DC.COM: Colombo Healthy, Practicing And Planning To Start

[Dallas]

So the coaches, training staff, strength and conditioning coach get no credit for knowing whether or not a player is in condition to handle a return?

I guess they just look at him and say, ah, it's worth a try.

Its all because the coaches want to lose. The coaches have epic fail written all over them. They should read this place more often. Genius abounds here.

Best kept secret in the NFL?? CBZ.COM

 

[notherbob]

Just because Colombo is starting doesn't mean he will play every down; I expect to see some more of Free in this game, it will take Marc a while to regain his stamina.

Maybe this will cure the short yardage running problem.

At least we know they have a good backup tackle.

 

[dbair1967]

I don't really like it. I would keep Free in there for continuity's sake, and use Colombo as a backup if anyone else goes down.

Free and Colombo on the same line would be awesome.

The Orlando Magic tried this when they brought Jameer Nelson in for the Finals against the Lakers and limited Rafer Alston's playing time, after Rafer Alston was destroying opponents including LeBron's Cavaliers.

With the team having struggled so much to make, and then have success in the playoffs for basically 13 years, I seriously doubt they'd stick somebody back out there if they didnt think he was ready, and at the same time be someone they thought was a better player. They arnt going to do something that knowingly lessens their chance to win.

I saw a stat yesterday about the run game, I think it was over a yard per carry more the team was averaging when Colombo started at RT.

That said, Free proved he was more than capable, if Colombo shows any signs of struggling I would bet the farm Free would be back out there.

 

[dbair1967]

Here's the problem I have with this.

We know what we'll get with Free..solid play

We have no idea where Colombo's conditioning or ability to move quick is at.

The dude has been out of football and probably out of conditiong for about a month now.

We dont, but the coaches and trainers do.

 

[Bleu Star]

I don't like this move... Bad decision IMO... Hopefully it doesn't play a part in Saturday's game.

 

[dbair1967]

I don't like this move... Bad decision IMO... Hopefully it doesn't play a part in Saturday's game.

So you believe no matter how he plays early on, he'll stay out there the entire game?

I think some of you are building up more out of this than there really is.

If it were me, I'd probably start Free too. On the other hand the coaches know these players better than we do, and they must believe that if healthy, Colombo is still a better overall player. As I mentioned in another post, I saw a stat about the running game and there was a pretty significant difference between the run game with Colombo and the run game with Free.

My thinking is if Colombo shows any signs of not being able to get his guy blocked, especially on passing downs that Free would be put right back in there.

 

[Bleu Star]

So you believe no matter how he plays early on, he'll stay out there the entire game?

I think some of you are building up more out of this than there really is.

No sir. This is not the right time but hopefully it all works out...

My thinking is if Colombo shows any signs of not being able to get his guy blocked, especially on passing downs that Free would be put right back in there.

I would be fine with that. (assuming they're in favor of or planning to make a change if Columbo struggles). I have learned to assume nothing with this coaching staff. That's not a stab.. Just what I have seen over time.

 

[gimmesix]

So you believe no matter how he plays early on, he'll stay out there the entire game?

I think some of you are building up more out of this than there really is.

If it were me, I'd probably start Free too. On the other hand the coaches know these players better than we do, and they must believe that if healthy, Colombo is still a better overall player. As I mentioned in another post, I saw a stat about the running game and there was a pretty significant difference between the run game with Colombo and the run game with Free.

My thinking is if Colombo shows any signs of not being able to get his guy blocked, especially on passing downs that Free would be put right back in there.

I think experience counts for something, too. As much as I've liked what I've seen out of Free, he's still a relatively inexperienced player.

I'd rather have a healthy Colombo facing the blitzes the Eagles are bound to dial up Saturday. Not saying Free wouldn't handle them, just that he's still a learning player, which makes him more susceptible to being fooled.

Free's feet have been held to the fire for several weeks now, but I'd rather him continue learning to be a starter in the regular season than the postseason, if Colombo is up to the task of returning.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Wade said today that Colombo is the leader of the O-line and a tremendous leader overall. I'm sure they'd rather have his experience right now rather than a guy who's only played a few NFL games in his life.

 

[Monster Heel]

Horrendous idea to play Marc Columbo in this game.

 

[Monster Heel]

Wade said today that Colombo is the leader of the O-line and a tremendous leader overall. I'm sure they'd rather have his experience right now rather than a guy who's only played a few NFL games in his life.

