For Whom the Bells Toll

[IrishAnto]

I think we both can agree the lack of turnovers is not due to the uniform. The issue, in my opinion, has been schematic. Marinelli prefers zone coverage looks as opposed to man, for this reason. However, because both Carr and Claiborne's strengths were as man corners, he tweaked his defense to accommodate them. It seems to me that this offseason they placed more of an emphasis on finding DB's that excelled in zone coverage. With the addition of more zone coverage back in Marinelli system, I suspect we will see much more interceptions.

Of course, it may not be an immediate change that is apparent to everyone from game one of the regular season. But by mid-season, I am predicting vast improvements in every area of the defense including, of course, turnovers. I could be wrong. I hope I'm not. Because the Cowboys season overall likely depends on it.

You're right there!

 

[Verdict]

Dez has this year to prove one way or another that he is worth the cap hit. Personally, I think he will answer that call. He's that type of player. When he has doubters he plays his best football. Hopefully, he feels doubted for the entire season and beyond. I was calling for Jason Witten to be traded about 5 years ago. Now, he simply isn't worth to other teams what he is worth to the Cowboys. His best asset is how he approaches and prepares for the game. That preparation may not put him on par with other top tier tight ends in the league, but he is a great example to have on the team for young players. Besides, I suspect he will likely retire after this year.

It would be awesome if Dez would play up to a level justifying his contract. That doesn't just mean appropriate stats, it also means leadership, consistency and mental toughness. I'll toast "Here's to Dez living up to his massive contract" (Insert clink from two crystal scotch glasses with 21 year old scotch in them).

I have said this before and I'll say it again. We aren't paying Witten to coach, we are paying him to perform. If his value is in the coaching area, then hire him as a ******* coach where we aren't eating salary cap hit on him. Then I don't give two ***** how much they pay him to do it.

 

[jday]

It would be awesome if Dez would play up to a level justifying his contract. That doesn't just mean appropriate stats, it also means leadership, consistency and mental toughness. I'll toast "Here's to Dez living up to his massive contract" (Insert clink from two crystal scotch glasses with 21 year old scotch in them).

I have said this before and I'll say it again. We aren't paying Witten to coach, we are paying him to perform. If his value is in the coaching area, then hire him as a ******* coach where we aren't eating salary cap hit on him. Then I don't give two ****s how much they pay him to do it.

The problem Dez faces in amassing stats that would justify his contract is the players he is sharing the load with. As I stated in the OP, it is very hard to be a Super Star on an offense such as the Cowboys So, like you said, he will have to find other ways he can contribute.

I certainly understand your complaints about Witten. Like I said earlier, I was campaigning for the Cowboys to see what they could get for him around 4 years ago. That said, despite his lack of top end speed, he still figures out ways to get open and rarely if ever does he drop anything that touches his hands. Nevertheless, I'd guess the upcoming season will be his last. Hopefully, we see him make a similar succession speech for Gathers.

 

[Verdict]

The problem Dez faces in amassing stats that would justify his contract is the players he is sharing the load with. As I stated in the OP, it is very hard to be a Super Star on an offense such as the Cowboys So, like you said, he will have to find other ways he can contribute.

I certainly understand your complaints about Witten. Like I said earlier, I was campaigning for the Cowboys to see what they could get for him around 4 years ago. That said, despite his lack of top end speed, he still figures out ways to get open and rarely if ever does he drop anything that touches his hands. Nevertheless, I'd guess the upcoming season will be his last. Hopefully, we see him make a similar succession speech for Gathers.

In fairness to Dez, its not just stats. He can't disappear in games against strong defenses (Giants twice last year) and then feast on weak defenses (Green Bay late in the year). He needs to come up big in tough situations.

Regarding Witten, I think we see that pretty much the same way.

 

[Afigueroa22]

I agree with your sizing up of Dez's future. He needs a big year or he will be considered a bust by most in cowboyszone.

I bet warning labels still don't stop you.

 

[jday]

In fairness to Dez, its not just stats. He can't disappear in games against strong defenses (Giants twice last year) and then feast on weak defenses (Green Bay late in the year). He needs to come up big in tough situations.

Regarding Witten, I think we see that pretty much the same way.

There's a back story to that game that could be very telling; I'll let you come to your own conclusions. Dak Prescott has known the Manning brothers from either late in High School or early in college; can't remember the exact details. What I do know is that Dak Prescott regularly attends their quarterback camp in Louisiana. Initially, it was as a kid trying to better his quarterback mechanics. The last times he went it was as an instructor. I'm not saying Dak played bad in those games. I just wonder if maybe he played it safer than what he would normally to try and not make mistakes in front of his former instructors. Again, hard to say one way or another. All I do know for certain is that wasn't the same offense that we were use to seeing.

 

[Verdict]

There's a back story to that game that could be very telling; I'll let you come to your own conclusions. Dak Prescott has known the Manning brothers from either late in High School or early in college; can't remember the exact details. What I do know is that Dak Prescott regularly attends their quarterback camp in Louisiana. Initially, it was as a kid trying to better his quarterback mechanics. The last times he went it was as an instructor. I'm not saying Dak played bad in those games. I just wonder if maybe he played it safer than what he would normally to try and not make mistakes in front of his former instructors. Again, hard to say one way or another. All I do know for certain is that wasn't the same offense that we were use to seeing.

