ESPN Calvin Watkins Cowboys Chat Wrap - 10/23/09

WoodysGirl

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Calvin Watkins (3:06 PM)





Hey, guys what's up?
DCFanatic (NY)



Leads the team in receptions on Sunday: Roy, Crayton, Austin, Choice or Witten?
Calvin Watkins (3:07 PM)




I would think Witten leads the team in receptions. It's been a while since Witten took over the team in receiving.

DCFanatic (NY)



Bennett trade offer. Sounds like it was for a 2nd. Would you have made that trade?
Calvin Watkins (3:07 PM)




Nope, because you want to go with a twin-tight end set most times. Bennett is very athletic and has lots of upside.

ben (fresno)



Calvin, shouldn't most folks just back off Romo and let the season progress instead of trying to get inside his head and prognosticate about his problems?
Calvin Watkins (3:09 PM)




Well, most people want to get into the QBs head because the QB is the pulse of the team. Romo has to play better and act more like a leader off the field. Romo has the potential to be a star in this league, but he has to win a playoff game and take his team deep in the playoffs.

DCFanatic (NY)



Who was the brains behind the 'Unstoppable' signs? Wade? Brooking? DeCamillis?
Calvin Watkins (3:10 PM)




I think it was Wade. Now, Wade Phillips isn't one to give you insight into what he does with his players, but I like the fact he's telling them I expect excellence, much like the Falcons on their no-huddle.

steve (lakeport,ca)



Who is going to be the head coach of the Cowboys next year, and should they keep Jason Garrett as offensive cordinator?
Calvin Watkins (3:11 PM)




If Wade doesn't come back next year, and they hire a new coach, Garrett won't be here either. But I expect Jason to get an interview for the head coaching job, if Wade gets canned.

alex (fontana ca)



do u think the lose of greg ellis is 1 of the main reasons the cowboys havnt gotten that much pressure on the opposing quaterbacks?
Calvin Watkins (3:13 PM)




I think the loss of Ellis means they lose some locker room leadership. Greg tried to make guys accountable for things. keith Brooking is doing that this year with Bradie James, but they don't have the impact as Ellis. Now, the team is getting pressure on the quarterback but not sacks. With Ellis on the team, there would be more sack.

Jonathan (Philly)



Roy Williams has been getting a lot of flack but in their game vs. KC Tony was just way off on his throws adn RW could have had a bigger game - u agree
Calvin Watkins (3:15 PM)




I agree only if Roy catches some passes. If Romo is struggling to get the ball to his wideouts, it doesn't matter who the WRs are.

Roger Creech (Hillsboro)



Would a win over the Falcons ease the public opinion of the football team? It seems like they've been riden evtremely hard the past couple of weeks and the only two losses are against teams that combined have one loss.
Calvin Watkins (3:19 PM)




Cowboys have to be a quality team and the Falcons are just that. But the big question is: Can the Cowboys win in December? They have struggled in that month, the biggest month of the year, the last six years. Dallas has to win on Sunday to stack up some wins.

Andrew (Boston)



Calvin- Do you think Sean Payton leaving Dallas hurt Romo's development at all???? or is Romo just not seeing the field properly and going through his reads your thoughts?
Calvin Watkins (3:20 PM)




I would say losing Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells hurts more than that. Romo was still in the developomental stages when Payton left.

Andrew (Boston)



Calvin- What has happened to the two tightend offense scheme we were hearing so much about in the offseason it seems non existent why is this?
Calvin Watkins (3:22 PM)




I think the Cowboys still do it, its just completing passes in those situations. But Tony Romo isn't going to his TEs as much.

ben (fresno)



Calvin, as succiently as possible what is your take on the cowboys present condition?
Calvin Watkins (3:24 PM)




If they lose to Atlanta, the Cowboys will have major issues. I think the entire team, players, coaches and front office types, believe a victory this week over Atlanta is the start of something positive.

