Depth behind B James at ILB?

[Woods]

I wanted Carpenter on the team, I thought he would be traded or cut this past season, so this means they see something in him.

When I watched him play, the only thing I saw wrong was him not getting his nose into all the plays. For some reason, he when it seems like the play is about to conclude he stops, instead of getting up in there and finishing it off.

Plus, I think in some small way, that maybe he doesn't like the first contact that 3-4 linebackers have to deal with all the time, maybe he likes to just flow through traffic untouched and make plays. I hope this isn't the case.

Actually, from what I read, I think the Cowboys were looking to try and trade Carpenter this year, but when K Burnett signed with the SD Chargers, we decided to hold on to Carpenter for the nickel role.

 

[Woods]

Stewart has played outside exclusively I think. I think its Rogers or Carpenter for the Mike and I'd rather have Rogers there altho Carp is probably better as a Mo/Nickel/Dime and can play the Mike and Will. Rogers spelled Ware the very few times he came out on D.

Ahhh . . . ok, for some reason I thought Stewart played ILB in Wade's scheme.

Then, yes, I guess it's between Rogers and Carpenter.

 

[AbeBeta]

He or Ratliff getting hurt could bring down the entire season IMO.

Funny b/c that was my thought when Jason Ferguson went down....

 

[jobberone]

Ahhh . . . ok, for some reason I thought Stewart played ILB in Wade's scheme.

Then, yes, I guess it's between Rogers and Carpenter.

I don't know that for a fact but I can't find anything about his playing inside. Only outside. I think he's here for a reason but I do not think he has a roster spot locked up. And I'm not happy with Carp at the Mike at all. In fact I'm not even certain Carp will be on the 53.

You brought up an interesting subject. I wonder if we would consider a proven Mike to bring in here at some point. It doesn't sound like it but that is a hole.

BTW, how's the weather and how's the dollar over there? When's a good time to come to London?

 

[Woods]

I don't know that for a fact but I can't find anything about his playing inside. Only outside. I think he's here for a reason but I do not think he has a roster spot locked up. And I'm not happy with Carp at the Mike at all. In fact I'm not even certain Carp will be on the 53.

You brought up an interesting subject. I wonder if we would consider a proven Mike to bring in here at some point. It doesn't sound like it but that is a hole.

BTW, how's the weather and how's the dollar over there? When's a good time to come to London?

Here's a little snippit I just located . . . .


Cowboys add a linebacker

With Kevin Burnett taking visits to Oakland and San Diego, the Cowboys have added another linebacker to the fold with Wade Phillips' ties, agreeing on a one-year contract with Matt Stewart.

Like Keith Brooking, Stewart played for Phillips in Atlanta in 2002-03 and started 29 games. In 2003 he had his best season with 108 tackles. He has not played since 2006 after a shoulder injury cost him the '07 season with Cleveland and he was cut by Arizona last year.

Stewart, 29, has experience at inside and outside linebacker in the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He also played for special teams coach Joe DeCamillis in Atlanta.

- Todd Archer -


I think he'd play ILB in the 34 defense, if I'm interpreting the above article correctly.

Plus, he's got the Joe DeCamillis connection - so he's golden.

EDIT: I believe that Stewart was one of the last cuts for the Cards last season, and he's now finally healthy for the first time in a couple of years.

 

[jobberone]

Here's a little snippit I just located . . . .


Cowboys add a linebacker

With Kevin Burnett taking visits to Oakland and San Diego, the Cowboys have added another linebacker to the fold with Wade Phillips' ties, agreeing on a one-year contract with Matt Stewart.

Like Keith Brooking, Stewart played for Phillips in Atlanta in 2002-03 and started 29 games. In 2003 he had his best season with 108 tackles. He has not played since 2006 after a shoulder injury cost him the '07 season with Cleveland and he was cut by Arizona last year.

Stewart, 29, has experience at inside and outside linebacker in the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. He also played for special teams coach Joe DeCamillis in Atlanta.

- Todd Archer -


I think he'd play ILB in the 34 defense, if I'm interpreting the above article correctly.

Plus, he's got the Joe DeCamillis connection - so he's golden.

EDIT: I believe that Stewart was one of the last cuts for the Cards last season, and he's now finally healthy for the first time in a couple of years.

He's big enough at 6-3 and 238 so he should be able to go inside although that's not big for a Mike in the 3-4, IMO.

Here's what I have:

The Dallas Cowboys signed linebacker Matt Stewart to a one-year deal. Stewart signed with the Arizona Cardinals on April 17, 2008 but was released on the final roster reduction and remained out of football. Stewart was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Falcons before joining the Cleveland Browns for three years. For his career, he has played in 93 games with 61 starts and totaled 357 tackles (201 solo), eight sacks, one interception and eight pass breakups.
2005: In his first season with the Browns, appeared in 14 games, including 12 starts at outside linebacker and recorded 41 tackles, including 22 solo, 3 TFL, 1 interception, 3 PBU and 1 forced fumble...Had a season-high 7 tackles, including 2 solo, vs. Jacksonville on Dec. 4...Recorded his first career interception vs. Miami on Nov. 20...Started at RLB on opening day, but suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the next two games...Moved back into the starting lineup vs. Detroit on Oct. 23 and started there for the remainder of the season.
2004: In his fourth season in Atlanta, started all 16 regular season games at outside linebacker and ranked second on the club with 89 tackles and a career-high 4 PBU...Also started both playoff contests and totaled 7 tackles.
2003: Started all 16 games for Falcons for first time in NFL career...Finished season with new career-highs in total tackles with 108 and solo tackles with 65...Added 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 special teams tackles.
2002: Started 13 of 16 games played and ended up with a personal-best of 87 tackles, including 49 solo stops...Added three quarterback sacks, one recovered fumble, one blocked kick and eight special teams tackles...Missed starts vs. Carolina (10/20) with a rib injury and vs. Chicago (9/15) and at Minnesota (12/1) when the team opened in nickel defense.
2001: Finished with 16 tackles on defense in 15 games played as a rookie...Added 17 special teams stops to finish behind team leader LB Artie Ulmer who posted 21 tackles...Began the season slowly after suffering a hip flexor in preseason finale vs. Tampa Bay (8/31)



That's great is he can play outside and inside. However, I see a big difference in a Mike in the 3-4 and 4-3. I think he can go to the Mo and maybe play the Will. He's kinda small for a 3-4 OLB although he could possibly play well there. I just don't know.