Because Marc Columbo's led the Cowboys to so many signature wins.

 

[Eskimo]

Colombo brings a nasty streak to this line that it has been missing.

I am very glad Free got his time in and we got to see him holding up his end of the bargain. He has played real well, but I have no problem whatsoever in Houck putting Columbo back in there. Its his job and was just unfortunate he got hurt. Let's not kid ourselves and think Free beat Marc out for the job.

It says a lot about Marc and I feel this coaching staff knows exactly what its doing.

To think for a second that you know more than these coaches is just rediculous.

Colombo and Davis are going to MAUL philly this weekend on the right side. I can't wait. :starspin

Go look back at this past Philly game and see what mauling is - that's what Davis and Free were doing. That's where the Cowboys had almost all of their running success to the tune of 179 yards and 5.6 ypc.

What did we manage with Colombo in game 1: 76 yards and 3.3 ypc.

This is a mistake but you'd think I was used to it by now. This regime just doesn't trust anyone who hasn't been in the league six years or so on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

This is great news! However, with as well as Free has been playing lately, do you think we'll find a way to use him in the playoffs?

jumbo package

 

[CATCH17]

I love the fact there is a Free vs Colombo debate and its not because of the fact Colombo sucks.

 

[Eskimo]

With the team having struggled so much to make, and then have success in the playoffs for basically 13 years, I seriously doubt they'd stick somebody back out there if they didnt think he was ready, and at the same time be someone they thought was a better player. They arnt going to do something that knowingly lessens their chance to win.

I saw a stat yesterday about the run game, I think it was over a yard per carry more the team was averaging when Colombo started at RT.

That said, Free proved he was more than capable, if Colombo shows any signs of struggling I would bet the farm Free would be back out there.

What if you cancel out the first 3 games of the season - where does that stat get you? The difference was mostly a healthy Felix Jones at the start of the year plus Barber took about all of 3 games to lose his burst this year so petered out there, too.

If you want to see the actual effects of grade A run blocking, look at what Free and Davis were doing to the entire right side of Philly's DL in the first half. One gouging hole after another right in that hole.

We are giving up a lot by putting Colombo in there. He just can't get onto the second level like Free can and he can't get out on screens.

Anyhow, hopefully he plays well but I think this is a wrong decision here - Free is just a much better player than Colombo.

 

[Bleu Star]

What if you cancel out the first 3 games of the season - where does that stat get you? The difference was mostly a healthy Felix Jones at the start of the year plus Barber took about all of 3 games to lose his burst this year so petered out there, too.

If you want to see the actual effects of grade A run blocking, look at what Free and Davis were doing to the entire right side of Philly's DL in the first half. One gouging hole after another right in that hole.

We are giving up a lot by putting Colombo in there. He just can't get onto the second level like Free can and he can't get out on screens.

Anyhow, hopefully he plays well but I think this is a wrong decision here - Free is just a much better player than Colombo.

Yes. I saw it and I subscribe to your line of thought. Spot on.

 

[Eskimo]

With the team having struggled so much to make, and then have success in the playoffs for basically 13 years, I seriously doubt they'd stick somebody back out there if they didnt think he was ready, and at the same time be someone they thought was a better player. They arnt going to do something that knowingly lessens their chance to win.

I saw a stat yesterday about the run game, I think it was over a yard per carry more the team was averaging when Colombo started at RT.

That said, Free proved he was more than capable, if Colombo shows any signs of struggling I would bet the farm Free would be back out there.

Just like they were so quick to decrease RW's reps? It only took 24 games of severe mediocrity. You think our coaching staff will pull someone after a bad half - might hurt some feelings.

 

[Eskimo]

Yes. I saw it and I subscribe to your line of thought. Spot on.

It is like our coaches don't watch the game tape.

 

[Soth]

Just because Colombo is starting doesn't mean he will play every down; I expect to see some more of Free in this game, it will take Marc a while to regain his stamina.

Maybe this will cure the short yardage running problem.

At least we know they have a good backup tackle.

I agree. I doubt they play him every down. They will split reps.

 

[newlander]

Man, this decision just has me scratching my friggin' head. Houck seems to be in love with Colombo but..............we'll see. My biggest fear is him giving up a critical sack and Romo getting hurt. I just hope they keep Phillips or Free next to him at tight end to help out on obvious passing downs. Rust is a legit concern here IMO...........