Don (Salado)



Is our O-Line good enough to get us into the playoffs
Calvin Watkins (3:25 PM)




Yeah, the O-line is good enough to make it to the postseason. Dallas has the biggest offensive line in the league, just look at those tackles, Flo and Colombo are tall and strong enough to keep ends and outside backers off Romo.

alex (fontana ca)



to me bennet doesnt look confident on the field maybe thats 1 reason romo hasnt been targeting him would u have trust in someone who doesnt look like they trust themselves?
Calvin Watkins (3:26 PM)




I like Martellus, but you're right, Romo doesn't trust him on the field. I'm not sure if Martellus isn't working hard enough in practice, or doesn't know the plays, but there is a lack of trust there. Bennett is very athletic and has a future in this league, but remember this is only his second-year.

DCFanatic (NY)



Why do Jenkins/Scandrick get meetings about starting or not starting, but Crayton doesn't?
Calvin Watkins (3:29 PM)




It depends on which coach or coaches handle things. The thing with Crayton is, the coaches assumed he knew he wasn't starting. They figured after the performance Miles Austin had in KC, 10 catches for 250, with two TDs, that Crayton knew he was sitting.But with Roy Williams' status uncertain, I think that gave the offensive coaches some pause, before telling Patrick about his status.

Ced (Oklahoma)



Calvin, when will Felix Jones return?
Calvin Watkins (3:29 PM)




Felix will play Sunday. Wade Phillips said Felix looked good in practice this week, very fast. Jones will play with a knee brace and should get a lot of work during the game.

DCFanatic (NY)



Does Demarcus Ware finish the season with 10 or more sacks?
Calvin Watkins (3:31 PM)




I think he gets about 12. His foot is bothering him right now, but he should get a few sacks coming up. It will be tough against Atlanta because they haven't allowed one the last four weeks.

alex (fontana ca)



everyone says romo needs to win a playoff game or a big game this and that but did dilfer win playoff games no his D did , can we stop putting it all on romo its a team game right?
Calvin Watkins (3:31 PM)




It's all about the quarterback.

John Hollingsworth (Petaluma California)



What position do you think the cowboys will work on in the draft?
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)




They need to find a left tackle, a linebacker and a wide receiver in the first three rounds.Flo Adams isn't getting any younger and the team says Doug Free isn't ready to take over at tackle. Ware is fantastic at OLB and they do have some young guys off the edge. Bobby Carpenter might not be around too much longer and I'm not sure if Keith Brooking returns.At wideout, Roy Williams isn't going anywhere. Miles Austin still needs proving to do.

Jason Garrett (Dallas)



How did I fool people in thinking I'd be a good OC?
Calvin Watkins (3:35 PM)




Jason, you're a good man.

DCFanatic (NY)



Which Cowboys offensive lineman has played the best so far this season?
Calvin Watkins (3:35 PM)




I'd say Leonard Davis and Andre Gurode have played great. Kyle and Marc have also done a good job. Flo is Flo. Penalties and the such.

Chief (New Mexico)



Will Jerry resign Spears this offseason?
Calvin Watkins (3:36 PM)




Because of the CBA, Spears might be restricted and remain here.

Mike (Houston)



If Wade Phillips is fired at the end of the season, who do you think Jerry Jones will bring in? Shannahan? Cowher? Gruden? Dungy?
Calvin Watkins (3:37 PM)




Hard question to answer. I think Shanahan is going to DC, not sure Cowher and Dungy want to coach again. Gruden, I'm sure he wants back in, but not sure where.

alex (fontana ca)



do u think with 3 rbs that they could or should have traded 1 if possible to get a better big threat reciever ?
Calvin Watkins (3:38 PM)




Not now, because of the injury situation. The only RB healthy is Choice. There is plenty of potential in Jones but he's been nicked up the last two years. Barber is the starter and he's also battled injuries since becoming the full-time starter last year. The Cowboys need all three right now. But if all three were completely healthy, choice is a guy I'd move.

bill (lodi)



Mr. Watkins, love your smile. Who does Jerry Jones listen to when he is evaluating coaches and players?
Calvin Watkins (3:40 PM)




I know somebody from Lodi. Lodi, Texas right? Jerry listens to his son, Stephen a lot when it comes to coaches and players. He also values his scouts, esp. Tom Ciskowski, the director of college and pro scouting.

