Cowboys' shot in the arm with returning players **merged**

[Denim Chicken]

Your definition of a difference maker is different than mine.

Demarcus Lawrence is NOT a difference maker.

2014 playoffs: two sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

 

[thechosen1n2]

Like going to the doctor, and getting a shot in the arm, the Cowboys may start getting "WELL" soon. Here are your shots that can have varying levels of benefit to the Cowboys team:

1. Lawrence. This addition can be a significant upgrade over what we currently have, and give us a fresh body to rotate at DE. It also keeps us from having to weaken the DT position by bumping a player out there. It enables the rotational backup to be fresh and "sell out" to go get a sack in limited playing time.

2. Nzoacha. This shot could be huge. He seemed to be a play making machine in preseason. He supposedly has very good athleticism, which we are hurting on at linebacker right now by using Hitchens. Hitchens is a very good backup, but that's about all and is aliability against the pass. This one might end up being an upgrade that rivals Lawrence's return for the most important return.

3. Gregory. No, we can't count on him returning, but right now he is eligible to play the last two regular season games and the playoffs. He will be rusty, but the good news is he will be physically healthy. As a situational pass rusher, he might create a much needed spark. The bright side is that he probably will be drug free for the first time in a while. My guess is Jerry gets a full time babysitter for him.

4. McClain. He is another player you can't count on, but if we are losing because of linebacking play, who is to say that Jerry won't suck it up and play him the rest of this year and then move on from him when the off season comes around. The lack of a locker at the Star might mean he is gone already, or just be motivational, but no one really knows which at this point.

5. Tapper. Talented player with upside. If he can actually play this one might give us more options than we thought we would have. Suddenly, we actually have some depth if he is healthy and this pick pans out. I think the fact that we kept him off of IR indicates that we believe he will substantially contribute.

6. McFadden. He might help the defense via trade to a running back needy team. He is good, and expendable. He is reasonably priced so a trade involving him could happen, for a reasonably valued return for both teams.

You forgot Romo. He scores touchdowns moving the ball instead of FG. Less pressure on the defense.

 

[DogFace]

You really think the Cowboys want to deal with McClain any further?
I was a big fan of McClain's, but I'm even tired of his antics.
The Cowboys gave him a chance to resurrect his career, and he repays them by getting hit with a 10-game suspension.
I'm tired of relying on players who aren't reliable and available. Hopefully, the Cowboys are too, though I doubt it.

The fact we need him is pretty clear. When that time comes if we still do I think they'll put up with him. It's not like it's really new. Just more of the same.

I was sick of him too. I'll get over it after a big hit or int.

 

[jobberone]

No offense, but you have an odd definition for "difference maker." To me, a difference maker is not necessarily one of the top three defensive players in the league, but someone that makes a positive difference.

Last year, after Hardy started playing Lawrence was one of the most productive defensive players in the league. During the last half of the season he was 2nd in sacks and had a bunch of TFL etc.Of course, I know that was because he faced a lot of single blocks, but right now our DE's are facing single blocks on almost every play and they are not doing anything. Offenses are doubling down on our DT's , which is part of the reason we aren't getting the production out of them that we thought we would. Its also why we lined up with four DT's for much of the 2nd half last week. When Lawrence comes back defenses will have to decide to focus on him or the DT's. Just having a guy that can routinely beat single blockers will help a ton.

One guy is never the answer IF the DL is suspect. I've always believed in the need for pressure thruout the line with one or better more elite players.

 

[CATCH17]

Are we ever going to see these guys on the field?

Both guys have upside at a position of need.

 

[erod]

McClain and Gregory are done. I'd bet neither plays another down of football.

Nzeocha interests me greatly, as does Tapper and obviously Lawrence.

 

[landroverking]

You should rethink 3&4.

We don't have the DEs to run as OSL.
The current LBs are to small.
Dallas built the D for this year around the 4-3.

 

[CowboyChris]

dont forget M Collins, I thought he had a good game vs the Commanders

 

[big dog cowboy]

1. Lawrence.
2. Nzoacha.
3. Gregory.
4. McClain.
5. Tapper.
6. McFadden.

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
4. No
5. Yes
6. No

 

[DavidS]

Like going to the doctor, and getting a shot in the arm, the Cowboys may start getting "WELL" soon. Here are your shots that can have varying levels of benefit to the Cowboys team:

1. Lawrence. This addition can be a significant upgrade over what we currently have, and give us a fresh body to rotate at DE. It also keeps us from having to weaken the DT position by bumping a player out there. It enables the rotational backup to be fresh and "sell out" to go get a sack in limited playing time.

2. Nzoacha. This shot could be huge. He seemed to be a play making machine in preseason. He supposedly has very good athleticism, which we are hurting on at linebacker right now by using Hitchens. Hitchens is a very good backup, but that's about all and is aliability against the pass. This one might end up being an upgrade that rivals Lawrence's return for the most important return.

3. Gregory. No, we can't count on him returning, but right now he is eligible to play the last two regular season games and the playoffs. He will be rusty, but the good news is he will be physically healthy. As a situational pass rusher, he might create a much needed spark. The bright side is that he probably will be drug free for the first time in a while. My guess is Jerry gets a full time babysitter for him.

4. McClain. He is another player you can't count on, but if we are losing because of linebacking play, who is to say that Jerry won't suck it up and play him the rest of this year and then move on from him when the off season comes around. The lack of a locker at the Star might mean he is gone already, or just be motivational, but no one really knows which at this point.

