All ye faithful, these are my concerns going into 2009 season

[GimmeTheBall!]

From the 50,000-watt pyramid of truth telling and for justice and the Armenian Way of life, Air Cowboys America, in Farmers Branch where we like being behind the times in the land of Pat Boone and Patti Paige.
Next up: Zoning Council hearing and then Ernie's lawnmower repair.

​

Good mens and camp followers, I humbly submit 5 areas of concern.

Bear with me, it is the offseason still. In this languid linear lament of time until camp, I would really, really want to know if you agree or, if not, what your concerns are.
(The clown Wade Phillips should not be among them. That is too easy. That is a foregone conclusion, so don't waste yer time or affect your areas of concern.)

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!
2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.
3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.
4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.
5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now.

Don't think too hard, just tell me your auras of concern.

 

[sureletsrace]

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is! I'm not too worried about him. His sloppy route-running was due to being thrown into an offense in the middle of a season. He's had plenty of time to learn up. If he doesn't get open and Romo doesn't get him the ball, then it's his fault, not Romo's.

2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to seal the middle instead of scaring QBs. I think that LB is probably near the bottom of the teams list of concerns, Brooking will prove to be an upgrade over Thomas, and I think Olshansky will stuff the run better than *cough* his predecessor. Jason Williams could make some noise as well. He sealed the middle and scared QBs plenty.

3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside. Barber will pound the rock up the middle like he always has. As bad as our O-line is, Barber makes up for it by shedding tacklers, which nets yardage.

4. This is metaphysical: THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us. I can agree with half of this. Nobody respects us, but I believe that deep down, every other team in our division as well as several teams in our conference fear us. As far as killer instinct, a handful of players on our team do, but you're right, we don't have it as a team. Hopefully Ware will step up this year and assist our defense in getting that instinct.

5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? Again, I'm not worried. Sensabaugh is an obvious coverage upgrade over Roy, that in and of itself will prove useful when we are playing the Commanders and Moss isn't abusing Sensabaugh like he did Roy all day. This will give Wade a little more freedom with the pass rush. Scandrick, Newman, and Jenkins are all above-average man-to-man corners.

--------------------------------

Just my $0.02.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Just my $0.02.
[/B]

 

[CantonBound08]

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!
I'm not concerned about him being a problem in this regard at all. I think he will be good, but not great. I don't think it will be a major problem though since our #2 and #3 are serviceable and we have an excellent tight end. He did not become a problem last year after his low production.
2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.
Tank Johnson was a joke. He is gone and we still have Ratliff in the middle. I think Junior (I think that is the backups name) will be fine.
3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.
The only concern here I have is depth. An injury here would be huge.
4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This year, the team should be under no illusions. They are coming off an incredibly disappointing year. They have a lot to prove, and they should have a chip on their shoulder. Time will tell. I think you will see much more attitude from the defense this year now that they are under Wade.
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.
Few teams compared to the confidence of the 92-93 Cowboys. The Cowboys new they were going to win, and so did the other team.
5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now.
I think our secondary is better this year. Jenkins will be an upgrade over Henry, and ditto for SS.

Don't think too hard, just tell me your auras of concern.

 

[zack]

My number one concern is the O-Line. Can they run block? We know our strength on offense is our 3 backs, but will there be holes to run through? As soon as we lost Kosier last season, the team was in flux with the running game.

My second concern in Jason Garrett. What kind of offense can we expect from this year? Will he have the creativity to be a successful play caller through out the ENTIRE season?

 

[jobberone]

OL and Romo are the biggest areas although I'm still worried about the run defense. Ratliff is too tired in the fourth to fight off double and triple teams. Bradie is our only big LB that can take on interior lineman consistently. An injury to Bradie will hurt us and he's never been out a long time.

Depth at OLB could be a problem.

Depth on the OL is a problem. There are no tested backups beyond LG. Bigg gives some backup at ROT and LOT IMO. LG should be ok. Center is just a big worry IMO. Hopefully Free can play LT. Brewster looks like an interior lineman to me but he has the technique and feet to play RT. Strength and arm length would or could be a problem there. McQ I don't know. So depth is the issue beyond LG maybe RG and in particular center. Tackle is a mystery to be outside of Bigg.