Chief (New Mexico)



Holmgren or Garrett coaching Dallas in 2010?
Calvin Watkins (3:40 PM)




Not both of them.

Angry Mike (SF, CA)



Alex in Fontana, please, please, please, don't ever compare Romo to Trent Dilfer again.
Calvin Watkins (3:40 PM)




I agree.

macnalty (Dallas)



what do we draft first next year wr..safety...OL
Calvin Watkins (3:41 PM)




Get a left tackle next year, in the first round. If you pick a safety, do you want to replace Hamlin or Gerald?

DCFanatic (NY)



What's the deal with Barber and a cast? Have you seen this thing?
Calvin Watkins (3:42 PM)




I saw it briefly in the locker room. It's like a small boxing glove. It was white. Barber is wearing it because of a fractured thumb.

ben (fresno)



Calvin, is the offensive playcalling as big a mess as it seems when watching on TV? If so, what does that say about the abilities of Garrett?
Calvin Watkins (3:43 PM)




Remember, Garrett was a QB coach, who never called plays when the Cowboys hired him in 2007. I think some of his play calls in the red zone are questionable, and he doesn't commit to the run as much as he should. It could get better. But I think he realizes he has a strong running game to rely on.

bill (san diego)



wouldn't dallas be better off with ratliffe at DE and finding a BIG DT in the mold of ngata, wilfork, etc...? rat is great, but he used to be a DE and a bigger, true 3-4 DT would not only clog up the middle, but force the opponent to put more guys on him, thus freeing up the other pass rushers. dallas' pass rush is weak and i think this would help. of course, true, 3-4 DT's don'tgrow on tress, but...
Calvin Watkins (3:45 PM)




The Cowboys like Ratliff where he is because he's quick, athletic, and just plain good as a nose tackle. He did practiced some at end, with Marcus Spears, moving inside. But for now, Rat is staying at nose tackle. If they switch him back to end, he might get a little irked by it.

m (BVI)



if u could make 1 change to improve this team, what would it be?
Calvin Watkins (3:46 PM)




Make the players more accountable on the field. When the make mistakes, they don't really own up to them. Case in point, Romo's misread on a pass intended for Austin in the Denver game. Romo made the mistake, but wouldn't say it. Nothing wrong with saying you messed up.

Josh (Richmond, VA)



Will MBIII have to sport a cast to protect his thumb?
Calvin Watkins (3:48 PM)




Yes, on his left hand, but Barber is a right handed and it shouldn't be a problem.

Andrew (Boston)



Calvin - Do you think Jerry Jones will start being owner and retire as a GM anytime soon? I see Al Davis written all over him and it scares me as a Cowboys fan
Calvin Watkins (3:49 PM)




No, Jerry is staying as owner/GM forever. Just deal with it. The difference between Jerry and Al is that Jerry listens to his personnel people and doesn't ignore them.

bill (lodi)



Yep, lodi, texas. non football question: yanks or phils?
Calvin Watkins (3:50 PM)




If yanks get past the Halos, take the Yanks in six.

Mike (Austin)



With all of the emphasis on the backfield, Hamlin, Gerald and our "elite" corners why do we continue to give up plays. We should be great. Is Wade really just too soft inyour opinion ??
Calvin Watkins (3:51 PM)




I don't Wade is soft. As a coach you can only do so much. The question is why do the players give up the big play. Is Hamlin as good as what the coaches thought he was? Sensabaugh has played pretty good. The CBs have been inconsistent.

bill (san diego)



i think dalllas should search for a BIG, true 3-4 DT and move rat to DE. we need more from our d-line to allow our LB's to make plays. agree?
Calvin Watkins (3:52 PM)




Yeah, I agree, but keep Rat at NG.

