I stopped paying attention to TC hype a long time ago.Years ago I subscribed to the Cowboys Weekly magazine. I remember how they would feature this player and that player and how they were making all kinds of plays during various training camps. And come time for real games or making any kind of impact whatsoever many of these players were nonexistent or highly overrated. I canceled that subscription after a couple years.
Things haven’t changed.
I came to the realization that training camp and pre-season games are the biggest sources of hype for this team every year. TC may have a little value when evaluating rookies and new FAs but that’s about it.According to Jerry everyone including Dak looked better than he’s ever seen them. Every time they asked McCarthy about a player he always said they’re having a great camp. Camp positive!
At least one scouting report I saw about Tolbert pointed out that he is a Lamb clone.Never believe the hype you hear in preseason. Never judge players by how well they play in preseason games. Two rules I go by after falling for the nonsense for years.
However, it was only one game so let's not get carried away. I saw some positive signs Sunday night.
Zeke actually was running the ball well. He was seeing the hole and hitting them better than I have seen in a few years. I have no idea if it will last but he looed good averaging 5.2 yards per carry. He needs more carries.
The offensive line had its problems here and there but overall I thought they did an adequate job against a very strong DL. Biadasz has clearly gotten better since last season. While he was in there McGovern looked decent as well. Tyler Smith showed signs he is capable of playing LT. The guy is very strong and that is a big plus for this OL. Even Farniok, who has basically no experience going against first team players looked good enough. He and Smith will both get better. Like Smith, Farniok showed he has the strength to play against NFL caliber players.
On the defensive side, I think the DTs played well enough. The Bucs weren't getting yards running up the middle, there were running outside. The bad news is, the Cowboys were vulnerable outside last year and it looks worse this year. Dorance Armstrong had a bad game. So did a couple of other players, like Anthony Barr.
At this point we have to be patient as the young inexperienced players develop. Looks for improvement as the season progresses. Last year Biadasz looked weak early but by the end of the season he was playing really well.
On the downside, I think the WRs are a big problem. CeeDee is a slot receiver. The Cowboys needs two WOs. Gallup will be one when he gets back but I don't think Houston is ready. Sadly, Tolbert was the guy we thought would play out thee but he wasn't even active for the game.
We hear it every year about Triscuit Hill. And the next play he makes will still be his first.I could do this about a lot of players, but I'll pick on Dak since he's the talk of the week.
"Best shape of my life"
"Slimmed down"
"More zip on his passes this year"
"Better understanding of defensive coverages"
Yada, yada, yada.
Did anyone see any evidence of any of that?
He looked like the same, stiff, erratic, shotput throwing Dak we've seen for years. There was no extra "zip" on the ball, and he plodded around like he always does.
The Cowboys are so much talk and hype about their players with so little proof in the pudding.
This franchise grows more tiresome by the day.
I came to the realization that training camp and pre-season games are the biggest sources of hype for this team every year. TC may have a little value when evaluating rookies and new FAs but that’s about it.
They don’t hit each other in pads very much anymore and when watching rookies in a ps game, half the time “they’re looking great” against players who will never make an NFL roster much less play a meaningful down.
Maher looked good!
Check the execution level of the plays and the mistakes made by players.We have (had) good enough players, we DON'T have good enough coaches to get the maximum talent out of them to succeed and put the team in a better position to win.