Romo must learn when to be a gunslinger and when not. There is a time and place for all things.

WR is a concern for depth. Austin and Crayton are ok but can Austin stay on the field. Hurd as well. They need to really find a guy here from that lower echelon of players and hide him very well if they do find one. Stanback is just a gamble. We know nothing but he has athleticism, speed, strength and size. Can he play and can he stay on the field. He looks like an athletic freak who cannot stay healthy to me. Cross your fingers.

Safety might be a problem but I'm optimistic. CB is just inexperienced but they should be ok as well. Someone other than Scandrick and Jenkins will step up this year. Maybe two or even three guys. The pass rush will provoke turnovers and make the secondary look better than it is. It is subpar in run coverage IMO and will remain so in general. Hope I'm wrong there.

STs should be an urgency this year. We got a talent infusion primarily with speed, athleticism and 'want to make a play'. Hopefully they will be more physical as well.

The intangibles are play calling, overall discipline re Wade and Garrett, accountibility, mistake free ball, winning the physical contests, and being mentally tough enough to not surrender until you either win or die trying.

Blocking and tackling are the keys to any game.

 

[TwoDeep3]

From the 50,000-watt pyramid of truth telling and for justice and the Armenian Way of life, Air Cowboys America, in Farmers Branch where we like being behind the times in the land of Pat Boone and Patti Paige.
Next up: Zoning Council hearing and then Ernie's lawnmower repair.

​

Good mens and camp followers, I humbly submit 5 areas of concern.

Bear with me, it is the offseason still. In this languid linear lament of time until camp, I would really, really want to know if you agree or, if not, what your concerns are.
(The clown Wade Phillips should not be among them. That is too easy. That is a foregone conclusion, so don't waste yer time or affect your areas of concern.)

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!

If you are designating who is the star versus allowing it to naturally happen, I suspect that won't work.

Further, if Witten is the fical point of our offensive passing game, what prevents defenses from stepping a little closer to the line and doubling him?

This team needs wide receivers. And and all the stats about Witten being the statistical number two ignores that we haven't won a play-off game with that
paradigm.

Roy needs to play up to the number one position. Then we better hiope Austin can deliver the deep ball to keep defenses honest and not crowding the line.

Because last year is a great example. They knowcked TO off his routes and ran with the receivers which gave the defensive line extra time to get to Romo.

And that is when mistakes ensue.

This is about being a balanced offense and not predicated on a notion that one guy can continually beat good defenses.

2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.

Charles Haley supported the run defense. So does every other defender. If the play is a running play, why should Ware be concerned with scaring the quarterback?

With twenty sacks last year, I'd say he is doing his job nicely.


3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.

With the current components on this offensive line being intact for the third year, I am not sure we have a dominating running line.

However, after saying that there was a terrific article a few weeks ago about the NFC East and the teams with edge players who create plays on the outside.

Balance is what we need. And our big 'uns need to shove people off the line.

frankly, I think Choice should start. he has a wiggle and can find a crease and get through it.COLOR] Then bring the other two in when the defense settles into his rhythm.


4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.

I agree 100%. The article on Bradie holding a grudge emphasizes that we still have players that are more inclined to take offense rather than bloody someone's nose.


5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now.

Not really. The kids will come on.

I'd be more concerned about the WR's and if Austin has plays of getting out of the tub for all 16 games. And can he get separation enough on deep routes to keep the defenses honest.

Don't think too hard, just tell me your auras of concern.

But then if I knew the answer I would be on the staff of the team making much more money than I do.

 

[5Stars]

From the 50,000-watt pyramid of truth telling and for justice and the Armenian Way of life, Air Cowboys America, in Farmers Branch where we like being behind the times in the land of Pat Boone and Patti Paige.
Next up: Zoning Council hearing and then Ernie's lawnmower repair.

​

Good mens and camp followers, I humbly submit 5 areas of concern.

Bear with me, it is the offseason still. In this languid linear lament of time until camp, I would really, really want to know if you agree or, if not, what your concerns are.
(The clown Wade Phillips should not be among them. That is too easy. That is a foregone conclusion, so don't waste yer time or affect your areas of concern.)

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!
2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.
3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.
4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.
5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now.

Don't think too hard, just tell me your auras of concern.

