Graziano Chat Wrap - Cowboys Only *05/14/13

[WoodysGirl]

mike (philly)




Who is the starting DT for the cowboys next to Ratliff?
Dan Graziano(12:03 PM)





Jason Hatcher.

Keith (SEC)




If Dez and Austin stay healthy this year, do you see the Cowboys 3rd round pick Terrence Williams making much of a contribution?
Dan Graziano(12:05 PM)





Sure, if he shows something, he can be the deep threat on the outside in 3-WR sets with Austin moving to the slot. But they like Dwayne Harris, too.

Don (Indiana)




Dan,At this point you are really projecting Ratliff as the starting 1? I think that would be rather foolish given his inability to hold up. I was hoping that Kiffin/Maraneli would get some big guy off the street to take up double teams and stuff the run. What do you think?
Dan Graziano(12:06 PM)





I think Ratliff is the starter.

Stephen D (Washington DC)




What is about Eric Winston that made Jerry Jones back away,from talks with him? It seems that anyone with NFL experience is a major upgrade to Doug Free..... Your thoughts
Dan Graziano(12:11 PM)





I agree with you. It's worth noting that Winston has been released twice in the last two offseasons, but I think Free's a big waste and he'd have been released if he played this poorly for anyone else.

McNutt is missing [via mobile]




Who's your least favorite RB in the Beast? Based off your last post my money is on Murray.
Dan Graziano(12:13 PM)





I always get a kick out of fans who think I write based on my personal feelings about players or teams, as though that's the way you'd do it. I've met DeMarco Murray and I like him a great deal. I just think he's being stupid about this new rule, as are a lot of other people.

Sean (NY) [via mobile]




Is this a hot seat year for Garrett or do you think Garrett and Romo are tied to the hip to play out?
Dan Graziano(12:14 PM)





I really don't think Garrett's job is in the kind of jeopardy everybody else thinks it is.

John (D.C.)




Was Travis Frederick that big of a reach?
Dan Graziano(12:20 PM)





I don't think so. Eight OLs went in the top 20 picks. They needed to get an OL in the first round. They like the guy. He can play any one of three positions where they desperately need help. I think it was a fine pick.

Jamie (NY)




Is Lane Johnson a better prospect now than when Tyron Smith came out?
Dan Graziano(12:20 PM)





Good question. I don't think so. I think he got picked higher because of the way OL was valued in this year's draft. But if I remember right, I'd say Smith was more highly regarded.
Kevin (Reno, NV)



How likely is it that Felix Jones will torment the Cowboys, and add salt in Jerry's wound, by actually staying healthy in an opposing team's uniform and flourishing in Chip Kelly's system?
Dan Graziano(12:21 PM)




Meh. I wouldn't let it keep me up nights.

Ray Finkle (Miami)




Which team has the best press box
Dan Graziano(12:21 PM)





Cowboys. That stadium has the best everything.

David (Halifax)




With the draft and free agency basically over, what do you see as the biggest position of weakness for each of the NFC east teams?
Dan Graziano(12:24 PM)





Cowboys: Safety. Giants: Linebacker. Eagles: Quarterback. Commanders: Safety.

Jeremy (Arlington)




you just summed up the Cowboys GM's decision making prowess in a nutshell with the statement "but I think Free's a big waste and he'd have been released if he played this poorly for anyone else."
Dan Graziano(12:25 PM)





Yes, I think it's well established that Jerry Jones has a hard time letting go.
Andy (MD)



Do you get the Cowboys fixation with 2nd round TEs, 'cause I don't? With Dez and Miles, what's the point of trying to be New England West?
Dan Graziano(12:25 PM)




Why wouldn't you want to be like New England?

@gianacopulos (Mexico)




Hey Dan. I know it's too early to make predictions. But do you think the Cowboys have made the right moves to improve the 8-8 record and fight for a playoff spot?
Dan Graziano(12:27 PM)





Yeah, I think they can. I'd like to have seen one more upgrade on the offensive line.
Lawrence (Tallahassee)



Since Cowboys biggest weakness is Safety, do you think them not taking Elam will come back to bite them in the woo ha later?
Dan Graziano(12:28 PM)




It could. I've never seen Matt Johnson play. The Cowboys think he's great. If they're right, they're fine there. I just don't know how they can be sure.