Chris (Frisco)



Do you agree with what Ed Werder and Tim MacMahon had to say ... that the Cowboys are afraid to make the tough choice when it comes to dealing with players' egos?
Calvin Watkins (3:53 PM)




Yes. Just make a decision and don't worry about peoples feelings. Several teams do it. Bill Parcells didn't care about feelings because he wanted the best players on the field. There is a way to demote players without disrespecting them.

Ryan (Chapel Hill, NC)



What can you tell me about this new special teams guy we picked up, Rossum? Fast, good hands?
Calvin Watkins (3:54 PM)




Very fast, with good hands and he played under Joe D's system before. He knows how to protect the ball and he has Football IQ. That's very important when it comes to fielding punts and kickoffs, know where you are on the field and know what to do when you get the ball.

Todd (Grapevine)



Do you think DeMarcus Ware's injury has the potential to be lingering and affect his play the rest of the season?
Calvin Watkins (3:55 PM)




He said its a two week injury, not something that is going to bother him long term. Ware said he's played with it for about three weeks and he got two sacks vs. KC.

Chris (Grand Prairie)



I've been playing Madden since '94, Does that qualify me to call plays for the Commanders?
Calvin Watkins (3:55 PM)




I've been playing Madden since 92.

Chris (Frisco)



But is that ego-friendly stance coming from Wade? Or is that just an extension of how Jerry wants his "kids" to be handled - with kid gloves?
Calvin Watkins (3:56 PM)




A little bit of both. Wade is not one to hurt peoples feelings, Jerry too, but at some point you got to put your foot down with players, especially veteran players.

Mike (Austin)



What about putting Austin in the Slot with Crayton and Williams at wideout? Austin is Wes Welker like after the catch.. In my opinion we dont utilize our talent properly. Agree?
Calvin Watkins (3:57 PM)




I wouldn't be surprised if you see all three start on Sunday. But Austin can play the slot just as good as Crayton. In fact, Witten said Romo trusts Crayton in the slot going over the middle more than any other receiver. I think you guys have some talent, just don't use it the right way sometimes.

Calvin Watkins (3:58 PM)




Guys, I got to go.You guys are great as always.Take care,Calvin
 

Khartun

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WoodysGirl;3029879 said:
I've been playing Madden since '94, Does that qualify me to call plays for the Commanders?

lol, pretty good.
 

Temo

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What exactly has Jason Garrett done to piss people off so much.
 

stilltheguru

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Lol at the "its not all about the quarterback" question. This fanbase is trying desperately to take the blame off of #9. WOWZERS! I'm glad Calvin gave that clown the exact answer I would've said.
 

CaptainMorgan

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Temo;3030031 said:
What exactly has Jason Garrett done to piss people off so much.

His play selection in the redzone and his abandoning the run even when its working
 

Temo

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CaptainMorgan;3030065 said:
His play selection in the redzone and his abandoning the run when even when its working

So that completely negates the fact that he's constructed a top 5 offense?
 

WarDaddy

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Temo;3030031 said:
What exactly has Jason Garrett done to piss people off so much.


The people you hear from are the ones that are going to be unhappy regardless. The internet is the perfect sounding board for unhappy, cowards because they know they wont be held accountable for causing havoc for spewing out their nonsense.

Garrett has been a very good hire overall and if he is fortunate enough to win a title in Dallas, people will still find cause to gripe.

Same with Wade.

Same with Romo.


The crap gets old.
 

Hostile

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kidcrook;3030101 said:
The people you hear from are the ones that are going to be unhappy regardless. The internet is the perfect sounding board for unhappy, cowards because they know they wont be held accountable for causing havoc for spewing out their nonsense.