I can't find it but I think I remember seeing something about both Brooking and Stewart being a Mo. He's certainly got more experience than any of the rookies so I'd rather see him anywhere over those guys at least initially.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Pretty sure Stewart was pretty much always inside as a 34 guy. I think he played outside when Wade left and they went back to a 43. And Rogers was an OLB, Ware's backup. (Thank Gawd he he never had to play on defense.)

And Abe, I get your point, but in this case we don't have a promising young player we drafted last year ready to step in.

 

[gimmesix]

I think by default it will be Carpenter's job.

Of the inside linebackers we keep, I doubt we'll train Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge at more than one position starting off.

Carpenter knows both positions now, even if he hasn't shown himself to be very good at either.

Stewart would be a surprise, and would be the choice if he makes the roster because if that happened, I doubt we'd be keeping Carpenter also.

 

[Woods]

I think by default it will be Carpenter's job.

Of the inside linebackers we keep, I doubt we'll train Jason Williams and Stephen Hodge at more than one position starting off.

Carpenter knows both positions now, even if he hasn't shown himself to be very good at either.

Stewart would be a surprise, and would be the choice if he makes the roster because if that happened, I doubt we'd be keeping Carpenter also.

Yhea, I think that last LB spot is between Carpenter, M Stewart, and Rogers.

I just don't see us cutting our 3rd round LB or either of our 4th round LBs this year. I think Hodge makes the team - he's potentially got a lot of versatility for us.

From what I understand, Rogers started at OLB but then played some ILB last year. So I think he's one of the candidates. And we've discussed Stewart and Carpenter already.

I really hope Carpenter turns it on this TC and pre-season. He's got to get more physical.

 

[jobberone]

Pretty sure Stewart was pretty much always inside as a 34 guy. I think he played outside when Wade left and they went back to a 43. And Rogers was an OLB, Ware's backup. (Thank Gawd he he never had to play on defense.)

And Abe, I get your point, but in this case we don't have a promising young player we drafted last year ready to step in.

He played OLB in Cleveland and at least one year in Atlanta. But I can see Wade using smaller and faster players at the Mike and Mo so I think he could go inside. Carpenter is supposedly an inside and outside LB but I'd really cringe if he were to go to the Mike and even Mo.

Rogers has the size of a Mike and is pretty quick. Stewart has experience. It'll be a battle at the backup LB positions altho it appears Carp has the inside track at the SP job.

 

[OAM]

If Carlos Polk is still looking for a gig, we pick him up off the living room couch. IF James or Brooking get injured. God forbid the myriad of LB's drafted this year can actually play a position they practiced throughout the majority of their athletic experiences.

 

[AbeBeta]

God forbid the myriad of LB's drafted this year can actually play a position they practiced throughout the majority of their athletic experiences.

How many of these guys played in the Middle in a 3-4?

 

[jobberone]

How many of these guys played in the Middle in a 3-4?

James. Rogers has time there in practice. I don't know about Carpenter.

 

[BAT]

James. Rogers has time there in practice. I don't know about Carpenter.

Carpenter was originally James backup at one point, then Wade moved him behind Burnett (who was backing up ZT).


Polk also has played James spot in spurts when he was w/the Chargers. Polk also has some experience at OLB. The guy is limited athletically, but is versatile due to his lay it all on the field attitude and vet savvy.

 

[BAT]

O.K. so you would think that Brooking would move over in case B James was unable to go, and then either Hodge or J Williams would play in Brooking's spot?

Yep. If James gets injured, Brooking slides over and it is likely Carp starting next to him. But I expect one of the rooks to eventually take the starting job from him before season's end.


Just like I believe one of the rooks beats Carp out for the nickel LB spot_perhaps not at the start of the season, but soon thereafter. However, it would not surprise me if one of them wins it outright before the season opener either. Wade just does not appear to have a lot of faith in Carp, even when he was supposedly setting TC on fire last year. Jerry was raving about him initially then changed his tune w/the famous "finesse LB" quote before the end of preseason.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Polk also has played James spot in spurts when he was w/the Chargers. Polk also has some experience at OLB. The guy is limited athletically, but is versatile due to his lay it all on the field attitude and vet savvy.

Yeah, if Polk were a few years younger, he'd be the perfect guy. He's not great by any means, but he is big and strong and tough and knows the system. But he can't have much in the tank anymore.

 

[J-DOG]

Carpenter was originally James backup at one point, then Wade moved him behind Burnett (who was backing up ZT).


Polk also has played James spot in spurts when he was w/the Chargers. Polk also has some experience at OLB. The guy is limited athletically, but is versatile due to his lay it all on the field attitude and vet savvy.

Agree.
In a perfect world-meaning Butler and Brandon Williams show promise as OLB pass rushers...I would choose Polk over Greg Ellis for a roster spot on the team.
Polk plays special teams and I think he could be a decent backup to Bradie...I am only for this senario if Butler and Brandon Williams show promise and let's hope that Spencer can stay healthy.
But in this division if we are not strong up the middle of our defense...teams like the Skins and Giants will run it down our throat.