Film Room: Dallas Must Re-sign Rolando McClain

[NeonDeion21]

Unfortunately, I have a scout’s frame of mind when I study NFL and college players. I don’t always judge players on how they perform, but how they *could* play or how they have played in the past. Scouts are trained to judge players by the phrase, “If you see it (whether it be a great skill or game) once, you will see it again.” And this line of thinking can be both a blessing and a curse. When I’m looking at a college prospect or even a young player on the Dallas Cowboys, I’m always asking myself “What’s the best case scenario for this player or how high is this player’s ceiling?”

This thinking is why I was so reluctant to get too low on Dez Bryant, despite multiple low points in his career when multiple people around the league have already given up on him. But it’s also why I’ve missed (or taken too long to admit I was wrong) on guys like Felix Jones or Antonio Bryant.

Despite the injuries and everything else that comes with Rolando McClain, I can’t in good conscious advocating letting him hit free agency because of the immense talent he has combined with the “Planet Theory”. The Planet Theory stats that there are only a few number of human beings on the entire planet earth that are that big, strong and fast who can play a position (in this case, middle linebacker) at that high of a level.

And let me first say this about McClain. There are quite a few linebackers in the National Football League who are probably more consistent on any every snap and every game basis than Rolando McClain. But when he’s at his peak, there are few linebackers better than him, period.

Read the rest here: http://cover32.com/cowboys/2015/01/...s-need-to-re-sign-linebacker-rolando-mcclain/

Cool image here:

 

[mahoneybill]

I for one would love to have him back. When he hits someone they seldom gain added yardage.

 

[DogFace]

I think he stays at a relatively low price Incentive laden contract.

 

[Danger]

I'm a little worried about his durability but I think most of his injuries were attributed to a lack of football for two years. He was a warrior and played through them though. Hopefully a full off season gets him in even better shape.

 

[Direwolf63]

The man is obviously impressive. He's popular in the locker room. And he likes playing in Dallas. But his constantly being nicked up is bothersome, especially at a position where all the starters can't stay healthy.

I think the Cowboys must re-sign him and hope that a full off season of training and training camp will have him be more ready to play an entire season.

It is a risk. But I think you have to take a risk with this guy. The upside is too great to just let him walk.

 

[Cowboy from New York]

I'm a little worried about his durability but I think most of his injuries were attributed to a lack of football for two years. He was a warrior and played through them though. Hopefully a full off season gets him in even better shape.

Agreed. Dont know if it was the time off thing or injury prone but playing one play in the playoffs after having some rest does concern me of him making it a whole season. Not bad mouthing, just saying its disconcerting.

 

[texbumthelife]

Who had given up on Dez? That's literally the first I have ever heard that.

As far as McClain is concerned, I agree with the masses. He won't get top dollar at this point, but give him the chance to get paid like a top guy after incentives.

 

[Craig]

It doesnt sound as good if he wasnt "boldly" sticking by bryant. Just go with it.

 

[21Savage]

Who had given up on Dez? That's literally the first I have ever heard that.

As far as McClain is concerned, I agree with the masses. He won't get top dollar at this point, but give him the chance to get paid like a top guy after incentives.

Really? There were numerous people saying cut him or trade him after his 2nd season. Especially after his last incident.

 

[Doc50]

Unfortunately, I have a scout’s frame of mind when I study NFL and college players. I don’t always judge players on how they perform, but how they *could* play or how they have played in the past. Scouts are trained to judge players by the phrase, “If you see it (whether it be a great skill or game) once, you will see it again.” And this line of thinking can be both a blessing and a curse. When I’m looking at a college prospect or even a young player on the Dallas Cowboys, I’m always asking myself “What’s the best case scenario for this player or how high is this player’s ceiling?”

This thinking is why I was so reluctant to get too low on Dez Bryant, despite multiple low points in his career when multiple people around the league have already given up on him. But it’s also why I’ve missed (or taken too long to admit I was wrong) on guys like Felix Jones or Antonio Bryant.

Despite the injuries and everything else that comes with Rolando McClain, I can’t in good conscious advocating letting him hit free agency because of the immense talent he has combined with the “Planet Theory”. The Planet Theory stats that there are only a few number of human beings on the entire planet earth that are that big, strong and fast who can play a position (in this case, middle linebacker) at that high of a level.

And let me first say this about McClain. There are quite a few linebackers in the National Football League who are probably more consistent on any every snap and every game basis than Rolando McClain. But when he’s at his peak, there are few linebackers better than him, period.

Read the rest here: http://cover32.com/cowboys/2015/01/...s-need-to-re-sign-linebacker-rolando-mcclain/

Cool image here:

None of us like his injury history this year, but how can anyone not love his talent level?

Remember, many were writing off this year at 6-10, or even 4-12 after Lee went down. RoMac came in accompanied by much worry and doubt, and turned out to be at least a part-time beast, and he elevated the play of those around him. That level of strength and aggression swept through every player, and that's exactly what Marinelli and this D needed. You know that he was frequently a star in game film review sessions, and frankly many couldn't wait to see his highlights in Monday's game tape.

Just look at the pics above -- in that last frame, I think he's actually biting the RB's head off; will probably spit out an empty helmet.
These team game film sessions are a blast, and you can bet that RoMac, Martin, Tyrone, and Fred got just as much hoopin and hollerin as Dez, Murray, Witten, and Tony.

A lot of bonding happened this year, a lot of positive energy created, and I think JJ is reluctant to remove any important pieces of the pie.

He should therefore be working to bring back RoMac. That dude can play, and he's already helped create an identity for this D.

 

[jobberone]

Always follow the money. Romo, Dez, Murray, Ro et al. Can't make the scene without the green.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

What I like about Ro is that he is such a physical player. If there was ever a last man standing situation he'd be it.

 

[Nightman]

I wouldn't say he was a MUST sign. Lee is coming back and Hitchens filled in nicely for a rookie

For the right price I would bring back any or all of the LBers- McClain, Carter and Durant

 

[SportsGuru80]

They'll re-sign him more thank likely...

 

[bark]

I can think of two games that he sealed the victory for us. One with a ridiculous interception and then the fourth down stop against the giants that ended the game

 

[Flinger]

If the Cowboys had Lee, McClain and Carter on the 1st line, with Durant and Hitchen's in the back up roles... and, healthy... this could be one of the fastest, toughest, smartest and strongest LB crew the NFL has seen in years. With their speed they can cover or fill gaps. With Lee and McClain - they are absolute thumpers. Carter gives up a little thumping for a little more speed - not a bad exchange.

If I'm building a defense from the pieces I have that are proven (outside of injuries, which happens to all NFL players) - I'm building around this group. Certainly not the Safeties. Certainly not the CB's. Certainly not the DL.

This is the core. And, they bring one more thing - intensity and just a bad attitude....

I would work very hard to keep all of them. Now isn't the time to re-build the LB core. We have needs elsewhere.

 

[Bowdown27]

He made this defense so much better. He loves being here w Marinelli and rest of coaching staff. He's already a leader In the locker room and he has made a lot guaranteed money from Oakland already. I think he stays for a decent price and stays close to bama for his family

 

[big dog cowboy]

For the right price I would bring back any or all of the LBers- McClain, Carter and Durant

So would I. Emphasis can be focused on DL and DB's.

 

[Doomsday]

They should have him play the first half of the season and let Sean Lee play the 2nd half. Seems like the perfect solution since neither is likely to play 16 games next season.

 

[Aven8]

Ro makes it look easy.

He looks like Demarcus, but is effortless at playing MLB.

With a full 16 game season, and the proper motivation, he could be DMVP.

It's a no brainier IMO.