Could someone offer a rational, even-handed analysis...

[Silverstar]

Johnson isn't getting "pushed aside" by Gurode. If anything, Johnson continues to put more distance between himself and Gurode. Johnson has played almost every snap lately, and Gurode hasn't looked that good when he has played (other than against Oakland). Watch Gurode against Detroit again (he played one whole series) and try to come up with any rationale for why he should be starting.



Gurode hardly ever rotates in anymore, so you should be happy about that.

If Johnson is sooo good, then why is Gurode taking away snaps at all?

Obviously, Parcells thinks Gurode is a possibility at center or he wouldn't consider playing him at all. Did you see the look on Johnson's face when he was on the sideline...he was not a happy camper. I see Gurode working his way into the position, more than I see Johnson putting distance between them.


You want rationale....

Gurode was a 2nd round pick like Johnson, has much more game experience and is more versatile having started at RG. I also think Gurode is a stronger player, less injury prone and more reliable than Johnson at center (5 botched snaps). If Gurode were to start and finish every game from now on this season, the offense wouldn't miss a beat and I think would even improve IMO. Just because Gurode wasn't drafted to play center, doesn't mean he's not the better option at that position for Dallas.

One thing is definite...Johnson is no Stepnoski.

Not even close.


:starspin

 

[jobberone]

We need to be a little better overall on the OL. Why pick on Al? Parcells is also on record as saying the two centers have different strengths and he could use them accordingly.

I say wait and see what happens with both players.

Gurode was being run out of town early in training camp and now some want him to start.

Time for patience and let the situation sort itself out with the coaching staff making the decisions IMO.

 

[Cbz40]

Johnson, due to injury the year he was drafted, as yet has not played two full seasons.......Patience, Patience please

 

[SuspectCorner]

al johnson is no great shakes. he doesn't play like a borderline 300 pounder. he plays ... well... smaller.

steppo was quite a bit smaller than johnson. but you'd never know it by watching him. his technique, quickness, and leverage were outstanding. sure he was surrounded by greatness - but he always held his own.

johnson is like most of the current O-line (the exceptions being the revived LA and the downward-arcing rivera) - a work in progress.

 

[Dallas4ever]

Next time you watch a Cowboy game, look for the guy laying on his back - that’s Al Johnson.

You know you wrong for this.:laugh2:

 

[AdamJT13]

If Johnson is sooo good, then why is Gurode taking away snaps at all?

Parcells seems to want a bigger/stronger center against bigger/stronger defensive tackles. He gives Gurode a chance to play, but it doesn't always work out for the best.

I see Gurode working his way into the position, more than I see Johnson putting distance between them.

So why has Gurode played less and less as the season goes along -- sometimes never even rotating in at center? He played only one series against Detroit, which is the least he has played in any game when he's been rotated in. And he frankly didn't play very well.

You want rationale....

Gurode was a 2nd round pick like Johnson, has much more game experience and is more versatile having started at RG.

I said watch Gurode in the Detroit game again, then come up with some rationale for why he should start. Based on that performance, he doesn't deserve to see the field anytime soon -- especially considering how Johnson played.

I also think Gurode is a stronger player, less injury prone and more reliable than Johnson at center (5 botched snaps).

As Parcells said, the snap problem was Bledsoe's fault. And Gurode is FAR from reliable, considering how many mental mistakes he makes.

If Gurode were to start and finish every game from now on this season, the offense wouldn't miss a beat and I think would even improve IMO.

Like I said, watch him against Detroit, then try to justify that opinion.

Just because Gurode wasn't drafted to play center, doesn't mean he's not the better option at that position for Dallas.

If he is the "better option," why is he not starting, and why is he playing LESS now than he did at the beginning of the season?