DMN Blog: Cowboys add a linebacker... Matt Stewart

[BigWillie]

Don't forget, we also have Steve Octavien. There is a chance he could get some snaps. He's super active and he will be big on special teams if nothing else.

Who knows? Maybe he'll do something.

Octavien knows two things. Run an hit. Do not try and confuse him with schemes or how to play inside of one.

I remember his last year at Nebraska that the DC at the time got so aggravated with his mental mistakes that he told him once in practice "just get the d*** quarterback and forget everything else I've ever taught you". :laugh2:

 

[Beast_from_East]

Why the hell did we pull this guy off the trash heap???

He hasnt played since 06???




Watch him beat out Barbie!!!!!

 

[CF74]

Watch him beat out Barbie!!!!!

We have all the confidence in the world Barbie can hold down the splinters.

 

[Beast_from_East]

We have all the confidence in the world Barbie can hold down the splinters.

:laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

 

[RainMan]

Yuck.

Pretty much sums it up.

Maybe Phillips just needed to have a new Stewart nearby.

 

[dbair1967]

Don't like it one bit. You don't sign a guy now cause you want him for camp. I don't think anyone was rushing to land this guy before us.

I'm sure he got the league minimum...no big deal

 

[dbair1967]

And because people probably have no clue, here are some numbers on Stewart:

3yr starter in Atlanta. Got a decent deal as a free agent when he signed with Cleveland.

Averaged over 70 tackles a yr as a starter in Atlanta, two of which were with Wade as DC.

Had 5 passes defensed, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 25 tackles for loss in those 3yrs as a starter

Knows this system, he's also a smart guy. Went to Vandy, decent size at 6'3, 240...can play ILB or OLB. Good special teamer while he was in Atl.

Had some sort of injury a couple yrs ago and hasnt played since.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

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 -

---------------

Take that NY and Wash. :laugh2:

 

[CrazyCowboy]

This guy will cure all of our problems.

 

[Woods]

And because people probably have no clue, here are some numbers on Stewart:

3yr starter in Atlanta. Got a decent deal as a free agent when he signed with Cleveland.

Averaged over 70 tackles a yr as a starter in Atlanta, two of which were with Wade as DC.

Had 5 passes defensed, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 25 tackles for loss in those 3yrs as a starter

Knows this system, he's also a smart guy. Went to Vandy, decent size at 6'3, 240...can play ILB or OLB. Good special teamer while he was in Atl.

Had some sort of injury a couple yrs ago and hasnt played since.

Good stuff. Thanks for that.

I wonder if his shoulder injury is fully healed now. Let's hope he's healthy.

His stats were pretty good when he was healthy.

 

[casmith07]

I would much rather re-sign Burnett than sign a guy that hasn't put the pads on in almost 3 years.

 

[fanfromvirginia]

This signing made it to 3 pages?

 

[TheCount]

I'm sure he got the league minimum...no big deal

I'd hope so, I just don't like the position he was picked up at. I don't want anything to pursued us we don't need to draft a quality ILB, especially after signing Brookings.

who'd have thought you would disagree with a roster move?

I've agreed with most of the moves, as long as they were reported correctly, actually. We haven't really done much of anything yet.

 

[Wrangler87]

I don't think Burnett will be back. I remember this guy a little. I don't think the signing was meant to make a splash.

What it shows is that Phillips is jumping head first into his responsibilities as the Defensive Coordinator. He didn't do that last year because he was letting Stewart do his thing, and simply giving advice. This season, Phillips knows the key to winning is defense. The defense is his baby. So he is bringing in guys that know exactly how he wants his defense run. Guys that are more role oriented than they are rogue. Let the superstars make the plays, and do your job.

All in all, I think this is a good sign because Wade knows D, if nothing else.

With this, all you have to do is look at the fee agents left on the market on the defensive side of the ball, who have played in Wade's system, at a decent level, and that will be our target from here o

 

[Alexander]

Don't forget, we also have Steve Octavien. There is a chance he could get some snaps. He's super active and he will be big on special teams if nothing else.

Who knows? Maybe he'll do something.

Octavien actually forced a fumble on special teams last year. He might have a decent shot.

As for Stewart, he's just a familiar face. I don't anticipate him lasting long unless we just don't bother to add anyone in the draft.

 

[tunahelper]

I wonder if this was a ST replacement more than anything? We are probably going to lose Burnett who was a major ST contributor. If you have a need and a vet is available who can play ST why would anyone look down on this move? ST was horrible, so moves are needed...

 

[lcharles]

Why are we bringing in all these guys with ties to Phillips if he is done after this year?


New Stadium. Same ole crap product.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Special teams kind of guy and emergency depth with this one. Nothing wrong with getting some bodies in there for camp.

 

[BigBoy63]

Burnett is probably the better out of the two, but i don't know how this other linebacker plays, who knows maybe he can at least contribute on special teams.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I wonder if this was a ST replacement more than anything? We are probably going to lose Burnett who was a major ST contributor. If you have a need and a vet is available who can play ST why would anyone look down on this move? ST was horrible, so moves are needed...

That's what I'm thinking... He'll be a special teamer *if* he even makes the team.

But mainly, this is a nothing move. How can anyone complain about a move like this?