Behind the scenes with Hopkins

[CCBoy]

The move to release Elliott was never about anything more than the money, though. He'll be missed, but there's no time to mourn in Dallas, because if they want to take the next step toward returning to The Promised Land in February, the task of figuring out who's ready to be the next big star in complement to Pollard began yesterday."I don't think you can just go out and replace Zeke," said head coach Mike McCarthy ahead of OTAs on Thursday. "Business, capanomics, that's real. You have to make decisions and sometimes those decisions factor into the next decision or two that's coming down the road. [The coaching staff was] going over short-yardage and goal line again last night and [Zeke] just jumps off the tape, so this isn't about replacing Zeke."

If anything, it was about the aforementioned tossing of the keys to Pollard, who is currently on a franchise tag with a mid-July deadline to sign a longterm deal, alongside newly-signed Ronald Jones and rookie fifth-round pick Deuce Vaughn — as both Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle also look to make waves with fullback Hunter Luepke ready to pounce from the shadows.

"It's really about opportunities for our young guys," said McCarthy. "It's Tony's opportunity to be the lead back, so we're just getting all of those guys ready. Deuce is the new guy and it's been cool to see him implemented in the things that we've been doing here the last week. The group will look different because [Zeke's] presence is not there."


https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mccarthy-rb-situation-not-about-replacing-zeke

 

[CCBoy]

Offensive line: This one is a doozy. The signing of Chuma Edoga pits him against incoming rookie fifth-round pick Asim Richards in the battle for left guard, but both have the ability to flex and, as such, will also compete for the possible job at swing tackle. But wait, there's more. Insert Matt Farniok and Matt Waletzko as notable players who will also be in the battle for left guard and swing tackle, respectively, while Farniok also gets a chance to improve at being insurance in a Tyler Biadasz-less world. Also, toss in Brock Hoffman, Alec Lindstrom, Earl Bostick and T.J. Bass, and the fact it's unknown where Tyler Smith will start (LG1? LT1?); and there's A LOT for the Cowboys to sort through here.

Running back: The decision to part ways with Ezekiel Elliott creates a gargantuan void that needs to be filled somehow opposite Tony Pollard, and the first nod there likely goes to Ronald Jones, a two-time Super Bowl winner signed this offseason. Enter rookie dynamo Deuce Vaughn though, who will make it insanely difficult to keep off of the field in RB2-focused situations, but who'll also have to try to hold off a promising talent in Malik Davis and veteran Rico Dowdle. This will easily be one of the best position battles this summer, especially when tossing in rookie fullback (flexback) Hunter Luepke.

Wide receiver: Let's kick the tires and light the fires, folks. This battle will undoubtedly be one of the more fun to watch, especially with the addition of Brandin Cooks. Expect Cooks to hit the ground running this summer in tandem with CeeDee Lamb, but questions regarding Michael Gallup's readiness to regain stride are abound. There's no reason he shouldn't get back to top form in 2023, and assuming he does, it's the battle for WR4 that takes center stage — Jalen Tolbert finding himself going head-to-head with Simi Fehoko and nine other bodies at WR (including 2022 camp star Dennis Houston). Maybe KaVontae Turpin gets in on the party as well, but since there's only so many passes to go around, this fight should get hot-and-heavy.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/5-key-position-battles-for-cowboys-offense

 

[Reid1boys]

Without a Jim Brown or Franco Harris and having Vaughn and Pollard...hardly.

You missed the point... the point was we are"Getting back," to winning the ball? When did we get away from running the ball? We damn sure ran the ball last year.

 

[CCBoy]

You missed the point... the point was we are"Getting back," to winning the ball? When did we get away from running the ball? We damn sure ran the ball last year.

Get a clue as a post on current trends and players have already been included in thread...what is being referenced by yourself, is instead specifying the element of a power runner which is in question with the current players brought aboard. As such, they are in question and unproven. That's open for discussion...get one's own statement in line with the discussion offered.

*(winning the ball is a poor selection for a catch-phrase)

 

[GMO415]

Don't need him.

 

[CCBoy]

Don't need him.

How long then, have the Cowboys been on top of the hill then. A good addition is a valid consideration, no matter how many rah-rahs are thrown around.

Being a fan is fine and dandy...so is being smart with assets or potentials as well.

 

[Reid1boys]

Get a clue as a post on current trends and players have already been included in thread...what is being referenced by yourself, is instead specifying the element of a power runner which is in question with the current players brought aboard. As such, they are in question and unproven. That's open for discussion...get one's own statement in line with the discussion offered.

*(winning the ball is a poor selection for a catch-phrase)

im not gonna argue for the sake of arguning... winning was clearly running... I guess some of us cant figure out when written mistakes are that obvious.

The discussion/comment was made that adding Dhop is in contradiction with Mikes comments about "Getting back," to running the ball. We never left running the ball as I so clearly pointed out the facts.