Sean (Maryland)




Do you see Stephen Jones as the next GM/Owner in line for the Cowboys? Given Jerry's history thus far, is this something to look forward to if Stephen is next in line?
Dan Graziano(12:30 PM)





I think there's plenty of evidence that Stephen has become more and more involved in the day to day operations over the past few years, and I think that continues. I think you're seeing a gradual shift, as opposed to some defined, specific day in the future on which they announce new titles, etc.

Eric Q (NM)




Do you think Romo is as good as roger Staubach? :/
Dan Graziano(12:38 PM)





No. And I think Romo is really good.
Bryan (Springdale, AR)



What if we signed Brian Urlacher and moved Sean Lee to Safety?
Dan Graziano(12:38 PM)




You'd be downgrading at middle linebacker.

Alex (NOLA)




Dan, do you think a -healthy- Nicks or Bryant is the best WR in the NFC East?
Dan Graziano(12:51 PM)





I think, right now, as of May 14, 2013, if both are fully healthy, Hakeem Nicks is the better all-around player. But I think Dez Bryant has a higher ceiling, and is not at all far from passing him.

Kenny J (Martinsburg)




I hate Dallas as a Commanders fan, but miss the days when we both ruled the division.. Great great games, but I am afraid Dallas stands to be dominated if Jerry Jones can't release the reigns, any chance I get to see the GREAT RIVALRY again before I die?
Dan Graziano(12:56 PM)





I mean, they played each other literally four and a half months ago for the division title. Right?

Malcolm Jacobs (Pittsburgh )




Are the Cowboys regretting passing up on Elam with their 3 round safety being "light years away from helping the team" according to their DBs coach?
Dan Graziano(12:57 PM)





No, because they really do like Church and Matt Johnson. They're not just talking tough. The question is whether those guys play well enough to prove them right.

See the rest of the questions: http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/47968/nfl-with-dan-graziano

 

[Stash]

I think Free's a big waste and he'd have been released if he played this poorly for anyone else.

Amen! Preach it brother!

I could not agree more.

Always last to recognize, admit, and correct obvious mistakes.

 

[Vanilla2]

I agree with him about Garrett's job security.

 

[CowboyStar88]

Can someone clarify what he meant about Murray and his role?? Is there something I'm missing here? What's he doing wrong?

 

[Idgit]

Don't normally think all that much of Graziano, one way or another, but that was actually a pretty good chat, all around.

 

[TheCount]

Bryan (Springdale, AR)
What if we signed Brian Urlacher and moved Sean Lee to Safety?

Where do they find these people? Why would you even answer that question?

 

[CoCo]

Don't normally think all that much of Graziano, one way or another, but that was actually a pretty good chat, all around.

I always enjoy reading this guy and I often times find myself agreeing with him. He thinks for himself IMO, not a typical sheep mediot hammering away on the negative thought du jour.

 

[Eskimo]

Can someone clarify what he meant about Murray and his role?? Is there something I'm missing here? What's he doing wrong?

I think what he is referring to is Murray recently said he would not change his running style in regoards to the new rule against lowering your head when running or tackling. Murray said he would run the same way and ask Romo to pay the fines. Of course, Tony may be willing to pay the fine but it will cost us 15 yards. If he ends up getting a number of these called he'll be on the bench and Randle will be out there, IMO.

I suspect Gary Brown, Garrett and Callahan will be on Murray over the new rules changes and work on correcting that habit he has developed. It should ideally improve his vision as at times he almost seemed to run to contact instead of run to daylight. Keeping your head up when running is a good thing.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

Where do they find these people? Why would you even answer that question?

I like how the one pinheaded Commanders fan said he missed the days of the Cowboys/Commanders rivalry and would he see it again before he died... as if they did not just play for the division title.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I think what he is referring to is Murray recently said he would not change his running style in regoards to the new rule against lowering your head when running or tackling. Murray said he would run the same way and ask Romo to pay the fines. Of course, Tony may be willing to pay the fine but it will cost us 15 yards. If he ends up getting a number of these called he'll be on the bench and Randle will be out there, IMO.

