DMN Blog: Cowboys don't need elite No. 2 WR

[WoodysGirl]

2:13 PM Fri, May 23, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips


ERICH SCHLEGEL / DMN
I wrote on the eve of last season that a star No. 2 receiver was a luxury, not a necessity, for the Cowboys. Tony Romo made me look smart by setting a whole bunch of franchise records, including passing yards (4,211) and TDs (36) in a season.

I understand why Jerry wanted another stud to pair with T.O. But it's not like the Cowboys are in big trouble at receiver, even if Terry Glenn can't come back from knee problems. (Let's not even mention Jerry's wild plans for Pacman Jones.)

The Cowboys put up huge numbers with Patrick Crayton lined up opposite T.O. Pro Bowl TE Jason Witten is the second option in the passing game, which means the Cowboys can get by with a marginal No. 2 WR.

This isn't anything new around these parts. Just look at the Jerry-era Super Bowl champions, which used basically the same passing scheme that Jason Garrett installed before last season. (Matter of fact, follow the jump for a comparison of Crayton's stats to the No. 2 WRs on those squads.)

It would have been nice to upgrade the WR corps this offseason, but the Cowboys should be able to approach 500 points with the current cast. Then Jerry can find a receiver who can eventually take the No. 1 baton from T.O. next offseason.

Alvin Harper (1992) -- 35 catches, 562 yards, 4 TDs

Alvin Harper (1993) -- 36 catches, 777 yards, 7 TDs

Kevin Williams (1995) -- 38 catches, 613 yards, 2 TDs

Patrick Crayton (2007) -- 50 catches, 697 yards, 7 TDs

 

[Bach]

I don't think most of looking for a star at the #2 WR spot. Just something more than Crayton or an over-the-hill dinged up Glenn.

 

[Stash]

One key thing I would point out is that one element that both Harper and Kevin Williams brought that Crayton doesn't is a down-the-field speed.

The yards-per reception numbers clearly illustrate that.

As much as anything else, the Cowboys need an element of speed on the field.

It doesn't have to be someone who catches 50 passes but someone who is more of a threat in order to open up the field or at least keep defenses honest.

 

[speedkilz88]

I don't think most of looking for a star at the #2 WR spot. Just something more than Crayton or an over-the-hill dinged up Glenn.

We have a need for speed.

 

[Idgit]

I don't think most of looking for a star at the #2 WR spot. Just something more than Crayton or an over-the-hill dinged up Glenn.

How much is more than Crayton and less than a star #2? Crayton's numbers last year are pretty close to what we got from Harper in '93. That's not shabby performance.

 

[fortdick]

Alvin Harper (1992) -- 35 catches, 562 yards, 4 TDs

Alvin Harper (1993) -- 36 catches, 777 yards, 7 TDs

Kevin Williams (1995) -- 38 catches, 613 yards, 2 TDs

Patrick Crayton (2007) -- choked in biggest game of the year

difference

 

[lspain1]

We have a need for speed.

We have a need for speed.......with hands!

 

[TheCount]

I hate when people make this mistake.

What the fans are asking for is not having two stars on the field at WR, we're looking to get insurance in at WR to protect us. Hopefully, someone that can be #1 when T.O. is gone.

We didn't win the superbowl with a healthy T.O. and Terry Glenn, so it's not like that is the issue here. We have one of the best offenses in football, so points are the issue either. It's about not running aground when the playoffs come around.

 

[bbgun]

Well, this should come as news to Jerry, who was working the phones to acquire a high-profile wideout.

 

[Stash]

Considering this article is from aspiring-comedian Timmy McMahon it doesn't carry quite as much weight.

 

[Deep_Freeze]

We......need......a.......deep......threat.

Don't know how else to spell that out, oh and it would help if that deep threat could actually catch the ball (Not calling you out Austin....well yes I am). Hopefully TG can come back, and solve this issue, if not hopefully someone will be brought in to fill this role.

 

[joseephuss]

I think Crayton is much better than Kevin Williams ever was. Crayton is probably more solid than Harper. Harper was very inconsistent; however, Harper stepped it up in the playoffs except for the 1994 NFC championship game.

The problem is that you really can't make a direct comparison to those teams of the early 90s. The offense of the 90s had Emmitt Smith and a very good offensive line. I like Barber, but he is no Smith. This line is also not of that caliber. That changes the dynamics of what is needed from the #2 wide receiver/#3 receiving option on the team. Same goes for whichever receiver steps up to be the # 3 wide receiver/#4 receiving option. It is not good enough to just do what Harper, Williams or Crayton did in those regular seasons. More is needed in the post season.

I also don't think speed alone is the issue. The offense was not being stopped against the Giants because of a lack of speed. Guys were getting open. Romo was just not given time to hit them or when he did they were dropping passes or Crayton was quitting on his route.

 

[Angus]

We have a need for speed.

