Hashmarks Blog: Will Thomas Start?

[montgod]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-5-513/Will-Thomas-start-in-Dallas-.html


Will Thomas start in Dallas?

February 23, 2008 1:24 PM


The ubiquitous Drew Rosenaus just held court outside the media workroom for about 25 minutes. A crowd of about 45 reporters shouted questions regarding his impressive and lengthy list of clients.

The headliner was veteran linebacker Zach Thomas, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys. Thomas grew up in Pampa, Texas, rooting for the team, and Rosenhaus said the contract had nothing to do with money. You should never believe ridiculous statements like that, but in Thomas' case, there's a grain of truth to it.

"It's his hometown team, where he went to school, where he was born and raised," said Rosenhaus, who is sporting an odd left to right part in his hair.

When Rosenhaus informed Thomas about the contract, he heard a huge shout go up in the background. Thomas' family was celebrating like it was draft day again. The former Texas Tech Red Raider said he was excited about playing for Wade Phillips because he thinks he'll use him like former Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards

Thomas said it was important for him to remain a starter in the league. For that to happen, he'll have to beat out Akin Ayodele in training camp. He led the Dolphins in tackles in 10 of his 12 seasons and has gone to the Pro Bowl seven times.

You would think it would concern a team to take on a player who suffered a concussion early last season and suffered from chronic headaches, but Thomas' ability and Texas roots were too much for Jerry Jones to pass up.

In other Cowboys news, Rosenhaus said he wasn't going to comment on whether Terrell Owens would receive an extension from the club.

Next question

 

[Ultra Warrior]

I wouldn't expect him to start. They'll bring him in on certain situations.

 

[Alexander]

He absolutely should "start".

That doesn't mean he won't be substituted for liberally, which he will be.

It was a good signing because it injects this team with another "new" defensive leader on a side of the football that has been desperately needing that for years.

 

[Big Dakota]

My take on Flo is he's gone, and we will rely on McQ or BIGG.

Now my take on Akin is he's gone as well and the Boys will either rely on Carp or a draft pick behind Zach. JMHO

 

[montgod]

I also think Zach will start. The defense never lacked talent, but lacks moreso in leadership and Zach would definitely foot the bill. He may be up there in age, but even if he is for a year, I think he would definitely put in place more pride in how the Cowboys play defense.

Think about the players watching a 35 year old who could upstage them and make them look slow or weak. If he can put as much effort into every play in every game as possible at his age, then what is your excuse if you are ten years younger?

I also think Akin will be used as depth if no trade goes down or possibly be cut if there is a need to make more cap room to sign or re-sign players.

 

[Nors]

My take on Flo is he's gone, and we will rely on McQ or BIGG.

Now my take on Akin is he's gone as well and the Boys will either rely on Carp or a draft pick behind Zach. JMHO

Akin is toast and Burnett is WAY ahead of Carp there

 

[Ultra Warrior]

The health issue is what worries me about Thomas. Multiple concussions aren't exactly a good thing, which is why I don't think he'll start.

 

[Big Dakota]

Akin is toast and Burnett is WAY ahead of Carp there

Looks like KB might be on the field more now.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

worried about t.o. now.....dang.

 

[Alexander]

The health issue is what worries me about Thomas. Multiple concussions aren't exactly a good thing, which is why I don't think he'll start.

It he doesn't start, chances are he will not play.

 

[COfWaBnOY]

Ayodele '08 Totals tackles 57 (3.6/game) - SoLo 36 (2.25/game) - Assist 21 (1.3/game) - Sacks 0 - FF 0

With those numbers I say let Thomas start, could do much less. Heck with those numbers let Carpenter start.

 

[Rampage]

Ayodele '08 Totals tackles 57 (3.6/game) - SoLo 36 (2.25/game) - Assist 21 (1.3/game) - Sacks 0 - FF 0

With those numbers I say let Thomas start, could do much less. Heck with those numbers let Carpenter start.

hahaha these are zach's numbers last season in only 5 games.

52 total tackles(5 less than akin)
42 solo tackles(6 more than akin)
10 assist(11 less than akin)
1 sack(1 more than akin)
0 ff(same as akin)

so basically he did what akin did in 11 less games

 

[Big Dakota]

hahaha these are zach's numbers last season in only 5 games.

52 total tackles(5 less than akin)
42 solo tackles(6 more than akin)
10 assist(11 less than akin)
1 sack(1 more than akin)
0 ff(same as akin)

so basically he did what akin did in 11 less games

:laugh2: About right.......... Akin x 10 < Zach