starter (Adams or Fabini if Pettiti not ready); also gives us an option should Cowboys want to release Adams for cap purposes in 07, etc. but at least he'd give us an option should Adams not perform as expected or decision made to release Adams in 07 and go younger. Response I got was the young OT should be able to start right away yet we all know most OL not ready in their first year--doesn't make much sense does it?

Anyway I agree we need be more patient but I'd also include Gurode in there. I know he in his 4th season, but we drafted him as a Guard who could also play center. First 6 games of rookie season, he started at C but got hurt; when he returned, in order avoid moving players around, he was moved to RG where he remained for next 2 years--although he did get bench several times. Finaly in TC last year Parcells moved him to C where he had to compete against Johnson whose played center his whole life. Naturally, Gurode hasn't picked up the mental aspects yet. But he's got size so he should get this chance but I'd like to have seen another center/coaching mentor brought in to help both he and Johnson learn the aspects of playing center in the NFL, including leverage, techniques, etc. Oh well, that's just me.

 

[neosapien23]

I never said he WAS the answer, but its obvious from that move they dont think Al Johnson is either

David

I think that Gurode will start at LG and Johnson will start at C. At least that is what I hope. I think Gurode is a better guard than Kosier, he just has to calm down at let his talent come through. Alot of people say he makes alot of mental mistakes, he might be thinking too much. Parcells himself said that no one practices harder than Gurode, and that he wishes those practices would translate into the playing field.

 

[jimmy4713]

Parcells's got his philosophy on player development from Landry. If by the third year the player is not producing, start over.

 

[TheHustler]

I remember when you jerks

That seems a bit unnecessary.

 

[Vertigo_17]

great. now we have to read more posts about how Gurode is so much better at center and will be our starter next year.

those of us who watch the games know that Johnson was far better than Gurode at C.

I watched the games and they both had strength and weaknesses.

Johnson
Pro - Smart, rarely makes mistakes
Con - Gets pushed off the ball. Could indicate snap count to defenses

Gurode
Pro - Size, Run Game improves when he's in
Con - Makes mental mistakes, penalties

Both of them have problems, and saying Johnson is all that is rediculous. I personally like to see someone different starting and let one of these guys fight for the backup position.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Well, I will say this.

Several reports were saying that Al Johnson got tired of hearing how soft he was and not a player in size or strength. And I admit I was one that was getting down on him at end of year and start of this year.

Anyway, they say now, Al Johnson, has been hitting the weight room, and put on some pounds too. So, now we will see. Sometimes, you have to get on a guys butt, chew him out to motivate him. How he responds is the key.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

maybe...who knows

but if Johnson were a lock at C or THAT much better than Gurode, they wouldnt have signed him to a 1.5mil deal for one yr to be a backup...they could have signed a journeymen vet for the minimum or spent a late rd draft pick on someone to be a backup

David

Guorode gives us something we need, versatility on the line. Gurode can somewhat effectively back up Center and Guard. This saves us having to sign a backup C and a backup G, which would cost us at least 1.5mil.

Gurode mentally seems incapable of playing, but Parcells must see something in him.

Johnson might shine this year, but this is definately his last chance.