Touchdowns. Speed is useless without touchdowns.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

We have a need for speed.

you said it, Maverick

yeehaW!!

 

[BlueStar II]

One key thing I would point out is that one element that both Harper and Kevin Williams brought that Crayton doesn't is a down-the-field speed.

The yards-per reception numbers clearly illustrate that.

As much as anything else, the Cowboys need an element of speed on the field.

It doesn't have to be someone who catches 50 passes but someone who is more of a threat in order to open up the field or at least keep defenses honest.

That's a concern of mine as well, the lack of speed to stretch the field if Glenn does not come back, and at this point, I do not expect to see him back. If Glenn does manage to come back, and stay on the field for most of the season, great, but I just don't think his knee will hold up though.

 

[DanTanna]

Stanback is as fast as Harper was.

He does not run a 4.58 ******!

 

[WoodysGirl]

The need for Robin to T.O.'s Batman

4:03 PM Fri, May 23, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Albert Breer E-mail News tips

Even though, Timmy Tabloid detailed an interesting locker room moment of mine (have him tell you his Keith Davis tale sometime), I'm going to back him up on the No. 2 receiver argument. Because that's the kind of guy I am.

Would it be just great to have a Chad Johnson or a Roy Williams or an Anquan Boldin opposite the Original 81? Sure it would. Is it necessary, considering how good the Cowboys are across the board on offense? Absolutely not.

What we're going to do here is examine the second leading wideout on the last 13 Super Bowl champions, dating to the Cowboys' last title, to show you don't need two All-Pros at the position to win. And after this examination, I'd think all you guys would know that - since the last ring won in these parts was earned with Kevin Williams lining up on the other side of the Playmaker. Here's the list ...

2007 Giants: Amani Toomer (59 rec., 760 yds., 3 TDs)
2006 Colts: Reggie Wayne (86 rec., 1,310 yds., 9 TDs)
2005 Steelers: Antwaan Randle El (35 rec., 558 yds., TD)
2004 Patriots: David Patten (44 rec., 800 yds., 7 TDs)
2003 Patriots: Troy Brown (40 rec., 472 yds., 4 TDs)
2002 Buccaneers: Keenan McCardell (61 rec., 670 yds., 6 TDs)
2001 Patriots: David Patten (51 rec., 749 yds., 4 TDs)
2000 Ravens: Travis Taylor (28 rec., 276 yds., 3 TDs)
1999 Rams: Torry Holt (52 rec., 788 yds., 6 TDs)
1998 Broncos: Ed McCaffrey (71 rec., 1,018 yds., 7 TDs)
1997 Broncos: Ed McCaffrey (64 rec., 1,053 yds., 10 TDs)
1996 Packers: Don Beebe (39 rec., 699 yds., 4 TDs)
1995 Cowboys: Kevin Williams (38 rec., 613 yds., 2 TDs)

Now, to be fair, not all of those guys wound up being the No. 2 in the Super Bowl. The 2004 Patriots wound up starting David Givens on the other side of Deion Branch, the 2000 Ravens had Brandon Stokley opposite "No. 1" Qadry "The Missile" Ismail, and the '96 Packers had Andre Rison playing with Antonio Freeman.

OK, so look at that list. And think about this: Of those 13 receivers, only seven had as many as 50 catches, the number that Patrick Crayton posted last year. And how many of these teams had tight ends like Jason Witten? The Broncos and Ravens had Shannon Sharpe, the Cowboys had Jay Novacek, the Colts had Dallas Clark and, after that, it's a bunch of JAGs.

For that matter, how many of the guys above are better than a should-he-return Terry Glenn? Holt and Wayne are, and I think it's probably close with Toomer, McCaffrey and McCardell, at this point of Glenn's career. So you'd probably be safe to put the ex-Buckeye in the top half.

Again, I completely understand why you guys would get all giddy over the idea of having Ocho Cinco or Williams or Boldin on board.

But I'm with Timmy on this one. It's just not a necessity.

 

[Rampage]

it's hard to compare those stats in the sense i'm sure we ran the ball a lot more in 92,93,95 than in 2007

 

[MONT17]

yep... its still May!!! this debate is classic... what happen to the good ole days? Give me some jujo v mb3! how bout some BP v. Jimmy... or lets go with a blast from the past and go Q v. Hutch and even Emmitt v. Hambrick's 5.1 ypc!

Crayton v. every #2 WR to ever win a Super Bowl...

I guess the Patriots should trade Wes Welker 4 Crayton so they can win a SUPER BOWL!

 

[Hostile]

Acquiring a veteran #2 isn't about need for this year, it's about need for the long haul. That is simply smart management by Jerry and Company given the fact our top 2 WRs ages and injuries in recent years. It's called hedging your bets for the future.

On top of that if we do land one of those guys please tell me who would beat us? I thought the goal was win it all. If you can make the deal to make the job easier you do it.