Power runner was never mentioned.

 

[CCBoy]

im not gonna argue for the sake of arguning... winning was clearly running... I guess some of us cant figure out when written mistakes are that obvious.

The discussion/comment was made that adding Dhop is in contradiction with Mikes comments about "Getting back," to running the ball. We never left running the ball as I so clearly pointed out the facts.

Power runner was never mentioned.

Clueless, no...the reason for adding that specific element has been explained a couple of ways.

If one states a reason and it is targeted at a poster, at least listen to the offered discussion and give it a respectful consideration,

For discussion, there is not right or wrong observation, until it becomes an excuse for ignoring respectful consideration of a relevant purpose.

The passing game dominates over 60% of game outcomes in today's game.

Running has a lot to do with controlling the clock as giving the defense better conditions to be top shelf. That isn't at all a conflict.

 

[Ranching]

You missed the point... the point was we are"Getting back," to winning the ball? When did we get away from running the ball? We damn sure ran the ball last year.

It's not how many times you run it, it's about the when and how.

 

[CCBoy]

The veteran is now with Klutch Sports, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who notes Hopkins will be repped by Kelton Crenshaw (Twitter link). DeVonta Smith, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chase Young are also aligned with Klutch and Crenshaw. Hopkins had represented himself in the past — including when he signed the two-year, $54.5MM Cardinals extension in 2020 — but as the soon-to-be 31-year-old pass catcher transitions to free agency, he will have representation. Hopkins had been using financial advisor Saint Omni as his de facto representative, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes, while Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio adds teams were shying away from email communication with the accomplished wideout due to concerns they would be emailing a non-certified agent. That issue will be in the past now, with Hopkins aligned with LeBron James’ Klutch.

Both AFC powerhouses sit at the bottom of the league in terms of cap space. Buffalo holds $1.47MM; Kansas City sits at barely $600K. Hopkins is not looking to take much of a discount, especially considering what Odell Beckham Jr. received from the Ravens. OBJ signed for $15MM guaranteed, and incentives can take the 30-year-old wideout’s payout to $18MM. Hopkins remains unlikely to secure Beckham-level cash at this offseason juncture, and the Chiefs and Bills — during trade talks with the Cardinals — balked at taking on his previous contract. With that contract in the past, more flexibility exists now.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2...ills-browns-watson-chiefs-ravens-jets-cowboys

 

[CCBoy]

Still don't think he's important...just let him sign with Kansas City or Buffalo and just see how long until another trip for a Lombardi occurs!

The Bills did not draft a receiver until Round 5 (Florida’s Justin Shorter), but they are planning to use first-round tight end Dalton Kincaid as a slot player frequently.
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2...ills-browns-watson-chiefs-ravens-jets-cowboys

Trading up just in front of 26.

 

[CCBoy]

Have the Cowboys been struggling to close out games because the defense has gotten tired and declined? It’s true they have played fast, and as a result, the defense has faced a league-high 400 drives over the past two seasons. If you split how the Dallas defense performs by 15-snap buckets by expected points added (EPA) per play, though, Dan Quinn’s unit has actually been remarkably consistent as games have gone along. It actually is best late in games.

The nine most pass-heavy teams by that measure include both Super Bowl winners (the Chiefs and Rams), the two runners-up (the Bengals and Eagles) and two teams that won consecutive divisional titles (the Bills and Buccaneers).

“Kellen wants to light the scoreboard up,” he said, “but I want him to run the damn ball so I can rest my defense.” McCarthy framed this as a big-picture understanding of football that he possesses as a head coach and Moore lacked as a coordinator.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...rd-bill-barnwell-best-offseason-rankings-espn

How exactly does the defense stay off the field without a true and proven power runner?

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

STOP THE PERSONAL ATTACKS

 

[CCBoy]

Reid and Mahomes can mask many sins on a team...ie receivers. Its really unfair to expect any QB, let alone, Dak to live up to the same standard.

Ask Green Bay about no boatload of top notched receivers, but a top notched quarterback. They were also winners with the current Dallas Head Coach,

 

[CCBoy]

This is what is affecting the decisions to pull the trigger or not...we shall see Dallas thoughts as it evolves or just plays out....


Lamb should be looking at an extension worth at least $26 million per season, while Diggs’ new deal should reset the top of the market at $22 million per campaign. If the Cowboys can manage to sign both while keeping their combined average annual value at or below $50 million per season, it would be good work.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...rd-bill-barnwell-best-offseason-rankings-espn

 

[CCBoy]

This does make sense:

RB Leonard Fournette​

Mike McCarthy has expressed his desire for the Dallas Cowboys to be more efficient running the ball in 2023. To do so, Tony Pollard will step into a role somewhat unfamiliar for him as their starting running back. He did out touch Ezekiel Elliott in 2022 by a total of 11 offensive snaps, but is expected to take on a much larger workload this year.