This is good stuff right there! I agree with those two things.

 

[Rampage]

From the 50,000-watt pyramid of truth telling and for justice and the Armenian Way of life, Air Cowboys America, in Farmers Branch where we like being behind the times in the land of Pat Boone and Patti Paige.
Next up: Zoning Council hearing and then Ernie's lawnmower repair.

​

Good mens and camp followers, I humbly submit 5 areas of concern.

Bear with me, it is the offseason still. In this languid linear lament of time until camp, I would really, really want to know if you agree or, if not, what your concerns are.
(The clown Wade Phillips should not be among them. That is too easy. That is a foregone conclusion, so don't waste yer time or affect your areas of concern.)

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR.

are people really this stupid? it's funny how people think this guy is just another decent/average wr all of a sudden. I can't wait till the season starts.

 

[Aven8]

Although they are part of the game....the only thing I fear this season is injuries.

If we're healthy...we win a lot.

If not...we don't.

It's really that simple. We have the talent. It's been X'd and O'd to death.

 

[Fletch]

GimmeTheBall!, nice read my friend. Very well thought out.

My 5 areas of concern without thinking too much:

1. Injuries: Hopefully no significant injuries to Tony Romo, key members of the O-line (see also Colombo, Gurode, and Davis), Roy Williams, Marion Barber or Felix Jones, and especially DeMarcus Ware and or Terence Newman.

2. Team chemistry is huge. Gotta have a family-like atmosphere. A brotherhood of sorts when it comes down to the players. No sniping, griping, or backstabbing.

3. Tony Romo needs to be consistent all season long. Not hot two games, cold the next. He needs to find that groove, and play within himself and Garrett's system. Keep the turnovers to a minimum.

4. Young secondary. When healthy, Newman is a top 5 CB. Jenkins and Scandrick hopefully have the confidence needed to help take pressure off Newman. They need to be more than solid for this defense to succeed. I'm not worried about getting pressure on the QB. But we need to be able to lock down the receivers, tightends, and the runningbacks coming out of the backfield.

5. Offensive line play. Pass protection is fairly solid. Run blocking has been very inconsistant to say the least. Hudson Houck hopefully has our O-line attacking more rather than looking for zone. We need to be an offensive line that blocks downhill, not so much side-to-side. Use our size as a strength.

5.a. Keep the stupid penalties to a minimum. No more penalties on key plays that kill drives and any momentum that might have been building.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

are people really this stupid? it's funny how people think this guy is just another decent/average wr all of a sudden. I can't wait till the season starts.

c:
You believe RW is top-tier NFL WR?
Mannnnnnn, I hope you are right, but he just doesn't come up when peeps discuss the top NFL studs at WR.

But i am not taling sides on his talents. I stated that let's assume he is a descent WR. I believe he is a decent WR, but not top-tier. Not one to draw double Coverage, not one to make us ferget T.O.
That is what I was getting to.

If you think he will makes us ferget about T.O., then ah hope you are right.ray:

But it doesn't look that way.

The way I see it, RW and Crayfish and maybe Austin Miles will be the supporting cast for Witten. That makes sense until RW proves his supremacy.
RW WILL BE A DECENT wr, but nothig to write home about. And nothing to make defenses worry all night before the game.

 

[big dog cowboy]

You believe RW is top-tier NFL WR?

Mannnnnnn, I hope you are right, but he just doesn't come up when peeps discuss the top NFL studs at WR.

No one playing in Detroit the last few years is considered a NFL stud.

 

[Silverstar]

Originally Posted by GimmeTheBall!
1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!

Roy IS a decent WR (Pro Bowl 06') with better hands than Owens. He just needs to get more aggressive off LOS and use his body more to shield defenders. Also, He needs to get a lot of reps against double coverage in practice IMO. Newman and Scandrick for example, should cover him like a gunner at the LOS....a no mercy drill. Try to make a catch with two guys hanging all over you. A "nothing will ever come easy" approach and battling for the ball while in the air.

2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.

Jay Ratliff got 7 sacks as our NT and went to the Pro Bowl...he's pretty intimidating and is getting bigger at 302lbs. I'm not worried about Shansky, cuz he's going to wreak havoc with Ware beside him IMO. Jason Williams is going to be an upgrade over Burnett at nickel LB...no doubt in my mind.