Garrett has been a very good hire overall and if he is fortunate enough to win a title in Dallas, people will still find cause to gripe.

Same with Wade.

Same with Romo.


The crap gets old.
My pick for post of the day. For sheer truthful recognition of the situation.
 

Temo

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I can't say I agree with the Wade part myself, but I love Garrett myself and Romo's still my QB. :p

I'd love to have Garrett as our next HC.
 

dcfanatic

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kidcrook;3030101 said:
The people you hear from are the ones that are going to be unhappy regardless. The internet is the perfect sounding board for unhappy, cowards because they know they wont be held accountable for causing havoc for spewing out their nonsense.

Garrett has been a very good hire overall and if he is fortunate enough to win a title in Dallas, people will still find cause to gripe.

Same with Wade.

Same with Romo.


The crap gets old.

Vocal minority.

But it's fun.
 

dadymat

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( think the loss of Ellis means they lose some locker room leadership. Greg tried to make guys accountable for things. keith Brooking is doing that this year with Bradie James, but they don't have the impact as Ellis. Now, the team is getting pressure on the quarterback but not sacks. With Ellis on the team, there would be more sack.)
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

i agree we may be missing Gregs productivity.....but leadership? leader of complaining
 

big dog cowboy

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WoodysGirl;3029879 said:
DCFanatic (NY)

Bennett trade offer. Sounds like it was for a 2nd. Would you have made that trade?

Calvin Watkins (3:07 PM)

Nope, because you want to go with a twin-tight end set most times. Bennett is very athletic and has lots of upside.
:bow:
 

RS12

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Does Demarcus Ware finish the season with 10 or more sacks?
Calvin Watkins (3:31 PM)




I think he gets about 12. His foot is bothering him right now, but he should get a few sacks coming up. It will be tough against Atlanta because they haven't allowed one the last four weeks.

Kudos to their O Line coach. I was really hoping for pressure all day long and like three sacks.

What position do you think the cowboys will work on in the draft?
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)




They need to find a left tackle, a linebacker and a wide receiver in the first three rounds.Flo Adams isn't getting any younger and the team says Doug Free isn't ready to take over at tackle. Ware is fantastic at OLB and they do have some young guys off the edge. Bobby Carpenter might not be around too much longer and I'm not sure if Keith Brooking returns.At wideout, Roy Williams isn't going anywhere. Miles Austin still needs proving to do.

Guess he hasnt noticed the safety play.

Which Cowboys offensive lineman has played the best so far this season?
Calvin Watkins (3:35 PM)




I'd say Leonard Davis and Andre Gurode have played great. Kyle and Marc have also done a good job. Flo is Flo. Penalties and the such.

Gurode not so much.
 

dcfanatic

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big dog cowboy;3030343 said:

What if it was their first rounder?

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

Jerry Jones would not confirm that the Bengals had indeed made a trade offer for Martellus Bennett earlier this week, but he sure didn't say it was BS either...

Jerry on The Fan this morning

'Top round or two of the draft'. That means it was a 2nd rounder if you are asking me. No way the Bengals offered up a first rounder for Bennett.

Would I have done the deal? No. If it was a first rounder then yeah.

Sounds like the Cowboys would not have taken the Bengals first rounder either IF two things. One had it been offered, and two had it been thought that the Bengals would be sitting somewhere from like 20-32 in the 2010 draft.

Got that from Matt Mosley on Galloway and Company yesterday...

Mosley talks Bennett trade offer

If Jerry turned down a first rounder then he's nuts. If you get that first rounder from the Bengals then the Cowboys could have combined that with their own first round pick and traded up until the top of the first 15 picks to grab a franchise Left Tackle in April.

And trust me. The future Left Tackle is much more important than whatever Bennett is bringing to the table now and maybe over the next few seasons.

I like Bennett's potential, but that's all it is until his numbers increase on the field. And don't tell me how great he's doing in run blocking right now. The Cowboys didn't draft him to be a good blocker, but they did draft John Phillips to be one.