As things stand right now, the Cowboys don’t really have a surefire answer as to who will be No. 20’s primary backup this season. They have a stable of RBs currently on the roster who will have the opportunity to claim that job, however, none of them really inspire too much confidence. Because of that, adding someone like Leonard Fournette makes sense.

Fournette (6’0”, 228) is a big, bruising back who would immediately upgrade Dallas’ RB corps if signed. The 28-year-old would be a really nice complement behind Tony Pollard and would provide much-needed insurance if/when he needed to step into the starting role. Adding him would give the Cowboys a really solid RB duo for the 2023 season.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ign-2023-offseason-damien-wilson-robbie-gould


This becomes a real consideration if Tony Pollard has to carry all of the pounding himself...

It’s time to say goodbye​

Tony Pollard

Who doesn’t like a little explosiveness in your offense and that is what Pollard has brought to the Cowboys since joining the team in 2019. Playing a position that takes a beating as well as containing a large amount of supply, it’s hard to justify the team throwing heavy resources his way. The front office is just coming off what should be a lesson learned with Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard is a great player, but he’s missed time with a torn plantar fascia, thigh, and that nasty ankle injury in last year’s playoff game. He’s not injury prone by any means, but running backs notoriously take a beating so exploring a cheaper option is the way to go.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-last-year-deal-contract-extension-free-agent

 

[CCBoy]

This does make sense:

RB Leonard Fournette​

Mike McCarthy has expressed his desire for the Dallas Cowboys to be more efficient running the ball in 2023. To do so, Tony Pollard will step into a role somewhat unfamiliar for him as their starting running back. He did out touch Ezekiel Elliott in 2022 by a total of 11 offensive snaps, but is expected to take on a much larger workload this year.

As things stand right now, the Cowboys don’t really have a surefire answer as to who will be No. 20’s primary backup this season. They have a stable of RBs currently on the roster who will have the opportunity to claim that job, however, none of them really inspire too much confidence. Because of that, adding someone like Leonard Fournette makes sense.

Fournette (6’0”, 228) is a big, bruising back who would immediately upgrade Dallas’ RB corps if signed. The 28-year-old would be a really nice complement behind Tony Pollard and would provide much-needed insurance if/when he needed to step into the starting role. Adding him would give the Cowboys a really solid RB duo for the 2023 season.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ign-2023-offseason-damien-wilson-robbie-gould


This becomes a real consideration if Tony Pollard has to carry all of the pounding himself...

It’s time to say goodbye​

Tony Pollard

Who doesn’t like a little explosiveness in your offense and that is what Pollard has brought to the Cowboys since joining the team in 2019. Playing a position that takes a beating as well as containing a large amount of supply, it’s hard to justify the team throwing heavy resources his way. The front office is just coming off what should be a lesson learned with Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard is a great player, but he’s missed time with a torn plantar fascia, thigh, and that nasty ankle injury in last year’s playoff game. He’s not injury prone by any means, but running backs notoriously take a beating so exploring a cheaper option is the way to go.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-last-year-deal-contract-extension-free-agent

That projection is based upon a 2024 potential.

 

[CCBoy]

Rico Dowdle (running back), Will Grier (quarterback), and Malik Davis (running back). The Cowboys may choose to bring them back or they may release them before the start of the season. They’ll have a little time to show their worth, but none of these players would be considered huge losses for the Cowboys if they aren’t around much longer.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-last-year-deal-contract-extension-free-agent

 

[CCBoy]

A lot is riding on the shoulders of this player:

Ronald Jones

The Cowboys waited to round six before they invested in running back Deuce Vaughn, and while there are reasons to like that pick, we’ll have to see things come to fruition first. Jones is an interesting veteran who could give the running back group a little pop in what otherwise is an explosive duo of Tony Pollard and Vaughn.


https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...-last-year-deal-contract-extension-free-agent

 

[CCBoy]

Like we said, Dallas checks every box.

Say what you will about Jerry Jones, but he runs a buttoned-up front office. Everyone knows their role and receives the utmost respect. Nothing showed this more than when Dallas allowed Chris Vaughn to make the call to his son Deuce Vaughn to inform him Cowboys were drafting him.

We don't have to delve too much into Dak Prescott. His leadership and off-field intangibles are everything you could want in a quarterback.

Finally, if Dallas' defense isn't great, it's pretty darn close. They had the most takeaways in the league last season with 33, allowed the sixth-fewest points per game, had the highest pressure rate of any team at 25.5% and finished third with 54 sacks.
It stands to reason the Cowboys' defense will be even better in 2023 after they traded for Stephon Gilmore and drafted Mazi Smith. Are we expecting Dallas to pursue Hopkins? Probably not, but if his trade market is still slow-moving, it couldn't hurt to kick the tires because the WR room has a ton of question marks behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks.

https://thelandryhat.com/posts/nfl-rumors-cowboys-check-every-box-deandre-hopkins-trade-wishlist