Fuzzy Defensive Thoughts '17 PS GM1

[Idgit]

Long ago I determined that negative people are that way because it's what they're good at. They often have no actual skill or knowledge so they decide to become the best negative Nancies (some might call it trolls).

It became clear to me when a friend's daughter once said that she can't be nice because she made her reputation as a "B" and now she's the best "B" in school. She basically said that she's not good at anything else.

It's the easiest thing in the world to be cynical. If you're cynical and proven wrong (about a sports team), fans don't care because they're happy you were proven wrong in the first place. If you're cynical and proven right, well, just look how smart you are.

Look at all the complaining about our OL starting prior to the 2011 season. It was a constant stream of *****ing. Nobody remembers it now unless you reference the specific debates. In fact, I think people generally feel like the *****ing was validated *because* the team actually went out and improved the OL. Even though that's exactly what they were doing at the time and what should have been obvious to anybody paying attention, all along.

The same thing is going on now about the defense. Since the picks have all been spent wisely elsewhere, now the fact that the DL hasn't been good for about five years is suddenly getting the attention is should have been getting all along. Only it wasn't. We were complaining about clock management and play calling back when the defense was bleeding those 8-8 teams of their postseason hopes, somehow without anybody noticing it. Now is the time we pivot and pretend the team was foolish for not addressing the obvious need all along. And to complain about one of the players we selected to address it at pick #28 after 6 pass rush snaps in the first preseason game. Because, you know, we're Realists.

 

[Corso]

It's the easiest thing in the world to be cynical. If you're cynical and proven wrong (about a sports team), fans don't care because they're happy you were proven wrong in the first place. If you're cynical and proven right, well, just look how smart you are.

Look at all the complaining about our OL starting prior to the 2011 season. It was a constant stream of *****ing. Nobody remembers it now unless you reference the specific debates. In fact, I think people generally feel like the *****ing was validated *because* the team actually went out and improved the OL. Even though that's exactly what they were doing at the time and what should have been obvious to anybody paying attention, all along.

The same thing is going on now about the defense. Since the picks have all been spent wisely elsewhere, now the fact that the DL hasn't been good for about five years is suddenly getting the attention is should have been getting all along. Only it wasn't. We were complaining about clock management and play calling back when the defense was bleeding those 8-8 teams of their postseason hopes, somehow without anybody noticing it. Now is the time we pivot and pretend the team was foolish for not addressing the obvious need all along. And to complain about one of the players we selected to address it at pick #28 after 6 pass rush snaps in the first preseason game. Because, you know, we're Realists.

I sense a little snark upon your forehead, let me wipe that off here... *squeaky squeaky squeak*

 

[Alexander]

It's the easiest thing in the world to be cynical. If you're cynical and proven wrong (about a sports team), fans don't care because they're happy you were proven wrong in the first place. If you're cynical and proven right, well, just look how smart you are.

It is just as easy to wave a pom pon and a foam finger. As much as you denigrate anyone who remotely is cynical, you would not even come close to pointing out someone who is excessively optimistic.

The same thing is going on now about the defense. Since the picks have all been spent wisely elsewhere, now the fact that the DL hasn't been good for about five years is suddenly getting the attention is should have been getting all along.

This sounds like the same thing the OL went through when people around here thought the likes of Phil Costa, Nate Livings and Montrae Holland were quality pieces of an OL that could keep Tony Romo alive. Then we actually take a few years after Davis, Colombo and Adams were flushed out, it seems like a plan when they take them in rapid fashion. I guess now we are on our way, with Charlton being the Tyron Smith. Now we need to spend firsts on the DL equivalents of Frederick and Martin. Sounds so simple.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

It's the easiest thing in the world to be cynical. If you're cynical and proven wrong (about a sports team), fans don't care because they're happy you were proven wrong in the first place. If you're cynical and proven right, well, just look how smart you are.

Look at all the complaining about our OL starting prior to the 2011 season. It was a constant stream of *****ing. Nobody remembers it now unless you reference the specific debates. In fact, I think people generally feel like the *****ing was validated *because* the team actually went out and improved the OL. Even though that's exactly what they were doing at the time and what should have been obvious to anybody paying attention, all along.