5. Tapper. Talented player with upside. If he can actually play this one might give us more options than we thought we would have. Suddenly, we actually have some depth if he is healthy and this pick pans out. I think the fact that we kept him off of IR indicates that we believe he will substantially contribute.

6. McFadden. He might help the defense via trade to a running back needy team. He is good, and expendable. He is reasonably priced so a trade involving him could happen, for a reasonably valued return for both teams.

Cocaine is a wonderful drug

 

[dogunwo]

No, no. The first two in that list I really like and agree with.

Nzeocha looked good in the preseason and I thought he had a real shot to challenge for that spot prior to injury. Hopefully he gets back soon.

Until then, give me Durant in the middle. Hitchens has looked bad in my opinion.

Hitch has truly regressed. Such promise shown rookie year. He has gotten worse each year. The worst part is, is @Risen Star might have been right about him all along, LOL.

 

[Stash]

Hitch has truly regressed. Such promise shown rookie year. He has gotten worse each year. The worst part is, is @Risen Star might have been right about him all along, LOL.

He truly has. He may just be a weakside linebacker, miscast in the middle. Trouble is, this team has about 5 other candidates for the weakside linebacker role, with Sean Lee leading the way.

Foolishly thinking they could 'deal' with Rolando McClain continues to haunt them.

 

[dogunwo]

He truly has. He may just be a weakside linebacker, miscast in the middle. Trouble is, this team has about 5 other candidates for the weakside linebacker role, with Sean Lee leading the way.

Foolishly thinking they could 'deal' with Rolando McClain continues to haunt them.

We desperately need Jaylon Smith to play.

 

[Direwolf63]

2014 playoffs: two sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

My sample size of Lawrence being a jag is much bigger than yours

 

[tyke1doe]

I felt the same about Hardy. Not so much McClain because l really never thought his heart was in playing football. Gregory...well there is still some "hope" in his case. He has some talent and at least wants to play. He needs to find a way to beat the tests or stop smoking during the season. He's a pothead...but he didn't murder anyone. The pot issue is a bit overblown by the League.

Sorry, but you're not going to get any sympathy from me with the "at least he didn't murder anyone" rationalization. The league has a rule against pot. It doesn't matter whether you don't like it or I like it. It is the current rule. The players know this. They must abide by it or at least not get caught. Gregory didn't do that. And that's why he's not playing.

Our opinions about pot really don't matter. The league's rules and their enforcement of those rules are what matters.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I don't think so. McClain has sealed his own fate. He doesn't want to play football anymore. This team could have ten guys on the field, with nobody playing MLB, and they still wouldn't bring McClain back. He's burned his bridges and pee'ed on the ashes.

You're right. If no one believes those words just look at Hardy. We could use pass rush help but his actions led Dallas to roll out with what we had instead

 

[Section446]

We won't see Gregory or McClain back this year, if ever.

 

[Redball Express]

Like going to the doctor, and getting a shot in the arm, the Cowboys may start getting "WELL" soon. Here are your shots that can have varying levels of benefit to the Cowboys team:

1. Lawrence. This addition can be a significant upgrade over what we currently have, and give us a fresh body to rotate at DE. It also keeps us from having to weaken the DT position by bumping a player out there. It enables the rotational backup to be fresh and "sell out" to go get a sack in limited playing time.

2. Nzoacha. This shot could be huge. He seemed to be a play making machine in preseason. He supposedly has very good athleticism, which we are hurting on at linebacker right now by using Hitchens. Hitchens is a very good backup, but that's about all and is aliability against the pass. This one might end up being an upgrade that rivals Lawrence's return for the most important return.

3. Gregory. No, we can't count on him returning, but right now he is eligible to play the last two regular season games and the playoffs. He will be rusty, but the good news is he will be physically healthy. As a situational pass rusher, he might create a much needed spark. The bright side is that he probably will be drug free for the first time in a while. My guess is Jerry gets a full time babysitter for him.

4. McClain. He is another player you can't count on, but if we are losing because of linebacking play, who is to say that Jerry won't suck it up and play him the rest of this year and then move on from him when the off season comes around. The lack of a locker at the Star might mean he is gone already, or just be motivational, but no one really knows which at this point.

5. Tapper. Talented player with upside. If he can actually play this one might give us more options than we thought we would have. Suddenly, we actually have some depth if he is healthy and this pick pans out. I think the fact that we kept him off of IR indicates that we believe he will substantially contribute.

6. McFadden. He might help the defense via trade to a running back needy team. He is good, and expendable. He is reasonably priced so a trade involving him could happen, for a reasonably valued return for both teams.

Not sure about trading DMAC.

Who is going to give us anything when his contract is up at the end of the year.?

No leverage there.

I say keep him and play him.

 

[LocimusPrime]

Just my opinion but the peeps that associate with use the term " difference maker" as someone who makes a significant difference. We wouldnt call an average guy a difference maker. For example if hitchen was starting and we replaced him with gachkar we still wouldnt consider gachkar a difference maker. Difference makers are playmakers and are way above average to all pro.

The same could apply to "play maker". Technically anyone who makes a " play" is a play maker but ive seen that term used to describe the elite as well.

I guess technically, anyone who makes a positive difference regardless of how small could be considered a difference maker. Its just not how ive seen that term used in the media or personally.

 

[xwalker]

Ronaldo is done. I don't see someone gaining 40 lbs from the "drank" lol whatever, being able to come back and perform on the NFL level. Yeah I said ronaldo, screw him.

Why do we care about a soccer player?