ESPN: Mid Season All Pro Team

[theanimal23]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=3097708

Center

Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys

Reasoning: Only a year ago, Gurode was best known as the guy who had his helmet-less head stomped on by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Now he is playing at an All-Pro level as an in-line blocker and demonstrating the kind of quickness that allows him to block at the second level.

 

[baj1dallas]

he sure has come a long way, so much fewer mistakes it's almost like he's a different player.

 

[YosemiteSam]

he sure has come a long way, so much fewer mistakes it's almost like he's a different player.

I re-watched (I believe it was Jones' TD run) and Andre's quickness and effectiveness at turning his guy to the right and completely out of the play made me say "WOW".

 

[zrinkill]

Could that kick to the head have given him some sort of reverse brain damage?

Kinda like when Fred Flinstone would get hit on the head and become a pro at something?

 

[rlgiv]

He was playing at an all pro level last year as well. I remember the year befor that though he was not even active for every game.

 

[bobtheflob]

Dr. Z did his own All-Pro list today. Not only did no Cowboys make it, none were even mentioned as possibilities at any positions.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I thought he played very well last year as well. Why is he a different player from a few years ago? I'd say it's the fact that he's older, he's finally settled into a position and we removed guys like Larry Allan and Torrin Tucker.

 

[baj1dallas]

I thought he played very well last year as well. Why is he a different player from a few years ago? I'd say it's the fact that he's older, he's finally settled into a position and we removed guys like Larry Allan and Torrin Tucker.

It's not like I'm a pro scout or anything but I think only one time this year I even noticed a bad play by him whereas it seems like he used to have his share of missed blocks or penalties etc.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

It's not like I'm a pro scout or anything but I think only one time this year I even noticed a bad play by him whereas it seems like he used to have his share of missed blocks or penalties etc.

He was a pretty good player at Colorado and honestly thought he would come in and settle right in when we drafted him. It's taken some time but he seems like he's finally figured it out. I think the players playing around him are also pretty key. I do agree with you though. He's really stepped it up these last two seasons.

 

[Green28]

Would you look at that?!

Free safety
Sean Taylor, Washington Commanders

Reasoning: The addition of first-round strong safety LaRon Landry has permitted Taylor to back off the line of scrimmage and display his ball-hawking skills. He has five interceptions and nine passes defensed while demonstrating great range, but he is still a big hitter and has 38 tackles.

 

[Teague31]

where is Dware? and witten for that matter.

 

[Doomsday101]

where is Dware? and witten for that matter.

Remember in 1992 the Pro bowl announcement is made as always before the end of the season and 0 defensive players where named to the Pro Bowl for the Cowboys and how that really helped put a chip on those guys shoulders and how they went out and started crushing teams. ESPN and all these mid season awards can continue to snub members of this team because in the end I think it is the bigger motivator for a player who thinks he belongs but is left out.

 

[bobtheflob]

Remember in 1992 the Pro bowl announcement is made as always before the end of the season and 0 defensive players where named to the Pro Bowl for the Cowboys and how that really helped put a chip on those guys shoulders and how they went out and started crushing teams. ESPN and all these mid season awards can continue to snub members of this team because in the end I think it is the bigger motivator for a player who thinks he belongs but is left out.

I remember that. I remember listening to a sermon at church that revolved around that. Only in Texas...

 

[JPM]

Dr. Z did his own All-Pro list today. Not only did no Cowboys make it, none were even mentioned as possibilities at any positions.

Don't forget the [FONT=&quot]mandatory [/FONT]the Giants were getting used to a new defense in the first game quote in his picks section.

How good are the Giants? I guess we'll find out this Sunday when they host Dallas. The two met in the opener when the Giants were getting used to a new defensive system, and Dallas laid 45 points on them. But this is a different New York team, with a scary pack of four speed rushers who can wear down the massive Cowboys linemen. Giants win it in an upset.

 

[Jarv]

Would you look at that?!

Free safety
Sean Taylor, Washington Commanders

Reasoning: The addition of first-round strong safety LaRon Landry has permitted Taylor to back off the line of scrimmage and display his ball-hawking skills. He has five interceptions and nine passes defensed while demonstrating great range, but he is still a big hitter and has 38 tackles.

I have been quite impressed with Taylor this year, on and off the field. Congrats.

 

[tyke1doe]

Don't forget the [FONT=&quot]mandatory [/FONT]the Giants were getting used to a new defense in the first game quote in his picks section.

This is the game the Cowboys play smash mouth and pound the Giants on the ground before airing it out.

 

[Sarge]

Gurode is probably the most improved player form last year IMO.

 

[2much2soon]

Gurode is probably the most improved player form last year IMO.

thought I heard somewhere Gurode has one of the highest IQs on the team? That and the fact he has all the physical skills kept him around until he came into his own.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Gurode is a beast...

 

[Zaxor]

I think that not having to call the line adjustments (romo) has helped and I think that having a competent guard (Davis) has helped...it allows him to concentrate on what he does best