I suspect Gary Brown, Garrett and Callahan will be on Murray over the new rules changes and work on correcting that habit he has developed. It should ideally improve his vision as at times he almost seemed to run to contact instead of run to daylight. Keeping your head up when running is a good thing.

You must not follow the Cowboys very closely..

 

[Idgit]

I like how the one pinheaded Commanders fan said he missed the days of the Cowboys/Commanders rivalry and would he see it again before he died... as if they did not just play for the division title.

Redsk*ns fans have the shortest memories and the most significant ability to rationalize of any fan base in the entire league. They're completely delusional. That said, I like them finally having a competitive team again if they didn't just break their QB.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I think what he is referring to is Murray recently said he would not change his running style in regoards to the new rule against lowering your head when running or tackling. Murray said he would run the same way and ask Romo to pay the fines. Of course, Tony may be willing to pay the fine but it will cost us 15 yards. If he ends up getting a number of these called he'll be on the bench and Randle will be out there, IMO.

I suspect Gary Brown, Garrett and Callahan will be on Murray over the new rules changes and work on correcting that habit he has developed. It should ideally improve his vision as at times he almost seemed to run to contact instead of run to daylight. Keeping your head up when running is a good thing.

Gotcha thanks for clearing that one up.

 

[Supercowboy1986]

Redsk*ns fans have the shortest memories and the most significant ability to rationalize of any fan base in the entire league. They're completely delusional. That said, I like them finally having a competitive team again if they didn't just break their QB.

They're nowhere near as bad as texan fans. They are delusional.

 

[Idgit]

They're nowhere near as bad as texan fans. They are delusional.

I don't live in Houston, so I can't say I've ever met a Texans fan But I'll take your word for it.

 

[CowboyStar88]

They are as bad as Clipper fans here in LA. Couple of decent seasons and now they think they own LA. The Texans think they own Texas after a couple of decent seasons.

 

[Rack]

What if we signed Brian Urlacher and moved Sean Lee to Safety?

 

[Rack]

I think what he is referring to is Murray recently said he would not change his running style in regoards to the new rule against lowering your head when running or tackling. Murray said he would run the same way and ask Romo to pay the fines. Of course, Tony may be willing to pay the fine but it will cost us 15 yards. If he ends up getting a number of these called he'll be on the bench and Randle will be out there, IMO.

I suspect Gary Brown, Garrett and Callahan will be on Murray over the new rules changes and work on correcting that habit he has developed. It should ideally improve his vision as at times he almost seemed to run to contact instead of run to daylight. Keeping your head up when running is a good thing.

I think you're over stating things here. Plus there would be nothing a coach would need to "Correct". No coach is telling his RB to use his head as a battering ram, even before the rule.

If done correctly, that flag will only be thrown in extreme cases. Cuz no matter what, sometimes a RB has to put his head down to make himself "Small" before a hit. THere's a difference between leading with your head and "getting small". If refs start throwing the flag every time a RB tries to "Get small" then this game is ruined and what Murray thinks is irrelevant at that point.

 

[Eskimo]

I think you're over stating things here. Plus there would be nothing a coach would need to "Correct". No coach is telling his RB to use his head as a battering ram, even before the rule.

If done correctly, that flag will only be thrown in extreme cases. Cuz no matter what, sometimes a RB has to put his head down to make himself "Small" before a hit. THere's a difference between leading with your head and "getting small". If refs start throwing the flag every time a RB tries to "Get small" then this game is ruined and what Murray thinks is irrelevant at that point.

We'll have to see what the officials are going to throw flags at.

But Murray is definitely a guy who lowers his head well in advance of contact at the second level so I think he will be flagged unless he changes things. I do think it is an instinct they have to try and coach out of him. I don't think we have anyone to worry about other than him as none of our defensive players tend to do this.

 

[Tobal]

What if we signed Brian Urlacher and moved Sean Lee to Safety?

Can we sticky this? In a world where we see really dumb things said daily this has to rank as one of the dumbest.

I mean the guy is on a football chat and asks that question? It's not like this is your wife, girlfriend, or the hack skins fan that talks trash to you at work, but can't name three guys who play for the Commanders.

This guy went out of his way and logged into a NFC East football chat. :bang2:

 

[JPM]

Someone will be doing that in Madden, it'll work and BAM! new thread here....