Do you really feel that Bennett is so much better as a run blocker than Phillips that you would pass up on getting a future franchise Left Tackle?
 

Hostile

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dcfanatic;3030437 said:
What if it was their first rounder?

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

Jerry Jones would not confirm that the Bengals had indeed made a trade offer for Martellus Bennett earlier this week, but he sure didn't say it was BS either...

Jerry on The Fan this morning

'Top round or two of the draft'. That means it was a 2nd rounder if you are asking me. No way the Bengals offered up a first rounder for Bennett.

Would I have done the deal? No. If it was a first rounder then yeah.

Sounds like the Cowboys would not have taken the Bengals first rounder either IF two things. One had it been offered, and two had it been thought that the Bengals would be sitting somewhere from like 20-32 in the 2010 draft.

Got that from Matt Mosley on Galloway and Company yesterday...

Mosley talks Bennett trade offer

If Jerry turned down a first rounder then he's nuts. If you get that first rounder from the Bengals then the Cowboys could have combined that with their own first round pick and traded up until the top of the first 15 picks to grab a franchise Left Tackle in April.

And trust me. The future Left Tackle is much more important than whatever Bennett is bringing to the table now and maybe over the next few seasons.

I like Bennett's potential, but that's all it is until his numbers increase on the field. And don't tell me how great he's doing in run blocking right now. The Cowboys didn't draft him to be a good blocker, but they did draft John Phillips to be one.

Do you really feel that Bennett is so much better as a run blocker than Phillips that you would pass up on getting a future franchise Left Tackle?
The Bengals 1st round pick may be kind of low this year. That team isn't half bad.
 

dcfanatic

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Hostile;3030442 said:
The Bengals 1st round pick may be kind of low this year. That team isn't half bad.

I know. Like maybe in the 20's.

Not sure if Romo is ever going to throw it to Bennett like we want.

And I just know we need some way to get a Left Tackle.
 

Hostile

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dcfanatic;3030458 said:
I know. Like maybe in the 20's.

Not sure if Romo is ever going to throw it to Bennett like we want.

And I just know we need some way to get a Left Tackle.
Whether he does or doesn't, Bob Sturm is correct about how it handicaps Defenses to use the formation. Bennett can pay huge dividends without being Antonio Gates.
 

kramskoi

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Hostile;3030465 said:
Whether he does or doesn't, Bob Sturm is correct about how it handicaps Defenses to use the formation. Bennett can pay huge dividends without being Antonio Gates.


...Dallas must be careful not to handicap themselves especially with Witten, who they had blocking on the final snaps at Denver...it's a fine line to walk but a player like Witten is a go to guy...sure the players who did get the call did'nt execute but all the media sees is Witten blocking while "unproven" players try to bring home the bacon...Garrett would've looked like a genius had one of the passes connected, instead his playcalling is deemed questionable...

...there's a rising level of frustration and restlessness/impatience since 2006...the media, fans, former players and bloggers are becoming more reactive and outspoken as the seasons wear on and the main reason is TRUST...if you trust something or someone to perform on a consistent basis life is much easier and favorable outcomes can be more readily believed than if you're vacillating back and forth...the Cowboys keep hitting the hashpipe and sleepwalking through rehab...so they compound the felony and paste over deficiencies without dealing with them, or so it seems...it's like "when are you gonna learn kid?"...

...the most unnerving thing is the number of times this team has been put to the boil and rather than hop the pot, they sit and let themselves cook...

...another reason is DENIAL of reality...a reality where the Cowboys are'nt as good as they appear on paper because talent is a common thing that gets wasted every day...we as fans have had a pretty good view from that perspective since 2007 but we insist, perhaps like a bad gambler, that the good times are just around the corner, when in fact, it could be several more years before the commissioner hands over the most coveted prize in professional football to Jerry Jones for a fourth time...
 
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