How seriously should we be taking media OTA chatter in the first place?

[_sturt_]

Read the words "wasn't afraid to punch with power."

That seemed an odd comment, because whatever perception I had of OTAs had not previously included contact. Was struck by the thought, "I don't even know what the NFL rules are for OTAs," so I went and looked. ( NFLPA Off-Season Rules ) Turns out, the inclination's accurate, no contact is permitted. I get it, there's probably room there, technically, to touch... to lay hands on others... but to punch?

Then I was reminded by my Google search that some teams have even been penalized for crossing the line on that.

Then was listening to 103.5 Fan conversation about how the pace is slow, and there's a renewed focus on teaching.

All of which leads me to the question posed... does any of this really matter? Are players really in a position to actually ascend or descend the depth chart based on their physical performance in OTAs? Are we being sold hyperbole when someone praises Player X at this point in the calendar... just something for a media person to fill their quota?

Honest question.

 

[Echo9]

Probably punching a sled.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I'm far more concerned about someone who struggles in OTA's than is doing well. Struggling means they aren't getting it and only have a couple of months to figure it out before TC.

It's great to hear about someone looks good and all that. It's the flipside that is far more worrisome and makes me think they can't be counted on and won't be a part of the 53 in September.

So do I take OTA chatter seriously? Generally not a lot. Training camp/preseason means so much more.

 

[jazzcat22]

I am just happy for real football news. The media at least local media will give us more positive News it seems.
This player or that player is looking good. The national media may be more gemeric.

It is some fans on here that will give it more of the negative spins. Yes some will go overboard with the positive spin as well.

I just take the news as it is. The beginning of installing the basics before TC. As it is something to discuss.

 

[KJJ]

You’re certainly not going to get much honest information from the coaches on OTA’s. When McCarthy was asked about how certain players have been looking it’s always the same, they all look good and are having a great offseason. You get the same thing during training camp. If you want genuine information, you need a listen to the people who follow the Cowboys. It’s still an opinion, but a candid opinion.

 

[Mr_437]

It's all hype until the pads come on imo. Preseason games are good to look at also. I mean...this time last year folks had TJ Vasher pened onto the 53, just saying.

 

[ESisback]

I'm far more concerned about someone who struggles in OTA's than is doing well. Struggling means they aren't getting it and only have a couple of months to figure it out before TC.

It's great to hear about someone looks good and all that. It's the flipside that is far more worrisome and makes me think they can't be counted on and won't be a part of the 53 in September.

So do I take OTA chatter seriously? Generally not a lot. Training camp/preseason means so much more.

True, and I think the general media chatter tends to lean negative. Negative drama seems to draw more click$, which is all that matters to most of these “professionals”. Of course, selling the “new version” aids ticket and swag sales, so there’s that. In the end though, I think doom and gloom prevails.

 

[AsthmaField]

Mainly, it is generally positive when you hear someone doing well in OTA’s. They know what they’re doing and have been studying the playbook.

Like someone already said… when you hear bad things about a guy in OTA’s, it almost always equals bad news about that player.

As for Waletzko, going back to training camp last year, I have heard nothing but good things about him. As Miss Morrison mentions in the tweet, he has great feet and athleticism. He isn’t going to have any issues getting where he needs to be and staying with his guy. He moves very well.

What I like so much about him is his play demeanor. He is one mean S.O.B. and he plays like you just stole something from him. He likes to finish guys, and will bury them if he gets the chance.

All he needed to work on is just experience, gaining some strength and getting his shoulder fixed that kept giving him trouble. His shoulder has been fixed now, and he’s had over a year now in a Pro strength program, so you’d have to think he’s gained some strength.

If that is the case, he just needs to play and gain the experience.

I am and have been very high in Waletzko. I believe he can be a starting OT in the league. Hell, I think he would have been solid last year as a rookie had his shoulder been ok. Once Tyron went out, Waletzko could have had a chance to replace him.

I think he easily wins the swing tackle spot in camp and if Tyron goes out, I think that the young guy plays well.

I think that because of how Waletzko plays football and his demeanor… not because of what someone says about an OTA practice. He has looked solid every time I’ve seen him play and the little bit we saw of him in last year’s camp. Also, this coaching staff apparently loves the guy.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

Read the words "wasn't afraid to punch with power."

That seemed an odd comment, because whatever perception I had of OTAs had not previously included contact. Was struck by the thought, "I don't even know what the NFL rules are for OTAs," so I went and looked. ( NFLPA Off-Season Rules ) Turns out, the inclination's accurate, no contact is permitted. I get it, there's probably room there, technically, to touch... to lay hands on others... but to punch?

Then I was reminded by my Google search that some teams have even been penalized for crossing the line on that.

Then was listening to 103.5 Fan conversation about how the pace is slow, and there's a renewed focus on teaching.

All of which leads me to the question posed... does any of this really matter? Are players really in a position to actually ascend or descend the depth chart based on their physical performance in OTAs? Are we being sold hyperbole when someone praises Player X at this point in the calendar... just something for a media person to fill their quota?

Honest question.

Don't put too much credence into it......the media is much like the posters here in CZ, except they get paid to write whatever they want to push. Now if the player comes in totally out of shape, a la Collins, the team knows they gonna have to get on his arse in TC.

 

[stilltheguru]

Iisha Morrison said something? Paging Risen (fallen) star

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Iisha pretending she knows how to evaluate linemen is hilarious. I saw her stumble and bumble through too many draft shows to fall for it.

 

[LysleE]

Everybody looks good practicing and doing drills against air; or in shorts and maybe a helmet in controlled conditions.
I don’t think anybody really knows who is legit and who is a bust until they start mixing it up and punching each other in the mouth.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Mainly, it is generally positive when you hear someone doing well in OTA’s. They know what they’re doing and have been studying the playbook.

Like someone already said… when you hear bad things about a guy in OTA’s, it almost always equals bad news about that player.

As for Waletzko, going back to training camp last year, I have heard nothing but good things about him. As Miss Morrison mentions in the tweet, he has great feet and athleticism. He isn’t going to have any issues getting where he needs to be and staying with his guy. He moves very well.

What I like so much about him is his play demeanor. He is one mean S.O.B. and he plays like you just stole something from him. He likes to finish guys, and will bury them if he gets the chance.

All he needed to work on is just experience, gaining some strength and getting his shoulder fixed that kept giving him trouble. His shoulder has been fixed now, and he’s had over a year now in a Pro strength program, so you’d have to think he’s gained some strength.

If that is the case, he just needs to play and gain the experience.

I am and have been very high in Waletzko. I believe he can be a starting OT in the league. Hell, I think he would have been solid last year as a rookie had his shoulder been ok. Once Tyron went out, Waletzko could have had a chance to replace him.

I think he easily wins the swing tackle spot in camp and if Tyron goes out, I think that the young guy plays well.

I think that because of how Waletzko plays football and his demeanor… not because of what someone says about an OTA practice. He has looked solid every time I’ve seen him play and the little bit we saw of him in last year’s camp. Also, this coaching staff apparently loves the guy.