CowboysZone 2-A-Days: Commanders and Eagles

[casmith07]

Welcome to the off-season! As we begin our build-up to the draft, and as we get ready to hopefully dissect every single news bit from OTAs and training camp, I had an idea for the next week or so where we will take a look at our opponents and talk about their strengths and weaknesses (and possible draft posturing) for the maybe-upcoming 2011-12 season.

First up on 2-A-Days: the Washington Commanders, and the Philadelphia Eagles. I figured it would only make sense to start with the two most hated opponents in the entire NFL.

Have at it! Threads will go for 24 Hours, similar to Hostile's report card series, and then the next two opponents will be posted.

 

[casmith07]

At the risk of being accused of being self-indulgent, I'll start.

For the Commanders, I think we are a superior team in all four major aspects of the game: offense, defense, special teams, and yes even coaching. The Commanders are without a QB, a WR Corps, and although they have a good new back in Ryan Torain, they're still a little less than average along the offensive line.

On defense, the Skins have a pretty good defensive backfield, however, their front 7 needs some work aside from Brian Orakpo. With the Cowboys inevitably improving the offensive line, we should be able to stymie their pass rush. I like our odds much better against them this year, particularly with Jason Garrett preparing this team to play this season.

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Coaching

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

The Reskins have no QB and it really starts from there. Rex Grossman? Really.

There OL is spotty and does not play to the strengths of what Shanahan does.

The defense is what keep them in games but even with Atogwe they have an aging Fletcher and a malcontent in Haynesworth manning the middle.

I am waiting for the bottom to fall off of their run defense.

Eagles?

Redi misses Jim Johnson but with Vick, Jackson and Maclin he can score some serious points.

 

[Hostile]

There are two keys to winning the NFC East for me this year and both of them have to do with the Eagles.

1. We have to contain the big play ability of Vick with Jackson and Maclin.

2. We cannot allow Lesean McCoy to become Brian Westbrook.


I think our Offense is better than their Defense, but I am not convinced our Defense is better than their Offense. To stop them you have to stop big plays. I don't care if Vick gets out of the pocket because his accuracy drops as he scrambles, what I don't want is for him to get 10 yards down the field before we are hitting him. He gets more dangerous as he picks up confidence. I do not think he will replicate 2010s success.


I do not fear Washington because of the QB situation. I want them to reach for Jake Locker at 10 so bad I can't stand it. He is going to be a bust IMO. McNabb will likely end up in Minnesota and I don't think they can do much over a season with Grossman at the tiller.

 

[CCBoy]

I'm really interested in how the new CBA will affect the Commanders. They have two heavy hitters on that contract that should be gone once free agency is a reality.

Although the team has some scrappers on the defensive side, it really hasn't had long enough to build a strong 3-4 defense. We all recall growing pains in a three to four year transition period.

Philadelphia cruised down the season on the quick strike/big play ability in Michael Vick and it's receivers. Take Jackson out of the equation, and a big part of game winning dynamics diminishes.

To my thinking, if a team is able to keep Jackson within forty yards for a game, and Vick runs five yards or shorter...Dallas should score enough points to cover what falls out from under that umbrella.

 

[peplaw06]

Is it confirmed that McNabb won't be back in Washington? I don't remember anything saying that for sure, but it's possible I slept through it. Not that it matters if they have him starting this year.

 

[CCBoy]

Is it confirmed that McNabb won't be back in Washington? I don't remember anything saying that for sure, but it's possible I slept through it. Not that it matters if they have him starting this year.

Direct answer...no.

That will quickly be cleared once business as usual opens it's door once again.

Both he and a very rich defensive tackle should be flying about the league looking for monetary donors.

I really don't look for Shannahan to change spots, even in the face of an owner - Snyder.

 

[TD-33]

One things for certain; if Dallas' defense can contain the Eagle's offense, they can contain any teams offense. Tough division and don't forget the Giant's receivers....
I don't know who will throw him the football but I would almost bet money Wash takes Julio.

 

[bayeslife]

There are two keys to winning the NFC East for me this year and both of them have to do with the Eagles.

1. We have to contain the big play ability of Vick with Jackson and Maclin.

2. We cannot allow Lesean McCoy to become Brian Westbrook.


I think our Offense is better than their Defense, but I am not convinced our Defense is better than their Offense. To stop them you have to stop big plays. I don't care if Vick gets out of the pocket because his accuracy drops as he scrambles, what I don't want is for him to get 10 yards down the field before we are hitting him. He gets more dangerous as he picks up confidence. I do not think he will replicate 2010s success.


I do not fear Washington because of the QB situation. I want them to reach for Jake Locker at 10 so bad I can't stand it. He is going to be a bust IMO. McNabb will likely end up in Minnesota and I don't think they can do much over a season with Grossman at the tiller.

Totally agree on containing Vick, Maclin, Jackson, and McCoy. One thing I notice with McCoy however, is that he isn't a very good horizontal runner with a make-guys-miss ability, but he has such a quick burst after he cahnges directions to get down the field, he runs with such force that it's difficult to bring him down after he gains momentum.

Maclin can sometimes make or break a drive, because I've noticed that he can get up and make great plays, but he also seems to drop the ball or try and catch with his body during crucial drives and costs the Eagles points. One way to make use of that is be physical at the point of contact and get a great CB to go 1v1 on him. I don't care what people say, you can put 1 person on Maclin and be fine.

Jackson needs 2 people at all time to cover him, that is a fact. Just simply trying to press him won't work because he is going to move around a lot and make players look dumb if they aren't careful. Hopefully we can aquire a good safety to help take pressure of the CB having to cover him.

Vick is Vick. Put pressure on him and hit him whenever possible. He crumbled towards the end of the season when he actually had guys in his face.

And the Commanders are well.... I don't worry about them ever. Even when the Cowboys lose to them I have such a "meh" feeling, like they got lucky.

 

[ShiningStar]

I dont know how or why but it really seems these two teams dont scare Garrett at all. I think the fans fear these teams more than he does. It might be that football is football and either way its going to land he cant help it, but it really seems he knows these teams are slipping and where to beat them.

Lets hope it translate to the field, i have more worries with certain coaches on this team than i do a lot of teams in the NFL.