The same thing is going on now about the defense. Since the picks have all been spent wisely elsewhere, now the fact that the DL hasn't been good for about five years is suddenly getting the attention is should have been getting all along. Only it wasn't. We were complaining about clock management and play calling back when the defense was bleeding those 8-8 teams of their postseason hopes, somehow without anybody noticing it. Now is the time we pivot and pretend the team was foolish for not addressing the obvious need all along. And to complain about one of the players we selected to address it at pick #28 after 6 pass rush snaps in the first preseason game. Because, you know, we're Realists.

Misery loves company. What has always struck me is the lack of, or worse, the disregard of empathy.

What's amusing are the people that go out of their way to tell you that they don't care or you don't matter.

Antisocial behavior is typical of mental illness.

 

[Idgit]

It is just as easy to wave a pom pon and a foam finger. As much as you denigrate anyone who remotely is cynical, you would not even come close to pointing out someone who is excessively optimistic.

It's a lot harder to be optimistic in a sport where 31 of 32 teams go home unhappy every year. Point of reference, look at all the stupid criticism of Jason Garrett and his staff we've had to endure this offseason.

You're right, though, that I'd never personally trash a hopelessly optimistic fan the same way I regularly dump on hopelessly pessimistic fans. That's because I think sports fandom should generally be enjoyable, and not miserable. I might disagree on some topics with the most optimistic fans, but I have zero interest in ruining their optimism.

Intentionally negative fans, though...if they're just here to make the forum less fun for everybody, I have no sympathy for that. I don't 'denigrate anybody who is remotely cynical' as you suggest. A lot of us are cynical from time to time. It's the fans who are constantly cynical, for badly thought-out reasons, that I dump on.

The vast majority of people, though, are somewhere in the middle. Those people I just enjoy discussing football with.

This sounds like the same thing the OL went through when people around here thought the likes of Phil Costa, Nate Livings and Montrae Holland were quality pieces of an OL that could keep Tony Romo alive. Then we actually take a few years after Davis, Colombo and Adams were flushed out, it seems like a plan when they take them in rapid fashion. I guess now we are on our way, with Charlton being the Tyron Smith. Now we need to spend firsts on the DL equivalents of Frederick and Martin. Sounds so simple.

They've been adding to the 8 man DL rotation for a couple of years now. And the defense has improved because of it. But it is a work in progress, if that's what you're saying. Lawrence, Collins, Charlton. The difference being we haven't hit on the DL picks as solidly as we did the OL picks. And you don't regularly find edge rushers picking between the teens and the end of the first round like you can with OG and OCs.

But it is easier to build a defense than it is to build an offense, generally. I do happen to think the team will get better on that side of the ball the next two years. No, it's not simple, but it's pretty clearly where the improvement needs to happen given how solid we are offensively and in the kicking game.

 

[Luther]

Long ago I determined that negative people are that way because it's what they're good at. They often have no actual skill or knowledge so they decide to become the best negative Nancies (some might call it trolls).

It became clear to me when a friend's daughter once said that she can't be nice because she made her reputation as a "B" and now she's the best "B" in school. She basically said that she's not good at anything else.

It's the only way they can get attention.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

It is just as easy to wave a pom pon and a foam finger. As much as you denigrate anyone who remotely is cynical, you would not even come close to pointing out someone who is excessively optimistic.



This sounds like the same thing the OL went through when people around here thought the likes of Phil Costa, Nate Livings and Montrae Holland were quality pieces of an OL that could keep Tony Romo alive. Then we actually take a few years after Davis, Colombo and Adams were flushed out, it seems like a plan when they take them in rapid fashion. I guess now we are on our way, with Charlton being the Tyron Smith. Now we need to spend firsts on the DL equivalents of Frederick and Martin. Sounds so simple.

Poor Booze.

Personally I see him as having quite a bit of levity that goes both ways. Sure in past off-season he has fought the negativity. On the other hand he has should skepticism about Club moves this offseason.

For myself I think issue is when you only go one way or the other.