3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.

Bigg inspires me and so does Gurode both Pro Bowlers...Cmon man!

4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.

Yep, hard to argue when you lose 44-6 with everything on the line and miss the playoffs.

5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now

I think our secondary has become a strength this year, by replacing Henry (10 yards off) and Williams (I can't cover) with the quicker Jenkins and Sensabaugh. We have excellent depth with Scandrick, Brown, Ball and 3 new draft picks in Smith, Hamlin and Mickens. I don't expect Watkins, Carter and Hawkins to make the team...that makes 10 DB's. Our most talented secondary in over 10 years IMO.

 

[burmafrd]

Roy Williams IS a top Tier if you are talking top 10. Sure he just barely makes it but he does and considering where he has been and who he had throwing to him most of the time thats good enough for me. He can hurt you and you have to account for him which is what makes a threat. All signs so far point to him putting in more effort then ever before (another benefit of being out of loserdom).

Brookings is a hard nosed kind of guy so I have no worries about our STARTING ILB. Spencer has to step up so that is the only real question as regards our STARTING LB CORPS.

Getting some rest for the Rat is key so that he is fresh or at the least NOT exhausted in the 4th is a big key and I hope that Siavi is up to it. Of our front seven I really am only concerned about the backups- the starters are very solid to extremely good to all world.

Our oline is a enigma and sadly I have started to lose confidence in Houck after last season. When coaches lose it it usually happens fairly fast and I hope that is not what we have in Houck. We certainly are not as dominent in run blocking as our physical talent indicates. To me that is on the coaches to GET that kind of effort from them. Of all our worries this season none are bigger then the O line.

Killer instinct is missing and until we have some no championships will come.
End of story.

I fail to see WHY anyone would really worry about the secondary- its better then last year and we have solidified the safety position. Sure injuries are a concern but they always are no matter what unit you are talking about.

 

[Alexander]

2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.

This again? How much more does Ratliff to do to prove he's an outstanding nose tackle? He's not Jamal Williams but he doesn't need to be. I am more concerned about his backup than I am about him.

 

[BlueStar II]

O line and WRs are my biggest concern...???

 

[Hostile]

O line and WRs are my biggest concern...???

Are you asking us, or telling us?

 

[Stash]

1. Look. Let's assume that RW is a decent WR. There is just one ball. 3 gifted RBs, Witten. RW getting frustrated would be disruptive. That needs to be nipped in the bud as soon as it becomes an issue. Tell him he is not the star as of yet, Witten is!

My concern is less about Roy Williams specifically and more about the receiver corps as a whole. Go down the list and there are simply too many question marks on it. Will Roy adequately replace Owens? Will Austin provide a deep threat to keep defenses honest? Will Hurd bounce back and prove to be a reliable contributor? Will Stanback contribute anything this year? And most of all, will any of these guys stay healthy?

2. I don't see an overpowering nose tackle/interior lineman who can be as intimidating as Ware is among the linebackers. No one seemingly has stepped up and Ware is forced to come help against the runs up the middle instead of scaring QBs around da end.

Ratliff is an excellent player so I'm not worried much about him. If he gets hurt, then I'm worried

3. Our line has experience, yes. And it has Colombo, a good thing. But no one else sticks out or inspires. It is like an O line of drones. I see our RBs making more runs to the outside.

A lot of highly-compensated, uncontested, fat-cats here. Too many guys with no fear of losing their jobs and absolutely no reliable depth to prove them wrong. Hopefully a second season under Houck can improve things, but this strikes me as one of the team's two 'thinnest' positions.

4. This is metaphysical (I learned that word at rehab): THE COWBOYS HAVE NO KILLER INSTINCT!
This team is as far away emotionally and spiritually and fearfully as was the Jimma teams of 92-93. This team plays nice for most of the time. No one fears us or respects us.

I thought you didn't want to talk about Wade?

5. Is there no concern out there about Newman being the only real veteran in the secondary? He can't do it all. He's gonna need help because teams will not respect these rookies, 2-year players or retreads.
I really like our young secondary players but they are young and that concerns me now.

No concern from me in this area. I think they're better than last season.

My responses in bold.