If I remember correctly Dak tried to go to Dez long in those games and got away from going to Beasley. I don't think it is coincidence that we drafted another receiver like Beasley. Not only is it insurance to an injury to Beasley but two guys like that on the field might help Dak a lot. If they get open he will find them.

 

[jday]

If I remember correctly Dak tried to go to Dez long in those games and got away from going to Beasley. I don't think it is coincidence that we drafted another receiver like Beasley. Not only is it insurance to an injury to Beasley but two guys like that on the field might help Dak a lot. If they get open he will find them.

Based on the OTA reports Switzer is advertised. 4 wide 1 back could be a devastating alignment to defend against.

 

[Verdict]

Based on the OTA reports Switzer is advertised. 4 wide 1 back could be a devastating alignment to defend against.

Zeke would feast against 5 or 6 DBs. If they go with a standard 4 DB set, then Beas and the boys will eat their lunch!

 

[jday]

Zeke would feast against 5 or 6 DBs. If they go with a standard 4 DB set, then Beas and the boys will eat their lunch!

Football cannot begin soon enough. There is so much on this team I cannot wait to see. Every position on defense has been addressed with an injection of youth and talent. For the most part, the offense will be close to the same. With Beasley already penciled in at slot receiver, it will be difficult for Switzer to get on the field. But when they do there is no way one of them doesn't get open without severely exposing another side of the defense. Dak and Zeke may actually be better this year. If the defense can gel early, we are in for a very entertaining season.

 

[Melonfeud]

The 1984 Metallica albums's name was "Ride the Lightning" and the song that got my attention was Fade To Black.

Lol I had that concert tee(had a dude/ skeleton strapped in an electric chair getting juiced,,,)

 

[Melonfeud]

Outstanding off season brain salad to feast upon!
Thanks @jday , in fact it was structured and written in such a fashion I almost had to don my serious cap while grabbing a higher gear of intellect (I.e. put my bottle of bud down at least anyway.)
One of your better pieces I can recall enjoying.

 

[Melonfeud]

I think we both can agree the lack of turnovers is not due to the uniform. The issue, in my opinion, has been schematic. Marinelli prefers zone coverage looks as opposed to man, for this reason. However, because both Carr and Claiborne's strengths were as man corners, he tweaked his defense to accommodate them. It seems to me that this offseason they placed more of an emphasis on finding DB's that excelled in zone coverage. With the addition of more zone coverage back in Marinelli system, I suspect we will see much more interceptions.

Of course, it may not be an immediate change that is apparent to everyone from game one of the regular season. But by mid-season, I am predicting vast improvements in every area of the defense including, of course, turnovers. I could be wrong. I hope I'm not. Because the Cowboys season overall likely depends on it.

Well said! You don't possess other worldly powers that transcends space/time and like, steals other people's thoughts on this defense and use them as your own,,, do you?,,,

 

[Melonfeud]

I bet warning labels still don't stop you.

Man! That's a howler.

 

[jday]

Outstanding off season brain salad to feast upon!
Thanks @jday , in fact it was structured and written in such a fashion I almost had to don my serious cap while grabbing a higher gear of intellect (I.e. put my bottle of bud down at least anyway.)
One of your better pieces I can recall enjoying.

High praise, sir! Thanks for the kudos and reading!

 

[jday]

Well said! You don't possess other worldly powers that transcends space/time and like, steals other people's thoughts on this defense and use them as your own,,, do you?,,,

There may be some truth to that...minus the "other wordly powers." I read alot... especially about the Cowboys. As I read I adopt the ideas I agree with and brain dump the info that doesn't make sense. What you see here is the result of my brain regurgitating on the computer screen all of the ideas that stuck in the framework of something I think will entertain the reader.

 

[plasticman]

I could not agree with you more. If there is one collective aspect of this team I absolutely love it is their overall youth.

Simultaneous to the era you were referring to were several years in a row where the Cowboys were decimated by injury. Remember trying to sale rival fans on that excuse? The only guys that can't seemingly get out of the ice bath now are mostly holdovers from that era. Imagine that...surely there is not a connection.

Player: Looks like I got a little nicked up last game, coach. I'll try to get better in this tub. I should be ready at gametime if I take it easy until then.

Coach: Another injury? I tell you what, let's give it a few weeks, I want to make sure you are at 100%. In the meantime, we can start "_____", he's been looking great in practice and we need to know what our 2nd year 3rd round draft choice can do. Yep, let's not rush you back too early.

(Next day)

Player: Great news coach, I feel really good! It is as if that injury went away overnight. I can start after all, okay coach......um, coach? Can I get back on the practice field now I really need the reps, I'm completely focused....By the way, did you notice how "_______" was hobbling after practice yesterday? Gosh, I hope he didn't tweak his knee again......