I would ask you why it bothers you so much when people say nice things about me. It's become a yearly ritual for you to come into these threads with your passive aggressive bashing. I am deeply hurt that you do not think that I am a swell guy.

 

[Alexander]

Misery loves company. What has always struck me is the lack of, or worse, the disregard of empathy.

What's amusing are the people that go out of their way to tell you that they don't care or you don't matter.

Antisocial behavior is typical of mental illness.

If someone has chronic feelings of low self worth or neediness that they create relationships on a message board to fill the need for reinforcement and usefulness, it is just as self absorbed and sick. In fact, it actually requires a lot more energy and work to pull off.

That means, well, those special kind of self indulgent threads that are meant to "educate" everyone, but actually are just intended to serve the end result of smelling whatever roses are thrown at the feet.

 

[Corso]

Poor Booze.

Personally I see him as having quite a bit of levity that goes both ways. Sure in past off-season he has fought the negativity. On the other hand he has should skepticism about Club moves this offseason.

For myself I think issue is when you only go one way or the other.

I would ask you why it bothers you so much when people say nice things about me. It's become a yearly ritual for you to come into these threads with your passive aggressive bashing. I am deeply hurt that you do not think that I am a swell guy.

Alex: Eggy wegs... I want to smash em.

 

[Idgit]

Misery loves company. What has always struck me is the lack of, or worse, the disregard of empathy...

Well, they do want to paint it as some interplay between the optimists and the pessimists, with the implication that the median view point is probably somewhere down the middle.

The reality, though, is that people optimistic about he current incarnation of the Cowboys have actually been right, as the team actually has been quietly and steadily getting better this whole time.

 

[Idgit]

I sense a little snark upon your forehead, let me wipe that off here... *squeaky squeaky squeak*

That's not snark. I wouldn't touch it if I were you.

 

[Corso]

That's not snark. I wouldn't touch it if I were you.

 

[Idgit]

There's Something About Idgit

 

[Alexander]

Alex: Eggy wegs... I want to smash em.

You left out---And pick 'em all up and throw 'em OW ****ing hell!

 

[Corso]

You left out---And pick 'em all up and throw 'em OW ****ing hell!

Dangit Alex! Always ruining my carefully planned... things!

 

[Corso]

There's Something About Idgit

That boy ain't right.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If someone has chronic feelings of low self worth or neediness that they create relationships on a message board to fill the need for reinforcement and usefulness, it is just as self absorbed and sick. In fact, it actually requires a lot more energy and work to pull off.

That means, well, those special kind of self indulgent threads that are meant to "educate" everyone, but actually are just intended to serve the end result of smelling whatever roses are thrown at the feet.

That is pretty ignorant. The issue with online Behavior is when it's done to the detriment of in person interactions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing things that you know other people will appreciate.

Now what is sick is you don't know me. You have never met me and from this comment above it is very clear that you know the facile nature of online relationships and interactions.

Despite this it is a very clear that what you feel towards me is something Akin to hate and at this point you have held on to it for a decade.

I don't hate you I just feel sorry for you.

 

[Corso]

I... uh... I'm glad it wasn't me that made this weird.

 

[Kaiser]

It's going to be interesting to see which DL make the team and which DL are active on game day. They normally carry 8 DL on game day with more or less 4 DE and 4 DT; although, guys like Crawford and Irving can play either.

I had that thread before about the DE depth chart, its probably the biggest issue of training camp IMO. At the moment I would list it something like this -

RDE - DLaw, Mayowa, Tapper
LDE - T. Crawford, Taco, Tapper

I have Damontre Moore on the bubble at the moment but I'm sure he will chage that in the next preseason game. I also don't list Irving because of the suspension and the thought he will mostly play DT.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I... uh... I'm glad it wasn't me that made this weird.

Booze and I used to get along back before this board was formed over at the ranch.

Something happened and his personality seem to change. He's been attacking me and others ever since.

I've never been one to beat around the bush so when he comes in with his passive aggressive attacks I'm going to ask him what's up.

Apparently my comment on antisocial Behavior struck a nerve too.

If he really thinks that I have low self esteem and am miserable and his reaction is to attack and belittle then what does that say?